The Democrat-controlled Colorado Senate on Tuesday passed a sweeping gun control bill that would outlaw most semi-auto firearms in the state except for those willing to jump through new hoops.
As previously reported by Guns.com, State Senate Bill 3 would ban the sale and manufacture of almost all semi-automatic rifles, handguns, and shotguns that accept detachable magazines. Lawmakers introduced it as an extension of the state's controversial 15-round magazine capacity cap, and it sailed through committee in late January.
The 18-page version of the measure that passed the state Senate in a 19-15 vote this week retains the ban in essence but has a couple of carve-outs added to the original 10-page proposal.
First is an exception for about 30 specific models of collectible rifles such as the AG42 Ljungman, FN 49, M1 Carbine, M1941 Johnson, and Gewehr 43, as well as some common sporting rifles such as the Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30 and the Remington Model 740.
Second is an allowance for a person to purchase a semi-automatic firearm with a detachable magazine "after undergoing thorough vetting by a local sheriff and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more." Such certification, new under Colorado law, would only last five years and would require another go at the vetting process and passing a refresher course.
State Dems are excited at the progress of the bill, and expect it to pass the House and go to Gov. Jared Polis for signature.
Local pro-2A groups such as Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, who describe SB 3 as "the worst gun bill in history," are urging petitions to lawmakers and Polis to stop the measure. Meanwhile, state Republicans feel the bill is unconstitutional, and you can be sure more attempts to add amendments or stall the measure are planned.
Banner image: The Ruger Mini-14, which may or may not be regulated under pending legislation in Colorado. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
