Pueblo, CO — Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a contentious semiautomatic gun restriction bill into law on Thursday, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety. Senate Bill 25-003, which was significantly amended since its introduction earlier this year, imposes new requirements on the purchase of certain semiautomatic firearms while still allowing the sale of these weapons under specific conditions.
The original version of the bill, introduced in January, aimed to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transfer of “specified semiautomatic firearms.” This included semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and certain gas-operated handguns with detachable magazines—models commonly associated with mass shootings. However, in February, the bill was amended by Colorado Senate Democrats to permit the sale of these firearms, provided buyers first complete a mandatory training course.
Under the new law, individuals seeking to purchase these firearms must undergo a background check and obtain a firearms safety course eligibility card before taking the required training. The training itself covers several critical areas, including firearm deaths related to mental illness, Colorado’s red flag law, and victim awareness and empathy. Once the course is completed, the buyer can proceed with their purchase.
The law does not apply to firearms already owned by Coloradans, meaning existing owners of specified semiautomatic guns are not affected. Instead, the legislation seeks to regulate the future purchase of these firearms, aiming to ensure that buyers are more educated and trained in firearm safety.
Governor Polis, in a statement, emphasized the importance of public safety and responsible gun ownership. “This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense,” said Polis. “Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.” He further clarified that the law is not a ban on firearms but rather a step toward educating gun owners to prevent future violence.
Supporters of the bill, including State Representative Meg Froelich, argue that it is an essential step toward reducing gun violence in Colorado. Froelich, one of the primary sponsors of the bill, stated that the legislation would help enforce the state’s ban on magazines holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition, a measure passed over a decade ago. She also emphasized the importance of honoring the promises made to gun violence survivors who have been lobbying for stronger regulations.
“High-capacity magazines are what put the ‘mass’ into mass shootings,” said State Senator Tom Sullivan, another key supporter. “This legislation is another in the list of policies I have worked on to develop evidence-based solutions and reduce gun violence of all types.”
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from gun rights advocates who see it as a violation of the Second Amendment. Groups such as Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO) and the Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) have vocally condemned the law, arguing that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. RMGO Executive Director Ian Escalante criticized the bill for its lack of clarity and for failing to establish the necessary funding or staffing to implement the new system.
“This is completely arbitrary,” said Escalante. “You’re going to have to go through this long, drawn-out process of buying your rights back. It’s just another attack on the Second Amendment.”
The CSSA has already indicated its intention to challenge the law in court, claiming that it is unconstitutional. “We are resolute in our response,” said Ray Elliott, president of the CSSA. “We are preparing to contest Senate Bill 3, and we are committed to pursuing justice through every available avenue.”
Despite these protests, the law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will likely remain a point of contention in Colorado’s broader gun policy landscape. The debate is likely to continue as the state works to balance the need for gun safety with the rights of firearm owners.
In addition to the semiautomatic gun restrictions, Governor Polis also signed Senate Bill 25-059, which aims to strengthen Colorado’s response to mass shootings. This bill directs the Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety to apply for federal grants to enhance support for victim services and improve the state’s preparedness for mass casualty events.
As the debate over gun control and ownership continues to unfold, Colorado’s new laws will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike, serving as a bellwether for future gun legislation across the United States.
