Colorado Lawmakers Propose New Restrictions on Firearm Barrels

Colorado lawmakers have introduced new gun control legislation that would significantly expand state regulation of firearms and firearm components. Senate Bill 26-043, introduced last week, would restrict the sale and transfer of firearm barrels and impose new criminal penalties for violations.

Under the proposal, it would be unlawful for anyone other than a federally licensed firearms dealer to sell or transfer a firearm barrel, and even licensed dealers would be required to complete the transaction in person. The bill also bans possession of firearm barrels “with the intent to sell or transfer” outside of these narrow conditions.

The legislation was introduced by State Sen. Tom Sullivan of Centennial, along with Reps. Meg Froelich of Englewood and Kyle Brown of Louisville, all Democrats.

Modeled After California Law

The Colorado bill closely mirrors legislation signed into law last year in California by Gov. Gavin Newsom. California’s statute requires firearm barrel sales to be conducted in person by a licensed dealer and mandates background checks for barrel purchases.

Supporters of the California law argued it would help curb the spread of so-called “ghost guns.” Colorado lawmakers advancing SB 26-043 have pointed to similar concerns, although the bill does not directly address criminal misuse beyond expanding regulation and recordkeeping.

Expanded Recordkeeping Requirements

In addition to restricting sales, SB 26-043 would require firearms dealers to retain records of barrel sales and transfers for at least five years. The bill also directs the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to create a standardized form for retail recordkeeping.

Gun rights advocates argue these provisions go well beyond public safety and instead create a new layer of surveillance over lawful gun owners.

The Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) criticized the bill as a data-collection effort rather than a crime-prevention measure. Executive Director Huey Laugesen said the legislation would force a paper trail not just for firearms, but for routine replacement parts such as worn or damaged barrels.

According to CSSA, the bill risks treating ordinary maintenance and lawful ownership as suspicious activity, while doing little to deter criminal behavior.

Part of a Broader Legislative Push

SB 26-043 is not the only firearm-related bill sponsored by Sullivan and Froelich this session. The pair are also backing Senate Bill 26-004, which would expand Colorado’s existing “Red Flag” law by allowing new categories of “institutional petitioners” to seek Extreme Risk Protection Orders. That bill advanced out of the Senate Committee on State, Veterans and Military Affairs last week.

In addition, Sullivan and Froelich sponsored legislation last session that created a permit-to-purchase system for most semi-automatic rifles that accept detachable magazines.

Growing Debate Ahead

Together, these measures reflect a continued push by Colorado lawmakers to broaden firearm regulation, extending oversight beyond complete firearms to individual components and ownership processes.

Supporters argue these steps are necessary to enhance public safety, while opponents warn they place new burdens on responsible gun owners without addressing the root causes of violent crime.

As SB 26-043 moves through the legislative process, it is expected to generate significant debate at the Capitol—and heightened attention from both gun control advocates and Second Amendment supporters across the state.