JOINT RELEASE: Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services.

“Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward. This law will help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.”

“Colorado families like mine have experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and heartbreak because of the scourge of gun violence in this country, and it’s our job as lawmakers to support them however we can,” said Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This law clarifies the definition of a mass shooting in order to obtain every possible resource to financially and emotionally support our communities and quantify data analysis to shore up our response in the aftermath of senseless tragedies.”

“It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this law is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.”

SB25-059 directs the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The law also defines “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm.