Bills I've Sponsored

Legislation where I am Prime Sponsor

2022 Regular Legislative Session

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HB22-1028: Statewide Regulation of Controlled Intersections.

In part, this bill would allow people operating low-speed vehicles - bicycles, e-bikes, scooters - to slow down rather than come to a complete stop at stop signs if it’s safe to do so. This is commonly known as the “Idaho Stop” because Idaho legalized the practice in 1982. Currently, local governments in Colorado can authorize the Idaho Stop, but HB 1028 makes it legal statewide. The bill also allows operators of low-speed vehicles to first stop at red lights, but then go straight or make a right turn if it’s safe, and also turn left onto one-way streets if safety allows. The state’s Transportation Legislation Review Committee approved this bill for introduction in 2022.

4/13/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1028 into law on April 13, 2022.

HB22-1037: Retail and Medical Marijuana Same Location.

This bill would rectify a mistake made in 2019, when a section authorizing "co-location" of medical and retail cannabis businesses at one location was inadvertently left out of a bill. Passing HB22-1037 would reauthorize co-location in statutes, but more importantly would put hundreds of existing businesses back in compliance. The medical and retail businesses would need to maintain separate entrances and exits, inventory, point of sale operations, and record keeping.

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4/7/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1037 into law on April 7, 2022.

HB 22-1040: Home Owners’ Reasonable Access To Common Areas.

The bill would require home owner associations like HOAs to preserve and protect unit owners' and their guests' ability to use and enjoy common elements without unreasonable restrictions. There would be exceptions for issues such as maintenance and safety. The bill also includes requirements that associations must notify residents about the reasons for and expected duration of closures or restrictions.

4/12/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1040 into law on April 12, 2022.

HB22-1082: Establish Fair Housing Unit Department of Law.

The bill would create a Fair Housing Unit in the Department of Law to protect and defend fair housing practices. Under HB22-1082, the list of laws for which the attorney general may bring civil and criminal enforcement actions would be expanded to include certain provisions relating to housing. This includes Mobile Home Park Act violations and complaints, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act, discriminatory housing practices in general, wrongful withholding of security deposits, and specific issues related to rent increases.

5/17/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1082 into law on May 17, 2022.

HB 22-1087: Special District Director Retirement Benefits.

This bill would exclude a special district director who begins service as a director on or after July 1, 2022, from becoming eligible for membership in the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA).

3/24/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1087 into law on March 24, 2022.

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HB22-1139: Home Owners’ Associations Cannot Regulate Public Rights-of-way.

The bill prohibits a common interest community's unit owners' association from regulating the use of a public right-of-way.

5/6/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1139 into law on May 6, 2022.

HB22-1152: Prohibit Employer Adverse Action Marijuana Use.

The bill would create a medical marijuana and employment task force, with a charge of studying and making recommendations regarding the proper relationships between medical cannabis use and workplace standards. Medical cannabis has been legal in Colorado since the year 2000, and employees might choose to use medical cannabis instead of pharmaceutical options for a number of reasons, but today these employees don’t have legal protections against the possibility that their cannabis use might cost them in the workplace. Businesses may also have concerns about what impacts medical cannabis use might have on their employees.

The task force could discuss a list of issues identified in the bill in order to seek balance between the interests of employees and employers. It would be made up of stakeholders including representatives from business, labor, cannabis industries, worker’s compensation, public health, and more. Task force meetings would begin in late 2022, and the task force would need to submit a final report by November 2023. The General Assembly would be able to use information or recommendations from the task force in case members choose to draft relevant legislation during future sessions.

3/24/22: HB22-1152 was postponed indefinitely in the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on March 24, 2022.

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HB 22-1225: Sunset Continue Colorado Resiliency Office.

This bill would authorize the Colorado Resiliency Office until the year 2037, when under current law the office is scheduled to sunset in September 2022. In short, the office’s goal is to support how Colorado copes with natural disasters and other stressors by building stronger, safer, and more resilient systems. 

6/2/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB 22-1225 into law on June 2, 2022.

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HB 22-1249: Electric Grid Resilience and Reliability Roadmap.

The bill would require the Colorado Energy Office, in collaboration with the Department of Local Affairs and the Colorado Resiliency Office, to develop a grid resilience and reliability roadmap for improving the resilience and reliability of electric grids in Colorado. The roadmap must include guidance on how microgrids may be used to harden the grid, improve grid resilience and reliability, and help serve communities' electricity needs independent of the grid. The process of developing this roadmap must include stakeholder input.

6/2/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1249 into law on June 2, 2022.

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HB22-1287: Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents.

As the title suggests, the bill would provide a number of new protections for residents of manufactured home parks, including:

• Increase the time period for residents to make a park purchase offer from 90 days after learning the park is for sale to 180 days

• Prohibit landlords from harassing or coercing home owners to influence their decision about whether to participate in an attempt to purchase the park.

• Clarify that landlords are responsible for costs to repair damages if they were caused by a landlord’s failure to perform maintenance

• Prohibit landlords from interfering with a home owner’s right to sell their home to the buyer of their choice, with limited exceptions.

• Allow residents, local governments, or nonprofits to file complaints under the existing Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program.

5/26/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1287 into law on May 26, 2022.

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HB22-1314: Towing Carrier Nonconsensual Tows.

This bill addresses problems associated with nonconsensual vehicle towing, by creating rights for vehicle owners along with responsibilities for towing companies and property owners. Key points of the 28-page bill include:

• Companies towing from private property must charge the same fees for tows made without the owner's consent as for tows made with the owner's consent.

• Towing carriers would be prohibited from paying money or other valuable considerations to a landowner or business for the privilege of nonconsensually towing vehicles.

• Before connecting to a vehicle, towing carriers must photographically document the vehicle's condition and the reason for the tow.

• Towing carriers must give 24 hours' written notice before removing a vehicle from a parking spot or the common areas of a condominium, cooperative, apartment, or mobile home park. However, it allows towing without 24 hours notice in case of parking in a fire zone, obstructing a driveway, improperly parking in a space designated for people with disabilities, or if there is a court order.

• Property owners must provide adequate signs communicating the parking regulations that subject a vehicle to being towed in order for a nonconsensual tow to go forward.

• Towing carriers must give a written notice of the ability to make a complaint to
  the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

• A new Office of Tow Hearings will be created within the PUC to adjudicate disputes
  between towing carriers and vehicle owners

6/7/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1314 into law on June 7, 2022.

HB22-1356: Small Community-based Nonprofit Grant Program.

The bill creates the Small Community-based Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program, to provide grants to certain small community-based nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. Many such organizations did vitally important work for their communities during the pandemic, but some had to adjust their operations to meet demand for services and address health and safety concerns, and some may have suffered financially. Grants would be available for infrastructure and capacity building needs, such as data technology, professional development, strategic planning and organizational development, communications, and existing program expansion, development, or evaluation.

6/3/22: Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1356 into law on June 3, 2022.

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SB22-012: Versions of the Colorado Constitution.

The bill requires the State Archivist in the Department of Personnel and Administration to submit a proposal to the State Capitol Building Advisory Committee and the Capital Development Committee for:

• The creation of a permanent display of the original Colorado Constitution in the State Capitol building;

• An online educational exhibition of the Colorado Constitution including all amendments; and

• Opportunities to provide updated physical copies of the Constitution within state offices.

5/20/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-012 into law on May 20, 2022.

SB 22-059: Home Owners’ Association Voting Proxy Limitations.

Residents in a home owners’ association (HOA) can vote in meetings by proxy - like an absentee vote but another HOA member actually casts the vote. SB22-059 would limit the duration that anyone can hold a proxy for a unit owner to 11 months.

3/21/22: Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 22-059 into law on March 21, 2022.

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SB 22-090: Severe Weather Notifications to Utility Customers

SB22-090 would require electric or gas utilities to determine if a forecasted severe weather event - one that could result in increased utility prices of 15 percent or more - warrants notification to its customers located in the path of the event. If notification is warranted, the utility would be required to send notification to its customers, provide specific suggestions for how to conserve energy, alert customers to the potential electricity or fuel price increase resulting from the event, and provide customer service contact information for the utility.

4/19/22: SB22-090 was postponed indefinitely in the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on April 19, 2022.

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SB22-155: Expand Medical Marijuana Research Grant Programs.

The bill extends the sunset date for the state’s existing medical marijuana research grant program from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024.

6/9/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-155 into law on June 9, 2022.

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SB22-157: Information Sharing for Consumer Protection Investigation.

The bill authorizes a district attorney or a deputy or assistant district attorney, in investigating a complaint alleging a violation of consumer protection laws, to request records from a state or local licensing authority for information regarding a person that the licensing authority regulates and that is the subject of the complaint if the complaint alleges:

• The complainant suffered damages in an amount of at least $20,000 and the district attorney determines the amount alleged appears to be reasonable, or;

• Two or more regulated persons jointly engaged in conduct that forms the basis of the complaint.

The bill also authorizes a state licensing authority to enter into an interagency agreement with the attorney general or the attorney general's designee for the referral of complaints alleging violations of consumer protection laws.

5/6/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-157 into law on May 6, 2022.

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SB22-169: Sensitive Species Data And Public Records.

Under current law, public records are subject to request under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). This bill amends CORA to exclude the portion of any public record that could reveal the location of animals and sensitive plant species or habitat. The bill was introduced because publication of wildlife location data can be detrimental to the long-term health or even survival of sensitive species.

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5/20/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-169 into law on May 20, 2022.

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SB22-170: Permissible Uses of Waste Tire Fund.

The bill changes the allowable uses of the Waste Tire Administration, Enforcement, Market Development, and Cleanup Fund, which receives revenue from waste tire fees imposed on the purchase of new motor vehicle and trailer tires.

The bill repeals a provision allowing the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to develop a model fire prevention, training, and firefighting plan. The bill instead authorizes CDPHE to reimburse the state Division of Fire Prevention and Control for waste tire facility inspections, and assistance provided to CDPHE or the public related to developing fire prevention education materials and reviewing fire prevention plans.

6/8/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-170 into law on June 8, 2022.

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SB22-194: Money In Creative Industries Cash Fund.

Under current law, a fraction of state funds used for capital construction projects goes to the Creative Industries Cash Fund for the Art in Public Places Program. The bill clarifies that unexpended money in the fund for this purpose is available to be spent in the next two fiscal years, consistent with the spending authority for capital projects.

5/20/22: Governor Jared Polis signed SB22-194 into law on May 20, 2022.

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HJR22-1017: Designate April 21 Sportsmen’s Day.

The resolution recognizes sportsmen and women, their many contributions to conservation across Colorado, and how sporting activities contribute to Colorado’s economy. According to the resolution, “1.2 million hunters and anglers contribute more than $3.2 billion in statewide economic output per year…, which supports over 25,000 jobs and generates around $187 million in state and local taxes.” Also, hunting and fishing license fees help pay for conservation programs that help protect and maintain our valuable species habitat.  

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4/26/22: HJR22-1017 has passed both the House and Senate.

2021 Regular Legislative Session

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HB21-1019: Modification To Regulations Of Factory-built Structures

HB 21-1019 would clarify the authority of the Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs to regulate the manufacture and installation of factory-built structures. This would include manufactured homes and mobile homes, and the bill is designed to help ensure safety, affordability, efficiency, and performance for this important category of affordable housing.

The bill would clarify that a local government may enforce local rules approved by the Division governing the installation of factory-built housing, and may inspect and charge fees related to work on the structure that is completed onsite. It also clarifies that a factory-built structure bearing an insignia of approval issued by the Division complies with applicable state codes and local government installation requirements. Colorado counties would need to comply with state requirements for local installation standards when enacting building code provisions for a manufactured home.

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5/10/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1019 into law on May 10, 2021.

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HB21-1044: Winery License Include Noncontiguous Areas

HB 21-1044 would allow a winery that holds a manufacturer's or limited winery license to maintain licensed premises comprising up to 5 noncontiguous locations within a 10-mile radius. Any noncontiguous location that is to be used as a sales room is subject to individual approval for use as a sales room. Only one sales room may be located at a noncontiguous location.

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5/21/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1044 into law on May 21, 2021.

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HB21-1126: State Architect Authority Execute Certain Leases

House Bill 14-1387, enacted in 2014, inadvertently removed, through the use of the definition of "real property", the authority of the Department of Personnel to negotiate and execute leases for state use of privately owned property, including land, office space, buildings, and special use interests. This eliminated a decades-old policy for the department to serve as the central authority to assist state agencies and state institutions of higher education to lease needed office space and other property interests.

The department has been operating under custom and practice to keep negotiating and executing such leases since House Bill 14-1387 was enacted. This year's bill would officially reinstate this authority to the office of the State Architect, which houses the real estate program.

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4/15/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1126 into law on April 15, 2021.

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HB21-1141: Electric Vehicle License Plates

HB 21-1141 would establish electric vehicle license plates in Colorado, to be
issued for use on plug-in electric motor vehicles. The plates will be designed in 2022 if the bill passes.

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6/25/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1141 into law on June 25, 2021.

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HB21-1174: Transfer Funds to Capital Construction Fund

HB21-1174 would require the state treasurer to transfer to the capital construction fund any excess proceeds from the issuance of a lease-purchase agreement under Senate Bill 20-219 that are initially credited to the emergency controlled maintenance account.

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Proceeds transferred under this bill could be used for capital construction, capital renewal, or controlled maintenance projects, but the money must be used by March 1, 2024. 

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7/2/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1174 into law on July 2, 2021.

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HB21-1269: Public Utilities Commission Study of Community Choice Energy

HB21-1269 would direct the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to conduct a study on the feasibility of Community Choice Energy (CCE) in Colorado, with a report to legislative energy committees due by December 15, 2022.

Under CCE, communities served by investor-owned utilities (like Xcel Energy or Black Hills Energy) would be able to form a nonprofit authority, which would be enabled to purchase renewable sources of energy on the wholesale market. The investor-owned utility would still own and operate its transmission and distribution system, provide metering and billing services, manage customer service, and implement demand-side management programs.

During the study process, the PUC would be directed to invite testimony and documentation from interested stakeholders, utilities, the public, invited subject-matter experts, and persons with firsthand knowledge of CCE operations, including regulators from states in which CCE has been implemented. In other states, CCE is known as Community Choice Aggregation. The proceeding would address a series of questions and topics that are specified in the bill, with the goal of better understanding CCE in the Colorado context and identifying best practices that would allow CCE to function well in Colorado if adopted.

6/25/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1269 into law on June 25, 2021.

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HB21-1283: Vehicle Towing Consumer Protection

HB21-1283 would require the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to conduct a sunset review of the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) regulation of towing carriers in 2023, and to move up DORA's sunset review of the towing task force from 2024 to 2023. As part of its sunset review of the PUC's regulation of towing carriers, DORA would be required to review complaints against towing carriers; whether the towing industry and consumers would benefit from dispute resolution of complaints; the reasonableness of rates for recovery, towing, and storage fees; and the reasonableness of towing contracts that towing companies enter into with property owners.

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The composition of the towing task force would be changed to replace a member who represents towing carriers but is not a representative of a towing association with a member who represents mobile home owners, and to replace a member who represents an association of motor carriers with a member who represents common interest community unit owners. The bill would add two members to the task force to represent communities that might be disproportionately affected by nonconsensual towing, such as communities of color, immigrant communities, elderly communities, and rural communities.

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7/7/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1283 into law on July 7, 2021.

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HB21-1297: Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Insurer Requirements

HB21-1297 would enact the "Pharmacy Fairness Act," which would create requirements regarding contracts between pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) and pharmacies. It would require a health insurer to submit to the Commissioner of Insurance a list of PBMs the health insurer uses to manage or administer prescription drug benefits under its health benefit plans.

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7/6/21: Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1297 into law on July 6, 2021.

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SB21-063: Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Offer Insurance

SB21-063 would create a process for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWA) associations to offer health care benefits to members without becoming licensed as insurers. Under current law, to offer health benefits a MEWA must maintain a specified reserve and have been in existence continually in Colorado since 1983. The bill allows MEWAs that don't meet these two conditions to apply for a waiver with the Commissioner of Insurance.

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7/7/21: Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-063 into law on July 7, 2021.

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SB21-090: Small Group Health Insurance Plan Renewal

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The bill clarifies that if a small employer has been issued a health benefit plan subject to small group insurance laws and rules, and then following the issuance date no longer meets the definition of "small employer" (100 employees or less), the small group insurance laws and rules continue to apply to the plan as long as the employer renews the current health benefit plan.

If the employer opts to renew its current plan, the bill requires an insurance carrier to offer the employer the same small group health benefit plan or, if the same plan is no longer available, a similar plan that the carrier offers to other small employers.

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3/25/21: Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-090 into law on March 25, 2021.

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SB21-231: Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Grants

SB21-231 directs the state treasurer to make an immediate, one-time transfer of $3 million from the general fund to the energy fund administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO). The CEO may use the money for making grants for the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

The program is basically in place to improve energy efficiency in homes for low-income residents. Grants can be awarded for items such as: air sealing; energy conservation information; furnace safety testing; furnace repair or replacement; insulation; LED light bulb retrofits; refrigerator replacement; storm doors; or solar photovoltaics. As of October 2020, the program had served about 147,000 homes in Colorado.

6/14/21: Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-231 into law on June 14, 2021.

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SB21-256: Local Regulation of Firearms

SB21-256 would permit a local government to enact local laws or regulations that would govern or prohibit the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory that is not less restrictive than state law.

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The bill would also permit a local government, including special districts or governing boards of institutions of higher education, to enact local laws or regulations prohibiting a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction.

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6/19/21: Governor Jared Polis signed SB21-256 into law on June 19, 2021.

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2020 Regular Legislative Session

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HB20-1050: Other Outlet Pharmacies Drug Distribution

The bill allows ambulatory surgical center other outlets, hospice other outlets, and convalescent center other outlets to:

• Make a casual sale or loan of prescription drugs to another registered outlet or to a drug wholesaler;

• Sell or give a prescription drug to a practitioner authorized by law to prescribe the drug; and

• Supply an emergency kit or starter dose of a prescription drug to specified entities.

Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1050 into law on March 24, 2020.

HB20-1064: Public Utilities Commission Study of Community Choice Energy

The bill calls for studies regarding the feasibility of allowing Community Choice Energy (CCE), also known in other states as Community Choice Aggregation, in Colorado.

The studies would evaluate giving communities authority to select their energy sources.  It allows communities served by an investor owned utility (Xcel or Black Hills) to buy their electricity wholesale from alternative suppliers, like solar and wind farms.  With CCE, the utility would still own and operate the “poles and wires” and deliver the electricity, while the community gains control over its energy sources and costs. Several potential benefits of CCE would include:

• Cheaper, cleaner electricity; create new energy programs;  create local jobs;  keep energy dollars local.

• Introduces competition, choice and greater local control

• Allows communities to choose an alternative electricity supplier.

• Incumbent utility still owns and operates the “poles and wires” (electricity delivery).

• Individuals can opt out and buy their electricity from the utility if they wish.

Visit the home page of my website to access several links with more information about CCE.

HB-1064 has passed the House Energy and Environment Committee, but it did not clear House Appropriations.

HB20-1112: Expand Child Care Contribution Income Tax Credit

There is currently a state income tax credit for a monetary contribution made prior to January 1, 2025, to promote child care in the state. The credit is equal to 50% of a qualifying contribution. For income tax years that commence on or after January 1, 2020, the bill:

• Increases the age of a child from 12 to 18 in the definition of “child care”, which expands the types of facilities to which a donation would qualify for the credit; and

• Specifies that a monetary contribution to a child advocacy center is a monetary contribution to promote child care in the state.

HB-1112 passed House Finance, but it did not clear House Appropriations.

HB20-1117: Misbranding Nonmeat and Imported and Artificial Meat

This bill makes several changes to an existing section of statute (25-5-411) regarding misbranding of meats or meat-like products. It would:

• Define “misbranding” as including not accurately labeling meats derived from animals not born, raised, or harvested exclusively in the U.S.

• Prohibit labeling a food as “meat” if it’s not derived from actual livestock

• Prohibit labeling a food as “meat” if it’s artificially grown, unless it’s also labeled as “lab-grown” or “artificially cultured.”

HB-1117 passed the House Energy and Environment Committee, but was laid over in the House until Dec. 31, 2020.

HB20-1122: Homeless Youth Services Act and Grant Program

The bill would establish the services for youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness grant program in the department of local affairs (department). The age requirement for such youth would be increased to 24 years of age or younger from its current less than 21 years of age. The office of homeless youth services would administer and monitor the grant program.

The grant program consists of up to 5 awards of up to $250,000 each, awarded on or before January 1, 2021. Grant awards may only be awarded to existing providers of services to youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, with priority given to those service providers that can expand services to underserved areas of the state, including street and community outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelters, and supportive housing and transitional living programs.

HB-1122 passed House Public Health Care and Human Services 13-0 on Friday, Jan. 24, but it did not clear House Appropriations.

HB20-1185: Sunset Colorado Kids Outdoors Advisory Council

The Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform recommended in its recent reviews that the Colorado Kids Outdoors Advisory Council be allowed to expire on its scheduled date, due to lack of contributions. HB 20-1185 authorizes the Council to sunset on July 1, 2020.

Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1185 into law on March 27, 2020.

HB20-1196: Mobile Home Park Act Update

Colorado has had a Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA) since 1985. This bill would update the MHPA to address concerns identified in the recent DORA Sunrise Review and reinforced by experiences expressed by actual manufactured home park residents. HB-1196 addresses issues including:

• Retaliation: Existing Colorado law provides no protections against retaliation if community homeowners organize community meetings, make requests to repair infrastructure, or take other reasonable actions in which they should be permitted to engage. HB-1196 defines what constitutes retaliation and how residents can get recourse if their rights are violated.

• Arbitrary Evictions: Eviction from a manufactured home community often results not only in the loss of rented land but also the loss of the home. HB-1196 would ensure homeowners are not evicted for minor rule violations.

• Arbitrary and Capricious Rules: In some cases, rules developed by park owners could be overreaching. HB-1196 would ensure homeowners are not subject to unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious rules; provide a means to challenge rule changes; and protect homeowners from overly costly rules.

• Transparent Billing for Utilities: Many parks have only a master meter, and park management may make decisions to allocate utility expenses to residents using unequal or confusing methods. This bill would require equity and transparency in billing.

• Operable Utilities and Services: Homeowners and residents are occasionally denied necessary water, passable roads, or other critical services due to park owners not meeting responsibilities. This bill would clarify requirements for providing these essential services.

• Park Owner Responsibilities: HB-1196 protects homeowners by requiring park owners to: a) reimburse homeowners if they are responsible for damage to a home, b) make sure water and restrooms are available to residents if there’s a service interruption, and c) reimburse homeowners for lodging costs if families can’t use their homes.

• Right to Privacy: Homeowners have a right to private and peaceful enjoyment of their homes and lots. This bill spells out legitimate reasons for which management may enter a home or lot, including maintenance and emergencies, but also calls for homeowner consent and reasonable advance notification to prevent unexpected surprise entries.

Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1196 into law on June 30, 2020.

HB20-1201: Mobile Home Park Residents Opportunity to Purchase

Today, many mobile home park residents own a home but may face challenges because they don’t own the land on which the homes sit. One possibility to address these challenges would be for the residents to purchase their park. HB 20-1201 creates a structure home owners and park owners would follow should residents pursue purchasing a park:

• Notification: Residents have to know a park is available, or slated for major changes, in order to organize and make an offer. HB 20-1201 requires landlords to notify tenants when a park is for sale, or if the owner intends to change the use of a park, or if the landlord is about to accept an offer, or if the park is facing foreclosure.

• Transparency: The notice to residents must include a description of the property, along with price, terms, and conditions of an offer or the landlord’s intentions.

• Resident Organization: A group or organization among residents of a community would be able to make an offer to purchase the park if there is approval of at least 51% of residents.

• Public Sector or Nonprofit Involvement: Resident communities would be able to assign their purchase right to a municipality, housing authority, or nonprofit.

• Fair Negotiation: Under HB 20-1201, landlords are required to enter into good-faith negotiation with residents or their assignees making an offer, and to provide information that would help residents prepare their offer.

• Timely Process: Residents would need to make their offer within 90 days of receiving notice that the park is available, though this timeline can be mutually extended.

Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1201 into law on June 30, 2020.

HB20-1425: Hospital Visitation Rights During COVID-19

A number of patients who have been hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been able to have visitations from friends or family due to hospital precautions. HB-1425 encourages, but does not mandate, hospitals to identify ways to improve visitation policies while still following best practices and infection prevention protocols.

Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1425 into law on June 29, 2020.

SB20-008: Enhance Penalties Water Quality Criminal Violations

This bill would increase existing potential penalties for certain criminal violations affecting water quality.

• Violations of polluting state waters found criminally negligent or reckless would be a misdemeanor, and SB-008 increases the penalty from its current maximum $12,500 daily to $25,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.

• Violations of polluting state waters committed knowingly or intentionally would be a class 5 felony, and SB-008 increases the penalty from its current $25,000 maximum daily fine to $50,000, imprisonment of up to 3 years, or both.

• For knowingly making false statements in court or rendering testing equipment inoperable, potential charges increase from the current misdemeanor to a class 5 felony. If 2 separate offenses occur in 2 separate occurrences during a period of 2 years, the maximum fine and imprisonment for the second offense are double the default amounts.

SB 20-008 passed the Senate, but was postponed indefinitely in the House Energy and Environment Committee on May 28, 2020.

HR 20-1011: Investigate Price Setting Meatpacking Industry

The Colorado Attorney General recently joined with nine other states – North Dakota, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arizona, and Wyoming – calling for an investigation by the United States Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture into possible price-fixing and market-manipulation practices of the meatpacking industry. HJR 20-1011 would express the General Assembly’s support for the Attorney General’s action, and calls for the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Justice to lead a thorough investigation of the price-setting dynamics of the meatpacking industry.

HJR 20-1011 passed the House and Senate on third readings.

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2019 Regular Legislative Session

HB19-1011: Scope of Manufactured Home Sales Tax Exemption

This bill was discussed and developed during the state’s 2018 Statutory Revision Committee process. Currently, a sales tax exemption exists equal to 48% of the purchase price for the initial sale of “factory-built housing” and 100% of the purchase price for any subsequent sale of a “manufactured home.” This bill simply changes the phrase “factory-built housing” in current statute to “manufactured home,” which in short is defined as a “preconstructed building unit” used for housing. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1011 into law on February 28, 2019.

HB19-1028: Medical Marijuana Condition Autism

This bill would add autism spectrum disorders to the list of conditions that would allow a person to use medical marijuana. For people under the age of 18, at least two physicians must diagnose the patient as having a disabling medical condition. The bill also encourages the State Board of Health to prioritize future marijuana research grant awards toward research on the efficacy and safety of medical marijuana for pediatric conditions. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1028 into law on April 2, 2019.

HB19-1083: Athletic Trainers License

This bill would require anyone using the title “athletic trainer” in Colorado to be licensed. Under current law, they must be “registered” but do not need to be licensed. Students in athletic training programs would need to identify themselves as “athletic training students,” and could only practice athletic training under the supervision of a licensed athletic trainer. The bill spells out conditions for licensure and denials of applications. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1083 into law on March 28, 2019.

HB19-1108: Nonresident Electors and Special Districts

This bill would allow qualified nonresident electors to vote in special district elections for board members of the special district. Special districts include, but are not limited to, districts such as fire districts or flood protection districts. The nonresident or nonresident’s spouse generally must own taxable real or personal property within the special district’s boundaries. The board of the special district must approve a resolution allowing nonresident voting before nonresident voting is allowed, and the nonresident must register to vote within the timelines and guidelines of the special district. HB 18-1108 passed the House on third reading, but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.

HB19-1109: Convalescent Centers as Pharmacies

This bill would allow licensed convalescent centers to procure, store, order, dispense, and administer prescription medications. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1109 into law on March 9, 2019.

HB19-1130: County Sheriff Qualification Training Requirements

Current law requires the sheriff of each county to obtain peace officer certification within one year of taking office. This bill would modify this provision to require the sheriff to have a valid certification or provisional certification from the Colorado peace officer standards and training board in order to be nominated, elected, or appointed to the office of sheriff. HB 19-1130 passed the House Judiciary Committee, but lost on a House second reading.

HB19-1309: Mobile Home Park Act Oversight

Colorado’s current laws include the Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA), which spells out certain standards for mobile home home owners and park owners. However, the MHPA does not include a public mechanism for enforcing violations, which means home owners must take park owners to court in case of potential MHPA violations. HB 19-1309 would create a new dispute resolution and enforcement program, with involvement from the state Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Local Affairs. Also, since some parks are not located within city boundaries, the bill would grant counties the authority to pass local ordinances. The bill would increase the allowable time for vacating a park in case of eviction, and increase the allowable period for late rental payment before a home owner can face eviction. Governor Jared Polis signed HB 19-1309 into law on May 23, 2019.

SB19-013: Medical Marijuana Condition Opiates Prescribed For

This bill would add disabling medical conditions for which a physician could prescribe an opiate to the list of conditions for which a person could use medical marijuana. For people under the age of 18, at least two physicians must diagnose the patient as having a disabling medical condition. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-013 into law on May 23, 2019.

SB19-024: Taxes Paid By Electronic Funds Transfers

This bill was discussed and developed during the state’s 2018 Statutory Revision Committee process. It would authorize the executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue to require taxpayers who remit sales taxes by electronic funds transfers to pay electronically at an earlier hour on the day the payment is due than taxpayers who pay by other means. It would also authorize the director to require severance taxes to be paid electronically. The bill is part of an effort to make consistent the laws and administrative rules that allow payment of taxes by electronic funds transfers. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-024 into law on March 11, 2019.

SB19-025: Information to Students Regarding Safe Haven Laws

Under current law, local education providers may voluntarily participate in the comprehensive health education program. The bill adds age appropriate information on safe haven laws to the list
of topics that are included in the definition of comprehensive health education. Safe haven laws are state laws related to the safe abandonment of a child at a fire station, hospital, or community clinic or emergency center within the first 72 hours of a child’s life. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-025 into law on March 25, 2019.

SB19-044: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Emergency Medical and Trauma Care System

This bill was discussed and developed during the state’s 2018 Statutory Revision Committee process. It would repeal obsolete statutory language requiring the department of public health and environment to implement a statewide emergency medical and trauma care system by July 1, 1997; and requiring the state board of health to cooperate with the department of personnel in adopting certain criteria that counties must identify in their own regional systems. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-044 into law on March 18, 2019.

SB19-045: Clarify Radiation Advisory Committee Compensation

This bill was discussed and developed during the state’s 2018 Statutory Revision Committee process. It clarifies that members
of the state’s Radiation Advisory Committee are reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses incurred in attendance at meetings or for authorized business of the committee. Existing statute incorrectly says committee members will be reimbursed for expenses relating to official activities of the “board,” a reference to the State Board of Health, and this bill changes the reference to state that reimbursement is for activities of the Committee. Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 19-045 into law on February 20, 2019.

SB19-061: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Testing and Certification

This bill would allow self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to be recertified for use after the end of the apparatus’ recommended service life, assuming it passes safety testing. The director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would oversee inspections and rulemaking to determine inspection standards. All inspected equipment must meet U.S. Department of Transportation and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health standards as part of the recertification process. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-061 into law on May 20, 2019.

SB19-081: Repeal Colorado Cancer Drug Repository Act

This bill, discussed during the Statutory Revision Committee process, would repeal the “Colorado Cancer Drug Repository Act”. Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-081 into law on March 15, 2019.

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2018 Regular Legislative Session

HB18-1021: Task Force for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

All forms of homelessness are troubling, but it’s especially bad when young people don’t have stable housing – and we should all know that this happens in Boulder County. Homelessness can be impactful to a young person’s healthy development on a number of levels, and in certain cases it’s hazardous to their safety. The task force would, in short, discuss and study issues and statistics, and suggest potential solutions to help keep young Coloradans safe and warm. The bill passed the House, but was postponed indefinitely on March 21 in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.

HB18-1080: Climate Awards Program

Climate change is one of the pressing issues of our time, so we should recognize individuals who lead efforts that could minimize the negative impacts. This bill will create awards programs within the state’s existing climate change position, with awards for organizational and collaborative greenhouse gas reduction programs. The bill was assigned to the House Transportation and Energy Committee for its first hearing, and was postponed indefinitely in that committee on Feb. 7.

HB18-1139: Reporting Requirements for Park Fees Set By Rule

The bill allows persons who were convicted of misdemeanors for the use or possession of marijuana to petition for the sealing of criminal records relating to such convictions if their behavior would not have been a criminal offense if the behavior had occurred on or after December 10, 2012. Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1139 into law on March 29, 2018.

HB18-1141: Modernize Early Childhood Council Language

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill be introduced in 2018. It will remove references in statute to “Early Childhood Care and Education Councils,” and replace them with the more modern phrase, “Early Childhood Councils.” Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1141 into law on March 22, 2018.

HB18-1142: Remove Term Pauper from Colorado Revised Statutes

The Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill for introduction in 2018. It will remove references to the antiquated term “pauper” or “paupers” from our statutes, and replace them with “indigent” or “indigent persons.” Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1142 into law on March 22, 2018.

HB18-1145: Enjoined Laws on Ballot Petition Circulators

The Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill for introduction in 2018. It will repeal two laws that have been permanently enjoined from enforcement: one requiring petition circulators to be Colorado residents, and another limiting per-signature compensation for circulators. Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1145 into law on April 9, 2018.

HB18-1154: Protect Consumer Solicit Public Record Copy For Fee

This bill is designed to protect people, including elderly homeowners and new homeowners, from being charged excessive fees for documents by third-party entities. The bill limits the maximum fees these entities can charge, requires entities to provide a copy of the document to county clerk and recorders, and requires them to state that solicitations are not from local governments. Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1154 into law on April 12, 2018.

HB18-1183: Sunset Repeal Department of Agriculture Regulation Home Sale of Meat

The state Department of Regulatory Agencies has recommended allowing Department of Agriculture regulation of home food service plans to sunset this year as scheduled, and this bill will allow the program to end. Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1183 into law on March 22, 2018.

HB18-1263: Medical Marijuana Use For Autism and Acute Pain

This bill would have added “autism spectrum disorders” as a statutorily qualifying condition for recommending medical marijuana. HB 18-1263 passed the House and Senate, but Governor John Hickenlooper vetoed the bill on June 5, 2018.

HB18-1318: Financial Disclosure Presidential Candidates

This bill would require candidates for President and Vice President of the United States to file tax returns for the last five years with Colorado’s Secretary of State before their names can be printed on the ballot. The Secretary of State must also publish these returns on his or her website within seven days of the returns being filed. HB 18-1318 passed the House, but was postponed indefinitely on May 3 in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.

HB18-1369: Obsolete References Proposition AA Refund Account

The Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill for introduction during the 2018 session. The bill would remove statutory references to the Proposition AA refund account, which was repealed on July 1, 2017. Governor John Hickenlooper signed HB 18-1369 into law on May 24, 2018.

SB18-055: Increase Surcharge for Trafficking Children

Current law requires each person who is convicted of a crime against a child to pay a surcharge to the clerk of the court for the judicial district in which the conviction occurs. SB 18-055 would add the crime of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude to the definition of a crime against a child for the purposes of the surcharge. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-055 into law on April 23, 2018.

SB18-090: Terminology Referencing Rights of Married Women

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill to be introduced in 2018. It would call for modernizing statutory language referring to the “rights of married women” to be inclusive of men and women. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-090 into law on March 29, 2018.

SB18-092: Update References to County Departments of Social Services

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill to be introduced in 2018. It calls for modernizing outdated statutory references to “county departments of social services” or “human or social services,” since counties now have different ways of referring to departments providing these types of services. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-092 into law on March 15, 2018.

SB18-094: Behavioral Health Definition Sections

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill to be introduced in 2018. It calls for repeal of duplicate “definitions” sections for general provisions relating to behavior health. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-094 into law on March 15, 2018.

SB18-095: Outdated References to Illegitimate Children

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill to be introduced in 2018. It would remove outdated statutory references to “illegitimate” or “legitimate” children, and to a “child born out of wedlock.” Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-095 into law on April 2, 2018.

SB18-098: Unconstitutional Language Interest of Damages

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill to be introduced in 2018. It woudl amend statutory language regarding interest on damages, to reflect a Colorado Supreme Court decision saying that certain language in statute violated the Equal Protection Clause. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-098 into law on April 2, 2018.

SB18-102: Odometer Reading Physical Vehicle

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill be introduced in 2018. It would repeal a requirement for an odometer reading when a motor vehicle’s identification is physically verified. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-102 into law on March 29, 2018.

SB18-179: Extend Credit for Out-of-State Tobacco Sales

This bill would extend an existing credit for taxes paid on tobacco products shipped or transported by a distributor to consumers outside of the state of Colorado. SB 18-179 passed the Senate and House, but Governor John Hickenlooper vetoed the bill on June 1, 2018.

SB18-131: State Employees Group Benefits Act Modification

The state’s Statutory Revision Committee recommended this bill be introduced in 2018. It would bring the State Employees Group Benefits Act into compliance with federal law in several ways, including changing the definition of “dependent” to include children up to the age of 26, eliminating a requirement that children be full-time students to be considered a dependent after age 19, eliminating a requirement that a child be unmarried to be considered a dependent, and much more. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-131 into law on April 2, 2018.

SB18-191: Local Government Limited Gaming Impact Fund

This bill will increase the amount of money credited to the “Limited Gaming Impact Fund,” based on growth in the state share of limited gaming revenue. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-191 into law on May 29, 2018.

SB18-210: Amend Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies

This bill would align state law regarding appraisal management companies with federal law. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-210 into law on May 29, 2018.

SB18-255: Electronic Documents and Signatures Vehicle Titles

This bill clarifies that documents needed for certificates of titles and electronic signatures cannot be denied because they are electronic. Governor John Hickenlooper signed SB 18-255 into law on June 6, 2018.

SB18-261: Medical Marijuana Condition Opiates Prescribed For

This bill would have authorized the use of medical marijuana in cases where opiates might be prescribed. SB 18-261 lost on a Senate third reading.

2017 Regular Legislative Session

HB17-1328 Require Candidates to Disclose Income Tax Returns

The bill requires candidates for president and vice president of the United States to file with the secretary of state the candidates’ federal income tax return forms for the last 5 completed tax years. Neither the name of any candidate who fails to comply with the filing requirement nor the name of that candidate’s running mate shall be printed on the official ballot.

HB 17-1328 was postponed indefinitely in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on May 1, 2017.

HB17-1175 Enlisting Hairdressers to combat Domestic Violence

HB17-1266 Seal Misdemeanor Marijuana Conviction Records

HB17-1015 Clarify Good Time Sentence Reductions In Jails

SB17-041 Higher Education Employment Contract Terms

HB17-1210: School Discipline For Preschool Through 2nd Grade

SB17-088: Participating Provider Network Selection Criteria

SB17-105: Consumer Right To Know Electric Utility Charges