Colorado crime

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act prohibits knowingly manufacturing or producing a potentially functioning firearm, unfinished frame or receiver, large-capacity magazine, or rapid-fire device (firearm or firearm component) by 3-dimensional printing. The prohibition does not apply to a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, an instructor or student of an accredited gunsmithing program, or an institution that operates an accredited gunsmithing program. Unlawful 3-dimensional printing of a firearm or firearm component is a class 1 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 5 felony. The prohibitions in the act only apply to potentially functional firearms and firearm components. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act establishes a process for a person to voluntarily waive the right to purchase a firearm (voluntary waiver). The Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) in the department of public safety (department) shall deny a firearm transfer to the person while the voluntary waiver is in effect. The bureau shall develop an online portal (portal) for a person to electronically file for a voluntary waiver, update contact information, and revoke a voluntary waiver. The bureau is required to verify the filer's identity before accepting a voluntary waiver or revocation. The bureau shall enter a voluntary waiver into the national instant criminal background check system and any other federal or state computer-based systems used to identify prohibited purchasers of firearms. A person may revoke the voluntary waiver by filing for revocation with the bureau. The waiver remains in effect for 30 days after the bureau accepts the revocation. A person filing the voluntary waiver form may provide the name and contact information of a person who will be contacted if the person attempts to purchase a firearm while the voluntary waiver is in effect or if the filer revokes the voluntary waiver. The act prohibits a person from attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver. Attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver is a civil infraction, punishable by a maximum $25 fine. The voluntary waiver process and the prohibition on attempting to purchase a firearm while subject to a voluntary waiver are contingent on the department receiving $200,000 of gifts, grants, or donations to develop and operate the portal. The act permits the department to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations for the portal. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act defines a "specified semiautomatic firearm" as a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. The act excludes certain types of firearms and specified models of firearms from the definition of "specified semiautomatic firearm". The act prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm on or after August 1, 2026; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an individual residing in another state or a federally licensed firearm dealer. The act exempts certain manufacture, transfers, sales, and purchases from the prohibition, including specified transactions involving law enforcement agencies and peace officers, the department of corrections, armored vehicle businesses, military forces, gunsmiths, educational programs, and historical societies and museums; transfers that occur by operation of law or because of the death of a person; and conduct involving firearms for use solely as a prop for a film. Additionally, the prohibition does not apply to the transfer or sale of a specified semiautomatic firearm to, and receipt or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm by, a person who: Completed a hunter education course certified by the division of parks and wildlife (division) and, within 5 years before making the purchase, completed a basic firearms safety course; Within 5 years before making the purchase, completed an extended firearms safety course; or Completed an extended firearms safety course more than 5 years before making the purchase and completed a basic firearms safety course within 5 years before making the purchase. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a specified semiautomatic firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 6 felony. The department of revenue shall revoke the state firearms dealer permit of a dealer who unlawfully manufactures, distributes, transfers, sells, or purchases a specified semiautomatic firearm.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act requires a firearms dealer (dealer), beginning July 1, 2025, to obtain a state firearms dealer permit (state permit) in order to engage in the business of dealing in firearms other than destructive devices in Colorado. Engaging in the business of dealing in firearms other than destructive devices without a permit is an unclassified felony, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. In order to be issued a state permit, the dealer must hold a federal firearms license; not have had a federal, state, or local license to deal firearms or ammunition revoked, suspended, or denied within the prior 3 years; and not have violated any state or federal law concerning the possession, purchase, or sale of firearms in the 3 years before applying for the state permit. The department of revenue (department) is responsible for issuing state permits. The fee for issuing a permit is $400, which may be adjusted annually by the department. A state permit is valid for 3 years. The department, subject to available appropriations, is required to conduct an on-site inspection of a random selection of 10% of state permit holders each year and, additionally, may conduct periodic unannounced dealer inspections. The department shall revoke a dealer's state permit if the dealer: No longer holds a valid federal firearms license; Does not permit a required inspection of the dealer's business or a required record; or Is convicted of obtaining a firearm for or transferring a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess a firearm, transferring a firearm prior to receiving the results of a background check, trafficking in firearms, or unlawfully selling or transferring a firearm component or accessory. If the department finds that a dealer failed to post a required notice, make a report about unlawful purchase, or make a required record; transferred a firearm without a locking device; or violated other federal, state, or local laws concerning the sale of firearms or firearm components, the department shall: For a first offense, issue a warning; and For a second offense, issue a warning, suspend the dealer's permit, or revoke the dealer's state permit.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act defines terms related to federal firearm licenses and firearm components, including "frame or receiver of a firearm" and "unfinished frame or receiver." The act prohibits: On and after January 1, 2024, knowingly possessing or transporting an unfinished firearm frame or receiver, unless it has been imprinted with a serial number as required by federal law; Knowingly selling, offering to sell, transferring, or purchasing an unfinished firearm frame or receiver, unless it has been imprinted with a serial number as required by federal law; On and after January 1, 2024, knowingly possessing, purchasing, transporting, or receiving a firearm or frame or receiver of a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number; Knowingly selling, offering to sell, or transferring a firearm or frame or receiver of a firearm that is not imprinted with a serial number; and Manufacturing or causing to be manufactured a frame or receiver of a firearm; unless the manufacturer is a federally licensed firearm manufacturer. The act includes exceptions for each type of prohibited conduct, including specified exceptions for conduct involving federal firearm licensees and transfers to serialize a frame or receiver. A person who commits any of the prohibited conduct commits unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver. Unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver is a class 1 misdemeanor; except that a second or subsequent offense is a class 5 felony. The act requires a person who, on the effective date of the act, owns a firearm, frame, or receiver that the person manufactured and that is not imprinted with a serial number by a federal firearms licensee, to have the firearm, frame, or receiver imprinted with a serial number no later than January 1, 2024. The act prohibits the Colorado bureau of investigation from approving the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of misdemeanor unlawful conduct involving an unserialized firearm, frame, or receiver within 5 years prior to the transfer.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The bill grants a person who is at least 18 years old and permitted to possess a handgun pursuant to federal and state law the same authority to carry a concealed handgun as a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun (permit). A person who carries a concealed handgun without a permit has the same rights, limitations, and authority to carry as a person who holds a permit. A person may obtain a permit for the purpose of using the permit to carry a concealed handgun in another state that recognizes a Colorado permit. The bill makes 18 years old the minimum age to obtain a permit. Under existing law, Colorado recognizes permits issued in other states that meet certain criteria, including that the holder of the out-of-state permit is at least 21 years old. The bill changes the minimum age for recognition of an out-of-state permit to 18 years old. Under existing law, a permit is valid for 5 years. The bill makes a permit valid for the life of the permit holder. Existing permits, other than temporary emergency permits, are converted to lifetime permits. Because the bill makes permits valid for the life of the holder, the bill repeals provisions relating to the renewal of permits. The bill repeals the temporary emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun. The bill repeals local government authority to regulate open or concealed carry of a handgun, including repealing the authority of special districts and the governing boards of institutions of higher education, as applicable. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The bill establishes the school safety firearm detection funding program (program) in the office of school safety (office) to disburse money to local education providers to purchase, install, and operate firearm detection software for use in schools. The office administers the program. In order to receive a disbursement, a local education provider must submit an application. The office shall disburse program money to eligible applicants in the order the applications are received. A recipient shall use program money to purchase and operate firearm detection software to detect, and alert local education provider personnel and first responders about, the presence of visible, unholstered firearms on school property. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Pettersen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo provide grants for technical assistance for State crisis intervention programs. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Community Risk Training and Response Act of 2026. 2.GrantsThe Attorney General shall make grants to States for a term of 1 year in an amount of not less than $200,000 and not more than $500,000 for purposes of providing technical assistance to State and local— (1)law enforcement; (2)prosecutors; (3)judges and court staff; (4)healthcare providers; (5)educators; and (6)agencies designated to coordinate extreme risk protection order implementation, to develop standardized extreme risk protection order training, curriculum, and model implementation materials for States, and thereby to ensure consistent, evidence-based processes nationwide and support States in effective, timely implementation of State crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Pettersen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide that grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program may be used for gun safe giveaway programs, and for other purposes. 1.Short title This Act may be cited as the Community Firearm Safety Act of 2026. 2.Gun safe giveaway programs authorized under Byrne grantsSection 501(a)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10152(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (J)Programs to provide gun safes (or other devices that are designed to be or can be used to store a firearm and that are designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or other similar means) to individuals, at no cost to the individuals..

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act requires a licensed gun dealer to obtain approval for a firearms transfer from the Colorado bureau of investigation (bureau) prior to transferring a firearm. The act prohibits the bureau from approving the transfer of a firearm to a person who was convicted of specified misdemeanor offenses. The bureau is also prohibited from approving a firearms transfer until it determines that its background investigation is complete and that the transfer would not violate federal prohibitions on firearms possession or result in a violation of state law. A person may be denied a firearms transfer if there has not been a final disposition in criminal proceedings for certain offenses for which the prospective transferee, if convicted, would be prohibited from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm. The act permits continued denial of the transfer when the bureau is unable to obtain the final disposition of a case that is no longer pending. A person who has been denied a firearms transfer following a background check can appeal the denial. The act establishes a 60-day deadline for the bureau to review background check records that prompted the denial and render a final administrative decision regarding the denial. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Firearms - extreme risk protection order - petition requirements - hearings - firearm surrender options - termination hearing - appropriation. The act creates the ability for a family or household member or a law enforcement officer to petition the court for a temporary extreme risk protection order (ERPO) beginning on January 1, 2020. The petitioner must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that a person poses a significant risk to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody or control or by possessing, purchasing, or receiving a firearm. The petitioner must submit an affidavit signed under oath and penalty of perjury that sets forth facts to support the issuance of a temporary ERPO and a reasonable basis for believing they exist. The court must hold a temporary ERPO hearing in person or by telephone on the day the petition is filed or on the court day immediately following the day the petition is filed. After issuance of a temporary ERPO, the court must schedule a second hearing no later than 14 days following the issuance to determine whether the issuance of a continuing ERPO is warranted. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the respondent at the hearing. If a family or household member or a law enforcement officer establishes by clear and convincing evidence that a person poses a significant risk to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody or control or by possessing, purchasing, or receiving a firearm, the court may issue a continuing ERPO. The ERPO prohibits the respondent from possessing, controlling, purchasing, or receiving a firearm for 364 days. Upon issuance of the ERPO, the respondent shall surrender all of his or her firearms and his or her concealed carry permit if the respondent has one. The respondent may surrender his or her firearms either to a law enforcement agency or a federally licensed firearms dealer, or, if the firearm is an antique or relic or curio, the firearm may be surrendered to a family member who is eligible to possess a firearm and who does not reside with the respondent.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The bill grants a person who is at least 18 years old and permitted to possess a handgun pursuant to federal and state law the same authority to carry a concealed handgun as a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun (permit). A person who carries a concealed handgun without a permit has the same rights, limitations, and authority to carry as a person who holds a permit. A person may obtain a permit for the purpose of using the permit to carry a concealed handgun in another state that recognizes a Colorado permit. The bill makes 18 years old the minimum age to obtain a permit. Under existing law, Colorado recognizes permits issued in other states that meet certain criteria, including that the holder of the out-of-state permit is at least 21 years old. The bill changes the minimum age for recognition of an out-of-state permit to 18 years old. Under existing law, a permit is valid for 5 years. The bill makes a permit valid for the life of the permit holder. Existing permits, other than temporary emergency permits, are converted to lifetime permits. Because the bill makes permits valid for the life of the holder, the bill repeals provisions relating to the renewal of permits. The bill repeals the temporary emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun. The bill repeals local government authority to regulate open or concealed carry of a handgun, including repealing the authority of special districts and the governing boards of institutions of higher education, as applicable. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The act establishes a procedure allowing a federal firearms licensee (licensee) to request a firearm serial number check prior to purchasing a firearm from an individual and requires a local county sheriff's office or police department to complete the serial number check within 3 days after the request. The firearm serial number check must include information regarding whether the firearm is stolen, lost, or is involved in an open criminal investigation. If a licensee is located within incorporated city limits, they must request the firearms serial number check from the police department within its city limits. If a licensee is located in an unincorporated part of the county, they must request a firearms serial number check from the sheriff's department of the county in which it is located. A police department or sheriff's office may charge a reasonable fee to complete the firearm serial number check. The act also allows a licensee to perform a firearm serial number search themself if the federal government allows the licensee access to the federal government's firearm tracing program. The licensee is still subject to the reporting requirements if the licensee performs the firearm serial number search themself. The act imposes a penalty on a licensee if the licensee fails to file a report with law enforcement when the licensee reasonably believes, knows or should know, or becomes aware that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Gross rent includes contract rent and tenant-paid utilities. Rental protections, assistance, and housing supply concern components of rental-market conditions; they do not set Colorado’s median rent. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Median gross rent. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

As it relates to unlawful detention of real property, the act expands current exceptions and protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence and domestic abuse to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking (victim-survivor). If domestic violence or domestic abuse was the cause of an alleged unlawful detention of real property, current law requires the tenant to document the domestic violence or domestic abuse through a police report or a valid civil or emergency protection order (required documentation). The act expands the required documentation to include a valid criminal protection order, a self-attestation affidavit or a letter signed by a qualified third party from whom the tenant sought assistance. If a tenant has been alleged to have committed unlawful detention of real property due to nonpayment or late payment of rent and the tenant has provided the landlord with the required documentation, the act requires the landlord to offer the tenant a repayment plan no later than 3 business days after serving a demand for unpaid rent or no later than 3 business days after receiving the required documentation. Within 7 days after receipt of the repayment plan, the act requires the tenant to accept the landlord's repayment plan or propose an alternative. If a landlord has written or actual notice that a tenant is a victim-survivor, the act requires the landlord to make all reasonable efforts to perfect service through personal service to the tenant. The act requires the court to suppress, or continue suppressing, any related court records upon receiving the victim-survivor's motion or petition to suppress the record, the required documentation, and an assertion that public access to the records poses a risk to the defendant's safety or the safety of a family member of the defendant's household. The act makes changes to certain court procedures as the procedures relate to victim-survivors.

Firearm mortality includes suicide, homicide, and other intents. The provision concerns firearm access, safety, or prevention of firearm injury and may address only part of the death count. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the fact’s measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained Colorado evidence context: Firearm deaths. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

The bill creates a new income tax credit in an amount equal to the purchase price of a firearm safety device, not to exceed $200, that is purchased by an eligible taxpayer from a federally licensed dealer (credit). A firearm safety device is a device that is designed or can be used to store a firearm and is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or by other similar means. The credit is available for income tax years 2027 and 2028, and if the amount of the credit exceeds the eligible taxpayer's tax liability, the credit may be carried forward for a period of 5 income tax years. In addition, the maximum amount of aggregate credits that can be claimed in an income tax year is $5 million. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)