Colorado 2025 Bills

Creation Of The Rural Opportunity Office

Senate Bill 23-006 creates the Rural Opportunity Office in Colorado, which will coordinate rural economic development efforts across the state. The office will work with communities that are transitioning from coal-based economies and recommend policies for the governor on how to support rural areas. It also aims to track its success and help ensure more funding goes to rural communities. Starting August 7, 2023, $299,193 will be allocated from the state budget to get this office up and running. The bill has been signed into law by the governor.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Veterans' Cemetery Department of Public Safety Gifts Grants Donations

House Bill 23-1053, which has been signed into law and is now effective, allows the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Veterans Affairs in Colorado to accept and use gifts, grants, and donations for various purposes. This means that these departments can now receive financial support from external sources and spend it as needed to help veterans and support public safety initiatives. The bill does not change existing programs within these departments that already have this authority but adds new flexibility for future funding opportunities.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Remedies Persons With Disabilities

House Bill 23-1032, which has been approved and is now in effect, makes it easier for people with disabilities to take legal action against discrimination. It allows individuals with disabilities to sue without first going through all the initial steps that other plaintiffs must follow when facing discrimination in places like restaurants or stores, housing, or employment. The bill also ensures that people with disabilities cannot be excluded from using services and programs provided by public accommodations and requires courts to order violators to comply with laws protecting against disability discrimination, along with providing monetary compensation.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Timber Industry Incentives

HB 23-1018, also known as the Timber Industry Incentives bill, aims to support Colorado's timber and forest health industries by providing financial assistance. It offers partial reimbursement for hiring interns and allows businesses in these sectors to claim a tax credit of up to 20% for purchasing equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure, with a yearly limit of $10,000. This bill benefits companies involved in forestry, logging, timber trade, wood production, and wildfire mitigation activities by helping them manage costs and recruit talent from underrepresented communities. Since the bill has been signed into law, these incentives are now available to eligible businesses starting January 1, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Admissibility Standards For Juvenile Statements

HB 23-1042, which has been signed into law in Colorado, makes it harder for statements made by juveniles during police interrogations to be used against them if the police lied or misled the juvenile. The law requires that all such interrogations of minors be recorded electronically and mandates training for officers on how to properly conduct these interviews without using deceit. This new rule will take effect on August 7, 2023, protecting juveniles from having their statements admitted in court if they were obtained under false pretenses. Law enforcement agencies will receive funding to help cover the costs of implementing this change and training officers accordingly.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Family Time For Grandparents

House Bill 23-1026, also known as "Family Time for Grandparents," allows grandparents or great-grandparents to ask a court for permission to spend time with their grandchildren when there has been a custody dispute. The bill ensures that a child's legal interests are represented in these cases and assumes that parents know what’s best for their children unless the grandparent can prove otherwise using strong evidence. This law changes how we refer to grandparents' rights from "visitation" to "family time." It was signed by the governor on May 23, 2023, and will take effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Relative And Kin Placement Of A Child

HB 23-1024, titled "Relative And Kin Placement Of A Child," is a Colorado law that aims to prioritize placing children with relatives or close family friends when they need foster care. This bill allows relatives who want to take in a child to appeal if their request is denied and ensures the Department of Human Services helps them overcome financial barriers. It also requires courts to consider relative placements as beneficial for the child unless it would harm the child's well-being or delay reunification with their biological family. The law took effect on August 7, 2023, after being signed by the governor. This means that starting from this date, these new rules will guide decisions about where children go when they can't stay at home.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Juvenile Competency To Proceed

House Bill 23-1012, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to improve how Colorado handles juvenile competency in legal proceedings. It allows various parties involved in a case, such as lawyers, judges, and social workers, to share information about evaluations that determine whether a young person can understand court procedures and participate effectively. The bill also sets guidelines for dismissing charges if a juvenile is found incompetent and unlikely to regain competence soon. This measure will affect juveniles involved in legal proceedings and the professionals who work with them. With funding allocated, it supports necessary services and ensures fair treatment of minors in the justice system.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Committee Oversight Responsibilities

HJR 23-1002, titled "Committee Oversight Responsibilities," is a bill that outlines the duties and responsibilities of committees in the Colorado legislature. It ensures that these groups effectively oversee and review legislation and policies within their jurisdiction. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the new rules for committee oversight are now official and must be followed by legislative committees in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Canvass Of Votes

HJR 23-1001, also known as the "Canvass of Votes," is a bill that outlines how election officials in Colorado should count and verify votes after an election. It affects anyone involved in the electoral process, including voters, candidates, and election workers. Since the bill has been signed, it means that the procedures described in the bill are now official state law and must be followed during elections.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

State Of The Judiciary

HJR 23-1004, titled "State of the Judiciary," is a bill that aims to provide an annual report from the Colorado judiciary about its operations and needs. This report will help lawmakers understand the state of courts and any necessary improvements or funding requirements. Since it has been signed into law, it means that Colorado now requires these yearly updates from the judicial branch, affecting how the court system operates and interacts with the legislature.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Temp Tax Credit For Public Service Retirees

House Bill 23-1016, which has been signed into law, provides an income tax credit for public service retirees in Colorado who are at least 55 years old and living in the state full-time. This temporary benefit applies to those retiring from a Colorado public pension plan or a local government’s public pension plan, and it is available for tax years starting January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. The law aims to help these retirees by reducing their state income taxes during this two-year period.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Colorado Adult High School Program

Senate Bill 23-003, also known as the Colorado Adult High School Program, aims to help adults aged 21 and older who don't have a high school diploma by providing them with free education to earn their diplomas. The bill requires a nonprofit organization to run this program, offering both in-person and online classes along with career certificates and college credits at no cost. It also includes support services like life coaching and on-site childcare. The program will be closely monitored through regular reports to ensure its effectiveness and inclusivity for all students, regardless of their background or immigration status. This bill was signed into law by the governor on June 6, 2023, and is now active.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Measures To Expand Postconviction DNA Testing

House Bill 23-1034, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on October 1, 2023, expands access to postconviction DNA testing in Colorado. This means that more people who have been convicted of a felony or found not guilty by reason of insanity can now request DNA tests to prove their innocence, including those currently incarcerated, on parole, probation, or even after completing their sentences. If the new DNA test results are favorable and show a reasonable probability that the person would not have been convicted, the court may set aside or vacate the conviction. This change aims to help people who might have missed out on testing due to outdated technology at the time of their trial.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Stolen Catalytic Converter Replacement Exemption

House Bill 23-1038, also known as the Stolen Catalytic Converter Replacement Exemption, allows Colorado residents whose catalytic converters have been stolen to replace them with parts that meet federal standards instead of California's stricter rules. This applies if the theft is reported to the police and the owner has tried but failed to get a replacement that meets California’s requirements. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and in effect for those who need to replace stolen catalytic converters under these conditions.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Temporary Joint Rules

SJR 23-001 is a bill that establishes temporary rules for the Colorado state legislature. It sets guidelines that will be in place until permanent rules can be established or existing ones are updated. Since it has been signed, these temporary rules are now active and dictate how legislative business will be conducted until further notice. This affects all members of the Colorado state legislature who must follow these rules when proposing and voting on bills.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Embargo And Destroy Marijuana

House Bill 23-1021, which has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, gives the Colorado Department of Revenue's executive director the power to stop the movement of medical or retail marijuana if there is a need for an investigation. If serious risks to public health, safety, or welfare are identified, the department can also prevent the sale and use of this marijuana by embargoing it. After giving those involved a chance to be heard, the department may destroy any embargoed marijuana. This law affects anyone in Colorado who deals with medical or retail marijuana.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Epinephrine Auto-injectors

HB 23-1002, which has been signed into law, aims to make epinephrine auto-injectors more affordable for people in Colorado. Starting January 1, 2024, health insurance plans must cap out-of-pocket costs at $60 for a two-pack of these injectors and will offer them even if the plan has a high deductible. The law also creates an affordability program that provides low-cost or free auto-injectors to eligible individuals who need them. This means that starting August 7, 2023, people with prescriptions for epinephrine auto-injectors can start applying through the state’s health and insurance websites to receive these critical medications at a reduced cost.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Use Of Restrictive Practices In Prisons

House Bill 23-1013 in Colorado aims to improve the treatment of inmates by setting new standards for how prisons handle restrictive practices like restraint and seclusion. The law requires prisons to document when these measures are used, evaluate individuals at intake for risks related to self-harm, and limit the use of involuntary medication unless it's absolutely necessary and safer than other options. It also mandates that the Department of Corrections report annually on the use of restraints and involuntary medication. This bill was signed into law by the governor on June 5, 2023, and is now in effect, meaning prisons must start implementing these new policies immediately to ensure better care for inmates while maintaining safety.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Tax Credit Pre-adoption Leave

House Bill 23-1046, which has been signed into law, allows Colorado employers to receive a tax credit equal to 50% of the costs associated with paying employees who are on leave for adopting a child and hiring temporary help during this time. The maximum leave period eligible for the tax credit is 12 weeks per employee, but only if the employer has a written policy offering pre-adoption leave and the employee meets certain criteria, such as having been employed for at least one year and earning less than $80,000 in the previous year. This law will take effect on January 1, 2024, benefiting employees and employers who comply with its requirements.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Department Of Corrections Earned Time For College Program Completion

House Bill 23-1037, which has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, allows inmates who complete college degrees or other credentials while in prison for nonviolent felonies to have their sentences reduced. The reductions vary based on the type of degree: up to two years for a doctoral degree, one year for a bachelor's or associate degree, and six months for certain certificates. This bill aims to encourage education among inmates by offering incentives through sentence reduction. It will benefit inmates pursuing higher education in prison and could lead to cost savings for the state as inmates are released earlier due to these reductions.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Electronic Sales And Use Tax Simplification System

HB 23-1017, also known as the Electronic Sales And Use Tax Simplification System, aims to make Colorado's sales and use tax system easier for retailers. It requires the state Department of Revenue to update its online portal (SUTS) by adding features like automatic local account numbers, a simpler user interface, bulk testing options, and more detailed information about taxes and deductions. The bill also bans any extra fees for using SUTS and mandates that the department promote this system to increase retailer participation and compliance. This bill was signed into law on June 5, 2023, and became effective on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Authority Of Public-private Collaboration Unit For Housing

Senate Bill 23-001 in Colorado creates a public-private collaboration unit within the state government that focuses on developing affordable housing projects. This unit will prioritize partnerships with private entities to use state-owned land for mixed-income developments, especially those addressing local affordable housing needs. The bill also allows the unit to accept donations and manage real estate transactions to support these initiatives. It was signed into law by the governor on May 20, 2023, and is now effective, meaning it has been officially implemented and its provisions are in place.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Prohibit COVID-19 Vaccine To Minor Without Consent

House Bill 23-1029, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops schools and other organizations from requiring children under the age of majority to get a COVID-19 vaccine without their parent or guardian's consent. It also prevents these entities from penalizing students who choose not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by excluding them from school activities or charging extra fees. This law affects minors, their parents and guardians, schools, and other organizations that might have vaccination requirements. Since the bill has been signed, it is now enforceable state law in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Task Force On High-altitude Water Storage

House Bill 23-1010 establishes a task force in Colorado to investigate the possibility of storing water by creating snow at high altitudes. The task force will look into whether this method is practical and provide recommendations along with any necessary legislative changes and funding sources by June 1, 2024. After submitting their report, the task force will be dissolved on December 1, 2024. This bill has been signed into law and is now being reviewed by the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources committee in the House.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Nontoxic Bullet Replacement Hunting Program

House Bill 23-1036, also known as the Nontoxic Bullet Replacement Hunting Program, provides vouchers to hunters to help cover the cost of buying bullets made from materials other than lead. This program is aimed at protecting wildlife in areas where there's a risk of animals being exposed to harmful spent lead bullets. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division will work with non-governmental organizations to run this pilot project, educate hunters about nontoxic bullets, and share information through hunting brochures and their website. The bill was signed into law by the governor on May 19, 2023, and went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Social Equity Licenses In Regulated Marijuana

HB 23-1020, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, aims to support social equity by creating special licenses for people who have faced discrimination in the marijuana industry. These new licenses allow eligible individuals to deliver and sell marijuana directly to consumers at their homes without needing additional retail store licenses. The bill also provides financial incentives like fee reductions and grants to help these license holders start or grow their businesses. This law will take effect on March 1, 2024, and it impacts those applying for social equity licenses after this date but does not affect existing license renewals before then.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Medicaid Reimbursement For Community Health Services

Senate Bill 23-002, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to allow Medicaid reimbursement for community health workers in Colorado. This means that people who provide support services like health education and care coordination within communities could be paid through Medicaid funds. The bill also requires the state department to hold public meetings to gather input from stakeholders before requesting federal approval for this program. Additionally, it allocates funding to both the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Department of Public Health and Environment to support the implementation of community health worker services. This will benefit individuals who rely on Medicaid and those working in community health roles.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Parent And Child Family Time

HB 23-1027, also known as the "Parent And Child Family Time" bill in Colorado, aims to prioritize and encourage more frequent family visits between parents and their children who are involved with child welfare services. The bill changes how courts handle visitation by using the term "family time" instead and requires that these visits be encouraged and facilitated whenever possible, especially through community resources or relatives. It also mandates that family time should occur in the least restrictive setting unless it poses a risk to the child's safety or well-being. This law takes full effect on January 1, 2024, but some provisions are already active as of June 1, 2023, after being signed by the governor. The bill supports families involved in dependency and neglect cases by ensuring regular family time is not used as a punishment for parents or children.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Youth Involvement Education Standards Review

Senate Bill 23-008, which has been signed into law, aims to involve young people in the review and development of Colorado's education standards. The bill allows youth, starting at the age when they can join the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, to participate on various committees and meetings related to education standards. Schools will nominate students who are then appointed by the commissioner of education or local education providers, ensuring a mix from both urban and rural areas. Starting August 7, 2023, schools will be encouraged to nominate youth representatives, and these young people may receive compensation for their involvement. The bill also allocates $7,650 in funding for content specialists to support this initiative.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Food Accessibility

HB 23-1008, also known as the Food Accessibility Act, allocates $250,000 to help low-income Coloradans access fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables through partnerships with nonprofits. It also increases state income tax for individuals and corporations by adding back a federal deduction for business meals from 2024 to 2030. Additionally, the bill provides tax credits to small food retailers and family farms that purchase specific systems or equipment, and it expands a grant program to support these businesses with up to $50,000 in funding annually until 2031. The governor signed this bill into law on June 2, 2023, and it went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Modification to Property Tax Exemption For Veterans With A Disability

House Concurrent Resolution 23-1002 proposes an amendment to the Colorado state constitution that would expand property tax exemptions for veterans. Currently, only veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability qualify for this exemption. The proposed change would also include veterans who are considered unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs due to their service-related disabilities, even if they do not meet the 100% rating requirement. This means more veterans could benefit from reduced property taxes on their primary residence. The resolution has been signed and is now being reviewed by the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs committee before it goes to a statewide vote in 2024.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Employee Leave For Colorado National Guard Service

HB 23-1045, which has been approved and is now in effect, ensures that employees of both public and private employers who are members of the Colorado National Guard or other military forces can take up to three weeks of leave each year for training or active duty. These employees can use their paid time off if available, or they can take unpaid leave if necessary. The bill also removes previous requirements that these employees be physically and mentally fit to return to work after their leave. This means that employers must now provide this leave to eligible employees without requiring them to prove fitness upon returning from service.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Mod Prop Tax Exemption For Veterans With Disab

House Bill 23-1052 proposes to expand property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities in Colorado. Currently, only veterans with a 100% permanent disability can claim this exemption. The bill aims to include veterans who are considered unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, these changes will only take effect if voters approve a related constitutional amendment during the 2024 general election. If approved, the law would also ensure that veterans with individual unemployability status receive the same benefits as those with a 100% disability rating. The bill was signed by the governor but won't become effective until January 1, 2025, contingent on voter approval of the constitutional amendment.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Joint Filing Deduction Qualified Tuition Program

House Bill 23-1047 increases the state income tax deduction for Colorado residents who contribute to a qualified tuition program and file their taxes jointly. The new law raises the maximum deduction from $30,000 to $40,000 for married couples filing together. This change benefits families saving for educational expenses through these programs by allowing them to deduct more money from their state income tax. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect and applicable for tax returns filed after its enactment date.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Prader-Willi Syndrome

House Bill 23-1040 updates the laws and regulations related to Prader-Willi syndrome, ensuring that information about it is current and accurate. This bill affects individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome and those who care for them, such as families and healthcare providers. The governor signed the bill into law on March 31, 2023, and it became effective immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Support For Rural Telecommunications Providers

HB 23-1051 is a Colorado bill that extends financial support for rural telecommunications providers until September 1, 2024. This funding helps these companies cover the costs of providing services in areas where it's expensive to maintain infrastructure. The bill was signed by the governor and became effective on August 7, 2023, meaning the support is now available to help these rural providers continue their operations without interruption.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Alternate Defense Counsel Contracts

House Bill 23-1033, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, updates Colorado’s law regarding legal representation for people who can't afford it. It allows the office responsible for providing defense attorneys to also hire other professionals when needed to ensure that indigent clients receive services comparable to those available to wealthier individuals. This bill affects anyone in Colorado who might need a public defender or similar legal aid. In practice, once effective, it will expand the types of support and expertise available to people receiving legal assistance from the state.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Electric Resource Adequacy Reporting

House Bill 23-1039, titled "Electric Resource Adequacy Reporting," requires electricity providers in Colorado to submit annual reports about the adequacy of their power resources to a regulatory body by April 1 each year. The regulatory body then sends these reports to the Colorado Energy Office, which compiles them into a statewide report by July 1. This bill aims to ensure that there is enough electricity to meet demand and improve transparency in energy planning. It took effect on August 7, 2023, after being signed by the governor. The law applies to companies that supply electricity to homes or businesses in Colorado and helps state officials track the reliability of the electric grid.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Enactment Of CRS 2022

House Bill 23-1049 updates Colorado's official state laws by incorporating the changes approved by voters in the November 8, 2022 election. This means that all new laws and amendments voted on by Coloradans are now officially part of the state’s legal code. The bill affects everyone in Colorado since it ensures that the latest voter-approved statutes are legally binding. It was signed into law on February 24, 2023, and became effective immediately on the same day.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Judicial Discipline Procedures And Confidentiality

House Concurrent Resolution 1001 in Colorado changes how judges are disciplined by creating a new independent board to handle formal disciplinary hearings for judges. This board will be made up of district court judges, attorneys, and citizens who can decide on complaints against judges, including imposing sanctions or dismissing cases. The resolution also makes the process more transparent by making formal proceedings public but keeps appeals confidential. It was signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect and will impact how judicial discipline is handled in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Registration Of Vehicles In Rental Fleets

House Bill 23-1022, which has been signed into law and will take effect on January 1, 2024, allows rental car companies in Colorado to transfer license plates between vehicles within their fleet without having to get new ones. This means that when a rental company sells or transfers one of its cars, it can move the existing license plate to another vehicle instead of letting the old plate expire and getting a new one. The bill also sets aside $2,700 from a state fund to cover any costs related to implementing this change. This law will mainly affect car rental businesses in Colorado.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Judicial Discipline Procedures And Reporting

HB 23-1019, a Colorado bill about judicial discipline procedures and reporting, aims to improve how judges are disciplined by changing who can be on the commission that handles these cases. It requires the Supreme Court to choose members from lists provided by the state court administrator, ensuring diversity among judges from different areas. The bill also mandates quicker information sharing between oversight entities and the commission, allows people to submit complaints confidentially online, and makes certain confidentiality agreements unenforceable. While parts of it are already in effect as of August 7, 2023, other key provisions will only take full effect if voters approve them in November 2024.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Language Access In Insurance Documents

House Bill 23-1004, also known as the Language Access in Insurance Documents bill, requires insurance companies to provide policies and related documents in languages other than English if they advertised those policies in non-English languages. The insurer must ensure that these translations are accurate by using certified or qualified translators. This law will help non-English speaking individuals better understand their insurance coverage. It becomes effective on January 1, 2024, after being signed into law by the governor on April 11, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Secondary School Student Substance Use

House Bill 23-1009, also known as the Secondary School Student Substance Use Act, establishes a committee within the Colorado Department of Education to develop methods for identifying students who need help with substance use and connecting them to treatment resources. The bill requires the department to publish a report on these findings and share it with school districts and charter schools. It allocates $49,950 from the general fund to implement this initiative. The governor signed the bill into law on April 26, 2023, and it will take effect on August 7, 2023. This means that starting in early fall, Colorado’s secondary schools will begin implementing new practices to address student substance use issues.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Adult Education

Senate Bill 23-007, also known as the Adult Education bill, expands Colorado's adult education programs by adding digital literacy skills and allowing eligible adults to earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. The bill requires providers to offer various services like online instruction and mentorship while limiting administrative costs to no more than 10% of awarded funds. It also allows community colleges to set their own graduation requirements for high school diplomas based on local school district standards. The governor signed the bill into law on June 2, 2023, making it effective immediately, which means adult education providers can now start offering these new services and requirements right away.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · Senate

Higher Education Crisis And Suicide Prevention

House Bill 23-1007, also known as the Higher Education Crisis and Suicide Prevention Act, requires all public and private higher education institutions in Colorado to provide students with contact information for crisis and suicide prevention services. This can be done by printing this information on student ID cards or distributing it to students at least once each semester or trimester if ID cards are not used. The bill was signed into law on March 17, 2023, and is now in effect, meaning all colleges and universities must comply with these requirements immediately.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Charter School Application Timelines

House Bill 23-1025, which has been signed into law by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, extends the time frame for prospective charter schools to apply to become a charter school from one year to one and a half years before they plan to open. This bill also allows local education boards to request changes to this timeline if needed and provides an optional shorter application period specifically for rural or small rural districts, as long as it is announced publicly. The law affects charter schools and the local and state education boards involved in their approval process.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

Mental Health Professionals Reporting Exemption

House Bill 23-1031, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, changes current law by allowing mental health professionals to avoid reporting information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if they are not involved in testing, diagnosing, or treating patients for these conditions. This means that therapists and counselors who do not handle medical aspects related to STIs will no longer have to report such information to public health agencies. The bill affects mental health professionals specifically and aims to protect patient confidentiality in non-medical settings.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House

New Energy Improvement Program Changes

House Bill 23-1005, also known as the New Energy Improvement Program Changes, updates Colorado's C-PACE program by allowing property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency, and resiliency improvements through special assessments. These assessments are levied on eligible properties and become a lien against them. The bill simplifies the process for approving these assessments by removing requirements for hearings and objections, instead requiring only that notices of assessment be sent out. This bill was signed into law by the governor on March 8, 2023, and will take effect on August 7, 2023.

Last action: 2023-01-09 · House