Colorado 2025 Bills

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

Illegal Drug Laboratory Property And Certification

Senate Bill 23-148, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023, requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to maintain a public database listing buildings that have been used as illegal methamphetamine labs. The department must remove properties from this list five years after they are decontaminated and inform the public about their status. Law enforcement agencies and industrial hygienists must report any such discoveries to the department, and tenants can now void their leases if a property is not properly remediated after being used for illegal drug production. This law also allocates $74,516 from the general fund to help implement these requirements.

Last action: 2023-02-10 · Senate

United States Space Command

HJR 23-1015 is a bill that establishes the United States Space Command in Colorado. This command will be responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect American interests in space. The bill affects military operations and could bring new jobs and economic benefits to Colorado. Since it has been signed, the establishment of the United States Space Command is now official and operational in the state.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Military Day Commemoration

House Joint Resolution 23-1013, also known as the Military Day Commemoration bill, aims to establish a specific day in honor of military personnel. While the exact date and activities are not detailed here, this resolution is intended to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Colorado's military members. Since it has been signed into law, it means that Colorado now officially commemorates a designated day for its military community each year. This affects all residents but especially honors current and former service members in the state.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Native American Veterans

HJR 23-1011, also known as the Native American Veterans bill, aims to honor and support veterans who are members of Native American tribes in Colorado. This bill recognizes their contributions and seeks to improve services for them. Since it has been signed into law, its provisions are now active and being implemented to benefit these veterans.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Anniversary USS Pueblo

HJR 23-1014 is a bill in Colorado that commemorates the anniversary of the capture of the USS Pueblo, an American naval ship that was seized by North Korea in 1968. The bill aims to recognize this significant historical event and honor those involved. Since it has been signed into law, it means that the state now officially acknowledges the anniversary with a commemoration or observance each year. This affects anyone interested in U.S. history and diplomatic relations, particularly those in Colorado who want to remember this important moment in American naval history.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Seventy-eighth Anniversary World War II

House Joint Resolution 23-1012, which has been signed into law, commemorates the seventy-eighth anniversary of World War II. This resolution honors the contributions and sacrifices made during the war and recognizes its historical significance. It affects all Colorado residents by raising awareness about this important period in history. Since it is signed, it means that the resolution has been officially adopted and recognized by the state government.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Recognizing African-American Veterans

HJR 23-1009 is a bill in Colorado that recognizes and honors the contributions of African-American veterans. It acknowledges their service and sacrifices, aiming to raise awareness about their significant role in U.S. history and military. Since it has been signed, this resolution is now law and serves as an official statement of appreciation for these veterans, though it doesn't create new policies or laws.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Military Day Commemoration

House Joint Resolution 23-1010, which has been signed into law, designates a specific day in Colorado as the state's Military Day. This resolution honors and recognizes the contributions of military personnel and veterans within the state. Since it is now signed, this commemoration will take place annually according to the details outlined in the resolution, affecting all Coloradans but with particular significance for those connected to the military community.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Gold Star Families

HJR 23-1008, also known as the "Gold Star Families" bill, is a resolution that honors families who have lost a loved one while serving in the military. It aims to provide support and recognition for these families by establishing programs and initiatives to help them cope with their loss and acknowledging their sacrifice publicly. Since it has been signed into law, this resolution is now active and its provisions are being implemented to benefit Gold Star Families in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Military Appreciation Day

HJR 23-1016, also known as Military Appreciation Day, is a bill that establishes an annual day in Colorado dedicated to recognizing and honoring the state’s military members and veterans. This day will provide opportunities for communities across Colorado to show their gratitude towards those who serve or have served in the military. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that Military Appreciation Day is now officially recognized by the state of Colorado, and events can begin to be organized accordingly.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

10th Mountain Division

HJR 23-1017, also known as the "10th Mountain Division" bill, honors the historical contributions of the 10th Mountain Division, a U.S. Army unit that trained in Colorado and played a significant role in World War II. The bill aims to recognize and celebrate this military division's impact on both Colorado and the nation. Since it has been signed into law, its provisions are now officially part of state policy or recognition efforts, though specific actions will depend on how the state chooses to implement these honors.

Last action: 2023-02-09 · House

Court Personnel And Domestic Violence Awareness

HB 23-1178 is a Colorado law that aims to protect children in cases of domestic violence or child abuse by requiring courts to consider expert testimony and evidence about past abuse when making decisions. The law also ensures that courts do not remove children from protective parents just to improve relationships with abusive parties, unless there's scientifically proven treatment available. This bill affects families involved in custody disputes where domestic violence or child abuse is a factor. Since it was signed into law on May 25, 2023, the provisions are now active and courts must follow these guidelines when handling such cases.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Agricultural Products Inspection Cash Fund Reserve

House Bill 23-1179 changes the rules for how much money can be left unused in a fund that pays for agricultural product inspections in Colorado. Instead of limiting leftover funds to 16.5% of what was spent during the year, it now allows up to 50% of the amount spent to remain unspent at the end of the fiscal year. This bill affects how money is managed within this specific fund and has been signed into law by the governor. It will start being enforced on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Cameras On School Buses For Student Safety

HB 23-1177, also known as "Cameras On School Buses For Student Safety," requires all school buses transporting children to have cameras installed by July 1, 2028. These cameras will record vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, helping to ensure student safety. The bill also establishes a grant program managed by the Department of Education to help cover the costs for schools to install these systems. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the requirement and funding mechanism are now official state policy and must be implemented as specified.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Individualized Learning Schools And Programs

HB 23-1188, also known as the Individualized Learning Schools and Programs bill, allows Colorado public and charter schools to offer personalized learning programs. These programs can be tailored to individual student needs and may not follow a traditional classroom schedule. The bill requires these programs to have clear plans for each student's education, regular teacher-student interactions, and progress evaluations. It also ensures that students enrolled in such programs receive the same public funding as those in regular schools starting from 2025-26. Since it has been signed into law, this means that schools can now implement these personalized learning options for students across Colorado.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Stegosaurus State Fossil License Plate

Senate Bill 23-145, also known as the "Stegosaurus State Fossil License Plate" bill, allows Colorado residents to get a special license plate featuring the stegosaurus fossil. To qualify for this plate, drivers must donate money to a nonprofit organization that focuses on educating people about dinosaurs and protecting dinosaur fossils in Colorado. The bill requires an additional $25 fee from applicants, with part of it going towards road maintenance and the rest supporting licensing services. This bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect starting August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · Senate

PERA Defined Contribution Plan School Personnel

House Bill 23-1176, which has been signed into law, allows new school employees hired on or after January 1, 2024, in Colorado to choose a flexible retirement savings plan called the PERA defined contribution plan instead of being automatically enrolled in the traditional pension plan. Under this new option, these employees can decide how much they want to contribute from their salary towards their retirement account, while their employer will contribute an amount equal to 6.5% of their salary and also put in an additional 15% into a defined benefit plan. This change gives school personnel more control over their retirement savings options starting next year.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Guaranteed Asset Protection Agreements

House Bill 23-1181, also known as the Guaranteed Asset Protection Agreements Act, sets rules for GAP agreements in Colorado. These agreements protect car owners from owing money after an accident if their insurance doesn’t cover the full value of their vehicle. The bill limits how much creditors can charge for these agreements and outlines specific conditions that must be met to make them valid. It will take effect on January 1, 2024, meaning that starting next year, GAP agreements in Colorado will have to follow these new rules to protect consumers better.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

County Commissioner Elections

House Bill 23-1180 changes how county commissioners are elected in Colorado counties with a population of at least 70,000. Instead of letting each county choose its own system for electing up to five commissioners, the bill mandates that these larger counties must have exactly five commissioners. At least three of those commissioners will be chosen by voters who live within their specific district, while the remaining two or one can either represent a single district or be elected at large (by all voters in the county). This new system aims to ensure more local representation for residents. The bill has been signed into law and will affect counties that haven't adopted home rule, meaning they won’t have the option to create their own unique governance structures outside of state laws.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings

House Bill 23-1182, also known as the Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Act, requires Colorado courts to provide remote access for the public to watch criminal court proceedings unless certain exceptions apply. These exceptions include when the court lacks necessary technology or if remote observation could compromise safety or trial fairness. The bill mandates that courts post links on their websites for remote viewing and ensures measures are in place to protect confidential communications and comply with sequestration orders. Signed into law by the governor on June 7, 2023, the act will take effect on September 1, 2023, allowing the public greater access to criminal court proceedings via remote means starting then.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Requirements For Recall Elections And Vacancies

House Bill 23-1185 in Colorado updates the rules for recall elections and filling vacant municipal offices. It ensures that when a vacancy occurs, local leaders must either appoint someone or hold a special election within two months to fill the position. For recall elections, it sets clearer guidelines on petition requirements, signature counts, and timelines for filing nomination papers. The bill also specifies how votes are counted if an incumbent isn’t recalled. This bill was signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, meaning these new rules will apply to any relevant elections or vacancies after that date.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Alternatives In Criminal Justice System And Pregnant Persons

House Bill 23-1187, which has been signed into law in Colorado and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to protect pregnant and postpartum individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The bill creates a presumption against detention or incarceration for these individuals unless the court finds that public safety risks are significant enough to outweigh the health risks of pregnancy. It also ensures that if someone is arrested and requests a pregnancy test within 24 hours, their results will remain confidential. This law applies to both adults and juveniles who are pregnant or postpartum, providing them with alternative sentencing options when possible.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Transportation Budget Requirements

House Bill 23-1175, which has been signed into law, requires the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to include detailed cost information in its budget plans. This includes personnel costs like salaries and benefits, facilities costs such as utilities and maintenance, and other expenses for both CDOT headquarters and regional engineering projects. Starting July 1, 2024, CDOT cannot use indirect or construction engineering rates for these listed expenses. The law affects how CDOT manages its budget and reports on spending, ensuring transparency and clear accounting practices.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Remote Participation In Residential Evictions

HB 23-1186, which has been signed into law and will take effect on January 1, 2024, allows people involved in residential eviction cases to participate remotely via video or phone calls. This includes letting defendants file their responses electronically without fees if they can't afford it. The bill also ensures that the court makes reasonable efforts to reconnect anyone who gets disconnected during a remote session and won’t issue default judgments against those unable to connect due to technical issues. It aims to make eviction proceedings more accessible for people with disabilities, language barriers, or financial constraints by providing them with options to participate remotely and file documents electronically.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Retail Delivery Fees

Senate Bill 23-143, also known as the Retail Delivery Fees bill, modifies how retailers handle delivery fees for goods sold in Colorado. Under this new law, retailers can now pay these delivery fees directly on behalf of their customers without adding them to the purchase price or collecting them from buyers. Additionally, small businesses with less than $500,000 in annual sales are exempted from these fees entirely. The bill was signed into law by Governor Polis and took effect on May 4, 2023, meaning that retailers and customers should already be following the new rules regarding retail delivery fees.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · Senate

Low-income Housing Property Tax Exemptions

House Bill 23-1184, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to help more low-income individuals and families by expanding property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing providers. The bill broadens the definition of "low-income" to include a wider range of income levels and allows properties under construction to qualify for these tax breaks until they are sold or transferred. Additionally, it ensures that community land trusts and nonprofit developers can also benefit from similar tax exemptions if their property is used for affordable homeownership projects. This bill will make housing more affordable for those who need it most by reducing the financial burden on organizations that provide low-income housing.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Prescription Drugs For Chronic Pain

Senate Bill 23-144, which has been signed into law and is now effective, allows doctors in Colorado to prescribe stronger pain medications for patients with chronic pain without fear of punishment. This means that healthcare providers can continue or start treatment using higher doses if they believe it's necessary, even if these doses exceed recommended limits, as long as the patient is stable and not experiencing harmful side effects. The law also stops pharmacies, insurance companies, and clinics from refusing to provide prescriptions based solely on dosage limits. This bill helps ensure that chronic pain patients can receive the medication their doctors think they need without unnecessary restrictions.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · Senate

Prior Authorization For Step-therapy Exception

House Bill 23-1183, which has been signed into law and is now effective, aims to streamline the process for doctors to get approval for certain medications that are not part of a standard step therapy plan. This bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to respond within 24 hours if a doctor requests an exception for treating serious or complex medical conditions, providing quicker access to necessary drugs. If more information is needed from the doctor, the department must notify them within 24 hours and give them 72 hours to provide it; otherwise, the request will be denied. Patients also have the right to appeal if their request is turned down. This law affects patients who need specific medications for serious conditions and their healthcare providers.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · House

Colorado Apprenticeship Directory Information

Senate Bill 23-146, also known as the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory Information Act, updates and expands the state's apprenticeship resource directory by requiring more detailed information from registered apprenticeship programs. This includes details about the credentials earned or prepared for through these programs, metrics on program completion rates, wage-related data, and registration specifics. The bill aims to raise awareness of these opportunities by having the Department of Labor and Employment provide annual outreach and technical assistance to promote apprenticeships. It was signed into law by the governor on April 17, 2023, and will take effect on August 7, 2023. This means that starting in August, apprenticeship programs in Colorado will need to submit more comprehensive information about their offerings to help job seekers better understand these opportunities.

Last action: 2023-02-08 · Senate

Information Technology Project Appropriation Process

Senate Bill 23-142 in Colorado requires most state agencies and institutions to submit budget requests for information technology projects to a joint technology committee (JTC) during the budget process. This ensures that these projects are reviewed before receiving funding, with some exceptions for certain departments like law and treasury which can still have their IT project budgets reviewed if requested by another committee. The bill was signed into law on March 3, 2023, and became effective immediately, meaning all agencies must now follow this new process when seeking funds for technology projects.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Legislative Department Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-123 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Legislative Department by reducing the amount of money it receives from the general fund. This change helps balance the overall appropriations act passed in 2022. The bill was signed into law and took effect on February 28, 2023, meaning that the Legislative Department now operates under this new budget allocation.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Fentanyl Study Deadline And Appropriation

Senate Bill 23-140 extends the deadline for Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment to hire an independent group to study House Bill 22-1326, which is related to fentanyl. The original deadline was January 1, 2023, but it has now been pushed back to October 1, 2023. Additionally, the bill allows the department to use funding from the previous fiscal year until June 30, 2025, to cover the costs of this study. The governor signed the bill into law on March 3, 2023, and it is now in effect. This means that the department has more time and financial support to complete the necessary research on fentanyl legislation.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Capital Construction Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-135, titled "Capital Construction Supplemental," adjusts funding for various capital construction projects in Colorado. It increases the total amounts allocated for these projects and extends the time frame during which this money can be used until project completion or a specific fiscal year deadline. The bill was signed into law by the governor on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same date. This means that the changes to funding availability are now in effect for ongoing and future capital construction projects.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Local Affairs Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-124 amends the state budget for the Department of Local Affairs by increasing its funding. This means more money will go to local governments and communities in Colorado, helping them with various projects and initiatives. The bill was approved by the governor on March 3, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day. So, local areas across Colorado are now receiving additional financial support from the state.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Judicial Department Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-120, which has been approved and is now in effect, adjusts the budget for Colorado's judicial system by increasing funding from the general fund and cash funds. This bill affects the state’s courts and other parts of the judicial department, providing them with more financial resources to operate effectively. Since it was signed into law on February 28, 2023, these changes are now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Early Childhood Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-114 adjusts the funding for Colorado's Department of Early Childhood by increasing money from the general fund and adjusting other types of funds. This change aims to support programs like universal preschool, ensuring they have enough resources. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and took effect immediately on that same day, meaning the new funding allocations are now in place for these early childhood programs.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Natural Resources Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-126 increases the funding for the Department of Natural Resources in Colorado. The additional money comes from various sources including the general fund, cash funds, and federal funds. This bill has been signed by the governor and went into effect on February 28, 2023, meaning that the department now has more resources to support its operations and initiatives related to natural resource management.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Public Safety Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-129 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Public Safety by increasing funding from state and federal sources while decreasing previously reappropriated funds. This change affects how money is allocated to ensure the department has the necessary resources to operate effectively. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day, meaning the new budget allocations are now in place for the department's operations.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

State Severance Tax Trust Fund Allocation

Senate Bill 23-139, which has been approved and is now law in Colorado, allows the state government to take up to $10 million from a fund called the severance tax operational fund for the current fiscal year and up to $5 million each year after that to support wildfire prevention efforts. This money can only be used if there's enough left over in the operational fund to cover all necessary programs. The bill helps increase funding for projects aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires, benefiting communities across Colorado by enhancing their ability to prevent and manage fires.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-130 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies by increasing its funding. This means more money from the state’s general fund and cash funds will be allocated to this department, which oversees various regulatory boards and commissions in the state. The bill was signed into law by the governor on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Law Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-122 amends the state budget for the Department of Law by reducing the amount of money allocated to it. This affects how much funding the department can use from different sources, including the general fund and cash funds. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Child Welfare And Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

House Bill 23-1172, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, allows Colorado juvenile courts to make permanent decisions about custody arrangements for children without needing to declare each parent unfit. It also gives these courts the power to change a child's name if they are involved in cases related to dependency or neglect, and it removes the requirement to publish notice of such name changes publicly. This bill affects families dealing with child welfare issues and those involved in juvenile court proceedings.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · House

Department of Labor & Employment Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-121 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment by reducing the total amount of money allocated to it. This includes cutting funds from the general state budget, cash reserves, previously allocated funds, and federal grants. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and took effect immediately on that same day. This means the department will have less funding than originally planned for its operations and programs.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Corrections Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-113 amends the state budget for the Department of Corrections by increasing funding from the general fund and cash funds. This means more money is being allocated to support the operations and programs run by the Colorado Department of Corrections. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day, meaning the additional funding is now in place for the department to use.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Governor, Lt. Governor, & OSPB Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-116 adjusts the budget for the governor's office, lieutenant governor's office, and state planning and budgeting. It increases funding from the general fund and reallocates some funds, while also reducing the amount of money available for broadband deployment initiatives managed by the Colorado Broadband Office within the Governor’s Office of Information Technology. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and took effect immediately on that same day. This means that the changes to funding allocations are now in place and being implemented.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Military Affairs Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-125 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by increasing its funding from the state’s general fund. This means more money will be available for programs and services managed by this department, which supports military members and veterans in Colorado. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Treasury Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-134 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Treasury by increasing its funding. This means more money will be available in both the general fund and cash funds for the department to use. The bill was approved by the governor on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day. So, the changes are already in place and affecting how the Department of Treasury operates with its new budget allocation.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Appropriation To Department of Health Care Policy And Financing For Denver Health

Senate Bill 23-138 provides $5 million in funding from the state's general fund to Denver Health, a major healthcare provider. The money will help support various health care services offered by Denver Health during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This bill has been signed into law and took effect on March 3, 2023, meaning that Denver Health can now receive and use this funding to enhance its operations.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate

Department of Higher Education Supplemental

Senate Bill 23-118 adjusts the funding for Colorado's Department of Higher Education by reducing its general fund and reappropriated funds while increasing cash funds. This change affects how the department is financed, potentially impacting higher education institutions in the state. The bill was signed into law on February 28, 2023, and became effective immediately on that same day.

Last action: 2023-02-06 · Senate