These Colorado laws went into effect on July 1

DENVER (KDVR) — Several new bills went into effect Tuesday, with anything from more laws around carrying and purchasing firearms to consolidating a telephone crisis service.

Bills are constantly being introduced to the House of Representatives or the Senate, but not all of them make it through the lengthy process to eventually be signed by Gov. Jared Polis to become a new law.

After a bill is introduced, it goes through several readings, hearings and votes and a signature from the governor before it becomes law, and even then, it’s not always implemented immediately. Several bills that were signed months, and even a year, back are just now going into effect.

Laws going into effect July 1, 2025

Here are some laws that went into effect starting Tuesday:

Firearm dealers need a state permit

A portion of HB24-1353, “Firearms Dealer Requirements & Permit,” is going into effect to crack down on illegal firearm sales. Part of the law went into effect in 2024, and the final part, in effect starting in July, requires firearm dealers to have a state firearms dealer permit, where they must hold a federal firearms license and other requirements. Those who do business in firearms and other destructive devices without a permit can be fined up to $250,000.

Extra steps for a concealed carry permit

The final part of HB24-1174, “Concealed Carry Permits & Training,” is going into effect. The bill requires new training and extra steps for people to apply and renew permits to carry a concealed handgun. The final part of the bill, going into effect in July, prohibits permits if the applicant has been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submission.

Consolidating a crisis service with 988

SB25-236, “Consolidation of Crisis Response Services,” was signed at the end of April and will also be going into effect in July. It’s defunding the telephone crisis service, a lifeline for LGBTQ youth, and combining it with 988, the crisis hotline. While the telephone crisis service is being defunded due to budget constraints, it’s being combined with 988 to keep services. Those who call the telephone crisis service are routed to 988.

Protecting victims of sexual misconduct in civil suits

HB25-1138, “Protect Victims in Civil Sex Misconduct Suits,” was signed in March and goes into effect soon. The law changes what evidence can be used from the victim of sexual misconduct.

Current law considers a victim’s sexual conduct as irrelevant, but it allows the victim’s sexual conduct with the defendant to be used as evidence. This law will get rid of that exception.

The act also prohibits the victim’s clothing, hair, speech or lifestyle as evidence of the victim’s consent, credibility or extent of damages or harm. This is considered irrelevant, and for evidence to be admissible, the party needs to show that it is relevant.

Other laws going into effect in July

Here are some other laws that took effect in July:

HB25-1208, “Local Governments Tip Offsets for Tipped Employees”
HB25-1148 “Criminal Protection Order & Protection Order Violation”
SB25-217 “Repeal Computer Science Education Grant Program”
SB25-266 “Repeal Statutory Appropriation Requirements”
SB25-232 “Repeal Recovery-Friendly Workplace Program”
SB25-220 “Accelerated College Opportunity Exam Fee Grant Program”
HB25-1146 “Juvenile Detention Bed Cap”
SB25-046 “Local Government Tax Audit Confidentiality Standards”
SB25-265 “Change Cash Funds to Subject to Annual Appropriation”
SB25-291 “Division Criminal Justice Spending Authority Community Corrections”
HB25-1003 “Children Complex Health Needs Waiver”
HB25-1105 “Public Employees’ Retirement Association True-up of Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution”
SB25-231 “Repeal Inclusive Higher Education Act”
SB25-216 “Eliminate Reprinting of Education Laws”
SB25-261 “Property Tax Deferral Program Administration”
HB24-1045 “Treatment for Substance Use Disorders”