Colorado Firearm Legislation

2026 Colorado Firearms Legislation (Proposed – Not Yet Law)

What bills are currently being considered?

As of the 2026 legislative session in Colorado, lawmakers have introduced several firearm-related proposals. These bills are not yet enacted and may change significantly during committee review.

SB26-004 – Red Flag Law Expansion

  • Expands who may petition for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)
  • Broadens scope of intervention authority

HB26-1144 – 3D Printing Restrictions

  • Prohibits manufacturing firearms or certain parts using 3D printers
  • Prohibits possession or distribution of certain digital design files

HB26-1126 – Dealer Security & Reporting Requirements

  • Adds security requirements for firearm dealers
  • Expands reporting obligations
  • Increases penalties for non-compliance

HB26-1021 & HB26-1072 – Repeal / Rights Legislation

  • Propose repeal of certain firearm regulations
  • Includes elimination of ERPO statutes (in one version)

HB26-1212 – Constitutional Carry Proposal

  • Would expand handgun carry rights

SB26-043 – Firearm Barrel Regulation

  • Would require barrels and certain components to be transferred through a federally licensed dealer
  • Adds new recordkeeping requirements

Important: These bills are introduced only. They are not law unless passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor.

2025 Colorado Firearms Law

SB 25-003 – Semiautomatic Firearm Permit Requirement

(Signed April 10, 2025 – Major provisions effective August 1, 2026)

Signed into law by Jared Polis.

What does SB 25-003 do?

Creates a permit and training requirement before purchasing certain semiautomatic firearms and increases penalties for certain prohibited devices and unlawful transfers.

What firearms are affected?

“Specified semiautomatic firearms,” generally defined as:

  • Semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines
  • Semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines
  • Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines

(Statutory definitions control.)

Is this a ban?

No.
Ownership is not banned.

Beginning August 1, 2026, a purchaser must obtain a permit and complete required training before transfer.

What changes on August 1, 2026?

Before purchasing a covered firearm, an individual must:

  • Complete a state-approved firearms safety course
  • Pass a background check
  • Obtain a firearms course card / permit through the local sheriff

Without the permit, a dealer may not transfer a covered firearm.

Does this affect current owners?

No.
There is no retroactive registration or surrender requirement.

Exceptions

Exceptions exist for:

  • Law enforcement and military
  • Certain institutional or professional uses
  • Inheritance transfers
  • Transfers to out-of-state residents (where lawful)
  • Transfers to federally licensed dealers

Rapid-Fire Devices

Rapid-fire devices (including bump-stock-type devices and FRT-style triggers) are classified as dangerous weapons under Colorado law.

Penalties

Unlawful manufacture, sale, transfer, or purchase:

  • First offense → Class 2 misdemeanor
  • Subsequent offenses → Class 6 felony

Violations may also impact a dealer’s state permit status.

What Should Customers Do?

If you plan to purchase a covered semiautomatic firearm after August 1, 2026:

  • Complete required training in advance
  • Apply for and receive the required permit

Contact us or your local sheriff for current implementation details.

Prior Colorado Firearm Laws (Currently in Effect)

HB24-1349 – Firearm & Ammunition Excise Tax

(Signed June 5, 2024 – Effective April 1, 2025)

  • 6.5% excise tax on firearms, precursor parts, and ammunition
  • Exemptions: Peace officers, law enforcement agencies, active duty military
  • Revenue allocated to mental health, school safety, and victim services

SB23-279 – “Ghost Gun” Ban

(Effective January 1, 2024)

  • Bans manufacture and possession of unserialized frames/receivers
  • Serialization required through licensed dealer by Jan 1, 2024

Penalties:

  • First offense → Class 1 misdemeanor
  • Subsequent offense → Class 5 felony

HB23-1219 – 3-Day Waiting Period

(Effective October 1, 2023)

  • Establishes minimum 3-day waiting period before firearm delivery

SB23-168 – Firearms Industry Accountability

(Effective October 1, 2023)

  • Expands civil liability for firearm industry members

SB23-169 – Raise Purchase Age to 21

(Effective November 27, 2024)

  • Prohibits firearm purchase by individuals under 21

Penalties:

  • Attempted purchase → Class 2 misdemeanor
  • Dealer sale to under-21 → Class 1 misdemeanor

SB23-170 – Red Flag Law Expansion

(Effective April 28, 2023)

  • Expanded eligible ERPO petitioners to include:
    • Medical providers
    • Educators
    • District attorneys

Restrictions while under ERPO:

  • No possession or purchase
  • Immediate surrender of firearms and concealed carry permit

Penalty → Class 2 misdemeanor

HB13-1224 – High Capacity Magazine Ban

(Effective July 1, 2013)

  • Prohibits sale, transfer, or possession of magazines:
    • Over 15 rounds (5 for shotguns)

Penalty → Class 1 misdemeanor

Disclaimer

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change. Always verify current requirements before purchase or transfer.