Denver, CO – A new wave of sweeping gun control bills is and has been moving rapidly through the Colorado Legislature, alarming gun owners and Second Amendment advocates across the state.
Several controversial proposals—ranging from near-total bans on modern firearms to red-tape restrictions on ammo sales and gun shows—are now headed to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature.
Among the most dangerous bills, according to pro-gun groups, is Senate Bill 25-003, which would ban the manufacture, sale, and even possession of most modern semiautomatic rifles and handguns. Despite fierce opposition and constitutional warnings from legal experts, the bill passed both chambers and is awaiting the governor’s decision. The Firearms Coalition of Colorado warns that this bill effectively bans nearly all modern pistols—not the small percentage claimed by its sponsors.
“This bill is either a massive mistake or a deliberate misrepresentation,” said a constitutional scholar in a widely circulated legal analysis. Gun rights supporters have until April 13th, 2025, to ask Governor Polis to veto the bill.
Another measure drawing sharp criticism is SB25-034, a so-called “Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Waiver,” which would allow individuals to self-ban from owning guns. Critics argue it opens the door to pressure from overzealous authorities and could lead to permanent firearm bans based on mental health labels.
Then there’s SB25-059, which tries to backfill or divert taxpayer money towards funding for anti-gun groups after the anticipated collapse of gun sales—caused by these very laws—wipes out revenue from the state’s 6.5% gun and ammo tax.
“Colorado politicians want to ban the products, then turn around and fund anti-gun programs using the money they just destroyed,” said a spokesperson from the Coalition. “It’s like lighting the house on fire and then asking the insurance company for a new mansion.”
Another major concern is HB25-1133, which adds burdensome rules for ammo sales. It raises the legal age to buy ammo to 21, requires in-person signature on delivery, and mandates that all ammunition at retail stores be kept under lock and key. Gun show vendors say the bill would wreck their business.
HB25-1238 could do even more damage, say critics. This bill bans all private sellers from participating as vendors at gun shows, allows vague restrictions on attendees bringing firearms, and adds camera surveillance requirements that would bankrupt smaller promoters. Many see it as a direct attempt to eliminate gun shows in Colorado.
Other bills that are raising eyebrows include:
- SB25-205: Requires FFLs to run serial number checks with local law enforcement if they “reasonably believe” a firearm is lost or stolen. Dealers could lose their license if they make the wrong call.
- HB25-1225: Expands the ban on open carry near anything even remotely “election-related,” raising red flags for gun owners concerned about vague language and potential abuse during election season.
- HB25-1314: This bill gives peace officer status to state Department of Revenue employees in the newly created firearms division, creating a new class of armed state agents. Critics fear it could sideline local sheriffs and create a state-level gun control enforcement squad.
While most of the proposals have been introduced and championed by Democrats, a few bills with bipartisan support are being praised by the pro-gun community. HB25-1062, which makes the theft of a firearm an automatic felony, and HB25-1171, which bars habitual car thieves from owning guns, are both supported by the Firearms Coalition.
“These two bills actually target criminals. We support those,” said a Coalition member. “But the rest of this agenda targets law-abiding citizens. It’s punishment for owning the ‘wrong’ kind of gun, buying the ‘wrong’ kind of ammo, or carrying in the ‘wrong’ place.”
Many of the bills are now in Governor Polis’ hands. He can sign them, veto them, or allow them to become law quietly.
Grassroots activists are urging fellow citizens to flood the Governor’s office with calls, letters, and emails before it’s too late.
“This is the most aggressive attack on the Second Amendment we’ve ever seen in Colorado,” said a local gun shop owner. “If you don’t speak up now, your rights won’t be around much longer.”
Contact Info for Action:
Governor Jared Polis: (303) 866-2885
Mail: Office of the Governor, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203
Governor’s Contact Form
Find your legislator: leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator
Track legislation: leg.colorado.gov/bills
Watch hearings live: https://ift.tt/m6GpKUX
For more updates from the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, visit: GunIssues.groups.io
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