Colorado 2025 Bills

Limits On Hospital Facility Fees

HB 23-1215, which was recently signed into law in Colorado, aims to limit hospital facility fees that patients have to pay out-of-pocket for preventive health services. Starting July 1, 2024, hospitals and healthcare systems will be prohibited from charging these fees directly to patients who are not covered by insurance for certain preventive care provided in outpatient settings. The bill also requires hospitals to inform patients about any facility fees they charge and mandates a steering committee to study the impact of such fees on Colorado's health-care system. This law affects patients, hospitals, and healthcare providers but exempts some rural and critical access hospitals from these restrictions. It is now active after being signed by the governor on May 30, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-22 · House

Health Facility Patient Information Denied Service

HB 23-1218, which has been signed into law in Colorado, requires certain health-care facilities like hospitals and clinics to report on specific services they do not provide or restrict for non-medical reasons. This includes reproductive health care, LGBTQ+ health care, and end-of-life care. The bill mandates that these facilities create a form detailing the availability of these services and share it with patients and the public. Facilities must update this information if there are changes and could face fines if they do not comply. The law aims to give patients clear information about what services they can expect from different health-care providers, affecting anyone seeking care at covered entities in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-02-22 · House

Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

House Bill 23-1216, also known as the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, requires natural gas companies in Colorado to ensure that service regulators are installed at least 12 inches above ground and protected from blockages. It also mandates a visual inspection of gas meters and regulators every five years by qualified individuals. The bill further clarifies responsibilities for maintaining customer-owned service lines between the meter and the building, ensuring customers receive clear written notice about who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. This bill was signed into law on June 7, 2023, and took effect immediately, meaning natural gas companies must now follow these safety guidelines and clarify ownership responsibilities as outlined in the legislation.

Last action: 2023-02-22 · House

Motor Vehicles Tows And Crime Victims

House Bill 23-1217, which was recently approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires a committee to study situations where cars are towed without permission because they were stolen or their owners became victims of serious crimes. The committee will gather information and make recommendations for new laws to help protect car owners in these difficult circumstances. This bill affects people who might have their vehicles towed under such stressful conditions and aims to provide them with better support and protections moving forward.

Last action: 2023-02-22 · House

Procedure To Apply For Commutation Of Sentence

HB 23-1214 is a Colorado bill that sets up a formal process for people in prison to apply to have their sentences reduced or changed. It creates a new position called an executive clemency representative who will help manage the application process and gather information from prosecutors and victims. The bill also lists factors the board can consider when reviewing these applications, but ultimately it's the governor’s decision whether to approve them. However, Governor Polis vetoed this bill on May 16, 2023, which means its provisions will not be implemented despite being signed into law initially.

Last action: 2023-02-22 · House

Board Of Nursing Regulate Certified Midwives

Senate Bill 23-167, which has been signed into law by the governor, allows certified midwives who meet certain requirements to obtain a license from the state Board of Nursing starting July 1, 2024. This means that individuals with certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board can practice as licensed certified midwives in Colorado after paying fees and passing background checks. The bill also adds a new member to the board who is either a certified midwife or an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in midwifery, effective immediately upon signing. This change will help regulate midwifery practices more formally under nursing regulations and provide better oversight for patient safety.

Last action: 2023-02-21 · Senate

Promotion Of Apprenticeships

House Bill 23-1212, titled "Promotion of Apprenticeships," aims to increase awareness about apprenticeship programs among high school students in Colorado. The bill establishes a two-year pilot program with full-time navigators assigned to specific school districts to help promote these opportunities. It also requires the creation of an online job board for apprenticeships and updates career planning tools to include more information on apprenticeships. The program will cost $342,638 from the general fund and is set to end in 2027. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law, and it went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-21 · House

Stop The Bleed School Training And Kits

House Bill 23-1213, also known as the "Stop The Bleed School Training And Kits" bill, requires Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment to provide training materials and emergency bleeding control kits to K-12 schools that choose to participate. This initiative aims to train school staff and students in basic first aid techniques for severe bleeding incidents. The bill also mandates the department to report on the number of participating schools, trained individuals, and distributed kits annually from 2024 through 2026. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on May 15, 2023, making it effective immediately.

Last action: 2023-02-21 · House

Collect Data Language Translation Services Special Education

House Bill 23-1211, which has been signed into law in Colorado, requires the state Department of Education to track and report on the use of language translation services for children with disabilities who need Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This means that schools will have to provide data about how often they offer translation services to help parents or guardians who don't speak English well understand their child's IEP. The information collected will be included in the department’s annual report under the "SMART Act." This bill affects families of children with disabilities whose primary language is not English and ensures that these families have access to necessary translation services for special education planning.

Last action: 2023-02-21 · House

Establishment Of A Wildfire Resiliency Code Board

Senate Bill 23-166 establishes a new board in Colorado aimed at making communities more resilient to wildfires. The board will create and enforce building codes and standards that help reduce the risk of fires, focusing on areas where homes are built near forests or wildlands. This includes setting rules for how buildings should be constructed and maintained to better withstand wildfires. The bill requires local governments to adopt these new safety measures within three months after they're set by the board. It also allocates funds to support this initiative. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect as of May 12, 2023, and will impact areas at risk for wildfires across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · Senate

Sunset Process Sex Offender Management Board

Senate Bill 23-164 in Colorado updates the Sex Offender Management Board by extending its operation until September 1, 2028. It clarifies that supervising officers must follow specific guidelines and directs agencies to collaborate with the board to ensure compliance. The bill also expands treatment options for sex offenders by requiring a complete list of approved providers who can address their specific needs, especially those with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, it mandates regular reviews of treatment providers and updates definitions related to sex offenders. The bill was signed into law on June 5, 2023, and is now in effect, providing more structured oversight and support for managing sex offenders in the state.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · Senate

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officers Classified As State Troopers

Senate Bill 23-163 changes the classification of wildlife and parks officers employed by Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife division since January 1, 2011, to state trooper status. This change affects their retirement benefits under the Public Employees' Retirement Association. The bill also allocates funds from specific cash reserves for wildlife and park operations. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law on June 6, 2023, making it effective immediately on that date.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · Senate

Carbon Management

HB 23-1210, also known as the Carbon Management bill in Colorado, aims to support projects that reduce or capture carbon dioxide by making them eligible for clean air grants. This includes activities like capturing and storing carbon but excludes agricultural, forestry, and oil recovery projects. The bill requires state agencies to work together with an external organization to create a roadmap for implementing these carbon management strategies across various industries in Colorado. Public input will be sought before finalizing the plan, which will then be presented to lawmakers for further action. This bill was signed into law by the governor on May 22, 2023, and went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · House

Stipends For National Board-certified Educators

House Bill 23-1207, which has been signed into law in Colorado, expands financial support for educators with national board certification. It increases the annual stipend from $1,600 to qualified librarians and school social workers who are employed by local education providers. Additionally, it extends an extra $3,200 stipend to these professionals if they work in low-performing or high-need schools, rural districts, or as math teachers anywhere in the state. This bill aims to retain highly skilled educators in challenging educational environments and specific subject areas like mathematics.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · House

Analyze Statewide Publicly Financed Health-care

House Bill 23-1209, which has been signed into law, requires the Colorado School of Public Health to study and analyze model legislation for a universal health-care system in Colorado that would be publicly financed but privately delivered. This means the school will look at how such a system could work and report their findings by December 1, 2023, and again on October 1, 2024. The bill also sets up a task force to help guide this analysis, involving various state officials and experts. This law affects anyone interested in Colorado's health-care policies and systems, as it could lead to significant changes in how health care is financed and delivered in the state.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · House

County Sheriffs And District Attorneys

HB 23-1206, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, requires county sheriffs in populous counties (with at least 25,000 residents) to have a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field. The bill also changes how candidates for sheriff and district attorney are nominated, removing them from the primary process and prohibiting employees of these offices from engaging in certain political activities while on duty. This includes not displaying political paraphernalia, soliciting money for campaigns, making endorsements, or using their position to influence others' views. Violators can face fines up to $1,000 and may be dismissed from their positions.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · House

Sunset Division Of Racing And Racing Commission

Senate Bill 23-165, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, extends the operations of the Colorado racing commission and the division of racing events until September 1, 2032. It also updates some definitions related to in-state simulcast facilities and removes redundant inspection requirements for greyhound kennels that are already covered by the department of agriculture. This bill affects the horse racing industry and animal welfare regulations in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, these changes will be implemented starting August 7th.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · Senate

Income Tax Credit For Eligible Teachers

House Bill 23-1208, which has been signed into law in Colorado, provides a refundable state income tax credit of up to $1,000 for full-time licensed teachers and $500 for those employed half-time, to help cover the costs they incur for classroom supplies and professional development. This benefit is available to eligible teachers who work in public schools on a full-time basis for at least half an academic year, starting from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026. The law aims to support educators by reducing their financial burden related to teaching expenses and enhancing the quality of education they provide.

Last action: 2023-02-17 · House

Sunset Continue Community Crime Victims Grant Program

Senate Bill 23-160 extends the Community Crime Victims Grant Program for five more years, from September 1, 2023, to September 1, 2028. This program provides grants to help victims of crime and requires a review before it ends in 2028. The bill also allows money meant for this program in the current fiscal year to be used in the next one if needed. It was signed into law by the governor on May 17, 2023, and became effective on August 7, 2023. This means that the grant program will continue to support crime victims until at least 2028.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Health Equity Commission

Senate Bill 23-151 extends the lifespan of the Health Equity Commission in Colorado. Originally set to end on September 1, 2023, this bill pushes its expiration date to September 1, 2029, giving the commission more time to work towards health equity. The bill was approved by the governor and is now effective as of August 7, 2023. This means the commission will continue its efforts to address health disparities in Colorado for at least another six years.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Recovery Residence Discharge Policy

House Bill 23-1204, also known as the Recovery Residence Discharge Policy, changes how recovery homes for people overcoming addiction are regulated in Colorado. Instead of being overseen by the Department of Public Health and Environment, these residences will now be managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill requires recovery homes to have clear rules and plans for clients who might relapse or violate house policies, including procedures for transferring or discharging residents under specific circumstances. It also mandates that recovery homes provide support services and referrals when a client is discharged. This law was signed into effect by the governor on May 1, 2023, and will officially take action starting August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · House

Authorized Representatives for Pediatric Clients

House Bill 23-1203, which has been signed into law, allows parents or guardians of minor children in home- or community-based programs to act as both the child’s authorized representative and attendant. This means that a parent or guardian can make decisions on behalf of their child while also providing care directly. The bill affects families with children enrolled in these specific programs and simplifies the roles by combining them under one person, typically the parent or guardian. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · House

Sunset Continue Veterans One-stop Center

Senate Bill 23-154 extends the operation of a veterans support center in Grand Junction, Colorado, for another seven years until September 1, 2030. It also changes the name of the center to "Western Region One Source" and requires the division of veterans affairs to develop procedures by December 31, 2023, to assess how well the center is functioning. The bill has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023. This means that the center will continue its services for veterans in the western region with a formal evaluation process now in place to ensure it meets the needs of those it serves.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Overdose Prevention Center Authorization

House Bill 23-1202, also known as the Overdose Prevention Center Authorization bill, allows cities in Colorado to establish overdose prevention centers. These centers aim to save lives by providing a safe space where people can use drugs under medical supervision and receive help if they experience an overdose. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that cities now have the legal permission to set up these life-saving facilities for individuals at risk of drug overdoses.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · House

Memorialize Senator John (Jack) Taylor

Senate Joint Memorial 23-002 is a bill that honors Senator John (Jack) Taylor, likely recognizing his contributions and legacy. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been officially approved and signed into effect, meaning it serves as an official tribute to him. This memorial does not have any legal implications but rather pays respect to Senator Taylor's service and impact.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Increase Access To Pharmacy Services

Senate Bill 23-162, titled "Increase Access To Pharmacy Services," aims to enhance pharmacy services in Colorado by allowing pharmacy technicians to perform more tasks under the supervision of pharmacists. The bill also requires that most pharmacy technicians be certified and allows pharmacists to supervise up to eight technicians instead of six in certain settings. Additionally, it permits reimbursement for vaccine administration to children through Medicaid when pharmacies are enrolled with the CDC's Vaccines for Children program. This bill was signed by the governor on May 4, 2023, and will take effect on August 7, 2023. The new rules primarily affect pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and families seeking vaccine services for children under Medicaid.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Colorado Commission On Criminal And Juvenile Justice

Senate Bill 23-158, which has been signed into law, extends the existence of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice until September 1, 2024. The bill updates the commission's membership by adding new members who specialize in behavioral health and criminal justice education, while also changing some existing roles to better represent community corrections and treatment providers. It requires the division of criminal justice to provide Spanish language translation services for meetings and documents, ensuring more accessibility for non-English speakers. This bill affects anyone involved with or interested in Colorado's criminal and juvenile justice systems, as it aims to improve communication and representation within these areas.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Continue Custom Processing Meat Animals

Senate Bill 23-152, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, extends for nine years a law that regulates custom meat processing in Colorado. It also updates some rules by removing outdated sections about poultry labeling requirements, simplifies penalty structures for violations (changing certain misdemeanor offenses to petty offenses), and ensures fines collected go into the state's general fund. This bill affects businesses involved in custom meat processing and individuals who might violate its regulations.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council

Senate Bill 23-159 extends the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council's operation until September 1, 2026, and adds a food bank representative as a new member. It also changes how members are appointed by requiring the governor and legislative leaders to appoint specific numbers of council members. The bill updates the council’s duties to include researching best practices for improving Colorado’s food distribution systems and supporting agricultural producers. Additionally, it requires the council to report annually on its activities and planned work while accepting public comments. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, the bill allocates $151,068 from the general fund to support the council's operations. The governor signed this bill into law, and it became effective on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Financing To Purchase Firefighting Aircraft

Senate Bill 23-161, which has been approved and is now in effect, allocates $26 million from the state's general fund to purchase a specialized fire-fighting helicopter called a Fire Hawk. This helicopter will be used by Colorado’s firefighting agencies to help combat wildfires and other emergencies. The bill was signed into law on May 12, 2023, meaning that the funds have been officially transferred and the process of acquiring the aircraft can begin.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Offender Reentry And Education Programs

Senate Bill 23-157, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, extends support for programs that help people reenter society after being incarcerated until September 1, 2028. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to monitor how well these programs prevent former inmates from returning to prison and to report their findings to state lawmakers. This affects individuals who have been released from prison and are participating in reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Private Letter Ruling And Information Letter

Senate Bill 23-156, which has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, continues the practice of the Colorado Department of Revenue issuing private letter rulings and information letters. These documents provide guidance to taxpayers about specific tax issues. The bill also allows for extensions beyond a standard 90-day deadline if both the taxpayer and the department agree. Additionally, it allocates $53,644 from the Private Letter Ruling Fund to support these services in the upcoming fiscal year. This means that taxpayers will continue to receive detailed guidance on tax matters without interruption.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Sunset Continue Nursing Home Administrators

Senate Bill 23-155 extends the regulation of nursing home administrators in Colorado for another five years until September 2028. It also allows the board overseeing these administrators to take disciplinary actions if they don't respond to complaints and simplifies how warning letters are sent by removing the requirement for certified mail. Starting January 1, 2024, nursing home administrators will need to undergo a background check through the state’s adult protective services system to ensure they haven’t mistreated vulnerable adults in the past. The bill has been signed into law and parts of it are already effective as of June 2, 2023, with additional provisions taking effect on January 1, 2024.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Office Of Judicial Ombudsman

HB 23-1205 establishes an independent office called the Office of Judicial Ombudsman in Colorado. The ombudsman's job is to help people who have complaints about judges or judicial processes, ensuring their concerns are heard and handled properly while keeping their identities confidential unless they agree otherwise. This new office will be overseen by a selection board that will appoint the ombudsman and ensure the office operates effectively and ethically. The bill has been signed into law and took effect on June 7, 2023, meaning it is now active and being implemented in Colorado's judicial system.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · House

Sunset Revised Uniform Law On Notarial Acts

Senate Bill 23-153 extends Colorado’s Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts for nine more years until September 1, 2032. It removes the need for notary public certificates to include expiration dates and allows notaries to charge up to $15 per document they certify, instead of the previous limit of $5. The bill also sets rules for using interpreters in notarial acts and limits liability for errors made by these interpreters. Some parts of the bill took effect immediately when signed by the governor on May 17, 2023, while other provisions will start on September 1, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-15 · Senate

Forensic Medical Evidence Process Improvements

HB 23-1199, titled "Forensic Medical Evidence Process Improvements," aims to help victims of sexual assault by creating a statewide system that allows them to track the status of evidence collected after an assault. This includes providing information on how evidence is handled and stored, as well as contact details for support services. The bill also updates a program that helps cover medical expenses related to sexual assaults, allowing law enforcement agencies to request reimbursement for collecting forensic evidence. It was signed into law by Governor Polis on May 25, 2023, and took effect immediately on the same day. This means that victims can now use this new system to monitor their case progress and access necessary resources more easily.

Last action: 2023-02-14 · House

Prescription Drug Benefits Contract Term Requirements

HB 23-1201, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to ensure that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health insurance carriers do not charge more for prescription drugs than what they pay pharmacies. This means if a PBM or carrier pays $50 to a pharmacy for a drug, they cannot charge the patient more than $50 for it. The bill also requires PBMs and carriers to be transparent about their prescription drug benefits and allows insurance commissioners to audit these companies to make sure they comply with the new rules. This law will affect both individual health plans and group health benefit plans starting in 2025, ensuring that patients pay fair prices for their medications.

Last action: 2023-02-14 · House

Improved Outcomes Persons Behavioral Health

House Bill 23-1200, which was approved by the governor and is now in effect, aims to improve access to behavioral health services for Medicaid recipients. It requires managed care entities (MCEs) to create special agreements with healthcare providers when there's a lack of network coverage for necessary mental health or substance abuse treatments. This ensures that people who need these services can get them even if their regular provider isn't in the MCE’s network. The bill directly benefits Medicaid members seeking behavioral health care and was signed into law on June 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-14 · House

Automated Pharmacy Dispensing System

HB 23-1195, also known as the Automated Pharmacy Dispensing System bill, allows pharmacies in Colorado to use automated machines for dispensing prescription medications (excluding controlled substances) directly to patients. The law requires these systems to be registered with the state and supervised by a pharmacist, ensuring patient safety and privacy. It also mandates that the machines are secure and accessible to people with disabilities. This bill was signed into law on May 1, 2023, and will take effect on August 7, 2023. Once effective, pharmacies can start using these automated systems to make prescription pickup more convenient for patients while maintaining safety standards.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · House

Require Labeling Disposable Wipes

Starting December 31, 2023, a new Colorado law requires manufacturers and sellers of premoistened, nonwoven disposable wipes (like baby wipes or cleaning cloths) to clearly label their packages with "Do Not Flush." This rule applies to anyone who makes or sells these products in the state. Violating this labeling requirement is considered deceptive under consumer protection laws. The law was signed by the governor and took effect on August 7, 2023, meaning it's now enforceable and companies must comply with the new labeling rules going forward.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · Senate

Stakeholder Process For Oversight Of Host Home Providers

House Bill 23-1197 requires the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to work with various stakeholders, including individuals who receive long-term care services, to address issues related to host home providers. The bill mandates a report by January 2025 detailing any concerns found and solutions proposed during these discussions. It also allocates $75,000 from the state budget and anticipates additional federal funding for this process. The governor signed the bill into law on May 30, 2023, making it effective immediately.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · House

Teacher Externship Program For Science Technology Engineering And Math Disciplines

HB 23-1198, also known as the Teacher Externship Program for STEM Disciplines, aims to help K-12 public school teachers in Colorado gain practical experience and expand their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Employment to create a program that provides work-based learning opportunities for these teachers, allowing them to apply what they learn for professional development credits. It also allocates funding to support teacher compensation during externships and reports on the program's progress annually. The program starts in January 2024 and will end in September 2025. Governor Polis signed this bill into law on May 22, 2023, making it effective from August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · House

Closed Landfills Remediation Local Governments Grants

House Bill 23-1194, which has been signed into law, establishes a grant program to help local governments in Colorado pay for cleaning up and managing closed landfills. The state will provide $15 million from its general fund to support this effort starting in the fiscal year 2023-2024. This money will be used to award grants to local governments that need assistance with environmental cleanup at old landfill sites. The program is set to run until September 1, 2033, after which it will undergo a review to decide if it should continue.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · House

Remedies At Law For Violating Colorado Youth Act

House Bill 23-1196, which has been signed into law and will take effect on July 1, 2023, updates the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971. It allows parents or guardians to sue employers for damages if their child is injured while working hours that violate state labor laws or doing work that is prohibited by those laws. This means that in addition to workers' compensation, families can seek additional legal remedies when a minor worker gets hurt due to illegal employment practices. The law ensures that any economic damages awarded will be reduced by the amount already covered through workers' compensation.

Last action: 2023-02-13 · House

Employer Assistance For Home Purchase Tax Credit

HB 23-1189, which has been signed into law, introduces a state income tax credit for employers who help their employees purchase primary residences. Starting in January 2024, eligible employers can receive a tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee each year when they contribute money towards an employee's down payment or closing costs on a home purchase. The law benefits both employers and employees by offering financial incentives for home buying assistance, but the credit is not refundable and has a cap. It will take effect on August 7, 2023, meaning that employers can start planning to offer this benefit in early 2024.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · House

Voluntary American Citizenship Notation On State IDs

HB 23-1193 is a Colorado bill that allows people applying for or renewing their driver's license or state ID card to voluntarily add a "USA" notation if they can prove they are U.S. citizens. This notation will appear on their identification and any future renewals unless the person asks for it to be removed. The Department of Revenue may charge a fee to cover the costs associated with adding this information. Since the bill has been signed, it will go into effect starting January 1, 2024, giving citizens the option to highlight their U.S. citizenship on official state IDs.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · House

Additional Protections In Consumer Code

House Bill 23-1192, which has been signed into law in Colorado, extends the period during which businesses cannot engage in price gouging after a disaster declaration from 180 days to the end of all declarations related to that disaster. It also updates and strengthens the state's antitrust laws by increasing penalties for violations up to $1 million per violation and allowing the attorney general more authority to investigate and take action against unfair business practices. This bill affects consumers and businesses, particularly those operating during emergencies or engaging in competitive market activities. Since it has been signed into law and is now effective, these new protections are already in place to safeguard Colorado residents from price gouging and anticompetitive behavior.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · House

Affordable Housing Right Of First Refusal

HB 23-1190, known as the Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal Act, gives local governments in Colorado a chance to buy multifamily rental properties (with at least 15 units in urban areas or 5 units elsewhere) before they are sold to others. This allows cities and towns to ensure these buildings remain affordable for long-term housing. However, Governor Polis vetoed the bill on June 6, 2023, which means it did not become law despite being passed by the legislature.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · House

Prohibit Corporal Punishment Of Children

House Bill 23-1191 bans the use of corporal punishment on children in settings like public schools, licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and specialized group facilities. Corporal punishment is defined as causing physical pain intentionally. The bill was signed into law by the governor on April 20, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day. This means that anyone working in or volunteering at these institutions cannot physically punish children anymore.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · House

Higher Education Student Financial Aid For Youth Mentors

Senate Bill 23-149, titled "Higher Education Student Financial Aid For Youth Mentors," creates a pilot program that provides financial assistance for students who mentor youth through approved organizations. These students will receive help with tuition and other costs at public colleges in Colorado. The bill was signed into law by the governor on June 6, 2023, and it became effective on August 7, 2023. This means that eligible mentors can now apply for financial aid to support their higher education starting this fall.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · Senate