Colorado lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 25-003, a proposal aimed at tightening restrictions on the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms. The bill, which reached its second reading on March 20, stops short of an outright ban but introduces new permitting requirements for specific weapons.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The legislation targets what it defines as “specified automatic firearms.” This includes:

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

Unlike a full ban, SB25-003 focuses on stricter oversight and training requirements. Those looking to purchase affected firearms would need to complete a safety course within five years before making a purchase. Exemptions exist for individuals who have already completed certain certified courses.

Impact on Gun Retailers and Customers

Chris Walker, Purchasing and Media Manager at Jerry’s Outdoor Sports, expressed concerns over the bill’s potential effect on sales. He estimated that around 30% of their high-selling items could be impacted if it becomes law.

“We’ll see a lot of shotguns that are very common for home defense that are no longer allowed, and we’re going to see a lot of semiautomatic rifles that are used for hunting, competition, and self-defense that are again completely disallowed,” Walker said.

For customers, the additional requirements could pose financial and logistical challenges.

“It is just going to be another barrier for them to exercise their rights,” Walker added. “Unfortunately, a lot of them won’t have the monetary means or the economic status to even go through and complete what’s required of them.”

Political Reactions and Public Response

Supporters of the bill, including the Mesa County Democratic Party, argue that SB25-003 introduces reasonable safeguards without broadly infringing on gun ownership rights. In a statement, the party highlighted the bill’s goal of closing what they call the “high-capacity magazine loophole.”

“Magazines over 15 rounds have been illegal in Colorado for over a decade,” the statement read. “The only thing being outright banned are devices like bump stocks, and the permit is ONLY required for anyone purchasing a firearm that takes a detachable magazine. The vast majority of semiautomatic weapons, shotguns, and handguns would not be impacted.”

Public opinion remains split. While gun rights advocates view the bill as an unnecessary restriction, others see it as a necessary step to enhance public safety. The bill’s proponents argue that its passage would make it easier for law enforcement to track individuals who may pose a risk.

Uncertain Future for the Legislation

While SB25-003 is moving forward in the legislative process, the final outcome remains uncertain. Walker noted that gun retailers have yet to receive official guidance from the state regarding potential implementation.

“We are pretty much having to wait and see what its final form is before we can really look at how we’re going to respond to it and help our clientele respond to it,” he said.

With the debate over gun regulations remaining highly polarized in Colorado and across the country, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for SB25-003.