Colorado's New Firearm Legislation Awaits Governor's Decision

A permit requirement bill for semi-automatic firearm purchases has cleared the Colorado legislature and now moves to Governor Jared Polis for final consideration.

Last Friday, Colorado's Democrat-majority Senate gave their final endorsement to Senate Bill 25-003, which would establish mandatory permits and training for individuals seeking to purchase semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. The legislation initially passed the Senate in a 19-15 vote before receiving House approval (36-28) on March 24. The Senate subsequently concurred with House amendments in another 19-15 party-line vote, completing its legislative journey.

If enacted, the legislation would prohibit the sale and manufacture of most centerfire semi-automatic rifles and larger handguns that accommodate detachable magazines throughout the state, with limited exceptions. Prospective buyers would need to acquire a special permit by completing a yet-to-be-developed 12-hour educational program. Alternatively, those holding valid concealed carry permits or recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunter safety certificates plus an additional four-hour extended firearm safety course would satisfy the requirement.

The legislation also extends restrictions to bump stocks and binary triggers.

"This bill gets very close to treating the Second Amendment like a hunting license," argued Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Republican from Colorado Springs who opposed the measure. "If we allow the government to redefine rights as privileges, then we place ourselves at the mercy of the government."

While Governor Polis, who campaigned on stricter gun control measures, is expected to sign the bill, the Colorado State Shooting Association has launched a petition and advertising campaign urging his veto.

"Under this legislation, only those who navigate the new permit-to-buy program will be allowed to access common firearms," the Second Amendment advocacy group stated. "This expensive process includes a mountain of fees and a large time burden that only people with enough disposable income and the ability to take time off work will be able to afford."