As the Colorado Senate readies for debate on a measure to ban semi-automatic weapons with detachable magazines, a new poll shows residents prefer to see more of focus on prosecuting crime, including gun thefts, rather than enacting stricter gun laws.

Indeed, respondents said lawmakers should prioritize improving the economy, addressing illegal immigration, confronting “climate issues” and fixing homelessness. Changing gun law hovered in the low single digits in the respondents’ priority list.     

The poll, which was released this week was conducted by Arc Insights and sampled 603 registered Colorado voters between Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.99 points. It used a combination of live calls and text messages and the results were weighted to reflect the state demographics.

Arc Insights, a political research firm focused on public affairs, is led by Nicholas Thompson, a former staffer at the White House under George W. Bush and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Respondents are skeptical about the effectiveness of recent gun laws passed by legislative Democrats and signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, according to the poll. 

“Despite the passage of eight new gun laws in the past year, a majority (58%) say these measures have not been effective at reducing crime in their communities, with only 21 percent believing they have had a positive impact,” a news release from Arc said.

The results show strong public support for harsher penalties on criminals who steal firearms, with 80% of respondents saying the Colorado General Assembly should prioritize prosecuting these offenders, instead of “banning guns for law-abiding citizens.”

Respondents were initially split on Senate Bill 3, which would prohibit the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic firearms and shotguns with a removable magazine.

Initially, the poll showed 47% favored the measure, with 45% opposed. After reading statements about the proposal, 41% now supported the bill, and 52% opposed it.

The statements used to inform respondents included the following:

• If passed, the legislation would ban most guns that are sold in the state of Colorado.

• This ban would be devastating for local gun stores and ranges, reducing jobs and economic investment here in Colorado.

• This bill would ban the most sold rifle in America and the most popular home defense firearm.

• This ban would make it more complex and more dangerous to load and unload a gun, which could impact the ability for someone to protect themselves from harm.

• The hunting industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the Colorado economy and employs thousands of people. If passed, this gun law would harm the industry, putting economic development and jobs at risk.

• This ban on guns would not tackle the root cause of crime and violence in the state

The poll also showed that 77% opposed banning rifles and shotguns used for hunting, and 61% opposed prohibiting firearms used for self-defense.

The respondents’ political affiliations were 26% Democrat, 23% Republican, and 48% unaffiliated. Of the respondents, 71% said they intend to vote in the 2026 election for governor and the legislature. Almost half of the respondents were between 18 and 44 years old.