Colorado Demolishes Second Amendment With Extreme Gun Control Bill

On Thursday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis put pen to paper on a gun control bill that has sparked considerable debate, mandating permits and safety training for anyone wishing to purchase firearms equipped with detachable magazines.

Senate Bill 25-003 was initially poised to implement a ban on the sale of numerous semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that utilize detachable magazines. However, the legislation underwent revisions allowing purchases, contingent upon buyers obtaining a “firearms safety course eligibility card” from their local sheriff and completing a firearms education course.

The law also imposes a prohibition on the sale and purchase of rapid-fire conversion devices, such as bump stocks and binary triggers, further tightening the screws on gun accessibility.

In a statement, Gov. Polis expressed his commitment to enhancing public safety, asserting, “I aim to position Colorado among the top 10 safest states in the nation.” He emphasized that the new legislation not only safeguards Second Amendment rights but also ensures that residents can obtain firearms for various purposes including sport and self-defense. The governor confidently stated that the bill contributes to public safety by fostering a community of educated and trained gun owners, emphasizing safety and responsible storage practices.

Polis was quick to clarify that this law does not equate to a ban.

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Sen. Tom Sullivan, a Democratic sponsor of the bill and a personal victim of gun violence—having lost his son in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting—voiced his support, declaring, “High-capacity magazines are what put the ‘mass’ in mass shootings.” He noted that over a decade ago, Colorado Democrats enacted legislation to limit magazines over 15 rounds. “This legislation is part of a series of evidence-based policies aimed at reducing various forms of gun violence. The people of Colorado demand action on the public health crisis of gun violence, and we intend to deliver.”

Rep. Meg Froelich, another sponsor of SB 25-003, highlighted that the law necessitates potential buyers to complete “a rigorous safety training course and acquire a permit to purchase the most lethal weapons available, ensuring they do not pose a danger to themselves or our communities.”

Opposition from Republicans in the legislature and the California State Shooting Association was swift, with calls for Gov. Polis to veto SB 25-003. The association condemned the signing of the bill, asserting it represents “a direct assault on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Coloradans.” They critiqued the legislation for imposing “unprecedented restrictions” on semi-automatic firearms through a burdensome permit process.

This association further claimed that Polis is siding with “anti-gun radicals” against the will of the people. CSSA President Ray Elliott announced, “The Colorado State Shooting Association is actively exploring all legal options to challenge this unconstitutional law,” while the organization’s Executive Director Huey Laugesen noted plans to elect pro-Second Amendment legislators in the 2026 elections to replace those who supported SB 25-003.

Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.