Today, Senate Bill 25-003, the near all-encompassing semi-automatic ban turned permit-to-purchase scheme, was removed from the hearing scheduled in the House Judiciary on March 4th. While no new date has been set as of yet, Second Amendment advocates must remain vigilant and monitor the bill for when, not if, the bill is rescheduled.
Senate Bill 25-003 bans so-called "specified semiautomatic firearms," which are defined in the bill as "...a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine." Semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines have existed for well over a century, and these platforms certainly fit the definition of "in common use" set forth by the District of Columbia V. Heller decision.
The Senate amendment grants an exemption for the purchase of banned firearm platforms through a "permit-to-purchase" scheme. Coloradans who complete the Hunter's Safety Course or possess a concealed carry permit would be required to take 4 hours of firearms education, and individuals who possess neither would require 12 hours of education to apply for the purchase permit.
Additionally, the House State Affairs committee will hold a hearing this evening on HB 25-1238, which places undue restrictions on gun show vendors and organizers, and HB 25-1164, permitless concealed carry.
Please contact members of the committee NOW And urge them to OPPOSE HB 25-1238 and to SUPPORT HB 25-1164!
Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA website and your inbox for updates as this legislation progresses.