In a proactive move to address firearm-related suicides, Colorado legislators are deliberating on Senate Bill 25-034, which proposes the establishment of a voluntary “Do Not Sell” gun registry.
If enacted, this legislation would allow residents to voluntarily waive their right to purchase firearms, aiming to create a critical barrier during periods of mental health crises.
Understanding Senate Bill 25-034
The proposed bill introduces a system where individuals can self-impose a prohibition on purchasing firearms. Residents would enroll through an online portal managed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Once registered, the individual’s information would be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), effectively preventing firearm sales to them nationwide.
Importantly, this registry is entirely voluntary, and individuals can revoke their waiver through the same portal, with a 30-day waiting period before the revocation takes effect.
The Rationale Behind the Registry
Suicide attempts are often impulsive, and access to firearms significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes.
By allowing individuals to proactively restrict their ability to purchase firearms, the bill aims to introduce a temporal buffer, providing individuals in crisis with time to seek help and reconsider.
Ginny Mack, a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Fort Collins, emphasized, “This is a self-controlled mechanism to protect oneself from one’s future self in crisis.”
Inspiration from Donna’s Law
The initiative draws inspiration from “Donna’s Law,” named after Donna Nathan, who died by suicide in 2018.
Her daughter, Katrina Brees, has been a vocal advocate for such measures, highlighting that her mother had taken multiple steps to safeguard her mental health but was still able to purchase a firearm during a crisis.
Brees believes that a voluntary waiver could have provided the necessary barrier to prevent her mother’s death.
Implementation and Oversight
The CBI would be responsible for developing and maintaining the online portal for the registry. The process would include identity verification to ensure that only the individual in question can enroll or revoke their waiver.
Additionally, individuals have the option to designate a trusted contact who would be notified if the individual attempts to purchase a firearm or revokes their waiver.
Attempting to purchase a firearm while on the registry would be classified as a civil infraction, carrying a maximum fine of $25.
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Support and Opposition
Advocates argue that the registry empowers individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their mental health.
Virginia Mack noted the potential impact, stating, “This is a bill that can positively make an impact and save lives.”
However, some opponents express concerns about data privacy and the potential permanence of such records.
Ian Escalante of the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners cautioned, “When something goes into the NICS system, it doesn’t come out.
It doesn’t magically delete itself.” He suggests alternative measures, such as temporarily transferring firearms to trusted individuals or utilizing storage services offered by some gun shops.
Comparative Legislation
If passed, Colorado would join states like Washington, Utah, Virginia, and Delaware, which have already implemented similar “Do Not Sell” registries.
These states have reported positive outcomes, with individuals utilizing the option to prevent impulsive firearm purchases during vulnerable times.
Conclusion
Senate Bill 25-034 represents a significant step in Colorado’s ongoing efforts to reduce firearm-related suicides.
By providing a voluntary mechanism for individuals to restrict their access to firearms, the state aims to offer a practical tool for suicide prevention, balancing individual rights with public health concerns.
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