This week, members of the Colorado state legislature passed the most egregious and unconstitutional anti-Second Amendment bill in Colorado's history.

The bill passed through the Senate on a 19-15 vote, with all Republicans and Democratic Senators Tony Exum, Marc Snyder, and Nick Hinrichsen voting against it.

Since its introduction in January, Senate Bill 25-003 has expanded from a semi-automatic weapon ban to include a deceptive "permit-to-purchase" system, which will saddle law-abiding Coloradans with unnecessary fees, bureaucratic hurdles, and state-mandated registration for those who want to exercise their constitutional rights. 

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal has outwardly opposed SB 25-003 since its introduction, expressing concerns about the bill's constitutionality and its potential harm to small business owners and the safety of law-abiding citizens.

During his testimony, Sheriff Roybal expressed concern about the disregard shown by bill sponsors toward the testimony and input of public safety experts during shareholder meetings, as well as the additional costs to taxpayers resulting from fees and future litigation.

“Rather than focusing on legislation to hold criminals accountable and make Colorado a safer, more prosperous place for families and businesses, lawmakers spent their time passing legislation which will ultimately make Colorado less safe for everyone but the criminals,” said Sheriff Joe Roybal. “I hope Governor Polis will listen to public safety experts and veto SB 25-003 rather than cave to political pressure by signing the bill. However, if SB 25-003 becomes law, I am already making plans to ensure the constitutional rights of the citizens of El Paso County are safeguarded from our overzealous state government. My Office will communicate these plans to our citizens as soon as possible.

“Colorado is my home, and I am heartbroken to see yet another layer of unnecessary government control and bureaucracy added to its statutory landscape.”

The Colorado Senators who voted to pass Senate Bill 25-003 were: