DENVER, CO – Colorado House Democrats today introduced the first ten House bills of the First Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly.
“From housing to health care – Colorado Democrats are back to continue our work to make our state a more affordable place to call home,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Supporting families is a top priority, and our first ten bills will bring down the cost of housing, specifically for renters, and ensure youth with complex health needs have access to care. We’re focused on meeting Colorado’s climate goals, combating wildfire and attracting film tourism in our great state.”
“Colorado Democrats are ready to get to work lowering costs for families, protecting your freedoms and creating safer communities,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We're back with a stronger wage theft bill that strikes the right balance and protects working families. We’re also championing legislation that will tackle the cost of health care, groceries and other household essentials that families rely on. For the next 120 days and beyond, Democrats are laser-focused on defending your freedoms, rights and working to ensure our immigrant communities are protected in the state they call home.”
Protecting working families (HB25-1001, sponsors Majority Leader Monica Duran, Representative Meg Froelich, Senators Jessie Danielson and Chris Kolker)
Nothing should prevent workers from receiving the wages they earned. New legislation will seek to improve wage theft protections for workers while boosting transparency and accountability for employers.
Lowering the cost of mental health care (HB25-1002 sponsors Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist, Senators Judy Amabile and Byron Pelton)
New legislation will standardize insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins.
Supporting kids with complex health care needs (HB25-1003, sponsors Representative Rebekah Stewart and Max Brooks and Senator Lisa Cutter)
Democrats have worked to expand health care services for youth, including the I Matter Program, yet kids with the most complex health needs continue to face challenges to access it. New legislation will streamline federal waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with complex needs or other life-limiting illnesses.
Saving renters money (HB25-1004, sponsors Representatives Steven Woodrow and Javier Mabrey, Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen)
Coloradans should receive a fair price for their rent, but it’s become clear that algorithms used by landlords can force renters to pay more. This legislation will save renters money by regulating how algorithms are used in establishing rent prices.
Attracting film tourism (HB25-1005, sponsors Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Brianna Titone, Senators Judy Amabile and Mark Baisley)
Boulder was recently selected as a top-three finalist to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027 – which will boost economic growth, local tourism and Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts. New legislation creates a tax credit to encourage the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other smaller film festivals, to call Colorado home.
Increasing access to clean energy and affordable housing (HB25-1006, sponsors Representative Meghan Lukens and Anthony Hartsook and Senator Jeff Bridges)
To help meet Colorado’s climate goals, reduce energy costs and increase our affordable housing supply, new legislation gives school districts flexibility in their leases to pursue solar fields and affordable housing projects.
Making public transit more accessible (HB25-1007, sponsors Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, Senators Faith Winter and Cleave Simpson)
The bill will improve and standardize paratransit services, especially for Coloradans living with disabilities.
Reducing recidivism through behavioral health care in the criminal justice system (HB25-1008, sponsors Representatives Regina English and Mary Bradfield and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Lisa Cutter)
We know there are significant behavioral health needs for people in the criminal justice system, and access to care is a critical factor in reducing the likelihood of someone re-offending. New legislation encourages jails to provide access to the services and treatment Coloradans need to be successful as they re-enter the community.
Combating wildfire (HB25-1009, sponsors Representative Tisha Mauro and Senator Lisa Cutter)
To prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in our communities, new legislation encourages local governments to reduce the prevalence of dead or dry vegetation that often fuels wildfires.
Saving you money on groceries (HB25-1010, sponsors Representative Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown and Senator Mike Weissman)
The high cost of groceries, diapers and other household necessities is making it harder for working families to make ends meet. New legislation builds upon Democrat’s efforts to crack down on corporate price gouging by including household items that are essential for daily life.