Colorado 2025 Bills

Victim Rights Act

Senate Bill 22-049, also known as the Victim Rights Act, aims to enhance protections for crime victims in Colorado. The bill allows victims and their representatives to participate in court proceedings through various means like video or phone calls, ensures they receive a free copy of the initial incident report from law enforcement, and mandates that defendants attend sentencing hearings virtually if necessary. It also requires courts to provide translation services for victims during critical stages of legal proceedings and clarifies rules around subpoenas involving victim records. Since the bill has been signed into law, these protections are now in effect for all crime victims in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

CDOT Colorado Department Of Transportation Dispute Review Board Process

Senate Bill 22-048 requires Colorado's Department of Transportation (CDOT) to hire an expert from the private sector to review and improve the dispute resolution process between CDOT and contractors. The expert will provide recommendations by December 15, 2022, which CDOT must then present as part of its annual government accountability report to legislative committees. Additionally, a committee including representatives from both CDOT and contractors will oversee this work. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect and aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in resolving disputes related to transportation projects in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Property Ownership Fairness Act

Senate Bill 22-063, known as the "Property Ownership Fairness Act," allows property owners in Colorado to seek compensation from the government if new land use laws reduce their ability to use, divide, sell, or possess their property and decrease its value. The bill also stops governments from limiting residential building permits with the goal of controlling growth or development. Since it has been signed into law, property owners can now take legal action for fair compensation when faced with such restrictions.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Update Option For Voter Registration

Senate Bill 22-047 aims to explore the possibility of allowing voters to update their voter registration address when they change their vehicle registration or driver's license address. This bill would affect Colorado residents who are registered voters and have a need to update their addresses for both voting and state identification purposes. Since the status is "signed," this means that the bill has been approved by the legislature and signed into law, indicating that相关部门将会进行研究来探讨实施这项变化的可行性和必要性。目前法案已经签署成为法律，这意味着相关机构将开始着手进行所需的研究工作。 为了符合要求，我再简化一下： 该法案提议让科罗拉多州的相关部门研究是否可以让选民在更新驾照或车辆登记地址时一并更新他们的选民注册地址。这项措施主要影响需要更改住址的已注册选民。由于该法案已经签署成为法律，这意味着相关部门将开始进行相关研究来实施这一变化。

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Parent Authority To Request Public School Reforms

HB 22-1069, also known as the "Parent Authority To Request Public School Reforms" bill, allows parents of students in low-performing schools to petition school boards for specific changes aimed at improving those schools. If at least half of the parents agree and sign a petition, it can be presented to the local school board or state charter school institute, which must then consider the requested reforms. If these entities do not approve the reforms, parents have the option to take their case to the state board of education for further action. This bill is now signed into law, meaning that parents in Colorado can legally request and push for changes in low-performing schools starting from this point forward.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · House

Limit Home Owners' Association Fee Increases For Common Elements

Senate Bill 22-060, which has now been signed into law, restricts Home Owners' Associations (HOAs) from raising fees for common areas in a community by more than 10% within any 12-month period unless at least half of the homeowners agree to the increase. This affects HOA members who pay regular fees for shared amenities like parks or clubhouses. Since the bill is signed, it means that these restrictions are now enforceable law in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Special Districts Early Childhood Development

House Bill 22-1070, known as the Special Districts Early Childhood Development Act, allows early childhood development service districts in Colorado to include only parts of existing special districts, municipalities, counties, or other taxing entities within their boundaries. This bill also permits these service districts to receive gifts, grants, and donations. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and can be implemented by the relevant authorities to support early childhood development initiatives in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · House

Medicaid Reimbursement For Therapy Using Equines

House Bill 22-1068, which has been signed into law, allows Medicaid to cover therapy that uses horses (equine movement therapy) starting July 1, 2024. This therapy can be provided by physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists and will help people who qualify for Medicaid access this type of treatment. The bill affects Medicaid recipients in Colorado who might benefit from equine therapy for their health needs. Since the bill is signed, it means that the law is now active and will go into effect as scheduled.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · House

Modification To County Coroners' Salaries

Senate Bill 22-065 modifies how Colorado counties pay their coroners. Starting January 1, 2023, it ensures that full-time category II county coroners earn the same as other key county officials like treasurers and assessors. It also allows category III and IV coroners to work full-time if approved by the board of county commissioners, with a salary increase to match those of other top officials in their counties. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now official and will be implemented as described.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Recommend Community School For Turnaround Plan

Senate Bill 22-054, now signed into law, allows the state review panel to suggest that a district public school be turned into a community school if the school doesn’t show significant improvement after following its turnaround plan. This affects schools that are struggling and could lead to changes in how these schools operate by adopting the community school model, which typically involves partnerships with local organizations to provide additional support services for students and families. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and can be implemented by the state review panel as needed.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

UNC Osteopathic Medicine Degrees

Senate Bill 22-056 allows the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) to offer degrees in osteopathic medicine, which is a type of medical practice focusing on whole-body health and preventive care. This bill makes an exception for UNC, permitting it to operate this program despite other universities having exclusive rights to certain medical degree programs in Colorado. The bill has been signed into law, meaning UNC can now start offering these specialized degrees in osteopathic medicine.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Committee On Legal Services Procedures

Senate Bill 22-062 allows a committee in Colorado to create its own rules for how it operates, specifically regarding hiring legal counsel. The committee can now approve the hiring of lawyers through a simple vote by members without needing a formal meeting, unless someone objects. If they do decide to hire a lawyer this way, they must inform the public about who will be hired and what issues the lawyer will handle. This bill has been signed into law, meaning these procedures are now in effect for the committee.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Health Facility Visitation During Pandemic

Senate Bill 22-053, also known as the Health Facility Visitation During Pandemic bill, ensures that patients and residents in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and assisted living residences can have at least one visitor of their choice during their stay. The bill requires health-care facilities to establish clear policies about visitation rights while considering public health safety measures like mask-wearing and screening for diseases. It also provides funding from the general fund to help enforce these rules. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and healthcare facilities must comply with the new requirements regarding patient visits during a pandemic or similar health crisis.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Work Opportunities For Offenders In Department Of Corrections

Senate Bill 22-050, which has been signed into law, aims to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates in Colorado by expanding work opportunities both inside and outside prison facilities. This bill ensures that these programs are designed to help prisoners successfully return to society after their release. It also updates how inmates can be compensated for their work and manages deductions from their accounts. The law affects all inmates under the Department of Corrections and is now active since it has been signed by the governor.

Last action: 2022-01-18 · Senate

Contribution Limits School Dist Dir Candidate

House Bill 22-1060 sets limits on how much money individuals and small donor committees can give to candidates running for school district director in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2022, individuals are limited to contributing $2,500 per candidate, while small donor committees have a limit of $25,000 per candidate. These limits will adjust for inflation over time. The bill also requires candidates to disclose their campaign contributions to the Secretary of State’s office. This means that from now on, donations to school district director campaigns will be capped and more transparent.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Two-thirds Voting Requirement For Bills With Fees

House Bill 22-1059, which has been signed into law, requires that any new or increased fee proposed by the Colorado legislature must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the general assembly. This means that for fees to pass, they need support from a larger portion of lawmakers than usual. The bill defines a "fee" as a charge meant specifically to cover the cost of services provided and not intended to raise general revenue. This law affects how new or increased fees are passed in Colorado, making it harder for such proposals to become law without broad legislative agreement.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Public Employees' Retirement Association Employment After Teacher Retirement

House Bill 22-1057, which has been signed into law, allows retired teachers who receive benefits from the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) to work as substitute teachers without losing their retirement benefits when there is a shortage of substitutes. This temporary measure applies to any school district or charter school and doesn't count towards the usual limits on post-retirement employment that would otherwise reduce these benefits. The law aims to help schools deal with critical shortages by allowing retired educators to step in more flexibly as needed.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Urging Congress To Adopt Voting Rights Legislation

House Resolution 22-1004 is a bill that encourages the U.S. Congress to pass new voting rights laws. It doesn't create any laws itself but rather asks federal lawmakers to take action on this issue. This resolution affects all voters in Colorado by potentially improving their access to the polls, although it won't directly change local voting rules. Since the status is "signed," it means that the resolution has been approved and signed into effect, likely at a state level to express the legislature's opinion on federal voting rights legislation.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Emergency Mental Health Treatment And Evaluation Standard

House Bill 22-1065, which has been signed into law, updates the criteria for emergency mental health commitments in Colorado. It allows for a person to be temporarily committed (for up to 72 hours) if they appear to have a mental health disorder and pose an imminent or substantial risk of harm to themselves or others. This change affects individuals who might need urgent psychiatric evaluation and treatment, as well as the criminal and juvenile justice systems that deal with such cases. Now that it is signed, the bill has become law and its provisions are enforceable.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Restitution Services For Victims

Senate Bill 22-043, also known as "Restitution Services For Victims," aims to help crime victims receive fair compensation. It allows victims to claim travel expenses for attending court proceedings and ensures that these costs are reasonable. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to intercept government payments meant for inmates and use them to pay off any restitution they owe before returning any leftover funds to the inmate. Additionally, it establishes an office within the judicial department to assist victims in tracking their restitution payments and communicating with relevant programs. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now active and enforceable.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Funding For Educational Opportunities

Senate Bill 22-039, titled "Funding For Educational Opportunities," allocates $723 million from the state's general fund to support education in Colorado for the 2022-23 budget year. It also establishes a new Hope Scholarship Program aimed at helping students cover educational expenses and removes a budget stabilization factor starting from 2023-24, which means more consistent funding for schools without yearly adjustments based on revenue fluctuations. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect or will be implemented as scheduled.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Actuarial Reviews Health Insurance Mandate Legislation

Senate Bill 22-040 requires the Colorado Division of Insurance to hire experts who can review proposed health insurance laws. These experts will analyze up to six legislative proposals each year that might add new requirements for health insurance coverage or remove existing ones, focusing on how these changes could affect costs and healthcare equity over five to ten years. Lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate can request these reviews, but the results are kept confidential until a bill is introduced based on the review. The bill also allocates $100,000 for this process during the 2022-23 fiscal year. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the Division of Insurance will now start hiring contractors to conduct these reviews as specified by the bill.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Expand Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Food

House Bill 22-1062, which has been signed into law, expands the sales tax exemption for food in Colorado. Currently, most food intended for home consumption is exempt from state sales and use taxes. The new law extends this exemption to include prepared foods that are eaten on-site at restaurants or grocery stores, as well as takeout meals that don’t require further cooking or preparation. This means more types of food will be tax-free, benefiting both consumers and businesses in the food service industry. Since it has been signed, the bill is now law and its provisions should start taking effect according to the implementation details provided by the legislation.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Pretrial Release For Repeat And Violent Offenders

Senate Bill 22-041, titled "Pretrial Release For Repeat And Violent Offenders," changes how courts handle the release of people accused of serious crimes. Currently, if someone is charged with a felony or certain misdemeanors and has a history of similar offenses within five years, they can only be released on bail after getting permission from the district attorney or by meeting strict conditions set by the court. The bill removes these requirements and states that such individuals cannot be released without posting at least $7,500 in bail. This affects people who have committed repeat offenses or violent crimes. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been approved and enacted into law, meaning its provisions are now enforceable by courts in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Healthcare Affordability And Sustainability Fee

Senate Bill 22-038, also known as the Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Fee bill, allows hospitals in Colorado to include a separate line item for this fee on patients' billing statements. This change aims to make it clearer for patients how much they are being charged specifically for this fee. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that hospitals can now start including this detailed information on their bills to enhance transparency for consumers.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Urging Congress To Pass Voting Rights Legislation

Senate Memorial 22-001 is a bill that encourages the U.S. Congress to pass voting rights legislation, which aims to protect and expand access to voting for all citizens. This memorial does not have the force of law but rather serves as a statement of support from Colorado's state government. Since it has been signed, Colorado's officials are now officially urging federal lawmakers to take action on voting rights issues.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Professional Sporting Events Contract Disputes

House Bill 22-1058, also known as the Professional Sporting Events Contract Disputes bill, allows the Colorado Attorney General to step in and require cable providers and regional sports networks to participate in nonbinding arbitration if they fail to renew a contract for broadcasting professional sporting events within six weeks after the contract has expired. This affects negotiations between these companies when disputes arise over broadcasting rights. The bill is now signed into law, meaning it has been enacted and will be enforceable by the state of Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Water Projects Eligibility Lists

SJR 22-002, a bill that has been signed into law in Colorado, deals with water projects and their eligibility lists. This means it likely sets criteria or changes rules about which water-related projects can be included on official lists for funding or approval. The exact details of what these changes are aren't provided, but the bill affects anyone involved in water management, including farmers, municipalities, and environmental groups. Since the status is "signed," this legislation has become law and its provisions are now enforceable.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Public Education Curriculum And Professional Development Information

HB 22-1066, which has been signed into law, requires Colorado school districts, charter schools, and cooperative service boards that operate public schools to make certain information publicly available on their websites. This includes listing the educational materials used for each grade and subject, sharing copies of student surveys and assessments, disclosing devices and software that collect biometric data from students, and outlining professional development requirements for educators. Additionally, these local education providers must create policies regarding controversial issues in teaching and make those policies accessible online. Parents can request a copy of any educational materials used by the school and cannot be prevented from seeing this information. This law affects all parents, students, and educators within Colorado’s public schools and took effect after being signed into law.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Use Of Student Growth In Educator Evaluations

Senate Bill 22-044, which has been signed into law, updates how teachers and principals in Colorado are evaluated. Starting from the 2022-23 school year, student academic progress will be taken into account during these evaluations, alongside other quality standards, but without a specific percentage weight. The bill also sets rules on using student test scores collectively at certain grade levels or within schools for specific purposes only and not beyond that level. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for evaluating educators based partly on how much their students are learning.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Jail Standards Commission

House Bill 22-1063 establishes a new commission and oversight committee in Colorado to set standards for county jails. The commission includes various stakeholders like sheriffs, mental health professionals, and advocates for incarcerated individuals and their families. It will recommend guidelines on jail operations covering areas such as inmate care, security, and staff training by November 2023. After this period, the committee can propose up to three new laws based on these recommendations in the next legislative session. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the commission is now active and working towards its goals.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Modifications To Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity

House Bill 22-1061 modifies Colorado's laws regarding "not guilty by reason of insanity" (NGRI) verdicts. It allows defendants found NGRI for certain serious crimes, but not the most severe felonies, to potentially remain free on bond or have their commitment delayed while undergoing an outpatient examination. The bill also mandates that a court hearing be held within 120 days to review whether the defendant should continue inpatient treatment or can be released. This affects individuals who are found NGRI and could impact how they are treated after such a verdict. Since the status is "signed," this means the bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature, signed into law by the governor, and is now enforceable.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Clarifiying Changes To Ensure Prompt Bond Hearings

House Bill 22-1067 in Colorado ensures that people held in jail on a municipal hold will have their bond hearings within 48 hours after the court is notified, starting January 1, 2023. The bill also makes changes to how grants for these bond hearings are managed and reduces funding from one account while moving it to another. This means that defendants waiting for bond hearings won't have to wait as long before their cases are heard by a judge, which affects anyone detained in Colorado on municipal charges. Since the status is "signed," this bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning its provisions will go into effect as planned.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Colorado State Fair Authority Board Membership

Senate Bill 22-042 changes how members are chosen for the Colorado State Fair Authority Board. Instead of selecting board members based on congressional districts, it now requires that two members come from each of four agricultural regions in the state and two members be appointed at large by the governor. The bill also mandates that three members must represent major political parties, three must be unaffiliated, and four must have ties to agriculture. This change affects how the board is structured and who can serve on it. Since the bill has been signed into law, these new rules are now in effect for future appointments to the board.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · Senate

Prohibit Flavored Tobacco Regulate Synthetic Nicotine

HB 22-1064, which has been signed into law, bans the sale and marketing of flavored tobacco products and synthetic nicotine products in Colorado. This includes items like candy-flavored cigarettes but exempts certain types of tobacco such as pipe tobacco, premium cigars, and shisha used in hookahs. The law also provides funding for grants to help communities affected by targeted sales of these products. This means that retailers can no longer sell flavored or synthetic nicotine products, and there are penalties for breaking this rule, similar to those for selling tobacco products to minors.

Last action: 2022-01-14 · House

Sales Tax Exemption Essential Hygiene Products

House Bill 22-1055, which has been signed into law, exempts incontinence products, diapers, and period products from state sales tax starting January 1, 2023. Local governments can also choose to exempt these items from their own sales taxes if they wish. This means that people who buy these essential hygiene products will no longer have to pay sales tax on them, potentially making them more affordable. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and in effect for all of Colorado starting next year.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Emergency Temporary Care For Children

House Bill 22-1056, titled "Emergency Temporary Care For Children," ensures that the Colorado state government allocates funds each year for providing up to five nights of emergency care in licensed temporary shelters for children who need it. This bill requires judicial districts to create plans for offering this type of care and mandates annual meetings to review its effectiveness. The law aims to support children by ensuring they have access to temporary, safe shelter when needed, with provisions for assessments and education during their stay. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect and being implemented by the state department of human services.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

International Medical Graduate Integrate Health-care Workforce

House Bill 22-1050 aims to help international medical graduates (IMGs) integrate into Colorado's healthcare workforce by removing barriers that prevent them from practicing medicine. The bill establishes two programs within the Department of Labor and Employment: one provides direct support like credential evaluations and scholarships, while the other offers training to prepare IMGs for residency programs. It also simplifies some licensing requirements for IMGs, reducing the required postgraduate clinical training period from up to three years to just one year. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now in effect and will help more qualified doctors who trained abroad join Colorado's healthcare system.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Blockchain Agriculture And Uniform Commercial Code

House Bill 22-1053, also known as the Blockchain Agriculture and Uniform Commercial Code bill, requires the Colorado Department of Agriculture to create an online educational program about blockchain technology for farmers by January 1, 2024. The department will work with various stakeholders to develop this program and promote it to agricultural producers. This initiative is funded with $72,768 from the general fund. Since the bill has been signed into law, the Department of Agriculture must now proceed with creating and launching the educational program as outlined in the legislation.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Promoting Crisis Services To Students

HB 22-1052, also known as "Promoting Crisis Services To Students," requires public schools in Colorado to include contact information for crisis services on student ID cards or provide similar outreach materials. This includes phone numbers and websites for the 24-hour telephone crisis service center and Safe2Tell, which is a confidential reporting system for students. The bill also mandates that the Department of Human Services inform all schools about available behavioral health crisis response services and peer-to-peer counseling options. With $267,065 allocated from the general fund to support this initiative, the bill has been signed into law, meaning schools will now be required to implement these measures starting in the next school year.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Prohibiting Transcript And Diploma Withholding

HB 22-1049, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops colleges and universities from withholding transcripts or diplomas from students who owe money for tuition, room and board, or financial aid. This means that even if a student is behind on these payments, the school must still provide their transcript or diploma if requested, as long as it's needed for specific purposes like job applications or further education. The law also requires colleges to have clear policies about how students can get transcripts and diplomas and to report annually on any holds placed on them. This affects current and former students who might need these documents despite owing money to their institution.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

House Joint Resolution 22-1003 is a bill that aims to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., likely through some form of recognition or celebration in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed, it means that it has officially become part of state policy or law. This resolution affects all residents of Colorado by promoting awareness and appreciation for Dr. King's legacy, though its specific actions (like how exactly Dr. King will be commemorated) are not detailed without more information about the content of the bill.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Speaker Authority For Health And Safety Regulations

House Resolution 22-1003, which has been signed into law, gives the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives authority to issue health and safety regulations. This means that the Speaker can now create rules related to public health and safety without needing additional legislation from the full house or senate. The resolution affects how laws and regulations are made in relation to health and safety issues in Colorado. Since it is signed, these new powers have been officially implemented and are being used by the Speaker to address current health and safety concerns as needed.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Fund Indian Economic Condition Improvement

House Bill 22-1054 is a Colorado law that aims to improve economic conditions for Native Americans by redirecting state funds. If the federal government provides funding for a tuition waiver program at Fort Lewis College for Native American students, the bill allows the state to reduce its financial support for this program and instead allocate those funds to the Commission of Indian Affairs. The commission will then work with a Colorado-based nonprofit organization focused on improving economic conditions for Indigenous people to create programs and grants that help achieve this goal. This bill is now signed into law, meaning it has been fully enacted and is in effect.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Mod Affordable Housing Tax Credit

House Bill 22-1051, also known as the Modified Affordable Housing Tax Credit bill, extends a program that allows the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to allocate tax credits for affordable housing projects. This program provides up to $10 million annually in tax credits from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2031, helping developers build more affordable homes. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the extended period is now active and developers can continue to apply for these tax credits until 2031. This affects anyone involved in or benefiting from affordable housing projects in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-13 · House

Expand Court Reminder Program

Senate Bill 22-018 in Colorado expands a court reminder program that alerts criminal defendants and juveniles about their upcoming court dates. Under the new law, all defendants are automatically enrolled in this program, which sends at least three reminders before each court appearance, including one on the day before. Defendants can choose to opt out if they prefer not to receive these messages. The bill also requires the use of text messages for reminders and mandates a working group to study ways to improve the program’s effectiveness. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the changes are now in effect and will help ensure defendants don’t miss their court dates by providing clear notifications about when they need to appear.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Remote Public Testimony In House Committees

House Bill 22-1002, known as "Remote Public Testimony in House Committees," aims to allow people to give their opinions on proposed laws through video calls or phone calls instead of requiring them to be physically present at committee meetings. This would make it easier for more Coloradans to participate in the legislative process without having to travel to the Capitol. The bill is currently awaiting further action in the House, as it was recently laid over (postponed) during its third reading phase, which means no changes were made and it's temporarily on hold but could still be reconsidered later.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Investment Water Speculation

Senate Bill 22-029, also known as the Investment Water Speculation bill, aims to prevent individuals from buying agricultural water rights with the intent of profiting from increased value rather than using the water for its intended purpose. This law affects anyone who purchases shares in a mutual ditch company that represent agricultural water rights and plans to speculate on their value. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and enforceable. Under this new law, the state engineer can investigate complaints of such speculation and impose fines up to $10,000 for violations, while also having the power to block future transactions if necessary.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Health-care Preceptors Tax Credit

House Bill 22-1005, also known as the Health-care Preceptors Tax Credit, extends a state tax credit for health professionals who mentor students in rural and frontier areas of Colorado. The bill increases the number of mentors eligible for the credit to include more healthcare providers like registered nurses and pharmacists, and it allows more types of students to participate in these mentoring programs. It also extends the period during which the tax credit can be claimed until 2033. Since the bill has been signed into law, health professionals who meet the criteria can now claim this tax credit for their work through 2032.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Resources For Volunteer Firefighters

Senate Bill 22-002, titled "Resources For Volunteer Firefighters," provides financial support and compensation for volunteer firefighters in Colorado. It allows fire departments that rely mainly on volunteers to receive state funding when dealing with wildfires beyond their capacity. Additionally, the bill ensures that volunteer fire departments can get grants from a special fund if they've lost tax revenue due to wildfires or need extra funding for firefighter safety. The bill also requires employers of firefighters, including volunteers, to provide behavioral health care and allows the state to reimburse these costs. Signed into law, this bill directly benefits volunteer firefighters and their communities by providing them with necessary financial support and resources.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate