The Majority’s Manipulation: How HB25-1133 Was Forced Through Committee

House Bill 25-1133 - a bill that prohibits the sale of ammunition to anyone under the age of 21 - should have died in the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. The votes were there to stop it. The arguments against it were clear and compelling. Yet, in a blatant act of political manipulation, the majority party ensured its passage by swapping out a "no" vote from their party for a member who had already signaled she would vote “yes.” When faced with losing a bill deemed “important” because its primary sponsor holds a leadership position in the majority party, they simply changed the committee’s makeup to guarantee the outcome they wanted. This is not how representative government should function.

The bill itself is a direct infringement on the Constitutional rights of 18-20-year-old citizens. During the hearing, supporters argued that younger citizens could stand not exercising their rights in this instance. But that’s not how rights work. An 18-year-old can vote, enter into legal contracts, and serve in the military - where they are entrusted with operating advanced weaponry to defend this nation. Yet, under this bill, they wouldn’t be trusted to purchase ammunition for lawful purposes.

The hypocrisy is glaring.

The Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., bears the names of thousands of Americans who gave their lives for this country - many of whom were 18, 19, and 20 years old. They were old enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. But apparently, according to HB25-1133’s supporters, they wouldn’t be responsible enough to exercise their Second Amendment rights at home.

The hearing showcased another disturbing trend: those who loudly exercise their First Amendment rights demanding that others surrender their Second Amendment rights because “it shouldn’t be too painful” to do so. The Constitution is not an a la carte menu. You don’t get to pick and choose which rights are valid based on personal preference or emotion.

In fact, the 5th Circuit Court recently ruled that banning firearm sales to 18-20-year-olds is unconstitutional, affirming that they enjoy the same rights as those over 21. That ruling is based on law and precedent - not emotional arguments or selective enforcement of rights.

Proponents of HB25-1133 claimed they had expert testimony and data to support their case. Yet, during the hearing, their testimony was entirely emotional, with no relevant data to back up their claims. Instead, they leaned on misapplied arguments, ignoring actual statistics and legal precedent. When a policy is built on feelings rather than facts, it’s a bad policy.

HB25-1133 should have failed in committee. Instead, it was saved by backroom maneuvering and a last-minute swap to force its passage. That is not governance. That is manipulation. The people of Colorado deserve better than a legislature that bends the rules to get the results they want.