The Colorado state Senate has passed a bill that would ban the sale and manufacture of AR-15s, AK-47s, and other semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines exceeding 15 rounds. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 3, now moves to the House, where the Democratic majority is expected to approve it. Governor Jared Polis has indicated support for the measure.
Initially, the bill proposed a complete ban on several types of semiautomatic firearms, including certain shotguns and pistols with detachable magazines. However, to secure broader support, it was amended to focus on banning firearms capable of holding more than 15 rounds. The legislation also prohibits the sale or purchase of specific aftermarket accessories that increase a firearm’s rate of fire.
Democratic state Senator Tom Sullivan, whose son was a victim in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, is a prominent supporter of the bill. He emphasized the devastating impact of high-capacity magazines during debates. Republican lawmakers, however, argue that the bill infringes upon Second Amendment rights, viewing it as an effective ban on commonly owned firearms.
The bill includes exemptions for certain firearms, such as common hunting rifles and guns that fire .22 caliber or smaller ammunition. Additionally, individuals who currently own firearms that would be banned under the new law are permitted to retain them.
This legislative move aligns Colorado with approximately a dozen other states that have implemented similar gun control measures. The push for stricter regulations has been influenced by a series of mass shootings in the state, including incidents at Columbine High School in 1999, the Aurora movie theater in 2012, and the LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs in 2022.
