- Permit Requirement: Individuals must obtain a firearms safety course eligibility card from a local sheriff before purchasing specific semi-automatic rifles or shotguns.
- Definition of Weapons: The act applies to semi-automatic firearms that use a detachable magazine, including rifles, shotguns, and some handguns.
- Rapid-Fire Devices: The law prohibits the sale and purchase of accessories that accelerate the fire rate of a firearm, such as binary triggers and bump stocks.
- Exemptions: The law generally does not impact the possession of currently owned firearms, nor does it apply to shotguns or common hunting rifles that do not meet the “specified” criteria.
- Penalties: Violations are generally classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, with second or subsequent offenses considered a class 6 felony.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife FAQ on SB 25-003
Announcements
May 26, 2026
May 22, 2026
- On May 26, 2026, Jamie Buechler was appointed to the 2026 Firearm Rulemaking Working Group by the Firearm Dealer Division of the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR).
- The Firearms Dealer Division (FDD) was created with House Bill 24-1353 Firearms Dealer Requirements & Permit. The act requires a firearms dealer (dealer), beginning July 1, 2025, to obtain a state firearms dealer permit (state permit) in order to engage in the business of dealing in firearms other than destructive devices in Colorado.
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The FDD’s Mission is to promote public safety and responsible firearm commerce by ensuring compliance with state laws, fostering education and accountability among firearms dealers, and safeguarding the integrity of firearm transactions. Through collaboration, transparency, and the implementation of effective regulatory measures, the division is committed to supporting a safe and secure Colorado for all residents.
Open Comment Period on Proposed Rules for Implementation of SB25-03
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The Department of Revenue (DOR), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced the Open Comment Period for public feedback from Coloradans, stakeholders, and industry experts to help inform final guidance on SB25-003 that will be issued in July.
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The Firearms Dealer Division (FDD) within the DOR, CPW, and CBI are actively working with stakeholders, industry experts, and advocates to ensure different perspectives are captured and considered as they implement the new law.
Proposed Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Guidance
- On May 15, 2026 the FDD published and made available draft guidance about specific models of firearms(opens in new window), as required by SB25-003.
- As part of its commitment to an open and transparent process, the FDD shared a form for anyone to submit feedback and comments on the proposed firearms guidance.
- The Comment Period is open until midnight on June 5, 2026.
- The FDD will release the official guidance on July 1, 2026, and the new law will take effect on August 1, 2026.
Firearms Safety Program
As part of the legislation, starting August 1, 2026, individuals must obtain an eligibility card from their sheriff and complete a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF). This law only affects those who will purchase and transfer SSFs after August 1, 2026. Those who are in possession of an SSF prior to August 1, 2026, are not affected by this new legislation.
For updated information from CPW on how to purchase or transfer an SSF beginning August 1, visit CPW’s Firearms Safety Program page.
Background Checks
The CBI InstaCheck Unit has prepared and trained an additional 20 reserve staff members from various sections within the CBI to prepare for the implementation of SB25-003.
Related pages
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