Colorado Senate Passes Bill Expanding 'Red Flag' Gun Law

Measure heads to House, expected to reach Governor's desk despite Republican opposition

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The Colorado Senate voted nearly along party lines to pass a bill expanding the state's 'red flag' law that allows judges to temporarily remove someone's firearms if they are deemed a threat. Senate Bill 4 now moves to the House, where Democrats hold a majority, before heading to Governor Jared Polis' desk.

Why it matters

The expansion of Colorado's 'red flag' law is aimed at saving lives by preventing gun violence and suicide. However, Republicans argue the measure infringes on Second Amendment rights and could lead to an increase in unfounded petitions.

The details

The bill would broaden the list of people who can petition a judge to remove someone's firearms, adding entities like healthcare facilities, schools, and colleges to the existing list of law enforcement and family members. Proponents say this will help identify more individuals who pose a threat, while critics claim it will strain resources and erode public trust.

  • The Colorado Senate passed the bill on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass.
  • Governor Jared Polis is expected to sign the bill into law.

The players

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado, who is expected to sign the 'red flag' law expansion into law.

Tom Sullivan

A Democratic state senator and prime sponsor of Senate Bill 4, who has championed gun control measures in the state legislature since his son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.

Lynda Zamora Wilson

A Republican state senator who opposed the bill, arguing it threatens to 'expand the already burdensome Extreme Risk Protection Order system' and 'erode the very fabric of trust in our institutions.'

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What they’re saying

“The people in our state, in my community, are asking us to do more. … We're doing more. We're saving lives. We'll continue to do that.”

— Tom Sullivan, Democratic state senator

“Under the guise of public safety, it threatens to expand the already burdensome Extreme Risk Protection Order system in ways that will inflict unnecessary harm on innocent citizens, strain our taxpayer dollars and erode the very fabric of trust in our institutions.”

— Lynda Zamora Wilson, Republican state senator

What’s next

The bill is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Colorado House and be signed into law by Governor Jared Polis.

The takeaway

The expansion of Colorado's 'red flag' law highlights the ongoing debate over gun control measures, with proponents arguing they will save lives and opponents claiming they infringe on Second Amendment rights. The outcome of this bill will shape the future of firearm policies in the state.