The following ten new laws each take effect in Colorado on January 1, 2020 (most laws take effect on July 1, in Colorado, so these are the exceptions to the general rule, something that is usually done when preparation to comply administratively is needed):
HB19-1177: Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Better known as the red flag law, this was one of the most contentious items to arise from the 2019 legislative session. This bill essentially allows a judge to temporarily seize the weapons of someone deemed a threat to themselves or others. Dozens of counties around the state, including Weld County, have passed resolutions declaring themselves second amendment sanctuary counties, meaning they don't plan to enforce the new law. . . . Per the language in the red flag law, it requires that courts develop a standard petition form by January 1, 2020 -- and that law enforcement develop their policies by that same date. It also means that families and law enforcement agencies can petition the courts for extreme risk protection orders beginning in 2020.
HB 19-1267: Out-of-network healthcare services
This law seeks to prevent medical providers from sending so-called “surprise medical bills” directly to patients ... which involves patients who visit facilities in-network with their health insurance nevertheless receiving unexpected out-of-network medical bills.
HB 19-1039: Identity documents for transgender persons
This new law eliminates the need for a transgender individual to obtain a court order in order to get a new birth certificate. It also lets people obtain a new driver’s license or state identification document if their gender identity is different from their birth sex.
HB19-1267: Penalties for failure to pay wages
Under this new law, employers that fail to pay wages or meet the state minimum wage can now be charged with theft – something that can range from anything from a petty offense to a felony. Previously, employers convicted of refusing to pay wages would be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor.
HB19-1014: Retail food establishments inspection and suspension
This bill modifies provisions of the Food Protection Act in the following ways:- It clarifies the definition of “imminent health hazard”- Removes the minimum amount of a civil penalty and sets the maximum at $1,000- Creates a new civil penalty process for inspection violations- Requires the system to communicate inspection results only be revised through the triennial stakeholder process.
HB19-1210: Local government minimum wage
This law allows local governments to establish a minimum wage for people working in their jurisdiction. Previous state law prohibited local governments from enacting minimum wage laws separate from those of the state. Under the new law, local governments are limited in how the minimum wage can increase: either $1.75 per hour or 15% of the state’s minimum wage, whichever is greater. Colorado’s minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour starting on January 1, 2020.
HB19-1328: Landlord and tenant duties regarding bed bugs
This bill requires tenants to notify landlords about potential bedbugs as soon as possible, and that landlords must inspect the offending units within 96 hours of receiving notice. In addition, landlords are responsible for all of the costs associated with mitigating bed bugs.
HB19-090: Peer-to-peer motor vehicle sharing program
This bill establishes regulations for peer-to-peer car sharing programs. These programs – like the Turo app – essentially let drivers rent cars directly from their owners for a fee. The legislation requires record keeping for transactions in these programs, emergency numbers for roadside assistance and insurance coverage.
HB19-1283: Disclosure of insurance liability coverage
This bill requires that car insurance customers and their insurers disclose information regarding automobile liability insurance coverage to individuals making claims. This information includes the name of the insurer, the name of the insured party, the limits of the liability coverage and a copy of the policy. Failure to do so could result in damages of $100 a day beginning 31 days after this information is first requested.
HB19-1086: Plumbing inspections ensure compliance
This bill changes the requirements for renewing and reinstating plumber licenses. For instance, beginning on May 1, 2021, persons renewing their plumbing licenses need to have completed eight hours of continuing education for every year that has passed since their last renewal. It also mandates the State Plumbing Board adopt new rules for continuing education requirements and standards by July 1, 2020.
From 9News.
No comments:
Post a Comment