Boulder looks to bring back its assault weapons ban

Deborah Swearingen, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·2 min read

Jan. 9—Boulder is preparing an ordinance that would restore the city's assault weapons ban and large-capacity magazine limit.

The ban, originally instituted in 2018 in response to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was deemed invalid by Boulder District Court last year, 10 days before a gunman killed 10 people at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive.

Judge Andrew Hartman ruled March 12 that only state or federal laws can prohibit the possession, sale and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Colorado had passed laws "that are effectively a scheme preempting local governments from enacting municipal firearms and magazine possession ordinances," according to court documents.

However, following the King Soopers shooting, that changed.

"Partly in response to that tragedy, the state Legislature repealed the preemption statute," City Attorney Teresa Tate said.

The original ban, which officials previously admitted would be hard to enforce, bans certain pistols and semiautomatic rifles with pistol grips, a folding or telescoping stock or any protruding grip that allows a weapon to be stabilized with the nontrigger hand.

In addition to the assault weapons ban, the City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to work on additional regulations regarding firearms.

Examples provided by Tate included strengthening regulations regarding open carrying, prohibiting the carry of firearms in sensitive areas and a waiting period for the purchase of firearms.

Because other neighboring communities are considering similar measures, there was some discussion about the timing of it.

Some suggested coordinating with the anniversary of the King Soopers shooting on March 22. Others agreed but said working in conjunction with neighboring communities to ensure consistency was the top priority.

Councilmember Junie Joseph emphasized the importance of this by acknowledging that the King Soopers gunman wasn't from Boulder so a citywide ban wouldn't have applied to him.

The support during Tuesday's City Council meeting was informal. Any ordinance or updated regulations would be brought forth for a public hearing.

However, to the Council, it's a no-brainer. All City Council members were supportive of moving forward with the work.

"This is not very controversial to me," Councilmember Mark Wallach said. "Let's get this done."