Following anti-gun session, bipartisan 2nd Amendment Caucus is being formed by Reps. Armagost, Bottoms

By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice

If state Reps. Ryan Armagost and Scott Bottoms are successful, their newly-formed House caucus will have bipartisan membership and strive to support, promote and protect gun rights for all Coloradans.

The intent of the 2nd Amendment Caucus in the Colorado House is to create policy, ensuring the 2nd Amendment rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution are upheld, while prioritizing firearm safety and education, a statement reads.

“Firearm safety and education should not be a partisan issue,” Bottoms said in a press release. “Our goal is to ensure that all Coloradoans are knowledgeable and safe when it comes to firearm ownership. The Colorado 2nd Amendment Caucus will serve as a platform for collaboration and understanding, transcending party lines to achieve this.”

In the 2024 legislative session, bills were written that would have restricted so-called assault weapons and have resulted in sweeping abolishment of commonly-owned firearms, mandated gun owner liability insurance, implemented a guns and ammunition tax, laws related to firearms in schools, permitting of gun shops, safe storage vehicle requirements, a bill expanding the CBI’s authority to investigate firearms crimes, gun purchase tracking, increased concealed handgun permit requirements and the expansion of gun-free zones in the most anti-gun session in the state’s legislative history. About half the bills became law.

“Today marks an important step in defending the 2nd Amendment rights of every Coloradoan,” Armagost said. “The Colorado 2nd Amendment Caucus is committed to creating sensible policies that protect our freedoms while promoting responsible firearm ownership and safety.”

According to the organizers of the caucus, the mission is to craft thoughtful policies that uphold the 2nd Amendment, maintain a bipartisan commitment to defending these rights, and educating the public on firearms and firearm safety.

“The bipartisan nature of our caucus is a testament to the importance of this issue,” Armagost said. “We believe that only by working together can we create policies that reflect the values and needs of all Coloradoans.”

As the caucus moves forward, it will focus on promoting education, safety, and access to firearms in a manner that benefits the entire state and makes Colorado an example for the nation in balancing access and safety when it comes to firearms, the organizers stated.