New Colorado Laws Going into Effect Monday

Several new laws in Colorado, signed by Governor Jared Polis, took effect on July 1, 2024. Here’s a summary of some key legislation:

Prohibit Carrying Firearms in Sensitive Spaces

Senate Bill 24-131 bans the knowing carrying of firearms, both openly and concealed, in state legislative buildings, local government buildings, courthouses, and their parking areas. The bill extends this prohibition to within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes or buildings with polling locations or central count facilities during elections. Local governments have the option to opt out of this provision.

Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits

House Bill 24-1007 prohibits municipalities, cities, and counties from limiting the number of people who can live in a single residence based on familial relationships. However, local governments can still implement occupancy limits based on affordable housing guidelines or health and safety standards.

Candidate Election Deepfake Disclosures

House Bill 24-1147 mandates clear disclosures for deepfakes—AI-generated fake images—used in political ads or communications about candidates, indicating that the content has been edited.

Job Application Fairness Act

Senate Bill 23-058 bans employers from requesting a prospective employee’s age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on initial job applications. Employers can request additional materials like certifications or transcripts, provided applicants can redact age-identifying information.

Gender-Related Bias-Motivated Crimes

Senate Bill 24-189 adds transgender identity to the classes protected under bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. It also redefines sexual orientation for these purposes.

Regulate Sale and Transfer of Sodium Nitrite

House Bill 24-1081 limits the sale or transfer of products containing 10% or greater concentration of sodium nitrite by mass or volume to verified commercial businesses.

False Slates of Electors

House Bill 24-1150 makes it a crime to create or serve in a false slate of presidential electors.

Protection of Victims of Sexual Offenses

House Bill 24-1072 expands the criminal rape shield law to prohibit using a victim’s clothing or hairstyle as evidence of consent. It also removes the exception for evidence of a victim’s prior or subsequent sexual conduct with the defendant.