HB 13-1229: Criminal Background Checks for Firearm Transfers

• Private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals require a background check through a licensed gun dealer, effective July 1, 2013, with limited exceptions for family gifts, temporary loans, inheritance, and hunting.

• Licensed gun dealers may charge a maximum $10 fee to conduct background checks on private transfers and must record the transfer in the same manner as retail sales.

• Firearm transfer approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is valid for 30 calendar days, during which time the transferor and transferee may complete the transfer.

• Violation of background check requirements constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor with a 2-year firearm possession prohibition, and transferors may be jointly liable for civil damages caused by unlawful use of transferred firearms.

• Creates judicial processes allowing persons prohibited from firearm possession due to mental health commitments or involuntary certifications to petition courts for relief from federal firearms prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4).