Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

DENVER - In its first month of being reinstated as the "point of contact" for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has proven to be an effective program for keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals. Governor Bill Owens and the Joint Budget Committee reinstated the state background checks on July 14.

From August 1st through August 31st, the CBI denied 143 requests that would have been mistakenly approved under the FBI system. More than 12,000 background checks were conducted during this time.

The individuals who applied for firearm permits were denied for various reasons including having a record for an arrest or conviction of sexual assault, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, homicide or other criminal history.

"I am pleased that the state is able to fill a gap that the federal background check system doesn't fill," said Governor Owens. "The state system ensures that law abiding citizens are able to purchase firearms, but it also helps to keep those individuals with a criminal record from buying and owning a gun."

In July, Governor Owens issued an executive order reinstating the CBI as the "point of contact" for the FBI background checks when individuals purchase firearms. The more complete CBI database includes more accurate information on restraining orders, arrests warrants and summonses that may have been issued on the applicant.

The Joint Budget Committee reinstituted the program appropriating more than one half million dollars to the CBI to cover the cost of the program from August 1, 1999 through the beginning of next year. The measure is meant to provide temporary funding for the program until the Legislature reconvenes in January and can pass a bill to permanently establish the program.

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