Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is beginning statewide public engagement efforts to 1) inform Coloradans about the new Firearms Safety Program required under Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003) and 2) to gather public feedback ahead of the law’s implementation on Aug. 1, 2026.
Signed into law on April 10, 2025, SB25-003 ensures that beginning August 1, 2026, individuals will complete a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring certain specified semiautomatic firearms, creating an educated and trained gun owner community, including in safety and storage. CPW is responsible for implementing the training portions of the legislation, including developing course standards, maintaining eligibility records, and coordinating with county sheriffs, verified course instructors, and licensed firearms dealers.
CPW has launched a dedicated webpage outlining legally required program requirements and timelines. As the program is finalized, CPW will host 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.
“These meetings are an important part of ensuring transparency and understanding as we implement this new program,” said CPW Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement Jim Hawkins. “We encourage members of the public and stakeholders to attend, ask questions, and share input.”
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.
A specified semiautomatic firearm (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 in any way. 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.
Public and Stakeholder Meetings
CPW will host the following public meetings to share information and gather feedback:
West Slope Public Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 | 6–8 p.m.
Cameo Shooting and Education Complex
3934 I 9/10 Rd, Palisade, CO 81526
Southeast Public Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time and location to be announced
Denver Metro Public Meeting
Mid-April 2026
Details to be announced
Virtual Public Meeting
Date and time to be announced
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.
