HB 26-1131
signedCustody of Pet Animals
Plain-English Summary
AI-generatedHouse Bill 26-1131, which has now been signed into law, allows Colorado courts to decide who gets custody of pet animals during divorce or legal separation proceedings. The law also lets courts issue emergency orders to protect pets if there's an immediate risk to their well-being. This affects people going through a breakup and owning pets together. Since the bill is signed, it means that these provisions are now part of Colorado’s laws and can be used in court right away.
Official Summary
The bill gives the courts authority to make determinations for the care and custody of pet animals in proceedings for dissolution of marriage and legal separation. The bill permits a court to issue an emergency protection order concerning the custody and care of a pet animal.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)
Details
- Chamber
- House
- First action
- 2026-05-14
- Latest action
- 2026-02-04
- Last action desc.
- Introduced In House - Assigned to Judiciary
- OpenStates
- View source ↗
Related Legislation
This bill affects (20)
amendsHB 23-1178(2023A)· signedCourt Personnel And Domestic Violence Awareness
amendsSB 22-183(2022A)· signedCrime Victims Services
amendsSB 18-092(2018A)· signedUpdate References County Departments Social Services
amendsHB 24-1122(2024A)· signedProtection Orders for Victims of Crimes
amendsHB 22-1034(2022A)· signedFire and Police Pension Association Statewide Retirement Plan
amendsHB 23-1144(2023A)· signedPublic Employees' Retirement Association Defined Benefit Plan Payments To Ex-spouse
amendsSB 25-116(2025A)· signedSpousal Maintenance Guidelines
relatesHB 25-1137(2025A)· signedAdopt a Shelter Pet Account Community Cats
relatesSB 25-085(2025A)· signedHealth-Related Research Test Subjects
relatesHB 26-1011(2026A)· signedTransfers of Certain Pet Animals
relatesHB 26-1229(2026A)· signedSupporting the Human-Animal Bond
relatesHB 26-1183(2026A)· signedSunset Pet Animal Care & Facilities Act
relatesSB 25-131(2025A)· signedReducing the Cost of Housing
relatesHB 17-1228(2017A)· signedPet Animal Care Technology Platform Regulation
relatesSB 22-167(2022A)· signedAffirm Greyhounds As Companion Pets
relatesHB 22-1235(2022A)· signedSunset Continue Regulation Of Veterinary Practice
relatesHB 23-1068(2023A)· signedPet Animal Ownership In Housing
relatesHB 24-1163(2024A)· signedPet Animal Registration System
relatesSB 24-067(2024A)· signedHealth-Related Research Test Subjects
Affected by (1)
amendsHB 26-1183(2026A)· signedSunset Pet Animal Care & Facilities Act
Votes
Refer House Bill 26-1131 to the Committee on Appropriations.
2026-02-24 · House · pass — Yes: — · No: — · Other: —