Colorado Dems Advance Semi-Auto Ban in Late Night Committee Vote

SB 3, the sweeping gun control bill that would outlaw the purchase and possession of almost every semi-automatic long gun on the market in Colorado unless buyers jump through several state-mandated hoops, is one step closer to becoming law after a House committee voted to approve the measure late Tuesday night. 

The House Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony before adopting the bill on a 7-4 vote, with opponents declaring the bill unnecessary and unconstitutional, while supporters deployed their usual rhetoric about “weapons of war” not being suited for civilian uses. 

“This bill is about recognizing the deadly reality of modern-day mass shootings and doing everything in our power to prevent them,” said one student from East High School, who spoke about their own first-hand experience while encountering violence at the school. 

The legislation includes a provision allowing individuals to purchase otherwise restricted firearms if they complete safety courses through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), a requirement opponents labeled as unnecessarily bureaucratic.

To purchase a semiautomatic weapon that falls under the bill, an individual would have to complete multiple in-person courses including a hunter education course with CPW within five years of the purchase. The bill also requires an extended firearms safety course. 

“I also agree that you shouldn’t have to get approval from the state of Colorado or local government to take a class and pay fees to exercise your God-given, constitutional right,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly, who testified against the bill Tuesday. “This will not stop murder. It will not stop a mass shooting. It will not stop suicides for those who are committed to ending your own life.”

Gun shop owners reported seeing a surge in sales as the legislation advances. Opponents said the bill would hurt the firearm industry in Colorado. 

“We are seeing first-time buyers and longtime owners in anticipation of those laws,” said David Grasso, Co-Owner of the Gallery Sportsman’s Club & Range. 

Grasso urged lawmakers to consider alternatives, saying, “We all want a safer community. Instead of passing ineffective laws, we should be having a real conversation about common sense solutions that actually improve public safety.”

Amber Estes countered in favor of the bill, stating, “This is a level of firepower that a civilian does not need access to.”

The anti-gun rhetoric doesn’t match the reality of the legislation, but that doesn’t seem to matter to the lawmakers or the gun control advocates pushing for SB 3’s adoption. If Estes truly believes that semi-automatic rifles should be banned, then why on earth would she testify in support of the legislation? In its original form the bill did indeed prohibit the sale of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms capable of accepting a detachable magazine for everyone except law enforcement, but Senate Democrats modified the bill after discussions with Gov. Jared Polis’ office. 

After being revised to allow anyone who undergoes additional training to continue to purchase and possess these firearms, it’s probably more accurate to describe SB 3 (at least in its current form) as a permit-to-purchase measure. Civilians will still have access to this “level of firepower” if SB 3 becomes law, and ironically those who can legally purchase semi-automatic long guns will have more training on the use of the firearms; ostensibly making them better shots, or at least more comfortable handling and using their rifle or shotgun. 

As the Dougas County sheriff testified, SB 3 won’t stop a single mass shooting. What it will do is make it harder for Coloradans to purchase and possess the most popular rifles and shotguns in the country. Keep in mind that the legislation prohibits “knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing” gas-operated semi-automatics that can accept a detachable magazine. It doesn’t actually ban the possession of those guns, and since under federal law long guns can be purchased out-of-state without having to be transferred to an in-state FFL, Coloradans can always head to neighboring states like Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Utah, or Arizona to buy their AR-15s in the future. 

Now, it’s entirely possible that if/when SB 3 becomes law, the anti-2A forces at the statehouse will go back and revise the measure in future sessions, perhaps even returning it to its original form and including a ban on possession of these modern sporting rifles as well. Gun owners should see SB 3 as just the first step in completely prohibiting semi-automatic rifles and shotguns; an infringement in its own right, but not the end game for the anti-gunners