JOIN US IN SUPPORTING
SB25-034
The Voluntary Do-Not-Sell Firearms Waiver, SB25-034, also known as Donna’s Law for Colorado, establishes a process for a person to voluntarily waive the right to purchase a firearm (voluntary waiver), which will be processed through the NICS system. This will be done through an online portal through the bureau, which will verify the applicant's identity.
​​We Need Your Help!
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Our fundraising efforts are crucial in covering the fiscal costs of $225,000.
This will help pay for grant applications and create an online portal for people to enroll in the do-not-sell list created by the Department of Public Safety. It will also allow us to increase awareness about an individual's option to live without purchasing a firearm, keeping themselves and others safe. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer environment for everyone.
$1,465
$225,000
What is Donna's Law?
Donna's Law is a voluntary self-registry prohibition to gun sales for those who choose to create self-defense against gun suicide. If one chooses to reverse their registration, they would be given a waiting period of a couple of weeks.
On June 26th, 2018, Donna Nathan used her iPhone to search “gun stores in New Orleans.” She then drove from her home to a nearby gun store. Despite her recent voluntary inpatient mental health stays, in just minutes, she was able to purchase the only gun she would ever own. She paid for the gun and a box of bullets drove to the Tree of Life in Audubon Park and shot herself.
Without any barriers to purchasing firearms, many people are at high risk of doing the same.
While this won't prevent every suicide, it could have prevented many others. Please support empowering those who know they are safer without guns to voluntarily give up their ability to purchase guns. This will save lives.
The Problem
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Unexpected health crises and stressful life events can impact anyone, and it can often take weeks to months to recover. When a firearm is purchased during a stressful period, the risk of suicide is significantly elevated.
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In 2023, Colorado had the 13th highest rate of gun suicide and was 8th in the nation for the overall number of suicides. When a firearm is used in a suicide attempt, there isn’t an opportunity for a “second chance” since it is nearly always lethal (9 out of 10 die).
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In 2023, 70% of all firearm deaths in Colorado were self-inflicted & nearly 80% of Colorado veterans who died by suicide in 2023 used firearms.
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Surviving one suicide attempt makes all the difference. Approximately 90% of survivors of serious suicide take advantage of the second chance at life and do not ultimately die by suicide in subsequent attempts. The second chance is rarely available in suicide attempts by firearms due to their lethality.
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Research shows that delaying access to firearms significantly reduces gun suicides without increasing non-gun suicides.
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In one survey, almost half of individuals receiving psychiatric treatment said they would voluntarily restrict their own ability to purchase firearms.
The Problem
What's the Solution?
By voluntarily and confidentially making the decision to suspend access to a firearm before a big life stressor or before a crisis occurs, individuals can significantly decrease the risk of firearm suicide. This bill will allow people to ”opt-in” to a firearm do not sell list with the NICS background check system so they can protect themselves and their community from the trauma of firearm suicide.
It is a fully reversible decision
after 30 days.
Why 30 Days?
30 days provides the time for a crisis to pass and for a person to get support for unexpected life stressors. It also allows time for an individual to seek treatment for depression, substance or alcohol use disorders when necessary. 30 days gives an individual time to ensure they are healthy, both physically and cognitively, and that they can demonstrate safe and responsible firearm ownership.
Getting through a period of crisis is critical to preventing gun suicide.
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