The Colorado Senate has passed a sweeping gun control measure banning the sale and purchase of AR-15s, AK-47s, and other firearms with extended magazines, setting the stage for a major Second Amendment battle.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Colorado state Senate has passed Senate Bill 3, legislation that bans the sale, manufacture, and purchase of AR-15s, AK-47s, shotguns, and pistols that hold more than 15 rounds, according to Fox News. The bill does not apply to firearms currently owned but aims to prohibit future transactions involving these weapons.

The measure now heads to the Colorado House, where Democrats hold a significant majority, and it is expected to pass. Democratic Governor Jared Polis has not explicitly opposed the bill and has signaled support after lawmakers included an exemption to address his concerns.

Stricter Requirements for Limited Exceptions

To appease Gov. Polis, Senate Democrats amended the bill to include a narrow exemption for prospective buyers who meet a series of strict conditions. To purchase firearms falling under the ban, individuals would be required to:

• Undergo a background check conducted by local law enforcement.
• Complete a state-run hunting safety course and an additional four-hour firearm safety course.
• If lacking a hunting license, the buyer would need to complete an extended 12-hour in-person training program over two days.
• Score at least 90% on a final exam to qualify for an exemption.
• Renew their exemption every five years to remain eligible.

Republican and Bipartisan Opposition

Despite the amendment, all Republicans and three Democrats voted against the measure on Tuesday, arguing that it infringes upon Second Amendment rights.

“This is not a privilege granted by the government; it is a right inherent to who I am and enshrined in the United States Constitution,” Republican Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen said, according to KOAA.

Additionally, Republicans raised concerns that the requirement for extensive background checks could lead to the creation of a firearm registry.

“I’ve had hundreds of emails—I think so many I didn’t answer them all,” Republican state Sen. Marc Catlin said. “The point is, people are really concerned about this—the idea they have to put their name on a list.”

Criminal Penalties for Violations

If the bill becomes law, purchasing AR-15s or other banned firearms would be classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, while repeated offenses would escalate to a class 6 felony.

Although semi-automatic rifles with magazines under 15 rounds would remain legal, critics argue that most AR-15s and similar firearms come standard with 15-round magazines. The Colorado Sun noted that few firearm manufacturers produce weapons that meet the bill’s requirements, which mandate that magazines be epoxied, welded, or soldered to the firearm.

Gun Rights Groups Push Back

Gun rights advocates strongly oppose the measure, arguing that it targets law-abiding gun owners rather than criminals.

“Anti-gun radicals in Colorado continue their attacks on law-abiding gun owners by restricting access to commonly owned firearms,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA, in a statement to Fox News Digital. “This bill is more about optics than public safety, which was recognized by the bipartisan group of senators who voted against it. The NRA will continue to fight this unconstitutional legislation to protect the rights of peaceable Coloradans.”

The bill now moves to the Colorado House, where its passage is expected before heading to Gov. Polis’s desk for final approval.