Under existing law, an applicant for a permit to carry a concealed
handgun (permit) must demonstrate competence with a handgun, which the applicant may do by completing a handgun training class (initial class) offered by a verified instructor. Beginning July 1, 2025, the bill requires concealed handgun training classes to be held in person and include instruction regarding:
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Knowledge and safe handling of firearms and ammunition;
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Safe storage of firearms and child safety;
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Safe firearms shooting fundamentals;
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Federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms;
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State law pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense; and
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Techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force.
A student must achieve a passing score on a written concealed
handgun competency exam and in a live-fire exercise to complete an initial class. An initial class must provide at least 8 hours of instruction, including the live-fire exercise and written exam.
The bill requires completion of an initial class or a concealed
handgun refresher class (refresher class) for renewal of a permit, unless an exemption applies. A student in a refresher class must demonstrate safety and competence with a handgun. The refresher class must be held in person, be taught by a verified instructor, include instruction on changes to laws related to firearms, and require a passing score on a live-fire exercise and written exam. A refresher class must provide at least 2 hours of instruction, including the live-fire exercise and written exam.
The bill requires the Colorado bureau of investigation to verify
class instructors.
The bill allows a person to demonstrate competence with a
handgun by holding a current certification as a peace officer. The bill prohibits a person from being issued a permit if the person was convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within 5 years before submitting a permit application.
The bill makes it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim
to be a verified instructor for a concealed handgun training class unless the person is verified as a firearms instructor by the Colorado bureau of investigation.
