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DENVER, CO — On March 24, 2025, the Colorado House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003), a measure aimed at regulating semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices. The bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms and classifies devices that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm as dangerous weapons.
Key Provisions of SB25-003:
- Definition of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms: The bill defines these as semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. Certain firearms, such as those designed to accept .22 caliber rimfire ammunition and specific listed models, are exempted.
- Prohibitions and Penalties: Knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing specified semiautomatic firearms is prohibited. Exceptions include transfers to heirs, individuals residing in other states, or federally licensed firearm dealers. Violations are classified as a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and a class 6 felony for subsequent offenses.
- Firearms Safety Courses: The bill mandates the completion of certified hunter education and firearms safety courses for certain transactions. It establishes requirements for basic and extended firearms safety courses and introduces a firearms safety course eligibility card issued by sheriffs after a background check.
- Rapid-Fire Devices: These devices are classified as dangerous weapons under Colorado law, aligning them with existing prohibitions on items like firearm silencers and short-barreled rifles.
The legislative process for SB25-003 has included several motions and votes. On March 24, 2025, the House passed the bill on third reading with 36 votes in favor, 28 against, and one other. Subsequent motions to rerefer the bill to various committees, including a joint committee and the Appropriations Committee, were unsuccessful, with votes reflecting opposition to further committee review.
The advancement of SB25-003 underscores a troubling shift in Colorado’s approach to firearm rights. While supporters claim the bill will improve public safety by targeting certain semiautomatic firearms and accessories, the reality is that it imposes sweeping and unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens. Rather than addressing criminal misuse, this legislation punishes responsible gun owners and represents a direct infringement on Second Amendment rights. Measures like this do little to deter crime and instead chip away at the fundamental freedoms of individuals who follow the law.
What’s Next for SB25-003
With the Colorado House approving SB25-003 on third reading by a 36–28 vote, the bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence on the amendments made during the House process. If the Senate agrees to those changes, the bill will move directly to Governor Jared Polis for his signature. If the Senate rejects the amendments, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers will be appointed to reconcile differences.
Once finalized and signed into law, the new regulations—including the restrictions on specified semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices—are slated to take effect on August 1, 2026. In the meantime, state agencies such as the Division of Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Revenue will begin preparing systems for training records, eligibility card issuance, and dealer compliance.
Gun owners, dealers, and instructors should monitor the rulemaking processes and guidance expected from the Division of Revenue, which will determine which firearm models fall under the new law’s scope.
