New Colorado laws take effect, minimum wage rises

(The Center Square) – On Jan. 1, over a dozen new laws went into effect in Colorado.

Over the past year, nearly 500 bills were signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. While many of those went into effect immediately, others waited until the start of the new year.

The new laws cover everything from abortion to guns, car seats and rent. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable laws that just went into effect, as well as the 2026 increase in Colorado’s minimum wage.

State-funded abortions

Senate Bill 183 formalizes Amendment 79, which repealed the state constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of public funds to pay for abortions.

Now, state-funded insurance programs — like Medicaid — will cover abortions. The bill appropriated nearly $3 million to help fund those expanded services.

Car seats

House Bill 1179 requires car insurance companies fund the replacement of child restraint systems, such as boosters and car seats, following a car accident.

Renter protections

Hous...