Sen. Janice Marchman

The act provides immunity from civil liability for damage or injury to persons or property, other than that which arises from gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, to a landowner who, in good faith and without compensation, allows access to the landowner's property for entry and exit in connection with an emergency. An emergency is a fire, a rescue call, a hazardous materials incident, a natural or human-caused disaster, or an incident reasonably determined to be an emergency by a first responder. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

The act clarifies that the health benefits coverage for the prevention of, screening for, and treatment of behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders must be no less extensive than the coverage provided for any physical illness. The act requires that every health benefit plan provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of covered behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorder benefits, consistent with specified criteria. The act also specifies criteria to be used for conducting utilization review, service intensity, and the level of care for covered persons. In addition, the act prohibits: A health benefit plan from limiting coverage for chronic behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorders to short-term symptom reduction; and A health insurance carrier from reversing or altering a determination of medical necessity except in the case of fraud. The act requires carriers that provide benefits for mental health conditions or substance use disorders to offer meaningful benefits for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The act describes how to determine whether the benefits provided are meaningful benefits. The commissioner of insurance is authorized to adopt rules to: Establish carrier utilization review compliance; Specify data testing requirements for plan design and application of parity compliance; Set standard definition for coverage requirements; Establish timelines for carriers to provide comparative analysis information to the division of insurance; and Establish time periods for visits with a provider for treatment of a behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder after an initial visit with a provider.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summarySJR 25-011 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Colorado General Assembly to recognize the 19th annual Latino/a Advocacy Day 2025. It honors the contributions of Latinas and Latinos to Colorado's political engagement and their advocacy for equitable policies addressing systemic inequities in health, housing, education, and economic opportunity. The resolution directs copies to the event organizers, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) and Voces Unidas de las Montañas, and expresses the legislature's commitment to creating a Colorado that works for all residents regardless of immigration status. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect but serves as a formal acknowledgment of community advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution designating March 17, 2025, as "Colorado FFA Day." It recognizes the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization's role in supporting agricultural education and youth development in Colorado. The resolution directly affects Colorado FFA members, educators, and supporters by formally honoring their contributions through this annual recognition. It does not create new laws or policy changes, as it is a symbolic gesture celebrating the organization's work.

When a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity is accepted by a court, the act requires the court, in consultation with the department of human services (CDHS) and the parties, to determine whether a sanity examination requires the defendant to stay overnight for an extended examination and the number of days of the extended examination. If the defendant is in custody, the act authorizes the sanity examination to be conducted at the jail or place of confinement or at a facility operated by or under contract with CDHS. If the defendant is at liberty on summons or on bond, the act authorizes the sanity examination to be conducted at a facility operated by or contracted with CDHS or at an out-of-custody location that the court and CDHS determine is appropriate. If a sanity examination is recorded, the act prohibits a defendant from being dressed in prison or jail clothing and prohibits restraints on the defendant from being visible on the recording. Current law authorizes psychiatrists, forensic psychologists, and other personnel conducting a sanity examination to conduct a narcoanalytic interview of the defendant with drugs that are medically appropriate, to subject the defendant to a polygraph examination, and to testify to the results of the procedures, statements, and reactions of the defendant. The act repeals this provision. The act makes conforming amendments and technical corrections. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Subject to specific requirements, the act allows a notice to or from a party or other document required by law in an insurance transaction that is related to a provision of a health insurance contract or that is to serve as evidence of health insurance coverage to be delivered, stored, and presented by electronic means if the electronic means meet the requirements of the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act". The delivery of a notice or document by electronic means is considered the equivalent to and has the same effect as any other delivery method required by law. The act requires health insurance carriers to deliver paper communications to any individuals that may elect to receive paper communications upon request. An insurance producer is not subject to civil liability for any harm or injury that occurs because of a party's election to receive any notice or document by electronic means or by a carrier's failure to deliver or a party's failure to receive a notice or document by electronic means. A carrier may mail, deliver, or, if the carrier obtains separate, specific consent, post on the carrier's website a health coverage plan and an endorsement that does not contain personal identifying information. If the carrier elects to post a health coverage plan and an endorsement on the carrier's website in lieu of mailing or delivering the health coverage plan and endorsement, the carrier shall comply with certain conditions. The commissioner of insurance may adopt rules to implement the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the act prohibit making, distributing, advertising, selling, promoting, completing, altering, or producing or causing to be made, distributed, advertised, sold, promoted, completed, altered, or produced a document that simulates or closely resembles an official document related to the administration of the motor vehicle or identification statutes (vehicular document piracy). A person does not commit vehicular document piracy if the person received the express written permission of the department of revenue (department). A violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000. Sections 5 and 6 make the "Uniform Power of Attorney Act" apply to the motor vehicle statutes. Section 7 repeals the requirement that a military service-connected disability be permanent in order for a veteran to be eligible to register a motor vehicle without paying fees. Section 7 also repeals the license plates issued to foreign governments, consuls, or other official representatives of a foreign government. Section 8 repeals the Navy SEAL special license plate and the North American aerospace defense command commemorative special license plate, and section 9 repeals the "Alive at Twenty-five" special license plate. Under current law, a minor who is under 18 years of age must submit a log showing the minor drove at least 50 hours with a driving supervisor to be issued a driver's license. Section 10 authorizes any responsible adult to sign the log. Section 11 corrects a provision that describes a minor as being 21 years of age or older. Section 12 repeals a provision that incorrectly states the length of time a person must agree to register a vehicle after moving to Colorado. Under current law, the department may require a person to obtain a written medical opinion from certain medical professionals concerning medical criteria for driver licensing. Section 13 authorizes an advanced practice registered nurse to issue such an opinion. Section 14 authorizes the department to round fee increases to the nearest dollar. Under current law, a person who is not lawfully present may, to obtain an identification document, use an identifying document issued by an agency of the United States government or its contractors or subcontractors in accordance with rules adopted by the department, but this provision is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Section 15 changes this effective date to the earlier of January 1, 2027, or when the department is able to implement it. Section 16 authorizes the use of a mobile driver's license, which is an official electronic extension of a department-issued physical identification document, to verify age or identity. The provider of a mobile driver's license must comply with the standards adopted by the department by rule. The department is given rule-making authority to approve and implement mobile driver's licenses. Section 16 takes effect January 1, 2026. Section 17 authorizes the motor vehicle investigations unit (unit) to cancel, deny, or deny the issuance or reissuance of an official document upon determining that the person was not entitled to the issuance of the official document for: Failure to give the required or correct information in an application or for committing fraud in making the application or in submitting any proof for the application; or Permitting an unlawful or fraudulent use of the official document or for being convicted of an offense involving misuse of the official document. If the unit cancels, denies, or denies the issuance or reissuance of an official document, the affected person may request a hearing. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution declares February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Colorado to raise awareness about rare diseases. It directly affects Colorado residents living with rare diseases - over 500,000 people - and their families, recognizing the challenges they face, including high medical costs and limited treatments. The resolution makes no new policy changes but symbolically honors those impacted by urging the state to "show our stripes" in solidarity. It references national statistics (e.g., 1 in 10 Americans affected) and the "zebra" awareness symbol for rare conditions, without creating any legal obligations or funding.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 25-007 designates March 2025 as "Women's History Month" in Colorado through a symbolic resolution. It acknowledges women's historical and ongoing contributions to society, including their roles in civil rights, economic empowerment, and Colorado's legislative history. The resolution encourages public reflection on women's achievements and commits to advancing gender equality, though it does not create new laws or allocate funding. This commemorative measure directly affects Colorado residents by formally recognizing the month for community observances. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding legal effect beyond the Senate's acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1018 is a Colorado legislative resolution recognizing the service of Latina and Latino veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It formally commends their contributions across military conflicts from the Revolutionary War through modern operations, highlighting historical units like the "Borinqueneers" and the American GI Forum. The resolution does not create new policies, benefits, or legal obligations - instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. A copy will be sent to the American GI Forum of Colorado, as specified in the resolution.