Colorado Lawmakers Review Bill to Ban High-Capacity Firearms

Colorado lawmakers are considering a new bill that would significantly restrict access to firearms by banning the sale, purchase, and manufacture of semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and certain semiautomatic pistols that accept detachable magazines. This proposal has sparked intense debate, with supporters arguing it is essential for addressing gun violence and mass shootings, while opponents, including the Colorado GOP, claim it infringes on constitutional rights and would effectively ban the majority of guns in the state. The bill, backed by Democratic senators and gun control advocates, aims to enforce existing regulations on high-capacity magazines and has already passed its first committee hearing, attracting large crowds of witnesses. Advocates highlight personal stories of gun violence as motivation for the legislation, while critics warn it represents an extreme overreach. The bill's future remains uncertain as it progresses through the legislative process, with strong partisan divisions evident. If enacted, the law would take effect on September 1, 2025.