Colorado Senate Democrats are pushing for a ban on certain semiautomatic firearms, aiming to curb gun violence. The bill, SB25-003, faces potential opposition but has the support of Senator Tom Sullivan, whose son was a victim of the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting.
Lawmakers and lobbyists were back at the Colorado State Capitol on Wednesday for the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Senate Democrats wasted no time introducing a bill they believe will save lives, but one that's set to face a fierce fight from opponents.
Senate Bill 25-003 aims to ban the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of a 'specified semiautomatic firearm,' which includes semiautomatic rifles and shotguns, along with gas-operated semiautomatic handguns that have a detachable ammunition magazine. Under the bill, a semiautomatic gun with a detachable magazine could still be transferred to an heir, someone in another state, or a federally licensed firearm dealer. If the bill became law, violations would be considered a misdemeanor offense. A second violation escalates to a felony charge.SB25-003 also prohibits the possession of a dangerous weapon, a category that includes rapid-fire devices. 'This is now a priority,' State Senator Tom Sullivan, District 27 — D, said about gun violence prevention. Sullivan is a sponsor of the bill, which he believes targets illegal high-capacity magazines in Colorado. A 2013 state law banned the sale of detachable magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition.The ban on magazines with more than 15 rounds was implemented the year after 12 people were killed during a mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater. Sullivan's son was one of the victims. 'I make sure that people know that,' Sullivan said. 'I make sure that the people down at the Capitol don't forget that... This is the 650th Friday since he was murdered, and I let them know that.”Even though magazines with more than 15 rounds are illegal in Colorado, Sullivan said they are still far too accessible. 'The gun industry continued to send in high-capacity magazines here into the state of Colorado, even though legally you cannot purchase brand new ones anymore,' Sullivan claime
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