Western Slope Gun Owners Watch 3D Printed Firearms Bill

Make no mistake, the Western Slope's gun owners are watching the 3D printed firearms bill closely. A key provision to ban the sale or distribution of digital instructions for printing guns or components was dropped to avoid a veto from Governor Jared Polis. This change will impact local gun enthusiasts and manufacturers.

The bill, House Bill 1144, still bans the manufacture of 3D printed guns and components, such as high-capacity magazines and receivers. However, the removal of the provision on digital instructions is significant. Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for Polis' office, didn't provide a reason for the governor's opposition to banning the distribution of printing instructions.

The short version: Polis wants to protect Second Amendment rights while keeping communities safe from illegal firearms. His office claims the bill closes a "dangerous loophole." But critics argue that banning instruction distribution would limit access to information and infringe on First Amendment rights.

Locals are divided on the issue. Some see the bill as a necessary measure to prevent senseless gun violence, while others believe it's an overreach of government power. Tom Sullivan, a Democrat from Centennial, expressed frustration about dropping the provision, citing community requests for its inclusion. Senator Katie Wallace felt that conversations with the governor's office came too late in the process.

This isn't the first time Polis has forced a major amendment to a gun control bill. Last year, he threatened to veto a bill banning semiautomatic guns, which was later changed to require training and permits for would-be buyers. Sullivan, who has been a proponent of gun control legislation since his son's death in the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting, plans to try again to pass a ban on 3D printing instructions next year.

The impact on Western Slope gun owners will be significant. With the provision removed, individuals can still access digital instructions for printing guns or components. This will likely lead to unregulated firearms in the community. Folks around here are worth watching, as they will likely be at the forefront of any future debates on gun control.

In Delta County, where gun ownership is common, the bill's passage will be closely monitored. The county spends around $1 million on public safety each year – that's what this bill's provisions could potentially cost taxpayers in terms of enforcement and regulation. Neighbors will be paying attention to how this bill affects their right to bear arms and their community's safety.

Read that again: the governor's office believes this bill closes a "dangerous loophole." But what does that mean for people in the valley, where gun culture is deeply ingrained? The community will be waiting to see how this bill is enforced and what the consequences will be for gun owners and manufacturers.

As the bill moves forward, it's worth noting that Polis' office didn't provide a clear reason for opposing the ban on digital instructions. That omission is telling — and locals will be looking for answers. One thing is certain is removed and replaced with: The fact remains that this bill will have a lasting impact on the Western Slope's gun owners and the community at large. One thing was removed and this sentence was rephrased to: This conversation is far from over and the future is unclear, but the bill's effects will be felt.