Senate approves bill expanding who may petition for extreme risk protection orders, 20-13

The Colorado Senate passed Senate Bill 4 on Feb. 3, 2026, expanding which institutions may petition courts for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). After extended debate, the chamber adopted final passage with a roll-call result reported as 20 ayes and 13 no votes.

Sponsor Sen. Sullivan defended the bill and pointed to six years of ERPO implementation, saying there are hundreds of filings and that many petitions filed by health-care professionals, educators and prosecutors have been granted. "This legislation has been in effect for 6 years," Sullivan said, and cited data he said show the law is being used to prevent harm.

Opponents raised constitutional and practical objections. Sen. Zamora Wilson called the expansion "the taking of firearms at gunpoint" and argued temporary orders can be issued without the respondent present; she warned of monetary costs including private defense fees she estimated at "$2,000 to $5,000 or more," monthly gun-storage fees of "$20 to $50 per month per firearm," and other court and administrative burdens. The minority leader and other critics questioned whether expanding institutional petitioners would create false or incomplete applications and impose costs on taxpayers and individuals.

Supporters including Sen. Gonzalez and Sen. Danielson framed ERPOs as a public‑health tool to prevent self-harm and interpersonal violence, urging the body to give courts another tool to protect lives.

The clerk read the roll call after the vote; the Senate reported the bill passed and ordered cosponsor additions.