Gun Violence Prevention Law Goes Into Effect
Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect
DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license.
“This law is crucial in setting up firearm dealers for success to help us reduce gun violence and crime in our communities, especially as the Trump Administration threatens to slash the number of federal gun sale inspectors by 67 percent,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “From hairdressers and auto dealers to liquor store owners, state licenses are required to conduct business, and we believe that people who sell firearms should be held to the same standard. This law establishes a state permitting system for firearm dealers, requires dealers and employees to undergo training to better identify suspicious activity, and ensures compliance with business standards to prevent illegal firearm sales. Dealers who violate state laws could lose their permit to sell firearms, preventing illegal guns from terrorizing our communities.”
“Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.”
"This is an important gun violence prevention law that will equip Colorado firearm dealers and their employees with safety training and protocols that can save lives," said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. "Training requirements for the proper storage of firearms, background checks, and identifying potentially dangerous behavior will help keep guns out of the hands of people who may otherwise harm themselves or someone else. This new statewide permitting process for firearm sales allows the state to thoroughly vet and inspect firearm dealers, ensuring they have taken necessary steps to reduce crime and save lives.”
“Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” said Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I was proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.”
Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 requires firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit is an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000.
Under the law, firearm dealers must apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants are ineligible for the permit if they have had an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They are also ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms.
Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include:
Fingerprint-based background checks for employees every three years;
Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit;
Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law;
Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and
Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident.
Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent.