I grew up in Colorado and attended high school and college there. As a kid, I remember Coloradans to be rugged, independent folks who would do anything for a neighbor in need. The spirit of the west was alive and well.
Not any more.
This year, the state legislature passed a package of sweeping gun-control measures. All it took was signatures from Governor Jared Polis on three firearms bills to severely damage the right to keep and bear arms in Colorado.
As of next year, Coloradans who want to acquire a semiautomatic firearm with detachable magazines will need a government permit just to purchase one (SB 25-003). Many, if not most, modern firearms—rifles, shotguns, and handguns—fit that description. In order to get one of those government permission slips, one will have to complete a 12-hour training course (4-hours for those having completed a hunter safety course), pass a written exam with a score of 90% or better, pay a fee, and hope their local sheriff (who processes the application) likes them. Permits are on a may-issue basis and can be denied if the sheriff has a “reasonable belief” you shouldn’t have one.
The same rigamarole will be required every five years when the permit needs to be renewed. Oh, and you’ll be entered into a state database of permit holders.
Ammunition sales to those under 21 will be banned, except for military and police personnel and those that have completed a hunter safety course (HB 25-1133). Stores will have to keep ammo under lock and key.
Gun show promoters and vendors will have to prepare detailed security plans that will be submitted to law enforcement prior to holding any firearm-related events (25-1238). I wonder how many will give up because it’s just too much trouble to meet the letter of the law.
Other states that are unfriendly to firearm owners will, no doubt, be emboldened to follow suit.
I’m sure the state’s gun owners have always thought, “This is Colorado, it can’t happen here.”
If you think it can’t happen here in Arizona, think again. AzCDL will always do everything in our power to protect your right to keep and bear arms, but we cannot do it alone. Your membership and financial support are what make our work possible.
—Michael Gibbs
President, Arizona Citizens Defense League