A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning prohibited activity involving semiautomatic
Page 1, Line 102firearms, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the
Page 1, Line 103manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase
Page 1, Line 104of specified semiautomatic firearms, classifying a
Page 1, Line 105device that increases the rate of fire of a
Page 1, Line 106semiautomatic firearm as a dangerous weapon, and
Page 1, Line 107making an appropriation.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill defines a "specified semiautomatic firearm" as a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. The bill prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an heir, an individual residing in another state, or a federally licensed firearm dealer.
Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 6 felony. The department of revenue shall revoke the state firearms dealer permit of a dealer who unlawfully manufactures, distributes, transfers, sells, or purchases a specified semiautomatic firearm. The Colorado bureau of investigation shall deny the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of misdemeanor unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm within 5 years prior to the transfer. A person convicted of felony unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is prohibited from possessing a firearm or certain other weapons.
Existing law prohibits possession of a dangerous weapon. The bill defines "rapid-fire device" and classifies rapid-fire devices as dangerous weapons under Colorado law. The bill repeals the definition of "machine gun conversion device" and removes machine gun conversion devices from the list of dangerous weapons.
Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 2SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-12-101, repeal (1)(g.2); and add (1)(g.7) and (1)(g.8) as follows:
Page 2, Line 318-12-101. Peace officer affirmative defense - definitions. (1) As used in this article 12, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 2, Line 4(g.2)
"Machine gun conversion device" means any part designedPage 2, Line 5
or intended, or combination of parts designed or intended, for use in converting a firearm into a machine gun.Page 2, Line 6(g.7) "Rapid-fire device" means any device, part, kit, tool,
Page 2, Line 7accessory, or combination of parts that has the effect of
Page 2, Line 8increasing the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm above the
Page 3, Line 1standard rate of fire for the semiautomatic firearm that is not
Page 3, Line 2otherwise equipped with that device, part, or combination of parts.
Page 3, Line 3(g.8) "Semiautomatic firearm" means a firearm that is not
Page 3, Line 4a machine gun and that, upon initiating the firing sequence, fires
Page 3, Line 5the first chambered cartridge and uses a portion of the energy
Page 3, Line 6of the firing cartridge to extract the expended cartridge case,
Page 3, Line 7chamber the next round, and prepare the firing mechanism to
Page 3, Line 8fire again, and requires a separate pull, release, push, or
Page 3, Line 9initiation of the trigger to fire each cartridge. "Semiautomatic
Page 3, Line 10firearm" includes a semiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic shotgun, or semiautomatic handgun.
Page 3, Line 11SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 18-12-116 as follows:
Page 3, Line 1218-12-116. Enforcement of large-capacity magazine ban by
Page 3, Line 13regulating the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase
Page 3, Line 14of specified semiautomatic firearms - penalties - definitions. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 3, Line 15(a) "Cycle the action" means to extract the fired
Page 3, Line 16cartridge case, chamber the next cartridge, and prepare the firing mechanism to fire again.
Page 3, Line 17(b) "Detachable magazine" means an ammunition feeding
Page 3, Line 18device that is not permanently attached to a firearm and may be
Page 3, Line 19removed from the firearm without rendering the firearm
Page 3, Line 20incapable of accepting any magazine. "Detachable magazine"
Page 3, Line 21does not include an attached tubular magazine located under
Page 3, Line 22the barrel of a firearm.
Page 4, Line 1(c) "Gas-operated semiautomatic handgun" means any
Page 4, Line 2semiautomatic handgun that harnesses or traps a portion of the
Page 4, Line 3high-pressure gas from a fired cartridge to cycle the action using any of the following:
Page 4, Line 4(I) A long-stroke piston system in which gas is vented from
Page 4, Line 5the barrel to a piston that is mechanically fixed to the bolt group and moves to cycle the action;
Page 4, Line 6(II) A short-stroke piston system in which gas is vented
Page 4, Line 7from the barrel to a piston that moves separately from the bolt
Page 4, Line 8group so that the energy is imparted through a gas piston to cycle the action;
Page 4, Line 9(III) A system that traps and vents gas from either the
Page 4, Line 10barrel or the chamber to directly strike or impinge the bolt, bolt carrier, or slide assembly, to unlock and cycle the action;
Page 4, Line 11(IV) A hybrid system that combines elements of a system
Page 4, Line 12described in subsection (1)(c)(I) of this section with a system
Page 4, Line 13described in subsection (1)(c)(II) or (1)(c)(III) of this section to capture gas vented from the barrel to cycle the action; or
Page 4, Line 14(V) A blowback-operated system that directly utilizes
Page 4, Line 15the expanding gasses of the ignited propellant powder acting on
Page 4, Line 16the cartridge case to drive the breechblock or breech bolt rearward.
Page 4, Line 17(d) (I) "Specified semiautomatic firearm" means any of the
Page 4, Line 18following, except as provided in subsection (1)(d)(II) of this section:
Page 4, Line 19(A) A semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with
Page 4, Line 20a detachable magazine; or
Page 5, Line 1(B) A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine.
Page 5, Line 2(II) "Specified semiautomatic firearm" does not include:
Page 5, Line 3(A) A firearm designed to accept, and capable of
Page 5, Line 4operating only with, .22 or lower caliber rimfire ammunition, unless the firearm has a separate upper and lower receiver;
Page 5, Line 5(B) A firearm that is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
Page 5, Line 6(C) A firearm that has a permanently fixed magazine that
Page 5, Line 7cannot accept more than fifteen rounds of ammunition,
Page 5, Line 8including a semiautomatic firearm that has been converted to
Page 5, Line 9have a permanently fixed magazine that cannot accept more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
Page 5, Line 10(D) A single or double action semiautomatic handgun that uses recoil to cycle the action of the handgun;
Page 5, Line 11(E) The following models of firearms, as they exist and
Page 5, Line 12are configured on the effective date of this section: AG42
Page 5, Line 13Ljungman; Benelli Argo E Pro; Benelli R1 Big-Game Rifle;
Page 5, Line 14Browning BAR MK 3; Browning BAR LongTrac Rifle; Browning
Page 5, Line 15BAR ShortTrac Rifle; Fabrique Nationale Model 49, commonly
Page 5, Line 16known as FN49; Fusil Automatique Modele 1917, also known as
Page 5, Line 17RSC M1917; Gewehr 43; Globco Mohawk; Hakim Rifle; HK SL6;
Page 5, Line 18HK SL7; M1 Carbine; M1941 Johnson Rifle; Marlin Camp Carbine;
Page 5, Line 19MAS49; Remington Model 4; Remington Model 8; Remington
Page 5, Line 20Model 740; Remington Model 742; Remington Model 750;
Page 5, Line 21Remington 7400; Ruger Deerfield Carbine; Ruger Mini-14 Ranch
Page 5, Line 22Rifle; Ruger Mini Thirty Rifle; Ruger Model 44; Springfield
Page 6, Line 1Armory M1A Standard Issue Rifle; SVT 40; Valmet Hunter M88;
Page 6, Line 2VZ.52; Winchester Model 100; Winchester Model 1905; Winchester Model 1907; and Winchester Model 1910;
Page 6, Line 3(F) A firearm that has been made permanently inoperable; or
Page 6, Line 4(G) An antique firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. sec. 921 (a)(16), or a curio or relic, as defined in 27 CFR 478.11.
Page 6, Line 5(2) On or after August 1, 2026, it is unlawful for any
Page 6, Line 6person to knowingly manufacture, distribute, transfer, sell, or
Page 6, Line 7purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm; except that a person
Page 6, Line 8may sell or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an
Page 6, Line 9individual residing in another state or a federally licensed firearm dealer.
Page 6, Line 10(3) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to:
Page 6, Line 11(a) The manufacture for, transfer or sale of a specified
Page 6, Line 12semiautomatic firearm to, or receipt or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm by:
Page 6, Line 13(I) A federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agency for the purpose of equipping the agency's peace officers;
Page 6, Line 14(II) A peace officer, as described in section 16-2.5-101, who
Page 6, Line 15is certified by the peace officer standards and training board
Page 6, Line 16created in section 24-31-302, if the agency that employs the
Page 6, Line 17peace officer requires or permits the peace officer to carry a
Page 6, Line 18specified semiautomatic firearm for use in the peace officer's official capacity;
Page 6, Line 19(III) The department of corrections, the warden of a
Page 6, Line 20prison, the superintendent of a facility in which a person has
Page 7, Line 1been placed by transfer from a correctional facility pursuant
Page 7, Line 2to section 17-23-101, the keeper of a jail, or the head of any
Page 7, Line 3other institution for the detention of people accused or
Page 7, Line 4convicted of an offense, in order to equip staff for the performance of their official duties;
Page 7, Line 5(IV) An entity that operates an armored vehicle business
Page 7, Line 6for use by an authorized employee of the entity while in the course and scope of the employee's duties;or
Page 7, Line 7(V) An instructor of an accredited gunsmithing course in
Page 7, Line 8a state-authorized institution of higher education or an
Page 7, Line 9institution regulated by the Colorado division of private
Page 7, Line 10occupational schools for the purposes of educational
Page 7, Line 11instruction or manufacture, repair, or maintenance of a
Page 7, Line 12specified semiautomatic firearm during the course of educational instruction;
Page 7, Line 13(b) The manufacture for, transfer or sale of a specified
Page 7, Line 14semiautomatic firearm to, or receipt or purchase of a specified
Page 7, Line 15semiautomatic firearm for use by, members of the armed services
Page 7, Line 16or reserve forces of the United States or of the Colorado National Guard, in the performance of their official duties;
Page 7, Line 17(c) The transfer of a specified semiautomatic firearm to, and receipt of a specified semiautomatic firearm by:
Page 7, Line 18(I) A federally licensed firearms dealer for temporary storage or permanent disposal;
Page 7, Line 19(II) A gunsmith for the purposes of maintenance, repair, or
Page 7, Line 20modification and the subsequent return of the specified
Page 7, Line 21semiautomatic firearm to the lawful owner, unless the gunsmith
Page 8, Line 1has reason to believe that the lawful owner is prohibited by law from possessing the specified semiautomatic firearm; or
Page 8, Line 2(III) A student of an accredited gunsmithing course in a
Page 8, Line 3state-authorized institution of higher education or an
Page 8, Line 4institution regulated by the Colorado division of private
Page 8, Line 5occupational schools for the purposes of educational
Page 8, Line 6instruction or manufacture, repair, or maintenance of a
Page 8, Line 7specified semiautomatic firearm during the course of the student's educational instruction;
Page 8, Line 8(d) The sale of a specified semiautomatic firearm to, and
Page 8, Line 9purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm by, an institution
Page 8, Line 10of higher educationthat operates,or an instructorof,an
Page 8, Line 11educational program approved by the governing board of a
Page 8, Line 12public institution of higher education or the Colorado division
Page 8, Line 13of private occupational schools, for use and storage at the location of the educational program;
Page 8, Line 14(e) The transfer or sale of a specified semiautomatic
Page 8, Line 15firearm to, and receipt or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm by:
Page 8, Line 16(I) A person who:
Page 8, Line 17(A) Completed a hunter education course certified by the
Page 8, Line 18division of parks and wildlife, as described in section 33-6-107 (8),
Page 8, Line 19and, within five years before making the purchase, completed a
Page 8, Line 20basic firearms safety course described in subsection (5) of this section;
Page 8, Line 21(B) Within five years before making the purchase,
Page 8, Line 22completed an extended firearms safety course described in subsection (5) of this section; or
Page 9, Line 1(C) Completed an extended firearms safety course more
Page 9, Line 2than five years before making the purchase and completed a
Page 9, Line 3basic firearms safety course within five years before making the purchase;
Page 9, Line 4(II) A federal, state, or local historical society, museum,
Page 9, Line 5or institutional collection that is open to the public, if the
Page 9, Line 6specified semiautomatic firearm is rendered permanently inoperable prior to the sale or transfer; and
Page 9, Line 7(III) A forensic laboratory, or any authorized agent or
Page 9, Line 8employee of the laboratory, for use exclusively in the course and scope of forensic analysis;
Page 9, Line 9(f) A transfer that occurs by operation of law or because
Page 9, Line 10of the death of a person for whom the prospective transferor is
Page 9, Line 11an executor or administrator of an estate or a trustee of a trust created in awill; and
Page 9, Line 12(g) The manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or
Page 9, Line 13rental of a specified semiautomatic firearm capable of only
Page 9, Line 14firing blanks by, or receipt or purchase of a specified
Page 9, Line 15semiautomatic firearm capable of only firing blanks from, a
Page 9, Line 16federally licensed firearm dealer, for use solely as a prop for a film, as defined in section 24-48.5-114.
Page 9, Line 17(4) (a) A person who violates subsection (2) of this section
Page 9, Line 18commits unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm.
Page 9, Line 19(b) Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale,
Page 9, Line 20or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is a class 2
Page 10, Line 1misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 6 felony.
Page 10, Line 2(5) (a) (I) A basic firearms safety course and an extended
Page 10, Line 3firearms safety course must be taught by an instructor verified
Page 10, Line 4by a sheriff as a firearms instructor pursuant to section
Page 10, Line 518-12-202.7. A basic or extended firearms safety course must be
Page 10, Line 6held in person with the instructor of the class at the same
Page 10, Line 7location as the students and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet.
Page 10, Line 8(II) In order to enroll in a basic or extended firearms
Page 10, Line 9safety course, a person must hold a valid firearms safety
Page 10, Line 10course eligibility card, as described in subsection (5)(b) of this
Page 10, Line 11section. Before allowing a student to attend a course, the
Page 10, Line 12instructor shall verify that the student holds a valid firearms
Page 10, Line 13safety course eligibility card by requesting information from
Page 10, Line 14the firearms training and safety course record system created in section 33-9-115.
Page 10, Line 15(III) (A) A basic firearms safety course must provide a minimum of four hours of instruction.
Page 10, Line 16(B) An extended firearms safety course must provide a
Page 10, Line 17minimum of twelve hours of instruction, which must be provided on at least two different days.
Page 10, Line 18(IV) A basic or extended firearms safety course must
Page 10, Line 19satisfy the course requirements adopted by the division and
Page 10, Line 20include, but is not limited to including, instruction on safe
Page 10, Line 21handling of semiautomatic firearms and ammunition magazines,
Page 10, Line 22safe storage of firearms and child safety, firearm deaths
Page 11, Line 1associated with mental illness, extreme risk protection orders
Page 11, Line 2described in article 14.5 of title 13, and victim awareness and empathy.
Page 11, Line 3(V) At the conclusion of a basic or extended firearms
Page 11, Line 4safety course, the instructor shall administer an exam that
Page 11, Line 5tests a student's knowledge of the subjects taught in the course
Page 11, Line 6and requires the student to demonstrate the ability to safely
Page 11, Line 7handle firearms and a mastery of gun safety. To complete a
Page 11, Line 8basic firearms safety course, a student must achieve a score of at least ninety percent on the exam.
Page 11, Line 9(VI) Within three business days after a student's
Page 11, Line 10completion of a basic or extended firearms safety course, the
Page 11, Line 11instructor shall report the student's course completion to the
Page 11, Line 12firearms training and safety course record system described in section 33-9-115.
Page 11, Line 13(b) (I) Each sheriff shall issue firearms safety course
Page 11, Line 14eligibility cards pursuant to this subsection (5)(b). A card is valid for five years after the date of issuance.
Page 11, Line 15(II) To obtain a firearms safety course eligibility card, an
Page 11, Line 16applicant must submit an application to the sheriff on a form
Page 11, Line 17created by the division of parks and wildlife and submit to the
Page 11, Line 18sheriff the materials described in subsection (5)(b)(III) of this
Page 11, Line 19section. The application form must require the applicant to
Page 11, Line 20provide their full name and date of birth and make the following attestations:
Page 11, Line 21(A) The applicant does not have a state or federal
Page 11, Line 22conviction that would prohibit them from purchasing or possessing a firearm;
Page 12, Line 1(B) The applicant will not violate relevant state law
Page 12, Line 2related to the purchase, possession, storage, and lawful use of firearms; and
Page 12, Line 3(C) The applicant will only transfer a firearm pursuant
Page 12, Line 4to section 18-12-112 and this section and not allow another
Page 12, Line 5person who the applicant believes would be a danger to themself or others access to a firearm in the applicant's possession.
Page 12, Line 6(III) An applicant must also submit to the sheriff:
Page 12, Line 7(A) Government-issued photographic identification issued to the applicant; and
Page 12, Line 8(B) The results of a completed name-based background
Page 12, Line 9check of national and Colorado public criminal history and
Page 12, Line 10judicial databases completed by a third-party vendor that
Page 12, Line 11conducts those checks as a normal part of the vendor's business,
Page 12, Line 12and an attestation from the vendor that the background check was performed by the vendor.
Page 12, Line 13(IV) A person who knowingly makes a false or misleading
Page 12, Line 14statement on a firearms safety course eligibility card
Page 12, Line 15application or deliberately omits any material information
Page 12, Line 16requested on the application commits perjury in the second
Page 12, Line 17degree, as described in section 18-8-503. In addition to any
Page 12, Line 18criminal penalties, if a person is convicted of perjury for making
Page 12, Line 19a false or misleading statement on a firearms safety course
Page 12, Line 20eligibility card application, the sheriff shall revoke the person's card if issued prior to conviction.
Page 12, Line 21(V) The applicant must submit a firearms safety course
Page 13, Line 1eligibility card fee to the sheriff. The firearms safety course
Page 13, Line 2eligibility card fee includes the sheriff's processing fee and the
Page 13, Line 3firearms training and safety course record fee established
Page 13, Line 4pursuant to section 33-9-115 (5)(a). The firearms safety course
Page 13, Line 5eligibility card fee is not refundable if the sheriff denies the
Page 13, Line 6applicant's application. Each sheriff may establish a processing
Page 13, Line 7fee. The amount of the fee must reflect the actual direct and
Page 13, Line 8indirect costs to the sheriff for issuing a firearms safety course
Page 13, Line 9eligibility card. The sheriff shall remit the firearms training
Page 13, Line 10and safety course record fee collected from each applicant to the division of parks and wildlife.
Page 13, Line 11(VI) (A) A sheriff shall review each submitted application for a firearms safety course eligibility card.
Page 13, Line 12(B) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection
Page 13, Line 13(5)(b)(VI), a sheriff shall issue a firearms safety course
Page 13, Line 14eligibility card to an applicant who submits to the sheriff the
Page 13, Line 15application, information, and fee required in this subsection(5)(b).
Page 13, Line 16(C) A sheriff shall deny an application for a firearms
Page 13, Line 17safety course eligibility card if the applicant cannot lawfully
Page 13, Line 18possess a firearm under state or federal law or the sheriff
Page 13, Line 19cannot positively identify the applicant. The sheriff may deny an
Page 13, Line 20application if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that
Page 13, Line 21documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely
Page 13, Line 22the applicant will present a danger to themself or others if the applicant holds a firearms safety course eligibility card.
Page 13, Line 23(D) The sheriff shall revoke an issued firearms safety
Page 14, Line 1course eligibility card if the sheriff knows that the cardholder
Page 14, Line 2cannot lawfully possess a firearm under state or federal law.
Page 14, Line 3The sheriff may revoke an issued firearms safety course
Page 14, Line 4eligibility card if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that
Page 14, Line 5documented previous behavior by the cardholder makes it likely
Page 14, Line 6the cardholder will present a danger to themself or others if
Page 14, Line 7the cardholder continues holding a firearms safety course eligibility card.
Page 14, Line 8(E) If a sheriff denies a person's firearms safety course
Page 14, Line 9card application or revokes a person's firearms safety course
Page 14, Line 10eligibility card, the sheriff shall notify the person in writing,
Page 14, Line 11stating the grounds for denial or revocation and informing the
Page 14, Line 12person of the right to seek judicial review pursuant to subsection (5)(b)(X) of this section.
Page 14, Line 13(VII) A sheriff shall report information required by the
Page 14, Line 14division of parks and wildlife about the card to the firearms
Page 14, Line 15training and safety course record system created in section 33-9-115.
Page 14, Line 16(VIII) A firearms safety course eligibility card must
Page 14, Line 17include the firearms safety course eligibility card holder's full
Page 14, Line 18name; the county of issuance and the signature of the sheriff
Page 14, Line 19who issued the card; and the issuance and expiration dates of the card.
Page 14, Line 20(IX) A sheriff is not liable for any damages that may
Page 14, Line 21result from good faith compliance with the provisions of this
Page 14, Line 22subsection (5)(b), including damages that may result from
Page 14, Line 23issuance or denial of a firearm safety course eligibility card.
Page 15, Line 1(X) (A) If a sheriff denies a person's firearms safety course
Page 15, Line 2eligibility card application or revokes a person's firearms safety
Page 15, Line 3course eligibility card, the person may seek judicial review of the sheriff's decision.
Page 15, Line 4(B) The procedures specified in rule 106 (a)(4) and (b) of
Page 15, Line 5the Colorado rules of civil procedure govern the procedure and
Page 15, Line 6timelines for filing a complaint, an answer, and briefs for
Page 15, Line 7judicial review pursuant to this subsection (5)(b)(X). At a
Page 15, Line 8judicial review sought pursuant to this subsection (5)(b)(X), the
Page 15, Line 9sheriff has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the
Page 15, Line 10evidence that the person is ineligible for a firearms safety
Page 15, Line 11course eligibility card; except that if the denial or revocation
Page 15, Line 12is because the sheriff has determined that the applicant will
Page 15, Line 13present a danger to themself or others pursuant to subsection
Page 15, Line 14(5)(b)(VI), of this section, the sheriff has the burden of proving that determination by clear and convincing evidence.
Page 15, Line 15(C) Following completion of the review, the court may award attorney fees to the prevailing party.
Page 15, Line 16SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 33-9-115 as follows:
Page 15, Line 1733-9-115. Firearms training and safety course record system
Page 15, Line 18- rules - legislative declaration -definitions. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 15, Line 19(a) "Basic firearms safety course" means a basic firearms safety course described in section 18-12-116 (5).
Page 15, Line 20(b) "Bureau" means the Colorado bureau of investigation
Page 15, Line 21created in section 24-33.5-401.
Page 16, Line 1(c) "Division" means the division of parks and wildlife created in section 33-9-104.
Page 16, Line 2(d) "Extended firearms safety course" means an extended firearms safety course described section 18-12-116 (5).
Page 16, Line 3(e) "Hunter education course" means a hunter education
Page 16, Line 4course certified by the division of parks and wildlife, as described in section 33-6-107 (8).
Page 16, Line 5(f) "System" means the firearms training and safety
Page 16, Line 6course record system described in subsection (2)(a) of this section.
Page 16, Line 7(2) (a) The division shall develop and operate a system of records of persons who:
Page 16, Line 8(I) Hold a valid firearms safety course eligibility card issued pursuant to section 18-12-116 (5)(b); and
Page 16, Line 9(II) Have completed a hunter education course, a basic
Page 16, Line 10firearms safety course, or an extended firearms safety course.
Page 16, Line 11(b) The division shall consult with the bureau in developing and operating the system.
Page 16, Line 12(c) The system is not a record that a person purchases or
Page 16, Line 13exchanges firearms or purchased or exchanged a specific firearm.
Page 16, Line 14(3) The system must allow:
Page 16, Line 15(a) A sheriff to electronically enter into the system the
Page 16, Line 16name of and other information required by the division about
Page 16, Line 17each person who was issued a firearms safety course eligibility card;
Page 16, Line 18(b) The instructor of a basic firearms safety course or
Page 17, Line 1extended firearms safety course to request and receive
Page 17, Line 2information about whether a person holds a valid firearms
Page 17, Line 3safety course eligibility card issued pursuant to section18-12-116 (5)(b);
Page 17, Line 4(c) The instructor of a hunter education course, basic
Page 17, Line 5firearms safety course, or extended firearms safety course to
Page 17, Line 6electronically enter into the system the nameofand other
Page 17, Line 7information required by the divisionabouteach student who completes a course; and
Page 17, Line 8(d) A federal firearms licensee, as defined in section
Page 17, Line 918-12-101, to electronically request and receive information
Page 17, Line 10about whether a person has completed the courses necessary to
Page 17, Line 11purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm pursuant to section18-12-116(3)(e)(I).
Page 17, Line 12(4) (a) The division may adopt processes and procedures necessary for the implementation of this section.
Page 17, Line 13(b) The division shall establish course requirements for
Page 17, Line 14a basic firearms safety course and an extended firearms safety
Page 17, Line 15course that include instruction on the subjects required in
Page 17, Line 16section 18-12-116 (5)(a)(IV). The requirements must not require
Page 17, Line 17more than four hours of instruction for a basic firearms safety
Page 17, Line 18course or twelve hours of instruction for an extended firearms safety course.
Page 17, Line 19(c) The division shall create an application form for a
Page 17, Line 20person to apply for a firearms safety course eligibility card
Page 17, Line 21pursuant to section 18-12-116. The application form must require
Page 17, Line 22the information required to be submitted on an application
Page 18, Line 1pursuant to section 18-12-116 (5)(b). The division shall make the application form available at no cost on its website.
Page 18, Line 2(5) (a) The commission shall establish a firearms training
Page 18, Line 3and safety course record fee for a person to be included in the
Page 18, Line 4system. The fee must reflect actual direct and indirect costs to
Page 18, Line 5implement this section. The commission may adjust the fee, but
Page 18, Line 6shall not adjust the fee more than one time each year. The
Page 18, Line 7division shall transmit the fee money remitted to the division by
Page 18, Line 8a sheriff pursuant to section 18-12-116 (5)(b) to the state
Page 18, Line 9treasurer, who shall deposit the fee money in the firearms training and safety course cash fund.
Page 18, Line 10(b) (I) The firearms training and safety course cash fund
Page 18, Line 11is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of money
Page 18, Line 12credited to the fund pursuant to subsection (5)(a) of this section
Page 18, Line 13and any other money that the general assembly may appropriate
Page 18, Line 14or transfer to the fund. The state treasurer shall credit all
Page 18, Line 15interest and income derived from the deposit and investment of
Page 18, Line 16money in thefirearmstraining and safety course cash fund to
Page 18, Line 17the fund. Money in the fund is continuously appropriated to the division for the purposes of this section.
Page 18, Line 18(II) The money credited to the firearms training and
Page 18, Line 19safety course cash fund pursuant to section 18-12-116 (5)(b) and
Page 18, Line 20any income and interest derived from the deposit and investment
Page 18, Line 21of the money is exempt from any restriction on spending,
Page 18, Line 22revenue, or appropriations, including, without limitation, the restrictions of section 20 of article X of the state constitution.
Page 18, Line 23(c) (I) Before December 31, 2029, in order to implement this
Page 19, Line 1section, the director of the division may report to the state
Page 19, Line 2treasurer an amount of money to transfer to the firearms
Page 19, Line 3training and safety course cash fund from the parks and
Page 19, Line 4outdoor recreation cash fund. Within three days after receiving
Page 19, Line 5a report from the director, the state treasurer shall transfer
Page 19, Line 6the amount of money described in the report. The director of the
Page 19, Line 7division may make multiple reports to the treasurer pursuant to this subsection (5)(c)(I).
Page 19, Line 8(II) (A) In order to restore to the parks and outdoor
Page 19, Line 9recreation cash fund the amount of money transferred from the
Page 19, Line 10fund pursuant to subsection (5)(c)(I) of this section, with
Page 19, Line 11interest, the director of the division may report to the state
Page 19, Line 12treasurer an amount of money to transfer from the firearms
Page 19, Line 13training and safety course cash fund to the parks and outdoor
Page 19, Line 14recreation cash fund. Within three days after receiving a report
Page 19, Line 15from the director, the state treasurer shall transfer the
Page 19, Line 16amount of money described in the report. The director of the
Page 19, Line 17division may make multiple reports to the treasurer pursuant to this subsection (5)(c)(II)(A).
Page 19, Line 18(B) The total amount of the transfers to the parks and
Page 19, Line 19outdoor recreation cash fund pursuant to this subsection
Page 19, Line 20(5)(c)(II) must not be greater than the total amount transferred
Page 19, Line 21from the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund pursuant to subsection (5)(c)(I) of this section.
Page 19, Line 22(C) By June 30, 2030, the total amount of the transfers to
Page 19, Line 23the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund reported by the
Page 19, Line 24director of the division to the state treasurer pursuant to this
Page 20, Line 1subsection (5)(c)(II) must be equal to the total amount
Page 20, Line 2transferred from the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund
Page 20, Line 3pursuant to subsection (5)(c)(I) of this section, plus fair market interest, as determined by the director.
Page 20, Line 4(III) This subsection (5)(c) is repealed, effective July 1, 2030.
Page 20, Line 5(6) The general assembly finds and declares that,
Page 20, Line 6consistent with the determination of the Colorado Supreme
Page 20, Line 7Court in Nicholl v. e-470 Public Highway Authority, 896 p.2d 859
Page 20, Line 8(Colo. 1995), the power to impose taxes is inconsistent with
Page 20, Line 9enterprise status under section 20 of article X of the state
Page 20, Line 10constitution, and it is the conclusion of the general assembly
Page 20, Line 11that the firearms training and safety course record fee imposed
Page 20, Line 12by this bill is a fee, not a tax, because the fee is imposed for the
Page 20, Line 13specific purpose of defraying costs of providing record-keeping
Page 20, Line 14services to fee payers to enable them to purchase specified
Page 20, Line 15semiautomatic firearms pursuant to section 18-12-116 and is
Page 20, Line 16collected at a rate that is reasonably related to the overall
Page 20, Line 17cost of operating and maintaining the firearms training and safety course record system created in section 33-9-115.
Page 20, Line 18(7) On or before December 31, 2025, and on or before
Page 20, Line 19December 31 of each year thereafter, the division shall submit
Page 20, Line 20a report to the house of representatives judiciary committee and
Page 20, Line 21the senate judiciary committee, or their successor committees,
Page 20, Line 22about the expenses incurred by the division to implement Senate
Page 20, Line 23Bill 25-003, enacted in 2025, and any additional resources the
Page 20, Line 24division needs to effectively implement Senate Bill 25-003.
Page 21, Line 1SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-12-108, amend (7)(hhh) and (7)(iii); and add (7)(jjj) as follows:
Page 21, Line 218-12-108. Possession of weapons by previous offenders. (7) In
Page 21, Line 3addition to a conviction for felony crime as defined in section 24-4.1-302
Page 21, Line 4(1), a felony conviction or adjudication for one of the following felonies
Page 21, Line 5prohibits a person from possessing, using, or carrying upon the person a
Page 21, Line 6firearm as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h) or any other weapon that is subject to this article 12 pursuant to subsection (1) or (3) of this section:
Page 21, Line 7(hhh) A criminal attempt, complicity, or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection (7);
andPage 21, Line 8(iii) Unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver, as described in section 18-12-111.5; and
Page 21, Line 9(jjj) Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale,
Page 21, Line 10or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm, as described in section 18-12-116.
Page 21, Line 11SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-33.5-424, amend (3)(b.3)(XI) and (3)(b.3)(XII); and add (3)(b.3)(XIII) as follows:
Page 21, Line 1224-33.5-424. National instant criminal background check
Page 21, Line 13system - state point of contact - fee - grounds for denial of firearm
Page 21, Line 14transfer - appeal - rule-making - unlawful acts - instant criminal
Page 21, Line 15background check cash fund - creation. (3) (b.3) In addition to the
Page 21, Line 16grounds for denial specified in subsections (3)(a) and (3)(b) of this
Page 21, Line 17section, the bureau shall deny a transfer of a firearm if the prospective
Page 21, Line 18transferee has been convicted of any of the following offenses committed
Page 21, Line 19on or after June 19, 2021, if the offense is classified as a misdemeanor,
Page 21, Line 20or if the prospective transferee has been convicted in another state or
Page 21, Line 21jurisdiction, including a military or federal jurisdiction, of an offense that,
Page 22, Line 1if committed in Colorado, would constitute any of the following offenses
Page 22, Line 2classified as a misdemeanor offense, within five years prior to the transfer:
Page 22, Line 3(XI) Unlawfully providing a firearm other than a handgun to a juvenile, as described in section 18-12-108.7 (3);
orPage 22, Line 4(XII) Unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver, as described in section 18-12-111.5; or
Page 22, Line 5(XIII) Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale,
Page 22, Line 6or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm, as described in section 18-12-116.
Page 22, Line 7SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-12-401.5, amend (8)(a)(IV)(D) and (8)(a)(IV)(E); and add (8)(a)(IV)(F) as follows:
Page 22, Line 818-12-401.5. Permit required - issuing agency - cash fund -
Page 22, Line 9inspections - penalty - report - rules - repeal. (8) (a) Notwithstanding
Page 22, Line 10subsection (7) of this section, the department shall revoke a state permit if the state permit holder:
Page 22, Line 11(IV) Is convicted of any of the following:
Page 22, Line 12(D) Selling or otherwise transferring a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess the firearm pursuant to state or federal law;
orPage 22, Line 13(E) Selling or otherwise transferring a firearm component or
Page 22, Line 14accessory, as defined in section 29-11.7-101.5, to another person in violation of federal, state, or local law; or
Page 22, Line 15(F) Manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or
Page 22, Line 16purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm in violation of section 18-12-116.
Page 22, Line 17SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 24-35-122 as
Page 22, Line 18follows:
Page 23, Line 124-35-122. Specified semiautomatic firearms guidance.The
Page 23, Line 2division in the department of revenue responsible for issuing
Page 23, Line 3state firearms dealer permits shall provide guidance and
Page 23, Line 4clarification to assist in the implementation of section 18-12-116.
Page 23, Line 5The division shall publish and make publicly available guidance
Page 23, Line 6about specific models of firearms to which section 18-12-116 (2)
Page 23, Line 7applies. The division may consult with firearm experts and
Page 23, Line 8convene working groups to assist with creating guidance about
Page 23, Line 9the specific models of firearms to which section 18-12-116 (2) applies.
Page 23, Line 10SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-12-302, amend (1)(a) as follows:
Page 23, Line 1118-12-302. Large-capacity magazines prohibited - penalties -
Page 23, Line 12exceptions. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section,
on andPage 23, Line 13
after July 1, 2013,class 2Page 23, Line 14SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-12-102, amend (1) as follows:
Page 23, Line 1518-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon -
Page 23, Line 16affirmative defense - definition. (1) As used in this section, the term
Page 23, Line 17"dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun,
machine gun conversion devicePage 23, Line 18SECTION 10. Appropriation. For the 2025-26 state fiscal year,
Page 23, Line 19$100,000 is appropriated to the office of the governor for use by the
Page 23, Line 20office of information technology. This appropriation is from funds
Page 23, Line 21received from the department of natural resources from the firearms
Page 23, Line 22training and safety course cash fund created in section 33-9-115 (5)(b),
Page 24, Line 1C.R.S. To implement this act, the office may use this appropriation to
Page 24, Line 2provide information technology services for the department of natural resources.
Page 24, Line 3SECTION 11. In Session Laws of Colorado 2024, section 6 of chapter 492, amend (1) introductory portion as follows:
Page 24, Line 4Section 6. Appropriation. (1) For the 2024-25 state fiscal year,
Page 24, Line 5$618,973 is appropriated to the department of revenue. Any money
Page 24, Line 6appropriated in this subsection (1) not expended prior to July 1,
Page 24, Line 72025, is further appropriated to the department for expenditure
Page 24, Line 8until the close of the 2025-26 state fiscal year for the same
Page 24, Line 9purpose. This appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the department may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 24, Line 11SECTION 12. Severability. If any provision of this act or the
Page 24, Line 12application of this act to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
Page 24, Line 13invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the act that
Page 24, Line 14can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared to be severable.
Page 24, Line 15SECTION 13. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,
Page 24, Line 16determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
Page 24, Line 17preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for
Page 24, Line 18the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.