This story by Sara Wilson appeared on Colorado Newsline on May 13, 2025.
Colorado lawmakers, led by a Democratic majority in both chambers of the Legislature, passed a suite of firearm-related bills this year aimed to reduce gun violence and boost public safety.
Over the previous two years, Colorado had enacted gun laws concerning a minimum purchasing age, purchase waiting period, safe storage in vehicles, and an expansion of the type of people who can petition courts to remove a potentially dangerous person’s firearm.
They did more this year, such as passing what could be the most consequential gun law in recent history with a permit-to-purchase program for most semiautomatic rifles.
Safety training for guns with detachable magazines
Beginning in August 2026, purchasers will need a special permit to buy certain semiautomatic firearms that can accept detachable ammunition magazines. Without the permit, they can buy models of those firearms that have fixed, 15-round-maximum magazines, which are far less common.
Those provisions are in Senate Bill 25-3.
People will need to be vetted by their county sheriff, take a safety class and pass a test to get a permit, which will be valid for five years. The training will be four hours for people who have gone through hunter education and 12 hours for everyone else.
“If you’re going to be purchasing these weapons, it should be your responsibility to make sure that you’re educated on how to safely use these weapons. I think that’s common sense,” Polis said when he signed the bill in April.
Polis wants to see financial assistance for lower-income Coloradans who wish to obtain a permit, and he also thinks some people, such as retired law enforcement and former military personnel, should not have to undergo redundant training.
The bill was originally introduced as an outright ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase and transfer of those types of guns with detachable magazines. It was proposed as a way to enforce an existing large-capacity magazine ban. The permit-to-purchase program was amended into the bill in the Senate to get Polis on board.
Gun show security plans
The promoter of a gun show will need to submit a security plan for the event to local law enforcement starting next year under House Bill 25-1238, which Polis signed in April. Additionally, promoters will need to carry liability insurance, make sure vendors have the proper federal and state licenses and have video surveillance of all areas of the gun show, including the parking area.
Children will not be able to attend a gun show without a parent or guardian.
“One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring firearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing firearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” bill sponsor Rep. Sean Camacho, a Denver Democrat, said in a statement when the bill passed the House. “This legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft.
In a signing statement, Polis emphasized the law would not impact “gun collector shows” that concern collectible firearms like curios, relics or antique firearms.
Self-imposed restrictions
Senate Bill 25-34, a suicide prevention measure, would allow people to voluntarily waive their right to buy a gun by giving their name to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations through an online portal. They could also include information of someone to contact if they try to buy a gun while the voluntary waiver is in effect. CBI will need to verify someone’s identity before adding them to the “Do Not Sell” list. People could then remove themselves from that list after 30 days.
“We know that when people have mental health issues, sometimes they feel better and sometimes they feel worse. And we know that when people feel better, they might know that when they feel worse, they might not want to be able to go purchase a firearm,” bill sponsor Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Fort Collins Republican, said on the floor in April.
Polis has not yet taken action on the bill.
Gun information from schools
Under House Bill 25-1250, schools will need to provide materials about gun violence prevention to students’ parents or guardians at the start of each year. They will also need to post the materials, developed by the state Office of Gun Violence Prevention, online.
“Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies in our nation’s history have happened in Colorado schools, and one in three Colorado middle and high school students say they can access a firearm in their home,” bill sponsor Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Jefferson County Democrat, said in a statement after it passed the Senate. “Safe storage dramatically reduces firearm suicides and overall youth firearm fatalities. Information is power, and this bill simply helps inform and educate students and their families about gun violence and how to prevent it.”
Polis has not yet taken action on the bill.
New felonies for gun thefts
A rare bipartisan gun-related bill, House Bill 25-1062, would make all firearm thefts a felony, instead of structuring the charge based on the value of the stolen gun. All firearm thefts would be a Class 6 felony, which can result in a prison sentence up to four years and fines up to $100,000.
Bill supporters say it will deter gun theft and reduce the circulation of stolen guns in illegal markets. The potential misuse and lethality of guns are reasons to treat them differently than other stolen goods, they said.
“By setting a consistent felony classification for firearm theft, the state signals that stealing guns carries a significant consequence,” bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Armagost, a Berthoud Republican, said during floor debate on the bill. “Stolen firearms often end up in the hands of people who cannot legally purchase firearms, such as felons or minors, and are frequently used in violent crimes.”
This bill passed on a bipartisan vote. Polis has not yet taken action on it.
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