FnF News
Colorado’s SB25-003: A Controversial Step Towards Gun Control Amidst Enforcement Concerns
By [Your Name], FNF News | June 2, 2025
In a significant move towards gun control, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-003 into law on April 10, 2025. Dubbed by critics as the “Jared Polis Gun Ban,” the legislation aims to regulate the sale and ownership of specific semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices. While proponents hail it as a necessary measure to curb gun violence, opponents argue it infringes upon Second Amendment rights and question its enforceability.(AP News, Colorado General Assembly)
Key Provisions of SB25-003
Effective August 1, 2026, SB25-003 introduces several restrictions:(Straight Arrow News)
- Permit and Training Requirements: Individuals must obtain a permit and complete firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines.(CO House Democrats)
- Ban on Rapid-Fire Devices: The sale and purchase of rapid-fire conversion devices, such as bump stocks and binary triggers, are prohibited.(CO House Democrats)
- Classification of Rapid-Fire Devices: These devices are now classified as dangerous weapons, subjecting them to stricter regulations.(Colorado General Assembly)
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations can result in misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the offense’s severity and recurrence.(Colorado General Assembly)
Implementation and Enforcement Challenges
The law’s enforcement has raised concerns among local law enforcement agencies. Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson expressed uncertainty about his department’s capacity to manage the new permitting system without additional staffing. The state anticipates approximately 50,000 applications in the 2025-26 fiscal year, generating around $2 million in revenue through permit fees. However, the administrative burden on local agencies remains a pressing issue.(Axios)
Opposition and Legal Challenges
SB25-003 has faced opposition from various quarters. Douglas County Commissioners passed a resolution urging Governor Polis to veto the bill, citing concerns over its constitutionality and the financial burden on local governments. Gun rights groups, including Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, have signaled intentions to challenge the law in court, arguing that it effectively imposes a de facto ban on semiautomatic firearms and infringes upon constitutional rights.(Douglas County, AP News)
Public Safety and Gun-Free Zones
Critics question the efficacy of gun-free zones in preventing violence, pointing to incidents where such areas have not deterred attacks involving weapons like Molotov cocktails. They argue that while the law aims to enhance public safety, it may not address the root causes of violence and could leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable.
Conclusion
As Colorado prepares to implement SB25-003, the state stands at a crossroads between advancing gun control measures and addressing concerns over constitutional rights and practical enforcement. The coming months will be crucial in determining the law’s impact on public safety and its reception among Colorado residents.