Colorado Enacts Far-Reaching Firearm Restrictions

Colorado's Democratic Governor Jared Polis has signed legislation creating one of the nation's most extensive regulatory frameworks for firearm purchases. The controversial law was enacted Thursday during a private signing ceremony.

The legislation establishes a permit requirement for purchasing semi-automatic firearms capable of accepting detachable magazines, including Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs), which rank among America's best-selling firearms. Under this new regulatory structure, Colorado residents must receive approval from their county sheriff before purchasing such firearms.

The permitting process requires applicants to complete a certified firearms training course and undergo sheriff evaluation. The law grants sheriffs considerable discretion in the approval process, allowing denial of applications if there is "reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the application makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to themself or others."

Second Amendment advocacy organizations have raised significant constitutional concerns about the legislation. The National Shooting Sports Foundation's (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane described the measure as "unconstitutional on its face" and criticized lawmakers for focusing on restricting law-abiding citizens rather than addressing criminal accountability.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a statement condemning both the legislation and the private nature of the signing ceremony, which included representatives from gun control organizations. The NRA characterized the bill as "the most anti-gun, anti-freedom bill in Colorado's history" and criticized the governor for requiring "a Polis permission slip to exercise your constitutional rights."

Critics have noted that the subjective criteria for sheriff approval appears to conflict with standards established by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2022 Bruen decision.

Meanwhile, gun safety organizations praised the new law. Everytown for Gun Safety President John Feinblatt called it "the definition of common sense," adding that it "establishes a model for other states" by requiring background checks and safety training for purchasing certain firearms. Feinblatt's statement referenced Colorado's history with mass shootings as context for the legislation.

The ceremony was conducted with invited guests only, with representatives from gun control advocacy groups in attendance.