Colorado’s new Senate Bill 3 has ignited fierce debate over Second Amendment rights by imposing unprecedented restrictions on semiautomatic firearms.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Senate Bill 3 introduces strict measures targeting firearms with detachable magazines.
- The bill requires a $400 fee, extensive training, and multiple background checks for gun permits.
- Governor Jared Polis signed the bill, marking a major shift in gun control in Colorado.
- The law faces strong challenges from gun rights advocates and potential legal battles.
- Effects of this legislation may extend beyond Colorado, impacting gun control laws nationally.
Colorado Enacts New Gun Control Law
The passage of Senate Bill 3 in Colorado marks a significant moment in the state’s history, reflecting the concerning momentum toward stricter gun control measures. This legislation, signed into law by Democratic Governor Jared Polis, targets semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. It includes a staggering $400 permitting fee, a demanding 12-hour training course with a 90% required passing score, and rigorous background checks. The aim is to prevent potential threats and curb gun violence, an issue that has plagued Colorado with tragedies such as the Aurora shooting.
The law mandates that firearms have magazines permanently affixed, limiting the size of magazines to 15 rounds. Proponents argue these changes will make communities safer by reducing the likelihood of mass shootings. However, the bill provides some exceptions, allowing certain hunting firearms and those with special permits to avoid restrictions.
Debate and Opposition
The bill has encountered significant opposition from gun rights groups such as the NRA and the Colorado State Shooting Association, who view it as an infringement on constitutional rights. John Commerford from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action criticized the bill, saying, “Behind closed doors, Governor Polis cowardly signed into law the most anti-gun, anti-freedom bill in Colorado’s history.” This sentiment is echoed by businesses and gun dealers, who argue that the law will impact their operations negatively.
The law, which is not to be enforced until 2026, is also criticized for its potential economic impact on the firearm industry and fears of a slippery slope leading to more restrictive measures in the future. Critics argue that the state’s requirement for reporting transparency and the creation of a database for individuals who pass training courses is tantamount to a gun owner registry.
Path Forward and Broader Implications
The Colorado State Shooting Association plans to challenge the new law in court, citing the financial burdens it places on gun owners and businesses. Huey Laugesen remarked, “Polis might think he’s scoring points with the anti-gun crowd, but as far as we’re concerned, he has just handed us a rallying cry. This fight is far from over, and we’re playing for keeps.”
This legislation could serve as a model for other states contemplating similar laws. Already, parallels are being drawn with existing magazine restrictions in states like California and New York. With Governor Polis stating, “I really think this bill will make Colorado communities safer and prevent both accidents as well as reduce gun violence,” the debate is set to continue not only within Colorado but across the nation.
BREAKING: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs SB25-003 into law, banning the manufacture of and severely restricting the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. #coleg #copolitics @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/kmN56Nt80a
— Brandon Richard (@BrandonLRichard) April 10, 2025
Sources:
- Colorado is poised to pass some of the toughest gun laws in the country
- Colorado governor signs restrictive gun bill into law
- Colorado now has one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country
- Second Amendment Alert – Colorado Passes Most Restrictive Gun Laws in the United States | SOFREP
