JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Improve Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities Takes Effect
HB25-1030 requires local governments to ensure building codes incorporate accessibility standards in new and renovated buildings
DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve accessibility standards for Coloradans with disabilities sponsored by Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, takes effect on January 1.
“Coloradans with disabilities deserve the opportunity to move about freely and fully participate in society,” said Cutter. “They deserve equal access to public buildings and services. This bill moves us closer to making these things a reality, and to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law nearly 35 years ago. It was my honor to carry this legislation alongside Senator Faith Winter, who dedicated her career in public service to ensuring everyone is able to live with dignity and respect.”
“The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law for over 30 years, yet gaps in enforcing those accessibility requirements continue to act as a barrier to Coloradans with disabilities,” said Stewart. ”As a former local government official, I know this law will benefit our communities by creating a guideline for local governments to follow when it comes to accessibility updates, mitigating lawsuits and making our communities more accessible for all.”
“Coloradans with disabilities rely on certain accessibility features in going about their daily lives, and new and renovated buildings such as schools and health facilities must meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Joseph. “With this law, we’re standing by our commitment to Colorado’s disability community by standardizing accessibility requirements in building codes throughout our state and supporting basic access to public buildings.”
Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 will require local governments to ensure that new or substantially amended building codes meet or exceed national and international accessibility standards. It also requires the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure building codes for public schools and health facilities meet these standards. For hotels, motels and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code, the State Housing Board is responsible for meeting or exceeding these standards.
This bill is another in a series of steps Colorado Democrats have taken in recent years to support Colorado’s disability community, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to serve as an official resource for implementing a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration.
HB25-1030 was also sponsored by the late Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield.