Colorado 2025 Bills

Evidence-based Training In Science Of Reading

Senate Bill 22-004 requires Colorado schools and school districts to provide evidence-based training in reading science for teachers, principals, and administrators who work with students from kindergarten through grade 12 by the start of the 2024-25 school year. This ensures that educators are equipped with the latest research on how children learn to read effectively. The bill also encourages public libraries to offer similar training to librarians and resources for parents to support literacy at home. It has been signed into law, meaning these requirements will be implemented as planned.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Home Owners' Reasonable Access To Common Areas

House Bill 22-1040, titled "Home Owners' Reasonable Access To Common Areas," ensures that homeowners in common interest communities (like condominiums or townhomes) have the right to use and enjoy shared spaces without unreasonable restrictions from their homeowner association. The bill requires associations to only limit access to these areas when necessary for safety reasons or to protect ongoing repairs, and any such restriction lasting longer than 72 hours must be clearly communicated to all homeowners with an estimated timeline and contact information for questions. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and will impact how homeowner associations manage common areas in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Motorcycle And Autocycle Definitions

House Bill 22-1043 in Colorado changes how motorcycles and autocycles are defined. It clarifies that motorcycles must have handlebars and a seat the rider sits on, while autocycles are now classified as motor vehicles and don't require a motorcycle endorsement for their drivers unless they're three-wheel motorcycles. The bill also ensures that certain safety exemptions apply specifically to autocycles rather than motorcycles, such as not needing eye protection or a helmet under specific conditions. Additionally, it removes the requirement for autocycle owners to pay a registration fee meant for motorcycle operator training and makes other adjustments related to licensing plates and lane usage. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Fluid Milk Products Not Divisible Load

Senate Bill 22-017, which has been signed into law in Colorado, changes the rules for vehicle weight limits on roads. Specifically, it states that trucks carrying fluid milk products are not required to divide their loads even if doing so would lower the weight and comply with usual regulations. This affects drivers who transport milk and other dairy liquids. Since the bill is signed, it means the law has been enacted and is now in effect for these specific trucking operations.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Statewide Regulation Of Controlled Intersections

HB 22-1028, also known as "Statewide Regulation of Controlled Intersections," is a Colorado law that allows people riding bicycles, electric scooters, and other low-speed vehicles to make a safety stop instead of a full stop at certain intersections with stop signs or red lights if it's safe. The statewide rule sets the reasonable speed limit for this practice at 10 miles per hour unless local authorities set it higher up to 20 mph. This law applies to most people aged 15 and older, as well as younger individuals accompanied by an adult. It overrides any conflicting local rules but doesn't affect existing non-conflicting local regulations. The status "signed" means the bill has been approved by the governor and is now law.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program

Senate Bill 22-037, also known as the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program, updates how grants are awarded for youth services in Colorado. It removes state agencies from being eligible to receive these grants and focuses on community-based organizations that can provide prevention services like reducing crime, preventing drug use, and helping students stay in school. The bill also ensures that any organization receiving funds meets certain criteria and prioritizes programs based on the needs of their communities. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the changes described are now official policy and will be implemented by relevant departments in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Assistance Landowner Wildfire Mitigation

House Bill 22-1007, also known as the Assistance Landowner Wildfire Mitigation Act, aims to help prevent wildfires by providing grants and tax credits. The bill establishes a grant program through which local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations can receive funding to educate landowners in high-risk areas about wildfire prevention measures. Additionally, it offers Colorado residents a state income tax credit of up to $625 (25% of $2,500) for costs related to reducing wildfire risks on their property. This bill has been signed into law and is now active, meaning that eligible organizations can apply for grants and landowners can claim the new tax credits starting in 2023.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Boards And Commissions

Senate Bill 22-013 in Colorado updates rules for various state boards and commissions. It allows members who represent specific congressional districts to continue serving even if district boundaries change due to redistricting. The bill also ensures that when a new or removed congressional district affects the size of these boards, the appointing authority will adjust membership accordingly. Additionally, it clarifies how vacancies are filled and updates language for better clarity and compliance with current standards. Since the status is "signed," this means the governor has approved the bill, making its provisions official law in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Colorado Youth Advisory Council Updates

Senate Bill 22-014 updates rules for the Colorado Youth Advisory Council. It changes how members are appointed and removes the need for a majority vote in selecting non-legislative members. The bill also requires the council to meet twice yearly in person, adopt bylaws defining leadership roles, and report directly to a review committee during breaks between legislative sessions. Signed into law, this means the updated rules are now official and must be followed by the Council.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Versions Of The Colorado Constitution

Senate Bill 22-012 requires the state archivist to work with History Colorado to create a permanent public display of the original Colorado Constitution in the state capitol building and other government buildings. This ensures that the document is displayed safely and according to best practices for preserving historical documents. Additionally, the bill mandates an online exhibition of the constitution, making it easily searchable and accessible to everyone on the internet. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these requirements are now in effect and being implemented by the state archivist and History Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Community College Nursing Bachelor Degree Eligibility

Senate Bill 22-003, now signed into law, allows community colleges in Colorado to offer bachelor's degrees in nursing to students who already have or are working towards a practical nursing certificate. This means more nursing students can advance their education without needing to transfer to a four-year university. The law benefits current and aspiring nurses by providing them with more educational pathways to achieve higher qualifications. Since the bill has been signed, it is now active and community colleges can start implementing these programs.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Access To Suppressed Court Eviction Records

Senate Bill 22-019, which has been signed into law, allows lawyers to access sealed eviction records if a party involved in the record gives permission. This enables attorneys to provide legal advice or assess whether they should represent someone in an eviction case, and it also helps determine if mediation might be suitable for resolving disputes between tenants and landlords. The bill affects people who have had their eviction records sealed and the lawyers representing them. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions are enforceable.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Pretrial Diversion For Person With Behavioral Health

Senate Bill 22-010 in Colorado updates the pretrial diversion program by adding new options for people with behavioral health issues. Instead of going through the criminal justice system, these individuals can be directed towards community treatment programs that address their specific needs. This change replaces older pilot programs that were set to end and helps more people get the mental health support they need before facing court proceedings. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Youth Delinquency Prevention And Intervention Grants

House Bill 22-1003, also known as the Youth Delinquency Prevention and Intervention Grants, sets up a pilot grant program aimed at reducing youth crime. The program provides two-year grants to local governments, tribes, schools, and nonprofits for projects that involve multiple community partners working together to prevent delinquency, especially in areas with high rates of juvenile justice involvement. The Colorado Department of Public Safety will manage the program, which requires $2.1 million annually for two years from the state budget. Since it has been signed into law, this initiative is now active and will be reviewed by the legislature in 2024 to decide whether to continue funding beyond its pilot phase.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Sales And Use Tax Exemption Municipal Public School Construction

House Bill 22-1024, which has been signed into law, exempts home rule cities from collecting sales and use taxes on construction materials used for building or repairing public schools. This means that when materials are bought to build or fix a school in these cities, the city won’t charge tax on those purchases. The bill also allocates $3,375 from the state’s general fund to help cover the costs related to managing this new exemption for the Department of Revenue. This law benefits public schools by reducing their construction and repair costs through tax savings.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Fifth Year High School Concurrent Enrollment

House Bill 22-1002, also known as the Fifth Year High School Concurrent Enrollment bill, removes limits on the number of students who can participate in Colorado’s ASCENT program. This program allows high school seniors to take college courses during their fifth year and receive funding for non-tuition expenses like books or fees from their local education provider. The bill also eliminates requirements that students repay tuition if they fail a course. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and will allow more students to access these opportunities without financial penalties for not passing all courses.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Off-label Use Of Approved Drugs To Treat COVID-19

House Bill 22-1015, which has been signed into law in Colorado, allows doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to prescribe medications like hydroxychloroquine sulfate and ivermectin for uses not approved by the FDA to treat or prevent COVID-19. It also permits pharmacists to dispense these drugs for such off-label use without facing professional discipline. This law affects healthcare providers and patients who might benefit from these treatments, providing them with more flexibility in managing the virus. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Modifications To Qualified State Tuition Programs

HB 22-1019, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, introduces the Foundational Learning Experience (FLEX) savings program. This program allows Coloradans to use their 529 college savings accounts for elementary and secondary school tuition, as well as certain apprenticeship fees, books, supplies, and equipment. The FLEX account can be used by anyone to contribute funds for a designated beneficiary's educational expenses, but the money must be spent on qualified costs like K-12 tuition or approved apprenticeship-related expenses. This bill helps Colorado residents take advantage of federal tax benefits while supporting broader education savings options.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Statutory Initiative Petition Signature Requirements

House Concurrent Resolution 22-1001 would require that any petition for a citizen-initiated statutory change gather signatures from at least 2% of registered voters in each state senate district before being placed on the ballot. This means that if voters approve this resolution, future attempts to change laws through petitions will need to meet stricter signature requirements similar to those already required for constitutional amendments. The bill has been signed and is now awaiting voter approval in the November 2022 general election.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Prohibit Hunting Bobcat Lynx And Mountain Lion

Senate Bill 22-031 in Colorado makes it illegal to hunt, trap, or kill bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions without specific permission from wildlife authorities. The law allows exceptions for protecting human safety, livestock protection under certain conditions, scientific research, and accredited zoos. Violators can face fines up to $2,000, jail time, license suspension, and civil penalties. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and enforceable in the state of Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Continue Workforce Diploma Pilot Program

HB 22-1009 is a Colorado bill that extends a pilot program called the Workforce Diploma Program, which was set to end in 2022. This program helps people get recognized diplomas for their work experience and skills, even if they didn't graduate from high school traditionally. The bill also allows the state education department to adjust how much money it pays to organizations that run this program based on changes in prices (like inflation). Since the bill has been signed into law, the program will continue indefinitely with these adjustments.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Customer Right To Use Energy

House Bill 22-1020, also known as the Customer Right To Use Energy bill, ensures that individuals in Colorado can use natural gas, propane, solar panels, small wind turbines, and small hydroelectric power for their homes or businesses without facing restrictions from state agencies, local governments, or community rules. This means customers have freedom to choose how they generate electricity, cook, heat water, and keep warm. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable and affects all residents and businesses in Colorado.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Protecting Human Life At Conception

House Bill 22-1047, known as the "Protecting Human Life At Conception" bill, aims to ban abortion in Colorado by making it a felony to terminate a pregnancy except when necessary to save the life of the mother or during medical treatments like chemotherapy. The law also declares that federal laws and regulations that conflict with this state's protection of human life from conception are invalid within Colorado. This means that anyone who performs an abortion, excluding doctors acting in specific medical emergencies, could face severe legal consequences. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable in the state.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Study State And Interstate Highway Vehicle Weight

House Joint Resolution 22-1002, which has been signed into law, calls for a study on the weight limits of vehicles traveling on state and interstate highways in Colorado. This resolution will affect trucking companies and other large vehicle operators who use these roads. Since it is signed, a committee will now conduct research to understand how different weights impact road safety and maintenance, potentially leading to new regulations or guidelines in the future.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Retail Liquor Store Minimally Processed Food

Senate Bill 22-033 allows retail liquor stores in Colorado to sell more types of minimally processed food items like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meat without counting the sales from these foods towards their current limit of 20% non-alcohol product revenue. This means that liquor stores can increase their offerings of fresh and simple packaged foods without worrying about hitting the revenue cap. The bill has been signed into law, so retail liquor stores can now start expanding their food options according to these new rules.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Joint Session For Message From The Governor

HJR 22-1001 is a bill that allows for a joint session of the Colorado legislature to receive messages from the governor. This means that the governor can address both houses of the state legislature together, which is useful for important announcements or speeches. The bill has been signed into law, so it's now in effect and will be used when the governor wants to communicate significant information to the legislative body.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Senate Officers and Employees

Senate Resolution 22-001, which has been signed into effect, deals with the organization and roles of officers and employees within the Colorado State Senate. This resolution likely outlines rules and procedures for how senate staff operates but doesn't create new laws that affect the general public directly. Since it's signed, its provisions are now in place and being followed by the state senate officials and employees.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Constitutional Carry Of A Handgun

House Bill 22-1033, also known as the Constitutional Carry of a Handgun bill, allows people who are at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a handgun under federal and state laws to carry concealed handguns without needing a permit. This means anyone符合条件的21岁及以上的人可以在不需要许可证的情况下隐蔽携带手枪。该法案还取消了地方当局对公开或隐蔽携带手枪进行监管的权利，并将现有的许可有效期延长为持有人的一生，但临时紧急许可除外。 目前该法案已经签署成为法律，这意味着在科罗拉多州，符合条件的个人可以自由选择是否申请许可证来携带隐藏的手枪，而无需担心违反当地关于持枪的规定。

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Alternative Transportation Options Tax Credit

House Bill 22-1026, also known as the Alternative Transportation Options Tax Credit, changes how employers can get tax benefits for providing alternative transportation options to their employees. Instead of a deduction, employers now receive a refundable income tax credit worth 50% of the expenses they incur, up to $250,000 per year and $2,000 per employee annually. This includes things like ridesharing programs, bike shares, scooter sharing, carsharing, and guaranteed ride home services. The bill took effect after it was signed into law and applies for income tax years starting from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Enactment Of CRS 2021

Senate Bill 22-022 is a bill that officially adopts the Colorado Revised Statutes from 2021 as the official and enforceable laws of the state. This means that all the updated statutes published in 2021 are now legally binding for everyone in Colorado. The bill has been signed into law, so these revised statutes are now active and being used by courts and government agencies to make decisions and enforce rules.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Modernization Of The Older Coloradans' Act

House Bill 22-1035, also known as the Modernization of the Older Coloradans' Act, aims to improve support for older residents in Colorado by updating existing programs and services. The bill expands a commission focused on aging issues from 17 to 19 members, adds a liaison position within the state’s human services department, and creates a new initiative to better coordinate efforts across different agencies. This means that more resources and attention will be given to planning for an aging population in Colorado, affecting older residents who rely on these services. Since the bill has been signed into law, its provisions are now active and being implemented to support older Coloradans through improved community planning and social services.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit

House Bill 22-1010, also known as the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit, provides financial support for early childhood educators in Colorado. The bill offers a refundable tax credit to eligible educators based on their income level and professional credentials, with higher levels of certification receiving larger credits. This benefit is available for four years starting from 2022 and adjusts annually for inflation. It affects individuals who work in licensed early childhood programs and earn less than $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint). Since the bill has been signed into law, eligible educators can now claim this tax credit when filing their taxes.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Court Reporter Administering Oaths Or Affirmations

Senate Bill 22-020, which has been signed into law, allows court reporters to administer oaths and affirmations. Previously, only certain professionals like judges or notaries were allowed to do this. This change affects anyone who needs an oath or affirmation administered in a legal context where a court reporter is present. Since the bill has been signed, it means that court reporters can now legally perform this role in Colorado courts and other official settings.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Groundwater Compact Compliance Fund

Senate Bill 22-028, now signed into law, establishes a fund to help manage and reduce groundwater use in two specific river basins in Colorado—the Rio Grande and the Republican River. This fund will be used for initiatives like buying and retiring irrigation wells and land to ensure sustainable water usage. The Colorado Water Conservation Board oversees this fund and works with local conservation districts to decide how to spend the money, which is initially funded with $60 million from the state's economic recovery fund. This bill aims to support long-term water sustainability efforts in these river basins.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Modify Administration Of Colorado State Fair

House Bill 22-1022 modifies how the Colorado State Fair operates by allowing the fair authority to work with state agencies to create industry displays. The bill also sets rules for approving these displays and clarifies that the manager of the fair is hired by the commissioner of agriculture. This means the fair will have more structured guidelines for showcasing industries and ensuring proper oversight. Since it has been signed, the changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Electric And Gas Utility Customer Protections

HB 22-1018, also known as Electric and Gas Utility Customer Protections, is a Colorado law that aims to protect utility customers. It changes how funds are distributed for energy assistance and sets new rules for when utilities can disconnect service, such as prohibiting disconnections on weekends, holidays, or during emergencies. The bill also establishes income standards for households to qualify for utility assistance programs and allows the Public Utilities Commission to offer special benefits to low-income customers year-round. Since it has been signed into law, these protections are now in effect for eligible Colorado residents.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · House

Treatment Behavioral Health Disorders Justice System

Senate Bill 22-021 updates Colorado’s laws to better support people with behavioral health issues in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. It expands the focus from mental health disorders to include a wider range of behavioral health conditions, allows for more research on these topics, sets term limits for committee members, and extends the program's operation until 2027. The bill also allocates $108,131 in funding to implement these changes. Since it has been signed into law, its provisions are now active and being implemented.

Last action: 2022-01-12 · Senate

Broadband Board Changes To Expand Broadband Service

The act moves the broadband deployment board (board) from the department of regulatory agencies (department) to the office of information technology (office) and, on September 1, 2021, reduces the membership of the board from 16 to 11 members.The board is required to develop a request for proposal process through which the board will solicit bids for proposed projects that serve critically unserved areas of the state identified by the office. The board is required to reserve up to 60% of the money from the high cost support mechanism that is allocated for broadband deployment to award grants to proposed projects solicited through the request for proposal process. "Critically unserved" is defined in the act to mean a household or area that lacks access to at least one provider of nonsatellite broadband service delivered at measurable speeds of at least 10 megabits per second downstream and one megabit per second upstream or at measurable speeds of at least one-half of the minimum measurable speeds that qualify as broadband under the federal communications commission's definition, rounded up, whichever is faster.The act also:Requires an applicant or appellant to submit either written certification from a local entity indicating that the area to be served by the applicant's project is an unserved area or a statistically representative number of speed tests performed on an incumbent provider's network and conducted in accordance with industry-standard speed-test protocols; Gives additional consideration to proposed projects that would give discounted service for low-income households; Contractually requires an applicant receiving a grant award to: Report annually on the number of homes and businesses served by the grant-supported broadband network, the number of homes and businesses expected to be served in the following year, and the speeds, rates, and services offered to customers through the grant-supported broadband network; and Provide third-party performance-testing certification, after the grant money has been fully expended, that the project meets the original design of, and provides the measurable speeds, rates, and services set forth in, the application. Requires an applicant or appellant to submit to the office, in a form and manner determined by the office, certain granular mapping data, which data is not a public record under the "Colorado Open Records Act"; and Uses the request for proposal process, or a substantially similar process, for the disbursement of any federal money the board receives for broadband deployment projects and programs so long as using the request for proposal process complies with federal requirements for use of the money. For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, the act transfers $202,504 of the appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act from the department of regulator agencies to the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology to implement the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-07 · House

Special Mobile Machinery Registration Exemption

The act allows an owner of special mobile machinery who regularly rents or leases the special mobile machinery and who pays specific ownership tax on a monthly basis in an amount equal to 2% of the rental or lease payments for the special mobile machinery to apply to the department of revenue for a registration exempt certificate. The department shall issue the certificate if:The department verifies that the owner regularly has 1,000 or more items of such special mobile machinery in the state; Each item of such special mobile machinery is clearly marked or painted in a manner that identifies it as being owned by the owner; Each item of such special mobile machinery bears a visible and readily identifiable unique identification number assigned by the owner; and Each item of such special mobile machinery bears a visible toll-free telephone number for the owner that can be used for verification of ownership. The owner of any item of special mobile machinery that is covered by a registration exempt certificate is required to pay, at the time during each calendar year in which specific ownership tax is first paid for the item, all fees and surcharges that would otherwise be paid at the time of registration; except that the owner is not required to pay any fee imposed for the purpose of covering the direct costs of license plates, decals, or validating tabs or the direct costs incurred by an authorized agent of the department of revenue in registering or issuing license plates, decals, or validating tabs for the item.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-07 · Senate

Health-care Provider Liens For Injured Persons

The act establishes requirements for the creation and assignment of a health-care provider lien for a person injured in an accident. A health-care provider lien is a lien related to charges for health care provided to a person injured by the negligence or wrongful act of another person, which is asserted against money the injured person may receive from a personal injury claim or uninsured motorist claim.A health-care provider or the health-care provider's assignee creating a lien must advise the injured person of their options for payment, including the use of benefits from an insurance plan. In addition, the provider or assignee must provide additional disclosures about the lien, including how the health-care provider's assignee is compensated and of any common ownership interests among the lien holder and the injured person's health-care providers or legal counsel. The injured person must also be advised that, except in the case of fraud or misrepresentation:If the injured person does not receive a judgment, settlement, or payment on the injured person's claim, the injured person is not liable for any amount of the lien; If the injured person receives a net judgment, settlement, or payment that is less than the amount of the lien, the injured person is not liable for any amount over the amount of the net judgment, settlement, or payment; and The lien holder cannot assign the lien to a collection agency. The act requires that a health-care provider lien cannot include additional finance charges or interest and must be limited to the total of the usual and customary charges billed by health-care providers. In the absence of fraud or misrepresentation:If the injured person does not receive a judgment, settlement, or payment on the injured person's claim, the injured person is not liable for any amount of the lien; If the injured person receives a net judgment, settlement, or payment that is less than the amount of the lien, the injured person is not liable for any amount over the amount of the net judgment, settlement, or payment; and The lien holder cannot assign the lien to a collection agency. A health-care provider or its assignee must comply with the provisions of the act to have a valid health-care provider lien. If a court determines that a health-care provider or its assignee knowingly failed to comply, the injured person may seek a ruling from the court concerning which portions of the lien, if any, the health-care provider or assignee cannot recover.Except in an action under the "Uniform Consumer Credit Code", when a lien is assigned, the amount paid for the assignment, the fact of the assignment, and the terms of the assignment are not admissible as evidence in the underlying personal injury action.The holder of a health-care provider lien may file a record of the lien in accordance with the "Colorado Statutory Lien Registration Act". If more than one health-care provider lien has been asserted against an injured person's net judgment, settlement, or payment for the same accident or incident, a lien for which a record has been filed has priority for payment out of the injured person's net judgment, settlement, or payment over a lien for which no record is filed. If records are filed for more than one health-care provider lien for the same accident or incident, priority is determined by the date on which the record was filed, with the lien with the earliest date of filing having first priority. Filing a record is optional and does not waive any other provisions of the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-07 · House

Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Offer Insurance

Current law allows an existing association consisting of multiple employers, referred to as a "multiple employer welfare arrangement" (MEWA), to offer health-care benefits to the association's members only if, among other requirements, the MEWA has been in existence continuously since at least January 1, 1983, and is engaged in substantial activities for its employer members other than the sponsorship of an employee welfare benefit plan.The act allows a MEWA that does not meet these requirements to file an application for a waiver with the commissioner of insurance that, if granted, would enable the MEWA to offer health-care benefits to its members' employees. The act specifies the application requirements, substantive requirements that a MEWA must comply with to qualify for a waiver, and factors that the commissioner will consider in determining whether to grant a waiver. If a waiver is granted, the MEWA is subject to the division of insurance's full enforcement authority, and the MEWA may operate for 2 years. To operate past the 2 years, a MEWA must reapply for a waiver, but if the commissioner grants 5 consecutive waivers, a MEWA may continue to operate without again applying for a waiver.The act also appropriates $13,352 from the division of insurance cash fund to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the division of insurance to implement the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-07 · Senate

Voter Transparency In Ballot Measures

The act requires that certain language appear at the beginning of a ballot title for an initiated measure that would either increase or decrease tax revenue through a tax change.First, in the case of a measure that would reduce state tax revenue through a tax change, the ballot title must begin "Shall there be a reduction to the (description of tax) by (the percentage by which the tax is reduced in the first full fiscal year that the measure reduces revenue) thereby reducing state revenue, which will reduce funding for state expenditures that include but are not limited to (the three largest areas of program expenditure) by an estimated (projected dollar figure of revenue reduction to the state in the first full fiscal year that the measure reduces revenue) in tax revenue...?". If the ballot measure specifies the public services or programs that are to be reduced by the tax change, those public services or programs must be stated in the ballot title.Second, in the case of a measure that would reduce local district property tax revenue through a tax change, the ballot title must begin "Shall funding available for counties, school districts, water districts, fire districts, and other districts funded, at least in part, by property taxes be impacted by a reduction of (projected dollar figure of property tax revenue reduction to all districts in the first full fiscal year that the measure reduces revenue) in property tax revenue...?".Finally, in the case of a measure that would increase tax revenue for any district through a tax change, after the language required by section 20 (3)(c) of article X of the state constitution, the ballot title must state either "in order to increase or improve levels of public services", or, if applicable, "in order to increase or improve levels of public services, including, but not limited to (the program expenditure that the measure states will receive increased funding)".The act also changes the requirements for the ballot information booklet entry for certain measures. The act requires the ballot information booklet entry for an initiated measure that would increase or decrease income tax revenue or state sales tax revenue to include a table that shows the number of tax filers in designated income categories, the total tax burden change for each of those income categories, and the average tax burden change for a filer within each of those income categories. If an initiated measure includes a tax change that reduces state tax revenue, the act requires the ballot information booklet to include a description of the 3 largest areas of program expenditure funded by the affected revenue stream.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-07 · House

Management Of Plastic Products

Under current law, local governments are prohibited from requiring or banning the use or sale of specific types of plastic materials or products. The act repeals the prohibition on July 1, 2024.The act prohibits stores and retail food establishments, on and after January 1, 2024, from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers; except that retail food establishments that are restaurants and small stores that operate solely in Colorado and have 3 or fewer locations may provide single-use plastic carryout bags. The prohibition does not apply to inventory purchased before January 1, 2024, and used on or before June 1, 2024, which may be supplied to a customer at the point of sale for a 10-cent or greater fee.Between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, a store may furnish a recycled paper carryout bag or a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale if the customer pays a fee of 10 cents per bag or a higher fee adopted by the municipality or county in which the store is located.On and after January 1, 2024, a store may furnish only a recycled paper carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale at a fee of 10 cents per bag or a higher fee imposed by the municipality or county in which the store is located.A store is required to remit, on a quarterly basis beginning April 1, 2024, 60% of the carryout bag fee revenues to the municipality or county within which the store is located and may retain the remaining 40% of the carryout bag fee revenues. A municipality or county may use its portion of the carryout bag fee revenues to pay for its administrative and enforcement costs and any recycling, composting, or other waste diversion programs or related outreach or education activities.The carryout bag fee does not apply to a customer that provides evidence to the store that the customer is a participant in a federal or state food assistance program.The act prohibits a retail food establishment, on and after January 1, 2024, from distributing an expanded polystyrene product for use as a container for ready-to-eat food in this state. Retail food establishments that purchase expanded polystyrene products before January 1, 2024, may continue to use the products until their supply is depleted.The act also authorizes a local government to enforce against a violation of the act and expressly authorizes a county to impose a civil penalty against a store or retail food establishment of up to $500 for a second violation or up to $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation; except that a local government cannot enforce a violation committed by a retail food establishment located within a school.On and after July 1, 2024, a local government may enact, implement, or enforce an ordinance, resolution, rule, or charter provision that is as stringent as or more stringent than the requirements set forth in the act.The act does not apply to materials used in the packaging of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, or dietary supplements or any equipment or materials used to manufacture pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, or dietary supplements.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · House

Limit The Detention Of Juveniles

The act prohibits the imposition of secured monetary or property conditions on a bond for juveniles charged with or accused of committing a delinquent act.The act reduces the juvenile detention bed cap from 327 beds to 215 beds beginning in fiscal year 2021-22.The act adds members and responsibilities to the existing statutory working group for criteria for placement of juvenile offenders. The working group's responsibilities include examining available alternatives to youth detention, the use of detention beds, and examining necessary investments in alternatives to youth detention.The act decreases appropriations made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2021-22 state fiscal year to the department of human services.The act makes the following appropriations to the department of human services:$202,541 for use by the office of information and technology; $427,979 for use by the division of child welfare, and an additional 4.5 FTE; and $24,789 in federal funds for use by the division of child welfare.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · Senate

Eliminate Donor Costs For Living Organ Donations

The act prohibits a hospital, a health facility, and a person offering an individual or group health benefit plan from charging a living organ donor any deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, benefit maximums, waiting periods, or other limitations on coverage for health care services necessary for the living organ donation.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · House

Security For Colorado Seniors

The act creates the area agency on aging grant program (grant program) in the department of human service's state office on aging (state office). The purpose of the grant program is to assist and support the health, well-being, and security of older Coloradans. The act also creates the area on aging cash fund (cash fund), which is used to fund the grant program.The act requires the state office and the area agency on aging to collaborate and establish criteria for the following:Adopting the policies and procedures for the administration of the grant program; Establishing and publishing criteria for the grant program; and Creating application procedures by which eligible organizations may apply for and receive money from the grant program. For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, $15,000,000 is appropriated to the department of human services from reappropriated funds in the cash fund for use by adult assistance programs to implement the act. The department of human services is responsible for the accounting related to the appropriation.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · Senate

Equity Strategic Plan Address Health Disparities

The act renames the existing "health disparities grant program" as the "health disparities and community grant program" (program) and expands the program to authorize the office of health equity (office) to:Award grants from money currently transferred from the prevention, early detection, and treatment fund to the health disparities grant program fund (fund) for the purpose of positively affecting social determinants of health to reduce the risk of future disease and exacerbating health disparities in underrepresented populations; and Award grants from any additional money appropriated by the general assembly to the fund to community organizations to reduce health disparities in underrepresented communities through policy and systems changes regarding the social determinants of health. On or before July 1, 2022, and continuing every 2 years thereafter, the department of public health and environment (department), in collaboration with the health equity commission and other stakeholders, is required to conduct an assessment and publish a report concerning health disparities and inequities that includes an assessment of the impact of social determinants of health on health disparities and inequities and recommended strategies to begin to address such inequities.Within 6 months after the publication of the department's first report, the governor is required to convene the health equity commission to develop an equity strategic plan and to ensure that there is coordination in equity-related work across state agencies to address the social determinants of health. Additional state agencies are added to and required to participate on the commission and are required to develop an equity strategic plan in the agency's respective area.$4,872,818 is appropriated to the department for use by the office of health equity to implement the act. Of the total amount appropriated, $4,821,035 is from the general fund and $51,783 is from the health disparities grant program fund.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · Senate

Public Utilities Commission Gas Utility Safety Inspection Authority

The act declares that, due to recent dramatic increases in both the extraction and transportation of natural gas and the construction of new homes and businesses in close proximity to these activities, as well as the environmental risks posed by methane leakage, it is appropriate to strengthen and streamline Colorado's laws governing gas pipeline safety.In furtherance of strengthening and streamlining those laws, the act updates and clarifies the duty of the public utilities commission (PUC) to collaborate with the United States department of transportation (DOT) on pipeline safety issues by:Formally accepting responsibility to enforce DOT pipeline safety rules; and Adopting rules at the state level as needed to comply with federal requirements. The PUC's rules may be more stringent than required by federal standards in specified areas. In particular, the PUC is directed to assemble maps of all pipelines within its jurisdiction, increase the frequency of inspections, and employ advanced leak detection technology. Additionally, the act amends existing penalty provisions for pipeline safety violations by:Increasing the penalty cap from $100,000 per violation to $200,000, and increasing the maximum aggregate total for a series of violations from $1 million to $2 million; Allowing the PUC to recover court costs if it must sue to recover any penalty assessed against a violator; and Requiring any compromise of a penalty to be based on objective metrics and factors, including the severity of the violation, the extent to which the violator has remedied the conditions that led to the violation, and the amount the violator agrees to spend on approved measures to reduce future risk. Any such compromise may not reduce the amount payable as a penalty below $5,000 per violation. The act appropriates $423,448 from the general fund to the department of regulatory agencies for use by the public utilities commission to implement the act, with $53,170 reappropriated to the department of law for legal services provided to the commission.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-06 · Senate

Sunset Sex Offender Management Board

The act continues the functions of the sex offender management board until 2023.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-02 · House

Protections In Consumer Sales Transactions

The act states that, in addition to any other right to revoke an offer, a buyer has the right to cancel a dating service contract until midnight of the third business day after the day on which the buyer signs the contract.A dating service contract must be set forth in writing, which, in the case of an online dating service contract, may be an electronic writing made available for viewing online. Each dating service contract must contain on its face, in close proximity to the space reserved for the signature of the buyer, a conspicuous statement concerning the buyer's right to cancel the contract.A dating service contract may not require payments or financing by the buyer over a period exceeding 2 years after the date the contract is entered into, nor may the term of any such contract be measured by the life of the buyer.Each dating service contract must contain language providing that:If by reason of death or disability the buyer is unable to receive all services for which the buyer has contracted, the buyer and the buyer's estate may elect to be relieved of the obligation to make payments for services other than those received before death or the onset of disability, so long as the buyer or the buyer's estate provides written verification of the death or disability to the dating service; If the buyer has prepaid any amount for services, so much of the amount prepaid that is allocable to services that the buyer has not received shall be promptly refunded to the buyer or the buyer's representative; and If the physician verifying the buyer's disability determines that the duration of the disability will be less than 6 months, the dating service may extend the term of the contract for a period of 6 months at no additional charge to the buyer in lieu of cancellation. If a dating service provides services within a limited geographical area, and a buyer relocates the buyer's primary residence more than 50 miles from the dating service office and is unable to transfer the contract to a comparable facility, the buyer may elect to be relieved of the obligation to make payment for services other than those received prior to the relocation, and if the buyer has prepaid any amount for services, so much of the amount prepaid that is allocable to services that the buyer has not received shall be promptly refunded to the buyer.An online dating service shall provide notice to all of its members in this state who the online dating service knows have previously received and responded to an on-site message from a banned member. The notice must include certain information concerning the banned member and how to avoid online fraud.A person that offers an automatic renewal contract to a consumer in this state must:Present the terms in a clear and conspicuous manner; Ensure that any online link that is presented as part of an offer of an automatic renewal contract and directs a consumer to detailed information about the automatic renewal contract is available before a consumer elects to purchase any good or service subject to the automatic renewal contract, appears directly adjacent to any online link used by the consumer to purchase any good or service subject to the automatic renewal contract, and is labeled with, or is directly adjacent to, a clear and conspicuous disclosure that states that by purchasing the good or service, the consumer agrees to enroll in an automatic renewal contract; Provide the consumer a written acknowledgment that includes the contract terms, the cancellation policy, and information regarding how to cancel; and Provide a simple, cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use mechanism for canceling the contract or, if applicable, a trial-period offer. A person that sells a good or service to a consumer pursuant to an automatic renewal contract must notify the consumer that the automatic renewal contract will automatically renew unless the consumer cancels the contract. A notice must be provided at least 25 but not more than 40 days before the first automatic renewal and at least 25 but not more than 40 days before each subsequent automatic renewal.The act exempts certain persons from the new provisions concerning automatic renewal contract s.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Last action: 2021-07-02 · House