First draft of ballot initiative

[Zundfolge]

Ok, we gotta get this ball rolling somewhere.

So I've thrown together preliminary text for a possible constitutional amendment to put on the ballot (for those that haven't been paying attention or just moved here, here in Colorado the people can amend the state constitution via ballot initiative).

The rules are simple;

• The amendment must be on a single subject (and that single subject referenced in the title).
• To get on the ballot it must get enough signatures to get on the ballot (The number of signatures required for a successful petition is equal to 5% of the total number of votes cast for the office of Secretary of State in the preceding general election. so in this case 86,105).

With those in mind I've done my best to keep to the single subject and not cross any lines that would significantly reduce the number of people willing to sign (so no "constitutional carry" or codified rejection of Federal law or rejection of the NFA with the state borders ... even though I'd love to have all those things).

So I present the following ... get your highlighters and red markers out and let me know if this is remotely on the right track (any legal beagles out there we could REALLY use your help on the verbiage ... much of which I lifted from other successful ballot initiatives). I have a tendency to write run on sentences (although that seems to be a common trait of legislative language) and I tend to over use parenthetical statements (like this one).

Introduction: In order to clarify and preserve the rights of the People of Colorado under Article II Section 13 of the Colorado Constitution and Amendment II of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America, we submit the following Amendment to the Constitution of the State of Colorado:

Title: Clarifications of The Right to Keep And Bear Arms in Colorado

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the right to keep and bear arms, and in connection therewith, provide that no law shall be passed infringing upon the right of the people of Colorado to keep and bear arms.

Infringements include (but are not limited to): The banning of firearms, ammunition or firearms accessories for any reason (including type of operation, size, ammunition capacity, caliber, options, aesthetic features or limits on the quantity that may be owned), storage requirements, special taxation (not including regular sales tax on retail sales) or fees relating to the sale, purchase or ownership of any firearm, registration of firearms, firearm owners, accessories, ammunition, ammunition feeding devices, ammunition loading equipment or supplies or requirements that transfers between private citizens (not otherwise licensed to engage in firearms related business) be subject to background check or record keeping.

This amendment does not preclude state, county or city governments from enforcing Federal laws regulating firearms related businesses.

[Holger Danske]

At first glance it looks good

[StreetDoctor]

looks good how do I vote for it?

[CO Hugh]

Check with the Independence Institute or someone that has experience with ballot initives.

[MarkCO]

Do you have access to a Repbulican Legislator? It would be a good idea to pass it by them.

[Ronin13]

Do you have access to a Repbulican Legislator? It would be a good idea to pass it by them.

I'd say Chris Holbert- he's very pro 2A, and he's a member here... Call him Chris...
Zund- The only thing missing is some sort of clause that states this doesn't trump Federal law (however faulty and infringing it is), that way people (dems) won't think we (well conservatives because they don't recognize "independent" or 3rd parties) are trying to turn the state into a redneck, gun-toting, wild west. Otherwise, I love it, sign me up! 86,998 to go!

[blacklabel]

Zund- The only thing missing is some sort of clause that states this doesn't trump Federal law (however faulty and infringing it is), that way people (dems) won't think we (well conservatives because they don't recognize "independent" or 3rd parties) are trying to turn the state into a redneck, gun-toting, wild west. Otherwise, I love it, sign me up! 86,998 to go!

Doesn't the last sentence cover that?

[Zundfolge]

Doesn't the last sentence cover that?

That was my thinking.

[def90]

Where do I sign?

[def90]

• To get on the ballot it must get enough signatures to get on the ballot (The number of signatures required for a successful petition is equal to 5% of the total number of votes cast for the office of Secretary of State in the preceding general election. so in this case 86,105).

That's far less than the number of concealed carriers so it should be a done deal.