SB 25-205

Senate Bill 25-205, which has been signed into law, requires federal firearms licensees in Colorado to request a serial number check on any firearm they want to purchase from an individual. Local police departments or sheriff's offices must complete this check within three days and inform the licensee if the firearm is stolen, lost, or involved in criminal investigations. If the licensee operates within city limits, they must contact the local police department; otherwise, they should reach out to their county sheriff’s office. The law also allows licensees to perform these checks themselves if given access by the federal government but still mandates reporting any suspicious sales to law enforcement. This bill affects anyone involved in firearm transactions and aims to enhance public safety by preventing the sale of stolen or illegally obtained firearms.

Official Summary

The act establishes a procedure allowing a federal firearms licensee (licensee) to request a firearm serial number check prior to purchasing a firearm from an individual and requires a local county sheriff's office or police department to complete the serial number check within 3 days after the request. The firearm serial number check must include information regarding whether the firearm is stolen, lost, or is involved in an open criminal investigation. If a licensee is located within incorporated city limits, they must request the firearms serial number check from the police department within its city limits. If a licensee is located in an unincorporated part of the county, they must request a firearms serial number check from the sheriff's department of the county in which it is located. A police department or sheriff's office may charge a reasonable fee to complete the firearm serial number check. The act also allows a licensee to perform a firearm serial number search themself if the federal government allows the licensee access to the federal government's firearm tracing program. The licensee is still subject to the reporting requirements if the licensee performs the firearm serial number search themself. The act imposes a penalty on a licensee if the licensee fails to file a report with law enforcement when the licensee reasonably believes, knows or should know, or becomes aware that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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