10 Colorado laws going into effect July 1

Here are 10 to know:

🏠 Housing

• Local governments are barred from adopting zoning policies that lower overall housing density. If they cut density in one spot, they have to increase it elsewhere.

🔫 Guns

• Applicants for a concealed carry permit are required to complete eight hours of in-person training, plus written and live-fire exams.
• Firearm dealers must obtain state-approved training, conduct fingerprint background checks on prospective employees and report suspected illegal buyers within 48 hours of a purchase.

⚖️ Criminal justice

• Cities are banned from using flat fees to hire defense attorneys in domestic violence cases and must match state rates to help ensure fair representation — especially for indigent defendants facing serious charges.
• It's now easier to seal and expunge criminal records, expanding second chances for Coloradans with non-conviction histories.
• Defense attorneys are guaranteed at least 35 days to review physical evidence pre-trial, to strengthen due process rights and criminal defense.

• More judges will be added to five judicial districts to clear case backlogs and expand court access.

🏥 Health care

• The longstanding Colorado Indigent Care Program has been repealed and replaced by a new oversight committee to guide low-income hospital billing.

🔐 Consumer protection

• Biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans must be deleted within two years or once no longer needed. Violators face deceptive trade practice penalties.

💵 Taxes

• Colorado's revenue department must administer local sales and use taxes the same way it does for the state, giving business owners and local governments clarity on tax enforcement.