Bill > HB1224

This bill, effective July 1, 2013, prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of "large-capacity magazines," which are defined as devices capable of holding more than fifteen rounds of ammunition, or specific types of shotgun magazines holding more than twenty-eight inches of shells or eight shotgun shells when combined with a fixed magazine, with certain exceptions for permanently altered devices, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition feeding devices, and tubular magazines in lever-action firearms. Violating this prohibition is a Class 2 misdemeanor, escalating to a Class 1 misdemeanor for a second offense, and a Class 6 felony if committed during another felony or crime of violence. Exceptions to possession are made for those who owned such magazines before the bill's effective date and maintain continuous possession, with the prosecution bearing the burden of proof to refute this claim. The bill also exempts entities manufacturing or licensed dealers selling these magazines to the U.S. Armed Forces, government agencies, for out-of-state sales, or to foreign governments, as well as employees of these entities or law enforcement officers carrying firearms in the line of duty, and individuals transporting magazines out-of-state on behalf of manufacturers. Furthermore, any large-capacity magazine manufactured in Colorado after the effective date must bear a permanent marking indicating its manufacturing date, with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a state agency responsible for law enforcement and criminal justice information, empowered to create rules for additional identification.