Governor Polis Signs Laws to Improve Public Safety

Thursday, April 10, 2025

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis signed new laws to improve public safety in Colorado and strengthen the state’s workforce. The Governor signed SB25-003 - Semiautomatic Firearms & Rapid-Fire Devices, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Andrew Boesnecker and Meg Froelich, to improve public safety by enhancing gun safety education. The Governor also wrote a signing statement. 

“I am focused on improving public safety and making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the country. This bill ensures that our Second Amendment rights are protected and that Coloradans can continue to purchase the gun of their choice for sport, hunting, self-defense, or home defense. I am confident that this bill contributes to improving public safety in our state by helping to ensure an educated and trained gun owner community, including gun safety and safe storage,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This law is not a ban, and I have been clear that I oppose banning types of firearms. Proper gun safety education and training, however, are key components of public safety and responsible gun ownership.” 

The Governor and his office worked with the sponsors, advocates, and Coloradans to improve the bill throughout the legislative session. As passed, this bill provides for lawful purchasers to undertake a gun safety education course prior to continuing to be able to purchase the gun of their choice starting in August 2026. 

Governor Polis signed bills into law to strengthen the state’s resources for public safety, support Colorado youth, and enhance workforce development opportunities. 

  • SB25-059 - Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan and Steven Woodrow, and Representative Michael Carter
  • SB25-151 - Measures to Prevent Youth from Running Away, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Meg Froelich, and Representative Lindsay Gilchrist

 “These laws will ensure the state is prepared to support victims of crimes, and help Colorado youth in care sites get needed services to stay safe and healthy. Each of these new laws will improve public safety for communities across the state,” said Governor Polis. 

These new laws add to a long line of laws signed by Governor Polis to improve public safety. This includes cracking down on auto theft and illegal guns, increasing funding for local law enforcement, community-led crime prevention efforts, safe storage, emergency risk protection order and more. 

The Governor also signed HB25-1221 - Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree, sponsored by Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Lori Garcia Sander, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Paul Lundeen. 

“This new credential can help connect more Coloradans to needed skills that lead to good-paying jobs. I appreciate the work of the sponsors on this legislation and look forward to seeing Coloradans take advantage of it,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

Governor Polis also signed the following bipartisan bills administratively: 

  • SB25-015 - Wildfire Information & Resource Center Website, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Tisha Mauro. This bill is bipartisan.
  • SB25-033 - Prohibit New Liquor-Licensed Drug Stores, sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Ron Weinberg. This bill is bipartisan. SIGNING STATEMENT
  • HB25-1027 - Update Disease Control Statutes, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Kyle Brown, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Kyle Mullica. This bill is bipartisan.
  • HB25-1173 - Advisory Board Serving Office of School Safety, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Dusty Johnson, and Senator Chris Kolker. This bill is bipartisan.
  • HB25-1110 - Railroad Crossing Maintenance Costs, sponsored by Representatives Ty Winter and Monica Duran, and Senators Byron Pelton and Robert Rodriguez. This bill is bipartisan. 

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