By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has been active in signing multiple bills into law, including one aimed at implementing comprehensive guidelines for funeral facilities.
The recent bill, Senate Bill 173, introduced by Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-Frisco) and Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), mandates that all mortuary science professionals, including funeral directors, obtain a state license by January 2026. This measure follows a string of disturbing incidents at funeral homes across Montrose, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
Another significant law, House Bill 1335, also sponsored by Roberts and Soper, continues regulations under the Mortuary Science Code, ensuring regular inspections of funeral homes.
In response to these legislative actions, Senator Roberts emphasized the necessity of preventing further tragedies in the funeral industry, highlighting the importance of trust during vulnerable moments for families.
Governor Polis additionally endorsed House Bill 1436, co-sponsored by Rep. Marc Catlin (R-Montrose) and House Speaker Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon), which seeks to extend revenue from sports betting to support the state’s water plan. This measure, if approved by voters, would increase funding for water projects by lifting the existing $29 million cap.
Other notable bills signed into law include HB-1444, establishing the federal Indian Boarding School Research Program, and HB-1331, creating an out-of-school time grant program for academic services.
SB-194, sponsored by Roberts, Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango), and Senator Perry Will (R-New Castle), repeals local government authority to collect impact fees for fire districts, granting fire and ambulance districts the ability to levy their own impact fees and sales taxes.