Several new laws resulting from Colorado’s 2019 legislative session will go into effect today.

Under SB19-228, health care providers will now undergo four training sessions prior to treating patients. These sessions will focus on the prescription of opioids, identifying substance-use disorder, referring clients to substance-treatment programs, and using electronic prescription drug-monitoring programs.

Bill sponsor and Democratic Rep. Bri Buentello said in a release Tuesday that the bill will help medical providers address the opioid epidemic.

“Opioid prescribers will now have to demonstrate the competencies necessary to recognize potential substance use disorder in their patients, prescribe opioids appropriately, and ensure access to treatment,” Buentello said.

Under HB19-1076, children under the age of 18 will be prohibited from entering cigar-tobacco bars. Previously they were allowed in the premises with parental supervision.

Bill sponsor and Democratic Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet said that the provision is meant to curb underage nicotine use.

“Children and teenagers should not be exposed to dangerous second-hand smoke inside commercial establishments,” Jenet said. “Starting today, cigar-tobacco bars will have to be crystal clear that these venues are for adults, not minors.”

Under HB19-1240, the state will begin collecting sales taxes from online retailers that do not have a physical location in Colorado.

Bill sponsor and Democratic state Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp said that the law will bring important revenue from online retailers like Amazon and Google.

“The law evens the playing field between online retailers and brick and mortar stores, and helps us invest in our state’s future,” Kraft-Tharp said.