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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the gun laws in Colorado in 2025?
Colorado’s 2025 gun laws are largely shaped by Senate Bill 25-003. The law regulates the sale and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms, establishes permit and training requirements for certain purchases, and classifies rapid-fire devices as prohibited dangerous weapons under Colorado law.
When does Colorado’s new gun law go into effect?
Most provisions of Senate Bill 25-003 take effect on August 1, 2026. Beginning on that date, new restrictions on specified semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices become enforceable under Colorado law.
Is Colorado’s new gun law constitutional?
The constitutionality of Colorado’s new gun law has not been definitively decided by the courts. While supporters argue the law promotes public safety, opponents have raised Second Amendment concerns, and legal challenges may continue as the law is implemented.
Are super safety triggers legal?
Under Senate Bill 25-003, devices that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm, including devices commonly referred to as super safety triggers, may be classified as prohibited rapid-fire devices under Colorado law. Anyone with questions about a specific device should consult a qualified firearms attorney.
How does a super safety trigger work?
A super safety trigger is a device designed to increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm by altering the firearm’s trigger reset function. Under Colorado law, devices that increase a firearm’s rate of fire may be regulated as rapid-fire devices.
Are binary triggers legal in Colorado?
Senate Bill 25-003 broadly regulates rapid-fire devices that increase the firing rate of a semiautomatic firearm. Whether a particular binary trigger is prohibited depends on how it is classified under Colorado law, so owners should review the current law and seek legal guidance if they have questions.
