Senate passes bill to require agency use of ATF eTrace after opposition from privacy and local‑control advocates
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Summary
House Bill 12 65, which would require law enforcement agencies to use the ATF National Electronic Tracing System, passed the Senate 23–12 after opponents said it risks creating state‑level firearms surveillance and overrides local sheriffs’ discretion.
DENVER — The Colorado Senate approved House Bill 12 65 on April 15, 2026, a measure concerning law enforcement agencies’ use of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Electronic Tracing System (eTrace). Senator Wallace moved the bill on third reading and final passage.
Senator Zamora Wilson raised constitutional and local‑control concerns, warning that the bill would ‘‘override the discretion of elected sheriffs, conscripting local agencies into a Federal data collection program’’ and could help ‘‘construct a state‑level firearm surveillance system accomplished through bills that are individually defensible, but collectively transformative.’’
Supporters characterized the bill as a coordination measure to aid firearm tracing and investigations. After debate, the clerk recorded a vote of 23 ayes to 12 no; the bill was recorded as passed and cosponsors were announced.
Why it matters: The bill directs or requires participation in a federal tracing system, which affects how local law enforcement agencies share firearm transaction and trace information. Opponents argued it limits local discretion and centralizes data; sponsors argued it improves investigative capability.
Vote details: House Bill 12 65 passed the Senate by a recorded vote of 23–12 on April 15, 2026. Cosponsors were listed by the clerk following passage.
Next steps: The bill passed on third reading; the transcript does not record further procedural steps on enrollment or any required implementing guidance.
