Gun law creates staffing concerns for Boulder sheriff
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Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson told Axios he's unsure whether his office can enforce the state's new gun law without additional staffing.
Why it matters: Colorado's pending requirement for buyers to take a safety course before purchasing certain semi-automatic firearms has drawn the ire of many of Colorado's county-level officials charged with carrying out the system to permit gun owners.
Catch up quick: Colorado Senate Bill 3 (SB 25-003) bans the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale or purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms unless individuals get a "firearms safety course eligibility card" after completing a safety course.
- While Colorado Parks and Wildlife will determine the course curriculum, local sheriff's offices have been tasked with implementation.
- The permitting process was added to the bill as a compromise for it to pass.
- The law goes into effect Aug. 1, 2026.
Friction point: Several sheriffs and county representatives came out against the law on Second Amendment grounds, both before and after Gov. Jared Polis signed it into law on April 10.
Zoom in: Though Boulder County has often led the charge on gun control in Colorado by passing or attempting to pass local safety laws, Johnson told Axios he has "mixed feelings" about the law.
- "While I support efforts to reduce gun violence in our community, this law puts sheriffs in the position of deciding who can purchase a firearm," Johnson said, adding, "There was no opportunity for us to be involved in discussions or to explore alternative solutions."
Reality check: Johnson said his office may need more staff to "develop, implement and then manage the new permitting system," but added he has "no idea" what the demand for the permits will be in Boulder County "until the law goes into effect."
- No county-level data on semi-automatic gun ownership is available. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has only state background check data, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment tracks gun injuries and fatalities.
By the numbers: The state estimated 50,000 people statewide in the 2025-26 fiscal year would apply for the $5 cards, creating $2 million in revenue.
- Yes, but: That revenue will be collected by local sheriff's offices, but will go to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
What's next: Gun rights groups have threatened to challenge the law, which could delay its implementation if a lawsuit were to be filed.