What Changes in 2026? New Colorado Laws That Hit Close to Home

December is a busy time of year for Colorado. Our focus is on the holidays, but right around the corner, some new laws are waiting to impact the Centennial State that you’ll want to know more about.

2026 will take some getting used to because new laws are going to change everything from minimum wage to new rules about firearms and pets in housing. These changes will affect how residents from Denver to Grand Junction are paid, how they shop for a gun, and even whether your landlord can refuse to allow your new dog.

Money & Work: Wages, Employer Rules, and Business Updates

Read More: What to Know About 10 New Colorado Laws Taking Effect

When the calendar turns over to 2026, Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment will increase the statewide minimum wage $15.16 (local jurisdictions keep their own adjusted rates). For employers across the state, large and small payrolls, as well as cost-of-living factors, may need to be reviewed to be compliant. Many workers will see a bump in take-home pay (or are supposed to). From the Front Range to the Western Slope, these raises may help offset inflation.

Public Safety & Consumer Rules: Guns and More

The Colorado legislature passed 12 gun bills in 2025. In 2026, Colorado will continue its policy of restricting semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines following the passing of Senate Bill 25-003. This bill restricts models like AR-15s and AK-47s. If you wish to own one of these guns, the state will require you to get a permit via your county sheriff, pass their background check, and complete a state-approved safety training course, which could take up to 12 hours.

Colorado will also attempt to make their ban on rapid-fire devices (bump-stocks) and the sale of these weapons more regulated. This is a major shift for buyers, sellers, and owners. Look for these laws to change again someday when the political parties shift in Denver (if they ever do).

Housing & Renters: Tenant Protections, Pets, and Insurance Rules

House Bill 25-1207 will increase protections for renters and homeowners alike in 2026. Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny or cancel homeowners’ or renters’ insurance because of the type of dog they have (unless the animal is declared dangerous).

Beginning January 1, any affordable housing developments financed by the state must allow tenants to keep up to two pets (cats or dogs). This means more pet-friendly options for low-income renters who may have faced breed bans or no-pet policies.

Read More: How Colorado's Seatbelt Laws Differ From Other States

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