HB23-1230: Assault Weapons Prohibition

• Defines "assault weapon" to include semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain tactical features (pistol grips, flash suppressors, threaded barrels, etc.), .50 caliber rifles, certain semiautomatic pistols and shotguns, and firearms modified to function as assault weapons.

• Prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing, selling, or transferring assault weapons effective July 1, 2023, with violations classified as class 2 misdemeanors carrying escalating civil penalties ($1,000 per violation July 2023-December 2024; $5,000 per violation January 2025 onward).

• Licensed gun dealers, gun show vendors, and firearms dealers face civil penalties of $250,000 for the first unlawful assault weapon sale and $500,000 for each subsequent violation.

• Exempts military members, peace officers, licensed manufacturers selling to armed forces, repair/maintenance operations, museums and historical societies, forensic labs, armored vehicle businesses, and licensed dealers selling remaining inventory only to non-Colorado residents out-of-state.

• Prohibits possession of rapid-fire trigger activators as class 2 misdemeanors and amends juvenile firearm laws to include assault weapons in restrictions on providing firearms to minors.