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HB 25-1232

Liability When Means of Self-Defense Prohibited

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Luck

House Bill 25-1232 would have held property owners liable for harm to individuals prohibited from carrying self-defense weapons, enhancing accountability for safety.

House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 25-1232

Summary of House Bill 25-1232: Liability When Means of Self-Defense Prohibited

Overview

House Bill 25-1232, introduced on February 11, 2025, aimed to establish liability for property owners who prohibit individuals from carrying self-defense weapons on their premises. The bill sought to hold these property owners accountable for any harm suffered by individuals that could have been prevented if they had been allowed to carry self-defense items.

Key Provisions

  • Liability for Property Owners: The bill proposed that property owners or those in control of a property would be liable for damages if a person suffers harm while on the property and was prohibited from bringing self-defense weapons, equipment, or armor.
  • Claim Requirements: A harmed individual would not need to prove that they could have prevented the harm; they only needed to demonstrate that they were not allowed to carry their self-defense item.
  • Waiver of Sovereign Immunity: The bill included a provision to waive sovereign immunity for public entities, allowing individuals to file claims against them under the same conditions.

Fiscal Implications

  • State Expenditures: The bill was projected to increase state expenditures by approximately $825,220 for the fiscal year 2025-26, primarily for the Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA) to manage liability claims. This amount would cover legal services and potential settlements.
  • Claims Assumptions: It was estimated that there would be an increase in claims against state-owned properties, with an expectation of about four claims per year beginning in FY 2025-26.
  • Local Government Impact: Local governments were also expected to face increased legal and liability-related costs, although specific estimates were not provided.

Affected Parties

  • Property Owners: Individuals and entities that own or control properties where self-defense items are prohibited would be directly impacted by potential liability claims.
  • Individuals on Property: Visitors and students at educational institutions who are harmed while on properties where self-defense items are restricted would be able to file claims for damages.

Legislative Status

  • The bill was reviewed by the House Committee on Judiciary and was postponed indefinitely on March 5, 2025. As a result, the provisions and impacts outlined in the bill will not take effect.

Conclusion

House Bill 25-1232 sought to create a framework for holding property owners accountable for harm suffered by individuals due to restrictions on self-defense items. While it aimed to enhance personal safety, the bill's indefinite postponement means that these provisions will not be enacted in Colorado at this time.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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