Colorado’s new law requiring an “eligibility card” to purchase AR-15s and similar firearms adds significant barriers to gun ownership while stopping short of an outright ban.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation requiring buyers of certain semiautomatic firearms to obtain an “eligibility card” from county sheriffs starting August 2026.
- Eligibility requires completion of up to 12 hours of training covering firearm safety, mental illness, and victim awareness, plus passing a background check.
- The law targets semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines like AR-15s and AK-47s, while exempting shotguns, hunting rifles, and most handguns.
- Gun rights advocates condemn the measure as unconstitutional and are preparing legal challenges.
- Critics argue the law creates financial barriers to exercising Second Amendment rights while failing to address illegal gun acquisition.
How Colorado’s New Gun Law Works
Colorado has enacted new legislation requiring residents seeking to purchase certain semiautomatic firearms to first obtain an “eligibility card” from their county sheriff. The measure, signed by Democratic Governor Jared Polis, specifically targets weapons with detachable magazines, including AR-15s and AK-47s, while explicitly exempting shotguns, conventional hunting rifles, and most handguns. The law requires prospective buyers to undergo vetting by sheriff’s departments, complete extensive training, and pass a background check before purchase.
The eligibility process mirrors Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system but applies only to specific firearm types. Eligible individuals must complete either a 12-hour safety course or a 4-hour course if they’ve already completed hunter training. The law also bans rapid-fire conversion devices like bump stocks. Once approved, buyers’ names are entered into a state database, which requires an additional background check at the time of purchase.
“This isn’t about safety — it’s about control.” — @MrColionNoir slams Colorado’s new gun law as a power grab, not protection. https://t.co/nqNss0tmls
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) April 14, 2025
Democratic Support vs. Gun Rights Opposition
Democrats who supported the legislation frame it as a safety measure targeting weapons commonly used in mass shootings. The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, has championed nearly two dozen gun control measures since 2019. Sullivan and fellow Democratic lawmakers view the bill as essential to reducing gun violence in Colorado while allowing responsible gun ownership to continue with proper training.
Gun rights advocates vehemently oppose the new restrictions, arguing they infringe on constitutional rights by creating financial and bureaucratic barriers to exercising Second Amendment freedoms. Organizations including Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and the Colorado State Shooting Association have condemned the legislation and are actively preparing legal challenges. Critics point out that while law-abiding citizens will face new hurdles, the legislation does nothing to prevent criminals from acquiring firearms through illegal channels.
Cost Concerns and Implementation Timeline
Financial accessibility presents a significant concern for opponents of the legislation. The training requirement could potentially cost hundreds of dollars, with Governor Polis stating he aims to keep costs under $200 while exploring financial assistance options. Critics view these costs as creating a barrier that disproportionately affects lower-income residents seeking to exercise their constitutional rights. The financial burden extends beyond the training to include expenses for background checks and processing fees.
The law doesn’t take effect until August 1, 2026, giving Colorado time to develop implementation structures and gun owners a window to purchase affected firearms under current regulations. The delayed implementation also provides gun rights organizations opportunity to mount legal challenges before the restrictions take effect. Federal laws prevent Colorado residents from bypassing the restrictions by purchasing banned firearms in neighboring states.
From Ban to Restrictions
The final legislation represents a significantly watered-down version of the original proposal, which would have implemented a more comprehensive ban on assault-style weapons. After negotiations and amendments, lawmakers settled on the eligibility card system as a compromise between an outright ban and maintaining the status quo. The law doesn’t affect current gun owners, applying only to new purchases after the implementation date.
The law also comes alongside Senate Bill 25-059, which aims to improve the state’s response to mass shootings by requiring the Division of Criminal Justice to seek federal or other grant funding to support victim services. This companion legislation represents part of a broader Democratic agenda addressing gun violence in Colorado following several high-profile mass shootings in the state’s recent history.
Sources:
Polis signs watered-down semiautomatic gun restriction bill into law
Colorado now has one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country
Colorado to Require ‘Eligibility Card’ for Would-Be AR-15 Purchasers
