Colorado 2025 Bills

Local Government Approval of Transmission Infrastructure

HB 26-1278, also known as the "Local Government Approval of Transmission Infrastructure" bill, requires electric companies to get approval from both the state's Public Utilities Commission and local governments before they can start building high-voltage transmission lines. This means that these companies must first receive a certificate proving their project is necessary for public use and then secure all needed permits from local authorities before taking any legal action to acquire land for construction. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it will now be enforced as part of Colorado's regulations.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

State Agency Payments to Grant Recipients

HB 26-1274, a Colorado state bill that has been signed into law, allows state agencies to give up to 25% of grant money to nonprofit organizations right away when they sign the contract, instead of waiting for reimbursement after expenses are incurred. This change is intended to help nonprofits with immediate cash flow needs while ensuring funds are used appropriately and reported correctly. The bill also requires state agencies to have a process in place to assess risk before making these advance payments and mandates that grantees provide detailed plans on how the money will be spent. This law affects both state agencies and nonprofit organizations receiving grants from Colorado. Since it has been signed, this bill is now active and being implemented according to its provisions.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Audit Enforcement

House Bill 26-1254, known as the Audit Enforcement bill, aims to ensure that state agencies comply with audit recommendations. If a state agency fails to meet an implementation deadline for an audit recommendation and is deemed not to have made a good faith effort by the Legislative Audit Committee, the State Controller will restrict 3% of the agency's funding for the next fiscal year. This restriction can only be lifted if the General Assembly passes a bill or the committee directs it to be removed. The bill has been signed into law and is now in effect, meaning state agencies must adhere to its provisions regarding audit compliance and financial consequences for noncompliance.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Updates to State Emergency Response Departments & Divisions

House Bill 26-1252 updates Colorado's emergency response systems by moving certain communication functions and creating a new state recovery task force. It also changes how disaster-related information is handled, making it less accessible to the public under specific conditions. The bill transfers some security threat responsibilities and simplifies grant application processes for nonprofits during emergencies. Additionally, it modifies advisory boards related to homeland security and cybersecurity and updates the office of preparedness to focus on grants management. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now in effect, impacting how Colorado manages disaster recovery and emergency communications.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Correcting Defects in Statutes Administered by Department of Revenue

HB 26-1216 is a bill that fixes some technical errors and outdated references in Colorado’s tax laws managed by the Department of Revenue. It makes sure that taxpayers can correctly claim certain business credits, clarifies how much assistance can be claimed for property taxes or heating expenses based on when the application was made, and removes unnecessary definitions related to electric vehicles from a specific statute. Since it has been signed into law, these corrections are now part of Colorado’s official tax laws and affect anyone who files taxes or applies for tax-related assistance in the state.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · House

Sunset Biomass Utilization Grant Program

House Bill 26-1213 is a Colorado law that ends the Biomass Utilization Grant Program. This program provided grants for projects related to using biomass (organic material like wood or crops) in various ways. The bill was signed into law after being reviewed and recommended for repeal by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Now that it's signed, the grant program is no longer available for new applications or funding.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · House

Colorado State Forest Service Good Neighbor Authority

HB 26-1205, also known as the Colorado State Forest Service Good Neighbor Authority, allows the state forest service in Colorado to work more closely with federal agencies like the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture. This collaboration enables them to carry out projects that improve forest health, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation on federal lands. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these agreements can now be put into practice to benefit both state and federal forests in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-12 · House

Modify Colorado Open Records Act

Senate Bill 26-107 modifies Colorado's Open Records Act (CORA) by making several changes. It excludes certain documents that help individuals with disabilities or language barriers from being considered public records under CORA and requires government entities to post rules related to record requests online. The bill also extends the time a public entity has to respond to a records request from 3 working days to 5, with possible extensions if needed. Additionally, it clarifies how fees are handled for complex requests and allows people to appeal decisions about their requests in court. Since this bill has been signed into law, these changes will now be implemented by Colorado public entities.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Strategy to Reduce & Prevent Homelessness

HB 26-1202, known as the Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Homelessness, requires Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs to develop a statewide plan by January 2027 for addressing homelessness. This plan will identify barriers to services, recommend funding and policy changes, and suggest ways for state and local governments to work together more effectively. Additionally, it allows local governments to form special districts aimed at reducing homelessness through coordinated efforts and potentially new taxes, with voter approval required if taxes are involved. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these measures will now be implemented as planned.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · House

Building Code Accessibility

Senate Bill 26-109 updates Colorado's building codes to better accommodate people with disabilities. It removes outdated definitions and clarifies standards for accessible housing to ensure they meet the needs of individuals who have limited mobility. The bill also allows local agencies to create new ways to handle disputes about these accessibility requirements and requires developers to plan how they will include accessible units in their projects. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and affects all housing developments and enforcement agencies in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Transparency of Legislative Groups' Money

Senate Bill 26-108, which has been signed into law, requires any group within the Colorado legislature that handles money to report their financial activities monthly. These reports must be made public on the state's legislative website by the Legislative Council Staff. The bill ensures transparency by requiring these groups to provide and update contact information accurately. This means that from now on, voters can easily access how such legislative groups are spending their funds through an online platform maintained by the government.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Recreate Wildfire Matters Interim Committee

Senate Bill 26-89 recreates a committee called the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, which was previously dissolved. This new committee will look at how well Colorado's policies and resources are working for preventing and managing wildfires, and it will suggest changes to improve public safety, forest health, and cooperation with federal agencies and local governments. The committee will have 10 members from both the Senate and House of Representatives who will serve two-year terms. It is now signed into law, meaning that the committee can start its work immediately to address wildfire issues in the state.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

Funding for Memorials on State Capitol Grounds

Senate Bill 26-88 changes how funds are managed for memorials and monuments in Colorado. It moves the oversight of a trust fund from the Department of Personnel to History Colorado, which will now be responsible for maintaining and enhancing these memorials, not just in Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park but also on the state Capitol grounds. The bill requires that any new memorial proposals include funding for long-term maintenance, ensuring they are cared for over time. Since it has been signed into law, this means that History Colorado can start managing the trust fund according to the new guidelines and will need to report annually on how funds are being used.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

Sunset Fire Suppression Programs

House Bill 26-1187, known as "Sunset Fire Suppression Programs," extends for another 11 years until 2037 the fire suppression programs managed by Colorado’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The bill also updates these programs to use gender-neutral language instead of gender-specific terms. This means that the fire prevention and control efforts in Colorado will continue with some modernized policies, affecting both government agencies and citizens who rely on these services for safety. Since it has been signed into law, the changes are now official and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

Sunset Cold Case Task Force

HB 26-1185, also known as the Sunset Cold Case Task Force bill, extends the operation of Colorado’s cold case task force until September 1, 2039. It allows for more members to be added to the task force and changes how future reviews of the task force will be conducted by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Since it has been signed into law, the cold case task force can continue its work with additional support and a clearer review process in place.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

Sunset Business Intelligence Center Advisory Board

House Bill 26-1180, which has been signed into law, eliminates the Business Intelligence Center Advisory Board. This board was responsible for providing advice and guidance related to business intelligence in Colorado. The bill affects businesses and state agencies that previously interacted with this advisory board. Now that it is signed, the board will no longer exist, meaning there won't be any further recommendations or support from this group regarding business intelligence matters in the state.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

No Waiver for Legal Privileges State Auditor Documents

Senate Bill 26-84, now signed into law, protects certain legal privileges for Colorado state entities when they share information with the state auditor, legislative audit committee, or governor. This protection applies specifically to investigations related to reports made through the state's fraud hotline. The bill ensures that these disclosures cannot waive any legal protections or confidentiality agreements unless required by law. It affects government agencies and officials who might be involved in such investigations. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and enforceable.

Last action: 2026-02-06 · Senate

Discriminatory Practices in Public Schools

HB 26-1141, a Colorado law that has been signed into effect, prohibits public schools and higher education institutions from discriminating against students based on various characteristics including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. This means schools can't deny access or benefits to students because of these factors. If someone feels they've been treated unfairly, they can file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, which may lead to mediation or an investigation if necessary. The law also requires higher education institutions to have a designated coordinator for Title VI compliance, ensuring adherence to federal civil rights laws related to discrimination in educational programs and activities.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Allow Approved Facility Schools Participate in Public Employees' Retirement Association

House Bill 26-1146, which has been signed into law, allows approved facility schools to join the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). This means that these schools can now apply to PERA and offer retirement benefits to their employees. The bill affects approved facility schools and their staff members by providing them with access to the same retirement benefits as other public employers in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and these schools can start the process of joining PERA to provide retirement benefits for their employees.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Create Department of Personnel Program Pathways to Public Service

House Bill 26-1136, which has been signed into law, establishes a program within the Department of Personnel called "Pathways to Public Service." This program aims to collaborate with educational institutions and workforce organizations to identify relevant coursework that can qualify students for state government jobs. Participation from these entities is optional. The new law will help create clearer pathways for students interested in public service careers within Colorado's state government.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Colorado Ireland Trade Commission

HB 26-1118 is a bill that establishes the Colorado-Ireland Trade Commission within the state legislature. The commission consists of 11 members who will meet twice a year to promote economic ties and investments between Colorado and Ireland. They are required to submit an annual report with details about their activities and recommendations for future work. Since the bill has been signed, this trade commission is now officially in place and active, aiming to strengthen business relationships between the two states/countries.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Digital Publication for Legal Notice

House Bill 26-1095 allows counties and municipalities in Colorado to publish legal notices online instead of in physical newspapers. The bill requires that these digital notices be freely accessible on the newspaper’s website or another public site like a statewide notice platform, without any paywall or subscription fees. This change affects local governments and residents who rely on legal notices for information about government actions and decisions. Since the status is "signed," this means the bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, so it will now be enforceable.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Access Federal Fingerprint Search Service

HB 26-1108 allows the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to use a federal service called "Rap Back" that alerts them when someone with a criminal history record has new activity. This affects people who have had their fingerprints checked for criminal records and agencies like the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The bill is now signed into law, meaning it will be implemented as planned.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Business Entity Filing Secretary of State

HB 26-1088 is a Colorado bill that gives more power to the Secretary of State to handle fraudulent business filings. It allows the Secretary to mark or remove filings if payments are reversed and can suspend complaints based on certain relationships between parties involved. The bill also stops using unauthorized entities as registered agents for businesses, which helps prevent fraud. Signed into law, this means it's now official state policy and affects how businesses operate in Colorado by making it harder for fraudulent entities to exist or function within the state’s business registration system.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House

90 Day Legislative Session

House Bill 26-1074 limits the Colorado state legislature's regular session to no more than 90 consecutive calendar days each year, reducing the previous limit of up to 120 calendar days. This bill affects how long lawmakers can work on and pass legislation in a single session. Since it has been signed into law, the shorter session duration is now official and will impact future legislative processes starting from the next regular session.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House

Limitations on Bills Introduced by General Assembly Members

House Bill 26-1073 limits the number of bills that a Colorado state legislator can introduce during a regular legislative session from five to three. There are some exceptions to this rule, but generally, lawmakers will be restricted to introducing only three bills per session. This bill has been signed into law and is now in effect, meaning legislators must adhere to these new limits when proposing legislation.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House

Transportation Statutory Clean-Up

HB 26-1076 is a Colorado bill that makes several updates and clarifications to transportation laws. It changes the name of a branch within the Department of Transportation, specifies rules for fuel infrastructure costs, restricts certain driving behaviors on Interstate 70, and adjusts how revenue from tire chain permits is managed. The bill also removes outdated sections and sets term limits for board members involved in air pollution mitigation. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now official and will affect various aspects of transportation management and regulation in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House

Publication Counties Without Legal Newspapers

Senate Bill 26-61 in Colorado addresses how legal notices should be published when there are no traditional legal newspapers available in a county. It sets out a priority order for where these notices can appear, starting with local newspapers that meet certain requirements and then allowing for publication in nearby counties if needed. The bill also allows municipalities and special districts spanning two counties to publish their notices in either of those counties' newspapers as long as they meet the legal standards. Since it has been signed into law, this means that these new rules are now official and must be followed by local governments when publishing legal notices.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Multiple Elected Offices Prohibited for General Assembly

Senate Bill 26-59 prohibits Colorado state legislators from holding any other elected positions while serving as members of the general assembly, starting with the first regular session of the seventy-sixth general assembly. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if a legislator is already in their last year of another term or holds certain special district offices. This bill has been signed into law and will affect current and future members of the Colorado General Assembly by limiting their ability to hold multiple elected positions simultaneously.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Epilepsy-Related Mortality Awareness

Senate Bill 26-77, also known as the Epilepsy-Related Mortality Awareness Act, requires medical professionals who certify deaths in Colorado to stay updated on the latest recommendations for documenting epilepsy-related deaths. Starting July 1, 2027, these professionals must include epilepsy as a contributing or suspected cause of death if it fits the criteria for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The state’s Department of Public Health and Environment will notify all relevant medical certifiers about this requirement before June 1, 2027. This bill is now signed into law, meaning that these changes will be implemented as scheduled to improve awareness and documentation of epilepsy-related deaths.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Fire and Police Pension Association Disability and Survivor Benefits

Senate Bill 26-39 updates and streamlines the rules for disability and survivor benefits provided by the Fire and Police Pension Association in Colorado. It simplifies the process for members who apply for disability retirement benefits, allowing them to avoid multiple medical exams and potentially participate in rehabilitation programs instead. The bill also clarifies when cost-of-living adjustments start for those receiving total disability benefits and removes certain employer liabilities related to pre-existing health conditions. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect, impacting current and future members of the association who rely on these benefits.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week

SJR 26-4 is a bill that establishes Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week in Colorado. This week aims to raise awareness about frontotemporal degeneration, a type of dementia that affects younger adults. The bill impacts anyone interested in or affected by neurodegenerative diseases and their communities. Since the status shows it has been signed, this means the awareness week is now officially recognized as part of state law in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-16 · Senate

Cost Recovery Cash Fund Consolidation

House Bill 26-1059 consolidates multiple cost recovery funds into a single fund managed by the state treasurer. This means that instead of having separate funds for different fees like oil and gas production or retail delivery fees, there will be one unified fund to cover administrative costs related to collecting these fees. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to report annually on how much it costs to manage these fees. Since the bill has been signed into law, this consolidation is now in effect, simplifying financial management for the state and potentially making it easier to track expenses associated with fee collection.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Motor Vehicle Regulation Administration

HB 26-1053, also known as the Motor Vehicle Regulation Administration bill, changes Colorado's vehicle registration process. It allows car owners to transfer their license plates to a new vehicle instead of getting new ones when they sell or buy a different car. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to create an electronic system for vehicle registrations and develop a plan to handle any disruptions in licensing operations. Additionally, it mandates that authorized agents keep 3.33% of fees collected from the Keep Colorado Wild Pass program. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now official and will be implemented by the Department of Revenue.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Expanding Plan Options for PERA

HB 26-1026, which has been signed into law, allows Colorado public employees to buy additional service credit for periods when they were unemployed after turning 21 years old. It also requires PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) to offer more investment options, including tax-deferred and Roth contributions, for both its voluntary investment program and deferred compensation plan. This bill affects current and future PERA members by providing them with more flexibility in their retirement planning. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and will be implemented according to its provisions.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Extend Colorado Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit

HB 26-1014 extends a tax credit program called the Colorado Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit, which helps businesses by reducing their state income taxes if they create new jobs. The bill allows this tax credit to continue until 2034 instead of ending in 2026 as previously planned. This affects businesses that are looking to expand and hire more workers in the state. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and companies can apply for these tax credits through 2034.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Disabilities Housing Protections

House Bill 26-1045, also known as Disabilities Housing Protections, updates Colorado's Anti-Discrimination Act by clearly defining terms like "assistance animal" and "emotional support animal." It also outlines what constitutes a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities in housing. This means landlords must consider specific factors to ensure individuals have equal access to housing opportunities. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will affect both tenants with disabilities and property owners or managers who need to comply with these new guidelines.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Monument Records Placement Submission Maintenance

Senate Bill 26-25, also known as the Monument Records Placement Submission Maintenance Act, allows land surveyors to place reference markers in safer locations instead of on traveled roads when marking property boundaries or setting up monuments for new subdivisions. It also requires these surveyors to submit their records electronically and permits counties to keep these records digitally. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and must be followed by land surveyors and local governments in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

State & Local Unmanned Aircraft Regulation

Senate Bill 26-24, also known as the "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rights and Authorities Act," allows individuals to fly drones for both recreational and commercial purposes in Colorado, provided they follow state and federal laws. It prevents local governments from requiring drone registration beyond what is already mandated by federal law and limits their ability to regulate drone operations. The bill ensures that complying with federal regulations does not automatically lead to legal consequences. Since the bill has been signed into law, it now sets clear guidelines for how drones can be used across Colorado without overregulation by local authorities.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate