Colorado 2025 Bills

Rate Increases homeowner's And Auto Insurance

House Bill 22-1357, which has been signed into law, requires insurance companies to get approval from regulators before they can increase rates for homeowner's and auto insurance. This means that if an insurance company wants to raise prices, it must first file a request with the state’s insurance commissioner who will review it over 60 days. During this period, there might be public hearings where people can voice their opinions. If the commissioner doesn’t act within those 60 days, the rate increase automatically goes into effect unless a hearing is deemed necessary by the commissioner. This law aims to protect homeowners and auto insurance customers from sudden and unexpected rate hikes.

Last action: 2022-04-01 · House

Clean Water In Schools And Child Care Centers

HB 22-1358, known as "Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers," requires all child care centers, family child care homes, and public schools serving grades preschool through eighth grade to test their drinking water for lead by May 31, 2023. If the tests show lead levels of at least 5 parts per billion, these facilities must inform parents, stop using that water source, and take steps to fix it. Schools and child care centers must also report results publicly and keep records of their actions. The bill provides funding to help with testing and remediation costs and requires regular reporting on the program's progress. Governor Jared Polis has signed this bill into law.

Last action: 2022-04-01 · House

Temporarily Reduce Road User Charges

HB 22-1351, which has been signed into law in Colorado, temporarily reduces road safety surcharges for vehicle registrations and delays the start of new road usage fees. For registration periods starting in 2022, the surcharge is reduced by $11.10, and for those beginning in 2023, it's cut from $5.55 to $11.10 as well. The bill also postpones a planned increase in gasoline and diesel taxes until April 1, 2023, and allocates funds from the general budget to transportation departments to offset any revenue loss due to these changes. This affects all drivers who register vehicles or pay for fuel in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Protecting Injured Workers' Mental Health Records

HB 22-1354, also known as the "Protecting Injured Workers' Mental Health Records" bill in Colorado, aims to clarify how mental health records are handled in workers' compensation claims. It ensures that these records, which include psychological tests and treatment details, can only be shared with people who need them for processing or adjusting claims, like insurers or employers (if self-insured), while keeping the information confidential from others. The bill also requires self-insured employers to keep mental health records separate from employee personnel files and limits what supervisors can see in these records. Since it has been signed into law, this act will help protect workers' privacy regarding their mental health when dealing with workplace injuries or illnesses.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Public Safety Communications Transfer

HB 22-1353, titled "Public Safety Communications Transfer," moves the responsibility for coordinating public safety telecommunications from the Office of Information Technology to the Department of Public Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This change includes transferring employees, property, policies, and a new revolving fund that will cover costs associated with these communications services. Starting July 1, 2023, users of these services will be charged for them, and the department is required to manage public safety communication networks and advise on related matters. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect as of the specified dates.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling

HB 22-1355, known as the Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling, is a Colorado law that requires producers of packaging materials and paper products to fund a statewide recycling program. This program will provide free recycling services for these materials to homes, small businesses, schools, hotels, and government buildings across the state. The bill establishes an advisory board to oversee the implementation of the program, which includes conducting assessments to understand current recycling needs and developing plans to expand recycling efforts over time. Signed into law, this means that producers will need to start participating in or creating their own recycling plans by 2025, ensuring better waste management across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Small Community-based Nonprofit Grant Program

House Bill 22-1356, also known as the Small Community-based Nonprofit Grant Program, provides $35 million in grants to small Colorado nonprofits that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants can be used for infrastructure and capacity building purposes such as technology upgrades, staff training, strategic planning, and program development. The bill requires the Department of Local Affairs to work with up to 10 qualified nonprofit organizations to distribute these grants, ensuring each recipient gets no more than $100,000 or 30% of their annual budget. Since the bill has been signed into law, eligible nonprofits can now apply for these funds through designated regional partners by December 2024, with all grant money needing to be spent by December 2026.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Stockpile For Declared Disaster Emergencies

House Bill 22-1352, which has been signed into law, requires the Colorado Department of Public Safety to maintain a stockpile of essential materials like medical supplies and equipment for use during declared disaster emergencies. This stockpile can be distributed to various entities such as schools, hospitals, and local health agencies when needed. The bill also allows the department to work with third-party contractors to manage this stockpile and ensures that items are regularly rotated to prevent expiration. This law aims to better prepare Colorado for disasters by ensuring there is a ready supply of necessary materials available when emergencies occur.

Last action: 2022-03-31 · House

Air Quality Improvement Investments

Senate Bill 22-193, titled "Air Quality Improvement Investments," aims to improve Colorado's air quality by providing grants for various clean air projects. The bill allocates $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program, which supports private entities and local governments in reducing industrial emissions through renewable energy, electrification, and other green initiatives. Additionally, it sets aside funds for electric bicycle programs to encourage cleaner transportation options and provides $65 million for a program that helps schools buy electric buses. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these grant programs are now active with specific funding and reporting requirements in place until their scheduled end dates.

Last action: 2022-03-30 · Senate

United States Space Force Special License Plate

Senate Bill 22-190, which has been signed into law, allows current and former members of the United States Space Force to get a special license plate. To qualify for this plate, individuals need to pay an extra $50 on top of regular fees ($25 goes to highway maintenance and $25 to licensing services). The bill also allocates funds from the state’s general fund and license plate cash fund to cover administrative costs related to implementing the new license plate program. This means that serving members and veterans of the U.S. Space Force can now display their service proudly on their vehicles with a unique license plate, funded partly by those who choose this option and partly by the state.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Regional Talent Development Initiative Grant Program

House Bill 22-1350, also known as the Regional Talent Development Initiative Grant Program, is a Colorado law that sets up a grant program aimed at helping different regions in the state develop their workforce according to local needs. This includes supporting areas recovering from economic impacts due to the pandemic. The bill allocates $91 million, mostly from federal funds, to support initiatives like training programs and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. It establishes a steering committee to oversee how these grants are awarded and ensures that there is representation for rural areas as well as two-year and four-year higher education institutions. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means this program is now active and will operate until July 1, 2028.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · House

Security For Colorado Seniors

Senate Bill 22-185, also known as "Security For Colorado Seniors," changes the name of a state grant program from the Area Agency on Aging Grant Program to the Strategic Investments in Aging Grant Program. This change allows for ongoing support of projects that help older Coloradans by promoting their health and well-being. The bill also ensures that funding continues indefinitely through renaming a cash fund and continuously appropriating money to the Department of Human Services for these programs. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the new grant program is now in effect and will support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older adults across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Create Colorado Rare Disease Advisory Council

Senate Bill 22-186, which has been signed into law, establishes the Colorado Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health and Environment. The council will consist of experts including medical professionals, patients with rare diseases, and industry representatives who will work to improve access to care for those affected by rare diseases in Colorado. This includes conducting surveys, developing policy recommendations, educating stakeholders, and maintaining a public website with resources. The bill allocates funding for the council's initial operations and requires it to report annually on its activities and findings. This new advisory body aims to enhance support and understanding of rare diseases among Coloradans.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Procurement Of Information Technology Resources

Senate Bill 22-191 in Colorado is about streamlining how state agencies buy technology. It says that the Office of Information Technology must handle most tech purchases for state agencies, but other agencies can still make their own purchases if they get permission first. If the office doesn't respond within 30 days to a request from another agency, that agency can go ahead and buy what it needs. The bill also sets up rules for how money is managed in a technology fund and ensures that software contracts don’t restrict where or how government agencies use their purchased software. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now active and being implemented by the state.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Supporting Recovery Programs Persons Who Wander

Senate Bill 22-187, which has been signed into law in Colorado, expands a grant program that helps counties and municipalities set up recovery programs for people who wander due to medical conditions like dementia. This bill removes previous funding limits and allows the Department of Public Safety to award grants to support these programs. It also requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to create a website with information on how to contact local governments offering these services, resources for caregivers, and details about the technology used in recovery efforts. The bill allocates $100,000 from the general fund to cover operational costs related to this initiative. This means that more people who need assistance due to wandering behaviors will have access to better support systems and resources.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Postsecondary Student Success Data System

HB 22-1349, also known as the Postsecondary Student Success Data System bill, requires Colorado's Department of Higher Education to create a statewide data system that tracks how students progress through college and how their education impacts their career success. This system will provide both detailed information for individual colleges and public reports that allow people to compare outcomes across different schools based on factors like race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. The bill aims to help identify disparities in educational and workforce opportunities among various student groups and encourage colleges to share effective practices. Signed into law, this means the Department of Higher Education is now required to implement these measures with $3 million allocated for the project's development and maintenance.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · House

Colorado Geriatric Provider Pipeline Program

Senate Bill 22-189, also known as the Colorado Geriatric Provider Pipeline Program, aims to create a program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus that trains graduate students in various health-care fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, psychology, and social work to specialize in geriatric care. The bill establishes an advisory committee to set training standards, select participating students, analyze data, and coordinate efforts across different institutions to ensure a collaborative approach to geriatric education. This program is designed to improve the quality of care for elderly Coloradans who are frail or have complex medical needs. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect and implementation can begin.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Behavioral Health Support For Criminal Justice Advocates

Senate Bill 22-188, titled "Behavioral Health Support For Criminal Justice Advocates," aims to provide mental health support for public defenders and prosecutors in Colorado. The bill allocates $500,000 from the state's general fund to create a program that offers counseling services, training on job-related trauma, and peer support programs. Half of this funding goes to the Office of the State Public Defender and the other half to the Colorado District Attorneys' Council (CDAC), which will distribute grants to individual district attorney offices for these purposes. The bill also ensures confidentiality for communications between peers in support roles and those receiving help. Since it has been signed, the program is now active and providing resources to criminal justice advocates dealing with mental health challenges related to their work.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

Opportunities For Credential Attainment

Senate Bill 22-192, titled "Opportunities For Credential Attainment," aims to help students in Colorado by creating pathways for them to earn stackable credentials that can lead to better job opportunities and eventually a full degree. The bill requires the Department of Higher Education to work with colleges and businesses to develop these credential programs, focusing on growing industries like technology and healthcare. It also allocates funding to support community colleges and adult education programs, making it easier for students to access non-degree credentials and improve their skills. Since the bill has been signed into law, these initiatives are now underway, with specific deadlines set for 2024 and 2025 to create pathways in various industries.

Last action: 2022-03-29 · Senate

State Personnel Director's Compensation Report

House Bill 22-1337, which has been signed into law in Colorado, changes how often state officials need to review and report on employee salaries and benefits. Instead of doing this every year, the bill now requires these reviews to happen every four years. It also reduces funding for these surveys by $300,000 but allocates $147,429 for implementing the new requirements. This affects state employees as it could slow down adjustments to their salaries and benefits. Since the bill is signed, its changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

State Emergency Reserve Cash Fund

House Bill 22-1342, also known as the State Emergency Reserve Cash Fund bill, requires the state treasurer to put any interest and income earned from federal coronavirus relief funds into a special emergency fund. This fund can only be used during declared emergencies according to Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and the state will start managing these funds as specified by the legislation.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

General Fund Exempt Account And Excess State Revenues

House Bill 22-1343 in Colorado deals with how the state manages extra money it collects, known as excess state revenues. The bill ensures that any leftover funds after certain allocations are made can still be used for specific purposes like Medicaid and education funding, as approved by voters. If there's more money than expected in these accounts at the end of the fiscal year, some of it is set aside for those uses; if less is available, then additional general fund money is designated for these purposes. Since this bill has been signed into law, it means that the state will now follow these rules when managing its extra revenues.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Modification Department Of Revenue Motor Vehicle-related Functions Funding

House Bill 22-1338, which has been signed into law, changes how certain functions related to vehicle licensing and hearings in Colorado are funded. Specifically, it stops transferring money from marijuana taxes to these departments and instead directs a portion of the highways users tax fund (HUTF) to cover some costs previously paid by marijuana tax funds. This bill reduces funding for hearing services and driver's license maintenance by about $1 million combined but ensures that these functions remain adequately funded through different sources. The change affects how money from marijuana taxes is used within the Department of Revenue, impacting both the hearings division and the motor vehicles division.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Economic Mobility Program

Senate Bill 22-182, also known as the Economic Mobility Program, aims to help students in Colorado access public benefits through an online platform and improve health and educational outcomes for those living in poverty. The bill allocates $4 million from the state's economic recovery fund to create a new program within the Department of Public Health and Environment, which will focus on reducing poverty and enhancing economic opportunities for Coloradans. Additionally, it provides funding for maternal and child health services and an online platform that helps students access benefits. Since the bill has been signed into law, these initiatives are now in effect or being implemented by state agencies.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · Senate

Electrician Plumber Licensing Apprentice Ratio

House Bill 22-1346, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to strengthen licensing and supervision requirements for electricians and plumbers. It allows the state to hire or appoint experienced professionals to conduct inspections and ensure that projects comply with licensing rules and proper apprentice-to-supervisor ratios, especially focusing on critical needs projects like those providing essential services to residents. The bill also restricts independent contractors from applying for certain permits unless they meet specific criteria, ensuring only qualified individuals can perform the work. Additionally, it allocates funding to support these new enforcement measures. This law affects electricians and plumbers working in Colorado and aims to improve safety and quality in construction projects across the state.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

FDA-approved Prescription 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Drug Use

House Bill 22-1344, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allows for the legal use of a prescription drug containing MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) if it is approved by the FDA and not classified under Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means that doctors can prescribe the drug, pharmacists can dispense it, and patients can possess and use it legally in Colorado, provided they are authorized to do so according to state laws. The law affects individuals who might benefit from medical treatments using MDMA, such as those undergoing therapy for conditions like PTSD. Since the bill has been signed, these provisions are now enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Transfer To The Judicial Department Information Technology Cash Fund

House Bill 22-1335 requires the state treasurer to move $24.1 million from one fund to another specifically for the Colorado judicial system's technology needs. This money will be used by the courts over three years, starting in July 2022, to upgrade their IT infrastructure. The bill ensures that all transferred funds must be spent or committed by the end of 2024. Since it has been signed into law, this transfer and spending plan is now official state policy.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Modify Main Street Business Recovery Loan Program

HB 22-1328 modifies Colorado's Main Street Business Recovery Loan Program, which provides small business recovery loans. The bill extends the loan program until 2024 and allows for more flexible lending by lowering the minimum loan amount to $10,000 from $30,000 and extending loan terms up to 10 years. It also makes it easier for smaller businesses with fewer employees to qualify and clarifies support for disadvantaged business owners. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect and will help more small businesses access loans they need to recover from economic challenges.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Crime Victims Services

Senate Bill 22-183, also known as the Crime Victims Services Act, aims to improve support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Colorado. It changes how funds are distributed by renaming certain programs and shifting reimbursement responsibilities from local governments to nongovernmental agencies and federally recognized tribes. The bill establishes new funding sources and advisory boards to better manage grants and services for crime victims, ensuring that more resources go directly to organizations helping these individuals. Signed into law, this act will provide clearer guidelines and increased financial support for programs assisting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors across the state.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · Senate

Oversight Of Chemicals Used In Oil & Gas

HB 22-1348, also known as the Oversight Of Chemicals Used In Oil & Gas bill, requires companies involved in oil and gas operations in Colorado to disclose detailed information about chemicals used underground. This includes listing specific chemical names and declaring that no harmful perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances are intentionally added. The law affects operators, service providers, and direct vendors who must submit this information to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission by July 31, 2023, or within 30 days of starting new operations. The commission will then make this information publicly available on a dedicated website. This bill is now signed into law, meaning it has been enacted and companies are expected to comply with its requirements starting in late July 2023.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Workers' Compensation Updates

HB 22-1347, also known as "Workers' Compensation Updates," is a Colorado law that helps workers by providing them with advance payment for travel expenses when they need to go more than 100 miles round-trip for medical treatment related to their job injuries. It also increases the amount of money available for funeral and burial costs if a worker dies due to work-related causes. Additionally, it requires employers to report ongoing medical treatments that last longer than six months after an injury to the state's workers' compensation division. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and benefit workers across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Food Distribution Program Administrative Fee

House Bill 22-1334, which has been signed into law, allows the Colorado Department of Human Services to collect an administrative fee from agencies that receive food through a distribution program. Previously, these fees were charged monthly, but now they can be collected at least once a year or when an agency's account balance reaches $100 or more. This change affects agencies involved in food assistance programs and simplifies the process of managing administrative costs for both the state department and participating agencies. Since it is signed, this law is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Increase Minimum Wage For Nursing Home Workers

House Bill 22-1333, which has been signed into law, aims to increase the minimum wage for nursing home workers in Colorado. Previously, only nursing homes located in areas that had raised their local minimum wage could receive extra funding to boost employee wages up to that higher rate. This new bill expands eligibility so any nursing facility in Colorado can get additional payments to raise worker pay to at least $15 per hour if they meet certain criteria. The state will use federal funds to provide this extra money, helping ensure better compensation for nursing home employees across the state.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals

HB 22-1345, also known as the "Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals Consumer Protection Act," bans the sale or distribution of certain products containing harmful PFAS chemicals in Colorado starting January 1, 2024. This includes items like carpets, food packaging, and cookware if they contain intentionally added PFAS. Manufacturers must label cookware with PFAS chemicals and direct consumers to a website for more information. The ban will expand to include cosmetics and indoor furniture by 2025, and outdoor furniture by 2027. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS and requires reporting if there's an accidental release. Since it has been signed into law, these regulations are now in effect or will be starting next year.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Compensation Requirements For Members Of The General Assembly

Senate Bill 22-184 updates the rules for Colorado state lawmakers regarding their pay when they are absent from work. It allows legislators to receive full pay if they miss sessions due to long-term illness or parental leave (up to a maximum of 16 weeks, including up to 4 additional weeks for serious health issues related to pregnancy or childbirth), provided it is approved by the appropriate leadership in their house. Previously, lawmakers could only avoid losing pay for absences due to long-term illnesses. Now, this includes extended parental leave as well. Since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado state legislators are now eligible for compensation during these types of leaves.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · Senate

2022-23 Long Bill

HB 22-1329 is a Colorado state budget bill that sets the total operating budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022, at $37.7 billion, covering expenses for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as well as various agencies and institutions. It also allocates funds for capital construction projects ($491 million) and information technology initiatives ($146 million). The bill has been signed into law after being amended to adjust funding for education, healthcare, higher education, public safety, and other areas. This means that the budget is now officially in place and will guide how Colorado spends its money over the next fiscal year.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Supplemental Funding For Facility Schools

House Bill 22-1331, which has been signed into law, provides extra funding to certain types of schools in Colorado for the 2022-2023 school year. The state will give these "facility schools" an additional $5,134,000 on top of their regular budget to help cover costs. This money comes from the state’s education fund and is intended to support specific educational facilities approved by the Department of Education as of October 1, 2022. Since the bill has been signed, these schools will receive this extra funding starting in the upcoming fiscal year.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Capital-related Transfers Of Money

House Bill 22-1340, which has been signed into law, involves significant transfers of money within the state budget. It moves over $700 million from the general fund to various funds and accounts dedicated to affordable housing, capital construction, and information technology. Additionally, it allows for $110 million to be transferred to a trust fund for maintenance projects prioritized by the state architect’s office. This bill affects how money is allocated for infrastructure and housing needs in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, these financial transfers are now official and will impact budget allocations starting from July 1, 2022.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Office of Economic Development and International Trade American Rescue Plan Act Funds For Rural Colorado

House Bill 22-1332, which has been signed into law, allocates $10 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to help rural areas in Colorado. This money will be used by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) to support small businesses that choose to set up or expand operations in these regions, as well as to assist with economic recovery efforts due to the pandemic. The bill aims to boost job creation and business growth in rural parts of the state where economic opportunities may be limited.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Streamline Processing Of Judicial Department Collections

House Bill 22-1336, which has been signed into law, aims to simplify how certain court fees are managed in Colorado. Currently, a small portion of drug and alcohol-related fines goes directly to the courts to cover administrative costs; this bill changes where that money is kept, making it easier for the courts to manage these funds. Additionally, the bill combines two separate funds used for collecting fines into one fund to reduce inefficiency. This change affects how court fees are handled and should make the process more streamlined for both the courts and those paying the fines.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Behavioral Health-care Workforce

Senate Bill 22-181, titled "Behavioral Health-care Workforce," aims to address the shortage of mental health professionals in Colorado by creating a comprehensive plan. This plan includes strategies like increasing recruitment and diversification of the workforce, preparing future providers for public sector jobs through partnerships with higher education institutions, and offering training programs for first responders to better handle mental health crises. The bill also allocates funds to support these initiatives and reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers so they can focus more on patient care. Since it has been signed into law, the plan is now being implemented by the Behavioral Health Administration in collaboration with various state agencies and educational institutions.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · Senate

Merge Department Of Revenue Division Of Motor Vehicles Cash Funds

House Bill 22-1339, which has been signed into law, merges two funds within the Colorado Department of Revenue related to motor vehicle services. The Licensing Services Cash Fund, which collects fees for drivers' licenses and identification cards, will be combined with the DRIVES Vehicle Services Account, which handles title and registration fees. This merger means that all money from the Licensing Services Cash Fund will now go into the DRIVES account, and the department will use this larger fund to support its driver and vehicle services software platform. This change took effect on July 1, 2022, and it simplifies how funds are managed for these services.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Marijuana Tax Cash Fund

House Bill 22-1341, also known as the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund bill, corrects an error that had restricted how money from marijuana taxes could be used in the same fiscal year it was collected. The bill allows the state to use these funds more flexibly and sets a new reserve requirement of 15% for future budgeting needs. Additionally, it adjusts the transfer of $100 million planned for the Public School Capital Construction Assistance Fund (BEST fund) by splitting it into smaller payments over two years, reducing immediate financial pressure on the marijuana tax fund. Since this bill has been signed, these changes are now in effect and will impact how Colorado manages its marijuana tax revenue moving forward.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Suspend 5-year Corrections Appropriations

House Bill 22-1330 suspends a requirement that the Colorado legislature must provide funding for additional prison costs caused by new laws increasing sentences, for five years. This suspension is in place until July 1, 2025, and it also cancels all existing funding requirements related to this rule. The bill affects how the state handles budgeting for corrections when new sentencing laws are passed. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-03-28 · House

Programs To Reduce Ozone Through Increased Transit

Senate Bill 22-180, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to reduce ozone pollution by providing free public transit during the summer months when air quality is typically worse. The bill allocates $28 million for RTD and other transit associations to offer free rides for at least a month each year during the ozone season. Additionally, it sets aside $30 million for a three-year pilot project to expand state-run transit services across Colorado with the goal of reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality. This program will help reduce pollution by encouraging more people to use public transportation instead of driving personal vehicles. The bill is now law and its provisions are in effect, meaning that free transit programs and expanded service initiatives can start being implemented soon.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate

Licensees Ability To Change Marijuana Designation

Senate Bill 22-178, which has been signed into law, allows medical marijuana facilities in Colorado to transfer their products to retail marijuana facilities if they have at least one owner in common. The transferred marijuana can then be sold as regular retail marijuana after the necessary taxes are paid. This change affects both medical and retail marijuana businesses by making it easier for them to switch between designations while ensuring that all applicable taxes are collected. The bill also allocates funds from the state's marijuana cash fund to help cover the costs associated with enforcing these regulations.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate

Early Stage Front Range Passenger Rail Funding

Senate Bill 22-176 provides funding for early planning and development of passenger rail in Colorado's Front Range area. It allocates $1.9 million for economic development, tourism, and infrastructure improvements, plus $6.5 million for environmental assessments at the Burnham Yard site. Additionally, it sets aside $500,000 to support community-oriented development around this rail property. The bill also mandates engagement with local communities and stakeholders to create a comprehensive plan that maximizes the benefits of transit-oriented development at Burnham Yard. Since the bill has been signed into law, these funds are now available for use as described in the legislation.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate

Native American Boarding Schools

HB 22-1327 is a Colorado bill that establishes a research program within the state historical society (History Colorado) to investigate and document the abuse and deaths at federal Indian boarding schools in Colorado. The bill requires History Colorado to work with Native American tribes, including the Southern Ute Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, to gather information about these schools and their impacts on families and communities. It also mandates that a final report be submitted by June 30, 2023, followed by recommendations for healing and understanding. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Human Services to vacate and potentially sell or transfer property formerly used as an Indian boarding school after identifying any student graves and developing a plan with tribal governments to acknowledge past abuses. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and its provisions are being implemented.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · House

Investments In Care Coordination Infrastructure

Senate Bill 22-177, titled "Investments in Care Coordination Infrastructure," aims to improve mental health and substance use services in Colorado by creating a cloud-based platform that allows healthcare providers to better coordinate care for patients. This bill requires the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to provide navigators who can help individuals access needed behavioral health services through both online platforms and specific regional locations. It also mandates training for these navigators and ensures that the process of enrolling and credentialing them is as simple as possible. The bill allocates $12.2 million from a dedicated fund to support this infrastructure, but it will only take effect if another related bill (House Bill 22-1278) also becomes law. Since the status of SB 22-177 is "signed," its provisions have been enacted into law and are now in place to improve care coordination for mental health and substance use services across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate

Deter Tampering Motor Vehicle Emission Control System

Senate Bill 22-179, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to prevent the tampering with motor vehicle emission control systems starting January 1, 2024. This means it will be illegal for anyone to modify or disable these systems, sell vehicles that have had their emissions controls altered, or operate such vehicles. The law includes a "safe harbor" period from July 1, 2025, where individuals who report tampering with their vehicle's emission control system can avoid penalties for up to one year. Motorcycles are exempted from these rules. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to provide annual reports on enforcement actions related to this law. If another bill (House Bill 22-1217) becomes law, fines collected will go towards preventing catalytic converter theft; otherwise, they will fund highway user taxes for vehicle inspections.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate