Colorado 2025 Bills

Transfers to the Capital Construction Fund

House Bill 24-1215, which has been signed into law and is now effective, requires the state of Colorado to transfer specific amounts of money from different funds to the Capital Construction Fund. On April 1, 2024, $18.97 million will be moved from the general fund, and $3.275 million will come from the preschool programs cash fund to support information technology capital projects. This bill impacts state finances and ensures that there are funds available for necessary construction and IT upgrades.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

School Food Authorities

House Bill 24-1206 expands the types of schools eligible for state nutrition programs by including approved facility schools, facilities, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. The bill also allocates $17,752 to the Department of Education to support these nutrition programs for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This means that more students in various types of educational settings will now have access to state-funded nutritional assistance. The governor signed the bill on March 8, 2024, and it became effective immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

America 250 - Colorado 150 Cash Fund

House Bill 24-1209, titled "America 250 - Colorado 150 Cash Fund," creates a commission in Colorado to plan and promote events for the state's 150th anniversary of becoming a state and the United States' 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence. The bill establishes a fund that will collect money from sales of commemorative items and use it to give grants to local communities for organizing related activities and discussions. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on March 8, 2024, making its provisions effective immediately as of that date.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Community Crime Victims Funding

House Bill 24-1214, known as the Community Crime Victims Funding bill, adjusts how money is allocated for supporting crime victims in Colorado. It reduces funding from the general fund by $4 million and moves that amount into a special cash fund dedicated to victim support services. The bill also sets aside $1 million from this new fund for the Department of Public Health and Environment to use in fiscal year 2023-24. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on February 27, 2024, meaning it is now active and guiding how funds are distributed to help crime victims.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Higher Education Supplemental

House Bill 24-1186 increases the funding provided by the state of Colorado to its Department of Higher Education. The additional money comes from the general fund, cash funds, and reappropriated funds. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on March 6, 2024, meaning that the department now has more resources to support higher education in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Colorado Imagination Library Program

House Bill 24-1205 moves the Colorado Imagination Library Program from the Department of Education to the Department of Early Childhood. Starting June 30, 2024, the new department will take over all responsibilities and contracts related to the program, which provides free books for children enrolled in it. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of February 27, 2024. This change affects how the program is managed but does not alter its goal of providing free high-quality books to families with young children.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Adjustments to School Funding Budget Year 2023-24

HB 24-1207 is a Colorado bill that adjusts the school funding budget for the 2023-24 academic year. It acknowledges that there are more students and higher local tax revenues than initially expected, which means schools will receive more total funding. However, it also reduces the state's direct contribution by about $24 million to keep a reserve fund at its original level. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective, meaning Colorado schools will see these changes in their funding starting immediately.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Higher Education Longitudinal Data System Report Deadline

This Colorado bill extends the deadline for reporting on a statewide data system that tracks students from K-12 through higher education and into the workforce. The original reports were supposed to be submitted by January 15, 2023, and 2024, but now they are pushed back to January 15, 2025, and 2026. Additionally, it allows the Department of Higher Education to use $3 million allocated for this data system until the end of 2026. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of March 6, 2024.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Natural Resources Supplemental

House Bill 24-1194, which has been approved and is now in effect, adjusts the budget for the Department of Natural Resources in Colorado. It increases funding from various sources including the general fund, cash funds, reappropriated funds, and federal funds to support the department's activities. This bill affects how money is allocated to protect and manage natural resources in the state. Since it has been signed into law, these budget changes are now active as of March 6, 2024.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Judicial Department Supplemental

House Bill 24-1188 adjusts the budget for Colorado's judicial system by increasing funding from the general fund and cash funds while decreasing reappropriated funds. This change affects how money is allocated to support court operations and services in the state. The bill was signed into law on February 27, 2024, and became effective immediately on that same day, meaning the new budget allocations are now being used by the judicial department.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Law Supplemental

House Bill 24-1190 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Law by reducing funding from the general fund and increasing funding through reappropriated funds. This change affects how the department is funded but does not alter its overall budget amount. The bill has been signed into law and took effect on February 27, 2024, meaning the new funding arrangement is now in place.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental

House Bill 24-1198 amends the budget for the Department of Regulatory Agencies in Colorado by increasing its funding from various sources, including the general fund and federal funds. This bill affects how the department operates and carries out its regulatory functions. The governor signed it into law on March 6, 2024, and it became effective immediately on that same day.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Treasury Supplemental

House Bill 24-1202 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Treasury by increasing funding from the general fund and decreasing cash funds. This change affects how the department manages its finances but does not alter its overall responsibilities or services provided to the public. The bill was signed into law on February 27, 2024, and is now in effect, meaning the treasury department can implement these financial adjustments immediately.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Public Safety Supplemental

House Bill 24-1197 adjusts the budget for Colorado’s Department of Public Safety by increasing funding from the general fund and reappropriated funds while decreasing cash funds and federal funds. It also modifies specific appropriations, such as those for school safety programs and firearm liability insurance requirements, to provide more money to these initiatives. The bill was signed into law on March 6, 2024, and took effect immediately on the same day, meaning that the new funding allocations are now in place.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Labor & Employment Supplemental

HB 24-1189 amends the budget for Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment by reducing funding from state and federal sources while increasing cash funds. It also extends funding for programs that provide work-based learning opportunities, digital navigation support, English as a second language courses tailored to career needs, and a task force focused on studying in-demand occupations. This bill was signed into law by the governor on February 27, 2024, and took effect immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Capital Construction Supplemental

House Bill 24-1203, titled "Capital Construction Supplemental," adjusts the funding for various capital construction projects in Colorado. It increases the amount of money available from both the capital construction fund and cash funds to support these projects. This bill affects government agencies responsible for infrastructure development and has been signed into law by the governor, meaning it is now effective as of February 27, 2024.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Transportation Supplemental

House Bill 24-1201, which has been approved and is now in effect, adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Transportation. This means that the department will receive a revised amount of funding as needed. The bill affects how money is allocated to improve and maintain roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure in Colorado. Since it was signed by the governor on March 6, 2024, these changes are now being implemented.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Legislative Department Supplemental

House Bill 24-1191, which has been approved and signed by the governor, adjusts the budget for the Colorado Legislative Department. It increases funding from the general fund to support legislative activities. This change took effect on February 27, 2024, meaning that the department now has more money available to carry out its work. The bill affects the state legislature's operations and finances directly.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Department of Military Affairs Supplemental

House Bill 24-1193, which has been approved and signed by the governor, adjusts the budget for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Colorado. The bill increases funding from the general fund to support this department's operations. This change took effect on February 27, 2024, meaning that the department now has more money available to carry out its work, which could benefit military personnel and veterans in the state.

Last action: 2024-02-02 · House

Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides

House Bill 24-1178, which has been signed into law, allows local governments in Colorado to create and enforce their own regulations on the sale or use of pesticides if they believe it is necessary to protect public health and safety. This means cities and counties can now set rules about pesticides that go beyond what state or federal laws require. However, there are certain exceptions where local governments cannot regulate pesticide use. The bill affects anyone who uses or sells pesticides within Colorado, including farmers, gardeners, and businesses. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and local governments can start creating their own pesticide regulations.

Last action: 2024-02-01 · House

Rules Regarding Reading Bills & End of Session Procedures

Last action: 2024-02-01 · House

County Commissioner Elections

House Bill 24-1177 changes how county commissioners are elected in Colorado counties with a population of at least 70,000. Currently, these counties can choose between different election methods for their board of commissioners. The bill requires that all such counties have five commissioners and mandates that at least three of them must be elected by voters within specific districts. Counties can either elect three district-based commissioners plus two county-wide (at-large) commissioners or five commissioners each elected from separate districts. This change applies to non-home rule counties only, meaning it doesn't affect those with home rule status. The bill has been signed into law and is now in effect.

Last action: 2024-02-01 · House

2023 Property Tax Year Updated Abstract

House Bill 24-1179 updates the property tax assessment process in Colorado for the year 2023. It requires county assessors to create new, accurate abstracts of property values by February 20, 2024, because previous assessments were made inaccurate due to changes in how residential properties are valued. This affects all property owners whose taxes are based on these assessments. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective, meaning county assessors must comply with the new requirements immediately.

Last action: 2024-02-01 · House

County Revitalization Authorities

HB 24-1172, titled "County Revitalization Authorities," allows counties in Colorado to create special bodies called county revitalization authorities. These authorities can use tax increment financing and private funds to revitalize specific areas within the county by improving economic conditions and public health. The plan for these projects must be approved by local government after a public hearing. This bill was signed into law by the governor on June 4, 2024, and will take effect on August 7, 2024. It impacts counties that want to improve economically disadvantaged areas through coordinated planning and investment.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Expand Homestead Exemptions

HB 24-1166 is a Colorado bill that increases property tax exemptions for certain homeowners, including seniors, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of military members who died in service. Instead of exempting 50% of the first $200,000 of a home's value from property taxes, it will now exempt 50% of half the state’s median home value for these qualifying individuals. This change starts applying to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The bill also allows seniors and their surviving spouses who have previously qualified for this exemption to claim it again for a new residence without needing to meet the current ownership duration requirement if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the 2024 election. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes will take effect as planned unless there are further legislative actions or voter decisions that affect them.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Electric Vehicle Charging System Permits

HB 24-1173 is a Colorado law that sets up rules for permitting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in larger towns and cities. It requires counties with at least 20,000 residents and municipalities with at least 10,000 residents to either adopt specific standards for EV chargers by December 31, 2025, or create their own rules that meet certain requirements. The law aims to streamline the process of getting permits for EV charging stations, making it easier and faster for people to install them. This bill was signed into law on May 21, 2024, and went into effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Denver Airport Accessibility

HB 24-1165, also known as the Denver Airport Accessibility bill, requires the Denver airport authority to ensure that the airport is accessible for people with disabilities by setting deadlines for accessibility improvements and maintenance. If the authority fails to comply, the division of aeronautics can fine them up to $3,500 for the first offense and up to $7,000 for each subsequent offense. Individuals who suffer damages due to non-compliance can also sue for compensation and court-ordered remedies. Since this bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will impact how the Denver airport manages accessibility improvements and maintenance.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Rights for Youth Division of Youth Services Facilities

House Bill 24-1170, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, establishes a set of rights for young people who are under the care of Colorado's Department of Human Services in juvenile facilities. This bill ensures that these youth have specific protections and entitlements while they are detained or committed to state-run facilities. It affects all minors in the custody of the Division of Youth Services. The bill is now signed into law, meaning its provisions will be implemented starting this August.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Economic Development Organization Action Grant Program

House Bill 24-1160 establishes a grant program called the Economic Development Organization Action Grant Program, which provides financial support to Colorado-based economic development organizations (EDOs) to help them create and implement local economic development projects. The grants will be funded with $2 million transferred from the state's general fund into a new cash fund dedicated to this program. This bill has been signed into law, meaning that EDOs in Colorado can now apply for these grants starting July 1, 2024, to boost their capacity and initiatives aimed at improving local economies.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Repeal Divest from Companies with Israel Prohibitions Law

House Bill 24-1169 is a Colorado law that撤销了2016年通过的一项法案，该法案要求公共雇员退休协会（PERA）从其投资组合中撤出与以色列有经济限制的公司的股份，并禁止购买这些公司的新股票。这项新法律影响到PERA及其成员的投资选择，现在已经由州长签署成为法律，这意味着PERA不再需要遵守之前的禁令，可以自由地继续或开始投资那些之前被禁止的公司。

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment

This Colorado bill aims to change the state constitution to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits about their abuse, even if a long time has passed since it happened. Currently, there are rules that usually prevent such old cases from being brought to court, but this amendment would create an exception for child sex abuse cases. If signed into law, it would affect anyone who was sexually abused as a child and wants to seek legal action later in life. The bill has been signed, meaning the constitutional change is now in effect, allowing the state legislature to pass laws that permit these delayed lawsuits.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · Senate

Behavioral Health Grant for Capital Project

House Bill 24-1176, which has been approved and is now in effect, provides $4 million for a new grant program that helps communities build or improve facilities focused on mental health and behavioral care. This funding will support projects that integrate various types of behavioral health services to better serve Coloradans who need these resources. The bill affects anyone in Colorado who uses or works in the mental health and behavioral health systems, as it aims to close gaps in current service availability by supporting new construction and capital improvements. Since the governor signed this bill into law on May 24, 2024, the funds are now available for distribution through the Department of Human Services.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Senior Property Tax Exemption Portability

House Concurrent Resolution 24-1001 proposes a change to Colorado's constitution that would allow seniors or surviving spouses who have previously qualified for a property tax exemption on their primary residence since 2016 to transfer this benefit to any new primary residence they move to, regardless of how long they've lived there. Currently, the exemption is only available if someone has owned and occupied their home for at least ten years. This resolution would make it easier for seniors to maintain financial stability when moving to a new home. The bill has been signed but needs voter approval in the 2024 general election before it can take effect.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Free Menstrual Products to Students

House Bill 24-1164 requires Colorado schools to provide free menstrual products in school bathrooms. Starting June 30, 2025, at least 25% of student bathrooms must offer these products, increasing to 75% by June 30, 2026, and eventually all applicable bathrooms by June 30, 2028. The bill also provides grants for rural and small schools to help cover the costs. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill on June 5, 2024, and it will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Concealed Carry Permits & Training

HB 24-1174, which has been signed into law in Colorado, changes the requirements for obtaining and renewing concealed carry permits. Starting July 1, 2025, applicants must complete a specific training class within one year of applying, rather than the previous 10-year window. The new classes will cover topics like firearm safety, laws related to firearms, self-defense, and interactions with law enforcement. Additionally, permit holders can renew their permits by completing shorter refresher courses or through other means such as military service or police certification. This bill affects anyone applying for or renewing a concealed carry permit in Colorado. The parts of the bill that require immediate action from county sheriffs to verify instructors are already effective as of August 7, 2024, while most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Motor Vehicle Access Individuals with Disabilities

This Colorado bill, signed into law on June 3, 2024, requires car-sharing programs in the state to provide information about accessibility features of their vehicles starting January 1, 2028. It also mandates that at least 5% of new or replaced electric vehicle charging stations meet specific accessibility standards by January 1, 2026. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals cannot block access to reserved parking spaces and requires law enforcement to investigate such complaints promptly. This law will help ensure better access for people with disabilities when using car-sharing services and electric vehicle chargers.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Homeowners' Association Foreclosure Sales Requirements

House Bill 24-1158 in Colorado aims to protect homeowners from unfair HOA foreclosure practices. It requires HOAs to inform delinquent homeowners about free resources for managing debt and avoiding foreclosure before taking legal action. The bill also limits the amount of attorney fees an HOA can collect during a foreclosure process, sets minimum bid requirements at auctions to ensure fair pricing, and restricts certain individuals from purchasing foreclosed properties. This bill was signed into law and will take effect on October 1, 2024, providing protections for homeowners facing HOA debt issues.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Naturopathic Doctor Formulary

House Bill 24-1171, also known as the Naturopathic Doctor Formulary bill, expands the types of medications that naturopathic doctors in Colorado can prescribe and dispense. It requires these doctors to complete additional pharmacology training and pass a specific exam before they can include certain drugs on their formulary or prescribe them to patients. The bill also restricts naturopathic doctors from prescribing certain controlled substances, like ketamine, without special approval, and from prescribing any medications to minors under 18 years old unless recommended by an advisory committee. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable in Colorado starting with specified deadlines for training and exams.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Equal Access to Public Meetings

House Bill 24-1168, known as the "Equal Access to Public Meetings," requires state and local government bodies to make their public meetings more accessible. By July 1, 2025, these meetings must be live-streamed with audio or video that is recorded and available for people with disabilities. Additionally, important documents must be posted online at least a day before the meeting, and individuals should be able to participate remotely via video conferencing if they lack broadband internet access in their area. The bill also mandates that auxiliary aids or services requested by attendees be provided on time. This ensures equal participation for all citizens, especially those with disabilities, in public meetings. Since it has been signed into law, these requirements will now be implemented as outlined.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Prohibit Student Seclusion

House Bill 24-1167, which has been signed into law, bans the practice of isolating students in a room or space against their will (known as seclusion) in Colorado's public schools and charter schools. This applies not only during regular school hours but also at off-campus events organized by the school. The bill requires the state board of education to develop guidelines for alternative methods that can be used instead of seclusion, create a resource bank with these alternatives, and ensure that incidents involving seclusion are reported properly. This law affects students, educators, and administrators in Colorado's educational institutions.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Penalty for Theft of Firearms

House Bill 24-1162 changes how theft of firearms is punished in Colorado. Instead of the usual sentencing based on the value of the stolen item, stealing a firearm becomes a felony offense, regardless of its worth. If someone steals multiple firearms at once or commits this crime more than once, each incident is treated as a separate and more serious felony. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that these new rules for punishing theft involving firearms are now in effect.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Designate Highways as Purple Heart Trail

Last action: 2024-01-31 · Senate

Pet Animal Registration System

The bill requires the commissioner of the department of agriculture (commissioner) to develop, implement, and maintain an online pet animal registration system (system). The bill establishes the pet animal registration enterprise (enterprise) in the department of agriculture to provide business services to pet animal owners who pay pet registration fees to the enterprise by developing, implementing, maintaining, and administering the pet animal registration system, connecting pet animals with their owners and designated caregivers when and after emergencies occur, and protecting pet animals by supporting animal shelters that are caretakers of last resort. A pet animal owner must register the pet animal in the system annually for a fee set by the enterprise, which must be no more than $8.50 annually per pet animal with a designated caregiver, $16 annually per pet animal that is a dog or cat that is not neutered or spayed and has a designated caregiver, and $25 annually per pet animal without a designated caregiver. The fee set by the enterprise is in addition to any pet registration or licensing fee assessed by any other jurisdiction. The enterprise will collect both state and local fees and transmit any fee levied by another jurisdiction to that jurisdiction and the fee levied by the state to the newly created pet animal registration cash fund. The state's fee will be used to develop, implement, maintain, and administer the system and reimburse animal shelters for the cost of taking custody of a pet animal for which a caregiver cannot be located or has refused to take custody. The bill also requires a pet animal owner to designate a caregiver for the owner's pet animal. The caregiver is responsible for the care and safekeeping of the pet animal during an emergency that incapacitates the pet animal owner. First responders will use the system to identify the designated caregiver of the pet animal and notify the caregiver of the incapacitation of the pet animal's owner. A caregiver must agree to be responsible for the pet animal. If a caregiver later refuses to take custody of the pet animal or cannot be located, a first responder will place the pet animal in an animal shelter. Only first responders and the department of public health and environment are allowed to use the system. The bill specifies that to own a pet animal without registering the pet animal; to refuse or fail to comply with the provisions of the bill; to make a material misstatement in a registration application, a registration renewal application, or to the department of agriculture; or to refuse or fail to comply with any rules or regulations adopted by the commissioner is unlawful. An unlawful act is punishable by a civil penalty in an amount set by the commissioner but not to exceed $100 per unlawful act. If the commissioner is unable to collect the civil penalty, the commissioner may sue to recover the civil penalty or refuse to renew a registration. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Black History Month

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Local Goverments Rights to Property for Affordable Housing

HB 24-1175, titled "Local Governments Rights to Property for Affordable Housing," gives local governments the right to purchase certain multifamily rental properties before they are sold to other buyers. This applies specifically to existing affordable housing with at least five units and older properties (30 years or more) with between 15 and 100 units, ensuring these can be preserved as long-term affordable housing. The law requires property sellers to notify local governments well in advance of any sale plans so that the government has time to make an offer if it chooses. This bill is now signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, helping local communities secure more affordable housing options for residents.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Contracted Private Employee Exclusion from Public Employees' Retirement Association

House Bill 24-1159, which has been signed into law, temporarily stops the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) from including employees of private companies that contract with public entities in its membership until June 30, 2025. This affects contracted workers who would otherwise be eligible for PERA benefits through their work with these private firms. The bill is now law and will impact how PERA handles new memberships during the specified period.

Last action: 2024-01-31 · House

Prior Authorization Requirements Alternatives

HB 24-1149 is a Colorado bill that aims to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers and patients by limiting the use of prior authorization requirements for certain health services and prescription drugs. It requires insurance companies, private review organizations, and pharmacy benefit managers to streamline these processes and prohibits them from denying claims under specific circumstances. The law also mandates that insurers post information about their prior authorization practices online and extends approval periods for maintenance medications. Signed into law by the governor on June 3, 2024, it will take effect on August 7, 2024, impacting healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-30 · House

False Slates of Electors

House Bill 24-1150, which has been signed into law and will take effect on July 1, 2024, makes it a crime with fines up to $10,000 for individuals who create false lists of electors or engage in related fraudulent activities such as forgery or perjury. If someone knowingly lies under oath about presidential elector qualifications, they could face additional penalties that disqualify them from serving in the state government. This law affects anyone involved in the electoral process and aims to prevent election tampering and fraud.

Last action: 2024-01-30 · House

Disclose Mandatory Fees in Advertisements

House Bill 24-1151, which has been signed into law, requires businesses to include all mandatory fees and charges when advertising prices for products or services. This means that if you see an advertised price, it must reflect the total cost including any additional required fees. The bill doesn't apply to certain sectors like real estate brokers, air carriers, and specific professions regulated by the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. If a business violates this rule, they can face legal action from the attorney general or district attorneys for deceptive practices.

Last action: 2024-01-30 · House

Management of Certain Public Safety Emergencies

HB 24-1155, approved by the Governor and set to take effect in August 2024, updates Colorado’s laws on managing public safety emergencies related to wildland fires. It allows fire departments to transfer management of a wildfire to the county sheriff when they can't handle it themselves, and clarifies that federal funds for emergency response are not considered state reimbursement. The bill also simplifies how wildfires are managed by removing outdated references and requirements, giving more flexibility to local agencies in responding to emergencies. This affects all fire departments and sheriffs who deal with wildland fires in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-30 · House