Bill to Improve Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities Clears Senate Committee
HB25-1030 would require 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 Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today.
“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.”
“The heart of this bill is about letting all our neighbors live with dignity and respect. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 35 years ago, yet many buildings are inaccessible to many,” said Winter. “One step forward to ensure that we're increasing accessibility is to have local governments update their building codes. Everyone should be able to fully participate in all aspects of society and not be limited by access to a building.”
Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments to ensure that new or substantially amended building codes meet or exceed international accessibility standards. It would also require the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure building codes for public school and health facilities meet these standards.
For hotels, motels and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code, the State Housing Board would be 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 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.