Colorado’s SB25-003 Targeting Minority and Women Gun Owners
On February 18, 2025, Colorado’s Senate passed Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003), a gun control measure now headed to the House. Originally aimed at banning semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines, it’s been reworked into an expensive permit-to-purchase system with training. While the goal is safety, it might create challenges for low-income gun owners—especially minorities and women—along with shifts in the economy, small business closures, and eventually a boost for big retailers.
For many minority and women gun owners, semiautomatics like AR-15s or handguns are popular picks: they’re reliable, easy to use, and typically cost $500-$700. The new permit process—requiring a sheriff-issued card, fingerprint checks, and training—could add $100-$200 in expenses. For someone making Colorado’s minimum wage of $14.42/hour, that’s a big ask. Plus, finding time for training can be tough for busy folks like working parents or caregivers, roles often held by women of color, whether in bustling Denver or quieter rural areas.
The bill’s broader impact adds more layers. By focusing on semiautomatics, it could shrink supply and push prices up—an entry level AR-15 might jump from $400 to $800 since compliant versions aren’t widely made. Small gun shops, beloved by budget-conscious buyers, might not survive: their stock could become unsellable, and many, like ourselves are worry about closing. On the flip side, big retailers could come out ahead, using their resources to offer pricier options and grab more market share.
This could hit communities hard. Since 2020, Black and Hispanic gun ownership has grown, with women leading the way, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. In places like Aurora or Pueblo, where safety’s a concern, a single mom might find her $800 defensive firearm out of reach. Meanwhile, Colorado’s economy might feel the pinch too. Small gun shops support a $1.4 billion firearms industry and employ folks like salespeople and instructors. If they close, rural areas could lose jobs, and higher prices might slow spending on outdoor gear—a big deal here. Big chains might pick up some slack, but that could shift jobs to cities, leaving smaller towns behind.
Supporters say it’s about safety, but some worry it creates a “pay-to-protect” hurdle that doesn’t stop criminals—who often bypass laws—while making it tougher for everyday folks. As SB25-003 heads to the House, it’s worth considering how it might affect Colorado’s diverse gun owners, local jobs, and the balance between small shops and big players.
What can you do?
1. Contact Your State Representatives
The bill is now in the Colorado House of Representatives, where it will face committee hearings and votes. Reach out to your House representative to share your thoughts—whether you support, oppose, or want changes to the permit-to-purchase and training requirements.
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How: Find your representative at leg.colorado.gov/legislators. Call, email, or write a concise message. For example: “I’m a constituent in [your district] and I’m concerned about SB25-003 because it could make it harder for people like me to afford self-defense options. Please vote no.”
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Why It Matters: Representatives often track constituent feedback, especially before a big vote. Personal stories resonate more than generic messages.
2. Attend or Testify at House Hearings
The bill will be assigned to a House committee (likely Judiciary or State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs) for a public hearing. Citizens can attend in person at the Capitol in Denver or testify remotely.
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How: Check leg.colorado.gov for the bill’s hearing schedule (not yet set as of today). Sign up to testify via the website or show up early to register in person. Prepare a short statement (2-3 minutes) about how the bill affects you—say, as a minority or woman gun owner worried about costs and access.
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Why It Matters: Public testimony sways lawmakers and gets recorded, amplifying your voice.
3. Reach Out to Governor Polis
Governor Jared Polis can sign, veto, or let the bill become law without signing. He’s historically been cautious about sweeping gun restrictions, and the Senate’s training amendment might reflect his influence.
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How: Call (303) 866-2471 or https://dashboard.colorado.gov/connect-with-us. Keep it respectful: “Governor Polis, I’m a working mom in [city]. SB25-003’s costs and time demands could price me out of owning a firearm for safety. Please consider a veto.”
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Why It Matters: Polis listens to constituent pressure, especially on divisive issues with budget impacts ($4.6 million for implementation, per the Colorado Bureau of Investigation).
4. Spread the Word
Talk to friends, family, or neighbors—especially in rural or swing districts—and encourage them to act too. Share facts about the bill’s permit costs, training, and economic effects (e.g., small shop closures, job losses in a $1.4 billion industry).
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How: Use social media, community boards, or casual chats. Posts on X suggest grassroots momentum can sway lawmakers.
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Why It Matters: Lawmakers notice when an issue heats up locally.
Time’s Ticking
The House could vote any day. If we wait, we lose—permits kick in August 6, 2025, unless we act. This is our state, our rights, our future. Don’t let SB25-003 price out your safety or tank our local economy. Join the fight NOW—call, show up, spread the word. Together, we’ll send this bill packing. Who’s with me? Let’s do this!
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