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Colorado Parks and Wildlife Expands Public Outreach on New Firearms Safety Law Ahead of August 2026 Rollout


Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Expands Public Outreach on New Firearms Safety Law Ahead of August 2026 Rollout. Read the full Press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues public engagement for its new Firearms Safety Program ahead of Aug. 1, 2026, implementation

DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is continuing its statewide public engagement efforts to inform Coloradans about the new Firearms Safety Program with its next meeting scheduled as a virtual public meeting on April 2. 

Signed into law on April 10, 2025,SB25-003 requires individuals to apply for an eligibility card through their county sheriff’s office and complete a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring certain specified semiautomatic firearms after the law takes effect. CPW is responsible for implementing the program, including developing course standards, maintaining eligibility records, and coordinating with county sheriffs, certified course instructors and licensed firearms dealers.

CPW has launched a dedicated webpage outlining legally required program requirements and timelines and is hosting a series of public and stakeholder meetings across the state through May 2026. At these meetings, CPW staff will share information and address questions, and attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback.

About the Firearms Safety Program
Starting Aug. 1, 2026, individuals seeking to purchase or transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm (SSF) must successfully complete an in-person firearms safety course within five years before the transaction.

An SSF is defined as:

  • A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or
  • A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine.

The law does not affect individuals who already own an SSF, nor does it prohibit the use of these firearms. The requirement applies only to future purchases or transfers after the effective date. As outlined in SB25-003, the Department of Revenue, which permits firearms dealers in Colorado, will provide and maintain the list of SSFs. This list will be linked from CPW's website.

Most semiautomatic hunting shotguns and several other firearm types are exempt under the statute.

Individuals who have completed a CPW-certified hunter education course will be eligible for a shorter, four-hour Basic Course. Those without hunter education must complete a 12-hour Extended Course. All courses must be completed in person and will include a final exam requiring a minimum score of 90%.

CPW will not teach the courses but will provide standardized course content to county-verified firearms instructors statewide.

Upcoming Public Meetings

CPW will host the following public meetings to share information and gather feedback:

Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, April 2 from 6-8 p.m.
Link here 
No registration required.

Denver Metro Public Meeting
Thursday, April 23 from 6-8 p.m.
CPW Headquarters, Hunter Education Building
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216

Southwest Public Meeting
Monday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m.
La Plata County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall
2500 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301

In addition, CPW will host targeted stakeholder meetings with county sheriffs, federal firearms licensed dealers and firearms safety instructors. A full schedule is available on CPW’s website.

How to learn more

Members of the public can learn more about SB25-003, firearms safety course requirements and upcoming meetings by visiting CPW’s website.

Questions about the Firearms Safety Program may be directed to: dnr_cpw_firearmsafety@state.co.us.

Questions about public and stakeholder meetings may be directed to: dnr_cpw_planning@state.co.us.

About Senate Bill 25-003
SB25-003 establishes firearms safety training requirements for the purchase or transfer of specified semiautomatic firearms in Colorado beginning Aug. 1, 2026. CPW is required by statute to implement and administer the program and to report annually to the Colorado General Assembly on program costs and resource needs.