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DENVER, CO — In a move drawing sharp criticism from Second Amendment advocates, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has officially signed SB25-003 into law, enacting one of the most aggressive state-level restrictions on semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices in the country. The signing, which occurred behind closed doors and was not listed on the governor’s public calendar, has raised concerns not only about the bill’s content but also the lack of transparency surrounding its enactment.
SB25-003 Overview
The newly signed law prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, transfer, and purchase of what it defines as “specified semiautomatic firearms.” This includes semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. While certain rimfire firearms and listed older models are exempt, the scope of affected firearms is significant.
The law also classifies rapid-fire devices—accessories or modifications that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm—as “dangerous weapons,” making their possession a criminal offense.
New Barriers for Gun Owners
To legally purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm under the limited exceptions, individuals must complete both a certified hunter education program and a state-defined firearms safety course. They must also obtain a firearms course eligibility card issued by a sheriff, which requires a criminal background check. These new hurdles will likely create delays, higher costs, and confusion for law-abiding citizens attempting to remain compliant.
Violations of the new law are punishable as a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and escalate to a class 6 felony upon subsequent violations. Firearms dealers found in violation will have their state permits revoked.
Criticism Mounts Over Secrecy and Overreach
State Senator Lisa Frizell (R-SD2) voiced her opposition on social media, stating, “Behind this locked door & away from the public eye, Governor Polis is signing SB25-003… a flagrant assault on our Second Amendment rights.” She emphasized that the signing was “invite-only” and deliberately excluded from the governor’s public calendar.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) also condemned the bill, calling it an “unconstitutional law limiting Second Amendment rights” and warning that it will likely be challenged in court. In a public statement, the NSSF accused Colorado lawmakers of using misleading terms and bypassing normal democratic processes.
According to reporting by ConcealedCarry.com, critics argue that the law penalizes responsible firearm owners without effectively addressing crime or violence. The bill’s opponents assert that it unfairly targets semiautomatic firearms that are in common use for self-defense, sport shooting, and lawful hunting.
What Happens Next
The law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to implement the firearms training record systems, instructor verification processes, and eligibility card infrastructure. Gun owners and dealers are advised to closely follow rulemaking updates from the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Division of Parks and Wildlife, as both agencies will be responsible for enforcement and interpretation of the new law.
Legal challenges are expected. Given the breadth of SB25-003 and the U.S. Supreme Court’s clear guidance in Bruen regarding firearms in “common use,” many gun rights advocates believe this law will not withstand judicial scrutiny.
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