Key Takeaways:
- Colorado has implemented new laws effective January 1, covering various areas such as right to repair electronics, paid family leave, gun show requirements, renter screening, and wildlife protection.
- The right to repair law allows device owners and independent repair shops to access necessary tools and documentation to fix electronic devices.
- The paid family leave program has been expanded to provide additional support for families with babies in neonatal intensive care.
- Gun show operators must now submit security plans and enforce age limits, while landlords are restricted from asking for credit history from prospective tenants using housing subsidies.
- The state has classified wild bison as big game wildlife, providing added protection for the animals.
Introduction to New Laws
Colorado has begun the new year with the implementation of approximately 20 new laws, covering a wide range of topics. These laws aim to address various issues, from consumer protection to wildlife conservation. The state’s lawmakers pass hundreds of bills during each legislative session, and the implementation dates vary. This article highlights some of the notable laws that took effect on January 1.
Right to Repair Electronics
One of the significant laws implemented is the right to repair electronics. This law requires manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple, to provide device owners and independent repair shops with the necessary documentation, software, and tools to fix electronic devices. The goal of this law is to save consumers money and facilitate faster repairs. However, there are some exemptions, such as video game consoles, due to concerns about piracy and security. Democratic Representative Brianna Titone, the main sponsor of the bill, believes that this law will benefit not only individuals but also companies, as they can hire in-house staff or third-party service providers to repair their equipment without being tied to expensive contracts with manufacturers. Colorado’s right to repair law is one of the most comprehensive in the country, building on existing laws that allow the repair of wheelchairs and agricultural equipment.
Expanded Paid Family Leave
Another significant law that took effect is the expansion of Colorado’s paid family leave program, known as FAMLI. This program allows workers to receive a substantial portion of their pay if they need to take up to 12 weeks off from work for serious family health or personal issues. The expansion provides additional support for families with babies in neonatal intensive care, allowing them to apply for an extra 12 weeks of leave. Democratic Sen. Jeff Bridges, one of the main sponsors of the bill, was inspired by his personal experience of having a child in intensive care. He emphasized the need to make it easier for parents with children in the NICU to balance their work and family responsibilities. While the measure largely passed along party lines, some opponents expressed concerns about the potential increased costs to businesses and workers who contribute to the FAMLI program.
Gun Show Requirements
The state has also implemented new requirements for gun show operators. These operators must now submit a security plan to local law enforcement and hold liability insurance. The security plans must include details such as a list of vendors, a floor plan, areas under video surveillance, and the estimated number of attendees. Additionally, gun show operators must enforce age limits, ensuring that attendees are 18 years or older, unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian. Furthermore, gun shows must adhere to the state’s background check requirements and the three-day waiting period law for purchases.
Renter Screening and Fee Transparency
Two separate bills aim to protect consumers and renters in Colorado. One law prohibits landlords from asking prospective tenants using housing subsidies to provide credit history or credit scores as part of the screening process. Another law seeks to make prices for products and services more transparent, standardizing prices upfront to prevent hidden fees. This law also restricts the types of fees that landlords can pass on to tenants, promoting greater transparency and fairness in the rental market.
Protecting Wild Bison
Colorado has reclassified wild bison as big game wildlife, rather than livestock, providing added protection for these animals. This law makes it largely illegal to hunt or poach wild bison, also known as buffalo. The bill was introduced at the request of some tribal communities and does not apply to privately owned bison in captivity or those owned by American Indian tribes. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the state does not have any confirmed wild bison herds, although bison from Utah’s Book Cliffs herd occasionally cross into the state. This law demonstrates the state’s commitment to conservation and wildlife protection, recognizing the importance of preserving these iconic animals.
