Colorado’s new gun control law will soon require an “eligibility card” for AR-15 and similar firearm purchases, but critics question its constitutionality and effectiveness against crime.
Quick Takes
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation requiring background checks and training for certain semiautomatic firearm purchases, effective August 2026.
- The law mandates obtaining an “eligibility card” from local sheriffs after completing up to 12 hours of safety training.
- It primarily targets AR-15, AK-47 and similar rifles with detachable magazines while exempting most handguns, shotguns, and hunting rifles.
- Second Amendment advocacy groups are planning legal challenges, claiming the law infringes on constitutional rights.
- Critics argue the system creates financial barriers to gun ownership while failing to prevent criminals from acquiring firearms illegally.
New Permitting System for Semiautomatic Firearms
Colorado has joined the growing list of states imposing stricter regulations on firearm purchases with a new law signed by Governor Jared Polis. The legislation creates an “eligibility card” system that will be required for purchasing certain semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, most notably AR-15 and AK-style rifles. The law, which takes effect on August 1, 2026, establishes a process similar to Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system but specifically targets rifles commonly used in mass shootings rather than all firearms.
The process to obtain an eligibility card will require prospective purchasers to be vetted by their county sheriff, successfully pass a background check, and complete mandatory firearms training. The training requirement varies from 4 hours for those who have completed hunters’ training to a full 12-hour safety course for other applicants. Course content must cover topics including firearm deaths related to mental illness, Colorado’s red flag law, and victim awareness and empathy. Names of card holders will be entered into a state database for additional background checks at the time of purchase.
“This isn’t about safety — it’s about control.” — @MrColionNoir slams Colorado’s new gun law as a power grab, not protection. https://t.co/nqNss0tmls
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) April 14, 2025
Political Divide Over Gun Legislation
Governor Polis has emphasized that the legislation balances public safety concerns with Second Amendment rights. The original bill proposed by Democratic lawmakers was significantly more restrictive, but amendments were made to allow continued sales of these firearms to those who complete the eligibility process. The governor has stated he opposes outright bans on types of firearms and aims to keep training costs under $200, with potential financial assistance options being explored for lower-income citizens. “I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage. This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership,” explained Polis.
State Representative Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, was a key sponsor of the bill. Sullivan has been instrumental in passing nearly two dozen gun laws since 2019 and called this legislation “lifesaving.” Meanwhile, Democratic State Representative Meg Froelich stated the law would help enforce Colorado’s existing ban on magazines larger than 15 rounds and demonstrates a commitment to addressing gun violence as a public health crisis.
Second Amendment Advocates Plan Legal Challenge
Gun rights organizations have vowed to fight the new restrictions. Both the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and the Colorado State Shooting Association have condemned the bill and announced plans to explore legal options to challenge it. Critics argue the law creates unnecessary financial barriers to exercising Second Amendment rights and will do nothing to prevent criminals from acquiring banned firearms through illegal means. The legislation exempts most handguns, shotguns, and conventional hunting rifles, focusing primarily on semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines.
The law also includes a ban on rapid-fire conversion devices like bump stocks and does not affect firearms currently owned by Colorado residents. Federal law prevents Colorado residents from bypassing these restrictions by purchasing guns in other states. Firearms training instructors across the state are now preparing for increased demand as the implementation date approaches, with many expressing concerns about how the new requirements will impact their businesses and whether sufficient infrastructure exists to process the anticipated volume of applications.
Sources:
Polis signs watered-down semiautomatic gun restriction bill into law
Colorado now has one of the most restrictive gun laws in the country
Colorado to Require ‘Eligibility Card’ for Would-Be AR-15 Purchasers
