Colorado Bureau of Investigation Firearms InstaCheck Unit Operating Hours

Colorado gun checks get flexible operating hours

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation no longer must keep its firearm-check unit open at least 12 hours daily, except holidays. Its director or designee sets hours using continually reviewed business-needs data, with the goal of timely checks. Dealers can submit requests every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, even during unforeseen or unavoidable system outages. The bureau must immediately put requests in its processing queue, regardless of firearm waiting-period rules. A buyer’s three-day waiting period starts when a licensed dealer begins the background check. The law does not guarantee a processing time. By January 15 each year, the bureau must report to the state House and Senate judiciary committees. Reports cover average processing times, major schedule changes, outages that blocked submissions, and steps to improve access and efficiency. The law also creates an instant criminal background check cash fund. Its effective-date rule sets the start at 12:01 a.m. the day after 90 days have passed following the legislative session’s final adjournment. That means August 12, 2026, if final adjournment occurs May 13, 2026. A referendum petition filed within that period delays the law until voters approve it at the November 2026 general election. With voter approval, it takes effect on the date the governor officially declares the vote.