Colorado 2025 Bills

Colorado Veterans' Service-to-career Program

Senate Bill 23-302, the Colorado Veterans' Service-to-career Program, aims to help veterans and other eligible participants by removing a requirement that they use federal funding before accessing state resources. This change allows for more flexible support through skills training, internships, job placements, mentorship, counseling, and additional services funded from various sources. The bill also updates the program's expiration date to July 1, 2024, ensuring it remains active until then. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on June 6, 2023, and it will take effect starting August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-04-25 · Senate

Sexual Assault Awareness Month And Denim Day

House Joint Resolution 23-1023, which has been signed into law, designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 26th as Denim Day in Colorado. This resolution aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote prevention and support for survivors. It affects all residents of Colorado by encouraging community involvement and education on this important issue. Since the bill is signed, it has become official state policy and will guide public awareness efforts throughout the year.

Last action: 2023-04-25 · House

Epinephrine Auto-injectors At Institutions Of Higher Education

Senate Bill 23-299, which has been signed into law and is now effective, requires all institutions of higher education in Colorado to stock epinephrine auto-injectors on campus. This ensures that students and staff who experience severe allergic reactions have access to these life-saving devices. The bill encourages colleges to place the injectors in high-traffic areas like dormitories and dining halls, and it also provides legal immunity for anyone who uses an injector in good faith during an emergency. This law aims to protect individuals from potentially fatal allergic reactions by ensuring that help is readily available on campus.

Last action: 2023-04-24 · Senate

America 250 Colorado 150 Commission

Senate Bill 23-297 increases the membership of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission from 11 to 15 members by adding four more members appointed by the governor. The bill also allocates $500,000 for History Colorado to support the commission's activities in planning events and programs to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state. This funding will be available through fiscal year 2026-27, with any leftover funds going to the Department of Education for similar purposes. The bill has been signed into law by the governor and is now effective as of June 6, 2023.

Last action: 2023-04-24 · Senate

Voting In Presidential Primary Elections

Senate Bill 23-301 in Colorado changes how voters choose their preferred presidential candidates during primary elections. Starting from the 2028 election, instead of picking just one candidate, voters will rank their top five choices. If no candidate gets a majority, the votes for less popular candidates are redistributed to the next choice on each ballot until two finalists remain. This system ensures every vote counts more effectively and includes provisions for military and overseas voters to rank up to five candidates as well. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes will be implemented in future presidential primary elections.

Last action: 2023-04-24 · Senate

Allow Public Hospital Collaboration Agreements

Senate Bill 23-298, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023, allows small public hospitals in Colorado to collaborate with other hospitals by entering into agreements that cover various activities like sharing services, purchasing jointly, and managing clinics. This bill aims to help these smaller hospitals improve their operations without violating antitrust laws, as long as the collaborations don’t harm competition or reduce staff wages. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will review these agreements to ensure they benefit rural communities without causing any negative impacts on market competition.

Last action: 2023-04-24 · Senate

Update Fire And Police Pension Law Cross References

Senate Bill 23-300 is a legislative update that corrects outdated references in the law following a previous bill (House Bill 22-1034) which merged three retirement plans for firefighters and police officers into one statewide plan. This correction ensures that all legal references accurately reflect the new structure of these pension plans, making sure there are no confusing or incorrect links to old laws. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and will help maintain clarity in how fire and police pensions are managed across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-04-24 · Senate

Public Use of Elected Officials' Social Media

House Bill 23-1306, which was recently signed into law by the governor and took effect on June 5, 2023, allows Colorado elected officials to ban individuals from accessing their personal social media accounts if those individuals are bullying, harassing, or intimidating others. This means that elected officials can now manage who interacts with them on private platforms they use personally, not through government funding or legal requirement. The law affects how voters and the public engage with elected officials online but does not apply to official government-run social media accounts.

Last action: 2023-04-21 · House

Juvenile Detention Services And Funding

HB 23-1307 is a Colorado bill that provides $3.34 million in funding for services aimed at helping youth who are detained or might be placed in detention instead of being sent home with support. This includes money to help youth transition from detention, incentives for providers to care for these young people, and funds for temporary emergency beds when regular beds aren't available. The bill also requires courts to appoint guardians for all detained juveniles and mandates the collection and reporting of data related to juvenile detention services. Signed into law on June 7, 2023, this act is now in effect and aims to improve support systems for at-risk youth across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-04-21 · House

Continue Health Benefits In Work-related Death

House Bill 23-1305 changes how Colorado pays for health benefits for the families of police officers and firefighters who die on the job. Previously, only local governments that contributed to a special fund could have their employees' dependents receive one year of medical and dental coverage from this fund after an employee's work-related death. Now, any employer can access this benefit without needing to contribute to the fund. The state will cover these costs by transferring $150,000 each year from its general fund to the special benefits fund until July 2025. This bill was signed into law on June 1, 2023, and is now in effect.

Last action: 2023-04-21 · House

Prevent Harassment And Discrimination In Schools

Senate Bill 23-296, titled "Prevent Harassment And Discrimination In Schools," aims to protect students from harassment and discrimination by clearly defining what constitutes such behavior and requiring schools to have procedures in place for reporting, investigating, and addressing these issues. The bill mandates that public schools provide training on harassment and discrimination to staff and new employees, offer accommodations to affected students, and maintain confidentiality of reports. It also requires schools to inform parents and students about how to report incidents and what support is available. This bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, meaning that all public schools in Colorado must comply with these new requirements starting from this date.

Last action: 2023-04-21 · Senate

Protect Against Insurers' Impairment And Insolvency

House Bill 23-1303, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to protect insurance companies from becoming financially unstable by adjusting how claims are paid when an insurer goes bankrupt. It also includes health maintenance organizations (HMOs) under the Life and Health Insurance Protection Association, making them subject to certain assessments. Additionally, it clarifies that people who buy or sell structured settlement payments won't be covered by this protection association. The law took effect on May 15, 2023, meaning these changes are now in place and affect insurance companies, HMOs, and individuals involved with structured settlements in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-04-20 · House

Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Programs

House Bill 23-1304, also known as Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Programs, updates Colorado's affordable housing initiatives by allowing tribal governments to participate and modifying how certain programs are administered. It also clarifies eligibility criteria for some programs and allows the Office of Economic Development to use a portion of funds for administrative costs. The bill was signed into law on June 5, 2023, and is now effective. This means that tribal communities can now apply for affordable housing funding, and there are clearer guidelines for how these programs will operate moving forward.

Last action: 2023-04-20 · House

Colorado River Drought Task Force

Senate Bill 23-295 establishes a Colorado River Drought Task Force that will work on developing recommendations for state legislation aimed at addressing drought in the Colorado river basin. The task force, which began meeting by July 31, 2023, includes members who are diverse and have experience with water issues. It also requires the creation of a sub-task force to focus specifically on tribal matters related to water conservation. The bill allocates $200,000 for its implementation and mandates that both task forces submit their findings by December 15, 2023. This bill was signed into law on May 20, 2023, and is now effective.

Last action: 2023-04-20 · Senate

75th Anniversary Roundup Riders Of The Rockies

House Resolution 23-1005, also known as the "75th Anniversary Roundup Riders of the Rockies," is a bill that celebrates the 75th anniversary of an event called the Roundup Riders of the Rockies. This resolution honors the history and impact of this annual gathering in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, it means that the state officially recognizes and commemorates this milestone year for the event. The resolution affects anyone involved with or interested in the Roundup Riders of the Rockies celebration.

Last action: 2023-04-20 · House

Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative.

HB 23-1299, known as the Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative, is a Colorado bill that aims to reduce crime and promote community development by providing grants to small businesses and training programs for people involved in the justice system. The initiative allocates $3 million for the fiscal year 2023-24 to fund these efforts, focusing on specific communities like Grand Junction and Trinidad. This program will continue until September 1, 2027, after which it will be reviewed by the state before any decisions are made about its future. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of June 1, 2023, meaning that the allocated funds can start being used to support these crime prevention initiatives.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Increase General Fund Transfers To Capital Construction Fund

Senate Bill 23-294 increases the amount of money transferred from Colorado's general fund to two specific funds. The capital construction fund will receive an additional $14,607,257, bringing its total transfer to $247,968,287. Additionally, the information technology capital account within the same fund will get an extra $3,605,507, making its total transfer $63,913,988. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of June 6, 2023, meaning these increased transfers are already happening.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · Senate

Create Task Force Study Rights Persons Disabilities

House Bill 23-1296 establishes a task force within the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to study and recommend improvements for people with disabilities in areas like laws, outdoor spaces, housing, and government accessibility. The bill sets up four subcommittees focusing on different aspects of disability rights and requires them to submit a final report by January 30, 2025. It also allocates $289,568 from the state budget for this initiative. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective as of May 25, 2023, meaning that the task force can start its work immediately to address issues faced by people with disabilities in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Housing Accessibility

HB 23-1302, also known as the Housing Accessibility Bill in Colorado, aims to improve accessibility standards for new housing developments. It requires that buildings constructed or altered after July 1, 2023, must meet specific accessibility requirements unless an undue hardship is proven by local authorities. The bill also prohibits landlords from refusing reasonable modifications requested by tenants with disabilities at their own expense and mandates accessible features like fire alarms and emergency exits for individuals with disabilities. Signed into law, this means that new housing projects will need to comply with these standards starting in July 2023, ensuring better access for people with disabilities.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Continuous Eligibility Medical Coverage

HB 23-1300, also known as the Continuous Eligibility Medical Coverage bill, aims to study and potentially extend continuous medical coverage for children under three years old and adults recently released from correctional facilities in Colorado. The state health department will seek federal approval by April 1, 2024, to implement these changes by January 1, 2026, if the feasibility study supports it. This bill has been signed into law and is now effective, with funding allocated for its implementation. It affects young children and recently released adults who might benefit from uninterrupted health coverage.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Prohibit Corporation Issuing Scrip In Bearer Form

House Bill 23-1297, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, stops corporations in Colorado from issuing scrip (a type of substitute currency or token) that can be held without identifying the owner. This change aligns with federal law and affects how companies manage their share issuance processes. Once effective, corporations will no longer be able to issue bearer forms of scrip, meaning all shares must have identifiable owners rather than being anonymous tokens.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Earlier Funding For Middle School Lead Testing

House Bill 23-1298 moves up the start date for providing financial help to middle schools that need to test their drinking water for lead. Originally, these schools were supposed to get this funding starting March 15, 2024, but now they can begin receiving it as early as June 1, 2023. This change affects any school serving sixth, seventh, or eighth graders that needs to test their water for lead contamination. The bill has been signed into law and is effective immediately, meaning schools can start getting the funding right away to address potential lead issues in drinking water.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Revisor's Bill

House Bill 23-1301, which has been approved and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to clean up Colorado’s laws by updating or removing outdated, unclear, or ineffective sections. This bill doesn’t change the overall meaning or intent of existing laws but makes them clearer for everyone to understand better. It affects anyone who relies on Colorado state statutes, including legal professionals and citizens looking to interpret the law. The specific changes are detailed in an appendix included with the bill.

Last action: 2023-04-19 · House

Labor Requirements For Energy Sector Construction

Senate Bill 23-292 in Colorado requires public utilities and cooperative electric associations to follow apprenticeship and prevailing wage laws for large energy projects. This means that any project costing $1 million or more, or generating at least one megawatt of power, must pay workers a fair wage and use trained apprentices. The bill applies to projects funded by the state or utility customers and ensures compliance through contract requirements and regular reporting. It also mandates audits by the State Auditor’s office starting in 2029 to ensure these standards are met. This law will take effect on January 1, 2024, after being signed into law by the governor.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Public School Finance

Senate Bill 23-287, which has been approved and is now law in Colorado, increases funding for public schools by raising the base per pupil funding amount. This means more money will go directly into school budgets to help cover costs like inflation. The bill also provides additional funds specifically for rural districts, preschool programs, and replacing Native American mascots with culturally sensitive alternatives. It removes a budget stabilization factor that previously limited how much extra money schools could receive, allowing for more flexibility in spending. This new funding will start affecting Colorado’s public school system immediately, helping to support students and educators across the state.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Natural Medicine Regulation And Legalization

Senate Bill 23-290, also known as the Natural Medicine Regulation and Legalization Act, establishes a regulatory framework for natural medicine in Colorado. It creates licensing requirements for businesses involved in cultivating, manufacturing, testing, distributing, and dispensing natural medicines, and sets up an advisory board to provide guidance on these issues. The bill also includes penalties for underage possession or consumption of natural medicine and restricts public consumption. Signed into law by the governor on May 23, 2023, it will take effect on July 1, 2023, meaning that from this date onward, businesses and individuals involved in natural medicine must comply with these new regulations.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Utility Regulation

Senate Bill 23-291, titled "Utility Regulation," is a Colorado law that affects how investor-owned electric and gas utilities operate. It limits the costs these companies can pass on to customers, such as board compensation and lobbying expenses, and requires them to file annual reports detailing their compliance with these restrictions. The bill also mandates rules to protect customers from volatile fuel prices and investigates how new developments impact natural gas infrastructure costs. Signed into law by the governor on May 11, 2023, it became effective August 7, 2023. This means that utilities must now adhere to these regulations when calculating costs and interacting with their customers.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Community First Choice Medicaid Benefit

Senate Bill 23-289, known as the Community First Choice Medicaid Benefit, aims to improve access to home and community-based services for people eligible for Medicaid in Colorado. The bill requires the state's health care department to seek federal approval to offer services like personal care, homemaker support, and emergency response systems to help individuals live independently at home rather than in nursing facilities. This benefits those who are already eligible for Medicaid or meet specific income criteria and need these services to avoid institutional care. The bill was signed into law on May 25, 2023, with some provisions taking effect immediately and others starting July 1, 2025.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Coverage For Doula Services

Senate Bill 23-288, also known as the Coverage for Doula Services bill, aims to improve healthcare support for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid recipients by requiring the state health department to work with stakeholders to promote doula services. The bill establishes a scholarship program to help individuals become certified doulas who will then provide services to those in need. It also mandates an independent study on the costs and benefits of including doula services in health insurance plans. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on May 30, 2023, making it effective immediately. This means that the state is now committed to expanding access to doula support for Medicaid recipients and studying its broader impact on healthcare coverage.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Use Of Student Athlete's Name Image Or Likeness

Senate Bill 23-293, which has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, allows colleges in Colorado (both public and private) to help student athletes earn money from using their names, images, or likenesses, as long as they give permission first. The bill also permits non-profit organizations that don’t operate like schools to pay student athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness. This means that starting in August, Colorado’s student athletes will have more opportunities to earn money from endorsements and sponsorships while respecting their consent.

Last action: 2023-04-18 · Senate

Audits Of Department Of Health Care Policy And Financing Payments To Providers

House Bill 23-1295 requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing in Colorado to regularly publish reports about audits they conduct on healthcare providers, hold training sessions for these providers, and create a group that advises them on audit issues. It also mandates the State Auditor's office to hire an independent reviewer to check if the department’s audit program follows federal rules and state laws, and to explore ways to improve this program using federal guidelines. The bill was signed into law by the governor and took effect on June 1, 2023, meaning these requirements are now in place and the necessary funding has been allocated to implement them.

Last action: 2023-04-17 · House

Energy And Carbon Management Regulation In Colorado

Senate Bill 23-285 in Colorado changes the name of the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, giving it broader authority over energy and carbon management beyond just oil and gas. The bill also updates funding for these new responsibilities and requires the commission to create a website with information about its activities. It specifically addresses regulations for geothermal resources, dividing oversight between the commission and the state engineer based on the depth of operations and type of resource. The bill was signed into law by the governor and went into effect on July 1, 2023.

Last action: 2023-04-17 · Senate

Access To Government Records

Senate Bill 23-286, also known as the "Access To Government Records" bill, updates Colorado's Open Records Act (CORA) by making it easier for people to request and receive digital copies of public records without needing to provide identification. The bill requires government agencies to send digital records in a searchable format via email or another agreed-upon method if requested, unless the record is too large for email. It also ensures that custodians cannot charge fees for digital copies and must accept credit card payments for any associated costs. Additionally, it allows public access to certain sexual harassment complaint records against elected officials under specific conditions. This bill was signed into law on June 6, 2023, and went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-04-17 · Senate

Ensure 12-month Contraception Coverage

Senate Bill 23-284, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires health insurance providers in Colorado to cover a full year's supply of contraception at one time if requested by the patient. This means that people with health insurance can get up to 12 months' worth of birth control at once without additional costs or restrictions like prior authorization. The bill also ensures that over-the-counter contraceptives are covered and available without extra hurdles, making it easier for individuals to manage their reproductive health needs. Insurance companies will need to report annually on how they implement this coverage.

Last action: 2023-04-14 · Senate

Consolidate Colorado Educator Programs In Colorado Department of Education

Senate Bill 23-258 consolidates the oversight of teacher training programs in Colorado under a single department within the state’s education system. It also establishes an advisory committee to provide input on these programs and related issues. The bill allocates funding for this new structure and was signed into law by the governor, taking effect on August 7, 2023. This means that starting from August 7th, all educator preparation programs in Colorado will be reviewed and approved through a unified process managed by the Department of Education.

Last action: 2023-04-14 · Senate

Jury Appreciation Day

Senate Bill 23-282, which has been approved by the governor, designates September 5th of each year as Jury Appreciation Day. This day is meant to honor and recognize the important role that jurors play in the justice system. Importantly, this new holiday won't affect how many paid holidays state employees already receive; it's more symbolic than practical for workers. The bill became effective on August 7, 2023, meaning Jury Appreciation Day will be observed starting September 5, 2023.

Last action: 2023-04-14 · Senate

Mechanisms For Federal Infrastructure Funding

Senate Bill 23-283, which has been approved and is now in effect, aims to help Colorado better utilize federal infrastructure funding. It does so by transferring $84 million from the state's general fund to a special cash fund for infrastructure projects, requiring more frequent reporting on how this money is used, and allowing the Governor’s office to spend up to $5 million specifically on planning for these projects. This bill also extends lease terms for property owned by the Colorado School of Mines up to 99 years from state or federal agencies. The main beneficiaries are state departments involved in infrastructure development and the School of Mines.

Last action: 2023-04-14 · Senate

Enhanced Sentencing Colorado Commission On Criminal And Juvenile Justice Recommendations

House Bill 23-1292, which has been signed into law and will take effect on July 1, 2023, changes how consecutive sentences are handled for people convicted of multiple violent crimes that occur during the same incident. It allows those individuals to petition the court after serving at least two years but no more than five years to have their sentences modified if they show significant steps towards rehabilitation and there are mitigating factors in their case. Additionally, it permits courts to sentence defendants to concurrent sentences for certain violent offenses under specific conditions, such as when the defendant has no prior felony convictions related to victim rights, did not use a firearm or explosives, and did not cause serious injury or death. The bill also allows habitual offenders who have served at least ten years of a 24-year or longer sentence to petition for a reduced sentence if they can demonstrate rehabilitation and pose no current risk to the community.

Last action: 2023-04-13 · House

Felony Sentencing Commission Recommendations

House Bill 23-1293 changes the severity of certain criminal offenses in Colorado by reclassifying some felonies to misdemeanors or adjusting them to different felony levels. It also makes necessary changes to the details of these crimes to match their new classifications. The bill allocates $32,170 from the state's general fund for probation programs and services. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on June 1, 2023, and it will take effect on October 1, 2023. This means that starting in October, people convicted of these offenses will face different penalties according to the new classifications.

Last action: 2023-04-13 · House

Pollution Protection Measures

HB 23-1294, titled "Pollution Protection Measures," aims to strengthen air quality regulations in Colorado. It establishes a committee to study ozone levels and requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to investigate complaints about air pollution violations promptly and thoroughly. The bill also removes exceptions that previously allowed polluters to avoid penalties during startup, shutdown, or malfunction periods. Additionally, it mandates the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to create rules assessing the cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations by April 2024. The bill has been signed into law and is now effective, meaning these new measures are in place to protect air quality and enforce stricter penalties on violators.

Last action: 2023-04-13 · House

Designate April 27 Sportsmen's Day

SJR 23-009 is a bill that designates April 27 as Sportsmen's Day in Colorado. This day celebrates and recognizes the contributions of sportsmen and women who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and will be observed starting from this year.

Last action: 2023-04-13 · Senate

Allocation For Art In Public Places For 2022-23 Fiscal Year

Senate Bill 23-278, which has been approved and is now law in Colorado, allows state agencies and institutions of higher education that receive funding for capital construction projects to use a portion of their budget for art. Originally, these entities were required to spend at least one percent of the state-funded part of their project on acquiring works of art. However, this bill changes that requirement to make it optional just for the 2022-23 fiscal year, allowing them to redirect that money towards other construction costs if they choose not to buy art. This affects how public buildings and universities can allocate funds during specific capital projects. Since the governor signed it into law on June 6, 2023, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2023-04-12 · Senate

Unserialized Firearms And Firearm Components

Senate Bill 23-279 in Colorado makes it illegal to possess or sell unfinished firearm frames or receivers without a serial number starting January 1, 2024. It also bans the possession of firearms that lack serial numbers and restricts manufacturing frames or receivers unless done by a federally licensed manufacturer. The bill requires existing owners of unserialized firearms to get them serialized by January 1, 2024. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the offense's severity and history. This law is now signed into effect, with some parts already active since June 2, 2023, and others taking effect in early 2024.

Last action: 2023-04-12 · Senate

Hazardous Material Mitigation

Senate Bill 23-280, titled "Hazardous Material Mitigation," creates a new fee on fuel product manufacturers in Colorado. Starting October 1, 2023, these companies will pay up to $.006125 per gallon of fuel delivered for sale or use in the state. The collected funds will be used to support grants that help communities and governments improve safety measures related to hazardous materials transportation and emergency responses. Additionally, the bill modifies an existing fee to fund various programs related to hazardous material regulation and environmental protection. This bill was signed into law by the governor on June 6, 2023, and became effective on August 7, 2023. It will be in place until January 1, 2030, when it is set to expire.

Last action: 2023-04-12 · Senate

Limited Transferability Of College Credits Notice

Senate Bill 23-281, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires non-regionally-accredited colleges and universities in Colorado to give new students a detailed enrollment agreement. This agreement must inform students about where they can get credit for their prior learning experiences and warn them that some of the credits earned at these institutions might not be accepted by other colleges or universities. The bill does not apply to private occupational schools. Essentially, it helps protect students from enrolling in programs where their hard-earned credits may not transfer easily to other educational institutions.

Last action: 2023-04-12 · Senate

Water Quality Control Fee-setting By Rule

Senate Bill 23-274, which has been signed into law in Colorado, increases the amount of funds that can be used for managing water systems grants and changes how fees are set for various water-related activities. The bill requires a more balanced commission overseeing water quality to include experts from different fields and limits political party affiliation among its members. It also mandates this commission to establish specific fees by October 31, 2025, for sectors like drinking water systems and wastewater treatment, which will be collected into a new clean water fund starting January 1, 2026. This bill affects public water system operators, industries involved in water management, and the general environment of Colorado's water regulation. The portions of the bill that increase grant funding and modify the commission composition are already effective as of May 17, 2023, while fee implementation begins on January 1, 2026.

Last action: 2023-04-11 · Senate

Modifications To Laws Regarding Elections

Senate Bill 23-276 in Colorado updates several election-related laws. It allows voters to use digital forms of identification and makes it easier for people living on Indian reservations to register to vote. The bill also changes how ballots are distributed to unaffiliated voters, increases funding for elections starting in July 2024, and requires voter service and polling centers to be located on college campuses. Some parts of the bill take effect immediately upon signing by the governor, while others will start in January or July 2024. This means that some changes are already happening, like accepting digital IDs, while other updates, such as increased funding for elections, will begin later next year.

Last action: 2023-04-11 · Senate

Public Safety Programs Extended Uses

Senate Bill 23-277 extends several public safety grant programs in Colorado that were set to expire soon. These include the Crime Prevention Through Safer Streets program, which helps prevent crime; the Law Enforcement Workforce Recruitment and Retention program, which supports law enforcement agencies with training and recruitment efforts; and the State's Mission for Assistance in Recruitment and Training Policing (SMART) program, which aims to increase diversity within police forces. The bill also extends a behavioral health information and data-sharing program until December 30, 2024. This extension means that these programs will continue to receive funding and support from the state, helping local communities with crime prevention, law enforcement training, and mental health services. The bill was signed into law on June 7, 2023, and is now in effect.

Last action: 2023-04-11 · Senate

Colorado Wild Horse Project

Senate Bill 23-275, also known as the Colorado Wild Horse Project, establishes a new nonprofit entity under state ownership to manage and care for wild horses in Colorado. This project will receive funding from the state and can seek additional support through federal grants and donations. It aims to find long-term solutions for managing wild horse populations by implementing fertility control programs and collaborating with various stakeholders including tribes and ranchers. The bill was signed into law on May 20, 2023, meaning it is now active and the project can begin its operations immediately.

Last action: 2023-04-11 · Senate

Memorialize Former Representative Jim Snook

The bill HM 23-1003 is a memorial for former Colorado state representative Jim Snook, honoring his service and contributions. It was passed and signed into law, which means it recognizes Representative Snook's legacy but does not have any legal or policy changes associated with it. This memorial likely includes some form of acknowledgment or tribute to him, affecting those who knew him and the broader community interested in recognizing his work.

Last action: 2023-04-10 · House