Colorado governor signs toughest gun control law in state history
- Colorado's new law restricts the purchase and manufacture of semi-automatic firearms.
- Requirements include background checks, permits, and safety training courses.
- The legislation is designed to improve public safety amid concerns over gun violence.
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed a significant gun control bill into law, establishing one of the most stringent gun regulations in the United States. This legislation, enacted amidst persistent gun violence issues, requires prospective gun buyers to pass two background checks, obtain a permit from a local sheriff's department, and complete a mandatory firearms training course certified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Effective August 2026, these new rules aim to enhance public safety and ensure that individuals seeking to purchase semi-automatic firearms demonstrate proper training. Critics, including gun rights advocates and the NRA, argue that these restrictions infringe upon Second Amendment rights, labeling the measure as the most anti-gun legislation in Colorado's history. However, supporters contend it is essential for improving community safety, with statistics highlighting Colorado's troubling history of mass shootings, including the Columbine High School tragedy and the Club Q shooting. The bill's sponsor, Senator Tom Sullivan, advocates for these reforms as critical steps in combating the impact of gun violence. Legal challenges are anticipated from groups opposing the law, suggesting the debate over gun control in Colorado is far from over, reflecting broader national tensions surrounding firearm regulations.