DENVER — As the calendar turns to 2024, new laws will go into effect in Colorado.
Here are some of the laws passed by the Colorado General Assembly and signed by Gov. Jared Polis that take effect on Jan. 1:
Plastic bags and polystyrene containers
Stores and retail food establishments, places like large chain grocery stores and convenience stores, will be prohibited from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers. The new law is part of House Bill 21-1162 that the Colorado General Assembly enacted in 2021.
On and after Jan. 1, a store in Colorado may furnish only a recycled paper carryout bag to a customer at the point of sale at a fee of 10 cents per bag — or a higher fee imposed by the municipality or county in which the store is located.
House Bill 21-1162 also prohibits a retail food establishment, on and after Jan. 1, 2024, from distributing an expanded polystyrene product for use as a container for ready-to-eat food in Colorado.
Protections for pet ownership in housing
House Bill 23-1068 limits pet rent to 1.5% of the owner’s monthly rent or $35 per month, whichever is greater, in addition to capping pet deposits to $300 on top of existing security deposits and making pet deposits refundable.
The law also prohibits homeowner insurance providers from denying policies based on specific dog breeds and would require law enforcement conducting evictions to give any pets present to the tenant or, if the tenant is not there, turn the pets over to a local animal shelter or rescue.
EpiPen affordability
House Bill 23-1002 caps the cost of a two-pack of lifesaving EpiPens at $60 for health insurance plans issued or renewed after Jan. 1. The new law also creates the epi-pen affordability program. This law became effective Aug. 7.
Protections for people with an eating disorder
Senate Bill 23-176 will help those dealing with eating disorders by limiting health benefit plans and the state medical assistance program from using body mass index (BMI) in determining treatment. The law also bans the sale of diet pills to minors without a prescription. Portions of this law went into effect May 30, while other portions will become effective Jan. 1.
Right to repair agriculture equipment
House Bill 23-1011 establishes a "right to repair" in Colorado and allows farmers and ranchers the freedom to fix their farm equipment when it breaks down. Previously, farmers had to utilize mechanics “authorized” by the manufacturer in order to repair critical farm equipment like tractors and combines.
Fines for speeding commercial trucks
House Bill 23-1267 allows the Colorado Department of Transportation to establish steep-downhill grade zones on highways where the downhill is 5% or greater and where there are safety concerns related to commercial truck drivers going over the speed limit. In those zones, commercial truck drivers caught speeding will face doubled fines and surcharges.
Tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities
House Bill 23-036 simplifies the process of claiming property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and makes it easier for counties to process the exemptions. The law went into effect on June 23, with portions becoming effective Jan. 1.
More laws that go into effect Jan. 1 in Colorado:
- HB23-1004: Language access in insurance documents
- HB23-1245: Campaign practices for municipal elections
- HB23-1111: Unauthorized insurance premium tax rate
- HB23-1015: Taxation of tobacco products remote retail sellers
- SB23-040: Staffing agency CAPS checks
- SB23-292: Labor requirements for energy sector construction
- HB23-1022: Registration of vehicles in rental fleets
- HB23-1077: Informed consent to intimate patient examinations
- HB23-1222: Cases of domestic violence in municipal court
- SB23-039: Reduce child and incarcerated parent separation
- SB23-057: County treasurer no longer ex officio district treasurer
- HB23-1186: Remote participation in residential evictions
- SB23-105: Ensure equal pay for equal work
- HB23-1181: Guaranteed asset protection agreements
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