Colorado 2025 Bills

Victim Programs in New Twenty-Third Judicial District

House Bill 24-1013 establishes a new judicial district in Colorado starting January 7, 2025. It also allows two boards—the Crime Victim Compensation Board and the Victims and Witnesses Assistance and Law Enforcement Board—to provide support and services to victims in this new district once it is formed. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and took effect on April 4, 2024, meaning that these victim support programs can start operating as soon as the new judicial district is ready.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Extend Wild Horse Population Management Timeline

House Bill 24-1032 extends the deadline for managing Colorado's wild horse population until December 31, 2025. This means that the Department of Agriculture has more time to carry out plans set by a previous bill (Senate Bill 23-275) aimed at controlling the number of wild horses in the state. The bill was signed into law on March 22, 2024, and it is now effective immediately. This extension affects how and when the department can implement measures to manage the wild horse population over the next few years.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

School Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program

HB 24-1049, which has been signed into law, establishes a program that helps school counselors, psychologists, and social workers pay off up to $10,000 in student loans if they work with students who have limited access to mental health services. This fund will be managed by the Department of Higher Education, aiming to improve mental health support for Colorado's students. The program will run until July 1, 2029, and its progress will be reported annually to state education committees.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Regulation of Community Association Managers

House Bill 24-1078 in Colorado requires community association management companies to get a license starting July 1, 2025. To qualify for this license, these businesses must meet insurance requirements, designate a responsible manager, pay fees, and undergo background checks. The state will oversee the licensing process and can discipline or revoke licenses based on violations. The law also plans to review and potentially end the licensing requirement by September 1, 2029. This affects management companies that work with homeowner associations and similar groups in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed into law, these requirements will go into effect as scheduled.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Prohibit Foreign Ownership Agriculture & Natural Resources

House Bill 24-1029 prohibits citizens or entities from China, Russia, and countries designated by the U.S. as sponsors of terrorism from buying controlling shares in agricultural land, mineral rights, or water rights in Colorado starting January 1, 2025. If these foreign parties already own such assets before this date, they can keep them but cannot buy more. They must also register with the state and face penalties if they don't comply. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it will go into effect as planned unless further actions change its status. This affects foreign investors from specific countries who are involved in Colorado's agricultural or natural resource industries. The current "signed" status means that the bill is now law and will be enforced according to its provisions starting January 1, 2025.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Air Conditioning in Schools & School Buses

House Bill 24-1068 requires all new schools and school buses in Colorado to have air conditioning if they are built, purchased, or leased starting July 1, 2024. This means that students and staff will have access to cooler environments during hot weather. The bill has been signed into law, so it will go into effect as planned, benefiting future schools and transportation systems but not affecting existing ones.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Crisis Resolution Team Program

House Bill 24-1019, also known as the Crisis Resolution Team Program, aims to help children and young adults up to age 21 who are experiencing severe behavioral health issues. The bill requires the Behavioral Health Administration to create a program that provides community-based services like counseling, case management, peer support, medication management, and care coordination to stabilize these individuals without needing them to leave their homes or communities. These services will be offered at least three days a week for up to six weeks based on each child's needs. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the program can now start being implemented in Colorado.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Marijuana Industry & Social Equity

HB 24-1061, a Colorado bill focused on the marijuana industry and social equity, aims to create new licenses for delivering medical and recreational marijuana products to consumers. These licenses are specifically available to individuals with social equity licenses, who have faced barriers due to past marijuana laws. The bill also introduces an accelerator program that provides additional support to these socially disadvantaged licensees through special business and delivery licenses. It removes a $1 surcharge on deliveries and establishes requirements for annual reports starting in 2026 to track the progress of social equity initiatives. Signed into law, this bill will take effect with new eligibility rules for social equity licenses beginning April 1, 2025, and includes tax credits for those who support these socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Workplace Suicide Prevention Education

House Bill 24-1015, also known as the Workplace Suicide Prevention Education bill, requires employers in Colorado to display suicide prevention posters starting July 1, 2025. These posters will include a QR code and website link for more information on workplace suicide prevention. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that employers will need to comply with these requirements once the effective date arrives. This impacts all employers who must ensure their workplaces are equipped with the necessary resources to help prevent suicides among employees.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Lodged Wills

HB 24-1077, also known as the "Lodged Wills" bill in Colorado, allows individuals to file their wills with a government office while they are still alive. This makes it easier for their will to be found and validated after they pass away. The bill affects anyone who wants to ensure that their will is easily accessible and recognized by probate courts. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and people can start using this service to secure their wills.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Allowing Certain Items at School Graduation

The bill allows a preschool, public school, or public college or university student to wear and display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony. The bill prohibits a preschool, school, or public college or university from restricting what a student may wear under the student's required graduation attire. The bill allows a preschool, school, or public college or university to prohibit a student from wearing or displaying an item that is likely to cause substantial disruption of, or material interference with, a graduation ceremony, but the prohibition must be the least restrictive means necessary to accomplish a specifically identified important government interest. Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, the bill requires a preschool, school, and public college or university to develop and adopt a policy that aligns with the requirements of this bill. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

House of Representatives Committees of Reference

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

General Assembly Positions & Salary Ranges

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Committee Oversight Responsibilities

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Senate Officers & Employees

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Methods to Increase the Use of Transit

Senate Bill 24-032 aims to improve public transportation in Colorado by creating a committee that will develop and implement a statewide transit pass. The bill also combines existing programs into the Zero Fare Transit Grant Program, which provides grants for free or reduced-cost transit services during ozone season and year-round for youth under 19 years old. Additionally, it allows regional transportation authorities to collect more revenue from visitor taxes to support these initiatives. The bill was signed by the governor on May 16, 2024, and is now in effect, meaning that the programs described will start being implemented soon.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · Senate

Senior Housing Income Tax Credit

House Bill 24-1052, also known as the Senior Housing Income Tax Credit, provides tax relief for older adults in Colorado. It reinstates a refundable income tax credit for individuals aged 65 and over who meet certain income requirements but do not qualify for other property tax exemptions. The credit amounts vary based on filing status and income levels, with reductions for higher incomes. For example, a single filer can receive up to $800 if their federal adjusted gross income is $25,000 or less. This bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning seniors who file taxes in 2025 will be eligible for this credit.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Purple Star School Program

House Bill 24-1076, also known as the Purple Star School Program, aims to support military-connected students and their families in Colorado by designating schools that provide special services and supports. Schools can apply for this designation if they meet certain criteria, such as having a staff member dedicated to helping military families, offering professional development related to military issues, and providing resources on their website. The program will be overseen by the Department of Education, which will create guidelines and a timeline for schools to apply and renew their status every three years. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on May 18, 2024, and it will take effect on August 7, 2024.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Protection of Victims of Sexual Offenses

House Bill 24-1072, titled "Protection of Victims of Sexual Offenses," aims to strengthen protections for victims in sexual assault cases. It does so by making it harder for defendants to introduce evidence about the victim's past sexual behavior or false reporting history, and by prohibiting any mention of a victim’s clothing or hairstyle as proof of consent. The bill also clarifies what evidence can be admitted in court regarding prior false reports of sexual misconduct. This legislation will take effect on July 1, 2024, after being signed into law by the governor. It primarily affects victims and defendants in sexual assault cases, enhancing privacy and reducing victim-blaming tactics during trials.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Insurance Coverage for Provider-Administered Drugs

HB 24-1010 is a Colorado bill that aims to improve insurance coverage for certain drugs used in cancer and life-threatening disease treatments. It stops health insurers from limiting where these drugs can be administered, ensuring patients can choose their preferred provider without facing higher costs or reduced coverage. The bill also mandates that insurers reimburse providers at the same rate they would for other medical services, not pharmacy benefits. However, Governor Polis vetoed this bill on May 17, 2024, which means its provisions will not become law despite being signed and assigned to a committee earlier in the process.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Front Range Passenger Rail District Efficiency

HB 24-1012, known as the Front Range Passenger Rail District Efficiency bill, aims to improve how the front range passenger rail district operates. It updates the rules for annual meetings between the district board and other transportation entities, allowing these meetings to be held online. The bill also clarifies when board members' terms start and end, limits certain advisory members from participating in private discussions about their appointing authority, and changes how decisions are made within the board. This bill was signed by the governor on April 29, 2024, and will take effect on August 7, 2024. It affects the operations of the front range passenger rail district and its stakeholders involved in transportation planning.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

College Textbook Sales Use Tax Exemption

House Bill 24-1018, which has been signed into law, exempts college textbooks from state sales and use taxes starting July 1, 2024. This means that students will no longer have to pay tax when buying textbooks. Counties or cities can choose whether they want to apply this exemption locally as well. The bill is now law and will provide financial relief for students purchasing educational materials.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Streamline Filing Sales & Use Tax Returns

House Bill 24-1041, which has been approved by the Governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, simplifies tax filing for small businesses in Colorado. It allows businesses that collect less than $600 in sales and use taxes per month to file their returns quarterly instead of monthly, reducing their administrative burden. Additionally, it restricts local governments from collecting state-level sales and use taxes from out-of-state retailers unless those retailers choose to do so voluntarily or through a special agreement. The bill also allocates funding for the Department of Revenue to implement these changes.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Mortgage Servicers Disburse Insurance Proceeds

House Bill 24-1011, which has been signed into law and is now effective, requires mortgage servicers to provide borrowers with information about how insurance proceeds will be disbursed if their home is damaged or destroyed. It also mandates that borrowers create a repair or rebuild plan after consulting with a contractor, which the mortgage servicer must approve within 30 days. The bill ensures timely disbursements of insurance funds based on the type of mortgage and whether the borrower is delinquent, and it requires mortgage servicers to hold any excess insurance proceeds in an interest-bearing account until they are disbursed to the borrower. This law affects homeowners with mortgages who need to repair or rebuild their homes after damage or destruction.

Last action: 2024-01-10 · House

Adjournment Sine Die

SJR 23B-001, titled "Adjournment Sine Die," is a bill that marks the formal end of the legislative session without setting a date to reconvene. This means that until a new session starts, the Colorado state legislature will not be considering any new bills or taking up legislative business. Since it has been signed, this adjournment is now official and the current legislative session is concluded.

Last action: 2023-11-20 · Senate

Property Tax Task Force

House Bill 23B-1003 creates a commission in Colorado tasked with studying and proposing long-term solutions for the state's property tax system. This includes looking at ways to protect homeowners from rising taxes while ensuring that local governments and schools can still operate sustainably. The commission, made up of various stakeholders like lawmakers, city officials, school representatives, and business leaders, will meet regularly starting December 2023 through March 2024 to discuss these issues and submit their recommendations by the end of March. This bill is now active and has been approved by the governor, meaning the commission's work can begin immediately to address property tax concerns across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Summer Electronic BenefitsTransfer Program

Senate Bill 23B-002, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program, aims to provide food assistance to low-income students during summer breaks when school meals are not available. The program will be run by Colorado's Department of Human Services in partnership with the federal government and local community organizations. It allocates funds for outreach, training, and technical support to ensure eligible families receive these benefits. The bill was signed into law on November 28, 2023, and is now effective, meaning it is actively being implemented to help qualifying students this summer.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

Identical TABOR Refund

Senate Bill 23B-003 changes how Colorado refunds excess state revenues to its residents. Instead of the previous tiered sales tax refund system for the 2022-23 fiscal year, it now provides an equal refund amount to each eligible individual based on remaining funds after other refunds are given. This means that every qualified person will receive the same refund amount, calculated by dividing the leftover state revenues by the number of people who qualify. The bill was signed into law and took effect on November 20, 2023, meaning Coloradans can expect to see these refunds based on the new rules.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

Property Tax Relief

This Colorado bill, titled "Property Tax Relief," aims to reduce property taxes for various types of properties in 2023. It lowers the assessment value for lodging and nonresidential properties to 25% and for multi-family and residential properties to 6.5%. The bill also establishes a task force to develop a long-term tax structure for Colorado, with a deadline to report back by December 31, 2023. Additionally, it delays some property tax deadlines and waives interest on late payments made within 10 days of receiving the tax statement. Since the status is "signed," these changes are now law and will affect property owners in Colorado starting with the 2023 tax year.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

2023 Property Tax Relief

Senate Bill 23B-001, titled "2023 Property Tax Relief," aims to reduce property taxes for homeowners and multi-family residential properties in Colorado by lowering the valuation rate used to calculate property tax bills. This means that many residents will pay less in property taxes for the 2023 tax year. The state will compensate local governments for any lost revenue due to these reductions, ensuring they can still fund essential services like ambulance districts and fire protection. Additionally, the bill provides $146 million to help school districts cope with reduced property tax revenues. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of November 20, 2023.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

2023 Property Tax Reduction Policy Study

House Bill 23B-1004, which has been signed into law, aims to provide property tax relief for homeowners in Colorado by increasing the amount that can be subtracted from a home's value when calculating property taxes. For the 2023 tax year, this subtraction increases from $15,000 to $115,000, which means lower property tax bills for many residents. Additionally, the bill requires a committee to study and propose long-term solutions for addressing property taxation issues in the state. This change affects homeowners who pay residential property taxes and simplifies some deadlines related to these changes.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Creation Of Tax Code Task Force

House Bill 23B-1006 creates a task force that will study Colorado's tax system and recommend changes aimed at reducing the overall tax burden on citizens while promoting economic growth. The task force, made up of lawmakers and non-lawmakers, must meet regularly starting in June 2024 and submit their findings by June 2025. They aim to simplify the state’s taxes so that only sales and use taxes remain. Since the bill has been signed into law, this task force will officially begin its work as planned.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Expanding 2023 Property Tax Exemptions

This Colorado bill expands property tax exemptions for certain seniors who had to move from their homes due to medical reasons. It allows these seniors to qualify for the senior property tax exemption if they meet specific criteria, such as having previously qualified for an exemption at a former home because of medical necessity and not owning another primary residence since then. Additionally, the bill increases the value cap on exempted property from $200,000 to $350,000 for qualifying seniors, veterans with disabilities, and surviving spouses of such veterans. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect for the 2023 property tax year.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

Matters Related To Tax Relief For Tax Year 2023

House Bill 23B-1005 aims to provide property and income tax relief for the year 2023 in Colorado. It reduces property tax assessments for various types of properties like lodging, commercial, multi-family residential, and single-family homes by lowering their valuation rates. Additionally, it decreases both individual and corporate state income tax rates from 4.40% to 4%. The bill also establishes a task force to develop a long-term tax structure for the state. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect, providing immediate relief to property and business owners across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program

HB 23B-1001 is a Colorado law that sets up a program to help people who are struggling with rent and might be at risk of losing their homes. The program gives grants to tenants whose income is below 80% of the area's median income, covering past due rent, future rent payments, utility bills, and other costs related to preventing eviction or moving to a new home. Nonprofit organizations will manage these grants through an application process run by the state’s division of housing. The program received funding of $30 million and must be used by June 2024; after that, any leftover money goes back to the state treasury. This law is now active since it was signed on November 28, 2023.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Increased Earned Income Tax Credit 2023

HB 23B-1002 increases the Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 25% to 50% of the federal EITC for the 2023 tax year. This means that eligible residents, including those without a valid social security number for employment, can claim a larger credit on their state taxes. The bill also sets aside funds to cover this increase and was signed into law by the governor on November 20, 2023, making it effective immediately. This change will provide more financial support to low- and moderate-income workers in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Increase 2023 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions

House Bill 23B-1007 increases the property tax exemption for owner-occupied homes of qualifying seniors, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Colorado. The bill raises the maximum exempt value from $200,000 to $325,000 for the 2023 property tax year. This means these homeowners will pay less property tax on their houses. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and providing tax relief to eligible residents starting with the 2023 taxes.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Real Property Valuation Cap

Senate Bill 23B-006, also known as the Real Property Valuation Cap, limits how much property values can increase for tax purposes in Colorado. Specifically, it caps the value increase at 6% between 2022 and 2023 for properties that don't have special circumstances causing a higher valuation. This affects homeowners and businesses by potentially lowering their property taxes if their property value would otherwise rise more than 6%. The bill has been signed into law, meaning this cap is now in effect for the specified period.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · Senate

Appropriation For Department Of Treasury

House Bill 23B-1008 allocates $87,910 from the state's general fund to support the Colorado Department of Treasury in managing property tax deferrals for the 2023 property tax year. This funding helps eligible homeowners defer a portion of their property taxes until after they sell or transfer ownership of their home. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective, meaning the department can start using these funds immediately to support this program.

Last action: 2023-11-17 · House

Adjourn Sine Die

SJR 23-010 is a bill that formally adjourns the Colorado state legislative session without setting a specific date for reconvening. This means that the current session has ended, and any pending business will need to be addressed in the next session unless special sessions are called. The bill has been signed into law, which officially concludes this legislative period.

Last action: 2023-05-08 · Senate

Identical Temporary TABOR Refund

House Bill 23-1311 in Colorado changes how excess state revenues are refunded if the state exceeds its spending limit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Instead of the usual methods like property tax relief or tiered sales tax refunds based on income, it proposes an identical refund to all eligible individuals who file taxes. However, this new refund method will only take effect if voters approve Proposition HH in November 2023. If approved, each person filing a single return would get one refund, and those filing jointly could receive two refunds. The bill was signed into law but parts of it won't be active until January 1, 2024, or later depending on the election results.

Last action: 2023-05-06 · House

Notify Governor Of Adjournment

HJR 23-1024 is a bill that requires the Colorado General Assembly to notify the governor when they adjourn, which means ending their session. This affects all members of the legislature and the governor. Since it has been signed, this new rule is now in effect and must be followed by lawmakers whenever they conclude their legislative session.

Last action: 2023-05-06 · House

House Appointment To Independent Ethics Commission

House Bill 23-1006, which has been signed into law, is about appointing members to the Independent Ethics Commission in Colorado. This bill affects how these commissioners are chosen and ensures that there's a fair process for their selection. Since it has been signed, the new rules for appointing commission members are now in effect.

Last action: 2023-05-05 · House

Property Tax Task Force

Senate Bill 23-305 establishes a Property Tax Task Force in Colorado. The task force includes both lawmakers and non-lawmakers who will work together to create a long-term, stable tax system for the state. They must meet regularly starting by July 15, 2023, and submit their findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 1 each year until they decide their goals are met or until November 1, 2026, whichever comes first. Since the bill has been signed into law, this task force will now be formed as planned.

Last action: 2023-05-03 · Senate

Buildings In The Capitol Complex

Senate Bill 23-306 modifies the office space requirements for the Legislative Legal Services within the state capitol complex, allowing it to be located up to a quarter mile from the main capitol building. The bill also requires annual funding and transfers of money to support renovations in the capitol complex, including specific appropriations for capital construction projects. It sets deadlines for moving legislative offices out of certain buildings once renovations are completed and designates new spaces within the capitol annex for legislative use. This bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of June 6, 2023.

Last action: 2023-05-03 · Senate

Property Tax Valuation

Senate Bill 23-304, which has been signed into law in Colorado, updates how property tax assessors value real estate. Starting January 1, 2024, assessors must consider factors like current land use, zoning rules, long-term leases, and legal restrictions when setting property values. Additionally, the bill requires larger counties (with more than 300,000 residents) to implement a new process for handling disputes about property valuations during biennial reassessments. The law also mandates that assessors provide taxpayers with detailed information on how their property's value was determined upon request. This act is now in effect as of August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-05-01 · Senate

Reduce Property Taxes And Voter-approved Revenue Change

Senate Bill 23-303, which was signed into law and will be put to a vote in November 2023, aims to reduce property taxes for certain types of properties by capping the increase in property tax revenue at the rate of inflation. If approved, it would also temporarily lower property valuations for nonresidential and residential properties from 2023 through 2032, creating new subclasses like renewable energy agricultural land and primary residence real property. This bill affects local governments excluding home rule cities and school districts, as well as property owners who could see reduced tax bills if voters approve the measure in November. The law will only take effect if a majority of Colorado voters support it during the upcoming election.

Last action: 2023-05-01 · Senate

Misuse Of Public Safety Answering Point

House Bill 23-1310, which has been signed into law in Colorado, makes it illegal to misuse emergency call centers (PSAPs) by initiating unnecessary calls or providing false information when you know it's wrong. It also prohibits actions that obstruct the work of these centers or harass their staff. The bill allows PSAPs to issue warnings for such behavior and can refer individuals with behavioral health issues to appropriate services. Violators face a fine of up to $100, ensuring that emergency lines remain clear and effective for actual emergencies.

Last action: 2023-04-28 · House

Film Incentive Tax Credit

House Bill 23-1309 changes Colorado's film production incentive program from a cash rebate system to a refundable income tax credit for qualified production companies, but only if there are at least $50 million in excess state revenues that need to be refunded. This new tax credit will apply only for the year 2024 and requires the legislature to set a maximum amount of credits allowed each year. The bill also mandates a review of the program's effectiveness by relevant offices, with results due by February 4, 2025. Governor Polis signed this bill into law on June 5, 2023, and it became effective on August 7, 2023. This change primarily affects film production companies operating in Colorado and aims to support the state's film industry through tax incentives.

Last action: 2023-04-25 · House

Access To Government By Persons With Disabilities

HB 23-1308, titled "Access To Government By Persons With Disabilities," aims to make government processes more accessible for people with disabilities in Colorado. The bill requires state and local public bodies to provide video conferencing options for meetings and caucuses when broadband internet is available, ensures that political parties offer disability-accessible ways for candidates to get on the ballot, and mandates auxiliary aids for members of the General Assembly who need them. It also calls for live streaming of public meetings and posting documents online in a timely manner. Since it has been signed into law, these requirements will gradually be implemented over the next few years, improving accessibility across various government functions.

Last action: 2023-04-25 · House