Two Major Colorado Laws Go Into Effect July 2025: Here’s What They Mean for You

Isn't it a bit crazy to think that we are just over halfway through 2025?

How can that be possible? Christmas was just last week!

Well, we're about to enter the second half of the year and with that comes a few changes to laws here in Colorado. There are two big laws that are going into effect starting July 1st that you need to know about.

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Two Major Colorado Laws Take Effect in July 2025

Colorado homeowners and gun owners, here’s what’s changing.

Last June (2024) Colorado lawmakers approved a bill that would tighten up the application process for getting a concealed carry permit in Colorado.

What’s Changing About Colorado’s Concealed Carry Permit Rules?

Stricter Training Requirements for New Applicants

Once this law goes into effect on July 1st, 2025, those interested in obtaining the license must complete (and pass) an eight-hour training course within one year of submitting their application, according to the state legislature.

What Will the Colorado Concealed Carry Course Include?

This course also must include a written exam as well as live-fire exercise. The instructor for these courses must be verified by the county sheriff and the class must be taught in person.

Also the course must cover:

• Safe handling of firearms and ammunition
• Safe storage of firearms and child safety
• Safe shooting fundamentals
• Federal and state laws regarding the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms
• State law pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense
• Best practices for safely interacting with law enforcement personnel that are responding to an emergency
• Techniques for avoiding a criminal attack
• How to manage a violent confrontation
• Conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force.

New Rules for Renewing an Existing Permit in Colorado

Before this law, applicants had to complete a course within ten years of submitting their permit.

If you already have the permit, when you go to renew it you must demonstrate "competence with a handgun." This can be done in a number of ways.

If you already have the permit you can complete a concealed handgun training course or refresher class at least six months before you submit your renewal form.

Other Options for Permit Renewal

• Participation in organized shooting competitions
• Current military service
• Current certification as a peace officer
• Being a certified instructor for firearms safety courses
• Showing honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces or retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency with pistol qualifications within 10 years prior to submitting a renewal form

Who Will Be Denied a Concealed Carry Permit in Colorado?

The new law also bars any person who was convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within six years of submitting the permit application.

READ MORE: 12 New Gun Laws for Colorado as of 2025

Colorado’s New Granny Flat Law Aims to Tackle Housing Crisis

Here’s what homeowners need to know about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

What Is a Granny Flat or ADU?

Homeowners will be very interested in the next law that goes into effect this July. It involves something called "granny flats."

A granny flat is a one to two person "second dwelling" on someone's property, according to Granny Flat Solutions. This property and the "main dwelling" fall under the same title.

Think of it as the guest house. These are usually used by family members who want their own little space and can also be rented out to tenants.

Where and When Does This New Colorado ADU Law Apply?

This bill was signed by Governor Jared Polis last year and will go into effect officially on June 30th, 2025, according to reports.

The ultimate goal of this bill is to turn the tide on affordable housing and make it easier for homeowners in Colorado to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) otherwise known as the granny flat.

What the ADU Law Requires from Colorado Cities and Towns

This new law will require some towns and cities (subject jurisdictions) in Colorado to allow homeowners to build ADUs if the area already has single family homes. They must not pass or enforce new rules that make building these properties harder.

Also, new state programs will help fund down payment assistance and lower the interest rate on these loans according to the Colorado legislature.

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