Colorado's controversial 'red flag' gun bill becomes law. Some sheriffs would rather go to jail than enforce it

By Scott McLean and Sara Weisfeldt, CNN
Updated 1340 GMT (2140 HKT) April 13, 2019

(CNN) — Colorado's controversial "red flag" bill was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Friday, with more than half of the state's counties declaring opposition to it and many sheriffs promising not to enforce it at all.

"This is a moment of progress," said Colorado House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, one of the legislation's four sponsors. "Today, we did something that was difficult and that is going to save lives."

Known as the "Extreme Risk Protection Order," the law will allow a family member, a roommate or law enforcement to petition a judge to temporarily seize a person's firearms if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others. Fourteen other states have passed similar legislation.

Still, the law now faces major hurdles, with a pro-gun lobby group promising to challenge it in court. Additionally, a growing number of sheriffs in the state have vowed to ignore the law when it takes effect next year, calling it unconstitutional.

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