Colorado lawmakers have taken significant steps towards passing three gun control measures aimed at regulating the sale of firearms and ammunition. The bills, which have been approved by both the House and Senate, are now awaiting Governor Jared Polis’ signature to become law.
One of the key bills, Senate Bill 3, will restrict the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals who have undergone a background check and training course. This measure is intended to enhance safety and prevent gun violence in the state. Additionally, House Bill 1133 requires retailers to keep ammunition locked up, while House Bill 1238 mandates additional security measures at gun shows.
Gun control advocates have hailed the passage of these bills as a significant victory in the fight against gun violence. Julie Ort, a gun violence survivor and volunteer with Moms Demand Action in Colorado, praised the state for taking a strong stance on gun safety and prevention.
In addition to these measures, the House is also considering two other gun-related bills. One bill seeks to define “mass shootings” in state law to facilitate the allocation of federal funding for response efforts. The other bill aims to restrict the use of guns, including toy guns, to intimidate election workers and individuals involved in the election process.
The ammunition bill includes provisions to prohibit ammunition vending machines and impose restrictions on the sale of ammunition to individuals under the age of 21. However, exemptions have been included for individuals over 18 who have completed a hunter’s safety course. The bill is set to come into effect on July 1, 2026.
Similarly, the gun show measure mandates that event organizers have security and liability insurance in place. It also limits the attendance of minors at gun shows without a guardian present. If passed into law, this bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 3, co-sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, aims to ban gas-operated, semiautomatic firearms commonly referred to as assault weapons. Under this bill, these firearms can only be sold to individuals who have passed a background check and training course. The bill also allows for the sale of modified firearms with fixed magazines that take longer to reload. This measure is particularly significant to Sullivan, whose son was tragically killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
As Colorado continues to lead the way in gun violence prevention, these new laws are expected to make a significant impact in enhancing public safety and reducing the risk of gun-related incidents in the state.
