Key Bills Passed and Failed in the Colorado Legislature: A Comprehensive Overview

The Colorado legislature recently wrapped up its lawmaking term, debating over 700 bills that covered a wide range of topics. From housing to guns, transportation to education, and more, the bills that passed and failed have significant implications for the state. Here are some of the notable bills that you need to know about:

In the housing sector, several bills were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. House Bill 1007 prohibits local governments from limiting how many people can live together in the same dwelling, except for health or safety concerns. House Bill 1098 requires landlords to renew a tenant’s lease unless they have cause not to do so. House Bill 1152 allows for the building of accessory dwelling units in certain parts of the state.

In the gun control arena, House Bill 1174 mandates training classes for concealed carry permits, including a live-fire test. House Bill 1348 requires firearms to be stored in locked containers in vehicles.

Transportation bills include Senate Bill 65, which prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, and Senate Bill 79, which allows motorcycle riders to lane split in certain conditions.

In the realm of taxes and finances, House Bill 1052 provides tax refunds for qualifying seniors, while Senate Bill 228 offers temporary income tax cuts based on surplus levels.

Healthcare bills include House Bill 1058, which expands the Colorado Privacy Act to protect biological data, and House Bill 1081, which restricts the sale of products with certain chemicals.

In the education sector, House Bill 1003 grants civil and criminal immunity to school bus drivers administering opioid overdose drugs, while House Bill 1017 requires addressing students by their chosen names.

While many bills passed, there were also notable bills that failed to make it through the legislature. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, which aimed to amend the state constitution to allow victims of child sex abuse to sue their abusers, fell one vote short in the Senate. House Bill 1292, which sought to ban the purchase, sale, and transfer of semiautomatic firearms, was rejected in the Colorado legislature.

Overall, the legislative session in Colorado was filled with a wide range of bills that will have a lasting impact on the state. From housing to healthcare, transportation to education, the decisions made by lawmakers will shape the future of Colorado.