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- Colorado is on the verge of passing some of the toughest gun laws in the country, targeting firearms with detachable magazines.
- The legislation, expected to be signed by Governor Jared Polis, includes strict regulations on semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices.
- These laws are part of Colorado’s broader efforts to strengthen gun safety policies, which have been escalating over the past five years.
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Essential Context
Colorado is set to enact stringent gun laws, particularly focusing on semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. This move aligns with the state’s recent trend of strengthening gun safety measures, which have been steadily increasing since 2020.
Core Players
- Jared Polis – Colorado’s Democratic Governor
- Colorado State Legislature – Driving force behind the new gun laws
- Everytown for Gun Safety – Advocacy group supporting stricter gun laws
- Moms Demand Action – Local chapter advocating for gun safety policies
Key Numbers
- 30+ – Number of gun violence prevention policies enacted in Colorado over the last five years
- 10th – Colorado’s ranking in the nation for the strength of its gun laws as of 2025
- 299,000 – Lives that could be saved over the next decade if all states had gun violence rates similar to the top nine states with strong gun safety laws
- 16.6 – Colorado’s gun violence rate, which is worse than the national average
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The Catalyst
The proposed legislation defines “specified semiautomatic firearms” as semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines, or gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines. This definition excludes certain types of firearms and specified models.
The bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of these specified semiautomatic firearms, with exceptions for transfers to heirs, individuals in other states, or federally licensed firearm dealers.
Inside Forces
Colorado has been at the forefront of gun safety legislation, with over 30 policies enacted in the past five years. The current bill is part of this broader effort to reduce gun violence. It includes exemptions for law enforcement agencies, the department of corrections, armored vehicle businesses, military forces, gunsmiths, educational programs, and certain firearms used as props in films.
The legislation also mandates specific safety courses for individuals seeking to purchase these firearms, including hunter education courses and basic or extended firearms safety courses.
Power Dynamics
The relationship between gun safety advocates and lawmakers in Colorado has been instrumental in driving these legislative changes. Groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action have played significant roles in advocating for stricter gun laws.
President Trump’s support for these measures further solidifies the state’s commitment to gun safety.
Outside Impact
The passage of these laws is expected to have broader implications for gun safety across the country. Colorado’s ranking as the 10th state with the strongest gun laws underscores its leadership in this area.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, if all states had gun violence rates similar to the top nine states with strong gun safety laws, nearly 299,000 lives could be saved over the next decade.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, Colorado’s new laws are likely to influence other states to adopt similar measures. The state’s approach to requiring background checks, safety training, and secure storage of firearms sets a precedent for comprehensive gun safety policies.
Additionally, the excise tax on gun manufacturers and retailers, recently passed by Colorado voters, will fund mental health services, school safety measures, and gun violence prevention programs.
Data Points
- 2020: Colorado begins enacting a series of gun safety laws.
- 2024: Colorado passes a state dealer permitting system and expands training requirements for concealed handgun permits.
- 2025: Colorado ranks 10th in the nation for the strength of its gun laws.
- 16.6: Colorado’s gun violence rate, which is worse than the national average.
- 299,000: Lives that could be saved over the next decade if all states had gun violence rates similar to the top nine states with strong gun safety laws.
As Colorado moves forward with these stringent gun laws, it sets a significant example for other states to follow. The ongoing efforts to enhance gun safety policies reflect a broader national conversation about reducing gun violence and promoting public safety.
