CPW Begins Rollout of Colorado’s Semi-Auto Firearm Permit-to-Purchase Program with Public Meetings

First Public Meeting Set for April 2nd

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is moving forward to build the state’s new firearm “permit-to-purchase” system for most semi-auto rifles and shotguns, and some pistols. The legal framework of this system was created under Colorado SB25-003. That bill is passed. The law is already signed. Lawsuits are pending. And now what’s left is for the state to figure out how it will actually work in the real world…well, for those who chose to comply with it.

Now CPW is asking the public to weigh in.

They’re hosting a series of stakeholder meetings for FFLs, firearms instructors and the general public. Targeted meeting for FFLs and firearms instructors have already been under way, and the first meeting for members of the public is on April 2 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. To take part in the meeting, you can join here. There is no registration required. 

This meeting will go over how the system will be built, enforced, and applied in the real world.

Colorado’s new “Firearms Safety Program” will require individuals to:

• Apply through their local sheriff for eligibility
• Complete a state-approved firearms safety course
• Be entered into a system CPW will maintain and oversee

CPW is responsible for:

• Developing course standards
• Coordinating with sheriffs and instructors
• Maintaining eligibility records
• Working with firearm dealers on compliance

The law takes effect August 1, 2026. It bans the purchase of most semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and gas-operated pistols unless an individual first completes the permit-to-purchase maze and obtains a special gun-buyers card. 

What happens between now and then will determine how burdensome, confusing, or restrictive this process becomes in practice.

We opposed this law when it was pushed through. Nothing about that has changed. But if you want to understand what’s coming, or have any interest in how this is going to be enforced, this meeting may be worth your time.

Meeting Schedule

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM  MST
Format: Virtual (Zoom)

• Meeting Link (Zoom): cpw.state.co.us/event/policy-and-planning/2026/04/virtual-firearms-public-meeting
• Passcode: 668230
• CLICK HERE for printable flyer.

Additional meetings will be available, including two that will be in-person:

Denver Metro Public Meeting
Thursday, April 23 from 6-8 p.m.
CPW Headquarters, Hunter Education Building
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216

Southwest Public Meeting
Monday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m.
La Plata County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall
2500 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301

More targeted stakeholder meetings with county sheriffs, FFLs, and firearms safety instructors are also available. A full schedule can be found on CPW’s website.

Wondering how CPW became the entity to enforce the most restrictive gun law in the nation? I wrote it about it last year. Read that here.