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House raises penalty for stolen firearms to felony regardless of value
Summary
House Bill 10‑62 was adopted by the Colorado House on April 7, reclassifying theft of a firearm as a class 6 felony irrespective of the firearm's market value; sponsors said the change targets public safety by reducing circulation of stolen guns.
The Colorado House adopted House Bill 10‑62 on April 7, changing Colorado law so that theft of a firearm is a felony regardless of the firearm’s value.
Sponsors argued the measure treats firearm theft as a distinct public safety concern, separate from typical property theft valuation. Representative Armagast told the chamber that making firearm theft a class 6 felony “signals that stealing guns carries a significant consequence” and can deter theft, reduce circulation of stolen firearms in illegal markets and provide consistency in sentencing.
Supporters also said the change simplifies prosecution by removing the need to prove monetary value in court and could increase penalties when firearms are stolen as part of other violent crimes. House floor remarks cited rising firearm thefts and particular concerns about guns stolen from vehicles.
Opponents were not prominent in the excerpted floor record. The House adopted the bill after committee reports were adopted on the floor; the transcript records the bill was adopted, with the presiding officer announcing passage.
