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With the 2025 Colorado General Assembly in full swing, ALCC and its members have been actively advocating for policies that protect our industry. On February 5, ALCC, along with the Pesticide Coalition, participated in a Legislative Day at the Capitol, where we educated lawmakers and gained support for key issues affecting landscape professionals. With a significant number of new legislators in Colorado, it was a critical opportunity to ensure our industry’s voice is heard.

“Advocacy isn’t just about responding to challenges, it is about shaping the future of our industry. When we unite and engage with policymakers, we ensure that the needs of landscape professionals are heard and understood at every level of government.”

-John McMahon, CEO, ALCC

State Legislative Priorities: 2025 Colorado General Assembly

With over 390 bills introduced this session, ALCC—through our partnership with GreenCO—is actively monitoring, engaging, and educating legislators on policies that impact our businesses.

HB25-1077: Fixing the Backflow Prevention Device Exemption

✅ Restores the exemption for landscape professionals to test and repair backflow devices.

✅ Introduces a tagging system for backflow devices to track maintenance (CDPHE will not enforce this provision).

“The lack of industry consultation on last year’s bill created serious problems for landscape professionals across the state. HB25-1077 ensures that qualified landscape contractors can continue performing backflow testing and repairs—work they have done for decades—without unnecessary regulatory burdens.” – Jay Hicks, Legislative Lobbyist, GreenCO

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HB25-1113: Turf Limitations in New Residential Developments

A key bill under debate, HB25-1113, would introduce statewide restrictions on turf in new residential developments. ALCC and our partners at GreenCO, CNGA, and the Colorado Sod Growers are working to amend the bill to ensure a more balanced approach.

What we are advocating for:

• Multi-family developments to have different turf standards than single-family homes.
• Exemptions for hybridized, drought-resistant turf from blanket bans.
• A local control approach, rather than a statewide mandate.

A hearing is scheduled for February 20, and ALCC has submitted proposed amendments to ensure industry concerns are addressed.

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Regulatory Watch: WaterSense Irrigation Controller Rulemaking

The implementation of HB23-1161, which mandates WaterSense-certified irrigation controllers, is now in the rulemaking phase. ALCC is working closely with CDPHE to ensure the landscape industry is represented in developing these regulations.

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Federal Advocacy & H-2B Program Challenges

At the federal level, ALCC is closely monitoring changes to the H-2B visa program, as new policies are expected to tighten immigration regulations and create further challenges for workforce availability.

Key Federal Issues Affecting Our Industry:

• H-2B Visa Processing Delays – Rising costs and bureaucratic slowdowns continue to impact worker availability.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Termination – Venezuelan TPS holders will lose work authorization within 60 days of the Federal Register notice. Employers must verify work eligibility.
• H-2B Fly-In Advocacy Event (May 19–20, 2025) – A crucial opportunity for Colorado’s landscape leaders to meet with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and push for legislative solutions.

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How You Can Get Involved

Advocacy only works when our industry stands together. Here’s how you can make a difference:

✅ Track legislative changes using the GreenCO Bill Tracker.

✅ Report any changes in local backflow prevention policies.

✅ Engage with policymakers on water efficiency, turf restrictions, and workforce issues.

Our Legislative Day on February 5 was a huge step in educating new legislators and gaining support for our industry’s priorities—but the work isn’t done. By staying informed and engaged, we can protect and strengthen Colorado’s landscape industry—now and into the future.

“With so many new legislators this session, it’s critical that ALCC members stay engaged. Our participation in the legislative process ensures we are at the table—not on the menu.” – Jay Hicks, Legislative Lobbyist, GreenCO

Thank you for your continued support in protecting the landscape industry in Colorado.