Colorado Guns Laws Passed in the last 5 years (2025, Bill Summary, The LONG version)
2025
SB25-003
Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices
Concerning prohibited activity involving semiautomatic firearms, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms, classifying a device that increases the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm as a dangerous weapon, and making an appropriation.
SESSION:
2025 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act 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 act excludes certain types of firearms and specified models of firearms from the definition of "specified semiautomatic firearm".
The act prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm on or after August 1, 2026; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an individual residing in another state or a federally licensed firearm dealer. The act exempts certain manufacture, transfers, sales, and purchases from the prohibition, including specified transactions involving law enforcement agencies and peace officers, the department of corrections, armored vehicle businesses, military forces, gunsmiths, educational programs, and historical societies and museums; transfers that occur by operation of law or because of the death of a person; and conduct involving firearms for use solely as a prop for a film. Additionally, the prohibition does not apply to the transfer or sale of a specified semiautomatic firearm to, and receipt or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm by, a person who:
Completed a hunter education course certified by the division of parks and wildlife (division) and, within 5 years before making the purchase, completed a basic firearms safety course;
Within 5 years before making the purchase, completed an extended firearms safety course; or
Completed an extended firearms safety course more than 5 years before making the purchase and completed a basic firearms safety course within 5 years before making the purchase.
Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 6 felony. The department of revenue shall revoke the state firearms dealer permit of a dealer who unlawfully manufactures, distributes, transfers, sells, or purchases a specified semiautomatic firearm. The Colorado bureau of investigation shall deny the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of misdemeanor unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm within 5 years prior to the transfer. A person convicted of felony unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is prohibited from possessing a firearm and certain other weapons.
The act sets minimum requirements for the instruction included in, and length of, a basic firearms safety course and an extended firearms safety course. The act requires the division to establish the course requirements for a basic or extended firearms safety course.
In order to enroll in a basic or extended firearms safety course, a person must hold a valid firearms safety course eligibility card (firearms course card) issued by a sheriff. The act sets the requirements to be issued a firearms course card, which includes completing a name-based background check, paying a processing fee set by the sheriff, and paying the firearms training and safety course record fee established by the division. A sheriff shall issue a firearms course card to an applicant; except that a sheriff shall deny an application if the applicant cannot lawfully possess a firearm under state or federal law or the sheriff cannot positively identify the applicant. A sheriff may deny an application for a firearms course card if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to themself or others if the applicant holds a card. A sheriff shall revoke an issued firearms course card if the cardholder cannot lawfully possess a firearm under state or federal law and may revoke an issued card if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to themself or others. The act sets forth the process for judicial review of the denial or revocation of a firearms course card.
The act requires the division to develop and maintain a firearms training and safety course record system (system) that includes records of persons who hold a valid firearms course card and who have completed a hunter education course, a basic firearms safety course, or an extended firearms safety course. The system must allow:
A sheriff to electronically enter information about each person who was issued a firearms course eligibility card;
The instructor of a basic or extended firearms safety course to request and receive information about whether a person holds a valid firearms course card;
The instructor of a hunter education course or a basic or extended firearms safety course to electronically enter into the system information about each student who completes a course; and
A federal firearms licensee to electronically request and receive information about whether a person has completed the courses necessary to purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm.
The act creates the firearms training and safety course cash fund, which consists of firearms training and safety course record fee remitted to the division by a sheriff and any other money that the general assembly may appropriate or transfer to the fund. Money in the fund is continuously appropriated to the division. The director of the division may report to the state treasurer an amount of money to transfer between the firearms training and safety course cash fund from the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund. Within 3 days after receiving a report, the state treasurer shall make the reported transfer. By June 30, 2030, the total amount of the transfers to the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund reported by the director of the division must be equal to the total amount transferred from the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund, plus fair market interest.
On or before December 31 of each year, the division shall submit a report to the house of representatives and senate judiciary committees, or their successor committees, about the expenses incurred by the division to implement the act, and any additional resources the division needs to effectively implement the act.
The act requires the division in the department of revenue responsible for issuing state firearms dealer permits to publish and make publicly available guidance about specific models of specified semiautomatic firearms to which the act applies.
The act makes the unlawful sale, transfer, or possession of a large-capacity magazine a class 1 misdemeanor.
Existing law prohibits possession of a dangerous weapon. The act defines "rapid-fire device" and classifies rapid-fire devices as dangerous weapons under Colorado law. The act repeals the definition of "machine gun conversion device" and removes machine gun conversion devices from the list of dangerous weapons.
For the 2025-26 state fiscal year, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology from funds received from the department of natural resources from the firearms training and safety course cash fund. The general assembly appropriated money to the department of revenue to implement House Bill 24-1353, concerning requirements to engage in the business of dealing in firearms. The act further appropriates unspent money from that appropriation to the department of revenue for expenditure until the close of the 2025-26 state fiscal year.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-003
HB25-1062
Penalty for Theft of Firearms
Concerning the penalty for theft of firearms, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
SESSION:
2025 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
In current law, the sentencing structure for theft, except for auto theft, is based on the value of the item stolen. The act exempts theft of firearms from that sentencing structure and makes theft of a firearm a class 6 felony, regardless of the firearm's value.
The act appropriates $324,225 from the general fund to the judicial department to implement the act.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1062
SB25-034
Voluntary Do-Not-Sell Firearms Waiver
Concerning voluntarily waiving the right to purchase a firearm.
SESSION:
2025 Regular Session
SUBJECTS:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
State Government
BILL SUMMARY
The act establishes a process for a person to voluntarily waive the right to purchase a firearm (voluntary waiver). The Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) in the department of public safety (department) shall deny a firearm transfer to the person while the voluntary waiver is in effect. The bureau shall develop an online portal (portal) for a person to electronically file for a voluntary waiver, update contact information, and revoke a voluntary waiver. The bureau is required to verify the filer's identity before accepting a voluntary waiver or revocation.
The bureau shall enter a voluntary waiver into the national instant criminal background check system and any other federal or state computer-based systems used to identify prohibited purchasers of firearms. A person may revoke the voluntary waiver by filing for revocation with the bureau. The waiver remains in effect for 30 days after the bureau accepts the revocation.
A person filing the voluntary waiver form may provide the name and contact information of a person who will be contacted if the person attempts to purchase a firearm while the voluntary waiver is in effect or if the filer revokes the voluntary waiver.
The act prohibits a person from attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver. Attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver is a civil infraction, punishable by a maximum $25 fine.
The voluntary waiver process and the prohibition on attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver are contingent on the department receiving $200,000 of gifts, grants, or donations to develop and operate the portal. The act permits the department to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations for the portal.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-034
HB25-1133
Requirements for Sale of Firearms Ammunition
Concerning requirements for the retail sale of ammunition for firearms, and, in connection therewith, establishing requirements for the delivery of ammunition sold at retail.
SESSION:
2025 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act requires that ammunition sold at retail must be accessible to a purchaser or transferee only with the assistance of the vendor, and the act prohibits the retail sale of ammunition to a person who is younger than 21 years of age. The act includes exceptions for in-person sales to persons who are 18-20 years of age at shooting ranges, who are members of the military and veterans, who have a hunter education certification, who are protected by a protection order, or who were born on or before January 28, 2007; sales to on-duty peace officers; and sales of rimfire ammunition. Unlawful sale of ammunition by violating either requirement is a civil infraction; except that a second or subsequent violation is a class 1 misdemeanor.
The act requires a retail ammunition vendor who is shipping ammunition to use a delivery service that verifies that the person receiving the ammunition is 21 years of age. The act requires a retail ammunition deliverer to comply with federal law regarding the labeling and packaging of ammunition.
When delivering a package containing ammunition sold at retail, the act requires a retail ammunition deliverer to verify that the person receiving the delivery is 21 years of age or older and obtain written acknowledgment of receipt from the recipient. Notwithstanding the age verification requirement, a retail ammunition deliverer may verify and deliver ammunition to a person who was born on or before January 28, 2007. The age verification and written notification requirements do not apply to a retail ammunition deliverer who does not know that the package contains ammunition because the sender failed to notify the deliverer that the package contains ammunition.
2024
HB24-1353
Firearms Dealer Requirements & Permit
Concerning requirements to engage in the business of dealing in firearms, and, in connection therewith, establishing a state firearms dealer permit and making an appropriation.
SESSION:
2024 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act requires a firearms dealer (dealer), beginning July 1, 2025, to obtain a state firearms dealer permit (state permit) in order to engage in the business of dealing in firearms other than destructive devices in Colorado. Engaging in the business of dealing in firearms other than destructive devices without a permit is an unclassified felony, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000.
In order to be issued a state permit, the dealer must hold a federal firearms license; not have had a federal, state, or local license to deal firearms or ammunition revoked, suspended, or denied within the prior 3 years; and not have violated any state or federal law concerning the possession, purchase, or sale of firearms in the 3 years before applying for the state permit. The department of revenue (department) is responsible for issuing state permits. The fee for issuing a permit is $400, which may be adjusted annually by the department. A state permit is valid for 3 years.
The department, subject to available appropriations, is required to conduct an on-site inspection of a random selection of 10% of state permit holders each year and, additionally, may conduct periodic unannounced dealer inspections.
The department shall revoke a dealer's state permit if the dealer:
No longer holds a valid federal firearms license;
Does not permit a required inspection of the dealer's business or a required record; or
Is convicted of obtaining a firearm for or transferring a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess a firearm, transferring a firearm prior to receiving the results of a background check, trafficking in firearms, or unlawfully selling or transferring a firearm component or accessory.
If the department finds that a dealer failed to post a required notice, make a report about unlawful purchase, or make a required record; transferred a firearm without a locking device; or violated other federal, state, or local laws concerning the sale of firearms or firearm components, the department shall:
For a first offense, issue a warning; and
For a second offense, issue a warning, suspend the dealer's permit, or revoke the dealer's state permit.
The denial or revocation of a permit is subject to the requirements of the "State Administrative Procedure Act".
The act requires a dealer and each employee of a dealer who, in the course of the employee's duties, handles or otherwise has access to firearms or processes firearm sales, loans, or transfers (position that involves handling firearms) to annually complete a training course developed or approved by the department.
The act requires a dealer to:
Secure each firearm in a manner that prevents a customer or other member of the public from accessing or using the firearm, except when the firearm is being shown to a customer, repaired, or otherwise worked on;
Report to law enforcement when the dealer knows or suspects that an employee is involved in the theft of a firearm from the dealer's business; and
Report to law enforcement when the dealer reasonably believes, knows or should know, or becomes aware after a transfer, that the transfer was a straw purchase.
The act prohibits a dealer from selling or transferring a firearm outside of the dealer's posted business hours or to a person who the dealer knows or suspects is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
The act prohibits a dealer from employing a person in a position that involves handling firearms who is prohibited from possessing a weapon or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor within the 5 previous years that would result in the person being denied transfer of a firearm following a criminal history record check. The act requires a dealer's employees to submit to a criminal history record check once every 3 years. If a dealer knowingly employs a person in violation of the act, including employing a person without conducting a required background check, the department shall, for a first offense, issue a warning and for a second offense, issue a warning, suspend the dealer's permit, or revoke the dealer's state permit.
The act appropriates $618,973 to the department of revenue to implement the act, which includes $64,010 that is reappropriated to the department of law for legal services.
APPROVED by Governor June 7, 2024
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE June 7, 2024
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE July 1, 2025
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1353
HB24-1348
Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle
Concerning a requirement to securely store a firearm in a vehicle.
SESSION:
2024 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act prohibits knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is stored in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle.
The act prohibits knowingly leaving a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is stored in a locked hard-sided or soft-sided container that is placed out of plain view and the container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of the locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle. A firearm that is not a handgun that is stored in a soft-sided container must have a locking device installed on the firearm while stored in the soft-sided container.
A person who is considered to have a disability who stores a firearm in a locked soft-sided container does not violate the requirement to store a firearm in a hard-sided container. The act includes exceptions from the storage requirement for storing antique firearms, storing a firearm that is a not a handgun in a vehicle being used for farm or ranch operations, a person who lives in a vehicle or in a recreational vehicle, peace officers and active members of the armed forces, and certain activities related to lawful hunting.
Unsafe storage of a firearm in a vehicle is a civil infraction.
APPROVED by Governor May 15, 2024
EFFECTIVE January 1, 2025
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1348
SB24-131
Prohibiting Carrying Firearms in Sensitive Spaces
Concerning prohibiting carrying a firearm in sensitive spaces recognized by the United States supreme court as places at which longstanding laws prohibited carrying firearms.
SESSION:
2024 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act prohibits a person from knowingly carrying a firearm, both openly and concealed, in the following government buildings, including their adjacent parking areas:
State legislative buildings, including buildings at which the offices of elected members are located;
A building of a local government's governing body, including buildings at which the offices of elected members or the chief executive officer of a local government are located (local government buildings); and
A courthouse or other building used for court proceedings.
Unlawful carrying of a firearm in a government building is a class 1 misdemeanor. The act includes exceptions for law enforcement officers, members of the United States armed forces or Colorado National Guard, security personnel, persons carrying as part of the lawful and common practices of a legal proceeding, and persons who hold a permit to carry a concealed handgun (concealed carry permit) who are carrying a concealed handgun in an adjacent parking area. The act permits a local government to enact a law permitting carrying at a local government building included in the act. Members of the general assembly are exempt from the prohibition on carrying in a state legislative building until January 5, 2025.
The act prohibits a person from knowingly carrying a firearm, both openly and concealed, on the property of a child care center, other than a family child care home, that is licensed by the department of early childhood or is exempt from licensing pursuant to state law, and that operates with stated educational purposes (licensed child care center); public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school; or any public or private college, university, or seminary (higher education institution), with exceptions. A violation is a class 1 misdemeanor. The act maintains exceptions in existing law for carrying a firearm on the property of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school and adds exceptions for concealed carry permit holders carrying in the parking area of a licensed child care center or higher education institution; security personnel at a licensed child care center or higher education institution; and for a licensed child care center that is on the same property as another building or improvement, carrying a firearm in an area that is not designated as a licensed child care center.
Existing law prohibits openly carrying a firearm within any polling location or central count facility, or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box or any building in which a polling location or central count facility is located, while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress. The act prohibits carrying a firearm in any manner at those locations.
APPROVED by Governor May 31, 2024
EFFECTIVE July 1, 2024
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb24-131
SB24-003
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Authority to Investigate Firearms Crimes
Concerning the authority of the Colorado bureau of investigation to investigate illegal activity involving firearms, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
SESSION:
2024 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act authorizes the Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) to investigate particular illegal activity involving firearms statewide. The bureau shall communicate with the appropriate local law enforcement agency in such an investigation to deconflict investigative operations and determine investigative responsibilities prior to taking investigative or enforcement action and shall collaborate with the local district attorney in the beginning stages of the investigation. An agent or other employee of the bureau who is a peace officer shall wear and activate a body-worn camera when conducting any public-facing part of an investigation authorized in the act.
The act appropriates $1,477,127 from the general fund to the department of public safety for the bureau to conduct the investigations.
APPROVED by Governor May 15, 2024
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb24-003
2023
SB23-279
Unserialized Firearms And Firearm Components
Concerning prohibited activity related to firearms, and, in connection therewith, regulating firearms and firearm frames and receivers that do not have serial numbers; prohibiting manufacture of firearms, frames, and receivers by unlicensed persons; establishing a process for serializing firearms, frames, and receivers; and designating machine gun conversion devices as dangerous weapons.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act defines terms related to federal firearm licenses and firearm components, including "frame or receiver of a firearm" and "unfinished frame or receiver." The act prohibits:
On and after January 1, 2024, knowingly possessing or transporting an unfinished firearm frame or receiver, unless it has been imprinted with a serial number as required by federal law;
Knowingly selling, offering to sell, transferring, or purchasing an unfinished firearm frame or receiver, unless it has been imprinted with a serial number as required by federal law;
On and after January 1, 2024, knowingly possessing, purchasing, transporting, or receiving a firearm or frame or receiver of a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number;
Knowingly selling, offering to sell, or transferring a firearm or frame or receiver of a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number; and
Manufacturing or causing to be manufactured a frame or receiver of a firearm; unless the manufacturer is a federally licensed firearm manufacturer.
The act includes exceptions for each type of prohibited conduct, including specified exceptions for conduct involving federal firearm licensees and transfers to serialize a frame or receiver.
A person who commits any of the prohibited conduct commits unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver. Unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver is a class 1 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 5 felony.
The act requires a person who, on the effective date of the act, owns a firearm, frame, or receiver that the person manufactured and that is not imprinted with a serial number by a federal firearms licensee, to have the firearm, frame, or receiver imprinted with a serial number no later than January 1, 2024.
The act prohibits the Colorado bureau of investigation from approving the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of misdemeanor unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver within 5 years prior to the transfer. A person convicted of felony unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver is prohibited from possessing a firearm or other weapon.
The act permits a federal firearms licensee to imprint a serial number on a firearm or a firearm frame or receiver and establishes a process and requirements for licensees to serialize firearms.
Existing law prohibits possession of a dangerous weapon. The act defines "machine gun conversion device" and makes machine gun conversion devices a dangerous weapon under Colorado law.
APPROVED by Governor June 2, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE June 2, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE January 1, 2024
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-279
HB23-1219
Waiting Period To Deliver A Firearm
Concerning establishing a minimum three-day waiting period prior to the delivery of a purchased firearm.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act establishes a waiting period before a firearms seller may deliver a firearm to a purchaser. The waiting period is the later in time of 3 days after the initiation of a required background check of the purchaser or when the purchase is approved following any background check. Delivering a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period is a civil infraction, punishable by a $500 fine for a first offense and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or subsequent offense.
The waiting period does not apply to the sale of an antique firearm or a curio or relic; the sale of a firearm by a person serving in the armed forces who will be deployed outside of the United States within the next 30 days to any family member; or a firearm transfer for which a background check is not required pursuant to state or federal law.
APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023
EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1219
SB23-169
Increasing Minimum Age To Purchase Firearms
Concerning increasing the legal age to purchase a firearm to twenty-one years of age, with limited exceptions.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
Current law allows a person who is 18 years of age or older to knowingly possess or purchase a firearm. The act increases the age to legally purchase a firearm to 21 years of age or older.
The act makes the unlawful purchase of a firearm by a person who is less than 21 years of age a class 2 misdemeanor and makes it unlawful for a licensed or unlicensed gun dealer to facilitate such a sale. Exceptions include:
The person is an active member of the United States armed forces; or
The person is a peace officer or certified by the P.O.S.T. board.
APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-169
HB23-1143
Federal Authorize Firearms For DACA Peace Officers
Concerning measures related to seeking federal authorization for certain immigrants to possess firearms to be a peace officer.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act permits the peace officers standards and training (P.O.S.T.) board to promulgate rules concerning persons who have deferred action status from the federal immigration and naturalization service or who have applied for asylum status (eligible immigrants) to be a certified peace officer or reserve peace officer.
The act permits every law enforcement agency to amend its written firearms policy to allow an eligible immigrant to possess a firearm, so long as the firearms policy complies with federal requirements. The act authorizes an eligible immigrant to enroll in a training academy if the immigrant is employed by a law enforcement agency that has a firearms policy that allows an eligible immigrant to possess a firearm.
APPROVED by Governor April 27, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1143
SB23-168
Gun Violence Victims' Access To Judicial System
Concerning gun violence victims' access to the judicial system.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
Current law limits product liability actions against manufacturers of firearms and ammunition to situations in which there was a defect in the design or manufacture of a firearm or ammunition. The act repeals that limitation.
The act defines the terms "firearm industry member" (industry member) and "firearm industry product" (industry product) and requires each industry member that is engaged in the manufacture, distribution, importation, marketing, or wholesale or retail sale of an industry product in Colorado to establish and implement reasonable controls and precautions related to the industry product in its control.
An industry member shall not knowingly engage in conduct, through acts or omissions, that violates statutory firearms provisions or the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act".
If an industry member's knowing violation of the provisions of the act creates a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm, the violation is presumed to be the proximate cause of the harm in an action brought pursuant to the act. An intervening act by a third party, including unlawful misuse of an industry product, does not protect an industry member from liability. A cause of action may be brought within 5 years after the date that the violation or harm occurs.
APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023
EFFECTIVE October 1, 2023
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-168
HB23-1292
Enhanced Sentencing Colorado Commission On Criminal And Juvenile Justice Recommendations
Concerning the adoption of the 2023 recommendations of the Colorado commission on criminal and juvenile justice regarding enhanced sentencing.
SESSION:
2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
Current law requires the court to sentence a person convicted of 2 or more separate crimes of violence arising out of the same incident so that the person's sentences are served consecutively rather than concurrently. For offenses committed on or after July 1, 2023, the act allows a person to petition the court for a modification of the consecutive sentences imposed after at least 2 calendar years but no more than 5 calendar years after the final judgment of conviction or sentence is entered. The court may modify the terms of the sentence if the court finds substantial mitigating factors surrounding the case and if the person has demonstrated substantial actions toward rehabilitation as evidenced by engagement in positive programming; assigned work; treatment, when available; and behavior that is compliant with the rules of the facility or facilities where the person is or was placed.
The act allows the court to sentence the defendant to concurrent sentences for 2 or more crimes of violence arising from the same incident when:
The parties agreed to waive ineligibility for concurrent sentences; or
The following factors are proven by a preponderance of the evidence by the defendant or stipulated by the parties at the sentencing hearing:
The defendant has no prior felony convictions for a victim rights offense; and
The defendant did not use or possess a firearm or explosive in the commission of the offense or threaten the use of a firearm or explosive during the commission of the offense; and
The defendant's action did not result in serious bodily injury or death.
For offenses committed on or after July 1, 2023, a defendant convicted and sentenced as an habitual offender who has been sentenced to 24 years or more and has served at least 10 calendar years of the sentence is allowed to petition the court for a modification of that sentence and any other habitual sentence. The defendant has the burden of demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that there are substantial mitigating factors regarding the circumstances of the offense or offenses or mitigating factors regarding the circumstances of the defendant at the time of conviction; that the defendant has demonstrated positive, engaged, and productive behavior in the department of corrections; and that the defendant does not currently present a risk to the community at large. If the court determines that a modification of sentence is justified, the court may resentence the defendant to a term of at least the midpoint in the aggravated range for the class of felony for which the defendant was convicted, up to a term less than the current sentence.
APPROVED by Governor June 1, 2023
EFFECTIVE July 1, 2023
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1292
2022
HB22-1086
The Vote Without Fear Act
Concerning prohibiting openly carrying firearms at a voting location.
SESSION:
2022 Regular Session
SUBJECTS:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
Elections & Redistricting
BILL SUMMARY
The act prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within any polling location or central count facility, or within 100 feet of a ballot drop box or any building in which a polling location or central count facility is located, while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress. The designated election official responsible for any central count facility, polling location, or drop box involved in that election cycle shall visibly place a sign notifying persons of the 100-foot no open carry zone for firearms.
Exceptions are made for persons who own private property within the 100-foot buffer zone to carry a firearm on the private property; peace officers acting within the scope and authority of their duties to carry a firearm; and uniformed security guards employed by a contract security agency acting within the scope of the authority granted by and in the performance of a contractual agreement for the provision of security services with a person or entity that owns or controls the facility, building, or location.
Openly carrying a firearm inside or within 100 feet of a polling location, central count facility, or drop box is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine, up to 364 days imprisonment in the county jail, or both; except that, for a first offense, the fine shall not exceed $250 and the sentence of imprisonment shall not exceed 120 days.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb22-1086
2021
SB21-078
Lost Or Stolen Firearms
Concerning the responsibility of an individual firearm owner to report a missing firearm.
SESSION:
2021 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
An individual who owns a firearm must report the loss or theft of that firearm to a law enforcement agency within 5 days after discovering that the firearm was lost or stolen. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The 5-day reporting requirement does not apply to a licensed gun dealer.
Another person who is a member of the owner's family or who resides with the owner may report the lost or stolen firearm. If the other person reports the loss or theft of the firearm, the owner is not required to make a report. A report by another person is not an acknowledgment of firearm ownership.
A person who reports a lost or stolen firearm is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense pursuant to state law related to the storage of firearms.
The act requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report of a lost or stolen firearm to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the Colorado bureau of investigation crime information center database.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-078
HB21-1106
Safe Storage Of Firearms
Concerning measures to secure firearms to prevent use by persons not lawfully permitted to possess firearms.
SESSION:
2021 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act requires that firearms be responsibly and securely stored, as described in the act, when they are not in use in order to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. A person commits unlawful storage of a firearm when the person does not responsibly and securely store a firearm and the person knows, or should know:
That a juvenile can gain access to the firearm without the permission of the juvenile's parent or guardian; or
A resident of the premises is ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law.
Unlawful storage of a firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor.
The act requires licensed gun dealers to provide with each firearm, at the time of a firearm sale or transfer, a locking device capable of securing the firearm. Transferring a firearm without a locking device is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine.
The act requires the state court administrator to annually report to the general assembly about the number of charges related to unsafe firearms storage and the disposition of those charges.
The act requires the office of suicide prevention within the department of public health and environment (department) to include on its website, and in materials provided to firearms-related businesses and health care providers, information about the offense of unlawful storage of a firearm, penalties for providing a handgun to a juvenile or allowing a juvenile to possess a firearm, and the requirement that gun dealers provide a locking device with each firearm transferred. Subject to available money, the department is required to develop and implement a firearms safe storage education campaign to educate the public about the safe storage of firearms, state requirements related to firearms safety and storage, and information about voluntary temporary firearms storage programs.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1106
SB21-256
Local Regulation Of Firearms
Concerning permitting regulation of firearms by local governing bodies.
SESSION:
2021 Regular Session
SUBJECTS:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
Local Government
BILL SUMMARY
The act declares that the regulation of firearms is a matter of state and local concern. A local government is permitted to enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory. The ordinance, regulation, or law may not be less restrictive than state law. The local law may only impose a criminal penalty for a violation upon a person who knew or reasonably should have known that the person's conduct was prohibited.
The act permits a local government, including a special district, and the governing board of an institution of higher education to enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district. A local law may only impose a civil penalty for a violation, and the maximum fine that may be imposed for a first offense is $50.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-256
HB21-1298
Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements
Concerning the conditions under which a firearm transfer may be prohibited following a background check, and, in connection therewith, requiring approval of a firearm transfer prior to a transfer by a licensed dealer, establishing grounds for denying a transfer, and clarifying the process to appeal a denied transfer.
SESSION:
2021 Regular Session
SUBJECT:
Crimes, Corrections, & Enforcement
BILL SUMMARY
The act requires a licensed gun dealer to obtain approval for a firearms transfer from the Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) prior to transferring a firearm.
The act prohibits the bureau from approving the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of specified misdemeanor offenses. The bureau is also prohibited from approving a firearms transfer until it determines that its background investigation is complete and that the transfer would not violate federal prohibitions on firearms possession or result in a violation of state law.
A person may be denied a firearms transfer if there has not been a final disposition in criminal proceedings for certain offenses for which the prospective transferee, if convicted, would be prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm. The act permits continued denial of the transfer when the bureau is unable to obtain the final disposition of a case that is no longer pending.
A person who has been denied a firearms transfer following a background check can appeal the denial. The act establishes a 60-day deadline for the bureau to review background check records that prompted the denial and render a final administrative decision regarding the denial.
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1298
2020
No laws passed!
Keep in mind that I AM NOT a lawyer, and this is NOT LEGAL ADVISE. I’m an educator and I include links to the documents so that you can read them and keep updated on them for yourself!
