While the 106th Congress has been unable to pass any gun safety legislation, two states have just approved a major priority of the Conference of Mayors: closing the gun show loophole.

The gun show loophole allows non-licensed individuals to sell firearms at gun shows without conducting a background check on a purchaser.

Colorado and Oregon closed this loophole by voter referendum. The action in Colorado came after the state legislature failed to approve a similar measure despite bi-partisan support including that of Republican Governor Bill Owens, and despite the tragedy of the Columbine High School shootings. Weapons used at Columbine were purchased at a gun show.

Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb helped lead the effort on the Colorado initiative, which passed with almost 70 percent approval. The Conference of Mayors "Wall of Gun Deaths" was prominently displayed in Denver City Hall as part of the effort to close the gun show loophole in the state.

In commenting on the victory, Mayor Webb said, "It's an issue that has been discussed at the national level in the context of more comprehensive gun legislation, but sometimes when you bring it down to the state and local level, you can bring it home to the voters. It's a real step forward."

The action in Colorado and Oregon makes a total of 11 states that have closed the loophole, the others being California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

In Washington, DC, the U.S. Senate approved a package of gun safety initiatives including closing the gun show loophole in 1999, but the House rejected the same package and a conference committee has not met this year.

Debate centered on a Senate provision which would provide up to three business days to conduct the check if needed. The House negotiators argued for a gun show provision which would allow as little as 24 hours for background checks, and apply this limitation to both non- licensed and licensed dealers, which would be a major weakening of current law.

On the presidential front, both Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush stated their support for closing the gun show loophole during the campaign.