In April 2025, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003) — a sweeping legislation targeting certain semi-automatic firearms. Set to take effect in August 2026, the bill introduces some of the most restrictive firearm regulations in the state’s history.
This post breaks down the key facts, implications, and current data surrounding SB25-003.
🔍 What Does SB25-003 Do?
SB25-003 specifically prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or purchase of a broad category of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns. These include:
- Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines
- Gas-operated semi-automatic handguns with detachable magazines
🚫 Prohibited Actions:
- Manufacturing, distributing, selling, or transferring these firearms within the state
✅ Exemptions:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Federally licensed dealers
- Out-of-state transfers
- Firearms used for film and TV production
🎯 Training Requirement:
To legally purchase a specified semi-automatic firearm, buyers must complete:
- A certified hunter education course
- A firearms safety course (within the past 5 years)
📊 Key Data & Crime Statistics
According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data for Colorado in 2020:
- Handguns were used in 141 of the state’s 293 murders
- Rifles were used in 8 murders
- Shotguns were used in 1 murder
This suggests that handguns, not rifles or shotguns, are far more commonly used in homicides, raising questions among critics about the bill’s focus.
⚖️ Support and Intent
Proponents of SB25-003 argue that it will:
- Reduce access to high-capacity, rapid-fire firearms
- Lower the potential for mass shootings
- Improve public safety while maintaining constitutional balance
The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Tom Sullivan, and Governor Polis have emphasized a goal of “common-sense reform” in response to rising public concern over gun violence.
🛑 Criticism and Concerns
Gun rights groups and some law enforcement agencies have voiced concerns about the legislation’s:
- Constitutionality under the Second Amendment
- Impact on law-abiding gun owners
- Enforcement challenges at the local level
Some sheriffs estimate that 50,000 permit applications could flood the system during the first year of implementation, creating a potential resource bottleneck.
🛠 Implementation Notes
Colorado’s Division of Parks and Wildlife oversees the training certification process. As a result, local agencies may face an increased administrative load from permit verification and enforcement.
🔚 Final Thoughts
SB25-003 represents a significant shift in Colorado’s firearm policy landscape. Supporters hail it as a proactive step toward curbing gun violence, while opponents argue it targets the wrong tools and burdens responsible gun owners.
As the bill’s August 2026 effective date approaches, expect continued debate, possible amendments, and legal challenges — both in Colorado and nationwide.
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