These are the top 16 changes we’re following for the beginning of 2026. Each one could impact your daily life:

1. CO NICU Benefits: Colorado's paid family and medical leave program (FAMLI) already lets you take time off for a new child, your own health, or to care for a family member. A new law, House Bill 24-1232, adds 12 extra weeks of paid leave specifically for parents whose newborn is in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This benefit is available to full-time, part-time, and self-employed individuals who are eligible for FAMLI, provided they meet the program's requirements. This change was made to help families during serious medical situations, recognizing that NICU stays are uniquely stressful and demanding. Colorado is the first state in the nation to provide this extra benefit. You can learn more about FAMLI and this new extension at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website.
2. No More Hidden Fees: Colorado’s new state law, called the “Honest Pricing” or “Junk Fees” Law (House Bill 24-1151), means the price you see on menus, ads, and apps must be the final price you pay. No more surprise add-ons like a “wellness fee” at restaurants or a “service fee” on event tickets. For more details, visit the Colorado General Assembly website or the Colorado Attorney General’s Office online.
3. Easier to Build a Backyard Home: Building a small house (Accessory Dwelling Unit, or "Grandma Flat") in your backyard for family just got much easier across Denver, with certain changes also affecting other cities along the Front Range. Many old rules and requirements have been dropped, so more people can help relatives or add rental income. However, check with local authorities as not all cities have fully adopted these changes yet. To learn more about Denver's ADU program, visit the City and County of Denver’s Community Planning and Development website for zoning, requirements, and application help.
4. Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Military: If you're 65+ or active military, you can now 'pause' your property taxes until you move or sell your house. There's also a tax break if you've lived in your home for 10 years; the first $100,000 of your home's value isn't taxed. To learn more, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website or your local county assessor's office online. They have details, eligibility information, and application help. Applications can be submitted online or in person at your local County Treasurer's office. Make sure to apply between January 1 and April 1 to take advantage of these benefits.
5. Utility Bills Are Rising: Water and electricity rates are going up. Denver Water is raising water rates by about 4.5% for most households to help fund repairs to old pipes. Xcel’s electricity bills may jump around 10% to pay for wildfire protection and green energy. It’s about making systems safer and more reliable. To help those most affected, low-income residents can seek assistance through programs such as Colorado's LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program), which helps with heating costs, or through local utility providers, which may offer additional support.
6. Strict Hands-Free Driving Law: Colorado's new hands-free law (Senate Bill 24-065) makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving—even if you're stopped at a red light. The first ticket can be cleared if you buy a car mount, but after that, fines and points add up fast. However, there are exceptions. Emergency responders and individuals in emergency situations, such as those who call 911, are not subject to this law.
7. New Statehood Stamp: On January 24, Colorado is getting a special statehood postage stamp to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday. When Colorado became a state in 1876, a stamp cost just 3 cents; today, a standard Forever stamp is 68 cents. This anniversary stamp honors Colorado’s long history and growth, and gives residents and collectors a unique way to mark this milestone.
8. Denver Minimum Wage Increase: The City and County of Denver’s local minimum wage will increase to $19.29 from $18.81 beginning on January 1, 2026. The minimum wage for tipped food and beverage workers will be $16.27 per hour, up from $15.79 per hour in 2025, provided a person earns at least $3.02 in actual tips. The increase in 2026 is less than in 2024 and 2025.
9. Housing and Tenant Rights Landlord-Tenant Laws: Under HB25-1090 and HB25-1249, landlords must clearly advertise the total rent, with no hidden fees for amenities or common-area maintenance. Security deposit deductions are now limited—landlords can’t deduct for normal wear and tear, carpet replacement (if the carpet is over 10 years old), or cleaning, unless they provide detailed documentation. Lease clauses that require standard cleaning fees are void. And access to housing aid is expanded.
10. Residential Tenant Screening (HB25-1236): Prospective tenants using housing subsidies are exempt from providing credit history, scores, or adverse events in portable tenant screening reports. Landlords can no longer require these reports exclusively through a specific agency or website.
11. Energy Efficiency: New homes must meet stricter ENERGY STAR standards for windows in Colorado’s Northern Climate Zone (U-Factor ≤ 0.22, SHGC ≥ 0.17).
12. Gun Shows: Under HB25-1238, gun show promoters must submit security plans to local law enforcement.
13. Veterinary Workforce: Under HB25-1285, new rules for registration and supervision of Veterinary Professional Associates take effect.
14. Behavioral Health Coverage: Under HB25-1002, mental health and substance use coverage must be equal to physical health coverage.
15. Child Care Fees: Under SB25-004, child care centers must refund application, deposit, or waitlist fees if a family isn’t enrolled within 6 months (upon written request). And providers must share clear fee schedules and comply with inspection and complaint review requirements.
16. Small Employer Health Insurance: Under SB24-073, the definition of “small employer” for health insurance is now those with 50 or fewer employees (previously up to 100). Employers affected can keep their current small-group plans for 5 years, unless premiums for most covered individuals rise by more than 3%.

That’s the big stuff, short and sweet.  DWN

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