Colorado Senate Passes Bill Expanding 'Red Flag' Gun Law

Measure heads to House as Democrats seek to strengthen law allowing temporary firearm removal

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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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 and are expected to approve the legislation despite Republican opposition. The measure would broaden the list of people and entities that can petition a judge to remove guns, including healthcare facilities, schools, and colleges.

Why it matters

Colorado's red flag law has been in effect since 2020 and proponents say the expansion will save lives by preventing gun violence and suicide. However, Republicans argue the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights and could lead to an increase in unfounded petitions.

The details

Senate Bill 4 would add entities like healthcare facilities, schools, and colleges to the list of those who can petition a judge to temporarily remove someone's firearms if they are deemed a threat. The 2019 law previously only allowed law enforcement and family members to file such petitions. Data shows the law has not led to a surge in petitions, with the number rising slightly from 156 in 2022 to 171 in 2023 after the law was expanded to include teachers and healthcare professionals.

  • The Colorado Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 4 on February 3, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Colorado House, where Democrats hold a 43-22 majority and are expected to pass the legislation.

The players

Tom Sullivan

A Democratic state senator who is a prime sponsor of Senate Bill 4 and has championed several gun control measures in the state legislature, including the original red flag law. His son was killed in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado, whose office has signaled support for expanding the state's red flag law.

Lynda Zamora Wilson

A Republican state senator who opposed Senate Bill 4, 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, 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, State Senator

What’s next

The bill is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled Colorado House and then head to Governor Jared Polis' desk for signature.

The takeaway

Colorado's expansion of its red flag law highlights the ongoing debate over gun control measures, with Democrats seeking to strengthen the law to prevent gun violence and suicide, while Republicans argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights. The data so far suggests the law has not led to a surge in petitions, but the political battle over its scope continues.