On April 10, 2025, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-003 into law, one of the state’s most extensive gun control measures to date. This bill about Colorado gun laws 2025 restricts the sale, manufacture and transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices to reduce gun violence. Let’s review the highlights of the new law to see what Colorado gun owners need to know about the upcoming changes of illegal weapons in colorado.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 25-003 of Colorado Gun Laws 2025
Definition and Prohibition of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms
Beginning August 1, 2026, the law prohibits the manufacture, sale, and purchase of “specified semiautomatic firearms” which are:
- Semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines
- Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines.
Exemptions from these Colorado Gun Laws 2025 include firearms with permanently fixed magazines of 15 rounds or less, manually operated firearms (bolt action, pump action), and certain models used for hunting or recreational purposes.
Permit-to-Purchase Requirement
To legally acquire a specified semiautomatic firearm you must:
Apply for a firearms safety course eligibility card through your county sheriff, which includes a fingerprint-based background check.
- Complete a state-approved basic or extended firearms safety course covering safe handling, legal responsibilities, and de-escalation techniques
- Pass a written and practical exam.
- The eligibility card is good for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiration.
Ban on Rapid Fire Devices
The law immediately classifies rapid-fire devices (bump stocks and trigger cranks) as dangerous weapons. Possession, sale or transfer of these devices is now a Class 5 felony.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- First-time violators for the manufacture, sale or purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms are a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 120 days in jail and fines.
- Subsequent offenders are a Class 6 felony, up to 18 months in prison.
- Violators may also have their state firearms dealer permit revoked and be prohibited from future firearm ownership.
Exemptions and Special Considerations under Colorado Gun Laws 2025
The law exempts:
- Law enforcement agencies and peace officers
- Military personnel and armored vehicle businesses.
- Gunsmiths and educational institutions conducting accredited firearms training programs.
- Transfers by operation of law or by inheritance.
Note: The law does not affect the possession of firearms legally owned prior to the law’s effective date.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Senate Bill 25-003 is a big shift for Colorado’s gun laws, to follow some laws passed in California and New York. Colorado has been home to some very high-profile mass shootings in the past, including Columbine High School, the Aurora theater shooting, and Club Q in Colorado Springs.
As with any new gun law, there are supporters and detractors of the new gun law. Supporters say it’s for public safety and responsible gun ownership. Opponents say it infringes on constitutional rights and burdens law-abiding citizens. Gun rights organizations are already planning to challenge the law in court.
Full Text of the Law
For the full text of Senate Bill 25-003, including definitions, procedures and legal language, go to the Colorado General Assembly’s website:
Full Text of Senate Bill 25-003 (PDF)
As Colorado implements this new law, individuals and entities affected by the new rules should consult with a Colorado attorney to ensure compliance and understand the implications for firearm ownership and buying/selling certain firearms and attachments in the state.