The requirements for concealed handgun permits in Colorado are changing. Last year, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB24-1174, new legislation going into effect on July 1, that changes the process for citizens seeking to apply for or renew their concealed handgun permit (CHP).

Intended to increase the safety and responsibility of gun ownership, the new law requires more training to obtain or renew a CHP. Under existing law, new and renewal applicants both need to demonstrate competence with a handgun, but the new law provides more specifics around what that looks like.

CHP applicants can demonstrate their competence by providing evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions, current military service, current certification as a peace officer, or with a training certificate from successfully completing an in-person concealed handgun training class taught by a verified firearms instructor. On its website, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) maintains a list of instructors verified by the county. A certificate from an instructor verified in another Colorado county is also valid.

For new CHP applicants:

The training class for new CHP applicants must provide at least eight hours of instruction, with a written competency exam as well as a live-fire exercise on a range. The class and exam should cover: safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition, safe firearm shooting fundamentals, applicable laws, best practices for interacting with law enforcement, techniques for avoiding a criminal attack, and how to manage a violent confrontation. For the exam, students must achieve a passing score of at least 80%. A 70% minimum accuracy score is required to pass the live-fire exercise.

The training certificate from the class for new CHP applicants is valid for one year.

For renewals:

For those who already have a CHP and need to renew it, the new law requires a refresher class that must include updated information on laws related to firearms, a live-fire shooting exercise on a range and a written exam. This class must provide at least two hours of instruction, including the exam and live-fire exercise. The passing requirements are the same as for new permit applicants.

The training certificate for the refresher class is valid for six months. DCSO can accept renewals only within 120 days prior to the permit’s expiration date.

After completion of either the initial or the refresher training class, students get a training certificate to submit as part of their CHP application. Permits are valid for five years from the date of issuance.

For more information about the CHP process, visit dcsheriff.net and search “CHP.” To read HB24-1174, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1174.

 

By Susan Helton; courtesy photo