Colorado lawmakers pass bills regulating ammo, gun sales

Three gun-control bills have been sent to Gov. Jared Polis for approval by Colorado lawmakers on Friday. The bills include Senate Bill 3, which restricts the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals who have completed a background check and training course; House Bill 1133, which mandates that retailers keep ammunition locked; and House Bill 1238, which requires enhanced security at gun shows.

Gun-control advocates have praised Colorado for taking a stand on gun violence prevention, with expectations that Gov. Polis will sign all three bills within 30 days. The bills will automatically become law if not vetoed within this time frame.

In addition to these three bills, the House is considering two other gun-related measures that aim to address mass shootings and the use of guns to intimidate election workers. These proposals are pending further votes in the House before moving to the Senate.

The ammunition bill prohibits the use of ammunition vending machines and places restrictions on the sale of ammunition to individuals under 21. The bill also includes exemptions for those over 18 but under 21 and those who have completed a hunter’s safety course. It is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The gun show measure mandates security and liability insurance for event organizers and imposes restrictions on minors attending gun shows without adult supervision. If passed, the bill will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Senate Bill 3, co-sponsored by Sen. Tom Sullivan, aims to ban gas-operated, semiautomatic firearms commonly known as assault weapons. These firearms can still be sold to individuals who pass a background check and training course. The bill is set to take effect on Aug. 1, 2026.

Sen. Sullivan, who lost his son in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, commemorated the passage of Senate Bill 3 by reflecting on the 662nd Friday since his son’s death.

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Originally Published: March 28, 2025 at 5:25 PM MDT