SB 23-169

Senate Bill 23-169 raises the minimum age for purchasing firearms in Colorado from 18 to 21 years old. It also makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to buy a gun and for dealers to sell guns to individuals who are not yet 21, with exceptions for active military members and certified peace officers. The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 28, 2023, and will go into effect on August 7, 2023. This means that starting in early August, only people aged 21 or older can legally buy firearms in Colorado unless they fall under specific exemptions.

Official Summary

Current law allows a person who is 18 years of age or older to knowingly possess or purchase a firearm. The act increases the age to legally purchase a firearm to 21 years of age or older. The act makes the unlawful purchase of a firearm by a person who is less than 21 years of age a class 2 misdemeanor and makes it unlawful for a licensed or unlicensed gun dealer to facilitate such a sale. Exceptions include: The person is an active member of the United States armed forces; or The person is a peace officer or certified by the P.O.S.T. board. APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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