The Vail, Colorado Daily is reporting that county sheriffs along the Centennial State’s “resource-stretched mountain communities” are not enthusiastic about a string of gun control bills passed earlier this year by the Democrat-controlled Legislature, and signed by liberal Gov. Jared Polis.
Specifically, Senate Bill 3 has new “vetting and training requirements” for citizens wanting to purchase a semiautomatic rifle or gas-operated pistol that accepts a detachable magazine.
As noted by the Vail Daily, “Legislators, who had to close a $1.2 billion deficit in the state’s budget this year, did not allocate any new funding to help local officials with the rollout.”
The newspaper quoted several sheriffs, including Moffat County Sheriff Chip McIntyre, who reportedly explained that his department has a “lean staff and a budget focused on core public safety issues.”
“Adding a new statutory obligation, especially one that requires verification processes, applicant communication, and documentation, could divert staff time from these primary functions,” he reportedly stated. “Without additional support, it may delay other services or strain operational efficiency.”
According to the Colorado Sun, SB3 does not take effect until Aug. 1, 2026. Between now and then, there remains the possibility someone or some group will file a lawsuit challenging the mandate.
The training course mandated by SB3 includes completion of a gun safety course, developed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency. That agency will use $1.4 million from the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Cash Fund. Approximately $1 million will be used to develop and maintain a “state database” and the remaining $400,000 will pay for additional staff to make the program work.
Many Colorado sheriffs opposed SB3 for “logistical and personal” reasons. At least one sheriff declared the law to be “unconstitutional crap.”
By no coincidence, rural county sheriffs across many western states where Democrats control the legislatures oppose restrictive gun control legislation. Sheriffs in some western counties have stated they will not enforce restrictive gun laws.
House Bill 1062 signed by Polis changes the penalties for stealing firearms, which will now be a Class 6 felony. Conviction would carry a prison term of up to 18 months.
House Bill 1133, which takes effect next July 1, raises the minimum age to purchase ammunition to 21. This measure also requires dealers to keep ammunition in an enclosed display or behind a counter to prevent theft by shoplifters.
