On Jan. 1, more than a dozen new laws went into effect in Colorado after Gov. Jared Polis signed nearly 500 bills last year. While some took effect immediately upon signing, others waited until the start of 2026 to be enacted.
State‑funded abortions
Senate Bill 183 codifies Amendment 79, which repealed the state constitutional amendment that prohibited the use of public funds for abortion. Under the new law, state‑funded insurance programs like Medicaid will cover abortion services. The bill also appropriated nearly $3 million to help fund these expanded services.
Car seats
House Bill 1179 now requires car insurance companies to fund the replacement of child restraint systems, such as car seats and booster seats, following a collision.
Renter protections
House Bill 1090, titled “Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices,” requires sellers to clearly disclose the total price for goods and services and restricts which fees landlords may charge.
House Bill 1236 prohibits landlords from requiring prospective tenants using a housing subsidy to submit a credit history report, credit score, or information about adverse credit events.
House Bill 1249 changes what a landlord can cite as just cause for retaining all or part of a tenant’s security deposit.
Gun shows
House Bill 1238 introduces further regulations on gun shows in Colorado. Promoters must now prepare a security plan and submit it to local law enforcement, carry liability insurance, implement security measures, and bar unaccompanied minors from attending.
Minimum wage
Colorado’s minimum wage increased at the start of 2026 to $15.16 per hour, up from $14.81 in 2025. Colorado is one of 23 states that saw a minimum‑wage increase this year. By contrast, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009 — the longest period without adjustment since the federal wage was first enacted.
