Tag: illegal

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Where You Cannot Conceal Carry a Firearm in Colorado

Mark Schneider

While Colorado generally allows concealed carry for individuals with a valid permit, there are numerous locations where concealed firearms are strictly prohibited by law. Understanding where you cannot conceal carry is crucial to avoid legal complications. Below is a comprehensive guide to locations in Colorado where carrying a concealed firearm is not allowed:

1. Airport Secure Areas

It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in secure areas of airports. Additionally, firearms are not allowed in carry-on luggage and must be properly checked in and stored if you are traveling with them.

2. Public (City/County/State) Buildings

Any public building that screens for weapons and has a metal detector prohibits concealed carry. This includes courthouses, government offices, and other municipal facilities. Notably, the City and County of Denver has more restrictive rules, prohibiting concealed carry in any building owned or leased by the city, regardless of whether metal detectors are present.

3. Federal Buildings and Areas

Federal law prohibits carrying concealed firearms in federal buildings, such as courthouses, post offices, secure federal facilities, and certain monuments and memorials.

4. Public School Property

Concealed carry is generally not allowed on public K-12 school property, including elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools. An exception is made for firearms carried/stored in vehicles with valid CCW/CHP, as long as the firearm stays in the vehicle and not on the person when outside of the vehicle.

5. Private Property with Notices

Private property owners and businesses can prohibit concealed carry by providing notice, either through verbal communication, written postings, or signage. Common examples of such locations include:

  • Parks
  • Hospitals
  • Places of worship
  • Bars or restaurants serving alcohol
  • Sports arenas
  • Gambling facilities
  • Polling places during elections

6. State Colleges and Universities

While Colorado law generally allows concealed carry on public college campuses, some areas on campus are off-limits. For example, residence halls and certain event venues are prohibited areas for concealed carry. Many universities, such as the University of Colorado, restrict firearms in specific buildings or during particular events.

7. Polling Places

During federal elections, polling places are considered temporary federal buildings, meaning that firearms, including concealed carry, are prohibited.

8. Public Transportation Facilities

Colorado law prohibits carrying loaded firearms into public transportation facilities, whether on a bus, train, or station property.

9. Legislative Buildings

Concealed carry is prohibited in any building where the Colorado State General Assembly meets or where legislative hearings take place. This rule applies even if you possess a concealed handgun permit.

10. Special Event Areas

Certain areas or places that hold events, particularly large public gatherings, often prohibit concealed carry. Always check local ordinances and event rules before attending.

11. Polling Places and Election Locations

Colorado prohibits open and concealed carry in locations related to elections. This includes:

  • Polling locations
  • Areas where votes are being counted
  • Any building within 100 feet of a drop box or voting facility

Conclusion

While concealed carry laws in Colorado offer significant freedom for those with a permit, there are still many places where carrying a firearm is illegal. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both state and federal laws to ensure that you’re compliant, especially in areas like schools, government buildings, airports, and polling places.

Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding firearms and concealed carry vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always consult with a legal professional or local law enforcement for the most current and applicable laws in your area.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Is It Illegal to Conceal Carry in the City of Boulder?

Mark Schneider

Updated: 6/2/25 at 21:34 MT

Can You Legally Conceal Carry in Boulder, Colorado?

The City of Boulder has enacted multiple ordinances aimed at restricting both open and concealed carry of firearms. While Boulder now has the authority under state law to pass stricter local gun laws, many of these restrictions likely violate the Second Amendment and go too far under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.

If you hold a valid Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), here’s what you need to know.

🔹 Colorado Law: No More Statewide Preemption

Prior to 2021, Colorado had a strong firearms preemption law that prohibited local governments from creating their own firearm ordinances. That changed with Senate Bill 21-256, which repealed preemption and gave counties and municipalities the ability to enact stricter local firearm laws.

Boulder has since used that authority to pass multiple ordinances that restrict where and how firearms can be carried.

However, even with preemption repealed, local laws must still comply with the U.S. Constitution—specifically the Second Amendment.

📜 Boulder’s Firearm Ordinances

1. Section 5-8-9 – Attempted Ban on Concealed Carry

“No person shall have a knife or firearm concealed on or about such person’s body.”

This language appears to criminalize concealed carry entirely, regardless of whether a person has a permit. While Boulder can regulate firearms, banning all concealed carry—even for permit holders—directly conflicts with Supreme Court precedent and is unlikely to survive legal challenge.

2. Section 5-8-15 – Firearms Prohibited in “Sensitive Areas”

This ordinance bans both open and concealed carry in a wide variety of locations, including:

  • City-owned buildings and property
  • Parks, playgrounds, and open space
  • Community centers and recreation facilities
  • Public demonstrations
  • Bars, grocery stores, theaters
  • Churches and other houses of worship
  • Polling places
  • Hospitals and mental health centers
  • Stadiums, daycares, courthouses, banks

These are labeled as “sensitive places,” and the city requires signage to be posted at each location.

While NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) upheld the concept of sensitive places, it limited them to locations with a well-established historical tradition of firearm restrictions—such as courthouses, polling places, and schools. Many of Boulder’s listed areas, such as grocery stores and parks, do not have historical precedent and are vulnerable to legal challenge.

3. Section 5-8-21 – Ban on Open Carry

This ordinance prohibits open carry of firearms in public places, with exceptions for:

  • Law enforcement and military
  • Private property and vehicles
  • Lawful hunting and target shooting
  • Licensed concealed handgun permit holders
  • Private security
  • Firearms in locked, opaque containers

This is more narrowly written and is more likely to withstand legal scrutiny, though it still raises constitutional questions in some contexts.

⚖️ What Bruen Really Says

In NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022), the U.S. Supreme Court held:

“The government may not simply declare public areas to be ‘sensitive’ without historical precedent for restricting firearms in those locations.”

The ruling protects the right of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for self-defense in public, and any restrictions must be narrow, justified, and rooted in historical tradition.

✅ What Concealed Carriers Should Know

If you are a valid CHP holder in Colorado:

  • You are authorized under state law to carry concealed.
  • Boulder can regulate firearms locally, but its most extreme restrictions are likely unconstitutional.
  • Law enforcement is unlikely to arrest a legal CHP holder unless there’s a clear violation of state or federal law.
  • If confronted, remain calm, politely present your permit, and do not consent to searches or voluntary disarmament without cause.

🚨 Final Thoughts

While Boulder now has the authority to regulate firearms locally, many of its restrictions likely go beyond what the Constitution allows—especially blanket bans and overly broad definitions of “sensitive places.”

✅ CHP holders should continue to exercise their rights responsibly while staying informed and prepared for potential legal challenges.

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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, laws and regulations may change, and interpretations may vary. You should consult with an attorney or legal professional to obtain advice specific to your situation. The author and website assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for actions taken based on the information provided. Carrying a concealed firearm may have serious legal consequences, and it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Legal & Law

Is Firearm Registration Required In Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Gun Registration in Colorado: Understanding Why It’s Illegal

Gun ownership is a deeply ingrained part of American culture, protected by the Second Amendment of the Constitution. In Colorado, this right is respected and safeguarded by state laws that reflect the principles of individual liberty and the right to self-defense. One of the most significant aspects of Colorado’s approach to gun rights is the state’s stance on gun registration, which remains illegal.

The Legal Landscape: Why Gun Registration is Prohibited

Colorado law does not require, nor does it permit, the registration of firearms. This prohibition is rooted in the state’s constitution and reinforced by specific statutes that explicitly prevent the establishment of any firearm registration system. The key legal provisions include:

  1. Colorado Constitution, Article II, Section 13: This section guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, stating that “The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person, and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called in question; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons.”
  2. Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 29-11.7-102: This statute specifically prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that requires the registration of firearms. The law emphasizes that firearm registration or ownership records cannot be maintained at any level of government.

The Rationale Behind the Prohibition

The prohibition on gun registration in Colorado stems from several fundamental concerns:

  • Protection of Privacy: Gun registration could lead to the creation of a comprehensive database of gun owners, raising serious privacy concerns. Such a database could be vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized access, putting gun owners at risk.
  • Prevention of Government Overreach: Requiring gun registration could pave the way for future government actions that infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. Historically, registration has sometimes been a precursor to more restrictive gun control measures, including confiscation.
  • Preservation of Individual Rights: By prohibiting gun registration, Colorado ensures that the rights of individuals to own and bear arms are protected without unnecessary government interference. The state recognizes that law-abiding gun owners should not be subject to undue scrutiny or control.

Common Misconceptions About Gun Registration

Despite the clear legal stance, some misconceptions about gun registration persist:

  • Background Checks vs. Registration: It’s important to differentiate between background checks and gun registration. Colorado law mandates background checks for all firearm purchases, including private sales. However, these background checks are not equivalent to gun registration; they do not involve maintaining a database of gun owners.
  • Federal vs. State Laws: While some states have implemented gun registration systems, Colorado has chosen to uphold its citizens’ rights by prohibiting such practices. Federal law does not mandate gun registration, and Colorado’s state laws reflect a commitment to safeguarding this principle.

The Importance of Staying Informed

For gun owners and enthusiasts in Colorado, understanding the state’s laws is crucial. The prohibition on gun registration is a key aspect of Colorado’s approach to protecting the rights of its residents. It’s important to stay informed about the legal landscape to ensure compliance with state laws while also advocating for the preservation of individual freedoms.

Conclusion

Colorado’s prohibition on gun registration underscores the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of gun owners. By preventing the establishment of a gun registration system, Colorado ensures that the privacy, freedom, and security of its residents are upheld. As debates over gun control continue nationwide, it is vital for Colorado residents to remain vigilant and informed, safeguarding their rights for future generations.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, laws and regulations may change, and interpretations may vary. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney or legal expert for advice specific to their individual circumstances. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article.