April 14, 2025 – Last week, the Governor of Colorado signed SB 25-003 into law. The original bill would have banned the manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer and distribution of “specified semiautomatic firearms,” which were defined as: (1) semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines; and (2) gas operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. However, it appears that even the Democrat-controlled legislature and Governor recognized that such a law would not withstand a Second Amendment challenge based on the recent decisions from the United States Supreme Court; so before the bill was passed, an exception was added allowing individuals that undergo a permitting process to acquire these firearms. Accordingly, the law does not “ban” these common firearms used by tens of millions of Americans for self-defense and other sporting purposes, it just mandates a time-consuming and potentially expensive process for Coloradans to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.
In addition, the law changes the definition “dangerous weapon” to include a rapid-fire device, which is defined as “any device, part, kit, tool, accessory, or combination of parts that has the effect of increasing the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm above the standard rate of fire for the semiautomatic firearm that is not otherwise equipped with that device, part, or combination of parts.” This change bans bump-stocks, binary triggers, and other such after-market products that increase the rate of fire for a semi-automatic firearm.
The Colorado State Shooting Association reported it is “actively exploring every legal option to challenge this unconstitutional law.” Lawsuits are expected challenging the constitutionality of this law and we will provide you with updates.
If you have any questions about this law, or any challenges to it, please contact John Renzulli or Christopher Renzulli.