Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) signed a law on Thursday that will ban the manufacture of certain semiautomatic firearms and prevent Colorado residents from purchasing them without a permit and firearm training.
According to a summary of the new legislation, SB25-003 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and purchase of a “specified semiautomatic firearm.” The legislation “defines a ‘specified semiautomatic firearm’ as a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine.”
The law “prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an individual residing in another state or a federally licensed firearm dealer.”
According to a press release by the Colorado House Democrats, the law will begin to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and purchase of semiautomatic firearms with detachable ammunition magazines in August of 2026.
The Colorado Sun reported that the new law will ban AR-15 rifles, AK-47 rifles, tactical shotguns, and a limited number of handguns. The outlet noted that the prohibited weapons under the new law would only be authorized for purchase if the ammunition magazines were permanently fixed to the firearms and were not capable of holding more than 15 rounds.
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According to The Colorado Sun, Colorado’s new firearm law will also prohibit bump stocks, which can allow semiautomatic firearms to fire at a similar speed to automatic firearms.
Prior to signing the law last week, Polis said, “I really think this will make Colorado safer,” according to The Colorado Sun.
According to The Post Millennial, the banned firearms will still be legal for use by military personnel, law enforcement members, armored vehicle companies, and correctional officers throughout the state. The outlet noted that gunsmiths will also be permitted to repair the semiautomatic firearms.
The Post Millennial reported that Colorado residents will also be able to apply for a “firearms safety course eligibility card.” Residents will be required to pass a background check conducted by county sheriffs, who will decide whether a person is a potential security risk.
If a resident is approved for a “firearms safety course eligibility card,” they will be required to complete a training course and pass a written test, according to The Post Millennial.
