Starting July 1 this year, new legislation in Colorado will mandate better training for those seeking concealed carry permits. This move is to promote responsible gun use and ultimately aims to reduce firearms-related violence across the state. According to Colorado Senate Democrats, the law requires mandatory in-person live-fire training with a certified firearms instructor, aiming to enhance safety and proficiency among gun owners.
Legislators behind the bill have emphasized the importance of adequate training. "The data is clear - live-fire gun training can save lives," said Majority Leader Monica Duran. As obtained by Colorado Senate Democrats, she added that there was a 32 percent spike in gun assaults in states that rolled back similar training requirements. Another supporter of the bill, Sen. Marc Snyder, pointed out his surprise upon realizing that his own concealed carry permit had been issued without mandatory live-fire training. He believes creating minimum requirements is critical to ensure permit holders are properly trained. Snyder told Colorado Senate Democrats the new law is set to close existing gaps in the system.
These changes come under HB24-1174, backed by House Majority Leader Duran and Senators Snyder and Mullica. The law stipulates that handgun training classes encompass a minimum of eight hours of instruction, which will include both a live-fire exercise and a written exam. Firearm safety, legal education on state and federal gun laws, and conflict resolution are among the topics to be covered. The new law was designed to address and prevent gun violence by ensuring permit applicants and holders maintain a certain standard of training and knowledge.
Last year, on August 7, a few sections of the law were already put into effect, presenting guidelines for handgun training, instructor qualifications, and a review process for instructor certifications. The law goes so far as to make it a deceptive trade practice for any person to falsely claim verified instructor status without the proper authorization by a county sheriff. Beginning from July 1, those convicted of specific misdemeanor offenses within five years prior won't be able to receive a permit, further tightening the controls on gun ownership. Updates to permit renewal processes are also set to ensure current holders meet the new standards. The legal framework aims to shield law enforcement officers, medical staff, and firearms instructors from liability in cases related to the issuance or denial of a permit.
