Colorado's gun laws are on the brink of a significant transformation following the state Senate's approval of a bill that would effectively prohibit the sale of popular semi-automatic firearms like AR-15s and AK-47s, along with shotguns and pistols with a capacity exceeding 15 rounds. While existing ownership wouldn't be affected, the legislation targets future manufacturing, sales, and purchases. The bill also extends to certain after-market modifications that boost a firearm's rate of fire.
Senate Bill 3 cleared the Senate on Tuesday and now advances to the House, where it is anticipated to pass given the Democratic majority. Governor Jared Polis, also a Democrat, has indicated his support for the measure, which includes a provision added by gun control advocates to address his concerns.
This provision outlines a process for obtaining an exemption to purchase the restricted firearms. It involves a local law enforcement background check akin to that required for a concealed carry permit, completion of a state hunting safety course, and an additional four-hour firearm safety course. Individuals without a hunter's license would also need to participate in a 12-hour, two-day in-person training. A minimum score of 90% on the final exam is required for the exemption, which would need renewal every five years.
Despite the exemption clause, the bill faced opposition, with all Senate Republicans and three Democrats voting against it. Republican Senator Paul Lundeen emphasized the Second Amendment right to bear arms, while other Republicans raised concerns about the creation of a potential registry of individuals seeking to purchase the restricted firearms.
Under the proposed legislation, purchasing restricted AR-15s would be classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, with subsequent offenses escalating to a class 6 felony. While the sale of AR-15s and other semi-automatic rifles with smaller magazine capacities remains permissible, the standard factory magazines for AR-15s typically hold at least 15 rounds. Furthermore, few manufacturers produce firearms that comply with the bill's specific requirements, such as permanently affixing the magazine to the firearm. The NRA-ILA's Executive Director, John Commerford, criticized the bill as an attack on law-abiding gun owners and vowed to fight against it.
