Colorado Statewide Rule
Colorado Local Firearms Preemption Repeal
Key Facts
- Rule
- Statewide preemption was repealed by SB 21-256 effective 2021
- Limit
- Local jurisdictions may regulate firearms beyond state minimums
- Rule
- Concealed carry reciprocity remains statewide
- Rule
- Many Front Range cities passed assault weapon ordinances
- Authority
- Federal and state laws still set baseline standards
Summary
Colorado repealed firearms preemption in 2021, allowing cities and counties to enact local gun regulations stricter than state law in most circumstances.
29-11.7-103. Local regulations governing firearms permitted. (1) Unless otherwise expressly prohibited pursuant to state law, a local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law governing or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that a person may lawfully sell, purchase, transfer, or possess under state or federal law. The local ordinance, regulation, or other law may not impose a requirement on the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that is less restrictive than state law, and any less restrictive ordinance, regulation, or other law enacted by a local government before the effective date of this section, as amended in 2021, is void and unenforceable. A local ordinance, regulation, or other law governing the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory may only impose a criminal penalty for a Colorado Revised Statutes 2024 Page 334 of 507 Uncertified Printout violation upon a person who knew or reasonably should have known that the person's conduct was prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Senate Bill 21-256 repealed CRS 29-11.7-103, restoring local authority to enact firearm regulations. Counties, municipalities, and special districts may now adopt ordinances on firearms, ammunition, and components. Local laws may differ from state minimums but cannot conflict with constitutional protections. Concealed carry permit holders retain statewide reciprocity. The law produced a patchwork of city-specific assault weapon bans, magazine limits, and waiting periods across the Front Range since 2021.
Violations & Penalties
Penalties depend on local jurisdiction; commonly Class 2 misdemeanors with fines and possible jail time, though state law penalties remain the floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my city have stricter gun laws than Colorado?
Do I need to check local laws when traveling within Colorado?
Sources
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