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Obama Judge Allows Blue State’s Permit Scheme For Semi-Auto Guns To Take Effect
A federal judge has declined to block Colorado’s new permit-to-purchase requirements for modern semiautomatic firearms, allowing the scheme to take effect while a wider constitutional challenge continues. The ruling matters because it leaves buyers subject to the state’s course and eligibility-card requirements, which opponents say can prevent purchases where the application process is not working.
The law, signed by Governor Jared Polis in April 2025, requires applicants to complete an approved firearms safety course and obtain an eligibility card within five years. Judge William Joseph Martinez said the plaintiffs had not shown that the specified firearms were covered by the Second Amendment and also described the permit system as “shall issue”. The article reports that more than 6,500 background-check requests were pending at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation on 28 July, the final day to buy without the new process under the state’s three-day waiting period.
In short
- Colorado’s permit scheme for modern semiautomatic firearms can proceed.
- A federal judge rejected a request to block it.
- The law requires a safety course and eligibility card.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that requiring a safety course and eligibility card is a measured way to promote responsible firearm ownership while preserving a route for eligible people to buy. Allowing the rules to operate during litigation respects the state’s authority to regulate firearms and gives the courts time to assess the broader constitutional challenge.
The case against
Opponents can argue that the Second Amendment protects access to commonly owned semiautomatic firearms, so requiring advance training and a state-issued card may burden a constitutional right. If applications or background checks are delayed, the process could prevent eligible people from buying in practice, even if the scheme is formally described as shall issue.