Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the state agency responsible for a wide array of outdoor activities, is engaging the public in the development of a new Firearms Safety Program mandated under Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003). The law, which requires completion of a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring certain semiautomatic firearms, is set to take effect in August. In preparation, CPW is seeking feedback from Coloradans through various public meetings and a dedicated webpage that outlines the program's requirements and timelines.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, these interactions are designed to foster transparency and to ensure that the concerns and ideas of the public are taken into account. CPW Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement Jim Hawkins expressed the importance of these meetings: "These meetings are an important part of ensuring transparency and understanding as we implement this new program," as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife, adding that public participation is encouraged to help shape the program effectively. The bill details that individuals will need to complete an in-person safety course specifically for certain specified semiautomatic firearms (SSFs) within five years before their purchase or transfer.
The SSFs in question cover semiautomatic rifles or shotguns with detachable magazines, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns also with detachable magazines. However, these new regulations will not be applied retroactively and will only affect transactions happening after the legislation's start date. CPW isn't directly responsible for teaching the courses, but will be overseeing the standardized content provided to qualified statewide instructors. To clarify specifics, a list of affected SSF models will be maintained by the Department of Revenue and made available via the CPW website.
Amidst the breakdown of the public meetings already scheduled, Colorado residents will have the chance to attend sessions in the West Slope on Feb. 24, Southeast Colorado (with details forthcoming), and Denver Metro at a date to be decided, as well as a virtual meeting for wider accessibility. CPW has stated that they will also meet separately with key stakeholders, including county sheriffs, firearms dealers, and instructors. Interested individuals seeking further details on how the Firearms Safety Program will function or who wish to attend upcoming meetings can visit the CPW website for more information.
