A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the penalty for theft of firearms, and, in
Page 1, Line 102connection therewith, making 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.)
In current law, the sentencing structure for theft, except for auto theft, is based on the value of the item stolen. The bill exempts theft of firearms from that sentencing structure and makes theft of a firearm a class 6 felony, regardless of the firearm's value. Subsequent violations, including multiple firearms stolen in the same criminal incident, are separate class 5 felonies.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-4-401, amend (2) introductory portion; and add (2.3) as follows:
18-4-401. Theft. (2) Except as provided in subsection (2.3) of this section, theft is:
(2.3) Theft in violation of subsection (1) of this section of a firearm, as defined in section 18-12-101, is a class 6 felony, regardless of the value of the firearm.
SECTION 2. Appropriation. For the 2025-26 state fiscal year,$324,225is appropriated to the judicial department for use by trial courts. This appropriation is from the general fund and is based on an assumption that the trial courts will require an additional 2.8 FTE. To implement this act, the trial courts may use this appropriation for trial court programs.
SECTION 3. Safety clause. The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.