Colorado 2025 Bills

State Engineer Statutes Cleanup

Senate Bill 17-026, titled "State Engineer Statutes Cleanup," makes several changes to how the state engineer's office operates. It updates where the state engineer’s office is located and allows for more cost-effective technology in water infrastructure monitoring. The bill also simplifies some fee structures and removes outdated requirements like posting bonds or conducting certain surveys. This means that the state can now use modern methods to monitor water resources, charge a flat $75 fee for rating water infrastructure instead of daily rates plus expenses, and streamline administrative processes. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Autocycle Characteristics & Safety Requirements

House Bill 17-1044, also known as the Autocycle Characteristics & Safety Requirements bill, updates Colorado’s laws regarding autocycles. It changes what an autocycle is defined as by specifying that it must have a fully or partly enclosed seating area with safety belts and does not need airbags or a hardtop enclosure. The bill also clarifies that all occupants in an autocycle, including those in the back seat, are required to wear safety belts while driving or riding. This legislation has been signed into law, meaning these new rules are now enforceable for anyone using an autocycle in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Medical Marijuana License Issues

HB 17-1034, also known as the Medical Marijuana License Issues bill, aims to align medical marijuana business regulations with those for retail marijuana. It allows medical marijuana businesses in Colorado to move their operations anywhere within the state if approved by both local and state authorities, similar to how retail marijuana businesses can relocate. The bill also gives medical marijuana companies the chance to fix products that fail health tests before destroying them, just like retail marijuana businesses do. Additionally, it permits medical marijuana-infused product manufacturers to buy or sell raw medical marijuana from each other. Since this bill has been signed into law, its provisions are now in effect and regulate how medical marijuana businesses operate within Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Conservation Easement Tax Credit Landowner Relief

HB 17-1066, also known as Conservation Easement Tax Credit Landowner Relief, is a Colorado law that allows landowners who grant conservation easements on their property to receive tax credits based on the value of those easements. The bill simplifies and streamlines the dispute resolution process for these tax credits by eliminating the need for surety bonds or deposits when appealing decisions in court, and it stops additional interest and penalties from accruing during appeals. Additionally, it provides courts with more flexibility to terminate conservation easements under certain conditions if a tax credit claim has been rejected. This bill is now signed into law, meaning its provisions are currently active and enforceable.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Support For Use Of Biochar

SJR 17-002 is a bill that supports the use of biochar in Colorado. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made from plant material, which can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This bill encourages its production and use across the state. Since it has been signed into law, it means that policies supporting biochar are now official and will likely lead to initiatives promoting its adoption in agriculture and other sectors.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Alleviate Fiscal Impact State Rules Small Business

Senate Bill 17-001, also known as the Regulatory Relief Act of 2017, aims to help small businesses in Colorado by giving them a chance to fix minor rule violations without facing fines. If a state agency finds that a business with fewer than 500 employees has made a minor mistake, like not keeping proper records or filing reports on time, the agency must first notify the business and give it up to 30 days to correct the issue before imposing any penalties. This bill does not apply when safety is at risk or if fines are required by law. Additionally, the bill encourages state agencies to seek input from small businesses during rule-making processes that could affect them negatively. Since this bill has been signed into law, it now provides relief and support for small businesses dealing with minor regulatory issues in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Temporary House Rules

HR 17-1001, known as "Temporary House Rules," is a bill that establishes specific operational guidelines for the Colorado House of Representatives. These rules are designed to govern how the house operates during a particular period. Since it has been signed into law, these temporary rules are now in effect and will guide the functioning of the House until they expire or are replaced by new rules. This affects all members and staff involved in the legislative process within the Colorado House of Representatives.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Employee Leave Attend Child's Academic Activities

HB 17-1001 is a Colorado bill that allows employees to take up to 6 hours per month or 18 hours per academic year off work to attend their child's school activities, such as parent-teacher conferences and meetings related to special education. Employers can restrict this leave in emergencies or if the employee’s absence would disrupt operations, but they must allow at least three-hour increments for the leave. The bill also requires schools to post information about this leave policy on their websites and communicate it to parents. Signed into law, this means that employees are now legally entitled to take time off for these purposes without fear of losing their job or facing penalties from their employer.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Community-military Cooperation

HB 17-1054, also known as the Community-military Cooperation bill, aims to improve partnerships between military bases and their local communities. It encourages these groups to work together on shared services that can save money and make operations more efficient. The Department of Local Affairs is tasked with supporting such collaborations within its existing resources. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that military installations and local governments in Colorado now have official support for creating cooperative agreements to enhance their efficiency and cost-saving efforts.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Fire and Police Pension Association Statewide Plan Election Approval Standard

Senate Bill 17-020, also known as the Fire and Police Pension Association Statewide Plan Election Approval Standard, aims to simplify how changes are made to pension plans for police officers and firefighters in Colorado. Currently, different approval requirements exist depending on the type of change being proposed. The bill proposes a single standard: any modifications to these pension plans must be approved by at least 65% of the participating members who vote on it. This ensures consistency across all types of changes within the pension plans. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that this new approval process is now in effect for all relevant elections regarding pension plan modifications.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Extend Voter Approval Window For RTA Regional Transportation Authority Mill Levy

House Bill 17-1018 extends the period during which voters in certain areas of Colorado can approve a local tax increase for transportation purposes. Currently, regional authorities have until January 1, 2019, to ask voters for permission to collect up to 5 mills (which is $5 per $1,000 of property value) as part of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). This bill pushes that deadline back to January 1, 2029. The bill has been signed into law, meaning regional transportation authorities now have more time to seek voter approval for these taxes if needed.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Reporting Requirements By Department Of Corrections To General Assembly

Senate Bill 17-031 is a Colorado law that extends certain reporting requirements for the Department of Corrections, meaning the department must continue providing regular updates to the state legislature on specific topics. The bill also removes some outdated or unnecessary reports and sets new expiration dates for others. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect, ensuring that the Department of Corrections continues to report on important issues while streamlining their reporting process by eliminating obsolete requirements.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Concerning the adoption of the Joint Rules as the temporary Joint Rules of the Seventy-first General Assembly.

SJR 17-001 is a bill that establishes the rules for how Colorado's state legislature will operate at the beginning of its seventy-first session. Essentially, it adopts existing joint rules as temporary guidelines until more permanent rules are set later in the legislative process. This affects all members of the Colorado General Assembly who need to follow these rules when making laws and conducting business. Since the bill has been signed, these rules are now in effect for the start of the new session.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Increase Penalty Texting While Driving

Senate Bill 17-027 increases penalties for texting while driving in Colorado. Currently, a first offense results in a $50 fine and one point on your license; after the bill was signed, this changes to a $300 fine and four points for every offense, regardless of whether it's the first or subsequent times. The law also requires that drivers can only be cited if they were driving carelessly at the same time. This affects all drivers who text while operating a vehicle in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed into law, these new penalties are now enforceable and active.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Sex Assault And Stalking Victims May Break Leases

House Bill 17-1035, which has been signed into law, allows victims of sexual assault and stalking to break their leases early if they feel unsafe. Previously, this right was only available to those affected by domestic violence or abuse. The bill also ensures that landlords keep the new addresses of these tenants confidential to protect their privacy and safety. This means that people who experience sexual assault or stalking now have more options to ensure their safety without being tied to a dangerous living situation.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Dental Practice Act And Dental Hygiene

House Bill 17-1010 updates Colorado's laws regarding dental practices. It allows the state dental board to create rules for using lasers in dentistry and dental hygiene under proper supervision. The bill also clarifies what tasks can be done unsupervised by a dental hygienist. Since it has been signed, these changes are now part of Colorado’s law, affecting how dentists and dental hygienists use technology and perform certain procedures.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Procurement Code Modernization

HB 17-1051, known as "Procurement Code Modernization," updates Colorado's rules for how government agencies buy goods and services. The bill simplifies the procurement process by updating outdated language, clarifying ethical standards for all parties involved in procurement, and allowing more flexibility in contract management and cooperative purchasing. It also exempts certain purchases from these rules to ensure efficiency and compliance with federal requirements. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the updated procurement guidelines are now officially part of Colorado's legal framework, affecting how state agencies conduct their business moving forward.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Child Welfare Allocation Formula Factors

HB 17-1052, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, changes how funding is allocated for child welfare services. Instead of using specific data points, the new formula considers a wider range of factors that directly impact children who need these services, as determined by the state Department of Human Services and a special committee. This change aims to better support counties in providing necessary care to vulnerable children. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and its provisions are being implemented.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Additional Incentives Beneficial Use Waste Tires

Senate Bill 17-047 in Colorado updates how waste tire fees are collected and distributed. It increases the types of uses that qualify for rebates from the end users fund to include agricultural purposes when tires are baled with other waste tires. The bill also gradually reduces the fee per tire over time, starting at $1.50 until 2021 and decreasing to $1 by 2023. Additionally, it changes how funds collected from these fees are allocated among different state programs aimed at managing waste tires effectively. Since the status of this bill is "signed," its provisions have become law and are now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Medication Mental Illness In Justice Systems

Senate Bill 17-019 aims to improve mental health care for individuals with mental illnesses who are involved in Colorado's criminal and juvenile justice systems. It requires various state agencies, including the Office of Behavioral Health and Department of Corrections, to work together on a consistent medication formulary and share patient information securely. The bill also encourages cost-saving measures through cooperative purchasing of medications and mandates regular reporting on its implementation. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect and aim to better serve people with mental health disorders within the justice system.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Statutory Revision Committee Senate Bill 16-146 Fix

Senate Bill 17-018 is a fix for a previous bill (SB 16-146) that aimed to update laws related to sexually transmitted infections. The earlier bill didn't completely remove all the old rules it was supposed to, which could cause confusion or legal issues. This new bill corrects that mistake by ensuring everything outdated is properly removed from Colorado's statutes. Since the bill has been signed, these corrections are now part of the state’s laws and will help clarify and modernize regulations related to sexually transmitted infections.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Inform Students And Parents Of Education Leading To Jobs

House Bill 17-1041, which has been signed into law, requires Colorado public schools to inform students and their parents about the career opportunities available through military enlistment when helping them create an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Schools are also encouraged to provide information on the military enlistment test. This bill affects all students in Colorado's public school system who are creating or updating their ICAPs, as well as their parents. Since it has been signed into law, schools must now include this information when assisting students with their career planning.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Clarify Good Time Sentence Reductions In Jails

HB 17-1015, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, aims to simplify and clarify rules for reducing jail time for inmates who are serving sentences in county jails. This means that people held in these jails could see changes in how their good behavior or participation in programs affects the length of their stay. The bill impacts anyone serving time in a county jail and ensures clearer guidelines for both inmates and those managing the jails. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and being implemented according to its provisions.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Election Offenses Committed By A Voter

HB 17-1014 is a Colorado law that changes rules about taking and sharing pictures of your completed ballot. Before this bill was passed, voters were not allowed to show their ballots after voting because it could lead to election fraud. Now, under the new law, voters can take photos or share images of their filled-out ballots as long as they aren’t doing so to break other election laws. However, county officials still have the power to set rules about photography at polling places to make sure elections run smoothly and fairly. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official state legislation that affects all voters in Colorado who might want to take or share pictures of their ballots after voting.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Update Outdated Statutes Persons With Disabilities

House Bill 17-1046 updates outdated and insensitive language used in Colorado's laws regarding people with disabilities. It replaces terms like "mentally retarded" or "mental deficiency" with more respectful phrases such as "person with an intellectual and developmental disability." The bill also changes references to "physical defect" to "physical disability," ensuring that the state’s statutes are inclusive and considerate of individuals' dignity. Since the bill has been signed, these updates have now become part of Colorado's official laws.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Memorialize Congress To Fund Wildfire Response

SJM 17-001 is a bill that asks the U.S. Congress to provide funding for wildfire response efforts in Colorado. This would help support firefighters and other emergency services dealing with wildfires. Since it has been signed, this memorial is now an official statement from the state legislature urging federal action, but it does not have the force of law itself.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Reporting Requirements By Department Of Personnel And Administration To General Assembly

House Bill 17-1058 is a Colorado law that deals with reports the Department of Personnel and Administration must give to the state legislature. The bill extends some reporting requirements indefinitely, meaning these reports will continue to be made regularly without any set end date. It also cancels other reports that were scheduled to stop after three years if no action was taken. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect and the department must follow them when making its reports to the legislature.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Allow Medical Marijuana Use For Stress Disorders

Senate Bill 17-017 allows people with acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to use medical marijuana legally in Colorado. This bill gives these patients the same rights and protections as other medical marijuana users under Colorado’s laws. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that individuals diagnosed with these conditions can now obtain medical marijuana for treatment purposes just like those with other qualifying health issues.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Interception Of Human Trafficking Communications

House Bill 17-1040, also known as the "Interception Of Human Trafficking Communications" bill, allows judges to issue orders for intercepting communications if there's reason to believe it will help gather evidence of human trafficking crimes involving involuntary and sexual servitude. This means law enforcement can legally monitor certain conversations to catch traffickers. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now active and being used by the courts and law enforcement agencies in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Restorative Justice Communication Issues

House Bill 17-1039, which has been signed into law, allows district attorneys to agree that defendants can participate in restorative justice programs, such as meetings between victims and offenders, as part of a plea bargain. The bill also requires that presentence reports include whether the defendant is eligible for these programs. This affects people involved in the criminal justice system who are considering plea bargains and might benefit from restorative justice practices. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Consolidate Forest Risk And Health Grant Programs

Senate Bill 17-050 consolidates and modifies two existing Colorado grant programs focused on forest management. It moves a wildfire risk reduction program from the Department of Natural Resources to the State Forest Service, renaming it as the "forest restoration and wildfire risk mitigation grant program." The bill also extends funding for this new consolidated program and related initiatives for seven years, starting July 1, 2017. This affects forest management efforts across Colorado by providing more consistent and long-term financial support. Since the status is signed, the bill has been enacted into law and is now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Public Access To Government Files

Senate Bill 17-040, titled "Public Access To Government Files," updates Colorado's Open Records Act (CORA) by requiring government agencies to provide public records in digital formats when requested. This means that if someone asks for information stored digitally, the agency must give it back in a format that can be easily read and processed by computers. The bill also allows employees to keep their personal contact details private from public records if they feel there's a risk to their safety. It has been signed into law, meaning government agencies are now required to follow these new rules when handling requests for digital information.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Property Tax Redemption Third Party Costs

HB 17-1019, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, changes how property tax redemption works when taxes are overdue. Currently, if someone wants to redeem their property after the taxes have become delinquent, they must pay back any fees paid to third parties for using computer software related to processing the redemption. This affects homeowners and businesses who need to redeem properties with overdue taxes. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and impacts anyone dealing with property tax redemptions in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act Include Domestic

HB 17-1028, also known as the Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act, updates Colorado law to allow for both foreign and domestic unsworn declarations in various legal situations. This means that people can submit written statements without having to swear an oath or be under penalty of perjury in many contexts. The bill affects anyone who needs to provide legal documentation but might not have access to a formal swearing-in process. Since the status is "signed," this bill has been approved by the legislature and signed into law, meaning it is now enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Transportation Network Company Drivers Medical Certificate Not Required

Senate Bill 17-043 removes the need for transportation network company (TNC) drivers, like those who work for Uber or Lyft, to have a medical certificate before they can start driving. This means that TNC drivers no longer have to prove their health status through a medical exam. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now in effect and impacts all current and future TNC drivers in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Limits On Underground Storage Tank Regulation

Senate Bill 17-014, which has been signed into law, stops local governments from setting their own inspection rules or charging fees for checking underground tanks that store petroleum products like gasoline. This means that only state regulations will apply to these tanks, and local authorities can no longer create additional requirements or collect money specifically for inspecting them. The bill affects businesses and property owners who have underground storage tanks for fuel or other petroleum-based substances. Since the status is "signed," this law is now in effect and must be followed by all relevant parties.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Delegate Dispensing Over-the-counter Medications

Senate Bill 17-033 allows trained nurses to delegate the task of giving over-the-counter medications to minors, provided that a parent or guardian has given written permission. This means that after proper training, someone working with the nurse can hand out these medicines to young people when their parents have agreed in writing. The bill is now signed into law, meaning it has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and the governor, so it will take effect as planned.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Prosecution Of Insurance Fraud

House Bill 17-1048, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado's insurance fraud laws. It changes how long prosecutors have to start a case after discovering an act of insurance fraud and protects more organizations from legal consequences if they help investigate suspected fraudulent activities in good faith. This bill affects anyone involved in insurance, including policyholders, insurers, and investigative agencies. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Registration Home Inspectors

Senate Bill 17-038, now signed into law, requires home inspectors in Colorado to register with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) before they can work. This means that anyone who wants to be a home inspector must first get approval from DORA. The law also includes a review after five years to see if these regulations are necessary and effective. This affects all home inspectors and people looking to hire them, as it ensures a level of oversight and quality control in the inspection process.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

County Surveyor Duties

House Bill 17-1017, also known as the "County Surveyor Duties" bill, clarifies what tasks county surveyors must do and allows them to choose whether or not to provide additional services if they get paid for it. It also gives boards of county commissioners up to six months to find a new surveyor if the position is empty, instead of the previous 90-day limit. Additionally, the bill updates how boundary lines between counties are set when they're unclear. Since this bill has been signed into law, these changes are now official and in effect for all relevant parties involved with county boundaries and surveying duties.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Governor's Message

HJR 17-1001 is a bill that allows the governor of Colorado to send official messages to the state legislature. This means the governor can communicate important information or proposals directly to lawmakers. Since it has been signed, this process is now in place and active for the governor to use when needed. It doesn't affect regular citizens directly but enhances how government officials interact with each other.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Concerning the officers and employees of the First Regular Session of the Seventy-first General Assembly.

SJR 17-003 is a bill that addresses the roles and responsibilities of certain officers and employees during the first regular session of the Seventy-first General Assembly in Colorado. It essentially sets guidelines for how these individuals should operate within their positions. Since it has been signed, this means that the bill has become law and its provisions are now enforceable. This affects anyone involved in or affected by the operations of the General Assembly during that specific session.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Reduce Business Personal Property Taxes

House Bill 17-1063 in Colorado aims to reduce business personal property taxes by increasing the exemption threshold from $7,300 to $50,000 per schedule. This means more small businesses won't have to pay taxes on their equipment and other assets up to this higher amount. The bill also applies similar tax relief to public utilities, exempting the first $50,000 of their personal property from taxation. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect and providing tax savings for qualifying businesses and utilities.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Making Certain State Assessments Optional

House Bill 17-1062, which has been signed into law, allows Colorado schools the option to decide whether or not to give certain state tests. These tests include social studies assessments and math and English language arts tests for ninth and tenth graders. Previously, these tests were mandatory. The bill also removes the requirement for the Department of Education to seek federal permission to administer the ninth-grade math and English tests. This means that schools now have more flexibility in choosing which state assessments they give to students.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Restore Nonessential Articles Tax Exemptions

House Bill 17-1009 in Colorado restores tax exemptions for certain items that restaurants and food vendors can provide to customers without charging sales tax. Before March 2010, these businesses could sell nonessential items like straws or napkins tax-free when included with the main purchase. However, a law passed in 2010 limited this exemption to only essential items as determined by the Department of Revenue. This new bill reverses that change and allows restaurants to once again provide nonessential items without collecting sales tax on them, effective January 1, 2018. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Education Income Tax Credits For Nonpublic School

Senate Bill 17-039, which has been signed into law, provides tax credits for Colorado residents who send their children to private or home schools. If you enroll a child in a private school, you can get a tax credit based on the tuition cost or state funding per student, whichever is lower. Similarly, if you homeschool your child full-time or part-time and they were previously enrolled in public school, you are eligible for a $1,000 or $500 tax credit respectively. The law also reduces the state's education budget by $50 million to fund these new credits. This means that families choosing private or home schooling will receive financial support through their taxes, but it could affect funding for public schools.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Measure Voter Service And Polling Centers Wait Times

Senate Bill 17-037 requires counties with at least 25,000 registered voters to measure and report how long it takes for people to vote at their voter service and polling centers during general elections. The state's Secretary of State will create rules to ensure that all counties collect and share this information in a consistent way. This bill is now signed into law, meaning counties with large numbers of voters must start tracking wait times to help improve the voting process for everyone.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Warrant Or Order For Electronic Communications

HB 17-1053, also known as the "Warrant Or Order For Electronic Communications" bill in Colorado, requires government entities to obtain a valid search warrant or court order before demanding that internet and cloud service providers disclose the contents of emails, messages, or other electronic communications. This rule applies unless there's an immediate risk of death or serious injury, or if certain individuals consent to the release of information. The bill also mandates that customers be notified about such warrants, except in specific cases where a court decides notification could compromise an investigation. Signed into law, this legislation aims to protect user privacy by ensuring proper legal procedures are followed when accessing digital communications.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House

Repeal Ammunition Magazine Prohibition

Senate Bill 17-007 removes restrictions on ammunition magazines in Colorado. It gets rid of rules that previously banned certain types of magazines and required others to be marked if made after a specific date. This affects anyone who owns or buys ammunition magazines in the state. Since the bill has been signed, these regulations are no longer in effect, meaning people can now possess the magazines that were once prohibited without legal consequences.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · Senate

Prohibit Corporal Punishment Of Children

House Bill 17-1038, which has been signed into law, bans corporal punishment of children in various settings including public schools, licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and specialized group facilities. Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional infliction of physical pain on a child. This means that teachers, volunteers, caregivers, and staff members in these environments are no longer allowed to physically punish children. The bill's signed status indicates that it has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and has received final approval from the governor, making it legally binding.

Last action: 2017-01-11 · House