Colorado 2025 Bills

Strategic Plan To Address Teacher Shortages

HB 17-1003 is a Colorado bill that aims to address teacher shortages by requiring state education departments to work together with universities, school districts, and other educational groups. They need to create a strategic plan focusing on how to recruit, train, and keep more teachers in schools across the state. The plan had to be submitted by December 1, 2017, to higher education officials and lawmakers. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and being implemented to help solve teacher shortages in Colorado's public schools.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Statute Of Limitation Discipline Mental Health Professional

House Bill 17-1011, which has been signed into law, sets a time limit for complaints against mental health professionals regarding record-keeping issues. Complaints must be filed within seven years of the alleged violation, and any complaint made during this period needs to be resolved by the regulatory agency within two years. Mental health professionals are required to inform their former clients that their records will not be kept indefinitely and may be discarded after seven years. This law affects mental health professionals and their clients in Colorado. Since it has been signed, the bill is now an active law that mental health professionals must follow.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

First Responder Peer Support Testimony Privilege

HB 17-1032, also known as the First Responder Peer Support Testimony Privilege bill, protects communications between first responders and their peer support team members. This means that what is discussed during these support sessions cannot be used in court without the first responder's permission, unless it involves crimes against at-risk individuals or other serious offenses. The bill has been signed into law, so now first responders can feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information with their support teams knowing it will remain confidential.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Tampering With Oil And Gas Equipment

Senate Bill 17-035 increases penalties for damaging oil and gas equipment from a misdemeanor to a felony. This means that anyone caught tampering with such equipment will face more severe legal consequences. The bill affects people who might vandalize or sabotage oil and gas infrastructure, which could include activists or others opposed to these industries. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable by the courts in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Wage Theft Transparency Act

HB 17-1021, also known as the Wage Theft Transparency Act, aims to make public information about employers who violate wage laws. Currently, the division of labor standards and statistics can access employer records but is restricted from releasing certain confidential or trade secret information. This bill clarifies that details related to wage law violations must be made available to the public or used in court cases unless they contain specific trade secrets. Since it has been signed into law, this means that such violation-related information will now generally be accessible to the public and can be used in legal proceedings.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Annual In-service Training For County Sheriffs

House Bill 17-1050, which has been signed into law, requires Colorado sheriffs to complete a certain number of training hours each year. This minimum is set by the Peace Officers Standards and Training board (POST), but it can't be less than 20 hours. The bill allows for this training to be provided not just by the County Sheriffs of Colorado, Inc., but also by any other approved training agencies recognized by the POST board. This law affects all sheriffs in Colorado, ensuring they receive regular professional development and education throughout their term. Since it has been signed, the requirements outlined in the bill are now enforceable state law.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Legalize Gravity Knives And Switchblades

Senate Bill 17-008, which has been signed into law, removes gravity knives and switchblade knives from the list of illegal weapons in Colorado. This means that people can now legally possess these types of folding knives without fear of breaking the law. The bill affects anyone who owns or wants to own a gravity knife or switchblade. Since it is signed, the legislation has become official law and is enforceable statewide.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Graywater Regulation Exemption For Scientific Research

HB 17-1008 is a Colorado bill that allows certain entities like universities and water utilities to conduct scientific research on graywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, etc., not toilets) without following strict regulations. This exemption helps researchers study how to better use and treat graywater for non-drinking purposes, which can include irrigation or other beneficial uses. Researchers must ensure there's a backup water supply if needed and report their findings annually to the Water Resources Review Committee. Since it has been signed into law, these entities can now legally conduct this research under specific conditions designed to protect public health and safety.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Modernize Laws Relating To Office Of State Auditor

HB 17-1005 is a Colorado bill that updates laws related to the state auditor's office. It removes outdated requirements and restrictions, such as allowing the legislative audit committee to request performance audits of public highway authorities at any time without waiting for specific committees to meet. The bill also eliminates an old rule requiring the department of revenue to provide monthly reports to the state treasurer and auditor since this practice is no longer relevant. Additionally, it gets rid of a fee that counties had to pay when exchanging warrants for bonds, which is no longer needed. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now in effect, meaning the state auditor's office operates under updated rules that reflect current practices better.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Modify Definition Of Commercial Vehicle

House Bill 17-1061 changes the definition of a commercial vehicle in Colorado by raising the minimum weight threshold from 10,001 pounds to 16,001 pounds. This means that vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 16,000 pounds will no longer be classified as commercial vehicles unless they are used for interstate commerce. However, these vehicles will still need an annual inspection by the Colorado State Patrol and must follow rules about securing loads and using coupling devices. The bill has been signed into law, so these changes are now in effect. This impacts drivers of medium-sized trucks and commercial vehicles that previously had to meet stricter regulations but may no longer do so under this new rule.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Extend Home Care Allowance Grant Program

HB 17-1045 is a Colorado bill that extends the Home Care Allowance Grant Program by changing when it will end. The program will continue until officials notify the state's revisor of statutes that there’s an alternative way to provide home care services under a different waiver program. This affects people who rely on home-based and community-based support services for things like personal care and medical assistance. Since the bill has been signed, the extension is now in effect, meaning the grant program will stay active until the specified condition is met.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Exclude Value Mineral Resources Tax Increment Financing Division

House Bill 17-1016, which has been signed into law, allows cities and towns in Colorado to exclude mineral resource extraction from their urban renewal tax plans. This means that when a city is working on revitalizing an area through urban renewal projects, any taxes generated by the mining or extraction of minerals within that area won’t be part of the special tax increment financing plan. Instead, these taxes will go directly to public bodies as usual, without being split into base and incremental revenues for the urban renewal project. This affects municipalities involved in urban renewal projects where mineral resources are extracted. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and cities can start implementing its provisions.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Modernize Procedures For Unpaid Checks & Warrants

Senate Bill 17-046 updates Colorado's procedures for handling unpaid state warrants and checks. It removes the requirement to post a list of these outstanding payments in the offices of the state treasurer and controller, making this information less publicly visible. The bill also aligns the expiration period for these warrants and checks with the rules set by the 'Unclaimed Property Act'. Since the status is "signed," the changes have been officially approved and are now law, affecting how the state manages unpaid financial documents.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Study Transportation Access For People With Disabilities

Senate Bill 17-011, which has been signed into law, establishes a special group made up of eight members from different state agencies. This group will study how technology can help people with disabilities get around more easily in both cities and rural areas of Colorado, focusing on El Paso and Teller counties. The group may also test new transportation solutions to see if they work well for people who need extra help getting around. They are required to write a report by the end of 2017 about their findings and recommendations for improving transportation access. After that, the group will no longer exist as of July 1, 2018. This bill affects people with disabilities in Colorado by potentially improving how they can get around using advanced technologies and services. The signed status means that it has been approved by both houses of the legislature and the governor, so its provisions are now law and must be followed.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Update 1921 Irrigation District Law

HB 17-1030 updates Colorado's 1921 irrigation district law by removing outdated parts and making it clearer for modern use. It defines who can own land in these districts, vote, and be on the board, adjusts old dollar amounts for inflation, and makes changes to how elections and property sales work. The bill also allows irrigation districts to lease extra water for any beneficial use, not just specific ones like agriculture or power. Since it has been signed into law, this means that these updates are now official state rules affecting how irrigation districts operate in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Unlawful Marijuana Advertising

Senate Bill 17-015, which has been signed into law, makes it illegal for people who are not licensed to sell medical or recreational marijuana in Colorado to advertise for the sale of marijuana. This applies to advertisements for both marijuana and its concentrates but excludes certain groups like primary caregivers and manufacturers from this restriction. The law aims to regulate how marijuana is advertised by unauthorized sellers, helping to maintain control over the legal cannabis market.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Access To Providers For Medicaid Recipients

Senate Bill 17-004, also known as "Access To Providers For Medicaid Recipients," changes how Medicaid recipients pay for medical services. Currently, Medicaid recipients don't have to pay for services from any provider, even if the provider isn't part of the Medicaid program. The bill updates this rule so that recipients only avoid payment costs when using providers who are enrolled in Medicaid. If a recipient uses an unenrolled provider, they must sign a written agreement and may be responsible for the cost of those services. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Child Care Expenses Income Tax Credit Extension

House Bill 17-1002 extends a state income tax credit for families who need help with child care expenses. This means that if you earn $25,000 or less and pay for child care, you can get up to $500 back from the state if you have one dependent, or up to $1,000 if you have two or more dependents. The bill makes this tax credit available for three additional years beyond what was originally planned. Since it has been signed into law, families who qualify will be able to claim this credit starting in the next tax year.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Remove Fund Repeal & Clarify Organ Donor Process

HB 17-1027 is a Colorado bill that updates organ donation processes and awareness. It changes the name of an existing fund dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donations, ensures that people's donor status stays active unless they choose to revoke it, and requires yearly reports on how the fund’s money is used. The bill also keeps the option for individuals applying or renewing their driver's license to donate to this fund and sign up as donors if they haven't already. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now law in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Teaching Competent History In Public Schools

HB 17-1022, also known as "Teaching Competent History In Public Schools," requires Colorado public schools to teach a more comprehensive history curriculum that includes the contributions and experiences of American Indians, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. The bill mandates community forums every two years instead of every ten years to discuss and update these educational standards. It also establishes a commission to advise on making sure the education standards accurately represent diverse historical perspectives. Since it has been signed into law, this means that schools must now follow these new requirements for teaching history and civics.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

College Credit For Military Education And Training

HB 17-1004, also known as "College Credit for Military Education and Training," is a Colorado law that requires colleges and universities to recognize military education and training by awarding academic credit. This means that veterans and active-duty military members can get college credits for the skills they learned in the military, making it easier for them to earn degrees. The bill also asks these institutions to provide guidance to help military personnel choose courses that best use their existing knowledge. As of now, since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado's higher education institutions are required to follow its guidelines and report back to the state legislature in 2018 on how they have implemented it.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Changes To House Committee Schedule

House Resolution 17-1002, which has been signed into law, changes the schedule for meetings of certain committees in the Colorado House of Representatives. This affects how and when legislators meet to discuss and vote on bills. Since it is now signed, these new scheduling rules are officially in place and being followed by the committees mentioned in the bill.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Disaster Emergency Transfers From County General Funds

Senate Bill 17-034, which has been signed into law, allows county commissioners in Colorado to transfer money from their general fund to the road and bridge fund for up to 8 years after a governor declares a disaster emergency. This change doubles the previous limit of 4 years, giving counties more time to handle expenses related to disaster response and recovery. The bill affects any county dealing with declared disasters and helps ensure they have financial flexibility during and after emergencies.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact

HB 17-1057 is a Colorado law that allows physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are licensed in another state that participates in this compact to also practice in Colorado without needing a separate license from the state. This means if you're a physical therapist or assistant already licensed somewhere else, you can work in Colorado too. The bill also requires these professionals to pass a background check before they can get their license here. Since it has been signed into law, this compact is now active and affects all physical therapists and assistants who want to practice across state lines that are part of the compact.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Staffing Task Force Mental Illness Justice Systems

House Bill 17-1020, also known as the Staffing Task Force Mental Illness Justice Systems bill, aims to provide continuous support for a task force that focuses on improving how people with mental illnesses are treated within Colorado's criminal and juvenile justice systems. This means more resources will be dedicated to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with mental health issues who come into contact with these systems. The bill has been signed into law, which means it is now official policy in Colorado and its provisions are being implemented or prepared for implementation.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Colorado Water Conservation Board Grants Loans Dredge South Platte Basin Reservoirs

HB 17-1033 is a Colorado bill that allocates $5 million to help clean and restore reservoirs in the South Platte river basin. This money will be used for loans and grants to remove sediment from existing reservoirs, allowing them to hold more water as originally intended. The bill benefits local communities and agriculture by improving water storage capacity. Since it has been signed into law, these funds are now available for use according to the bill's provisions.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Concerning the temporary Rules of the Senate.

Senate Resolution 17-001 is a bill that establishes temporary rules for the Colorado State Senate. It sets guidelines and procedures that senators must follow, such as how meetings are run and how decisions are made. Since it has been signed, these rules are now in effect and govern how the Senate operates until more permanent rules can be established or revised. This affects all members of the Colorado State Senate and anyone involved with legislative processes within the state.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

House Officers and Employees

House Resolution 17-1003, which has been signed into law, deals with the rules and regulations for officers and employees of the Colorado House of Representatives. It outlines how these individuals are hired, managed, and compensated. This affects all current and future staff members working under the House. Since it is signed, the new rules and procedures described in this resolution are now officially in effect within the Colorado House of Representatives.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Repeal Colorado Health Benefit Exchange

Senate Bill 17-003 is a Colorado law that撤销了州内的健康福利交易所，该交易所是根据2010年联邦法律建立的。这项法案终止了由州政府管理的健康保险交易平台，并允许它在一年内继续运营以完成清算工作。在这段时间结束后，剩余的资金将被转移到州财政部门。目前，该法案已经签署成为法律。这意味着从2018年起，Colorado Health Benefit Exchange 将不再运作，其资金会被转移至州政府的一般基金中。

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

County Choice Child Protection Teams

Senate Bill 17-016, also known as the "County Choice Child Protection Teams" bill, changes Colorado's requirement for counties with high numbers of child abuse and neglect referrals to form child protection teams. Under this new law, all counties now have the choice whether or not to create these teams based on their own discretion. The state department of human services will provide information about these teams in its annual government accountability report. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now official and counties can decide for themselves if they want to establish child protection teams.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Reverse Mortgage Repayment When Home Uninhabitable

House Bill 17-1026, which has been signed into law, addresses situations where a natural disaster or serious incident makes a home uninhabitable for someone with a reverse mortgage. Currently, if such an event occurs and the homeowner can't live in their house, they might still be required to meet certain conditions of their loan. This bill would allow those homeowners to avoid repayment on their reverse mortgage if their home becomes uninhabitable due to circumstances beyond their control, like a wildfire or flood. The law affects homeowners who have reverse mortgages and are impacted by natural disasters or other serious incidents. Since the bill has been signed, it is now active and provides relief for affected borrowers.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Rural Economic Advancement Of Colorado Towns

Senate Bill 17-022, also known as the Rural Economic Advancement of Colorado Towns, aims to help rural communities facing significant economic challenges like plant closures or layoffs. The bill allows the Department of Local Affairs to provide non-monetary support and grants up to $500,000 annually for three years to these affected areas to aid in job retention and creation. Since it has been signed into law, this fund is now available to assist qualifying rural communities starting from fiscal year 2017-18.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Funding For Full-day Kindergarten

Senate Bill 17-029 aims to increase funding for full-day kindergarten in Colorado. It raises the supplemental funding for kindergarten from a half-day equivalent to more than that of a half-day pupil starting in the 2017-18 school year, with plans to fully fund full-day kindergarten by 2023. The bill also allows the state to keep extra money it collects and use it specifically to support full-day kindergarten programs and other education needs. Since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado will now have more resources dedicated to providing full-day kindergarten for its students starting in the next budget year.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Deadly Force Against An Intruder At A Business

House Bill 17-1037, which has been signed into law, allows business owners, managers, and employees to use deadly force under specific circumstances when defending their property against intruders. This means that if someone breaks into a business, the people in charge or working there can legally use lethal measures to protect it. The bill affects anyone involved with businesses that might face security threats from intruders. Since the bill has been signed, it is now an active law in Colorado and enforceable by the state's legal system.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Eliminate Property Tax Abatement Refund Interest

House Bill 17-1049, which has been signed into law, changes how property tax refunds work in Colorado. If a homeowner pays too much in property taxes due to an error and misses the deadline to protest the valuation, they can still request a refund for up to two years after the start of the property tax year. However, this bill delays when interest on that refund starts accruing—it now begins from the date the refund petition is filed rather than earlier. This affects homeowners who might have overpaid due to errors and are seeking refunds with interest. Since it has been signed, the law is in effect and impacts how these refund requests are processed by county commissioners.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Reporting Requirements By DORA To General Assembly

Senate Bill 17-044 deals with reporting requirements for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in Colorado. The bill changes which reports DORA needs to submit and how often they need to be made. It keeps some reports going indefinitely while ending others, but ensures that a key report will continue to go to the state auditor without an end date. Since the bill has been signed into law, these reporting requirements are now official and in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Healthy Families And Military Preparedness Act

Senate Bill 17-028, known as the Healthy Families and Military Preparedness Act, requires Colorado's human services department and local social service agencies to inform military command authorities about reports of child abuse or neglect involving members of the armed forces or their families living on a base. This bill aims to improve collaboration between civilian child welfare agencies and military installations to better address cases of child abuse or neglect among military personnel. The bill is now signed into law, meaning that these new procedures for information sharing are in effect and must be followed by relevant departments and military bases in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Create New Tax Check-off For Urban Peak

HB 17-1055 is a Colorado bill that allows taxpayers to make voluntary donations to support Urban Peak, an organization helping homeless youth, by checking off a box on their state income tax form. The money collected will be used for housing and support services for young people experiencing homelessness. If the fund doesn't collect at least $50,000 annually after two years, it will no longer appear as an option on the tax form. Since the bill has been signed into law, taxpayers can now start contributing to this cause through their state income taxes.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Hearings On Transportation Commission Districts

House Bill 17-1031 requires a special committee to hold five meetings by November 15, 2017, in different parts of Colorado, including the Denver area. The purpose is to discuss and gather public opinions on how transportation commission districts should be adjusted since their last update in 1991. This bill has been signed into law, meaning these meetings are now required to take place as planned.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Construction Defect Claim Allocation Of Defense Costs

Senate Bill 17-045 in Colorado is a law that requires insurance companies to share the costs of defending construction defect claims when multiple insurers are involved. This means if a builder or contractor faces legal issues due to construction defects and has more than one insurer, those insurers must split the defense costs fairly. The bill also allows insurers to seek contributions from parties who didn't buy necessary insurance coverage during relevant periods. Since this bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will affect how construction defect cases are handled in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Assistance To Released Mentally Ill Offenders

Senate Bill 17-021, also known as Assistance To Released Mentally Ill Offenders, aims to help people with mental health issues who are being released from prison, youth correctional facilities, or jails. The bill establishes a program that provides financial assistance and support services to these individuals using funds from marijuana taxes and leftover money from previous criminal justice programs. Now that the bill has been signed into law, it means this program is officially established and can start helping eligible former inmates with mental health needs.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Reporting Requirements By Department Of Public Safety To General Assembly

House Bill 17-1059, which has been signed into law, deals with reporting requirements for the Department of Public Safety in Colorado. The bill extends ongoing reporting duties indefinitely and eliminates some scheduled reports that were set to end automatically after three years. This means that certain departments will continue providing regular updates to the state legislature without a fixed expiration date, while other specific reports are no longer required. Since it has been signed, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Tax Benefit Employer Collegeinvest Contribution

House Bill 17-1007, which has now been signed into law, allows employers in Colorado to deduct from their state income taxes any contributions they make to college savings or trust accounts for their employees through the CollegeInvest program. This deduction can be claimed even if the contribution was already deducted at the federal level. The bill benefits both employers and employees by providing a financial incentive for companies to help fund their workers' education expenses. Since it has been signed, employers can now start claiming these deductions when filing their state taxes.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Concealed Carry For Military Under Twenty-one Years Of Age

Senate Bill 17-006 changes Colorado's concealed carry permit requirements. Currently, applicants must be at least 21 years old, but the bill allows active-duty military members and those who have been honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, to apply for a permit starting at age 18. This means that younger veterans and current service members can obtain concealed carry permits earlier than other residents. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Pueblo Chile Vehicle License Plate

House Bill 17-1012, also known as the Pueblo Chile Vehicle License Plate bill, allows Colorado drivers to purchase a special license plate featuring the iconic Pueblo chile. Along with regular vehicle fees, this new plate requires an additional one-time fee of $25, which is split between two funds: $12.50 goes to the highway users tax fund and another $12.50 to the licensing services cash fund. Since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado residents can now order these unique Pueblo chile license plates for their vehicles.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Competency Restoration Services And Education

Senate Bill 17-012, also known as Competency Restoration Services and Education, aims to improve how Colorado handles mental health issues within its criminal and juvenile justice systems. It requires courts to consider outpatient treatment for defendants who are awaiting trial and ensures that competency restoration services are provided in the least restrictive environment possible. The bill establishes an office responsible for overseeing these services and creating educational programs tailored to both juveniles and adults, including those with intellectual disabilities. Since it has been signed into law, the provisions of this bill are now active and being implemented to help individuals regain their legal competency through appropriate mental health support.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Register Athlete Agents Revised Uniform Act 2015

Senate Bill 17-023 updates Colorado's laws about athlete agents by enacting the "Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act (2015)." This new act requires athlete agents to register with the Secretary of State and sets rules for renewing their registration. The bill affects anyone who works as an agent for athletes in Colorado, ensuring they meet certain requirements before they can operate legally. Since the bill has been signed into law, these regulations are now active and enforceable in the state.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

State Of The Judiciary

HJR 17-1002, also known as the "State of the Judiciary," is a bill that allows the Colorado Supreme Court to provide an annual report on the state of the judiciary in Colorado. This report helps citizens and lawmakers understand the current status and needs of the judicial system. Since it has been signed into law, it means that the process for creating these reports is now official state policy, affecting how the courts operate and communicate with the public.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Nonsubstantive Relocation Commission On Family Medicine

HB 17-1024 is a Colorado bill that moves existing laws about an advisory group called the Commission on Family Medicine from one part of the state’s legal books to another. This change doesn’t alter what the commission does; it simply reorganizes where its rules are found in the law, making them easier to find within the State Health Care Policy and Financing Act. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes have now taken effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Repeal Local Government Internet Service Voter Approval

Senate Bill 17-042 removes restrictions that prevent local governments in Colorado from providing cable TV, internet, and telecommunications services without needing voter approval first. Before this bill, cities, counties, and other local entities had to get a yes vote from residents before they could offer these services. Now, with the governor's signature, local governments can start offering these services directly to citizens without having to hold special votes. This change affects how local communities can provide technology and communication services to their residents.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate