5 Major Laws Hitting the State of Colorado on January 1st

Here are five of the most significant laws taking effect across Colorado on January 1, 2026.

1. The $15.16 Minimum Wage Adjustment

Colorado's statewide minimum wage will see its annual inflationary adjustment on New Year's Day, continuing its trend of outpacing the federal floor.

• The State Rate: The statewide minimum wage officially increases to $15.16 per hour.
• Tipped Workers: The base wage for tipped employees rises to $12.14 per hour, provided their tips bring them to the $15.16 total.
• The Denver Milestone: Workers in the City and County of Denver will see a significantly higher floor, as the local minimum wage jumps to $19.29 per hour.

2. The "Junk Fee" Ban for Renters (HB 25-1090)

Shopping for an apartment in Colorado is getting a massive transparency upgrade. A new law targeting "deceptive pricing" in the residential leasing market officially takes effect this January.

• The Rule: Landlords are now prohibited from advertising a base rent that excludes "mandatory and unavoidable" costs. This means amenity fees, parking fees, and standard area maintenance (CAM) charges must be baked into the advertised price rather than tacked on as a surprise later.
• Prohibited Charges: Landlords can no longer separately charge for property taxes or rent-payment processing fees (unless a free payment option is also provided).
• Transparency: Any optional fees, such as valet trash or pet rent, must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in all advertisements and lease agreements.

3. The Producer Responsibility Act (EPR Dues Begin)

Colorado is making history as one of the first states to shift the cost of recycling from taxpayers to the companies that produce the waste. January 1 marks a critical implementation milestone for the Producer Responsibility Program.

• The Mandate: Large companies that sell products in consumer packaging (paper, plastic, glass, and metal) must begin paying dues to a designated non-profit "Producer Responsibility Organization" (PRO).
• The Goal: These funds will eventually pay for 100% of the net costs of recycling services for every household in the state, aiming to double Colorado's recycling rate by 2035.
• Consumer Impact: While companies pay the dues, the law ensures that residents in participating areas will eventually gain access to convenient, "free" curbside recycling as the program expands.
• 4. The Colorado Consumer Data Protection Act (ICDPA)
• Starting January 1, Colorado residents gain powerful new legal rights regarding their digital footprints. This comprehensive data privacy law changes how companies handle your personal information.
• Your Rights: Residents now have the right to access, correct, and delete personal data collected by businesses.
• The "Opt-Out": For the first time, Coloradans can officially opt out of the sale of their personal data or its use for targeted advertising and "profiling" that could lead to legal or significant impacts (such as insurance or housing decisions).
• Universal Opt-Out: By July, the state will also require businesses to recognize "Universal Opt-Out Mechanisms"—browser settings that automatically tell every website you visit not to track or sell your data.

5. New Energy Standards for Windows and Doors (HB 23-1161)

As part of the State push toward more resilient and energy-efficient housing, new "point-of-sale" standards for home components go into effect this January.

• The Efficiency Bar: All new residential windows, doors, and skylights sold in Colorado must now meet or exceed strict Energy Star northern climate zone standards.
• Thermal Performance: Specifically, windows must have a maximum U-Factor of 0.30 (a measure of heat transfer). This ensures that new installations are significantly better at keeping heat inside during Colorado's harsh winters.
• Retail Enforcement: These standards are enforced at the retail level, meaning manufacturers and distributors can no longer sell lower-performing products in the state.

Honorable Mention: The "For-Cause" Eviction Transition

While the law was signed earlier, 2026 marks the first complete "renewal cycle" where landlords must strictly adhere to For-Cause Eviction rules. Landlords can no longer decline to renew a lease for no reason; they must cite specific "just causes" such as lease violations, non-payment, or a plan to move into or demolish the property.