Constitutional carry or jacket tax? As reported by Channel 13 in Colorado Springs on March 8, “A proposal in the Colorado legislature that would allow people to carry a concealed handgun without a permit has passed the Colorado Senate and will next go for a vote in the House of Representatives.”

SB18-097, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Van Winkle (R-Highlands Ranch) and State Sen. Tim Neville (R-Littleton), would only apply to those who can legally own a handgun. It would give gun owners the same carrying rights as those who have a concealed carry permit. The law wouldn’t allow concealed carry on any public school property.

To obtain a concealed carry permit in El Paso County, one must attend a class (costing $50 to $150) and pay the Sheriff’s office $112.50 for a background check to be issued an official concealed carry permit. This $162.50 to $262.50 is simply a “jacket” tax.

If the State Legislature follows past procedure, the Democrat-controlled House will assign this bill to the “State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.” Also known as the “kill” committee.

Friends, why should we allow the Speaker of the House and the six Democrats on the “kill” committee (all of whom are from the Denver-Boulder area) dictate to the State of Colorado how we exercise our Second Amendment rights? Contact your legislators and Governor Hickenlooper and urge them to get SB18-097 out of committee and passed by the House and presented to the Governor for signature.

Gene Schmeling, CMSgt, USAF Retired

Colorado Springs