Two gun bills signed affecting ammo storage, gun shows

Colorado Passes New Laws on Ammunition Sales and Gun Show Security

Starting in the summer of 2026, ammunition sold in Colorado will be required to be kept behind counters or in locked shelves under a new law signed by Governor Jared Polis on Friday.

House Bill 1133 mandates that ammunition must only be accessible to customers with the assistance of a store employee. The law also prohibits the sale of ammunition to individuals under the age of 18, with certain exemptions for those between 18 and 21, individuals who have completed a hunter’s safety course, and military servicemembers and police officers.

The definition of ammunition under the law includes “ammunition or (a) cartridge case, primer, bullet, or propellant powder designed for use in a firearm.” The bill was sponsored by Democratic Representatives Monica Duran and Lindsay Gilchrist, as well as Senators Judy Amabile and Cathy Kipp.

This new law will go into effect on July 1, 2026, effectively banning the use of ammunition vending machines that were installed in several towns last year.

Additionally, Governor Polis signed House Bill 1238, which introduces stricter security and age requirements for gun shows. The legislation mandates that gun shows have a detailed security plan outlining vendors, venue layout, and estimated attendees, which must be submitted to local law enforcement.

Gun shows must also have liability insurance, video cameras, and tag each firearm brought in by non-vendors. Individuals under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from attending gun shows without a parent, grandparent, or guardian present.

The law, sponsored by Democratic Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, as well as Senators Cathy Kipp and Jessie Danielson, will take effect on January 1, 2026.

In a signing statement, Governor Polis acknowledged that gun shows are generally safe places and clarified that the new law does not apply to antique gun shows.