4 days ago
10 Colorado laws going into effect July 1
More than a dozen new Colorado laws take effect Tuesday.
Why it matters: Passed across the last two legislative sessions, these measures signal the state's shifting political priorities and touch nearly every corner of life — from gun safety and criminal justice to privacy rights and health care access.
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The longstanding Colorado Indigent Care Program has been repealed and replaced by a new oversight committee to guide low-income hospital billing.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.
