A bill that would ban most semi-auto firearms in the Centennial State sailed past a key legislative committee this week along party lines. 

Colorado SB 25-003, which would outlaw the manufacturing, distribution, transfer, and sale of semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines as well as "gas-operated" semi-automatic handguns with detachable magazines, passed the Senate's State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on Wednesday.  

The measure has been described as the "most radical 'assault weapons' ban in Colorado's history," by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, a state 2A group. "This bill will ban all semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines, most semi-automatic shotguns, and most handguns in everyday use!"

Nonetheless, Colorado Democrats backing the proposal contend it is just a logical extension of the state's controversial 2013 magazine ban that set an arbitrary upper limit of 15 rounds. 

"Currently, those intent on evading existing law are able to cross state lines to legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms," claim the lawmakers, somewhat hyperbolically. 

SB 25-003 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Democrats have overwhelming control of the Colorado General Assembly holding the Senate 23-12 and the House 43-22 for the current session. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is an Everytown-backed Dem who has stood with the gun control group consistently while in office. The state was one of just 18 states that went blue in the 2024 general election, with Kamala Harris carrying the Centennial State by 11 points. 

Banner image: Beretta APX 9mm with a Steiner MPS red dot and some standard capacity magazines that are probably not Colorado-compliant. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)