State Representative Dusty Johnson, a Republican from Fort Morgan, concluded 2025 by championing twelve new laws aimed at enhancing the lives of residents in rural Colorado. In a recent discussion with The Fort Morgan Times, Johnson detailed the objectives and anticipated impacts of the legislation, which addresses critical issues ranging from healthcare accessibility to education.
Key Legislative Achievements
Among the most significant measures is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform (HB25-1094). This legislation targets the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who traditionally act as intermediaries between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. Over the years, these entities have shifted focus from patient needs to profit-driven rebate schemes, particularly harming rural communities with limited pharmacy options. The new law establishes a flat rebate rate and curtails the negotiating power of PBMs, ensuring that patient care remains paramount.
Another important law is the Chronic Medication Dosage Changes (SB25-301). Previously, patients needing adjustments to their chronic medication dosages faced lengthy delays for insurance reauthorization, even when the drug itself remained unchanged. This new regulation allows healthcare providers to make real-time dosage changes without additional insurance approval, thereby improving the quality of care for patients with complex health conditions.
The Capital Needs of Rural Hospitals (HB25-1223) legislation seeks to address funding challenges faced by rural hospitals, which often struggle to secure resources for infrastructure improvements. By creating a formal coalition recognized by the state, hospitals can now collaborate and present their needs collectively, enhancing their credibility and enabling them to pursue shared projects that improve efficiency.
Johnson also highlighted the significance of the Public Hospital Boards Update (HB25-1085). This law rectifies an oversight that previously excluded four rural hospitals from updated governance rules, bringing them in line with modern standards and ensuring consistent practices across the state.
Additionally, the Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website (HB25-1038) will facilitate smoother transitions for students moving between Colorado colleges. The law establishes a statewide platform for students to verify which credits will transfer, helping them avoid wasted coursework and associated financial burdens.
Supporting Agriculture and Water Management
In response to the growing shortage of veterinarians, particularly for livestock, the law to Remove the Student Cap for CSU’s Veterinary Program (HB25-1131) has been enacted. This change eliminates the state-imposed enrollment cap, allowing Colorado State University to admit more qualified candidates and strengthen the veterinary workforce.
The Exempt Agricultural Buildings from Energy Code Mandates (SB25-039) law acknowledges the unique needs of farmers and ranchers by exempting agricultural buildings from urban energy codes that impose unnecessary expenses. This legislative measure aims to keep food production costs manageable, ultimately benefiting consumers by slowing the rise in grocery prices.
Furthermore, the Irrigation District Inflation Adjustment (SB25-140) updates outdated financial regulations, enabling irrigation districts to maintain operations and infrastructure in the face of rising costs, ensuring long-term sustainability for vital water systems.
The establishment of an Advisory Board for School Safety (HB25-1173) consolidates efforts across multiple departments within the Department of Public Safety, streamlining school safety initiatives and eliminating redundancies.
To address privacy concerns for first responders, the Confidential Voter Status for First Responders (HB25-1195) allows these individuals to register as confidential voters, safeguarding their personal information from public access.
Finally, the Division of Water Resources Efficiency (HB25-1014) law improves the water rights application process by introducing two separate evaluation cycles. This change aims to reduce backlogs and enhance fairness for farmers and ranchers seeking necessary permits.
In addition to these legislative successes, Johnson emphasized the importance of the newly formed Rural Caucus, which now comprises 18 members. This caucus played a pivotal role in preserving funding for rural hospitals earlier in the year by uniting rural legislators and garnering media attention.
“By rallying media attention and speaking with one voice, rural legislators ensured those funds remained in place,” Johnson stated. He underscored the need for transparency and specificity in legislative language, advocating for prioritization of rural infrastructure needs over less critical projects.
For more detailed information about the new laws passed in 2025, visit the Colorado Legislature website at leg.colorado.gov/bills.
