Colorado 2025 Bills

Reporting of Lost or Stolen Livestock

Senate Bill 26-136 in Colorado requires the state's agriculture department to set up a system for reporting lost or stolen livestock. This includes quickly informing law enforcement within 24 hours of receiving such reports and making sure the public is informed about missing animals. The bill affects farmers, ranchers, and anyone who owns livestock. Since it has been signed into law, these procedures are now being implemented to help protect livestock and assist in recovering lost or stolen animals by December 31, 2026.

Last action: 2026-03-10 · Senate

Support Farmers' Market Managers

HJR 26-1021 is a bill that supports farmers' market managers in Colorado by providing them with certain benefits and protections. This helps ensure that the people running these markets can operate more effectively, which in turn benefits local farmers and consumers who rely on these markets for fresh produce and other goods. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that its provisions are now active and enforceable, directly impacting farmers' market managers across the state.

Last action: 2026-03-09 · House

Wild Horse License Plate

HB 26-1306, also known as the Wild Horse License Plate bill, allows Colorado drivers to purchase a special license plate that supports wild horse conservation. To get this plate, you need to make an initial donation of $50 and then pay $50 annually for renewal after July 1, 2028; before that date, the initial fee is $100 with no annual charge until then. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it's now active and drivers can start applying for these special plates to support wild horse funds.

Last action: 2026-02-27 · House

Overtime Threshold for Agricultural Employees

Senate Bill 26-121, which has been signed into law, requires agricultural employers in Colorado to pay overtime for any hours worked over 56 hours per week starting January 1, 2027. The bill also increases penalties for wage theft by agricultural employers and removes the state’s labor division's ability to create rules about overtime pay for these workers. This affects agricultural employees who work long hours and their employers. Since it has been signed, the law will go into effect as scheduled in 2027.

Last action: 2026-02-24 · Senate

Prohibit Ventilation Shutdown for Poultry

Senate Bill 26-123, which has been signed into law, stops poultry owners from using ventilation shutdown methods that cause birds to die from overheating when they need to cull their flock due to disease. This affects poultry farmers who previously might have used these methods as a way to depopulate diseased flocks. The new rule will take effect on July 1, 2029, giving farmers time to adjust their practices before the ban starts.

Last action: 2026-02-24 · Senate

Ownership of Agricultural Data

HB 26-1270 is a Colorado law that protects farmers by ensuring they own the data generated from their agricultural operations and can sell it for fair compensation. It also prevents companies that process this data (called "data service providers") from restricting how farmers use or profit from their transformed data, such as through copyrights or sales. Starting in 2027, a 3% tax on transactions involving processed agricultural data will be collected to support young Colorado farmers. The law has been signed into effect and is now active.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Sunset Pet Animal Care & Facilities Act

HB 26-1183, also known as the Sunset Pet Animal Care & Facilities Act, is a Colorado bill that extends and updates regulations for pet animal facilities in the state. It continues licensing requirements until 2041, changes how advisory committee members are appointed starting in 2027, and increases fees and penalties related to violations of these rules. The bill also tightens importation rules by requiring health certificates for pets entering Colorado from other states. Signed into law, this means the new regulations will now be enforced, affecting pet facility operators, veterinarians, and anyone importing pets into Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

Sunset Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee

House Bill 26-1182, which has been signed into law, gets rid of the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee. This committee was a group that advised on issues related to veterinary drugs in Colorado. The bill was recommended by the Department of Regulatory Agencies based on their review process known as the "sunset" review, which evaluates the need for certain advisory groups and programs. Since the bill has been signed, the committee will no longer exist, meaning it won't be advising or making recommendations about veterinary pharmaceutical issues anymore.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

Sunset Process Forest Health Council

House Bill 26-1184 is a Colorado law that extends the existence of the Colorado Forest Health Council until September 1, 2033. The bill also requires a review before it ends and removes two legislative members from the council. This means the council will continue its work to improve forest health without interruption for at least another decade, but with a smaller group of lawmakers involved. Since the bill has been signed into law, the changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-02-09 · House

Traveling Animal Protection Act Environmental Education Program

HB 26-1133, also known as the "Traveling Animal Protection Act," allows certain animals to be used in environmental education programs if specific conditions are met. These programs must be led by professionals who have proper accreditation or certification. The bill is now signed into law, meaning that it has been approved and will go into effect according to its provisions. This affects educators and organizations involved in environmental education using live animals.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Practices to Support Pollinators

HB 26-1132, known as Practices to Support Pollinators, encourages state agencies like the Department of Transportation and the State Forest Service to use local plants that help pollinators when planning projects. It also requires these agencies to train their staff on how to support pollinator habitats and adjust mowing schedules based on recommendations from a recent study. Additionally, it asks Colorado State University’s extension service to conduct a study on native plant availability and report back by 2031. The bill has been signed into law, meaning state agencies must now follow these guidelines to help protect and support pollinators across Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Register & Drive Surplus Military Vehicles

House Bill 26-1097 allows owners of surplus military vehicles to register and drive these vehicles on public roads in Colorado under certain conditions. The vehicle must meet specific weight limits, not have mounted firearms, and the owner must agree to limit road use to no more than 1,500 miles per year. If registered, the vehicle can be driven legally on roads as long as it follows traffic laws and other regulations. This bill has been signed into law, meaning surplus military vehicle owners who meet these criteria can now register their vehicles with the Department of Revenue and drive them on public roadways in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Pesticide Product Disposal & Container Recycling

House Bill 26-1111, which has been signed into law, establishes a program within the Colorado Department of Agriculture aimed at managing the disposal and recycling of pesticide products and their containers. This program will organize events for both commercial and private applicators to safely dispose of eligible pesticides and recycle their containers. It also provides education on proper handling practices and charges fees to cover its operational costs. The funds collected from these fees are used specifically for the program's activities, ensuring that it can operate effectively without additional state funding beyond what is generated through the fees themselves. This bill impacts anyone who uses or sells pesticides in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Systemic Insecticide Use Limitations

Senate Bill 26-65, which has been signed into law in Colorado, restricts the sale and use of seeds treated with systemic insecticides starting January 1, 2029. Farmers will need a special certificate from an approved third-party verifier to purchase these seeds, who must confirm that their use is necessary and appropriate through a pest risk assessment. This bill affects farmers and seed sellers in Colorado by adding new requirements for the sale and application of treated seeds, aiming to reduce unnecessary pesticide use while ensuring crops are protected when needed. The law also allows the state agriculture commissioner to enforce compliance with fines up to $50,000 per violation.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Rodenticide Use Restrictions

Senate Bill 26-62, also known as the Rodenticide Use Restrictions bill, aims to limit the sale and use of certain harmful rodenticides and glue traps in Colorado. It bans these products except during public health emergencies or with specific authorization, requiring professionals who deal with rodent control to focus on non-toxic methods first. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now enforceable state policy that restricts the distribution and use of dangerous anticoagulant rodenticides. This affects anyone selling, using, or professionally managing rodent infestations in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Modify Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program

Senate Bill 26-64 updates Colorado's Agricultural Future Loan Program by allowing certain entities like water districts and irrigation companies to receive funding from the program if they have support from a certified division. The bill also requires that loans prioritize land conservation and transferring ownership to new farmers or ranchers who need financial help. This means more types of organizations can now apply for these agricultural loans, with an emphasis on preserving farmland and supporting new farmers. Since it has been signed into law, the changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Diseased Livestock Indemnity Fund

HB 26-1067, also known as the Diseased Livestock Indemnity Fund bill, allows the Colorado Department of Agriculture to use money in a special fund not just for compensating livestock owners whose animals are destroyed due to disease but also for preparing and responding to new threats that could harm livestock. This means the fund can now be used more flexibly to protect animal health beyond just paying out after an incident occurs. The bill has been signed into law, so these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-01-21 · House

Agricultural Property Tax Definitions

Senate Bill 26-10, which has been signed into law in Colorado, updates the definitions of "ranch" and "farm" for property tax purposes. Under this new law, a ranch is now defined as land primarily used for grazing livestock to earn money, where animals have regular access to open pastures. Similarly, a farm is defined as land mainly used to produce agricultural products for profit. This change affects how agricultural properties are taxed and aims to better reflect the modern practices of farming and ranching in Colorado. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and impacts property tax assessments for farms and ranches in the state.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Transfers of Certain Pet Animals

HB 26-1011, a Colorado law that took effect after being signed, bans pet stores from selling or transferring ownership of dogs and cats starting January 1, 2027. This means that pet stores will no longer be able to sell these animals directly but can still display them for adoption under certain conditions without charging fees. The bill also restricts brokers who profit from selling pets bred by others from dealing in dogs and cats, though it allows exceptions for specific situations like animal shelters, hunting dog sales, and health-related research facilities. This law aims to improve the welfare of dogs and cats by reducing commercial breeding practices that are often associated with poor treatment of animals.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Protections for Agricultural Products Grown in Colorado

HB 26-1031, which has been signed into law in Colorado, prevents anyone from falsely claiming that agricultural products were grown in the state when selling or advertising them. It also stops unauthorized use of a "Colorado Proud" designation or logo. This law ensures that only genuine Colorado-grown products can be marketed with these labels, protecting consumers and local farmers. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and enforced by the Department of Agriculture to prevent misleading practices in product marketing.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Expanding the Colorado Cottage Foods Act

HB 26-1033 expands Colorado's Cottage Foods Act by allowing home cooks to sell refrigerated foods and those containing meat products. Producers must take a food safety course and register with the state health department before selling their products. The bill also increases the annual revenue limit for cottage food producers from $10,000 to $150,000, adjusted annually for inflation. Health agencies can conduct random inspections and impose fines if necessary. This bill has been signed into law, meaning home cooks in Colorado now have more opportunities to sell their homemade foods under stricter but supportive regulations.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House