On March 28, 2025, the Colorado State Legislature introduced Senate Bill 3, a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating specified semiautomatic firearms. The bill defines a "specified semiautomatic firearm" as a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. Its primary purpose is to prohibit the manufacturing, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of these firearms, with certain exceptions for transfers to heirs, individuals in other states, or federally licensed dealers.

Key provisions of the bill include classifying unlawful activities related to specified semiautomatic firearms as a class 2 misdemeanor, escalating to a class 6 felony for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill mandates the revocation of state firearms dealer permits for those who violate these regulations. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is tasked with denying firearm transfers to individuals convicted of related misdemeanors within the past five years, while felony convictions will result in a prohibition on firearm possession.

The bill also introduces a definition for "rapid-fire device," categorizing such devices as dangerous weapons under Colorado law. Notably, it repeals the existing definition of "machine gun conversion device," removing it from the list of dangerous weapons.

Debate surrounding Senate Bill 3 has been intense, with proponents arguing that it addresses public safety concerns related to gun violence, while opponents contend that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. Some lawmakers have proposed amendments to soften the bill's restrictions, but these have faced pushback from advocates for stricter gun control measures.

The implications of Senate Bill 3 are significant, as it seeks to reshape the landscape of firearm regulation in Colorado. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could lead to a decrease in gun-related incidents, but it may also provoke legal challenges from gun rights advocates. The bill's future remains uncertain as it moves through the legislative process, with potential for further amendments and heated discussions ahead.

As the Colorado State Legislature continues to deliberate on this contentious issue, the outcome of Senate Bill 3 could set a precedent for firearm legislation in the state and beyond, reflecting the ongoing national debate over gun control and public safety.