Colorado 2025 Bills

Producer Responsibility Dues Appeals Process

Senate Bill 26-192, also known as the Producer Responsibility Dues Appeals Process, establishes a system where companies that produce products with packaging materials and paper can challenge the recycling fees they are charged through an appeals process. This bill allows these producers to request a hearing if they disagree with their assigned dues, which will be reviewed by an advisory board before being finalized by the Department of Public Health and Environment. The bill is now signed into law, meaning that companies affected by this program can start using the new appeals process to contest their recycling fees.

Last action: 2026-05-04 · Senate

Disposal of Preproduction Plastic Materials

Senate Bill 26-171, which has been signed into law, changes how preproduction plastic materials (like plastic pellets and flakes) can be disposed of in Colorado. The new law says these materials must only be thrown away at places that have a special certificate from the state to handle solid waste, rather than requiring federal permits as was previously mandated. This affects companies and facilities dealing with plastics before they are made into products. Now that it's signed, this bill is now an active law that businesses need to follow when disposing of preproduction plastic materials.

Last action: 2026-04-20 · Senate

Species Conservation Measures

Senate Bill 26-165, known as Species Conservation Measures, allocates $5 million from a special fund to protect wildlife that is at risk of becoming endangered. This money will support programs like fish recovery in the Colorado and San Juan rivers, habitat improvements for native fish in the Rio Grande, research on water quality issues, and conservation efforts for both land and aquatic animals. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these funding measures are now active and being implemented to help protect vulnerable species in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Repeal Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program

House Bill 26-1395 is a Colorado law that ends a grant program designed to help homeowners make their homes more resistant to wildfires. The program was funded through a specific cash fund, and the bill requires any remaining money in this fund to be moved into the state's general fund by June 30, 2026. After that date, the grant program will no longer exist. This change affects homeowners who were planning to use grants for wildfire protection measures. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and will take effect starting July 1, 2026.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Negligently Luring Bears

House Bill 26-1342, also known as "Negligently Luring Bears," changes Colorado law by making it a crime for someone to leave food or garbage out where there's a reasonable chance of attracting wild bears, even if they didn't intend to do so. The bill removes the requirement for a warning before fines are issued and increases penalties for repeat offenders from $2,000 to $5,000. This affects anyone who lives in bear country or visits areas where bears might be attracted by food left out. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now enforceable according to these new rules.

Last action: 2026-03-27 · House

Restrict Single-Use Food Serviceware Distribution

Senate Bill 26-146 expands Colorado's 'Plastic Pollution Reduction Act' by prohibiting restaurants and food delivery services from providing single-use items like plates and cups unless a customer specifically requests them starting January 1, 2027. This means that businesses can only give out such items if the customer asks for them or confirms they want them when asked. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to create an informational webpage about these new rules before the start date. Since the status is "signed," this bill has been approved by both houses of the legislature and signed into law, meaning it will go into effect as planned.

Last action: 2026-03-24 · Senate

Wildlife Collision Prevention

Starting January 1, 2027, Colorado drivers will have the option to pay a $5 fee when registering their vehicles, which can be declined without penalty. This money goes towards preventing wildlife collisions and improving habitat connectivity through projects like wildlife crossings. The funds collected will also support educational campaigns about these efforts. Since Governor Polis has signed this bill into law, it is now official state policy, meaning the Department of Transportation will start preparing for implementation by developing outreach materials and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure public awareness before the fee goes live in 2027.

Last action: 2026-03-16 · Senate

Modify Standards of Wildfire Resiliency Code Board

House Bill 26-1334 modifies how Colorado handles wildfire safety standards. It changes the schedule for reviewing these safety codes from a fixed three-year cycle to more flexible reviews based on need, with an initial review due by July 1, 2026. The bill also allows individuals affected by these codes to request modifications and pushes back the deadline for local governments to adopt or exceed the minimum wildfire safety standards until April 1, 2027. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the new rules are now in effect and local communities will need to follow them accordingly.

Last action: 2026-03-16 · House

Wildfire Resiliency Prohibiting Taking of Beavers

HB 26-1323, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, aims to protect beavers on public land by banning the recreational trapping and commercial sale of beaver products like fur. This protection is intended to help beavers play their natural role in preventing wildfires by managing waterways and vegetation. The new law affects anyone who might trap or trade beaver-related items and ensures that penalties will be enforced for violations.

Last action: 2026-03-05 · House

Wildfire Resiliency Grant Money

House Bill 26-1310, also known as the Wildfire Resiliency Grant Money bill, aims to provide financial assistance for homeowners to make their homes more resistant to wildfires. Starting in fiscal year 2027-28, the state will allocate funds from a specific wildfire mitigation fund to help low-income residents and those with disabilities or illnesses who cannot afford or do the necessary home improvements themselves. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy and funding can begin to be allocated as described once the specified fiscal year starts.

Last action: 2026-03-02 · 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

Battery Assessment Submission Deadline Change

HB 26-1219 is a Colorado bill that extends the deadline for a battery stewardship organization to complete and submit an assessment about managing old batteries in the state. Originally set by Senate Bill 25-163, this new law pushes back the submission date from March 1, 2028, to December 1, 2028. This affects organizations responsible for handling battery disposal and recycling. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official state legislation.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · House

Sunset Biomass Utilization Grant Program

House Bill 26-1213 is a Colorado law that ends the Biomass Utilization Grant Program. This program provided grants for projects related to using biomass (organic material like wood or crops) in various ways. The bill was signed into law after being reviewed and recommended for repeal by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Now that it's signed, the grant program is no longer available for new applications or funding.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · House

Colorado State Forest Service Good Neighbor Authority

HB 26-1205, also known as the Colorado State Forest Service Good Neighbor Authority, allows the state forest service in Colorado to work more closely with federal agencies like the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture. This collaboration enables them to carry out projects that improve forest health, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation on federal lands. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these agreements can now be put into practice to benefit both state and federal forests in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-12 · House

Sunset Compliance Advisory Panel Air Pollution

House Bill 26-1208 extends the operation of a special advisory panel that helps the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's air pollution control division for another decade, until September 1, 2036. This panel provides advice on managing air quality issues in the state. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the advisory panel will continue to operate as planned, affecting how air pollution is regulated and controlled in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-12 · House

Local Government Landfill Methane Emission Reduction Regulations

Senate Bill 26-101 is a Colorado law that helps counties manage methane emissions from landfills by allowing them to use certain funds for compliance with new regulations. It also requires the state to research ways to reduce these emissions and sets up a system where landfill owners can request delays or exemptions if they face financial difficulties in meeting the requirements. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and counties must start following its guidelines to reduce methane emissions from landfills, which will help improve air quality and public health.

Last action: 2026-02-11 · Senate

Recreate Wildfire Matters Interim Committee

Senate Bill 26-89 recreates a committee called the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, which was previously dissolved. This new committee will look at how well Colorado's policies and resources are working for preventing and managing wildfires, and it will suggest changes to improve public safety, forest health, and cooperation with federal agencies and local governments. The committee will have 10 members from both the Senate and House of Representatives who will serve two-year terms. It is now signed into law, meaning that the committee can start its work immediately to address wildfire issues in the state.

Last action: 2026-02-10 · Senate

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

Local Government Renewable Energy Development Fee

Senate Bill 26-82, known as the "Local Government Renewable Energy Development Fee," allows local governments in Colorado to set their own fees and timelines for approving renewable energy projects. It offers two application tracks: a standard track with lower fees but no guaranteed timeline, and an expedited track that charges higher fees but guarantees a decision within 120 days (with partial refunds if delayed). The bill also lets local governments hire outside experts to review applications and requires developers to pay additional success fees based on the time it takes for approval. This bill has been signed into law, meaning local governments can now implement these processes for renewable energy projects.

Last action: 2026-02-06 · Senate

Gas Utility Service

House Bill 26-1129, also known as the Gas Utility Service bill, requires gas companies in Colorado to exclude carbon dioxide emissions from residential customers when creating their clean heat plans. This means that these utilities won't have to account for the CO₂ produced by homes using natural gas for heating and other purposes in their emission reduction goals. The bill also allows gas companies to recover costs for safety improvements to their distribution systems and removes a previous restriction on offering incentives to new customers who set up gas service. Since it has been signed, this bill is now law and its provisions are enforceable.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Regulation of Underground Injection Control Wells

HB 26-1112, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, gives two state commissions authority over different types of underground injection wells. These wells are used for disposing of hazardous waste and other fluids underground. The bill allows these commissions to create stricter rules than federal ones if they find it necessary after public hearings. It also lets them charge fees to regulate these wells properly and imposes penalties on those who violate the rules. This affects anyone involved in operating or regulating injection wells in Colorado, ensuring safer management of waste disposal practices.

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

Homeowner Natural Disaster Mitigation

Senate Bill 26-49, now signed into law, helps homeowners and homeowner associations by allowing them to receive financial assistance from a disaster relief fund for installing stronger roofing materials and other protective measures against natural disasters. It also introduces an income tax deduction for savings accounts that cover insurance deductibles and uninsured losses related to hail, wildfires, or wind damage, plus the costs of these protective measures. This means homeowners can save money on taxes while setting aside funds to protect their homes from costly damages.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

Nuclear Workforce Development & Education Program

Senate Bill 26-45 establishes a council at the Colorado School of Mines aimed at developing and expanding nuclear engineering education programs. The bill sets up a grant program for colleges and universities to create or enhance degree or certificate programs in nuclear engineering. It requires the council to work with various stakeholders, manage grants, and seek funding from donations and grants. However, the council can start awarding grants only once it has at least $500,000 in its fund. If this amount isn't reached by September 1, 2027, the council will be dissolved. The bill is now signed into law, meaning these provisions are officially enacted and will begin to take effect as specified.

Last action: 2026-01-27 · Senate

End-of-Life Management of Electric Vehicle Batteries

Senate Bill 26-3, also known as an expansion of the "Battery Stewardship Act," aims to manage electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life by requiring companies that sell or distribute these batteries in Colorado to participate in recycling and reuse programs. This means that starting from August 1, 2028, companies must submit plans for collecting, transporting, processing, and recycling used electric vehicle batteries. The bill also mandates educational outreach and annual reporting to ensure proper handling of these batteries. It prohibits the disposal of such batteries at landfills after October 1, 2028, promoting their safe management and recycling instead. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its requirements will be enforced as planned, impacting companies that deal with electric vehicle batteries in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate

Colorado Outdoor Opportunities Act

The Colorado Outdoor Opportunities Act aims to improve coordination and planning for outdoor recreation across the state. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to work with various partners, including tribal governments and local agencies, to create strategies that protect wildlife and natural resources while enhancing recreational opportunities. The bill also allocates $444,015 in funding for these efforts. Since it has been signed into law, this means the state is now committed to implementing these plans to manage outdoor recreation more effectively.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · House

Prohibit Discharge Preproduction Plastic Materials

Senate Bill 26-16 prohibits companies that make, use, package, or transport plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials from releasing these items into Colorado’s waters, wastewater systems, storm water runoff, or land. This means facilities can no longer dump plastic waste into the environment, which helps protect natural resources and public health in the state. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now active and enforceable.

Last action: 2026-01-14 · Senate