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HB 25-1273

Residential Building Stair Modernization

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Ball and 11 co-sponsors

Modernizes stair standards to boost safety and accessibility, guiding retrofit of homes and rentals; affects homeowners, landlords, builders, and inspectors.

Governor Signed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 25-1273

HB 25-1273 — Residential Building Stair Modernization (Summary)

Status: Governor Signed (May 13, 2025)
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Primary Sponsors: Steven Woodrow; Andrew Boesenecker; Matt Ball; Nick Hinrichsen
Cosponsors: C. Kipp; M. Lindsay; A. Paschal; A. Valdez; L. Smith; K. McCormick; J. Bridges; F. Winter

Note: The full enrolled bill text was not included with the request. The summary below records the bill’s procedural history and describes the bill’s likely purpose and typical provisions based on its title. For exact statutory language, effective date, and requirements, consult the enrolled bill on the Colorado General Assembly website or the Secretary of State’s published statutes.

Legislative history / timeline

  • Introduced in House (Transportation, Housing & Local Government): 2025-02-19
  • Passed House (third reading): 2025-04-03
  • Senate committee action and floor amendments: late April 2025
  • Conference committee actions: early May 2025
  • Sent to Governor: 2025-05-09
  • Governor signed: 2025-05-13

Purpose (inferred)

By title, “Residential Building Stair Modernization” indicates the bill intends to update standards, requirements, or incentives related to stairways in residential buildings. The central goals are likely to improve stair safety, accessibility, and/or bring residential stair design into alignment with modern building codes or retrofitting practices.

Key provisions likely included (subject to verification)

Because the bill text was not provided, these are plausible elements commonly found in similar legislation:
- Amendments to the state building code or statewide adoption of updated stair-related provisions (e.g., riser/tread dimensions, handrail requirements, headroom, guardrails).
- Requirements or guidance for modernization/retrofit of existing residential stairs to reduce fall hazards.
- Accessibility-related updates (e.g., handrail continuity, step contrast, landings) to aid older adults or persons with mobility impairments.
- Applicability rules (new construction vs. existing buildings; single-family vs. multifamily vs. rental units).
- Compliance timelines and inspection/enforcement mechanisms; possible phasing or exemption provisions for small landlords or owner-occupied homes.
- Funding, grants, or tax incentives to help homeowners/owners make required modifications.
- Definitions and interplay with local building codes (preemption or minimum standards).

Who would be affected

  • Homeowners and residential property owners (single-family and multifamily) if retrofits or compliance measures are required.
  • Landlords and property managers of rental housing.
  • Home builders, remodelers, contractors, architects, and code officials.
  • Local governments and building departments (responsible for permitting and enforcement).
  • Residents, especially older adults and persons with disabilities, who may benefit from improved safety and accessibility.

Potential impacts

  • Safety improvements and reduced fall risk in residential settings.
  • One-time and ongoing compliance costs for property owners and builders; potential state or local funding to offset costs if included.
  • Administrative workload for permitting/inspection agencies.
  • Market effects for contractors specializing in stair retrofit and accessibility improvements.

Next steps / where to read the bill

  • Review the enrolled bill text and any fiscal notes posted on the Colorado General Assembly website for exact requirements, effective date, and estimated costs.
  • Stakeholders (landlord associations, building officials, accessibility advocates) should review provisions to assess compliance steps and timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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