In the face of the challenges often faced by rural Coloradans in accessing health care and braving winter roads, two new bills are set to provide necessary support. As August 6 approaches, HB25-1222 and SB25-069 are slated to go into effect, addressing concerns over public health and safety within these communities. These legislative measures aim to deliver tangible benefits to the residents of Colorado's less urbanized areas.
HB25-1222, backed by a bipartisan team including Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, promises to quickly preserve access to health care services. According to Colorado House Democrats, the bill facilitates drug deliveries by rural independent pharmacies and secures fair audit practices, ensuring these pharmacies remain open to serve their communities. Telepharmacy and fair reimbursement rates, set to start on January 1, 2026, are also part of this crucial law.
"Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more," Sen. Roberts said, as per Colorado House Democrats. Rep. Lukens added, "From regular prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline to our communities. This bipartisan law aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates and permitting telehealth for our local pharmacies," as obtained by Colorado House Democrats.
On the transportation front, SB25-069 addresses winter road safety, particularly in regions like the Western Slope known for hazardous conditions. Co-sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens, Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Sen. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, it authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation to work with third-party vendors to assist properly in the installation and removal of tire chains on vehicles. The bill also mandates that from September 1 to May 31, rental car companies inform their customers about Colorado’s traction laws and the associated penalties for any infractions.
Highlighting the necessity of the law, Rep. Velasco told the Colorado House Democrats, "Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers." She continued, "Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. With this law going into effect soon, we can keep Coloradans safer on our roads," as noted by Colorado House Democrats.
