Colorado is set to implement a major shift in its gun laws after the state Senate passed Senate Bill 3, which aims to ban the future sale, purchase, and manufacture of AR-15s, AK-47s, and other firearms capable of holding more than 15 rounds.
The bill now heads to the state House, where Democrats hold a strong majority, making its passage highly likely. Governor Jared Polis has indicated support for the measure.
✅ Bans the sale, purchase, and manufacture of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols with magazines exceeding 15 rounds.
✅ Restricts the sale of certain firearm accessories that increase a gun’s rate of fire.
✅ Does not affect current gun owners—existing firearms will not be confiscated.
✅ Introduces an exemption process for those who complete extensive training and background checks.
To address Governor Polis’ concerns, the Senate introduced an exemption process allowing buyers to purchase restricted firearms if they:
🔹 Pass a background check conducted by local law enforcement.
🔹 Complete a state-run hunting safety course and a four-hour firearm safety course.
🔹 Score at least 90% on a final exam after completing an additional 12-hour training (if they lack a hunter’s license).
🔹 Renew their exemption every five years to remain eligible.
Despite this carve-out, all Republican senators and three Democrats voted against the bill. Some lawmakers argue that placing gun buyers on a list could create a registry that infringes on Second Amendment rights.
Republican state Sen. Paul Lundeen criticized the bill, stating:
“This is not a privilege granted by the government, it is a right inherent to who I am and enshrined in the United States Constitution.”
Others raised concerns that requiring buyers to register with law enforcement for an exemption could track gun ownership in a way that some view as government overreach.
🔹 Purchasing a banned firearm would be a Class 2 misdemeanor.
🔹 Repeat offenses would be elevated to a Class 6 felony.
🔹 Firearms must comply with strict magazine restrictions, requiring permanent modification (e.g., welding or soldering) to limit capacity.
The bill is expected to pass in the House, given the Democratic majority, and head to Governor Jared Polis for final approval. However, gun rights advocates have vowed to challenge the legislation in court, with the National Rifle Association (NRA) calling it unconstitutional and promising legal action.
This legislation is part of a broader national debate over gun control, public safety, and Second Amendment rights, setting the stage for possible legal battles in Colorado and beyond.
