Colorado 2025 Bills

Prohibit Flat Fees for Defending Indigent Clients

HB 24-1437, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2025, stops cities from paying defense lawyers a fixed fee for representing people who can't afford their own attorneys in cases of domestic violence. Instead, these cities must pay the same rates as the state of Colorado does when it contracts with defense attorneys for indigent defendants. This change affects municipalities that handle prosecutions and contract directly with defense attorneys for such cases. Once signed into law, this bill will ensure fairer compensation for lawyers defending indigent clients in domestic violence cases starting next year.

Last action: 2024-04-01 · House

Colorado Water Conservation Board Projects

House Bill 24-1435, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allocates over $20 million from various funds for several water-related projects and initiatives. These include satellite monitoring, floodplain map updates, weather modification programs, and drought planning efforts. The bill also provides funding to support specific water management studies and infrastructure projects across the state. This means that starting May 29, 2024, these projects will receive financial support from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to improve water conservation, flood protection, and overall water resource management in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-04-01 · House

Rail & Coal Transition Community Economic Measures

Senate Bill 24-190 aims to support communities in Colorado that are affected by the decline of coal mining and power generation. It expands the role of the Rural Opportunity Office to help these areas diversify their economies, create new businesses, and provide workforce training. The bill also introduces tax credits for companies using freight rail services and railroad operators maintaining rail lines in these regions, with a goal of preventing rail line abandonment due to decreased coal demand. Additionally, it allows certain communities to become enterprise zones, offering tax incentives for hiring new employees. This bill was signed into law by the governor on May 29, 2024, and will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-28 · Senate

Stable Housing for Survivors of Abuse Program

House Bill 24-1431 establishes a program called the Stable Housing for Survivors of Domestic or Sexual Violence Program within the Department of Human Services. This program will provide financial assistance to survivors of abuse to help them secure stable housing through community-based organizations. The bill allocates $2 million from the state's long-term works reserve fund for this purpose in fiscal year 2024-25. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on June 6, 2024, and it became effective immediately on that same date.

Last action: 2024-03-27 · House

Equal Rights Amendment

Senate Resolution 24-004, also known as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), is a bill that aims to add protections against discrimination based on sex to Colorado’s state constitution. This would ensure equal rights for all individuals regardless of gender. The resolution has been signed into law, meaning it is now part of Colorado's legal framework and provides additional safeguards for gender equality within the state.

Last action: 2024-03-27 · Senate

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

HB 24-1384 is a Colorado law that requires the state’s health care and human services departments to apply for federal funding to establish certified community behavioral health clinics. These clinics aim to provide better mental health and substance abuse services. The bill also mandates regular updates on the application status and outlines steps if there are changes in federal funding that could impact Colorado. This law was signed by the governor and is now effective, meaning the state departments must start working on applying for these grants immediately.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Cap Schools in Early High School Graduation Pilot

House Bill 24-1392 limits a pilot program that provides state funding for low-income students who graduate early from high school and immediately enroll in postsecondary education or training. The bill restricts participation in the program to schools involved in the 2023-24 academic year but doesn’t limit the number of scholarships awarded. It also requires an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and cost before deciding on its future beyond the pilot phase. Signed into law by the governor, it will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Hazardous Substance Site Response Fund Transfer

House Bill 24-1418, which has been signed into law, directs the state treasurer to transfer money from one fund to another. Specifically, $4 million will be moved from the Hazardous Substance Site Response Fund to the Hazardous Substance Response Fund on May 1, 2024, and any remaining unspent funds will be transferred on May 1, 2025. This change affects how money is allocated for addressing hazardous substance issues in Colorado. Since it has been signed by the governor and is now effective, these transfers are set to occur as scheduled.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Public Employees' Retirement Association Study Conducted by an Actuarial Firm

House Bill 24-1427 requires the state auditor and PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association) to hire an expert actuarial firm to study PERA's current retirement plan. The study will compare the costs and effectiveness of PERA’s existing hybrid defined benefit plan with other plans in both public and private sectors, focusing on aspects like benefits and contributions. The findings must be reported to state officials for review. This bill was signed into law by the governor on April 18, 2024, meaning it is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Evidence-Based Designations for Budget

HB 24-1428 is a Colorado bill that requires state agencies and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting to include evidence-based information when requesting budgets for programs or practices. This means they must provide details on how effective these programs are based on research, connect this evidence to budget requests, and outline plans to further evaluate their effectiveness. The Joint Budget Committee will review this evidence and use it as one factor in deciding funding levels. The bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Medicaid Eligibility Procedures

HB 24-1400 extends the suspension of certain Medicaid eligibility rules until January 1, 2025. It allows the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use existing income and asset information from previous applications to renew Medicaid coverage without requiring additional verification unless there are significant changes or issues with electronic data sources. This bill also permits the department to seek federal approval to delay terminating a member's benefits during the reenrollment process, ensuring they continue receiving necessary services. The bill was signed into law on April 18, 2024, and is now effective immediately.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Transfers to the Nurse Home Visitor Program Fund

House Bill 24-1388 increases the amount of money transferred from a state tobacco settlement fund to the Nurse Home Visitor Program Fund, raising it from 26.7% to 28.7%. This change is due to the reallocation of funds previously directed towards autism treatment services that are now covered by Medicaid. For the fiscal year 2024-25, $1,734,924 will be allocated from this fund to support home visiting programs for early childhood development. The bill was signed into law on April 18, 2024 and is now in effect.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Department of Corrections Caseload Supplemental Appropriation Request Deadline

House Bill 24-1385 changes the deadline for the Colorado Department of Corrections to submit a request related to caseload changes from January 15 to January 10 each year. This bill affects how and when the department communicates with the state's budget committee about its needs based on inmate population fluctuations. The governor signed it into law, and it will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Expenditures for Care Assistance Programs

House Bill 24-1408 ensures that Colorado's programs for relative guardianship and adoption assistance are considered entitlement programs, meaning eligible families will receive support. The state is allowed to spend extra funds if needed to cover these costs. The bill also requires the Department of Human Services to report annually on how much money is being spent and how many cases there are each year. For fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25, it allocates millions from both state and federal funds to support these programs. This bill has been signed into law by the governor and took effect on April 29, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Broadband Infrastructure Cash Fund for Department of Corrections

House Bill 24-1386 creates a special fund in the state treasury to provide $4.57 million for the Department of Corrections to install broadband internet in correctional facilities. This money will help improve communication and access to online resources within prisons over the next three years, starting from July 1, 2024. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective, meaning the Department of Corrections can start using these funds as soon as possible to upgrade their internet infrastructure.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Capital Renewal Project Cost Threshold

House Bill 24-1422 increases the cost threshold for when maintenance projects on state property are considered major "capital renewal" projects from $2 million to $4.7 million. This means that any project costing more than $4.7 million will now be treated as a capital renewal, which likely involves more rigorous planning and oversight. The bill also requires the Department of Personnel to adjust this threshold for inflation every three years starting in 2029 and to publish it online. The governor signed this bill into law on April 29, 2024, and it will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Increase in Property Tax Exemption Filing Fees

House Bill 24-1411 increases the fees for filing property tax exemption forms and annual reports in Colorado. The initial fee for claiming an exemption will go up from $175 to $200, while the annual report fee will rise from $75 to $110. Late or delinquent filings will now cost $300 instead of $250. These fees will be adjusted annually based on inflation and rounded to the nearest $5. The bill was signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2024, meaning property owners who file for exemptions after this date will pay the new higher fees.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Employment-Related Funding & Workforce Enterprise

House Bill 24-1409 changes how Colorado employers contribute to various funds that support unemployment benefits and workforce development. The bill adjusts the distribution of these contributions, increasing funding for technology and training programs while reducing it for general employment support. It also sets new limits on how much money each fund can hold, adjusting these limits based on inflation. Starting June 15, 2024, this bill will allocate $14 million from a new workforce development fund to help cover the costs of workforce centers in Colorado. The governor signed this bill into law on May 31, 2024, meaning it is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Appropriation to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for Denver Health

House Bill 24-1401 provides $5 million in funding for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to support Denver Health for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. This money will help fund additional state payments to Denver Health, which is a major healthcare provider in Colorado. The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 18, 2024, meaning that the funding has been officially approved and will be available for use starting from that date.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Community Food Assistance Provider Grant Program

House Bill 24-1407 combines two existing food assistance programs into a new Community Food Assistance Provider Grant Program, which will provide grants for buying and distributing nutritious foods. The bill also allows SNAP recipients to receive fuel assistance through the same method they use for other benefits. It allocates $3 million from the state's general fund for this program in the 2024-25 fiscal year. This bill has been signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2024, meaning it is now law and its provisions will be implemented starting that date.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund Transfer Date

House Bill 24-1395 delays the transfer of $20 million from marijuana tax revenues to a fund that helps public schools with construction projects. Instead of moving this money in June 2024, it will now happen in June 2026. This delay also means that the Department of Education won’t receive an additional $20 million for school construction needs during the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. The bill has been signed into law and is effective as of April 18, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Appropriation Authority Educator Licensure Cash Fund

House Bill 24-1391 extends the continuous funding for the educator licensure cash fund in Colorado until fiscal year 2029-30. This means that money set aside for teacher licensing will be available without needing additional approval each year until then. The Department of Education is required to report on how this fund has been used by November 1, 2029, and suggest whether the continuous funding should continue beyond that date. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on April 18, 2024, making it effective immediately.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Higher Education Special Education Services Funding Medicaid Match

House Bill 24-1405 in Colorado adjusts funding for the University of Colorado's fee-for-service contracts by reducing its appropriation with Medicaid reimbursements until July 1, 2026. As these Medicaid payments decrease over time, the state will increase general fund appropriations to the university. The bill also reduces need-based grants from the Department of Higher Education by $2,273,392 for the fiscal year starting in 2024. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of April 18, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Mill Levy Equalization

House Bill 24-1394, titled "Mill Levy Equalization," changes how Colorado funds charter schools. It removes the previous fund used for this purpose and instead directs money from other state education funds directly to the State Charter School Institute to support charter schools financially. The bill also adjusts specific funding amounts within these transfers. Signed into law by the governor on April 18, 2024, it is now effective immediately, meaning that starting in the 2024-25 budget year, charter schools will receive their mill levy equalization funds differently than before.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Transfer to Stationary Sources Control Fund

House Bill 24-1419 requires the state treasurer to move $10 million from one fund, called the energy and carbon management cash fund, to another fund known as the stationary sources control fund by June 30, 2024. This transfer is intended to support efforts related to reducing emissions from stationary sources like factories or power plants. The bill has been signed into law and took effect on April 18, 2024, meaning the transfer will happen as scheduled unless changed by future legislation.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Transfer from Unused State-Owned Real Property Fund

House Bill 24-1429 requires the state treasurer to move $120,000 from a fund that holds money from unused state property to the general fund on July 1, 2024. This affects how the state manages its finances and allocates funds for various programs and services. Since the bill has been signed into law, this transfer will happen as scheduled unless changed by future legislation.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Clarifications to Adjutant General's Powers

House Bill 24-1412, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, clarifies that the Colorado Adjutant General can use state funds to maintain military facilities, repair buildings, and acquire necessary property for the National Guard. This bill ensures that any purchases or constructions related to these properties follow existing laws regarding legislative oversight. It affects the management and maintenance of military grounds and installations in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Evaluation of Colorado Department of Higher Education Information Technology

House Bill 24-1402 requires the Governor’s Office of Information Technology to assess whether it would be beneficial to combine the technology functions and services of the Colorado Department of Higher Education with those managed by the Governor's office. If consolidation is deemed advantageous, a plan and budget will be created for this integration. The bill allocates $280,000 from the state’s general fund to cover these evaluation costs. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on April 18, 2024, meaning the process of evaluating and potentially consolidating IT services is now underway.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Higher Education Support Homeless Youth

HB 24-1403, titled "Higher Education Support for Homeless Youth," is a Colorado law that provides financial assistance to students between the ages of 17 and 26 who experienced homelessness during high school. Starting in the 2024-25 academic year, public colleges and universities in Colorado must cover any remaining costs after other forms of aid are applied. The state will also provide funding for these institutions and hire staff to help homeless students navigate their education options. This bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of April 29, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Severance Tax Transfers

House Bill 24-1413, which has been approved and signed into law, increases the amount of money that can be transferred from a severance tax fund to support conservation efforts in Colorado. It also makes significant one-time transfers totaling over $69 million from various severance tax funds to the state's general fund by specific dates in 2024 and 2025. Additionally, it allocates $250,000 to the Department of Agriculture from a severance tax operational fund. This bill affects how these funds are distributed and impacts both conservation projects and state finances. Since it has been signed into law, the changes outlined in the bill will take effect immediately.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Parks & Wildlife Cash Funds

House Bill 24-1423, which has been approved and is now law in Colorado, deals with funding for the state's wildlife programs. It ensures that money from a specific fund called the "wildlife cash fund" isn't used to cover depreciation costs or reductions in lease expenses, allowing more funds to be dedicated directly to wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, it requires transferring over $1 million from another fund to support wildlife-related activities and reduces certain appropriations for the Division of Parks and Wildlife by nearly $200,000. This bill is now signed into law and effective as of April 29, 2024, meaning its provisions are already in place and being implemented.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund Transfer

House Bill 24-1426, which has been approved and is now in effect, requires the state treasurer to move any leftover money from a fund called the Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund into the general fund by July 31, 2024. This means that any unused funds in this specific trust will be available for broader state spending needs starting next year. The bill affects how state finances are managed and ensures that unspent funds are put to use rather than remaining idle. Since it has been signed into law, the transfer of these funds is now a scheduled event with clear deadlines.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Insurance Coverage Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

This Colorado bill requires health insurance plans to cover treatments for PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections), including medications, psychological therapies, and other medical interventions. The coverage will start in 2025 for large group plans and in 2026 for individual and small group plans if federal approval is granted or if there's a delay from the federal government that prevents requiring state funding for increased costs. This means families with children affected by these conditions will have better access to necessary treatments starting next year, depending on their insurance type.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Discounted Care for Indigent Patients

This Colorado bill, HB 24-1399, will end the "Colorado Indigent Care Program" by July 1, 2025. Starting in February 2026, it requires annual reports on primary care services for low-income patients and sets up an advisory committee to help with healthcare billing policies until September 1, 2029. The bill affects people whose yearly income is below 200% of the federal poverty line who need discounted medical care. It has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Accelerating Concurrent Enrollment Program Modifications

HB 24-1393, which has been approved by the governor, limits the number of students who can participate in Colorado's ASCENT program starting from the 2025-26 school year. It also adds new eligibility requirements for the program and adjusts how schools are funded based on student participation. The bill will reduce funding slightly but allocate some money to the Department of Education for reporting purposes. This means that fewer students will be able to join the ASCENT program next year, and those who do qualify must meet additional criteria.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

School Funding 2023-24 for New Arrival Students

House Bill 24-1389 provides $24 million in one-time funding for Colorado school districts and charter schools that enroll new students arriving after the official enrollment count day for the 2023-2024 academic year. The funding is distributed based on the number of these new arrival students, with each student receiving up to $4,500, depending on available funds. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on April 18, 2024, meaning that eligible schools can now apply for this additional support.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

School Food Programs

HB 24-1390 is a Colorado bill that aims to improve school meal programs by maximizing federal funding. It requires the state Department of Education to apply for a statewide program that allows schools to provide free meals to all students, which can increase federal financial support. The bill also delays certain food purchasing and wage programs until 2025-26 and sets up an advisory group to help manage costs and ensure long-term sustainability of school meal funding. This bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of April 29, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Common Interest Community Declarations

House Bill 24-1383, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, clarifies that in Colorado, anyone forming a common interest community (like a condominium complex or homeowners association) must have the property owner's explicit written permission to do so. Similarly, if someone wants to add more property to an existing common interest community, they also need the current property owners' written consent. This law affects property owners and developers involved in creating or expanding these types of communities.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Gender-Related Bias-Motivated Crimes

Senate Bill 24-189, which has been approved and will take effect on July 1, 2024, updates Colorado’s laws to protect transgender individuals from bias-motivated crimes and harassment. It also broadens the definition of sexual orientation in these contexts to include emotional attraction and related behaviors or affiliations. This bill affects anyone who might be targeted based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Since it has been signed into law, it is now official legislation that will be enforced starting next summer.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · Senate

Creative Industries Cash Fund Transfer

House Bill 24-1397, which has been approved and is now in effect, requires the state treasurer to move $500,000 from Colorado’s general fund into a special fund for creative industries on July 1, 2024. This money will support artists, musicians, writers, and other creators in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed by the governor, it is now law and the transfer of funds will occur as scheduled unless there are changes to the general fund balance that prevent it.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Modifying Public Safety Program Funding

House Bill 24-1421 modifies how Colorado funds and administers programs aimed at preventing crime and providing crisis intervention. It requires the state treasurer to allocate $3 million from the general fund to support these programs in July 2024, extends their funding until July 2027, and ensures that grants are awarded annually rather than continuously. The bill also sets new reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies to be eligible for grant awards under these programs. This bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of April 29, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Transfer to Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund

House Bill 24-1420 requires the state treasurer to move $4 million from Colorado’s general fund into a special fund for crime victims on July 1, 2024. This money will support services and assistance for people who have been affected by crimes. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective, meaning the transfer of funds will happen as scheduled unless there are changes to the state’s budget that affect it.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

General Fund Transfer to Advanced Industries Programs

House Bill 24-1396 extends funding for the Advanced Industries Programs in Colorado by transferring money from the general fund to a specific cash fund. This transfer is based on income tax withholding from certain bioscience and clean technology jobs, and it will continue until March 1, 2033. The bill also prolongs the act that governs these transfers for an additional eight years, ensuring support for industries like bioscience and clean tech until July 1, 2034. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on April 18, 2024, making it effective immediately.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Repeal COVID Heroes Collaboration Fund

This Colorado bill, HB 24-1414, plans to end the COVID Heroes Collaboration Fund by July 31, 2024. Before it ends, on July 1, 2024, any leftover money in this fund will be moved into the state’s general fund. This affects how funds allocated for pandemic-related efforts are managed and used. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of April 19, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Create the Healthy Food Incentives Program

House Bill 24-1416 creates the Healthy Food Incentives Program in Colorado, which aims to help low-income residents access fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally. The program will be run by the Department of Public Health and Environment in partnership with a nonprofit organization experienced in similar initiatives. For the fiscal year 2024-25, $500,000 has been allocated from the state's general fund to start this program. Since Governor Polis signed it into law on April 29, 2024, the program is now active and ready to begin operations.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

State Employee Reserve Fund

House Bill 24-1415, which has been signed into law by the governor, requires the state treasurer to move $31.16 million from a special fund for state employees to the general fund on June 30, 2024. This transfer will affect how money is allocated within the state's budget, potentially impacting future funding for state employee benefits or emergencies. The bill is now law and effective as of April 18, 2024.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Financial Aid Appropriation Alignment

House Bill 24-1404, which has been approved and is now in effect, adjusts how Colorado allocates funding for student financial aid. Previously, the law required that financial aid increases match the overall increase in state funding for higher education institutions. The new bill allows smaller financial aid allocations (less than $2 million) to be adjusted through different legislative processes, providing more flexibility for these specific funds. This change primarily affects how smaller financial aid programs are funded and administered by the state.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Fee Changes Health-Care Cash Funds

House Bill 24-1417, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2024, allows for an increase in fees that healthcare facilities such as hospitals, assisted living residences, and home care agencies must pay to the state. These fee increases start at up to 8% in fiscal year 2025-26 and then decrease to 6% for the following three years before adjusting annually based on inflation. The bill also mandates that the state auditor will review how efficiently these funds are being used by the Department of Public Health and Environment. This affects healthcare providers who operate within Colorado and impacts their operational costs over the next several years.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

College Opportunity Fund Transfer to General Fund

House Bill 24-1424 requires the state treasurer to move $1.496 million from a fund that helps pay for college tuition to the general fund, which is used for various government expenses. This transfer will happen on June 30, 2024. The bill affects students who benefit from the College Opportunity Fund by potentially reducing available funding for their education costs. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on April 18, 2024, and it is now in effect.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House

Preschool Programs Cash Fund

House Bill 24-1387, also known as the Preschool Programs Cash Fund Act, ensures that leftover money from a special fund can be used by the Department of Early Childhood to provide more preschool services for low-income families and those who qualify based on other factors. It also sets aside some of this money as a reserve, which the department can request additional funding from if needed. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on April 18, 2024, meaning it is now in practice to support preschool programs for eligible children in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-03-25 · House