Colorado 2025 Bills

Task Force to Expand Effective Public Schools

Senate Bill 26-170, which has been signed into law, establishes a task force aimed at studying ways to expand access to effective public schools in Colorado. This task force will look into how to reduce opportunity gaps and must submit its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2027, or adjust the deadline if their first meeting is after July 31, 2026. The work of the task force will only proceed if the Department of Education receives enough funding from gifts, grants, and donations. This initiative affects public school students and families across Colorado by potentially improving educational opportunities.

Last action: 2026-04-17 · Senate

Transparency of Legislative Caucuses' Money

Senate Bill 26-168, which has now been signed into law, requires legislative caucuses in Colorado to report any money they receive or spend each quarter. This means that groups of legislators who form based on shared interests must disclose their financial activities publicly. The reports will be available on the state legislature’s website, ensuring transparency for voters. This bill affects all legislative caucuses and enhances public oversight of how these groups manage their finances.

Last action: 2026-04-17 · Senate

Prescription Drug Out-of-Pocket Expense Credit

Senate Bill 26-167, known as the Prescription Drug Out-of-Pocket Expense Credit, aims to help Colorado residents who buy prescription drugs directly from pharmacies or online platforms by allowing their health insurance plans to count these expenses toward their annual out-of-pocket maximums. To qualify for this credit, individuals must provide proof of payment within 90 days and meet certain conditions set by their insurance carriers. This bill will take effect on January 1, 2028, after being signed into law. It benefits people who often face high costs when purchasing medications outside their usual healthcare network.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Regulation of Lawful Tetrahydrocannabinol Beverages

Senate Bill 26-164 in Colorado regulates the production and sale of THC beverages, which are non-alcoholic drinks containing up to 10 milligrams of THC from legal hemp sources. The bill allows registered manufacturers to produce these beverages for licensed wholesalers who can then sell them to retailers with special permits. Retailers must follow strict rules, such as not selling to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals and cannot mix THC beverages with alcohol. The bill also bans the use of synthetic cannabinoids in these drinks and gives local governments the power to ban sales within their areas. Since it has been signed into law, this regulation will now be implemented according to its guidelines.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

School Board Member Disqualifying Convictions

Senate Bill 26-166, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado's rules for who can serve on a school board. It adds new requirements that people convicted of violent crimes or felony drug offenses involving distribution cannot become school board members unless at least 10 years have passed since they completed all parts of their sentence, including jail time and parole. This means that anyone with recent convictions related to violence or serious drug crimes will be disqualified from serving on a school board in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Species Conservation Measures

Senate Bill 26-165, known as Species Conservation Measures, allocates $5 million from a special fund to protect wildlife that is at risk of becoming endangered. This money will support programs like fish recovery in the Colorado and San Juan rivers, habitat improvements for native fish in the Rio Grande, research on water quality issues, and conservation efforts for both land and aquatic animals. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these funding measures are now active and being implemented to help protect vulnerable species in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Uniform Mortgage Modification Act

HB 26-1089, also known as the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, makes it easier for homeowners in Colorado to modify their mortgage terms without losing any legal protections or priority over their property. This means that if a homeowner needs to change the terms of their loan (like lowering monthly payments), the modification won't affect how the mortgage is prioritized against other claims on the property or reduce the security of the loan for the lender. The bill has been signed into law, so it's now active and affecting homeowners who seek modifications to their mortgages in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · House

Areas of Local Preemption

SCR 26-1 is a Colorado bill that gives local governments more power within their own boundaries. It allows cities and counties to make rules that override conflicting state laws in areas like construction permits, zoning, land use, utilities, infrastructure, and historical or natural resource protection. This means that when there's a conflict between what the state says and what a local government wants to do in these specific areas, the local government’s rules take precedence. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now official and will affect how local governments operate within their jurisdictions.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Regulation of Gaming & Sports Betting

Senate Bill 26-163 changes how horse racing and sports betting are regulated in Colorado. It moves oversight from the Colorado racing commission to a new gaming control commission and updates rules for investigating unlicensed activities and allowing people to opt out of both gambling and sports betting. The bill also gives more power to the division of gaming by letting it handle licensing duties previously managed by the commission. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now law in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-15 · Senate

Sensitive Test Results in Health Care

Senate Bill 26-162, which has been signed into law, changes how sensitive medical test results are shared with patients in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2027, hospitals and doctors must wait three business days before sharing certain test results related to cancer diagnosis or genetic markers for cancer through electronic health records or patient portals. However, these results can be released immediately if a healthcare provider deems it necessary or at the patient's request. This law aims to give medical professionals time to review and explain sensitive results to patients directly rather than having them see potentially alarming information without context. The bill affects anyone who receives cancer-related test results through their electronic health records in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-15 · Senate

Modernize Regulation of Cannabis-Related Products

Senate Bill 26-161 aims to update Colorado's regulations on cannabis products by changing how they are taxed and regulated. It reduces the excise tax on marijuana and introduces a new sales tax based on the amount of THC (the main intoxicating compound) in the product, with limits on how high this tax can go. The bill also moves oversight from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Public Health and Environment, focusing more on safety and health standards. It requires public access to information about tested products and adverse health reports through an online portal. This bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect for those who sell or consume cannabis products in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-15 · Senate

April 2026 Second Chance Month

Senate Resolution 26-7 designates April 2026 as "Second Chance Month" in Colorado. This resolution aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of giving people who have made mistakes in their past a chance to improve and contribute positively to society. Since it has been signed, this designation is now official, meaning that various organizations and communities in Colorado can use April 2026 to organize events and activities focused on second chances and rehabilitation.

Last action: 2026-04-14 · Senate

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

SJR 26-24, also known as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, is a bill that aims to promote awareness and education about motorcycle safety in Colorado. It encourages activities and campaigns throughout the year to help motorcyclists stay safe on the roads and educate other drivers about sharing the road safely with motorcycles. Since it has been signed into law, Colorado now officially recognizes initiatives focused on motorcycle safety during designated times of the year. This affects all road users but particularly benefits motorcyclists by increasing public awareness and potentially leading to safer driving behaviors.

Last action: 2026-04-14 · Senate

Affirm Commitment to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights

House Resolution 26-1008 is a bill that reaffirms Colorado's commitment to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which limits how much tax revenue the state can collect and spend. This resolution affects all Colorado taxpayers and the state government by emphasizing the importance of fiscal restraint as outlined in TABOR. Since it has been signed, this resolution officially endorses these principles but does not change any laws or impose new requirements; it serves more as a statement of intent and commitment to existing guidelines.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Limit Election of Legislators Who Fill Vacancies

HCR 26-1005 is a bill in Colorado that would change the state constitution to prevent legislators from serving a full term if they were appointed to fill a vacancy for part of that same term. This means someone who steps into an open seat and serves until the next election wouldn't be allowed to run for or serve the remaining term after winning the regular election. The bill needs at least 55% voter approval in the 2026 general election to become law, which means it won't take effect immediately even if passed by voters.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Donate Life Month

Senate Resolution 26-6 designates April as "Donate Life Month" in Colorado. This resolution aims to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourages residents to consider registering as donors. Since the bill has been signed, it is now official state policy, meaning that throughout April, there will be various campaigns and events to promote donation awareness across Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · Senate

Full and Fair Funding of Public Schools

House Joint Resolution 26-1028, also known as the "Full and Fair Funding of Public Schools," aims to ensure that Colorado's public schools receive adequate funding. This resolution would affect all public school students, teachers, and staff across the state by advocating for a more equitable distribution of educational resources. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that the state is committed to implementing measures to provide full and fair funding for public education, which could lead to improvements in classroom resources and support services.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Person's Rights Related to Their Children

House Concurrent Resolution 26-1004 proposes a constitutional amendment for Colorado voters to consider in the 2026 election. If approved, it would add a new right to the state constitution: parents' authority to guide their children's upbringing, education, and care. This affects all parents in Colorado by potentially reinforcing their role in making decisions about their children’s lives. The bill has been signed but is still in the early stages of the legislative process, meaning that it needs further approval before voters can decide on it in 2026.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Recognize Young Americans Bank

SJR 26-23 is a bill that officially recognizes and honors Young Americans Bank in Colorado. This recognition likely highlights the bank's contributions to youth financial education and community development. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been approved by the necessary legislative processes and signed into law, meaning it is now official state policy or recognition.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · Senate

State Highway 47 Dolores Huerta Boulevard

House Resolution 26-1005, which has been signed into law, renames a section of State Highway 47 in Colorado as Dolores Huerta Boulevard. This change honors Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist. The resolution affects the way this part of the highway is officially recognized and labeled, impacting how residents and visitors refer to that area. Since it has been signed, the name change is official and will be reflected in all future references and signage along that stretch of State Highway 47.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Plastic Pollution Awareness

SJR 26-22, also known as the Plastic Pollution Awareness bill, aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution in Colorado. This initiative would likely involve educational campaigns and possibly policy recommendations to reduce plastic waste. The bill is currently active but was most recently laid over until April 22, 2026, without any amendments being made during its last Senate reading. This means that the bill has not yet been passed into law and will need further consideration by the legislature before it can become effective.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · Senate

Holocaust Memorial

House Joint Resolution 26-1027, which has been signed into law, aims to establish a Holocaust memorial in Colorado. This resolution affects the state government and its citizens by officially recognizing the importance of commemorating the Holocaust through a permanent memorial. Since it is now signed, this means that the necessary steps can begin for creating and implementing the memorial, likely involving planning committees and funding allocations to bring the project to fruition.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Nonmortgage Property Tax Exemption

HCR 26-1003 is a bill that would allow counties in Colorado to offer property tax exemptions for single-family homeowners who own their homes outright and live in them. If passed by voters in the 2026 general election, this could reduce taxes for some homeowners without mortgages. The bill has been signed but needs voter approval before it can take effect, meaning that no changes will happen until after next year’s election.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Supporting Law Enforcement

HR 26-1006 is a bill that supports law enforcement in Colorado. It was recently signed into law and its exact details are not provided officially, but it likely includes measures to assist or recognize police officers in the state. This means the bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed by the governor, so it is now an active law affecting law enforcement agencies and personnel across Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Colorado 150th Anniversary

House Resolution 26-1007 is a bill that celebrates the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state. It acknowledges and honors this significant milestone in Colorado's history by recognizing the date and possibly organizing commemorative events or activities. Since it has been signed, the resolution is now official and will likely lead to various celebrations and recognitions throughout the year marking Colorado’s sesquicentennial.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Transfers to General Fund & Colorado Economic Development Fund

House Bill 26-1416, which has been signed into law, requires the state treasurer to transfer money from a scholarship fund for high school students. Specifically, $1.2 million will go to the Colorado Economic Development Fund and $2.3 million will be moved to the general fund on June 30, 2026. This affects the funding available for scholarships but supports other areas of state spending and economic development. Since it has been signed, these transfers are set to occur as scheduled unless changed by future legislation.

Last action: 2026-04-13 · House

Personal Protective Equipment & Meatpackers

Senate Bill 26-160, which has been signed into law, stops employers from deducting money from workers' pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, it requires large meatpacking companies with at least 500 employees to provide their staff with easy access to restrooms. This means that if these big meatpacking firms don't comply, they can be fined by the state labor department. The law aims to protect workers' wages and improve workplace conditions for those in the meat industry.

Last action: 2026-04-10 · Senate

Optional Residential Construction Contractor Certification

House Bill 26-1415, which has been signed into law, introduces a voluntary certification program for residential construction contractors in Colorado. This program, managed by the Department of Law, allows contractors to apply for a certificate that costs up to $100 annually and aims to protect homeowners from incomplete or abandoned projects by ensuring contractors meet certain standards. The program is funded through fees collected from participating contractors and overseen by a board appointed by the attorney general. This means that residential construction contractors can now opt to get certified, which could enhance their credibility with clients while helping to safeguard homeowner interests against subpar work.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · House

Medical Record Requests

HB 26-1414, also known as the Medical Record Requests bill, limits how much healthcare providers can charge attorneys or personal representatives for medical records that exceed 664 pages. The maximum fee is set at $400 unless special handling of sensitive information is required, in which case a reasonable fee may be charged. Starting in 2028, this limit will adjust for inflation every two years. The bill also mandates that medical records must be provided electronically if possible and within 30 days after payment, with some exceptions for delays due to force majeure events. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been approved by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning its provisions are now enforceable.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · House

National Arab American Heritage Month

SJR 26-21 is a bill that designates April as National Arab American Heritage Month in Colorado, recognizing the contributions and heritage of Arab Americans. This resolution affects all residents of Colorado but specifically highlights and celebrates the state's Arab American community. Since it has been signed into law, it means that every April, Colorado officially acknowledges and honors the history and culture of its Arab American citizens.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · Senate

Inmate Earned Time Formula for Sentence to Department of Corrections

Senate Bill 26-159 in Colorado increases the amount of time inmates can earn off their sentences through good behavior and participation in programs. For lower-level offenses, inmates will now earn 14 days off per month instead of 12, while those with higher-level offenses will earn 12 days off per month instead of 10. The bill also allows for up to 150 extra days off if an inmate completes a behavioral health program related to their crime. Additionally, the Department of Corrections is required to create policies that encourage inmates to participate in these programs and form a working group to develop strategies for managing prison populations more effectively. Since this bill has been signed into law, it means that these changes are now official policy in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · Senate

Youthful Offender Early Parole Procedure

Senate Bill 26-158, also known as the Youthful Offender Early Parole Procedure, allows young offenders under 21 who have completed a specialized rehabilitation program and been convicted of certain serious crimes to apply for early parole. The state board of parole can approve or deny these applications if the governor doesn't make a decision within 60 days. This bill also mandates that the rehabilitation programs include acknowledging the impact on victims and addressing the offender's own trauma. Since it has been signed into law, young offenders who meet the criteria now have an additional pathway to early release after completing their program.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · Senate

Determination of Town Abandonment

Senate Bill 26-157 in Colorado updates the process for determining if a town has been abandoned. It allows individuals like registered voters and landowners, not just counties, to apply for an abandonment determination when a town hasn't held elections or doesn’t have officials for five years, or when it faces critical issues such as failing water infrastructure. If a town is struggling with its water system, the state can transfer up to $100,000 from one fund to another to help maintain the water supply until the situation is resolved. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect and will impact how towns that are no longer functioning are handled by the government.

Last action: 2026-04-08 · Senate

Change Practices of Work Force Development Council

Senate Bill 26-156 updates how the state workforce development council operates. It simplifies their report on job training needs and gives them more freedom to create career paths based on current data. The bill also refines the role of a coordinator who works with the council, making sure it aligns well with other organizations involved in education and employment. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now law and will affect how workforce development is managed in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-07 · Senate

High-Stakes Standardized Testing

SM 26-1, also known as the "High-Stakes Standardized Testing" bill in Colorado, has been signed into law. This legislation aims to reduce or eliminate high-stakes standardized testing for students in public schools. It affects all public school students and educators in Colorado by potentially lowering the emphasis on these tests, which could change how student performance is evaluated and how teachers are held accountable. Since the bill has been signed, its provisions will now be implemented according to the law's details.

Last action: 2026-04-07 · Senate

Increase Access Homeowner's Insurance Enterprise

Senate Bill 26-155 aims to create a new government-owned business called the Colorado Homes Enterprise. This enterprise will collect an annual fee from insurance companies that offer homeowner's policies in the state and use this money to provide grants for homeowners to install resilient roof systems, which can reduce damage from hail and extreme weather. The bill also requires these insurance companies to pass on cost savings from reduced risk to policyholders through lower premiums or discounts. Additionally, it mandates a study on wildfire risks and insurance availability in high-risk areas. Since the status of this bill is "signed," it has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning its provisions are now enforceable.

Last action: 2026-04-07 · Senate

Recognize Home Education Day

SJR 26-20 is a bill that officially recognizes a specific day as "Home Education Day" in Colorado. This recognition celebrates and acknowledges the importance of home education for families who choose this path for their children's learning. Since the bill has been signed, it means that Home Education Day is now an official observance in Colorado, though the exact date or activities associated with it are not specified by the information provided.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · Senate

Require Age Verification for Pornographic Material

House Concurrent Resolution 26-1002 is a bill in Colorado that aims to change the state constitution to require anyone who distributes pornographic material to verify that recipients are at least 18 years old. This would affect individuals and businesses involved in distributing such content. The bill has been signed, which means it has passed through both chambers of the legislature and now needs to be approved by voters in a referendum before becoming part of the constitution.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Sick & Military Leave for Certain Public Servants

House Bill 26-1413, which has been signed into law, enhances benefits for public servants in Colorado. It removes the limit on sick days from 10 to an unlimited amount per fiscal year for state employees. Additionally, it increases military leave from 3 weeks to 4 weeks per leave year for officers and employees of the state and its subdivisions. This means that public workers will have more flexibility with their time off for both personal health needs and military service obligations.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

2026-27 Long Appropriations Bill

HB 26-1410 is a budget bill that outlines how Colorado will spend its money for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. It covers expenses for state government departments and agencies, including health care, education, public safety, and more. This bill affects all Coloradans as it determines funding for essential services. Since the status is "signed," the bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning these budget allocations are now official.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Changes to Cover All Coloradans Program

HB 26-1411, which has been signed into law, changes Colorado's medical assistance program by limiting benefits for pregnant women and children based on income and immigration status. Starting in 2027, it caps dental services at $750 annually, restricts behavioral health services to fee-for-service only, removes coverage for certain collaborative care programs, and limits home- and community-based services for some low-income immigrant families unless they already receive these services by the end of 2026. Additionally, the bill sets a cap on enrollment for children in the state medical assistance program and eliminates the state's children’s basic health plan. These changes will affect eligibility and coverage for thousands of Colorado residents who rely on public healthcare programs.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Statistical Sampling & Extrapolation

HB 26-1412, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, allows the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use statistical methods to identify and recover overpayments made to Medicaid providers who offer nonemergency medical transportation or pediatric behavioral therapy services. This applies specifically to audits initiated after July 1, 2026, for services provided between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025. The law also mandates that the state auditor reviews these audit methods annually and reports findings to relevant committees. This bill affects Medicaid providers who offer specific nonemergency medical transportation or pediatric behavioral therapy services in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, the provisions will take effect as scheduled, impacting how audits are conducted and overpayments are recovered from these service providers starting in 2026.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Marijuana Tax Cash Fund Distributions

House Bill 26-1409 changes how marijuana tax money is distributed in Colorado. Instead of giving 3.5% of the tax revenue to local governments, it now allocates most of the funds (73.17%) to a state fund called the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund and distributes smaller percentages to other state funds like education and general government spending. The bill also ensures that at the end of each year, any leftover money in the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund goes to the public school fund if it exceeds certain limits set by the state. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Managed Care Entity Payments

HB 26-1377 is a Colorado bill that changes how state funding for mental health transitional living homes is counted under budget laws. Currently, when managed care entities (MCEs) receive money from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to pay for services at these homes, this transaction is considered as money leaving and then re-entering the state, affecting budget calculations. The bill proposes that if MCEs pass on federal or state funds directly to the Department of Human Services for these homes, it shouldn’t be counted twice in the state’s budget limits. This change affects how much funding can be allocated without needing voter approval under Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Since the bill has been signed, this new rule is now in effect and impacts the budgeting process for mental health services funded through Medicaid.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Digital Trunked Radio System Support

HB 26-1392, also known as the Digital Trunked Radio System Support bill, ensures that leftover money from a specific fund is moved into another fund dedicated to maintaining and improving Colorado's digital radio system used by public safety agencies. This means more resources will be available for acquiring and keeping up with necessary equipment and infrastructure needed for effective communication among these departments. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions are in effect, meaning that funds can start being allocated to support the digital trunked radio system as intended.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Disaster Emergency Fund Changes

House Bill 26-1396, which has been signed into law, changes how Colorado manages its disaster emergency fund. It requires the state planning office to report on closed disasters and remaining funds every quarter. The bill also sets a timeline for closing out disaster funding—three years for federally declared disasters and eight years for those declared only by the state—and limits the total unspent balance in the fund to $200 million, with any excess money transferred to the general fund annually starting from August 12, 2026. This affects how Colorado allocates funds during emergencies and ensures better financial oversight of disaster relief resources.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Eliminate Cash Balance Requirement in Judicial Cash Fund

House Bill 26-1381 changes how Colorado manages funds for judicial discipline. It removes a requirement that at least $400,000 must be kept in the special cash fund for disciplinary actions against judges each year and instead transfers this money to the general state fund. This affects the financial management of the Commission on Judicial Discipline. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means these changes are now official and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Repeal Medicaid Reimbursement for Equine Therapy

House Bill 26-1365 removes Medicaid coverage for equine therapy, which is a type of treatment that uses horseback riding or interactions with horses under the supervision of licensed therapists. This change will affect people who rely on Medicaid to pay for this specific kind of therapy and could impact their ability to access it. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that starting from now, Medicaid will no longer cover these costs, and funding for equine therapy through Medicaid will be reduced by about $181,500 in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Repeal Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program

House Bill 26-1395 is a Colorado law that ends a grant program designed to help homeowners make their homes more resistant to wildfires. The program was funded through a specific cash fund, and the bill requires any remaining money in this fund to be moved into the state's general fund by June 30, 2026. After that date, the grant program will no longer exist. This change affects homeowners who were planning to use grants for wildfire protection measures. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and will take effect starting July 1, 2026.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Repeal Employment Support Job Retention Program

House Bill 26-1383 is a Colorado state bill that speeds up the end date for an employment support program by three years. The program, which helps people find and keep jobs through training and other services, was originally set to end in September 2029 but will now conclude on July 1, 2026. This means that any leftover funds from the program will be moved back into the general state budget by the end of June 2026. The bill has been signed and is now law, which means the changes it outlines are set to take effect as planned.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House