Date: April 8, 2025

The Board of County Commissioners has taken a decisive stand to oppose Senate Bill 25-003, a proposed law that would impose strict regulations on certain semiautomatic firearms. This resolution, adopted on April 8, 2025, outlines serious concerns over the bill's potential impact on constitutional rights, local law enforcement resources, and the economic well-being of our community.

What's at Stake?

Senate Bill 25-003 targets firearms such as:

• Semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with detachable magazines
• Gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines

Under the bill, any manufacturing, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of these specified semiautomatic firearms would require gun owners and dealers to complete costly and lengthy background checks and safety courses. These requirements would delay legitimate transactions and impose heavy burdens on law-abiding citizens.

Key Concerns Raised by the Resolution

• Criminal Penalties: Violations of the bill would be subject to severe penalties: a first offense is a class 2 misdemeanor, and a subsequent offense escalates to a class 6 felony. Gun dealers found in violation risk having their licenses revoked.
• Unfunded Mandate for Local Law Enforcement: County sheriffs would be forced to implement extensive fingerprinting and background checks without any additional funding. This extra administrative duty is seen as an unfair burden on local resources.
• Economic Impact: The bill is estimated to cost Colorado $1.4 million in the first year and $500,000 annually thereafter. These figures come at a time when fiscal responsibility is paramount, especially given the state's budget shortfall. Moreover, the restrictive measures could force gun store owners to curtail a significant part of their merchandise, potentially leading to closures or relocations, damaging local economies.
• Second Amendment Rights: The resolution argues that Senate Bill 25-003 imposes unnecessary hoops for law-abiding citizens. The bill infringes on the well-established right to self-defense and the broader Second Amendment by mandating excessive background checks and safety courses.

A Call to Action

The Board of County Commissioners of Teller County urges Governor Polis to veto Senate Bill 25-003. They believe that preserving the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment is essential for individual liberty and maintaining the economic and administrative stability of our local communities.

View the Resolution here: