Colorado 2025 Bills

Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact

Senate Bill 24-010, known as the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists in participating states to practice temporarily in other compact states without needing a separate license from each state. This makes it easier for dental professionals to provide care across state lines while still being regulated by their home state’s licensing authority. The bill was signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning that once seven states join the compact, dentists and hygienists can start practicing in other member states under this new arrangement.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Continue Youth Mental Health Services Program

Senate Bill 24-001 extends the "I Matter" youth mental health services program in Colorado until June 30, 2034. The bill also changes how the program selects its online portal provider by removing a previous exemption from state procurement rules and requires an annual report instead of twice-yearly reports to keep track of the program's progress. Additionally, it allocates $5 million from the general fund to support the program. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of June 4, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

HB 24-1045, titled "Treatment for Substance Use Disorders," aims to improve access and reimbursement for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. It removes barriers like prior authorization requirements based on dosage amounts and ensures pharmacists are reimbursed at the same rate as other healthcare providers when they prescribe or administer MAT. The bill also expands training programs for pharmacies, increases funding for child abuse prevention related to prenatal substance exposure, and sets up a grant program to support treatment strategies for stimulant use disorders. This bill was signed into law by the governor on June 6, 2024, with some provisions taking effect in August 2024 and others in July 2025.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Local Lodging Tax Reporting on Sales Return

Senate Bill 24-024 in Colorado requires local taxing jurisdictions to apply the same reporting requirements for intermediaries (like booking platforms) as they do for marketplace facilitators when it comes to collecting and remitting local lodging taxes. This means that these intermediaries must report tax information in a similar way, but local jurisdictions can't ask for extra information beyond what's needed for tax collection. The bill also restricts when local taxing authorities can audit these platforms, limiting audits to times when they are filing tax returns. It will take effect on January 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor. This impacts booking and accommodation intermediaries as well as local governments responsible for collecting lodging taxes.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

State Contribution to Fire & Police Pension Association Death & Disability Fund

House Bill 24-1043 requires the state treasurer to provide $2.25 million annually starting July 1, 2025, to a fund that supports death and disability benefits for firefighters and police officers in Colorado. This money will help ensure there are enough resources to cover future payments to these public safety workers who become disabled or pass away. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of May 28, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Reauthorization of Rural Jump-Start Program

HB 24-1001 extends the Rural Jump-Start Program in Colorado until July 1, 2025. This program provides grants and tax credits to support economic development in rural areas by attracting new businesses and hiring local workers. The bill also increases funding for administrative costs and expands eligibility for certain tax credits. It limits the number of zones that can be approved each year but raises the cap on the number of new hires eligible for tax credits within those zones. Since it has been signed into law, this program is now active with increased support until 2025.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Tax Credits for Contributions via Intermediaries

Senate Bill 24-016 in Colorado allows taxpayers to claim state income tax credits for charitable donations made through a qualified intermediary, which is a charity that collects and forwards contributions to other charities. This bill also updates the homeless contribution tax credit by using a unique certificate number instead of full social security numbers or employer identification numbers for privacy reasons. The bill has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024. Additionally, it allocates funds for the implementation of these changes.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Repeal & Reenact Earned Income Tax Credit Increase

House Bill 24-1084 increases the Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the tax year 2023 from 25% to 50% of the federal EITC, providing a bigger refund to eligible low-income workers. This one-time increase is funded by excess state revenues that need to be returned to taxpayers and benefits individuals who qualify for the federal EITC. The bill was signed into law on January 31, 2024, and took effect immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Reduction of State Income Tax Rate

HB 24-1065, which has been signed into law, reduces the state income tax rate in Colorado. Starting from January 1, 2025, both individuals and corporations will pay a lower tax rate of 4.0% instead of the current 4.40%. This change means that taxpayers and businesses will see their taxes decrease by 0.4 percentage points starting next year. The bill also removes the requirement for a performance statement when making these changes to the tax code, which simplifies the process for future adjustments.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Study Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management

Senate Bill 24-037, which has been signed into law, requires the University of Colorado and Colorado State University to work with the Department of Public Health and Environment on a study about using green spaces instead of traditional water treatment facilities to improve water quality. The universities will also set up pilot projects around the state to test these methods and explore new ways to fund them. By November 1, 2026, they must submit a report with their findings and recommendations for how Colorado can better use green infrastructure and financing options. This bill is now law and took effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Behavioral Health First Aid Training Program

Senate Bill 24-007 establishes a behavioral health first aid training program in Colorado aimed at improving mental health awareness and crisis response skills among educators, school staff, community workers, law enforcement officers, and others. The program will train these individuals to recognize signs of mental illness or substance use issues and teach them how to respond effectively during crises. It also prepares participants to educate adults and teens about warning signs and finding help. The bill requires the state to contract with a Colorado nonprofit to administer free training to selected organizations like schools, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies. Funding for this initiative is $250,000, and it will be reviewed for continuation in 2033. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on June 5, 2024, making it effective immediately.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Recycling of Single-Use Electronic Smoking Devices

House Bill 24-1069 in Colorado aims to address the environmental impact of single-use electronic smoking devices by creating an advisory group. This group will study how these devices contribute to pollution and explore ways to recycle them safely. The bill also considers whether Colorado should implement a deposit system for consumers to return used devices. The advisory group must submit their findings, including policy recommendations and potential funding sources, to the government by October 31, 2025. Since the bill has been signed into law, an advisory group will now be formed to conduct this important work.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Study Biochar in Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

Senate Bill 24-028, which has been signed into law, instructs Colorado State University to conduct a thorough study on biochar and its potential use in preventing wildfires. The study will cover specific topics related to how biochar can be used as part of wildfire prevention strategies. Once completed, the university will report their findings to relevant state committees. This bill affects anyone interested in wildfire mitigation efforts in Colorado, including researchers, policymakers, and residents concerned about forest fires.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Towing Carrier Regulation

HB 24-1051, also known as the Towing Carrier Regulation bill, aims to strengthen oversight of towing companies in Colorado. It allows the Public Utilities Commission to revoke or suspend permits for towing companies that have committed serious offenses or repeatedly violated towing laws. The bill also requires towing companies to provide detailed financial and operational information and prohibits them from patrolling private property without explicit permission from the owner. Additionally, it clarifies rules around nonconsensual towing and ensures that vehicle owners can retrieve their cars without unnecessary delays or fees. This bill was signed into law by the governor on May 30, 2024, and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning its provisions will start to be enforced from that date onwards.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Local Government Disaster-Related Programs

Senate Bill 24-009, titled "Local Government Disaster-Related Programs," helps local governments manage disaster-related programs by creating a pilot program for removing wildfire hazards like fallen trees and branches without burning them. This is managed by the forest service which will choose participating counties based on specific criteria. Additionally, it requires the state’s homeland security division to provide guidance to local governments on how to handle debris removal after disasters, including negotiating terms with federal agencies, creating standard forms for property access, and ensuring safety during cleanup efforts. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these measures are now in effect to support communities dealing with disaster recovery.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Prevent Workplace Violence in Health-Care Settings

House Bill 24-1066, known as the "Violence Prevention in Health-care Settings Act," aims to protect healthcare workers by requiring hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities to create safety committees that develop and enforce plans to prevent workplace violence. These facilities must also provide training on these plans, report incidents of violence, and offer support services to staff affected by violent events. The bill ensures that employees can report incidents without fear of retaliation and encourages cooperation with law enforcement. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and health-care settings in Colorado are required to implement its provisions.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Local Government Property Tax Credits Rebates

Senate Bill 24-002 allows county and municipal governments in Colorado to create programs that offer property tax credits or rebates to residents who participate in initiatives aimed at addressing specific local issues. These issues could include preserving affordable housing, improving access to education, or other concerns deemed necessary for the community's well-being by local officials. The bill requires these programs to be approved through public hearings and must benefit everyone equally within the same property class. It became law when signed by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024. This means that starting in August, counties and municipalities can start setting up such tax relief programs for residents who help address local concerns.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Substance Use Disorders Harm Reduction

House Bill 24-1037, which has been approved and signed into law in Colorado, aims to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders by making several changes. It removes the requirement for doctors to report injuries related to drug possession or paraphernalia, and it allows people to possess drug-related items like syringes if they are part of a harm reduction program. The bill also provides legal protections for those who distribute opioid antagonists (like Narcan) to help prevent overdoses and clarifies that having these medications alone doesn’t give police reason to search someone without a warrant. Additionally, it allows organizations running clean needle exchange programs to provide other health-related supplies and drug testing services. This law took effect on June 6, 2024, meaning its provisions are now in place and being implemented.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Accessibility for Persons in Child Welfare Matters

HB 24-1031, known as the "Accessibility for Persons in Child Welfare Matters," ensures that children and their families receive services in a language they understand when dealing with Colorado's child welfare system. This includes providing translation and interpretation services during court proceedings if needed. The bill also requires courts to consider language access programs when making decisions about what’s best for the child. It was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning that starting from this date, these provisions must be followed by county departments, cities, and private contractors involved in providing services related to child welfare.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Motor Vehicle Minor Driver Education Standards

House Bill 24-1021, which has been signed into law in Colorado, requires young drivers aged 15 to 18 to complete a 30-hour driver education course before they can get an instruction permit starting January 1, 2027. Those aged 18 and older have the option of taking this course or completing a shorter awareness program. Additionally, anyone under 21 must take a motorcycle safety course before getting a motorcycle permit. The law also sets rules for who can supervise young drivers while they are learning to drive and bans certain convicted individuals from teaching driving lessons to minors. This bill will go into effect on April 1, 2026.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Gadsden Flag Don’t Tread on Me License Plate

House Bill 24-1064, which has been signed into law, allows Colorado residents to get a special license plate featuring the Gadsden flag with the phrase "Don't Tread on Me." To obtain this plate, drivers must pay an extra $50 in addition to regular fees: one part goes towards road maintenance and another supports vehicle services. Additionally, there's a one-time fee of $25 that benefits charter schools. This means Colorado drivers now have the option to display this specific flag design on their vehicles while supporting various state funds.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Simplify Processes Regarding Certain Local Government Taxes

House Bill 24-1050 simplifies the process for local governments in Colorado by requiring them to integrate certain taxes, like lodging and construction material sales taxes, into building permits and report detailed information about these taxes to the state. This makes it easier for both local governments and businesses to understand and comply with tax requirements. The bill also establishes a task force to explore creating an electronic system for collecting and remitting local lodging taxes, aiming to streamline this process further. Signed by the governor on June 4, 2024, the law is now in effect, meaning local taxing jurisdictions must start following these new reporting rules immediately.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Lodging Property Tax Treatment

Senate Bill 24-033, also known as the Lodging Property Tax Treatment bill, changes how short-term rental properties are taxed in Colorado. Starting from January 1, 2026, if a short-term rental property (like an Airbnb) is used for rentals of less than 30 days and was rented out for more than 90 days last year, it will be classified as lodging property rather than residential property, which could affect its tax rate. The bill also requires owners to confirm the number of days their properties were rented out and sets up a pilot program to track short-term rental units across the state. Since the status is "signed," this means that the governor has approved the bill, making it law.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Modernize Health Benefit Exchange Governance

House Bill 24-1035 updates how the Colorado health benefit exchange is managed. It changes the reporting requirements for the exchange's board, making them submit annual reports instead of a single yearly report by January 15th. The bill also requires the exchange to provide financial and operational plans directly to an oversight committee rather than through the board, and mandates that updates on open enrollment be given to specific legislative committees during each session. This bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024. It affects how the health benefit exchange operates and is overseen by state officials and legislators.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Protect Privacy of Biological Data

House Bill 24-1058, which has been approved and will take effect on August 7, 2024, updates Colorado's existing privacy law by adding biological data to the types of sensitive information that companies must protect. This means that any personal data related to your biology, genetics, or neural activity collected through technology must be safeguarded more strictly. The bill affects both individuals whose data is being processed and businesses that handle such data. Once it becomes effective, these protections will help ensure that your biological information remains private and secure.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Privacy Protections for Children's Online Data

Senate Bill 24-041, also known as "Privacy Protections for Children's Online Data," enhances the Colorado Privacy Act by adding specific protections for minors' data. Starting October 1, 2025, companies that do business in Colorado or target their products and services at Colorado residents must take extra care to avoid risks that could harm children when handling their personal information. These companies are also prohibited from using minors’ data for targeted advertising, selling it, or profiling them without consent, and they cannot collect precise geolocation data unless necessary. The bill was signed into law by the governor on May 31, 2024, meaning these protections will go into effect as scheduled in October 2025.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

District Attorneys' Salaries

Senate Bill 24-013, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, increases the minimum salaries for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2026, district attorneys' salaries will be equal to those of full-time district court judges, while assistant district attorneys' salaries will match those of full-time county court judges, with half of that cost covered by the state. This bill affects all district and assistant district attorneys in Colorado, ensuring they receive competitive compensation.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Addressing Abbreviated School Days

HB 24-1063 is a Colorado law that aims to clarify and regulate the use of abbreviated school days for children with disabilities. It requires the Department of Education to create policies defining what an abbreviated school day means, when it's appropriate to use them, and how they affect students' participation in activities like field trips and extracurriculars. The bill also mandates that schools report annually on how many disabled students are placed on abbreviated schedules and for how long, helping track any disparities based on race or gender. This law is now active after being signed by the governor on June 5, 2024, meaning it's in effect and schools must start following its guidelines immediately.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Online-Facilitated Misconduct & Remote Tracking

Senate Bill 24-011, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, requires online dating services to have a safety policy that includes clear guidelines against harmful behavior, background checks for members when possible, identity verification, and procedures for reporting misconduct. The bill also mandates these services to inform other users if someone is reported for threatening or illegal conduct and to provide resources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Additionally, it creates legal consequences for individuals who track others without consent using tracking devices or apps. This law affects online dating platforms and their users in Colorado, aiming to enhance safety and accountability on these services.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations

HB 24-1004 is a Colorado law that makes it easier for people with criminal records to get licensed for certain jobs. It says that after three years from when someone finishes their sentence or gets convicted, the state can consider whether their past crime affects their ability to do the job safely. However, if the crime isn’t related to the job they want, they won’t be disqualified just because of it. The law also requires licensing agencies to prove why a person’s criminal history would make them unsafe for the job before denying them a license. This bill was signed into law and will start on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Hold Harmless for Error in GIS Database Data

Senate Bill 24-023 protects businesses that use Colorado’s GIS database to calculate sales and use taxes from penalties if the underpayment or failure to pay taxes is due to errors in the database. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to correct any inaccuracies reported by local taxing jurisdictions within 30 days and ensures the database's accuracy rate is at least 95%. This law was signed by the governor on April 19, 2024, and became effective immediately on that same date.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Social Work Licensure Compact

HB 24-1002, known as the Social Work Licensure Compact, allows social workers licensed in one state that is part of the compact to practice in other member states without needing additional licenses. This bill also enables these professionals to use telehealth services across different states and ensures that disciplinary actions taken by any state are recognized by all others. The bill was signed into law on June 3, 2024, and will take effect on August 7, 2024, making it easier for social workers to provide care across state lines while maintaining professional standards.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Alcohol Beverage Delivery & Takeout

Senate Bill 24-020, which has been approved and will take effect on August 7, 2024, allows businesses that sell alcohol by the drink to continue delivering or allowing customers to take their drinks from the premises after July 1, 2025. However, hotels, restaurants, and taverns must ensure that an employee assists with any takeout or delivery if the alcohol is in a sealed container, unless the business is a lodging establishment. This bill impacts businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and ensures they can continue offering these services beyond the initial deadline.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Warrants for Metro Sewage Disposal Districts

House Bill 24-1062, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, allows sewage disposal districts in Colorado to obtain court warrants for inspections when property owners refuse entry. This bill ensures that district inspectors can investigate businesses to make sure they are treating their wastewater properly, protecting public health and the environment. It affects local businesses within these districts and gives more power to inspectors to enforce environmental regulations even if business owners deny them access.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Enactment of CRS 2023

House Bill 24-1020 updates Colorado's laws by officially adopting the Colorado Revised Statutes for 2023, including changes approved by voters in November 2023 and additional updates from a special session. This bill affects everyone in Colorado as it ensures that all current laws are compiled and recognized statewide. The governor signed the bill on February 20, 2024, making it effective immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Sickle Cell Disease Community Outreach & Services

Senate Bill 24-042, titled "Sickle Cell Disease Community Outreach & Services," establishes a program in Colorado aimed at providing support and resources for individuals with sickle cell disease and their families. The bill requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to work with community-based nonprofit organizations to offer services like counseling, health guidance, and peer support. It allocates $200,000 from the general fund to start this program by January 1, 2025, and it will be in place until July 1, 2030. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of June 3, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Providing Veterinary Services Through Telehealth

House Bill 24-1048, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, allows Colorado veterinarians to provide services through telehealth with their clients' consent. This means that after an initial in-person examination, a veterinarian can use video calls or other digital tools to diagnose and treat animals. The bill also permits licensed vets to refer patients to specialists who can then consult via telemedicine under the original vet’s relationship with the client. It ensures that only veterinarians with established relationships can prescribe medication remotely and sets rules for record-keeping and patient privacy. This change affects pet owners, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians in Colorado by expanding access to remote veterinary care while maintaining professional standards.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice

House Bill 24-1047, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, aims to define the tasks that licensed veterinarians can delegate to veterinary technicians and specialists. It requires the board of veterinary medicine to create rules by September 1, 2025, detailing these tasks and the level of supervision needed. Starting in January 2026, it also allows veterinary technicians to apply for a specialist designation from the board, providing them with title protection and preventing unauthorized practice as specialists. This bill affects veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal owners who seek specialized care.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Extend Outreach Campaigns Wildfire Risk Mitigation

House Bill 24-1024 extends wildfire awareness campaigns in Colorado until 2027. It requires the state forest service to run these campaigns and additional outreach efforts to help residents understand how to reduce the risk of wildfires near their homes. The bill also sets aside $40,000 for this purpose during the fiscal year 2024-25. Governor Jared Polis signed it into law on May 20, 2024, and it is now in effect. This means that Coloradans can expect continued education and resources to help them protect their homes from wildfires over the next few years.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Bill of Rights for Foster Youth

HB 24-1017, also known as the Bill of Rights for Foster Youth in Colorado, establishes a set of rights for children and young people in foster care. These rights will be communicated to each youth who is at least five years old through written notices provided by their county's human or social services department when they first enter foster care, after any changes in placement, and annually thereafter. The bill was signed into law on April 24, 2024, and it will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning that starting from this date, all eligible youth in Colorado's foster care system will receive these rights notices as required by the new law.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Child Welfare System Tools

House Bill 24-1046, titled "Child Welfare System Tools," aims to improve Colorado's child welfare system by requiring mandatory reporters to include information about domestic and intimate partner violence when reporting suspected abuse or neglect. The bill also mandates the state department of human services to develop a consistent screening process that includes questions about domestic violence and ensures accurate demographic data collection. Additionally, it calls for an audit of risk assessment tools used in child welfare cases by January 15, 2025, focusing on consistency, cultural competency, and impacts on over-represented communities. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of May 28, 2024. This means that the requirements outlined in the bill are now legally binding for those involved in reporting and managing child welfare cases in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

State Funding for Senior Services

Senate Bill 24-040, titled "State Funding for Senior Services," requires the Department of Human Services and other relevant agencies to review the funding provided for senior services every three years. This review aims to ensure that the money allocated is sufficient to meet the needs of older Coloradans who use these services. The bill was signed into law on May 24, 2024, and it is now effective, meaning that the first review will start no later than August 2024. This legislation impacts senior citizens in Colorado by potentially improving access to necessary services as funding needs are assessed regularly.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Aggravated Cruelty to Law Enforcement Animals

House Bill 24-1074, which has been signed into law and is now effective, aims to protect law enforcement animals by making it a felony to harm or kill them, whether they are on duty or not. The bill also allows individuals to defend themselves against unreasonable force from these animals if they believe it's necessary for their safety. Additionally, it requires police officers to intervene and report any excessive use of force by law enforcement animals. This new law applies to anyone who might interact with or be affected by the actions of law enforcement animals in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Non-Legal Name Changes

HB 24-1039, also known as the Non-Legal Name Changes bill, requires Colorado schools to address students by their chosen names and use these names during school activities. It prohibits discrimination against students who choose a name different from what is legally recorded, allowing them to report any refusal or avoidance of using their chosen name to the school or federal authorities. Schools must also create policies that support honoring students' requests for their preferred names. This bill was signed into law on April 29, 2024 and became effective immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Defined Personnel for Emergency Telephone Services

House Bill 24-1016, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, defines "emergency communications specialist" as a type of first responder who handles both emergency and non-emergency calls. The bill also allows for using funds collected from 911 charges to train these specialists along with other essential PSAP staff members. This means that more resources will be available to ensure better training for those who handle emergency calls, ultimately benefiting all Colorado residents by improving the quality of emergency response services.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Persons Detained in Jail on Emergency Commitment

House Bill 24-1079 in Colorado stops police and emergency patrol officers from putting juveniles in jail when they take them into protective custody. Starting July 1, 2024, law enforcement agencies and treatment facilities must report information about people taken into protective custody to the behavioral health administration. This bill also provides funding for the Behavioral Health Administration to handle these new reporting requirements. The governor signed this bill on May 17, 2024, making it official law from that date onwards.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Adult Competency to Stand Trial

House Bill 24-1034, which has been signed into law in Colorado, updates the process for determining if an adult accused of a crime is mentally fit to stand trial. It ensures that key people involved in the case have access to information about the defendant's mental competency and outlines what happens when someone is found incompetent, including options for outpatient treatment. Parts of the bill take effect immediately on June 4, 2024, while other parts will start July 1, 2024. This law affects anyone involved in criminal cases where a defendant’s mental fitness to proceed with trial might be questioned.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Ballot Access for Candidates with Disabilities

HB 24-1067, titled "Ballot Access for Candidates with Disabilities," ensures that candidates with disabilities can participate in the caucus process or any future ballot access methods. The bill mandates that political parties provide video conferencing options for these events if there's no broadband internet service available at the location. If a location lacks internet, alternative means like telephone conferences must be used to accommodate participants. This law applies to all political parties and ensures they make reasonable efforts to comply with accessibility requirements or face legal consequences for discrimination based on disability. Since it has been signed into law, these provisions are now enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Jail Standards Commission Recommendations

House Bill 24-1054 in Colorado extends the work of a committee that sets standards for county jails until September 1, 2033. Starting July 1, 2026, all county jails must follow these standards, which will be posted online by the committee. The bill also creates an advisory committee to help assess and improve jail conditions, with roles including recommending changes to jail standards and suggesting ways for jails to meet those standards. This new advisory group will start meeting in July 2024 and work closely with the attorney general to ensure compliance. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of June 3, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Pretrial Diversion Programs

Senate Bill 24-006, which has been signed into law and is now effective, aims to help juveniles with intellectual disabilities or mental health issues by offering them pretrial diversion programs instead of formal court proceedings. This means that if a juvenile shows signs of needing support due to behavioral health issues or developmental disabilities, they can be directed towards appropriate services like therapy or counseling rather than facing legal consequences. The bill also allows adults who are found incompetent to stand trial to enter into similar diversion agreements with the approval of both the district attorney and the court, provided they have the ability to participate in these programs. This new law is intended to provide more support for individuals struggling with mental health or developmental challenges rather than punishing them through the traditional justice system.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate