COLORADO (KOAA) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has begun public engagement efforts to inform Colorado residents about the new Firearms Safety Program and to gather feedback ahead of the program's implementation on August 1, 2026.
The new program is required under Senate Bill 25-003, also known as the Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices bill, which was signed into law on April 10, 2025.
The bill garnered attention from both supporters and opponents during the 2025 legislative session.
Starting August 1, 2026, individuals will be required to take a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring specified semiautomatic firearms (SSF), including the following;
- A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine
- A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine
CPW says this will help create an "educated and trained gun owner community," including gun safety and proper storage.
CPW is now responsible for the implementation of the training portions, including developing course standards, maintaining eligibility records, and coordinating with local county sheriffs, instructors, and licensed gun dealers.
Now, CPW has launched a webpage dedicated to outlining the legally required program requirements and timelines.
You can visit the webpage here.
The organization says that it will host a series of public meetings across the state to gather public feedback.
CPW will be hosting a public meeting in Palisade on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex (3934 I 9/10 Rd).
Layoffs expected as School District 49 grapples with budget crisis
School District 49 leaders say budget pressures are forcing difficult decisions, including cutting staff.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.