Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senate Bill 25-003, the most atrocious anti-2nd Amendment bill in Colorado history.
Since the bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, by Senators Tom Sullivan and Julie Gonzalez and Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Meg Froelich, Sheriff Roybal has outwardly spoken against it, testifying at both the House and Senate hearings.
“I am deeply disappointed in the Governor’s decision not to veto Senate Bill 25-003,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Public safety experts across the state opposed this legislation, as it will be burdensome on law-abiding citizens, and have no adverse effect on criminals.
“Small businesses across our state will have to close their doors, and individuals looking to purchase firearms for self-defense will now have to participate in a ‘permit-to-purchase’ system, saddling hard-working Coloradans with unnecessary fees, bureaucratic hurdles, and a state-mandated registration when exercising their constitutional rights.
“It is clear those who hold the power in our state legislature are more interested in carrying out a political agenda, rather than sponsoring and voting for legislation which enhances public safety and preserves the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
“Senate Bill 25-003 will do nothing to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and put small businesses out of business in Colorado.
“As the Sheriff of El Paso County, I am working on a plan to minimize the inconveniences for my citizens who wish to exercise their 2nd amendment constitutional rights and purchase firearms while adhering to the law.
“I will communicate my plan to ensure the preservation and protection of El Paso County citizens’ ability to purchase firearms at a later date.”