Legislation

Colorado Bill Reduces Collective Bargaining Barriers

Colorado HB26-1005 proposes amendments to the "Labor Peace Act" to reduce barriers to collective bargaining negotiations. Key changes include clarifying mandatory subjects of bargaining and eliminating the requirement for a second election for union security agreements. The bill aims to promote good faith negotiations between employers and employees.

Colorado Bill Allows Online Publication of Legal Notices

Colorado bill HB26-1095, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, proposes to allow certain local governments the discretion to publish legal notices online instead of in physical print newspapers. The online publication must be free to access.

Colorado Bill: Improve Customer Use of Distributed Energy Resources

Colorado Bill HB26-1007 aims to improve customer use of distributed energy resources by defining portable-scale solar generation devices and prohibiting utilities from requiring prior approval for their installation or use. The bill mandates that commission-regulated utilities, as well as municipally owned utilities and cooperative electric associations, must allow customer ownership and use of meter collar adapters and prohibit production meters as an interconnection condition for customer-sited distributed energy resources.

Colorado Bill Protects Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation

Colorado Bill HB26-1110, the ASSET Act, requires financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults to law enforcement and may authorize delays in disbursements. The bill aims to protect eligible adults from financial exploitation by financial institutions.

Colorado Bill on Maternal Health Equity and Continuing Education

Colorado's HB26-1044 mandates measures to improve Black maternal health equity, including continuing education for obstetric professionals, public display of respectful maternity care principles, and enhanced reporting of severe maternal morbidity or death incidents. The bill introduces penalties for discriminatory or negligent misconduct by healthcare facilities and practitioners.

Colorado Affordable Home Ownership Program Bill Update

Colorado bill SB26-040 proposes changes to the state's affordable home ownership program. Key amendments include clarifying income eligibility requirements for housing units and allowing modifications to monthly housing cost percentages under certain conditions. The bill also addresses local affordability mechanisms and potential rental of program units.

Colorado Combative Sports Office Continuation and Terminology Update

Colorado Bill HB26-1194 continues the office of combative sports and commission until 2037, updating terminology and safety data collection requirements. The bill also modifies disciplinary grounds and introduces new financial interest restrictions for promoters, matchmakers, and managers.

Colorado Bill HB26-1134: Right to Counsel in Municipal Courts

Colorado Bill HB26-1134 aims to ensure municipal court defendants have the same right to counsel as state court defendants. The bill clarifies defense counsel's rights and prohibits flat-fee payment structures for indigent defense in municipalities prosecuting domestic violence cases. It also mandates open proceedings and prompt case resolution.

Colorado Designates Emergency Medical Services as Essential Services

Colorado Bill HB26-1238 proposes to designate emergency medical services, including ambulance and air ambulance services, as essential services within the state. The bill aims to integrate these services into public safety systems and outlines provisions for reimbursement and funding from state accounts.

Colorado Statewide Homelessness Strategy and Local Authorities Bill

Colorado Bill HB26-1202 requires the Department of Local Affairs to propose a statewide homelessness strategy by January 2027. It also allows local governments to form multijurisdictional homelessness authorities and use documentary fees for affordable housing.