Colorado Bill Expands Illicit Massage Business Definition

Colorado HB26-1257 proposes to expand the definition of an "illicit massage business" to include businesses engaging in crimes beyond human-trafficking-related offenses. The bill also removes restrictions on local governments regarding licensing requirements and allows for additional grounds to deny, revoke, or suspend licenses.

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 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 Bill Requires Baby Diaper Changing Stations in Public Restrooms

Colorado Bill HB26-1130 requires buildings with public restrooms to install baby diaper changing stations by July 1, 2027. Building owners must ensure stations are safe, sanitary, and clearly signed, with exceptions for historic structures or accessibility conflicts.

Colorado Bill Increases DRIVES Account Funding

Colorado Bill HB26-1102 proposes to increase funding for the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account by redirecting portions of late vehicle registration fees and introducing new fees for missed appointments. These changes are set to take effect at various points between July 2026 and July 2027.

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.

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.