"Coloradans who clear criminal background checks and pass training courses on handgun use would qualify for permits to carry concealed weapons under a law approved Monday in the state Senate."

"Sheriffs would be required to issue permits to anyone who met all of the qualifications. Current law allows police chiefs and sheriffs to determine who should get permits."

"Senate Bill 24 was one of two gun measures that won Senate support despite vocal objections by gun critics, who said the bills would cripple the ability of cities to keep guns off their streets and out of venues from parks to hospitals."

"The second bill, Senate Bill 25, won final approval on an 18-16 vote and now goes to the House. It bars local governments from enacting ordinances that conflict with federal or state statutes on the sale, purchase or possession of guns. It also allows the carrying of guns in cars for legal purposes within jurisdictions - a provision in direct conflict with current Denver law."