Colorado 2025 Bills

Access Adjoining Property to Repair or Maintain

Senate Bill 26-177, which has been signed into law, allows homeowners to ask a court for permission to enter their neighbor's property if they need to fix or maintain parts of their home that the neighbor won't let them access. The bill encourages neighbors to try resolving disputes through mediation before going to court and doesn’t apply to government-owned properties. This means homeowners now have a legal pathway to gain necessary access when needed, but only after attempting alternative solutions first.

Last action: 2026-04-22 · Senate

State Remedies for Constitutional Rights Violation

Senate Bill 26-176, which has now been signed into law, allows individuals in Colorado to sue government officials or other entities if those parties violate their constitutional rights. The bill sets a two-year time limit for filing such lawsuits and permits defendants to use the same immunity defenses used in federal cases. This affects anyone whose constitutional rights are violated by someone acting under state authority. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and enforceable in Colorado courts.

Last action: 2026-04-21 · Senate

Fee Sharing with Nonlawyers in Legal Practice

HB 26-1421, a Colorado law that has been signed into effect, stops lawyers and law firms from sharing their fees or profits with non-lawyers who are involved in providing legal services. This means that lawyers can't form business partnerships with people who aren’t legally licensed to practice law or give them a cut of the money earned from legal work. The law also allows clients and other affected law firms to sue if they believe this rule has been broken, but it doesn’t allow for financial compensation in all cases. This bill affects how lawyers can structure their businesses and partnerships within Colorado, aiming to maintain professional standards in legal practice.

Last action: 2026-04-21 · House

Medical Record Requests

HB 26-1414, also known as the Medical Record Requests bill, limits how much healthcare providers can charge attorneys or personal representatives for medical records that exceed 664 pages. The maximum fee is set at $400 unless special handling of sensitive information is required, in which case a reasonable fee may be charged. Starting in 2028, this limit will adjust for inflation every two years. The bill also mandates that medical records must be provided electronically if possible and within 30 days after payment, with some exceptions for delays due to force majeure events. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been approved by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning its provisions are now enforceable.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · House

Public Defender & Prosecutor Behavioral Health Program

HB 26-1385 changes how funds are allocated for a behavioral health support program, ensuring that all money goes to the Office of the State Public Defender instead of being split with prosecutors. This bill affects public defenders and individuals who rely on their services by providing more resources specifically for them. Since it has been signed into law, this means the full funding will now be available to help public defenders support clients with behavioral health needs starting in fiscal year 2026-27.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Repeal Office of Judicial Discipline Ombudsman

House Bill 26-1380, which has been signed into law, plans to end an office called the judicial discipline ombudsman on July 1, 2027. This office was created in 2023 to provide confidential advice about how judges are disciplined and the work environment for them. The bill affects anyone involved with or concerned about Colorado's judicial system, including judges and those who report misconduct. Since it has been signed, the law will take effect as scheduled unless further action changes this plan.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Fix Incorrect Citation Judicial Stabilization Fund

House Bill 26-1379, which has been signed into law, corrects a mistake in Colorado’s statutes about where certain bond forfeiture money should be deposited. Instead of going to one fund, the money was supposed to go to the judicial stabilization cash fund, and this bill fixes that error. This affects how courts handle financial penalties related to bonds. Since it is signed, the correction will now be implemented according to the law.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Eliminate Cash Balance Requirement in Judicial Cash Fund

House Bill 26-1381 changes how Colorado manages funds for judicial discipline. It removes a requirement that at least $400,000 must be kept in the special cash fund for disciplinary actions against judges each year and instead transfers this money to the general state fund. This affects the financial management of the Commission on Judicial Discipline. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means these changes are now official and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Electronic Process in Competency & Administrative Hearings

House Bill 26-1343, which has been signed into law, updates Colorado's legal procedures by allowing electronic submission and delivery of competency evaluations for criminal defendants and notices for administrative hearings. This means that the Department of Human Services can now send court orders and evaluations electronically, and administrative agencies can serve hearing notices via email if requested or agreed to by those involved. The bill also allocates funding for technology upgrades in the judicial system to support these new electronic processes.

Last action: 2026-03-27 · House

Pathways for Individuals with Mental Health Disorder

Senate Bill 26-149, known as "Pathways for Individuals with Mental Health Disorder," aims to provide a pathway for defendants who are found incompetent due to mental health issues and pose a risk of serious harm. If the prosecution can prove by clear evidence that a defendant has a mental disability or developmental disorder and poses a danger, they can request civil commitment or enhanced protective placement instead of having charges dismissed. This bill affects individuals with mental disabilities involved in criminal cases who may be at risk to themselves or others. The bill is now signed into law, meaning its provisions are officially enacted and will guide how courts handle such cases moving forward. It ensures that defendants receive appropriate treatment while also protecting public safety by allowing for civil commitment when necessary.

Last action: 2026-03-26 · Senate

Abuse in Cases of Separation

House Bill 26-1309, titled "Abuse in Cases of Separation," changes how Colorado courts handle parental responsibilities during divorce or separation cases when there's a history of domestic violence. The bill requires judges to first determine if either parent has committed domestic violence before deciding on custody and visitation rights based on what's best for the child. If domestic violence is confirmed, it becomes less likely that the abusive parent will be granted significant parental responsibilities. Additionally, the bill mandates specific treatment requirements for accused abusers, including specialized therapy and a 52-week intervention program. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now part of Colorado's legal framework and affect all families involved in separation or divorce proceedings where domestic violence is an issue.

Last action: 2026-03-02 · House

Colorado Survivor Justice Act

The Colorado Survivor Justice Act, which has been signed into law, removes a requirement that a notification system alert when someone subject to a protection order has attempted to purchase or transfer firearms despite being ineligible. The new law also expands the sharing of information from this system to include more agencies, specifically adding the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Program to share data with the Division of Criminal Justice for the benefit of protected individuals. This change affects those involved in protection orders and aims to enhance their safety by improving how relevant information is shared among authorities.

Last action: 2026-02-25 · Senate

Uniform Language for Misdemeanor Traffic Offense

House Bill 26-1297 is a Colorado law that standardizes the terminology used in traffic laws. It changes all instances of "traffic misdemeanor" to "misdemeanor traffic offense," ensuring consistency across different parts of the state's legal documents. This bill affects anyone who might be involved with or affected by traffic offenses classified as misdemeanors, such as drivers and law enforcement. Since it has been signed into law, this change is now in effect and being implemented statewide.

Last action: 2026-02-25 · House

Jury Selection Requirements

HB 26-1288, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, sets new rules for how juries are selected. It requires more time for judges and lawyers to ask potential jurors questions before they're chosen for a trial, with specific times based on whether the case is civil or criminal, and if criminal, depending on the severity of the charges. The bill also creates a working group within the judicial department to study jury selection processes and recommend improvements by 2026. This affects anyone involved in court cases, including judges, lawyers, and potential jurors. Since it has been signed into law, these new rules will now be implemented in Colorado's legal system.

Last action: 2026-02-23 · House

Law Enforcement Identification & Immigration Training Requirements

House Bill 26-1275 in Colorado requires local and state law enforcement officers to reveal their identities when interacting with the public, except under certain circumstances. It also mandates that these officers receive specific training on immigration laws and how to handle situations involving excessive force. Additionally, it prohibits certification for peace officers who have previously or currently worked for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and impact all relevant law enforcement agencies and personnel in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles

House Bill 26-1232, which has been signed into law, stops courts from charging juveniles or their guardians any administrative fees, costs, and surcharges when the juvenile was under 18 years old at the time of committing a crime. This means that young people involved in the juvenile justice system won't have to pay extra money for things like court processing fees. The law affects both the juveniles directly involved in cases and their families who might otherwise be responsible for these costs. Since it has been signed, this bill is now active and enforceable in Colorado courts.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Procedures Related to Civil Asset Forfeiture

House Bill 26-1250 in Colorado updates civil asset forfeiture laws. It now requires a criminal conviction before property can be seized from someone involved in illegal activities, except under specific circumstances where clear evidence links the property to crimes. The bill also establishes a fund to provide legal defense for people who cannot afford it when facing civil asset forfeiture proceedings and changes how funds from forfeited assets are distributed, allocating some of these funds back into the new defense fund. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions will now be enforced in Colorado's legal system.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Interlock Device for Impaired Drivers

HB 26-1242, also known as the Interlock Device for Impaired Drivers bill, removes the waiting period required before a person convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can apply for an interlock-restricted license. This means that after their driver's license is revoked, they must use a car with an ignition interlock device installed to drive legally. The bill also provides financial assistance and discounts on the costs associated with these devices based on the person’s income level. Since it has been signed into law, people convicted of DUI can now immediately apply for this special driving permit if needed.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Arbitration Reform

HB 26-1236, also known as Arbitration Reform, is a Colorado bill that aims to protect consumers and employees by limiting certain provisions in arbitration agreements. It stops companies from including clauses that prevent people from participating in group lawsuits or charging excessive fees for arbitration compared to court costs. The bill also ensures arbitrators are fair and unbiased and requires businesses to provide detailed records of arbitration outcomes within 90 days, facing penalties if they fail to do so. Since the status is "signed," this means the bill has been approved by both houses of the Colorado legislature and signed into law by the governor, making these protections enforceable now.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Post-Conviction Relief for Certain Offenders

Senate Bill 26-115, now signed into law, allows certain prisoners to petition for resentencing if they were under 21 years old at the time of their crime and have served at least 20 years in prison, or if they are over 60 years old and have also served at least 20 years. To be eligible for a reduced sentence, these individuals must prove to the court that they no longer pose a danger to society and there is good reason to change their original sentence. The law also allows district attorneys to request post-conviction relief if an inmate isn’t eligible under the bill’s criteria. This new legislation allocates funds to help public defenders and community services support these changes, while reducing funding for local jails in the next fiscal year.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · Senate

Justice-Involved Veterans

Senate Bill 26-96, also known as the Justice-Involved Veterans bill, aims to help veterans who have committed certain offenses by allowing them to request a special program called "veteran deferred sentencing." This program would consider their military service when determining their punishment and provide training for law enforcement and courts on how to better support these veterans. The bill also requires tracking the outcomes of this program to ensure it is effective. Since the bill has been signed, it means that its provisions are now part of Colorado's laws and must be followed by relevant authorities like courts and corrections departments.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Court Actions Related to Failure to Appear in Court

Senate Bill 26-112 in Colorado updates court procedures for people who miss court appearances. It clarifies that if someone fails to show up twice or more in the same case, they might have to provide security (like money) even for minor offenses like traffic violations or petty crimes, which wasn't previously required unless certain conditions were met. The bill also ensures that a defendant's absence won’t be counted as a failure to appear if their lawyer shows up on their behalf at specific court hearings. This law is now signed and in effect, meaning it has been officially approved and implemented by the state. This affects anyone who might miss a court date for minor offenses and could face stricter consequences due to previous no-shows. It also impacts how municipal courts handle these situations moving forward.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Custody of Pet Animals

House Bill 26-1131, which has now been signed into law, allows Colorado courts to decide who gets custody of pet animals during divorce or legal separation proceedings. The law also lets courts issue emergency orders to protect pets if there's an immediate risk to their well-being. This affects people going through a breakup and owning pets together. Since the bill is signed, it means that these provisions are now part of Colorado’s laws and can be used in court right away.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court

House Bill 26-1134, known as the Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court Act, ensures that people facing charges in municipal court have the right to legal representation and that their lawyers receive the same information and access as state-level defense attorneys. The bill also bans municipalities from paying indigent defense lawyers a fixed fee if they handle domestic violence cases, unless the flat fee is equal to or higher than what would be earned on an hourly basis. Additionally, it mandates virtual public observation for all in-custody court proceedings and requires prompt resolution of municipal cases. Since this bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect across Colorado's municipalities.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Process for People with Behavioral Health Disorder

HB 26-1116 is a Colorado bill that aims to improve mental health care and support for individuals with behavioral health disorders. It aligns the emergency commitment process for substance abuse and mental health issues, allows courts to require defendants to participate in mental health treatment as part of their discharge plan, and extends the follow-up period after an individual's release from emergency mental health hold from 48 hours to 72 hours. Additionally, it updates licensing requirements for behavioral health entities by allowing certain exceptions for telehealth services and outpatient care facilities. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Limitation on Gender Transition Procedure Claims

House Bill 26-1128, which has been signed into law, sets a time limit for young people who have undergone gender transition procedures to file legal claims against the healthcare providers if they believe there were intentional or negligent actions that caused them harm. This means that any such claim must be filed before the person turns 38 years old. The bill affects individuals who have received youth gender transition treatments and limits their ability to seek compensation for alleged medical errors related to these procedures later in life. Since it has been signed, this law is now active and enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Report Child Sexual Assault & Courtroom Testimony

House Bill 26-1103, which has been signed into law in Colorado, requires police departments to conduct a basic interview and record key details when they receive reports of child sexual assault or abuse. They must also notify local child advocacy centers within one week for further support and forensic interviews if needed. Additionally, the bill updates court rules so that any person under 18 years old can testify via closed-circuit television instead of facing the defendant in a courtroom to reduce trauma. This law aims to better protect and assist young victims of sexual abuse during legal proceedings.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Eviction Protections for Tenants

HB 26-1106, also known as Eviction Protections for Tenants, aims to make it harder for landlords to evict tenants quickly by limiting the number of eviction cases that can be scheduled on a single day and providing more protections for tenants. The bill shields minors from being directly named in eviction complaints if their parents or guardians are already defendants. It also allows tenants who say they intend to pay overdue rent to avoid immediate judgment against them, giving them time to resolve the issue. Additionally, it offers relief to tenants facing delays due to various hardships like hospitalization or technical issues with court filings. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these protections are now in effect for Colorado residents.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Right to Firearm Possession & Elimination of Extreme Risk Protection Orders

House Bill 26-1072, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to protect individuals' rights to own and use firearms as much as the state and federal constitutions allow. The bill also removes extreme risk protection orders, which are court orders that temporarily restrict firearm access for people deemed a danger to themselves or others. This change affects anyone who might be subject to such an order and could make it harder for law enforcement and family members to take firearms away from individuals at risk of harming themselves or others. Since the bill has been signed, its provisions are now in effect.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House

Ban Government Access Historical Location Information Database

Senate Bill 26-70, now signed into law, stops government agencies from accessing databases that track where individuals or vehicles have been in the past. This means that these agencies can't use such information for investigations or share it with other groups unless there are specific exceptions, like when required by a court order. The new law also ensures that this location data isn’t considered public record and must be kept confidential. In practice, this protects personal privacy by limiting how government entities can use historical location data.

Last action: 2026-01-28 · Senate

Modification of Bond Hearing Officer Process

Senate Bill 26-37, now signed into law, requires the state court administrator to develop a process for evaluating bond hearing officers. These evaluations will include feedback from district attorneys and public defenders, as well as input from other relevant parties like court staff within each judicial district where these officers work. This new law affects how bond hearing officers are assessed and aims to improve their performance and accountability. Since the bill has been signed, it is now active and being implemented according to its provisions.

Last action: 2026-01-26 · Senate

Second Amendment Protection Act

HB 26-1021, known as the Second Amendment Protection Act, aims to repeal several Colorado state laws related to firearms. This includes removing restrictions on carrying guns in various locations like schools and government buildings, eliminating background checks for private firearm sales, lifting age limits for buying firearms, and撤销关于弹匣和其他枪支部件的规定。该法案已经签署成为法律，这意味着上述提到的多项限制已经被取消或修改，影响了携带和购买枪支的相关规定。 简单来说，这项法案放宽了许多与枪支相关的限制措施，包括在学校、政府大楼等地携带枪支的规定以及私人交易中的背景检查要求等，并且这些变化现在已经生效。

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Expand Criminal Jurisdiction for Out-of-State Conduct

House Bill 26-1060 expands Colorado's ability to prosecute crimes committed by out-of-state individuals who cause harm or loss to people within the state. This means that even if someone doesn't know their victim is in Colorado when they commit a crime, they can still be charged under Colorado law. The bill has been signed into law, so it will now affect how criminal cases are handled and prosecuted in the state.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers

House Bill 26-1017, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops courts from requiring criminal restitution payments directly to insurance companies for losses that the insurers can cover through existing policies. This means if someone is convicted of a crime and an insurance company could have paid for the damages or losses, the court won't order the offender to pay those costs directly to the insurer as part of their restitution. However, the law does allow insurance companies to sue criminals separately in civil court to recover any losses they've suffered. This change affects how criminal cases involving insurance claims are handled and ensures that victims covered by insurance can still receive compensation through their policies.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Treating People with Behavioral Health Disorder

HB 26-1063 is a Colorado bill aimed at improving how people with behavioral health disorders are treated within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. It expands Medicaid reimbursement for medication-assisted treatment in jails to include more providers and allows law enforcement contractors to provide secure transportation services. The bill also transfers licensing authority for these transport providers from counties to the state's Department of Public Health and Environment starting in 2027, and it updates requirements for emergency mental health holds and certifications to ensure better care and rights protection for individuals. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions will now go into effect as planned. This means that more providers can offer critical services like medication-assisted treatment in jails, and there are clearer guidelines on how to handle people experiencing mental health crises, ensuring they receive appropriate care rather than facing unnecessary legal consequences.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy

Senate Bill 26-5, now signed into law, allows individuals who suffer harm due to a violation of their constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement actions to sue those responsible for the violation. This includes people involved in enforcing immigration laws, whether or not they are government officials. The bill also allocates funds from specific revenue sources to support legal services related to this new cause of action. In practice, this means that victims can seek compensation and other forms of relief if their rights were violated during an immigration enforcement event.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Legal Protections for Dignity of Minors

Senate Bill 26-18, which is now law after being signed by the governor, protects minors' privacy when they change their names starting July 1, 2026. If someone under 18 wants to legally change their name and hasn't been convicted of a felony, the court will keep this information private and won’t publish it online. The bill also means that young people don’t have to tell everyone about their name change publicly. Only certain individuals can access these records with permission from those involved in the case. This law aims to help minors maintain privacy when changing names, shielding them from public disclosure unless there’s a prior felony conviction.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Expand List of Petitioners for Protection Order

Senate Bill 26-4 expands the list of people and organizations that can ask a court for an extreme risk protection order. This means that co-responders involved in community responses and various educational institutions, like schools and colleges, now have the ability to petition the court on behalf of someone who might be at risk due to another person's behavior with firearms. The bill affects communities by potentially increasing safety measures through broader involvement from these groups. Since it has been signed into law, this change is now in effect and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Modification to Defense of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Senate Bill 26-14 modifies Colorado’s laws regarding the defense of "Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity." It requires that mental health reports provided by a defendant's legal team must also be given to the court and then forwarded to the Department of Human Services. The bill allows for community-based treatment and rehabilitation options for defendants instead of just institutional placements. For crimes committed on or after July 1, 2026, it sets clearer criteria for releasing individuals from the department’s custody either unconditionally (if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others) or conditionally (with certain restrictions). The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes will take effect as specified.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Compensable Losses for Tribal Members

Senate Bill 26-12, which has been signed into law, allows members of federally recognized tribes in Colorado to receive compensation for participating in traditional Native American healing ceremonies and related expenses. This means that tribal members who are victims of crimes can now be reimbursed for the costs associated with these cultural practices, similar to how other crime-related expenses are covered under the state’s Crime Victim Compensation Act. The law affects eligible tribal members specifically and aims to support their unique needs during recovery from criminal victimization.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Jury Duty Opt-Out for People 72 Years or Older

House Bill 26-1022 allows people who are 72 years old or older to choose not to serve on a jury either temporarily or permanently. If someone wants to opt out, they might need to provide some proof to the judge or the person in charge of selecting jurors. This bill has been signed into law, meaning that it is now official and people over 72 can start opting out of jury duty if they wish.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Ban Government Purchase of Personal Data from Third Party

House Bill 26-1037, which has been signed into law, stops government entities like law enforcement from buying personal information about individuals from third parties. This means that these agencies can no longer purchase data such as your online activity or shopping habits to use in investigations unless they have a warrant, subpoena, court order, or an emergency situation where someone's life is at risk. The law also allows people whose data was improperly obtained to sue the government for violating their privacy rights. This bill affects how government agencies can gather and use personal information during criminal investigations and other enforcement activities.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House