Are Semi-Automatic Firearms Banned In Colorado?
In February of 2025, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill that strictly limits the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, and distribution of semi-automatic weapons that are designed to accept detachable magazines. This is one of the most restrictive “gun bans” ever adopted into law in Colorado. While the law doesn’t completely prohibit semi-automatics, anyone facing charges related to these new restrictions should consult a Colorado Springs gun charge lawyer to understand their rights and potential legal defenses. Schedule a free consultation today.
Understanding Colorado SB25-003
Colorado SB25-003 classifies “semi-automatic firearms” as any semi-automatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or gas-operated semi-automatic handguns, which make up a significant share of the firearms market. The law takes effect in August of 2026 and requires prospective semi-automatic firearm owners to meet strict requirements, which some members of the House of Representatives describe as nearly “unattainable” and meant to discourage applicants from the arduous process required for ownership.
The bill also prohibits trigger devices that allow for rapid firing, such as “bump stocks,” which essentially transform firearms into semi-automatic weapons with rapid-fire capability that is similar to that of military-style automatic weapons.
Are There Exemptions to Colorado’s Semi-Automatic Firearm Ban?
While the law places powerful limits and restrictions on semi-automatic weapons, it also encompasses exemptions, including for transferring ownership of a semi-automatic firearm out of state and for legal ownership after taking a gun safety course; however, some representatives who voted against the bill call this an unattainable goal intended to essentially ban semi-automatic weapon ownership in Colorado. To meet the ownership exemption, the applicant must pass a test after completing over a dozen hours of training and then apply with the sheriff’s department for an ownership eligibility card.
Without the required training and eligibility card, a Colorado resident may still own a semi-automatic firearm with a fixed magazine holding no more than 15 rounds. The law also exempts specific types of hunting rifles.
In addition to the above exemptions, current semi-automatic weapons owners will be grandfathered in, with future transfers restricted to direct heirs or residents of other states.
Semi-automatic weapons may still be produced in Colorado for military and law enforcement purposes.
Passing Colorado SB25-003
According to Colorado lawmakers, the original version of the bill did not allow for exemptions and applications for ownership after meeting the requirements for an eligibility card; however, republican lawmakers proposed multiple amendments to include exemptions and an eligibility pathway through a firearms training course. Republicans opposed the bill on the grounds that it infringes on Second Amendment rights protecting firearms ownership for law-abiding citizens.
Penalties for Violating Colorado SB25-003
Once Colorado SB25-003 takes effect in August of 2026, violations of the law, such as knowingly manufacturing, purchasing, transferring, or selling a semi-automatic firearm without meeting the qualifications for an exemption, will be a class-2 misdemeanor with significant penalties. A second offense will be a class-6 felony with more substantial penalties for convictions. A felony offense conviction under Colorado SB25-003 will also result in the revocation of sales licensing for firearm dealers and the inability to own firearms.
According to Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife, the new law will have a significant adverse impact on revenue raised for the state’s parks by reducing the number of applicants for hunting licenses. The Parks and Wildlife department generated nearly $90 million in hunting license revenue for the state in 2017.
If you’re facing gun charges in Colorado, contact our Colorado Springs gun charges attorney at Anaya Law Group to discuss your legal options today.