01/02/2020
Happy New Year and here’s a look at some of the new laws for Colorado 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.
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 law essentially allows a judge to temporarily seize the weapons of someone deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Dozens of counties around the state have passed resolutions declaring themselves second amendment sanctuary counties, meaning they don't plan to enforce the new law.
HB19-1216: Reduce insulin prices
The new law puts a cap on what a patient pays for insulin -- $100 per 30-day supply for people with private insurance and insurance through Connect for Health Colorado (the state doesn't have the power to change health care plans run by the federal government).
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.
HB19-1234: Regulated ma*****na delivery
This new law allows for permits to deliver medical ma*****na starting in 2020 and decriminalizes ma*****na delivery (one delivery per day), as long as it's allowed in the local jurisdiction. Deliveries can't be made to college campuses. Recreational delivery can begin in 2021.
HB19-1230: Ma*****na hospitality establishments
"Ma*****na hospitality establishments" can exist under this law. People can use medial or recreational ma*****na inside these establishments, with local jurisdiction approval. Restaurants can apply, but not if they have a liquor license, as well.
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.
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.
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.
