Colorado House passes Senate Bill 3 after hours of debate; creates permit-and-training system for specified semiautomatic firearms

The Colorado House of Representatives voted 36‑28 on third reading to approve Senate Bill 3 on March 24, 2025, adopting a state permit‑and‑training system for specified semiautomatic firearms and detachable high‑capacity magazines and creating new criminal penalties for unlawful transfers. The final tally came after more than a day of debate, more than 30 floor amendments, and several failed motions to send the measure back to committee.

Supporters said the bill is a targeted public‑safety measure that requires people seeking to acquire the kinds of semiautomatic weapons commonly used in mass shootings to complete state‑approved courses and obtain an eligibility card from their county sheriff. “What it does do is ensure anyone seeking to acquire these weapons must first undergo the proper training to operate them safely and responsibly,” Representative Yadira Camacho said on the floor.

Backers and courts: why sponsors said this is lawful

Sponsors and several speakers argued the state may regulate acquisition and safe use without banning possession, and they pointed to a string of federal court rulings permitting state regulation of certain semiautomatic weapons or large‑capacity feeding devices. Supporters emphasized the bill does not require owners of existing weapons to forfeit them and that exemptions in the text preserve many hunting and legacy firearms used by sportsmen.

Opponents: process, cost and rural impact

Opponents said the bill imposes new fees, waiting periods and a multi‑step authorization process that will fall heaviest on…