Montezuma County Sheriffs Office

Denver-area sheriff's offices are complying with Colorado's new semi-automatic gun law requiring eligibility cards and safety courses, though some express concerns about funding, staffing, and constitutionality. Senate Bill 3, effective August 1, mandates background checks and training for purchasing specified firearms, with mixed responses from law enforcement agencies.

Montezuma County Sheriff Steven Nowlin announced his office will not administer Colorado's new gun law, Senate Bill 25-003, due to funding, staffing, and constitutional concerns. The law requires eligibility cards and safety courses for purchasing certain semiautomatic firearms, which Nowlin argues lacks necessary resources and conflates hunter education with firearm purchase requirements. Supporters claim the law aims to reduce mass shooting fatalities.

Colorado's firearm background checks hit a record 59,452 in July, a 195% increase from July 2025, as residents rushed to purchase guns before Senate Bill 25-003 took effect on August 1. The law mandates new requirements for semiautomatic firearms, but Montezuma County Sheriffs Office declined to participate due to funding and staffing issues.