It was a late night for the Colorado Senate Thursday as they had much debate on the second reading of Senate Bill 25-003. The legislation drew passionate pleas from both sides and 16 amendments were proposed.
Because of this, the fiscal note changed. The fiscal note is how the state expects the bill would be funded out of the budget should it become a act to be signed into law by the Governor.
From the fiscal note, the legislation is summarized:
The bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns. Rifles that use .22 caliber, or lower, rim-fire ammunition are not prohibited, unless the rifle has separate upper and lower receivers. Other exceptions are provided in the bill for certain persons, including law enforcement and individuals who have completed qualifying firearm-related education courses. The Attorney General is authorized to provide guidance regarding implementation of the bill, including issuing opinions or providing other guidance about specific firearms to which the bill applies. The penalty for a violation is a class 2 misdemeanor, or a class 6 felony for second or subsequent violations. Any conviction is grounds for denial of any future firearm transfers, and makes a person subject to the felony for possession of a weapon as a previous offender (POWPO) restrictions. Additionally, the Department of Revenue (DOR) must revoke the state firearm dealer permit of any dealer who is convicted for a violation.
Governor Jared Polis has not said whether or not he would sign the bill should it make it to his desk.
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