📜 7 new local laws you need to know

📜 New Year, New Rules

More than a dozen new state laws went into effect yesterday, spanning from farm equipment repairs and eviction protocols to plastic bag bans and hospital patient rights. You can find the full list of new legislation on the Colorado General Assembly website, but here are a few pieces we think you should know now (and several that will leave you saying, “Wait, that was allowed??”)

• 🏠 Renters facing eviction can now participate in court proceedings remotely. 
• ⚕️ Denver clinics for people dealing with eating disorders can’t turn away patients that weigh “too much.”
• ❌ Medical providers can no longer provide non-consensual genital exams on unconscious patients.
• 🐾 There is now a cap on monthly pet rent and pet security deposits.
• 🚜 Farmers can now repair their own agricultural equipment.
• 🛒 Most Colorado grocery stores are now prohibited from offering single-use plastic bags.
• 💰 Minimum wage in the City and County of Denver increased to $18.29.

🚆 New Year, New DIA

Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard that one before. But Denver International Airport is promising an improved passenger experience this year when it debuts its fleet of shiny new underground train cars later this summer. The upgraded system is supposed to be able to carry more passengers per hour resulting in greater efficiencies all around. [Denverite]

♻️ New Year, New You?

Hoping to get a little greener this year and improve your personal recycling track record? That’s great 👏 But knowing what can and can’t be recycled is tricky. Take this quiz to test your recycling know-how. [CO Sun]

• Bonus: Here are our tips for Denver recycling 101. [Hey Denver]

Your Guide to January in Denver

It’s 2024! Maybe you’ve got a list of resolutions. But what are you doing for fun? We’ve got lots of great ideas to help you unwind, relax, and welcome the new year in Denver.