School Gun Bill Kicks Off Colorado Gun Debates

DENVER (CBS4/AP) - Gun control and violence is up for its first debate of the year in the Colorado Legislature.

A Senate committee was scheduled Monday to consider the first gun-related bill of the legislative term. The bill would allow schools to allow employees to carry concealed weapons. Under current law, an individual with a valid permit may not carry a concealed handgun at any public K-12 school.

The bill is a Republican proposal aimed at making schools safer. But it faces long odds in a Democratic committee, as ruling Democrats mull expanded background checks and new gun limits.

"I believe that more guns doesn't equate to more safety, and to arm our teachers just doesn't make a lot of sense to me," said Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Denver.

Another Republican bill up for a hearing this week would require private businesses to have armed security if they don't permit customers to carry concealed weapons.

Colorado U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette sided with President Obama in his push for more gun control legislation on Sunday.

"That includes universal background checks for gun purchasers, restoring the ban on military style assault weapons, and banning high capacity assault magazines," DeGette said.

LINK: School Gun Bill

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