DENVER (AP) — Colorado Democrats are attempting to move ahead Friday with some gun-control proposals.
The debate is being watched closely because some see it as a testing ground to see how far the nation is willing to go with new gun laws in the wake of mass shootings in a suburban Denver movie theater and a Connecticut elementary school.
Democratic lawmakers are pushing for stricter measures, including more background checks and limits on the size of ammunition magazines. They face powerful opposition from gun-rights advocates.
Democrats hold an advantage in the chamber and can pass the bills by a narrow margin.
But Republicans need only three Democrats to vote no to defeat a bill, and two Democrats have already expressed opposition to some of the measures.
Among the more controversial bills pending is a proposal to end Colorado's unusual practice of allowing concealed weapons on public college campuses. Another would set liability standards for sellers and owners of assault weapons for crimes.
