The chairwoman of the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee says she supports a bill banning ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds although it impacts two businesses in her Denver district that say they will move if the measure passes.
Democratic Sen. Lucia Guzman is chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is expected to hear at least two gun bills that the Democratic-controlled House approved on Monday, including the magazine measure, in addition to other gun bills that have yet to be introduced this session.
Guzman, who used to own a coffee shop in northwest Denver, said she supports small business but is concerned about the safety of Coloradans.
“Maybe there could be some type of amendment or whatever that makes it more business friendly but at this point I’m supporting the bill,” she said Friday, in a video interview with the Denver Post.
Erie-based Magpul, Colorado’s largest and most profitable ammunition magazine manufacturer, has said it will leave the state if House Bill 1224 becomes law. Two of its top suppliers, Lawrence Tool and Molding and Alfred Manufacturing, are located in Guzman’s district.
“We are a third-generation Colorado company that has been committed to this state since my grandfather founded the company in 1948,” Greg Alfred, the company’s chief executive, wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “However, if House Bill 1224 passes, we will plain and simply have no choice but to relocate part or all of our operations to another state.”
Lawrence Tool employs 63 people, said Lloyd Lawrence, owner of the 35-year-old company.