Constitutional Carry of Handgun

The bill grants a person who is at least 18 years old and permitted to possess a handgun pursuant to federal and state law the same authority to carry a concealed handgun as a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun (permit). A person who carries a concealed handgun without a permit has the same rights, limitations, and authority to carry as a person who holds a permit.

A person may obtain a permit for the purpose of using the permit to carry a concealed handgun in another state that recognizes a Colorado permit. The bill makes 18 years old the minimum age to obtain a permit. Under existing law, Colorado recognizes permits issued in other states that meet certain criteria, including that the holder of the out-of-state permit is at least 21 years old. The bill changes the minimum age for recognition of an out-of-state permit to 18 years old.

Under existing law, a permit is valid for 5 years. The bill makes a permit valid for the life of the permit holder. Existing permits, other than temporary emergency permits, are converted to lifetime permits. Because the bill makes permits valid for the life of the holder, the bill repeals provisions relating to the renewal of permits. The bill repeals the temporary emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun.

The bill repeals local government authority to regulate open or concealed carry of a handgun, including repealing the authority of special districts and the governing boards of institutions of higher education, as applicable.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)