The Colorado Senate just passed Senate Bill 25-003, a bill that started as a near-total ban on semi-automatic firearms and morphed into a permit-to-purchase scheme. The vote was 19-15, and it faced bipartisan opposition, signaling that even some Democrats aren’t fully on board with this legislation.

This bill isn’t just another piece of gun control—it’s a strategic attack on Second Amendment rights, hiding behind the guise of “public safety.” And if you’re not paying attention, you might miss the alarming implications.

What’s in Senate Bill 25-003?

Senate Bill 25-003 bans “specified semiautomatic firearms,” which the bill defines as:

• A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine
• A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine

These platforms have been around for over a century and are clearly “in common use”—a standard set by the District of Columbia v. Heller decision. Yet, the bill targets them under the pretext of reducing violence, ignoring the fact that millions of law-abiding Americans responsibly own these firearms.

The Permit-to-Purchase Loophole

After heavy criticism, lawmakers amended the bill to include a permit-to-purchase system, which grants exemptions for buying banned firearms. But the requirements are no joke:

• 4 hours of firearms education for those who already have a Hunter’s Safety Course or concealed carry permit.
• 12 hours of education for those without either credential.

This isn’t about safety—it’s about creating barriers. By making the process so complicated, they’re betting that fewer people will bother to apply. And that’s the goal: chilling lawful gun ownership.

Exceptions and Loopholes—But Not for You

The bill’s exceptions are telling. You can transfer a banned firearm to:

• An heir
• An individual residing in another state
• A federally licensed firearm dealer

It also exempts law enforcement agencies, military forces, armored vehicle businesses, gunsmiths, and educational programs. Notice a pattern? The government and its affiliates are off the hook.

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The bill even allows these firearms to be used as props in films—because apparently, they’re only dangerous in the hands of law-abiding citizens.

Serious Penalties Await

Violating the terms of this law isn’t just a slap on the wrist. If you:

• Manufacture, distribute, transfer, sell, or purchase a specified semiautomatic firearm, you’re looking at a Class 2 misdemeanor.
• A second or subsequent offense bumps it up to a Class 6 felony.

Get convicted, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation will block you from buying any firearm for five years. If it’s a felony conviction, you’ll face a lifetime firearm ban.

This is how they plan to disarm law-abiding citizens—by turning them into criminals over paperwork.

Unconstitutional Overreach? You Bet.

This bill flies in the face of the Second Amendment and the District of Columbia v. Heller decision, which explicitly protects firearms “in common use.” The permit-to-purchase requirement is just a backdoor registration scheme, putting more hurdles between citizens and their constitutional rights.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) calls this out for what it is—unconstitutional and a blatant attempt at civilian disarmament. And they’re right. The bill’s complicated education requirements, severe penalties, and selective exemptions are designed to discourage lawful ownership while letting the government keep its arsenal untouched.

Take Action—Your Rights Depend on It

This bill is now moving to the Colorado House, where it’s crucial to make your voice heard. Contact your Representative and let them know that this legislation is an unconstitutional assault on your Second Amendment rights.

You can also contact Governor Jared Polis at (303) 866-2471 or by email at [email protected]. Tell him to veto this overreaching legislation.