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DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 41-22.
“Coloradans with disabilities rely on certain accessibility features in going about their daily lives, and it’s important that new and renovated buildings such as schools and health facilities meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “With this bill passing the House today, we’re standing by our commitment to Colorado’s disability community by improving accessibility requirements in building codes throughout our state and supporting basic access to public buildings.”
“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 Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. ”As a former local government official, I know this bill 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.”
Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments that adopt or amend a building code to ensure that they meet or exceed the accessibility standards set by the International Code Council and existing laws. The State Housing Board would also be required to meet or exceed these standards when it comes to substantial updates to uniform construction and maintenance standards for hotels, motels, and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control would be responsible for ensuring that building codes for public schools and health facilities meet accessibility standards.
Colorado Democrats have championed many laws in recent years to break down accessibility barriers for Coloradans living with disabilities, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to implement a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration.