summary
Introduced
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Constitutional Carry of Handgun," significantly alters Colorado's laws regarding the carrying of concealed handguns by allowing individuals who are at least 18 years old and legally permitted to possess a handgun to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, granting them the same rights and limitations as those who hold a permit. It also lowers the minimum age to obtain a concealed handgun permit to 18 and makes existing permits, as well as newly issued ones, valid for the lifetime of the holder, thereby eliminating the need for permit renewals and repealing the provision for temporary emergency permits. Furthermore, the bill removes the authority of local governments, special districts, and institutions of higher education to regulate the open or concealed carry of handguns, establishing statewide uniform standards for carrying concealed handguns.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced In House - Assigned to Judiciary (on 02/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1212 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112015/download |
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