Colorado 2025 Bills

Mobile Electronic Devices And Motor Vehicle Driving

Senate Bill 22-175, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado's rules on using mobile devices while driving. It now prohibits drivers aged 18 and older from holding or supporting a phone with their hands unless they are using a hands-free accessory like Bluetooth headphones or a car mount. The bill allows exceptions for emergency calls, utility workers responding to emergencies, commercial truck operators using specific equipment, first responders, and parked vehicles. Violations come with fines ranging from $75 to $500 and points on your driver's license depending on the number of offenses within 24 months. Additionally, the law requires police officers to record certain information during traffic stops related to this rule and mandates a public awareness campaign about safe driving practices.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · Senate

Fentanyl Accountability And Prevention

HB 22-1326, also known as the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention bill, aims to address the growing issue of fentanyl-related deaths in Colorado by enhancing penalties for those who manufacture, distribute, or possess large quantities of fentanyl with intent to sell. The bill affects individuals involved in illegal drug activities related to fentanyl. Since it has been signed into law, its provisions are now enforceable by the state's legal system.

Last action: 2022-03-25 · House

Study Of Devices Assessing Motorist Impairment

House Bill 22-1321 in Colorado sets up a study to look into devices that can detect drug impairment in drivers, focusing on drugs other than alcohol. The Colorado Department of Transportation will conduct this study and present its findings by June 1, 2023. The bill allocates $751,649 from the marijuana tax fund for this purpose. This study aims to help law enforcement better identify impaired driving due to drug use, which could lead to new policies or technologies in the future. Since the bill has been signed into law, the study is now underway and will be completed by the specified deadline.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Achieving A Better Life Experience Savings Accounts

HB 22-1320, also known as the ABLE Savings Accounts Act in Colorado, allows individuals with disabilities who were diagnosed before age 26 to open special savings accounts that can be used for disability-related expenses without affecting their eligibility for federal benefits. The bill lets family members or friends open and manage these accounts on behalf of someone with a disability. It also ensures the state won’t claim funds from these accounts after the account owner passes away, as long as the money was used for qualified expenses. Additionally, it provides tax deductions for contributions made to ABLE savings accounts for three years starting in 2023. The bill has been signed into law and is now active.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Updates To State Forest Service Tree Nursery

House Bill 22-1323, which has been signed into law, requires the Colorado State Forest Service to upgrade and expand its tree nursery. This will help increase the number of seedling trees available for reforestation efforts across the state. The bill also allocates $5 million from the state budget to support these improvements in the 2022-23 fiscal year. The law will expire on January 1, 2025. This means that by next year, the nursery should be better equipped to help with reforestation and forest health initiatives in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Dependency Proceedings Unaccompanied Child

House Bill 22-1319, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allows unaccompanied children who are under the care of the federal government and housed in facilities within Colorado to seek help from juvenile courts if they have experienced abuse or neglect. These children can file a petition with the court asking for protection without involving their parents, and if the court finds that the child's claims are supported by evidence, it will declare the child dependent on the court’s care. This means the child can receive support services and may also qualify for special immigrant juvenile status under federal law. The bill affects unaccompanied minors in federal custody who need protection from abuse or neglect while staying in Colorado facilities. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Restrictive Employment Agreements

House Bill 22-1317 in Colorado updates the state’s laws about restrictive employment agreements, which are contracts that limit a worker's ability to work for competitors or solicit customers after leaving their job. The bill allows certain high-compensated workers (those earning above a specific threshold) to sign non-compete clauses if these clauses protect trade secrets and aren’t overly broad. It also permits employers to recover the cost of specialized training given to employees, as long as it doesn't violate federal law. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for confidentiality agreements that don’t restrict public information or legal disclosures. Employers who break these rules can face penalties of up to $5,000 per worker and be required to pay legal fees. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its new regulations are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Primary Care Alternative Payment Models

HB 22-1325, titled "Primary Care Alternative Payment Models," is a Colorado law that aims to improve how primary care services are paid for by health insurance plans. It requires the state's Division of Insurance to work with other departments and healthcare groups to create rules that ensure doctors are fairly compensated for taking on patients who have complex or chronic health issues, as well as those facing social challenges like housing instability or lack of access to healthy food. These new payment models will be mandatory for all health insurance plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2025. The law also provides funding and support for insurers to help them implement these changes smoothly. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect, with rules being developed by the relevant state agencies to put its provisions into practice starting from December 1, 2023.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Water Quality Regulation

House Bill 22-1322, also known as the Water Quality Regulation Act, aims to improve water quality in Colorado by involving communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution. The bill requires the state's water quality commission to consult with these communities when making rules and decisions about water protection. It also sets a five-year limit for legal actions related to violations of water quality laws. Since the bill has been signed into law, its provisions are now in effect and being implemented by the relevant authorities.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Definition Of Pawnbroker

House Bill 22-1324 changes how pawnbrokers are defined in Colorado. Previously, anyone who regularly buys items from people could be considered a pawnbroker. Now, the law specifies that someone is only a pawnbroker if they both buy items and offer loans against those items as collateral. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it officially updates the definition of "pawnbroker" to be more specific about what activities are required for this classification.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Extending Colorado Information Sharing Consortium Deadline

HB 22-1318 extends the deadline for Colorado law enforcement agencies to connect to a statewide information sharing system called CISC. The original deadline was June 30, 2022, but this bill pushes it back to June 30, 2023, giving local police departments more time to integrate with the system using grant funds. This helps agencies that need extra time due to different budget schedules. Since the bill has been signed into law, these agencies now have until the end of 2023 to join CISC and use the available grants.

Last action: 2022-03-24 · House

Two-thirds Voting Requirement For Bills With Fees

This Colorado bill requires that any new or increased fees proposed by the state must be approved by at least two-thirds of both houses of the legislature on separate days. This means that a simple majority won't be enough for such fee changes to pass. The bill defines "fees" as charges meant to cover specific government services rather than general revenue-raising measures. Since it has been signed, this resolution is now in effect and will impact how new or increased fees are approved by the state legislature going forward.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · Senate

Sunset Review Hearing Criteria

Senate Bill 22-174 changes the criteria used in Colorado's sunset review hearings. It removes considerations about whether initial conditions for regulation have changed and if entry requirements support affirmative action. The bill adds new criteria that look at whether governmental oversight is needed, explores using a director model for regulatory oversight, and considers if entry requirements promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity. This affects how various professions, occupations, and government programs are reviewed in the state. Since it has been signed into law, these changes will now be applied during future sunset review hearings.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · Senate

Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund Project

House Bill 22-1316, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allocates $8.2 million from the water plan implementation fund to support various water-related projects and programs managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). These include satellite monitoring, floodplain mapping updates, weather modification permits, technical assistance for federal programs, river decision support systems, weather station networks, water forecasting partnerships, dam safety evaluations, and efforts related to river recovery and compliance. Additionally, it transfers money between funds and allows a loan to the town of Breckenridge for dam rehabilitation. This bill directly impacts state agencies involved in water management and communities relying on these services for flood protection, water supply, and environmental conservation.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · House

Telepharmacy Criteria Remove Location Restriction

Senate Bill 22-173 in Colorado removes restrictions on telepharmacies, allowing them to operate without needing to be located more than 20 miles from the nearest pharmacy. This bill also requires telepharmacies to register as prescription drug outlets and be situated in areas identified as having a need for such services by health or pharmacy authorities. It ensures that each telepharmacy has a pharmacist manager who oversees its operations either directly or remotely. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now law, meaning more telepharmacies can open in underserved areas to provide better access to prescription medications.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · Senate

Colorado 2-1-1 Collaborative Funding

HB 22-1315, which has been signed into law, provides funding for the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative. This means that $1 million each year will be given from the state’s general fund to support operational costs and grants related to the 2-1-1 service, which helps connect Coloradans with essential community resources and services. Additionally, an extra $55,645 is allocated for staffing needs in the next fiscal year. This funding will help ensure that the 2-1-1 service can continue to operate effectively and reach those who need it across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · House

Colorado Rural Health-care Workforce Initiative

Senate Bill 22-172, known as the Colorado Rural Health-care Workforce Initiative, aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals working in rural and frontier areas of Colorado. The bill allows educational institutions to create special programs that reserve spots for students who want to work in these underserved regions after graduation. These programs offer tailored training and scholarships, with a requirement that scholarship recipients commit to two years of practice in a rural area post-graduation. Additionally, the University of Colorado's School of Medicine will provide support and resources to help these programs run smoothly and track their success. The bill has been signed into law and includes funding for its implementation, which means it is now active and institutions can start setting up these special healthcare training tracks to address the shortage of medical professionals in rural parts of the state.

Last action: 2022-03-23 · Senate

Colorado Agriculture Day

SJR 22-009, also known as Colorado Agriculture Day, is a bill that establishes an annual day to celebrate and recognize the importance of agriculture in Colorado. This initiative affects all residents of Colorado but particularly highlights farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers who contribute significantly to the state's economy and culture. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that Colorado now officially observes a special day dedicated to agriculture each year, likely involving various events and recognitions to honor this sector.

Last action: 2022-03-22 · Senate

Towing Carrier Nonconsensual Tows

HB 22-1314, also known as the "Towing Carrier Nonconsensual Tows" bill in Colorado, aims to protect vehicle owners by requiring towing companies to notify law enforcement and vehicle owners within specific timeframes after towing a car without consent. It removes a two-day waiting period for notifying owners and lienholders and limits the fees tow companies can charge for sending these notifications. The bill also mandates that towed vehicles be appraised fairly, sets conditions under which storage fees are allowed, and ensures that leftover sale proceeds go directly to the vehicle's owner or lienholder if not claimed. Signed into law, this act will now regulate how towing companies operate in Colorado, ensuring better protection for car owners and clearer rules for towing businesses.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

529 Account Apprenticeship Expenses

House Bill 22-1310, also known as the "529 Account Apprenticeship Expenses" bill, allows Colorado residents to use funds from a 529 college savings plan for expenses related to apprenticeships. This includes fees, books, supplies, and equipment needed for these programs. The bill updates state law to match federal changes that now permit such uses of 529 accounts. Since the bill has been signed into law, Colorado residents can now use their 529 funds for eligible apprenticeship costs without facing additional taxes at the state level.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

Nongame Conservation Check-off Extension

Senate Bill 22-166, also known as the Nongame Conservation Check-off Extension, is a law that allows Colorado residents to continue making voluntary donations to support wildlife conservation efforts beyond its original expiration date. This donation option was available on state income tax returns from 2017 to 2022 and would have ended in January 2023; the bill ensures it stays available indefinitely. The signed status means that the law is now active, allowing taxpayers to continue contributing to wildlife conservation through their taxes if they choose to do so.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Establish State Procurement Equity Program

Senate Bill 22-163 in Colorado establishes a State Procurement Equity Program aimed at reducing disparities faced by historically underutilized businesses when bidding on state contracts. The program will provide assistance to these businesses through real-time guidance and help cover the costs of surety bonds required for state procurement opportunities, using $2 million from the general fund. It also requires the Department of Personnel to work with a stakeholder group to develop recommendations and best practices for implementing the program effectively by November 1, 2023. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect and being implemented according to its provisions.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Backcountry Search And Rescue

Senate Bill 22-168, titled "Backcountry Search And Rescue," moves responsibilities related to backcountry search and rescue operations from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to the Division of Parks and Wildlife. This includes managing a search and rescue card program and handling funds for reimbursement of rescue efforts. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for those involved in backcountry search and rescue, similar to protections given to volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. Additionally, it offers educational benefits to dependents of individuals who are injured or killed during these rescue operations. The bill was signed into law and will take effect on January 1, 2023, with $1 million allocated from the general fund to support these efforts through the Division of Parks and Wildlife.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Administration Organization Act Modernization

Senate Bill 22-162 is a Colorado law that updates and simplifies how state government departments are organized and managed. It clarifies the roles of different entities within these departments by categorizing them as either type 1 or type 2, ensuring they retain their existing powers when moved between departments. The bill also corrects inconsistencies in the names of these entities across various laws to make everything clearer and more consistent for everyone involved. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the changes are now official and being implemented by state officials.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Permissible Uses Of Waste Tire Fund

Senate Bill 22-170, which has been signed into law, changes how Colorado's Waste Tire Fund can be used. It stops the Department of Public Health and Environment from using fund money for fire prevention plans or hiring consultants related to those plans. Instead, it allows the department to use the fund to pay for inspections at facilities that have waste tires and to provide technical support to both the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and the public regarding waste tire management issues. This bill affects how resources are allocated to manage waste tires in Colorado and ensures funds are used more directly for inspection and assistance purposes.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Hospital Dispense Drugs To Sexual Assault Victims

House Bill 22-1309, which has been signed into law, allows hospital staff to provide emergency medication for up to four weeks to sexual assault victims seeking treatment in the ER. This helps prevent sexually transmitted infections by making necessary drugs more readily available without delay. The law affects anyone who is a victim of sexual assault and seeks medical care at a hospital's emergency room. Since it has been signed, hospitals can now implement this policy to support survivors of sexual assault.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

Correct Defects With Gas And Special Fuel Tax

House Bill 22-1311, also known as the "Correct Defects With Gas And Special Fuel Tax" bill, fixes problems in how certain terms related to fuel and transportation systems are defined. These definitions were unclear or incorrect due to previous laws passed in 2021. The bill affects anyone involved in the sale, distribution, or regulation of gasoline and other special fuels in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, the changes it proposes are now in effect and being implemented by relevant authorities.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

Modifications To Sales Tax Statutes To Address Defects

House Bill 22-1312, which has been signed into law, makes corrections in Colorado's sales tax statutes. It fixes incorrect references related to how certain businesses, known as direct pay permit holders, file and pay their local sales taxes. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "auction sale" by removing a reference that included hotel rooms or accommodations from the list of items sold at auctions. This bill affects specific businesses dealing with sales tax filings and those involved in auction sales. Since it has been signed into law, these corrections are now part of Colorado's official statutes and will be enforced accordingly.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

Wage Theft Employee Misclassification Enforcement

Senate Bill 22-161, also known as the Wage Theft Employee Misclassification Enforcement Act, aims to strengthen penalties for employers who fail to pay wages correctly or misclassify employees. It increases fines for not providing requested information about wage payments and sets stricter rules for deducting money from employee wages if they owe their employer. The bill also imposes higher penalties on employers who repeatedly fail to pay overdue wages and provides protections for workers who file wage claims, including the ability to recover attorney fees and additional damages in some cases. This bill has been signed into law and will enhance enforcement mechanisms against wage theft and misclassification issues, affecting both employees and employers in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Agricultural Housing Public Health COVID-19 Emergency

House Bill 22-1313, which has been signed into law, addresses the housing requirements for agricultural workers during public health emergencies like COVID-19. It specifies that these requirements only apply during a statewide emergency related to communicable diseases and allows employers to follow alternative safety measures outlined by public health orders instead of strict existing rules. This bill affects agricultural employers and their employees, providing more flexibility in how they manage housing conditions during health crises. Since the bill is signed, it means these changes are now official state law.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · House

Correction Property Tax Disclosure Information Metropolitan District

Senate Bill 22-164, also known as the Correction Property Tax Disclosure Information Metropolitan District bill, fixes a mistake in previous legislation by ensuring that property sellers provide new home buyers with accurate tax information from the county treasurer instead of the incorrect reference to the county assessor. This change helps ensure that buyers are well-informed about additional taxes they might have to pay due to overlapping taxing entities when purchasing newly built homes within metropolitan districts. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and affects property transactions in these areas.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Privacy Protections For Educators

Senate Bill 22-171, also known as "Privacy Protections For Educators," adds educators to a list of individuals who can have their personal information removed from the internet if they believe it poses an imminent threat to them or their immediate family. Additionally, the bill updates Colorado's open records law to include specific dates of an educator’s absences in their personnel files. This means that educators' privacy will be better protected, and their absence dates won't be publicly available through record requests. The bill has been signed into law, so these protections are now active for educators in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Affirm Greyhounds As Companion Pets

Senate Bill 22-167, known as the "Affirm Greyhounds As Companion Pets" bill, removes greyhound breeders from a special exemption under Colorado’s pet care laws. This change means that greyhounds will now be treated like other companion pets rather than animals raised for racing or breeding purposes. The bill has been signed into law, which means it is now official and greyhound owners and breeders must comply with the same standards as those who keep other types of pets.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Sensitive Species Data And Public Records

Senate Bill 22-169, which has been signed into law, allows government officials to withhold information from public records requests if that information could reveal the location of rare or endangered animals and plants, as well as their breeding or nesting areas. This means that details about where these species can be found will not be made available to the general public to protect them from potential harm or exploitation. The law affects anyone who might request such information through a public records request, including researchers, activists, and members of the public interested in wildlife conservation. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and its provisions are enforceable.

Last action: 2022-03-21 · Senate

Paid Family Medical Leave Premium Reduction

HB 22-1305, also known as the Paid Family Medical Leave Premium Reduction bill, reduces the amount that employers have to pay into Colorado’s paid family and medical leave program. Starting January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023, the employer contribution will drop from 0.9% of wages per employee to 0.81%. Additionally, the bill requires the state treasurer to transfer $57.5 million from the general fund to support this program. This bill has been signed into law and is now in effect, providing financial relief for employers while maintaining benefits for employees who need family or medical leave.

Last action: 2022-03-18 · House

Broadband Deployment Board Grant Processes

House Bill 22-1306, also known as the Broadband Deployment Board Grant Processes bill, updates how Colorado awards grants for broadband deployment projects using federal funds. It shortens the public comment period for grant applications from 60 days to 45 days and allows grantees more time to complete their projects if supply chain disruptions cause delays. The bill also sets up an appeals process for decisions made by the Broadband Deployment Board regarding these grants. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and its provisions are being implemented.

Last action: 2022-03-18 · House

Mental Health Professionals Technical Changes

HB 22-1307, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, updates the state’s mental health laws. It expands the definition of "mental health professional" to include unlicensed psychotherapists and adds them along with other professionals like addiction counselor candidates to the list of individuals who can administer opiate antagonists (medications used to treat opioid overdose) without legal liability. The bill also clarifies that these new categories of mental health providers cannot prescribe medication or practice medicine, maintaining certain professional boundaries. This change affects various mental health practitioners and ensures they are properly regulated while allowing them to provide critical emergency medical assistance related to drug overdoses.

Last action: 2022-03-18 · House

Agricultural Workforce Services Program

HB 22-1308, also known as the Agricultural Workforce Services Program, is a Colorado state law that establishes an online resource portal for farm workers and employers. This portal provides information about workers' rights and helps employers understand how to follow labor laws correctly. The bill allocates $142,859 from the general fund to support this program in its first year. Since it has been signed into law, the resources are now available to help both agricultural employees and employers in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-18 · House

Colorado Energy Development.

SJR 22-008 is a bill in Colorado that aims to promote the development of energy resources within the state. While specific details are not provided, it likely includes measures to support various forms of energy production and infrastructure. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions will now be implemented. This affects anyone involved in or affected by energy production and consumption in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · Senate

Single Parent Day

Senate Resolution 22-003, also known as "Single Parent Day," is a bill that designates a specific day in Colorado to honor and recognize the contributions of single parents. This resolution affects all single parents in Colorado by acknowledging their hard work and challenges. Since the status of this bill is signed, it means that the governor has approved it, making it official state recognition.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · Senate

Revolving Loan Fund Invest Affordable Housing

Senate Bill 22-159 establishes a new loan program in Colorado aimed at funding affordable housing projects. The program, called the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Fund, provides low-interest loans to help finance eligible housing projects identified by the state. It also sets up requirements for how these loans are administered and ensures that any loans made to local districts comply with voter approval rules if necessary. As of now, $150 million has been transferred from another fund to support this initiative, and the program is officially signed into law. This means that it will start providing financial assistance to projects aimed at increasing affordable housing options across Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · Senate

Species Conservation Trust Fund Projects

Senate Bill 22-158 allocates $6 million from the Species Conservation Trust Fund to support programs aimed at protecting endangered and threatened species in Colorado. The funds will be used for various conservation efforts, including terrestrial wildlife ($770,000), aquatic wildlife ($2,230,000), river recovery projects ($1,900,000 for the Platte River and $800,000 for the Colorado and San Juan rivers), Ruedi Reservoir releases ($250,000), and selenium management research ($50,000). This bill has been signed into law, meaning these conservation projects will now receive funding to help protect native species in the state.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · Senate

Loan Program Resident-owned Communities

Senate Bill 22-160, also known as the Loan Program Resident-owned Communities Act, provides financial assistance and loans to mobile home park residents who want to buy their parks. The bill sets up a fund with $35 million to help these residents organize and purchase their parks, ensuring long-term affordability and stability for them. This program will benefit mobile home owners by offering both loan options and grants to nonprofit organizations that support the process of purchasing and managing resident-owned communities. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and being implemented by the Department of Local Affairs in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · Senate

Women's History Month

House Joint Resolution 22-1016, which has been signed into law, designates March as Women's History Month in Colorado. This resolution aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and highlights their impact on society. It affects all residents of Colorado by promoting awareness and education about women’s historical achievements. Since it is signed, this designation will be observed annually in the state during the month of March.

Last action: 2022-03-17 · House

Increase Residential Behavioral Health Beds

House Bill 22-1303, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to increase the number of residential behavioral health beds for people who need mental health treatment. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to add at least 16 new beds at Fort Logan Mental Health Institute and directs the creation or contracting of an additional 125 beds across various facilities statewide. This expansion will help address the backlog of patients needing competency services and provide ongoing support for those with mental health needs. The bill also sets criteria for admissions, discharge planning, quality assurance, and compliance with federal laws to ensure proper care. It allocates funding from the behavioral and mental health cash fund to cover costs related to construction, operation, and oversight of these new beds.

Last action: 2022-03-16 · House

Health-care Practice Transformation

House Bill 22-1302, titled "Health-care Practice Transformation," aims to improve healthcare in Colorado by providing grants to primary care clinics for better integration of behavioral health services. The bill also requires the state department to develop a standard contract for these services and make changes to how long-term community care is managed based on federal guidelines. This legislation has been signed into law, meaning it will now be implemented with funding from both state and federal sources to support its initiatives.

Last action: 2022-03-16 · House

State Grants Investments Local Affordable Housing

Colorado's HB 22-1304, which has been signed into law, creates two new grant programs aimed at addressing affordable housing issues. The first program provides $138 million in grants to local governments and nonprofits for building affordable homes and related projects. The second program offers $40 million in grants to local governments to improve infrastructure that supports affordable housing. Both programs require the creation of guidelines and best practices to ensure funds are used effectively, and they will be funded through federal recovery money. These initiatives will help communities across Colorado build more affordable housing and support the development of necessary infrastructure until 2026 when these programs expire.

Last action: 2022-03-16 · House

Triple-negative Breast Cancer Awareness Month

SJR 22-007, also known as the "Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Month" bill, designates a specific month in Colorado to raise awareness about triple-negative breast cancer. This designation helps educate people about this type of breast cancer and its unique challenges. Since it has been signed into law, it means that the state officially recognizes and supports activities related to raising awareness during the designated month each year.

Last action: 2022-03-16 · Senate

Controlled Environmental Agricultural Facility As Agricultural Property

HB 22-1301 in Colorado defines a "controlled environment agricultural facility" (CEA) as a specialized structure that uses advanced technology for efficient crop production. Starting January 1, 2023, crops grown in these facilities will be considered agricultural products and the equipment used within them will be exempt from property taxes until January 2, 2028. This means owners of CEA facilities won't have to pay property tax on their specialized equipment for a few years, which could help new or existing businesses save money. The bill has been signed into law, so these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-03-15 · House

Medicaid Prior Authorization And Recovery Of Payment

Senate Bill 22-156, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops prepaid inpatient health plans from requiring prior approval for outpatient psychotherapy services and prevents them from taking back payments they've already made to healthcare providers under certain conditions. Specifically, these plans can't reclaim money paid out if a patient was initially eligible or if the plan itself made an error processing the claim. Additionally, they are not allowed to take back any payments more than 12 months after payment unless there's a specific exception. If a provider owes over $1,000 and requests it, the health plan must work out a payment plan with them. This bill affects healthcare providers and patients receiving Medicaid services in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-03-15 · Senate