Colorado residents can expect a host of new laws coming into effect in the new year. A total of nineteen laws from 2024 will be implemented on January 1, covering a variety of areas such as texting while driving, car-seat rules, and medical malpractice lawsuits.
One major law to be aware of is Senate Bill 65, which prohibits the use of cellphones and handheld electronic devices while driving for all drivers, not just those under the age of 18 as was previously the case. Exceptions to the law include emergency situations, utility emergency responders, and certain government employees.
Another important law, House Bill 1055, mandates that children must remain in child restraint systems, such as car seats, until they are 9 years old. Additionally, toddlers must stay in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old and weigh 40 pounds.
For gig workers, House Bill 1129 provides new protections and transparency requirements for delivery drivers working for companies like DoorDash and Grubhub. The law ensures that drivers are paid the full amount of customer tips and provides detailed information on pay rates and tasks.
In terms of medical malpractice lawsuits, House Bill 1472 raises the cap on noneconomic damages to $1.5 million for certain cases, with adjustments based on inflation every two years. The law also allows siblings to sue for wrongful death in specific circumstances, with a damages cap set at $2.125 million.
These new laws aim to enhance safety, fairness, and transparency in various aspects of life in Colorado. Stay informed about these changes and more by signing up for the Colorado Politics weekly newsletter, The Spot.
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