Sullivan’s Bill to Improve Investigations of Illegal Firearm Activity Clears Committee

Legislation would increase the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to investigate illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations on tip line requests

DENVER, CO – Today Senator Tom Sullivan’s, D-Centennial, bill to improve investigations of illegal firearm activity cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. The bill would appropriate $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates individuals convicted of felonies who are attempting to illegally purchase a firearm, and other illegal firearm crimes such as possession of a ghost gun. 

“Though our background check system, InstaCheck, is working as intended, follow-up investigations are rarely conducted at the local or federal level due to resource limitations,” Sullivan said. “By giving CBI statutory authority, they will be able to more effectively investigate illegal firearms transfers and components, violations, ghost guns and information obtained through tip lines, such as suspected straw purchases – all while improving safety in communities across Colorado.”

Creating a framework within the CBI to address illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations based on tip line requests would help to improve safety across the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

SB24-003 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.