Colorado 2025 Bills

Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act

The Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act, now law, requires operators of virtual currency kiosks to give customers clear information and receipts for their transactions. It also sets daily spending limits ($2,000 for new customers, $10,500 for existing ones) and offers a full refund if a transaction turns out to be fraudulent and involves an overseas wallet or exchange. This law affects anyone using these kiosks to buy or sell digital currencies in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-01-23 · Senate

Health-Related Research Test Subjects

Senate Bill 25-085, also known as the "Health-Related Research Test Subjects" bill, requires facilities that use animals for health-related research to first try to find homes for dogs and cats through animal shelters or rescue organizations before euthanizing them. If a facility has its own adoption program, it must offer the animals there first. The bill also protects these facilities from legal consequences if something goes wrong after transferring an animal. Additionally, these facilities are required to report annually on how many animals they have transferred and adopted out. Since the bill has been signed into law, health-related research facilities in Colorado now need to follow these new rules.

Last action: 2025-01-23 · Senate

Rent Increases by Landlord to Tenant

House Bill 25-1092 in Colorado clarifies how landlords can increase rent without facing legal issues. It states that a rent hike is considered reasonable if it matches what similar properties are charging in the area. This means landlords won't be accused of discrimination, retaliation, or unfair practices as long as they show their rent increases align with market rates for comparable homes. Since the bill has been signed into law, it now affects how landlords and tenants handle rental agreements and potential disputes over rent prices.

Last action: 2025-01-23 · House

Prohibit Restrictions on 340B Drugs

Senate Bill 25-071, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to protect hospitals and health centers that serve low-income patients by ensuring they can access discounted drugs through the federal 340B program without any restrictions from drug manufacturers. The bill also prevents these manufacturers from requiring unnecessary patient data unless it's needed for federal programs or provided voluntarily. Additionally, it requires certain hospitals to report how they use savings from these discounted drugs each year. This law will affect drug manufacturers and healthcare providers in Colorado who participate in the 340B program, ensuring fair practices and transparency regarding the use of cost savings.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Municipal Utility Unclaimed Utility Deposit Program

Senate Bill 25-068, also known as the Municipal Utility Unclaimed Utility Deposit Program, aims to help low-income households pay their electric and gas bills by using unclaimed deposits from utility customers. These deposits are funds that have been sitting unused for over two years and would be collected by utilities and used to assist income-qualified families with their energy costs. The bill allows city-owned utilities to join this program or create a similar one to help their residents. Since the governor has signed it, the program is now law and can start benefiting eligible households soon.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Online Marketplaces & Third-Party Sellers

Senate Bill 25-070, also known as the "Online Marketplaces & Third-Party Sellers" bill, requires online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay to notify law enforcement if they know or should have known that a third-party seller is selling stolen goods in Colorado. The bill mandates these platforms to set up secure communication channels with local police and implement measures to monitor listings for suspicious activity related to organized retail crime. Since the bill has been signed into law, online marketplaces must now comply with these requirements to help prevent the sale of stolen items on their sites.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

License to Sell Vehicles Criminal Offense

Senate Bill 25-075, which has been signed into law, changes how long certain criminal convictions affect a person's ability to get or keep a license to sell vehicles in Colorado. Previously, if someone had been convicted of specific crimes related to dishonesty or fraud within the last ten years, they couldn't get a license to sell cars. Now, that period is reduced to three years. After those three years, past convictions can only be considered by the licensing board if the crime is directly connected to the auto industry. This affects people who want to work in vehicle sales and have had criminal records within the last three years. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Military-Connected Children with Disabilities

Senate Bill 25-073, also known as the Military-Connected Children with Disabilities Act, ensures that children from military families who move into Colorado and have existing special education plans (IEPs or Section 504 plans) can enroll in any school district, charter school, or institute charter school without delays. The bill requires these schools to provide the necessary services and accommodations as outlined in the child’s current plan. It also mandates that local education providers inform military families about their rights and available special education supports to prevent any unintentional exclusion of these children from needed services. Since the governor has signed this bill into law, it is now enforceable statewide.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Prosecution Fellowship Program Changes

Senate Bill 25-067 changes how Colorado funds new prosecutors in rural areas. Instead of placing recent law school graduates directly into fellowships, the program now gives money to rural district attorney offices so they can hire new deputy district attorneys themselves. The bill also requires a report on the program's effectiveness by January 1, 2028. This change is meant to help rural areas get more legal support and was signed into law.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Interstate Compact Placement Children Timing

HB 25-1086 updates an agreement called the "Interstate Compact on Placement of Children" that helps states work together when placing children from one state into foster care or adoption in another state. The bill ensures that the original agreement stays active until at least 35 states have approved the new version, which will then take its place. This affects how children are placed in foster care and adopted across different states. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and the updated compact can proceed as planned once enough other states agree to it.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · House

Intoxicating Substances & Social Equity Business

Senate Bill 25-076 in Colorado aims to strengthen regulations around marijuana and other controlled substances like psilocybin. It requires clear labeling on THC potency for marijuana products and limits serving sizes of both edible and inhaled marijuana. The bill also restricts sales of high-potency marijuana and flavored inhaled products to individuals under 25 years old. Additionally, it expands a social equity program that provides financial assistance and support to help disadvantaged people start various types of businesses beyond just marijuana-related ones. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now enforceable by the relevant state agencies.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Confidentiality Requirements Mental Health Support

House Bill 25-1087, also known as the Confidentiality Requirements Mental Health Support Act, aims to protect the privacy of individuals receiving mental health support by preventing peer support team members from sharing confidential communications without consent. However, there are exceptions where disclosure is allowed, such as when a recipient threatens harm to themselves or others, admits to committing a crime, or makes threats involving property damage. This bill has been signed into law and will help ensure that people seeking mental health assistance can do so with greater confidentiality and trust.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · House

Costs for Ground Ambulance Services

House Bill 25-1088, titled "Costs for Ground Ambulance Services," aims to regulate how ambulance services are paid for in Colorado. It allows local governments and ambulance providers to set rates that meet certain conditions and requires the state insurance division to publish these rates publicly. The bill also prevents out-of-network ambulances from charging patients extra fees beyond what their insurance covers, like copays or deductibles. Although the governor vetoed this bill on May 29, 2025, it was later signed into law despite the initial veto, meaning its provisions will take effect as enacted.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · House

State Contracts with Opioid Antagonist Businesses

Senate Bill 25-066, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to prevent the state from entering contracts with opioid medication distributors who have a history of being responsible for opioid-related overdoses. This means that if a distributor was found legally liable or paid fines related to causing such overdoses, they cannot be chosen by the Department of Public Health and Environment to handle bulk purchases and distribution of opioid antagonists like Narcan. The bill also mandates that the department must use a competitive process when selecting distributors for these contracts. This law ensures that only reputable companies are involved in distributing life-saving medications related to opioid overdose treatment.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

County Mail Ballot Signature Verification Requirements

House Bill 25-1089 changes how mail ballots are checked in Colorado. Currently, one election judge checks the signatures on mailed-in ballots by hand. The bill allows county officials to have a team of bipartisan judges check these signatures instead, using special devices if needed. This change aims to make the process more efficient and accurate. Since the bill has been signed into law, it will now be implemented according to the new rules set by the secretary of state.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · House

Regulation of Kratom

Senate Bill 25-072, which has been signed into law in Colorado, regulates the sale and distribution of kratom products. It bans selling kratom to anyone under 21 years old and prohibits the sale of adulterated or misleadingly packaged kratom that appeals to children. The law also requires clear labeling on all kratom products and restricts the sale of certain types of kratom with high levels of a specific compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine. Violations are considered deceptive trade practices, subjecting offenders to penalties under Colorado’s consumer protection laws. This means that retailers must now follow strict guidelines when handling and selling kratom products to ensure they comply with these new regulations.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Highly Specialized Employment Leave Protection Exemption

Senate Bill 25-074 allows employers with a workforce where at least 51% of employees have highly specialized roles to apply for an exemption from certain job protection rules. These specialized roles include positions that require unique skills or advanced degrees that are hard to replace. Employers must get approval annually from the state's family and medical leave insurance program to qualify for this exemption. The bill has been signed into law, meaning employers can now start applying for this exemption according to the new process established by the state.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Public Hospital Boards of Trustees

House Bill 25-1085, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allows county commissioners to appoint state, county, or city officials who are already elected or appointed to serve on public hospital boards. The bill also updates the requirements for how often these hospital boards need to organize and operate (now annually instead of every January), removes a monthly visit requirement for trustees, and pushes back the deadline for trustees to certify funding needs from October 1st to December 1st each year. This change affects how public hospitals are governed and funded in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · House

Tire Chain Traction Control Device Permit

Senate Bill 25-069, also known as the Tire Chain Traction Control Device Permit Act, creates a new permit system in Colorado that allows authorized individuals to install or remove tire chains and other traction devices on vehicles at specific locations for a fee. This bill ensures safety by requiring these individuals to wear reflective clothing and use proper traffic control measures while working. The Department of Transportation will manage the permitting process and can set fees to cover administrative costs, aiming to prevent any single entity from monopolizing permit issuance at particular sites. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect, meaning that rental car companies must inform their customers about the rules and penalties related to using tire chains or alternative traction devices during winter weather conditions.

Last action: 2025-01-22 · Senate

Repeated Phone Calls Obstruction of Government Operations

Senate Bill 25-060, which has been signed into law, makes it a crime to repeatedly call or contact 911 dispatch centers and other public safety entities without a good reason. This means that people who harass these services with unnecessary calls will face legal consequences. The bill affects anyone who uses emergency phone lines and aims to ensure that these critical services are not disrupted by non-essential communications. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law in Colorado and enforcement can begin.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act

Senate Bill 25-058, also known as the Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act, allows insurance companies in Colorado to offer additional services or products at no cost or reduced cost to policyholders. These extra benefits can help with things like reducing risk of loss, improving health, and promoting financial wellness. The bill ensures that these rebates are offered fairly and do not discriminate against certain groups of people. Since the bill has been signed into law, insurance companies in Colorado now have new guidelines they must follow when offering these additional services to their customers.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Noncitizen Voter Registration Cancellation

Senate Bill 25-057, which has been signed into law, aims to ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill requires state agencies like the Department of Revenue and others to share citizenship information with the Secretary of State. This allows the Secretary of State to identify non-citizens on voter rolls and instruct county clerks to remove these individuals from the voter registration list. The law also mandates regular reports to track and verify citizenship status, ensuring that only citizens remain registered to vote.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Indemnification of Peace Officers' Criminal Conduct

Senate Bill 25-065, which has been signed into law, clarifies that a public entity, like a city or county government, does not have to pay for damages if a police officer is found guilty of a crime related to their job. This applies only if the public entity itself was not involved in causing the criminal behavior. The bill affects how much responsibility public entities have when police officers commit crimes during their duties. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and will impact how civil judgments or settlements are handled for cases involving police misconduct.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Federally Recognized Tribes & Construction of Laws

Senate Bill 25-061, now signed into law in Colorado, clarifies that state laws generally do not apply to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe unless those laws specifically mention these tribes. This means that if a new or amended state law doesn’t explicitly say it applies to these tribes, it won't affect them on their reservations. The law also ensures that tribal governing bodies can still request inclusion in any pending legislation and does not limit their sovereign rights.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Failure to Appear Charges in Municipal Court

Senate Bill 25-062, which has been signed into law, stops municipalities from charging people with criminal offenses simply because they didn't show up for a court date. This means that if someone misses a scheduled court appearance, the city can’t use their absence as grounds to bring new criminal charges against them. The law also makes it clear that terms like "contempt of court" related to missing a court date don’t count as separate criminal charges. This affects anyone who might face municipal court in Colorado and ensures they won't be penalized with additional criminal charges just for not appearing in court.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Library Resource Decision Standards for Public Schools

Senate Bill 25-063 requires Colorado public schools and charter schools to create clear rules for managing their library collections. These policies must cover how books and other resources are chosen, kept, displayed, removed, and reconsidered based on community feedback. Schools need to have these policies in place by September 1, 2025. The bill also protects librarians from being punished if they follow the rules when deciding which materials to keep or remove. This law is now signed into effect, meaning schools must start working on their library resource policies right away.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Supports for State Response to Mass Shootings

Senate Bill 25-059, which has been signed into law, requires the Colorado Department of Public Safety to apply for and use federal grants or other available funding to enhance the state’s response to mass shootings. This includes providing support services for victims of such incidents. The bill aims to improve how the state handles these tragic events by ensuring there are resources in place to help both during and after a shooting occurs. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and the department will start implementing its provisions.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Safe2tell Handle with Care Notice

Senate Bill 25-064, known as the Safe2tell Handle with Care Notice, requires schools to be notified when a student experiences an adverse childhood event. Starting in 2026 for small rural districts and expanding statewide by 2028, peace officers or parents will report such incidents through the Safe2tell program, which then alerts the school with a "handle with care" notice containing only the child's name. Schools are to inform relevant staff but do not need to take further action unless necessary. The bill was signed into law and is now in effect, meaning schools must start implementing these procedures as specified dates approach.

Last action: 2025-01-21 · Senate

Reduce Premium Cigar Excise Tax Rate

Senate Bill 25-056 reduces the excise tax rate on premium cigars in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2025, the tax will drop from 36% of the manufacturer's list price (MLP) until June 30, 2027, and then to 42% MLP starting July 1, 2027, down to a flat rate of 20% MLP. This change only affects premium cigars and does not alter the additional 20% tax mandated by the state constitution. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it will take effect as planned.

Last action: 2025-01-17 · Senate

Reproductive Rights and Justice Day

SJR 25-004, also known as Reproductive Rights and Justice Day, is a bill that designates a specific day in Colorado to recognize and celebrate reproductive rights. This designation aims to raise awareness about the importance of access to healthcare services related to reproduction. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now officially recognized by the state and will be observed as an official day in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-01-17 · Senate

Senate Permanent Rules

Senate Resolution 25-003 is a bill that establishes permanent rules for the Colorado State Senate. It sets out guidelines and procedures that senators must follow, which helps ensure the smooth operation of legislative sessions. This resolution affects all members of the Colorado State Senate and staff involved in the legislative process. Since it has been signed, these new rules are now officially in place and govern how the senate operates moving forward.

Last action: 2025-01-17 · Senate

Mining Reclamation & Interstate Compact

Senate Bill 25-054, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado’s mining reclamation rules. It makes it easier for people to get permits to clean up old mine sites on small plots of land but also sets stricter conditions for issuing these permits if the site contains harmful chemicals or materials. The bill also joins Colorado in an agreement with other states called the "Interstate Mining Compact" to better manage mining activities across state lines. This means that new rules will apply to anyone involved in reclamation work on old mine sites and those who want to extract minerals, especially if it involves hazardous substances.

Last action: 2025-01-16 · Senate

Commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

House Joint Resolution 25-1005 is a bill that officially commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Colorado, recognizing the importance of this day to honor Dr. King's legacy and contributions. Since it has been signed into law, it means that the state now has an official acknowledgment for this holiday, which will likely include observances and educational activities around Dr. King’s message of equality and justice. This resolution affects all residents of Colorado by promoting awareness and celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day statewide.

Last action: 2025-01-16 · House

Youth Involvement in Environmental Justice

Senate Bill 25-055, also known as the Youth Involvement in Environmental Justice Act, adds youth representation to an advisory board focused on environmental justice issues. The bill includes one voting and one nonvoting member between the ages of 14 and 21 who will help advise on how to reduce harmful environmental effects on communities that are disproportionately impacted. Additionally, it requires the Colorado Energy Office to create guidelines for schools to adopt clean energy resources by December 31, 2025, and keep these guidelines updated regularly. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions will now be implemented as stated.

Last action: 2025-01-16 · Senate

Railroad Investigative Report Confidentiality

Senate Bill 25-052 changes how railroad investigation reports are handled in Colorado. Instead of keeping all investigative reports confidential, the law now allows for rules to be made that can keep ongoing investigations and security information secret, but it ensures that final reports remain public. The new rules also require that any information that could protect public safety, health, or welfare is released promptly. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-01-15 · Senate

Vehicle Transactions Deployed Military Families

House Bill 25-1083 helps military families by extending the expiration dates of driver's licenses for both service members and their dependents if they are stationed outside Colorado. If a license expires while someone is on active duty or within 90 days after returning to Colorado, it can be extended up to three years. Since the bill has been signed into law, military families now have this benefit available to them.

Last action: 2025-01-15 · House

Remove Gendered Language from Title 35

House Bill 25-1084, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado's agricultural laws by replacing gendered terms like "he" and "she" with gender-neutral language. It also modernizes outdated wording in these statutes. This change affects anyone involved in agriculture who is referenced or regulated under title 35 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions are being implemented.

Last action: 2025-01-15 · House

Regional Transportation District Operating Costs

Senate Bill 25-051 changes how the Regional Transportation District in Colorado reports its costs. Instead of only including certain expenses like day-to-day operations but excluding things like long-term planning and costs related to disability services, it now includes all operating expenses except for depreciation (which is when assets lose value over time). This means that the district will have a more comprehensive view of its spending when reporting efficiency metrics. The bill has been signed into law, so these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-01-15 · Senate

Protect Wild Bison

Senate Bill 25-053, also known as the "Protect Wild Bison" bill, classifies bison in Colorado as wildlife rather than livestock, making it illegal for people to hunt or capture wild bison without a special permit from the state. The law sets specific fines and penalties for those who break these rules, including hefty fines of up to $100,000 and possible jail time. This bill affects anyone who might interact with bison in Colorado, especially hunters and ranchers. Since it has been signed into law, the new regulations are now enforceable statewide.

Last action: 2025-01-15 · Senate

Qualified Individuals Death Certificates

House Bill 25-1082, also known as the "Qualified Individuals Death Certificates" bill, expands who can sign death certificates in Colorado by including physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses along with physicians. These professionals must register to use a specific electronic system and complete training before signing their first death certificate. The bill also allocates $25,000 for implementation costs. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now official and will affect how death certificates are handled in Colorado starting from 2025-26 fiscal year onwards.

Last action: 2025-01-14 · House

Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws Appointments

SJR 25-003 is a bill that allows the governor of Colorado to appoint members to the Colorado Commission on Uniform State Laws. This commission works on creating and improving laws across different states by making them uniform, which helps in consistency and ease of understanding for citizens and businesses. Since the status of this bill is "signed," it means that the governor has approved it, and it is now law.

Last action: 2025-01-14 · Senate

Wireless Telephone Infrastructure Deployment Incentives

HB 25-1080, also known as the Wireless Telephone Infrastructure Deployment Incentives bill, allows counties, special districts, and school districts in Colorado to offer property tax breaks to companies that build or expand internet infrastructure in areas with poor broadband access. This includes both fixed and mobile broadband services. The bill aims to encourage private investment in these underserved regions by reducing taxes for such projects. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and can be implemented immediately to support broadband development in Colorado's unserved or underserved communities.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · House

Water Project Eligibility Lists

House Joint Resolution 25-1004, which has been signed into law, deals with water project eligibility lists in Colorado. This bill likely sets criteria or processes for how water projects are selected and prioritized for funding or implementation. It affects anyone involved in water management, including farmers, municipalities, and environmental groups that rely on state support for their water-related initiatives. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions are enforceable.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · House

Continue Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program

Senate Bill 25-049 extends the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely, which requires hunters and fishermen in Colorado to buy a wildlife habitat stamp along with their licenses. The money from these stamps is used by the Department of Natural Resources to protect and improve wildlife habitats across the state. Currently signed into law, this means that the program will continue beyond its scheduled end date of July 1, 2027, without needing to undergo further review or renewal.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · Senate

Joint Session Address by Tribal Councils

House Joint Resolution 25-1003, which has been signed into law, allows tribal councils in Colorado to address the state legislature during a joint session. This means that representatives from Native American tribes can now formally speak to and engage with lawmakers in Colorado, potentially influencing legislation and policy discussions that affect their communities. Since it is signed, this resolution is now active and tribal councils can begin scheduling addresses with the state legislature.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · House

Racial Classifications on Government Forms

Senate Bill 25-050 requires state and local government forms that ask about race or ethnicity to include an option for individuals to identify themselves as Middle Eastern, North African, or South Asian. This bill allows these governments to exclude this category if they are required by the federal government to report data in a specific format that does not include these categories, but they must still list it as a subcategory under another racial group. The bill has been signed into law and is now active. This means that forms issued or used by state and local governments will need to offer this new identification option unless there are federal reporting constraints.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · Senate

Reporting Statistics on Restitution

House Bill 25-1081, which has been signed into law, requires the state court administrator to start reporting statistics about restitution payments in 2026. This includes information on how much restitution money has been received and how much is still owed over the past five fiscal years. The bill affects anyone involved with the judicial system who orders or receives restitution payments as part of a legal judgment. Since it's signed, this law will go into effect as planned.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · House

Independent Ethics Commission Jurisdiction

House Bill 25-1079 expands the authority of Colorado's Independent Ethics Commission to include oversight over certain officials and employees of special districts and school districts. Specifically, it covers board members and high-level administrative staff who are appointed by these boards. The bill also provides funding for the commission to handle this new responsibility, including hiring legal services if needed. Since the bill has been signed into law, the Ethics Commission now has the power to investigate ethics complaints against these officials and employees, issue penalties, and provide guidance on ethical standards.

Last action: 2025-01-13 · House

Forestry & Firefighter Workforce & Education

HB 25-1078 is a Colorado bill aimed at boosting interest and career readiness in forestry and firefighting among young people. It expands educational programs like 4-H, creates partnerships with schools and industry for internships and scholarships, and provides grants to firefighters for certification courses. Additionally, it offers loans to fire departments for equipment and facilities, and sets up a program to help firefighters buy their first homes. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these initiatives are now in place to support the forestry and firefighting workforce.

Last action: 2025-01-10 · House

General Assembly Positions & Salary Ranges

SJR 25-002 is a bill that sets positions and salary ranges for members of the Colorado General Assembly. This means it determines what roles people can have in the state legislature and how much they get paid for those roles. Since the status of this bill is "signed," it has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning these new positions and salary ranges are now official and in effect.

Last action: 2025-01-09 · Senate