Colorado Senate Approves Expansion of Red Flag Law

Bill heads to House after near-party-line vote in Senate

Feb. 3, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The Colorado Senate has approved an expansion of the state's 2019 red flag law, which allows family members, law enforcement, health care professionals and educators to petition the courts to require people to temporarily surrender their firearms if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others. The new bill would expand the list of qualified petitioners to include behavioral health professionals, health care institutions, and educational institutions.

Why it matters

Red flag laws are a controversial but increasingly common policy tool aimed at preventing gun violence by temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. This expansion of Colorado's red flag law reflects an ongoing debate over balancing public safety concerns with Second Amendment rights.

The details

Senate Bill 4 would build on Colorado's existing red flag law by expanding the list of qualified petitioners to include behavioral health professionals who co-respond with police, as well as health care and educational institutions. The Senate approved the measure on a near-party-line vote of 20-13, with one Democrat joining Republicans in opposition. Supporters argue the law saves lives, while critics warn it could erode due process and discourage gun owners from seeking mental health help.

  • The Colorado Senate approved the measure on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • Colorado's original red flag law went into effect six years ago, in 2020.

The players

Senate Bill 4

The legislation that would expand Colorado's red flag law.

Sen. Julie Gonzales

A Denver Democrat who supported the bill, arguing that red flag laws address the public health crisis of gun violence.

Sen. Lynda Zamora Wilson

An El Paso County Republican and Air Force veteran who opposed the bill, arguing it could dissuade gun owners from seeking mental health help.

Sen. Tom Sullivan

A Centennial Democrat and sponsor of the bill, who accused opponents of playing "Chicken Little" by warning the sky would fall on gun rights.

Sen. Nick Hinrichsen

The only Democrat to vote against the measure in the 20-13 Senate vote.

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What they’re saying

“Extreme risk protection orders save lives. Red flag laws prevent harm. These policies, and this bill that we are debating here today, address the public health crisis that is gun violence.”

— Sen. Julie Gonzales, Denver Democrat (denverpost.com)

“If the bill becomes law, it 'will inflict unnecessary harm on innocent citizens, waste taxpayer dollars and strain trust in our institutions.'”

— Sen. Lynda Zamora Wilson, El Paso County Republican and Air Force veteran (denverpost.com)

“You don't have to imagine (what the policy will do). This legislation has been in effect for six years. Meanwhile, 'people in this state, in my community, are asking us to do more' to prevent gun violence.”

— Sen. Tom Sullivan, Centennial Democrat and sponsor of the bill (denverpost.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Colorado House for consideration.

The takeaway

This expansion of Colorado's red flag law reflects the ongoing debate over balancing public safety concerns with Second Amendment rights. While supporters argue the law saves lives, critics warn it could erode due process and discourage gun owners from seeking mental health help.