New Concealed Carry Law Heads to CO Governor’s Desk

The Colorado Senate approved a law that makes it more difficult for residents to obtain their concealed carry permits (CCW). The law now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for his signature. How Polis handles this bill will set the tone for several other gun control measures he’ll consider in the coming weeks.

Colorado’s New Concealed Carry Law Heads to Governor’s Desk

This week, the Colorado Senate passed a law that would make the state’s requirements to carry a concealed weapon stricter. Under the law (dubbed House Bill 24-1174), residents would need to complete several tasks before receiving their CCW. They include:

• Attending 8 hours of in-person classes. The test covers subjects like:
  • Basic gun and ammo handling.
  • How to safely store a firearm.
  • Shooting fundamentals.
  • Instruction on state and Federal gun laws.
• Score 80% or higher on a written test.
• Achieve a 70% or higher on a practical shooting test that involves shooting at least 50 rounds. The class’ instructor will determine the participant’s score at the end of their test.

This entire process must take place in-person – no part of concealed carry training can take place online. These new requirements don’t apply to members of the police or military.

Under current law, Colorado residents only need to attend a 4-hour class.

Governor Jared Polis can now choose whether to sign this bill into law or use his governor’s veto.

Debrief

This is just one of a suite of gun control bills moving through the Colorado legislature this year. In addition to this concealed carry bill, Colorado lawmakers are also considering:

• A law that would require credit card companies to track firearms-related purchases.
• A bill forcing all gun stores in Colorado to register with the state (as well as the ATF).
• A proposal to force all gun owners to acquire firearms insurance.
• The strictest assault weapons ban in the country, which would make it illegal to buy or sell most semi-auto guns.
• A measure that would expand gun-free zones in the state.
• An 11% tax on guns and ammo.

These laws are the result of $4.5 million in grants given to gun control organizations in Colorado by the Federal Government via the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Pay attention to what’s happening in Colorado right now. You can expect to see more of these types of laws popping up in Democrat-run states in the coming years.