By Amanda Hardin | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Colorado’s landscape for concealed carry permits is set for a significant transformation with the introduction and passage of House Bill 24-1174.
This legislation, effective July 1, 2025, emphasizes more stringent and uniform training standards for applicants and renewals of concealed handgun permits. Let’s delve into what this means for current and prospective permit holders.
Stricter training requirements
Under HB 24-1174, those wanting to obtain their concealed handgun permit must now complete an in-depth training class meeting specific criteria. The new regulations mandate that the training class must:
- Be a law enforcement training course or a course taught by an instructor verified by a county sheriff.
- Include at least eight hours of instruction, covering essential topics such as firearm and ammunition handling, safe storage, shooting fundamentals, and federal and state firearms laws.
- Provide guidance on the lawful use of deadly force for self-defense, interacting with law enforcement during emergencies, and techniques for avoiding and managing violent confrontations.
- Require passing both a written exam and a live-fire exercise to demonstrate competency.
This enhanced training aims to ensure that permit holders are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the responsibilities and legalities of carrying a concealed handgun. There has been no standardization of training under the current requirements and will serve to create standardized training.
Renewal procedures
Renewing a concealed carry permit at the five year mark will also see changes. Applicants must demonstrate continued competence with a handgun before receiving their renewal. They can do this through various means:
- Participation in organized shooting competitions.
- Current military service or peace officer certification.
- Being a verified instructor for firearms safety courses.
- Honorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces or retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency with pistol qualifications within the last 10 years.
- Completion of either an initial concealed handgun training class or a refresher class within six months prior to submitting a renewal form.
The refresher class must also meet specific criteria, including being taught in person by a verified instructor, covering any changes in firearms laws, and requiring passing scores on both a live-fire exercise and a written exam. The refresher class must provide at least two hours total time.
Instructor verification and qualifications
The new bill stipulates the sheriff’s offices will standardize the criteria for qualifying firearms instructors and these instructors are to be verified by a county sheriff in the county they wish to teach. Part of the instructor requirements stipulate the instructor must hold a valid concealed carry permit, and be certified as a firearms instructor by a law enforcement agency, a college or university, a nationally-recognized organization that offers firearms training, or a firearms training school.
Each county sheriff’s office will determine the specific qualifications for instructors within their jurisdiction, and instructors must be qualified in each county where they intend to teach. This could lead to a reduction in the number of qualified instructors across the state due to these heightened requirements.
Potential impacts on concealed carry permits
The implementation of HB 24-1174 is likely to have several significant impacts:
- Increased costs and time commitments: The extended eight-hour class requirement, combined with the mandatory live-fire exercise and written exam, will likely lead to higher costs for applicants. Instructors may need to raise their fees to cover the extended classroom and range time.
- Reduction in qualified instructors: With the stricter verification process, there may be a decrease in the number of qualified instructors available to teach these classes. This could further drive-up costs and limit access to training. Also, some instructors who qualify to teach may choose to not offer these longer classes.
- Decline in permit applications: The increased time commitment and financial burden may discourage some individuals from pursuing a concealed carry permit. This could inadvertently make self-defense more of a privilege than a right for many Coloradans.
Taking action
For those concerned about these changes, it is crucial to stay informed and engaged. Here are some steps you can take:
- Stay updated: Keep abreast of any further developments or changes to the bill as it is implemented.
- Reach out to legislators: Contact your local state legislators to express your opinions and concerns about HB 24-1174. Your voice can help shape future amendments or adjustments to the law.
- Seek qualified training early: If you plan to apply for a new concealed carry permit, consider completing your training well before the July 1, 2025, deadline to avoid potential delays or increased costs with your original certification.
Colorado House Bill 24-1174 represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to concealed carry permits, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive training and verified instruction. While these changes aim to enhance public safety and ensure responsible gun ownership, they also pose challenges that may affect accessibility and affordability for many citizens. Staying informed and proactive is key to navigating these new requirements and ensuring your rights and responsibilities as a firearm owner are upheld.
Bill Sponsors :
Representative Monica Duran: Democrat Majority Leader, 303-866-5522, [email protected]
Representative Marc Snyder: Democrat, District 18, El Paso and Teller County, 303-866-2932, [email protected]
Senator Kyle Mullica: Democrat, District 24, Adams County, 303-866-4451, [email protected]
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.