Colorado gun owners will soon face significant hurdles to purchase AR-15s and similar firearms as Governor Jared Polis signs legislation requiring eligibility cards, background checks, and mandatory training.
At a Glance
- Colorado’s new law requires an eligibility card issued by county sheriffs for purchases of certain semiautomatic firearms
- Buyers must complete up to 12 hours of mandatory safety training and undergo background checks
- Law specifically targets AR-15, AK-47 style rifles with detachable magazines while exempting most handguns, shotguns, and hunting rifles
- Legislation takes effect August 1, 2026
- Gun rights organizations are considering legal challenges to the new restrictions
New Purchase Requirements
Governor Jared Polis has signed legislation establishing a comprehensive new permitting system for Coloradans seeking to purchase certain semiautomatic firearms. The law, which takes effect August 1, 2026, creates a process similar to Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system. Potential buyers must obtain an “eligibility card” from their county sheriff following a background check and completion of extensive firearms training.
The law specifically targets semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, such as AR-15 and AK-47 style rifles. Most handguns, shotguns, and traditional hunting rifles are exempt from the new restrictions. Individuals who currently own these firearms are not affected, but all new purchases will require the eligibility card. The legislation also includes a ban on rapid-fire conversion devices like bump stocks.
Training Requirements and Implementation
The training requirements are substantial, with prospective buyers needing to complete a 12-hour safety course. Those who have completed hunter education training may qualify for a shorter 4-hour course. According to the law, training must cover firearm deaths related to mental illness, Colorado’s red flag law, and victim awareness. After completing training and passing a background check, approved individuals will have their names entered into a state database.
“I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage. This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership,” said Polis in a statement.
Governor Polis has stated he aims to keep training costs under $200 and is exploring financial assistance options. The Colorado Sun reports that people seeking cards “would have to first be vetted by their county sheriff, which would include a background check.” Federal law already prevents Colorado residents from circumventing these restrictions by purchasing firearms in other states.
Support and Opposition
The legislation has drawn sharp divisions. Supporters, including bill sponsor State Rep. Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the Aurora theater shooting, celebrate the law as a life-saving measure. Sullivan has helped pass nearly two dozen gun laws since 2019. State Rep. Meg Froelich, another sponsor, believes the bill will help enforce Colorado’s existing ban on magazines larger than 15 rounds.
According to Ian Escalante, Executive Director of RMGO: “All they want to do is they want to chip away, once again, at the Second Amendment. It’s completely arbitrary. You’re going to have to go through this long, drawn-out process of buying your rights back. And the legislators up there, they don’t really seem to care.”
Gun rights advocates strongly oppose the new restrictions. Groups like Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO) and the Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) have condemned the legislation, citing concerns about constitutionality, funding, staffing, and fairness. Huey Laugesen with the CSSA stated: “Polis might think he’s scoring points with the anti-gun crowd, but as far as we’re concerned, he has just handed us a rallying cry. This fight is far from over, and we’re playing for keeps.” Both organizations are exploring legal challenges to the law.
Additional Measures
Along with this legislation, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 25-059, aimed at improving the state’s response to mass shootings. This companion bill requires the Division of Criminal Justice to seek federal or other grant funding to support victim services. Critics of the overall package point out that the new restrictions will not prevent criminals from acquiring prohibited firearms through illegal means and may make firearm ownership financially inaccessible to some citizens.
The original proposal was more stringent, including an outright ban on assault weapons, but was amended to allow sales with the training and permitting requirements. This compromise reflects the ongoing tension between gun safety advocates and Second Amendment supporters in a state that has experienced multiple high-profile mass shootings in recent decades.
