Sheriff Roybal's Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 25-003

Mar 31, 2025 - 1:01am

This week, members of the Colorado state legislature passed the most egregious and unconstitutional anti-Second Amendment bill in Colorado's history.

The bill passed through the Senate on a 19-15 vote, with all Republicans and Democratic Senators Tony Exum, Marc Snyder, and Nick Hinrichsen voting against it.

Since its introduction in January, Senate Bill 25-003 has expanded from a semi-automatic weapon ban to include a deceptive "permit-to-purchase" system, which will saddle law-abiding Coloradans with unnecessary fees, bureaucratic hurdles, and state-mandated registration for those who want to exercise their constitutional rights. 

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal has outwardly opposed SB 25-003 since its introduction, expressing concerns about the bill's constitutionality and its potential harm to small business owners and the safety of law-abiding citizens.

During his testimony, Sheriff Roybal expressed concern about the disregard shown by bill sponsors toward the testimony and input of public safety experts during shareholder meetings, as well as the additional costs to taxpayers resulting from fees and future litigation.

“Rather than focusing on legislation to hold criminals accountable and make Colorado a safer, more prosperous place for families and businesses, lawmakers spent their time passing legislation which will ultimately make Colorado less safe for everyone but the criminals,” said Sheriff Joe Roybal. “I hope Governor Polis will listen to public safety experts and veto SB 25-003 rather than cave to political pressure by signing the bill. However, if SB 25-003 becomes law, I am already making plans to ensure the constitutional rights of the citizens of El Paso County are safeguarded from our overzealous state government. My Office will communicate these plans to our citizens as soon as possible.

“Colorado is my home, and I am heartbroken to see yet another layer of unnecessary government control and bureaucracy added to its statutory landscape.”

The Colorado Senators who voted to pass Senate Bill 25-003 were:

Senator

Judy Amabile

303-866-4872

judy.amabile.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Matt Ball

303-866-4861

matt.ball.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Jeff Bridges

303-866-4846

jeff.bridges.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

James Coleman

303-866-4864

james.coleman.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Lisa Cutter

303-866-4859

lisa.cutter.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Jessie Danielson

303-866-4856

jessie.danielson.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Lindsey Daughtery

303-866-4840

lindsey.daugherty.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Julie Gonzales

303-866-4862

julie.gonzales.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Iman Jodeh

303-866-3432

iman.jodeh.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Cathy Kipp

303-866-4841

cathy.kipp.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Chris Kolker

303-866-4883

chris.kolker.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Janice Marchman

303-866-4853

janice.marchman.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Dafna Michaelson Jenet

303-866-4857

dafna.michaelson.jenet.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Kyle Mullica

303-866-4451

kyle.mullica.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Dylan Roberts

303-866-4871

dylan.roberts.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Robert Rodriguez

303-866-4852

robert.rodriguez.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Tom Sullivan

303-866-4873

tom.sullivan.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Katie Wallace

303-866-5291

katie.wallace.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Mike Weissman

303-866-4879

mike.weissman.senate@coleg.gov

Senator

Faith Winter

303-866-4863

faith.winter.senate@coleg.gov

MR 25-047
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Office of the Sheriff

27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
United States

719-520-7100 / 719-390-5555 (after hours)

El Paso County Jail

2739 East Las Vegas Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
United States

719-390-2000