Dec 23, 2025 - Politics
6 new Colorado laws that take effect Jan. 1
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Medicaid will cover abortion services. Food trucks will get a statewide permit. And tenants will receive more protection from landlords.
Why it matters: These are just some of the 20-plus new laws that take effect Jan. 1.
The big picture: Most of the legislation signed by Gov. Jared Polis became law earlier this year, but other bills pushed the implementation date to the start of the new year, giving stakeholders more time to adapt to the new rules.
Zoom in: Here are six new laws to know for the new year.
- Following approval of Amendment 79 in the 2024 election, lawmakers codified language to protect abortion access and allow state-run insurance plans to cover the cost.
- Food trucks can operate in different counties and cities because lawmakers established a reciprocal licensing system.
- Renters and consumers will gain protections against hidden fees under a new law that largely bans such fees and requires public notice for other charges.
- Families can receive refunds of application, waitlist and deposit fees if they decide not to enroll in a child care program.
- After the approval of Proposition 129 to create a new veterinary professional associate role, lawmakers put limits on the role's scope of practice and added requirements for supervision.
- Gun shows will face new restrictions, including requirements for more security officers, video surveillance and security plans submitted to local authorities.
What's next: State lawmakers will return to the Capitol in early January to begin work on hundreds of additional bills.