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< Back January 14, 2021 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO TIME-SENSITIVE BILLS DENVER, CO — The House today gave initial approval to legislation that would modify the COVID-19 relief program for small businesses, extend limitations on debt collection actions, and recreate the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Final passage of the legislation in the House is expected tomorrow morning. SB21-001: Modify COVID-19 Relief Programs For Small Business. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, makes minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established in last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program. SB21-002: Extending Limitations on Debt Collection Actions. This bill, sponsored by Representative Herod, would extend the debt collection protections enacted last session through June 1of this year. Without action, these critical protections for consumers who are facing tremendous hardship due to COVID-19 will expire in two weeks with our nation still in the midst of a public health and economic crisis. SB21-003: Recreate Occupational Therapy Practice Act. This bill, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Colin Larson, R-Ken Caryl recreates the Occupational Therapy Practice Act to allow continuity in occupational therapy regulations to ensure that these professionals have the tools and guidance they need to be successful and serve the community. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR COLORADANS WHO NEED IT THE MOST Colorado is ranked near the bottom for behavioral health care (May 20) – Gov. Polis signed two bills today at the Colorado Mental Wellness Network to address the current mental health crisis facing Colorado. SB19-222, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, expands community based services, providing a safety net of comprehensive mental health care that could cover the entire state. “SB 222 is about implementing a vision for a system that can serve everyone, so Colorado’s jails don’t have to. When people with serious behavioral health disorders cannot access the treatment they need, other parts of our system are negatively impacted as we’ve directly seen in Pueblo,” said Rep. Esgar. “These new laws are about helping the people in our communities who are the hardest to serve.” Rep. Esgar’s bill requires access to civil beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institutes at Fort Logan and Pueblo. It also requires a robust collaboration with all local enforcement jurisdictions and counties in the service area. SB19-223, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, was also signed today, and improves the process and provision of services for individuals who have been ordered for competency evaluation and restoration in the criminal justice system. “This bill will ensure that our criminal justice system adheres to constitutional requirements when questions of competency are raised,” said Rep. Weissman. “We can, we must, and with SB19-223, we will address competency evaluations and restorations more quickly and efficiently. Together with SB19-222, this bill will help keep individuals with behavioral health issues from becoming entangled in our justice system.” Rep. Weissman’s bill is the primary legislative mechanism to codify the reforms set forth by the taskforce. It includes a series of reforms to help the Colorado Department of Health Services come into compliance with a mandated timeframe for providing competency services. It also requires the Department of Human Services to implement policies to prioritize in-patient treatment for those with the greatest need while providing community-based services for other patients. Both bills were co-sponsored by Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain. Previous Next

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. < Back December 31, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming DENVER, CO – The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. “By greenlighting the video streaming of committee hearings, we’re opening up more opportunities for Coloradans to engage in the legislative process,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “A recent report found that the committee video streaming pilot project was accessed over 15,000 times between 35 committee hearings this interim. Coloradans are already using this option to tune in to our state government. I am excited the legislature has expanded video livestreaming and will continue to stream committee hearings in the 2026 legislative session and beyond.” Speaker McCluskie has repeatedly advocated for video streaming of legislative committee hearings and proposed the pilot program that began in June 2025. The pilot program ran from July 30 to November 5 in five committee rooms, including the Old State Library, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, House Committee Room 0112, Senate Committee Room 357 and Committee Room A in the Legislative Services Building. According to a report by the Legislative Council Staff, viewers accessed livestreamed video a total of 15,251 times, with nearly 60-percent of the views related to or occurring during August’s special session. Viewers accessed the live streams for the 10 committees of reference that met during the special session 4,500 times. The live stream was accessed more than 2,500 times for the July 30 Executive Committee, where state economists and departments presented on the impacts of HR. 1. The LCS report says the informal feedback has been “very positive” and that viewers “were especially happy to be able to see slide presentations live.” Previous Next

Package boosts funding for at-risk students, child care, behavioral health care and services for older Coloradans < Back February 7, 2024 House Advances Supplemental Budget Package DENVER, CO - The House today advanced the FY 2024-2025 Budget Supplemental Package on a preliminary vote. The package of bills includes $4.6 million for at-risk students, $11 million for child care and $69.4 million toward expanded access to behavioral health care treatment, including residential beds. Other top priorities in the package include funding for autism care for children, workforce housing, victims of crime, and senior services including Meals on Wheels. “From boosting child care to investing in public safety, this supplemental package delivers on our promise to Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “These adjustments to our budget will make it easier for Colorado families to not only just get by, but thrive, and they increase support for at-risk students, children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy school meals. I’m proud of our bipartisan work to put Coloradans first and continue to responsibly balance our budget.” “This year’s supplemental package shows our dedication to building a Colorado that meets the needs of its people while responsibly working with the limited budget that we have,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’m proud that our supplemental package makes critical investments to support our behavioral health workforce, boost education funding, save Coloradans money on energy efficient lawn equipment, and advance critical measures that will help us better fund our schools.” Each year, the legislature adopts a budget supplemental package to make mid-year adjustments to the 2023-2024 budget based on changes to caseload, pupil counts and other considerations. Supporting Education, Setting Students Up for Success HB24-1183 Boosting Funding for At-Risk Students . To support at-risk students in their educational journey, this bill funds over $4.6 million from the State Public School Fund. This bill helps school districts meet the needs of their at-risk students to help them succeed and graduate. HB24-1183 Reaching Educational Goals . To ensure that Colorado schools have the funding they need, HB24-1183 sets aside $2.8 million for two adequacy studies required by SB23-287 to better understand the level of funding Colorado schools need to provide the education students deserve. HB24-1205 Improving Youth’s Access to Books. This bill helps get more books into the hands of our youngest Coloradans by helping the Imagination Library reach its goal of providing one, no cost, book a month to children under the age of five. This bill specifically allows the Imagination Library of Colorado program to partner with other nonprofit organizations and book publishers to reach its goal. HB24-1206 Expanding the Healthy School Meals program . This bill would expand the Healthy School Meals program to include facility schools as well the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. This bill aims to ensure all youth have access to healthy, nutritious food during the school day. Boosting Childcare HB24-1182 Saving Families Money on Child Care. HB24-1182 allocates over $11 million of federal Child Care Development Funds money to the Child Care Sustainability Grant Program and the Early Care and Education Recruitment and Retention Grant and Scholarship Program. Increasing Access to Behavioral Health HB24-1187 Behavioral Health Services in the Criminal Justice System. This bill devotes $58 million to properly staff hospitals that house patients with pending criminal charges that require competency evaluations and services. HB24-1187 Boosting Mental Health Care. This bill supports mental health care by funding $13.1 million to Pueblo’s Colorado Mental Health Hospital so they can fill staff openings with contract staffers. HB24-1203 Increase Residential Treatment Beds. To ensure Coloradans can receive the behavioral health care treatment they need, when they need it this bill allocates $11.4 million for inpatient treatment beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan. HB24-1185 Provider Rate Increase for Child Autism Therapy. This bill meets the recommendations of the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee by offering $10.4 million to increase rates for child behavioral therapies with autism spectrum disorder. Improving Public Safety HB24-1214 Supporting Victims of Crime. This bill aims to support survivors of crime by boosting the Community Crime Victims Grant Program with a $4 million investment. This fund directly supports qualified victims of crime through assisting with emergency housing, child care and medical visits. HB24-1197 Protecting Places of Worship. To aid local places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques, in ramping up their security measures, this bill allocates $1 million toward the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program. HB24-1181 Increase Workforce Housing for Correctional Staff. The bill allocates an additional $120,000 to the Department of Corrections to secure housing for up to 50 correctional employees in the greater Buena Vista area. HB24-1197 Boosting School Security. To help schools keep their students safe through improved physical security measures as well as advanced security training for their staff and teachers, this bill sets aside more than $200,000 in grant funding for local education providers and eligible nonprofits to apply for. Uplifting Communities HB24-1187 Providing Services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. Allocating $500,000 for the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind allows the state to meet the rising demand for the long-term needs of Coloradans and maintain accessibility services these communities rely on. Supporting Services for Older Coloradans HB24-1211 Ensuring Older Coloradans have Access to Nutritious Meals. Due to interruptions in federal funding, older Coloradans who use the popular Meals on Wheels food delivery program could experience a lapse in service. This bill offers $2 million in supplemental funding to the Meals on Wheels program and other senior services to ensure the thousands of Coloradans who rely on these programs can have access to healthy, nutritional meals. Reaching our Climate Goals HB24-1196 Saving Coloradans Money on Lawn Equipment . To save Coloradans money on electrifying their lawn equipment, this bill includes a $1.3 million grant renewal to help Coloradans transition to eco-friendly, electric lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other lawn equipment. HB24-1196 Protecting Colorado’s Water. The Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision left Colorado’s wetlands vulnerable to pollution and destruction. This bill allocates over $214,000 to ensure the state can educate on and protect Colorado’s water and ecosystems. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HOUSE PASSES TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WHEELCHAIR USERS DENVER, CO – Two bills to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles today passed the House. “My wheelchair provides more than mobility, it’s a critical part of my health and safety,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m proud we’ve passed two accessibility rights bills that affirm the rights of wheelchair users. These bills focus on transparency and accountability for providers so we have the right to repair our chairs in a timely manner and rent a car that’s accessible for us. The accessibility issues faced by the community that lives with a disability are real, challenging and place us and our families at risk. We’re taking the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers so we can create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.” “We’re looking out for the rights of Coloradans who use wheelchairs,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Many wheelchair users, especially in rural Colorado, face long waits and unpredictability when it comes to repairs and routine maintenance on their mobility devices. Our bill would expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies, saving Coloradans who use wheelchairs money and time. Mobility isn’t something to take for granted and wheelchair users in Colorado deserve the freedom to repair their mobility aids.” HB22-1031 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Brianna Titone, passed by a vote of 44 to 21. This bill would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. Under this bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves. This will save Coloradans money and allow them to get their mobility devices repaired sooner. HB22-1253 , also sponsored by Representative Ortiz, passed by a vote of 42 to 23. This bill would require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs upon request. This bill would also protect disabled vehicle leasers by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement in the bill. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2021 HOUSE DEMS PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET TO HELP COLORADO BUILD BACK STRONGER DENVER, CO– The House today passed the Conference Committee Report on FY 2021-2022 Long Appropriations Bill (SB21-205) by a vote of 39-24. With the Senate repassing the budget by a vote of 28-6, it now heads to the governor. All House Republicans opposed the bipartisan budget, which passed the Senate with near unanimous support, and which helps Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The budget restores cuts to essential services, significantly boosts support for K-12 and higher education, and provides critical funding for the state stimulus package that will create jobs, boost rural Colorado, and grow our economy. “This bipartisan budget will help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “I’m so proud of the work we did this year. By making historic investments in K-12 education, mental health services, and our state’s economic recovery, we’re enshrining our values in our budget and setting Colorado up for sustained economic success. This budget is a labor of love, the product of months of work from our colleagues, JBC members and, of course, our wonderful JBC staff.” “The state budget we gave final approval to today meets the moment and makes careful and robust investments to craft an equitable economic recovery for Colorado,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “After a year of economic uncertainty and turmoil, this budget truly charts the course for the Colorado Comeback- investing $800 million in our state stimulus plan and increasing funding for K-12 education by over $480 million. As we work to build Colorado back stronger, we are proactively ensuring that low income folks and communities of color aren’t left behind. This budget meets that goal.” Colorado’s $35.9 billion budget funds core state services, such as education, corrections, health care, and human services. A significant portion of the state budget comes from federal matching funds, with lawmakers having direct control of the state’s $13.1 billion General Fund. Last year, budget forecasts estimated the state would face a significant revenue decline, leading lawmakers to enact historic reductions while still prioritizing critical services and education. With the economy and state revenues recovering faster than anticipated, the budget returns funding to pre-pandemic levels while responsibly setting aside historic reserves for the future. Putting Students, Teachers, and Parents First Restores K-12 Funding, Cuts Budget Stabilization Factor Nearly in Half: The FY21-22 Long Bill brings the budget stabilization factor back to its pre-pandemic level of $572 million by increasing K-12 education funding by over $480 million. Resumes and Accelerates State Support for Institutions of Higher Ed: After being forced to nearly eliminate state support for institutions of higher education, lawmakers boosted funding in this year’s budget by $494 million to restore the prior year’s reduction. The bill also allocates an additional $100 million to be used for recruitment and retention including additional financial support for first generation, underrepresented minority, and pell eligible students. Increased Resources for Students: This budget prioritizes accessible teaching and learning resources for students to succeed including $3 million for state grants to public libraries and over $1 million to CDHE’s Open Educational Resources program which provides grants to institutions to develop educational programs using 100 percent publicly available teaching materials. The budget also appropriates $7..2 million to restore K-12 education grant programs including the behavioral healthcare professionals grant program, the K5 social and emotional grant program, the 9th grade success program, the school leadership success program, the AP exam fee grant program and the automatic enrollment in advanced courses program. Invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST Fund) and an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF): After nearly eliminating funding last year for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant initiative, lawmakers this year will invest $160 million to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures. The SEF funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Prioritizes the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program: The JBC set aside $13.4 million for a teacher recruitment toolkit to be established in collaboration with the departments of education and higher education. The set aside includes restorations to CDE’s Quality Teacher Recruitment program and CDHE’s Educator Loan Forgiveness program. In addition, the budget restores CDHE’s teacher mentor grants program and the rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development program. Creating Jobs, Getting Colorado Back on Track, and Building Back Stronger $800 Million State Stimulus: The budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Recovery Plan , which will create jobs and boost the Colorado Comeback. Creating Jobs Through Investing in Capital Construction Projects: The bill tackles a substantial portion of the state’s capital project backlog by nearly doubling the long bill appropriation for capital construction, creating jobs through creating, maintaining and improving capital construction projects. The bill includes $217.4 million for the capital construction fund, initiating shovel-ready projects at institutions of higher education and across state government. Expanding Job and Skills Training Initiatives: The budget prioritizes workforce and training opportunities through a variety of programs including restoring CDHE’s Colorado First Customized Job Training program, DOC’s Transitional Work Opportunity program, and DHS’ Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program. Investing in IT Infrastructure & Transportation: This budget package makes significant investments in IT infrastructure including funding for the Office of eHealth Innovation’s Rural Connectivity project, updates to the states unemployment insurance system, and numerous investments in higher education equipment and technology to support increased virtual learning opportunities. In addition, with $124 million set aside for transportation, the budget sets Colorado on a path to address CDOT’s $9 billion project backlog. Addressing Health Disparities: The budget helps Colorado build back stronger by providing over $5 million to combat racial and income-based health disparities that are hurting Colorado communities. Boosting State’s Wildfire Response: After a historic wildfire season and with another one on the way, the budget appropriates $26.2 million for firefighting contracts, aircraft, personnel and state assistance for local response efforts. Building the Reserve and a New Rainy Day Fund: The budget sets aside historic reserves to mitigate downside risks to the forecast and creates a new rainy day fund to provide an additional safety net should state revenues collapse or should the state see a surge in caseload and demand for services. Supporting the Judicial Branch: Recognizing the rise in court cases once trials resume, the budget responsibly allocates funding to increase staffing within Judicial courts and probation as well as within the offices of the public defender, child protection ombudsman, and the public guardianship. The budget also sets aside funding to expand the Senior Judge program to help address the backlog of cases anticipated. Supporting Colorado’s Most Vulnerable Veterans: The budget provides $500,000 in Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to provide grants to enhance workforce center services for veterans, an increase of $200,000 over last year. The Colorado Recovery Act will provide $30 million for a start up loan fund, which will support veteran-owned small businesses. The budget includes $59.4 million for the veteran community living centers, and $425,000 for National Guard tuition assistance. Supporting Hospitals that Treat Uninsured Patients: The bill provides $48.2 million for hospitals that serve a higher share of low-income or uninsured patients. This funding draws down $27 million in federal funds. The funding supports several rural hospitals. Ensuring Coloradans Have Access to the Care They Need: With access to health care essential for every Coloradan, the budget affirms the state’s commitment to Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. It provides $460.1 million for medical care and long-term services such as nursing homes and community-based services. The funds pay nursing home care, senior dental programs, behavioral health, and vaccine administration. Expanding Access to Mental and Behavioral Health: The bill provides nearly $60 million in additional funding to behavioral health programs, providing critical funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services, wrap around services for children in crisis, and investments in IT systems to streamline eligibility and claims processing. Addressing the IDD Waitlist: The JBC allocated $22 million to protect essential Medicaid benefits including $15.5 million to the Adult Comprehensive Waiver to fund 667 spots on the comprehensive waiver waitlist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 TRANSFORMATIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS ADVANCE HOUSE Legislation would fund the responsible gaming program and water preservation efforts DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee passed Speaker Alec Garnett’s bill today to promote responsible gaming and support Colorado’s watersheds. HB22-1402 would allocate more than $3 million to create a grant program to provide services to Coloradans experiencing problem gaming and boost funding for the Colorado Water Plan. “In the last two years, Colorado’s gaming industry has experienced significant growth and the excitement of sports betting has raised limits and boosted state revenue,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As Colorado’s gaming industry adapts, it is our responsibility to make sure Coloradans have the recovery and treatment resources they need to combat a gaming problem – this bill does that and more. It takes us one step closer to the original goal of legalizing sports betting in Colorado which is to provide proper funding to the Colorado Water Plan; and thanks to the increase in revenue, we can direct millions toward preserving Colorado’s watersheds and building a safer, healthier Colorado for everyone.” Responsible Gaming Grant Program: HB22-1402 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett, passed committee by a vote of 9-2. The introduction of sports betting in Colorado in 2020 has led to major growth in the gaming industry, partly due to higher limits and additional games. This bill provides more funding for the responsible gaming grant program in the Department of Revenue (DOR) to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming. The grant program will distribute funding to help Coloradans struggling with gaming problems with prevention, recovery and treatment resources. The grant funding can also be used for research purposes to aid the DOR in providing better support for Coloradans recovering from a gaming problem. The bill also allocates more funding for the Colorado Water Plan by limiting the number of free bets that Sports Betting Operators can offer tax-free. Under the bill with fewer tax-free bets, the additional money raised from taxes on gaming will be allocated toward improving Colorado’s watersheds and environment. Previous Next

< Back November 8, 2022 Democrats Secure House Majority DENVER, CO – House Democrats win at least 33 seats and will be in the majority for the upcoming 74th General Assembly. “I’m humbled that voters continue to put their trust in Democrats to lead the Colorado House,” said House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Across the state, Democratic lawmakers and candidates prevailed on the strength of their records. Voters rewarded the majority for listening to Coloradans and doing what we said we’d do. I’m excited that we are reducing the cost of housing, making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, and saving families money by delivering universal preschool for every four-year-old in our state. Democratic lawmakers moved Colorado forward, saved people money, and protected a woman's right to choose.” “From Fort Collins to Pueblo, voters reelected Democrats to the House because we listened to the needs of our communities and delivered,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our candidates connected with voters on key issues like reducing property taxes, increasing funding for education, and improving public safety. When the Supreme Court was poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, we acted swiftly to secure our reproductive rights in Colorado with the Reproductive Health Equity Act. It was an honor to sponsor that law and a privilege to serve the people of our state. I know our caucus will continue to turn our values into action and move Colorado forward.” During the 73rd General Assembly, House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results that will move our state forward. Last session focused on saving Coloradans money, improving public safety, and preparing our students for success. Democrats made record investments to reduce emissions, improve our air quality, shore up our water supply, and mitigate against the increasing risk of wildfire across the state. House Democrats also safeguarded foundational rights of Coloradans - from codifying the right to an abortion in state law to ensuring our elections remain safe and secure. With Coloradans still recovering from the disruption of the pandemic, including rising inflation and economic instability, Democrats took action to save Coloradans money. The Majority made record investments in K-12 education to put more resources into classrooms, passed critical legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives, and sent bills to the governor that will prevent crime and improve public safety. During the 2021 session, Democrats passed historic legislation to improve Colorado’s transportation system, create the Colorado Option and Prescription Drug Affordability Board to make health care more affordable, and address climate change. Democrats passed six new laws to reduce gun violence, lowered taxes on small businesses and hardworking Coloradans and passed an economic stimulus plan that powered the Colorado Comeback. Major Accomplishments from the 73rd General Assembly Reducing the Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs: Democrats passed landmark laws to create the Colorado Option and Prescription Drug Affordability Board while continuing to drive down the cost of insulin and ensure Coloradans receive the care they need. Last session, Democrats directed over $430 million to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment and save people money on life-saving behavioral health care. Protecting Reproductive Rights: In response to an imminent threat to Roe v. Wade pending at the Supreme Court, Democrats in the legislature passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act , which establishes the right to abortion as a fundamental right in Colorado and protects the full spectrum of reproductive health care options, including every pregnant person’s right to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. Investing in Public Education: From free universal preschool to significantly boosting funding for public schools, House Democrats passed critical legislation to prepare Colorado’s students to thrive . This year, Colorado schools will see over $500 more per pupil on average and substantially more funding for special education and at-risk students. Democrats created the highly successful I Matter program , which provides free counseling to any Colorado student. Lowering Taxes on Small Businesses and Hardworking Families: House Democrats boosted tax benefits for hardworking Coloradans and parents, lowered property taxes on families and small businesses, eliminated the business personal property tax for small businesses, cut taxes on restaurants and small retailers and increased tax refunds for lower-income Coloradans through the Colorado Cashback Plan that sent tax filers checks of $750 for individual or $1,500 for joint filers this past August. Preventing Gun Violence and Improving Public Safety: Lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation to address Colorado’s fentanyl crisis that increased penalties on drug dealers and expanded access to treatment options. House Democrats also passed bipartisan legislation to increase funding for crime prevention , improve school safety and youth mental health, and prevent recidivism . In 2021, Democrats passed six new laws to prevent gun violence by strengthening background checks , creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention , improving the safe storage of firearms, and mandating reporting of lost or stolen firearms. Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Our Air and Water: Democrats passed critical legislation to improve air quality and mandate clear climate goals in statute. Lawmakers also cracked down on toxic pollutants in our air and water. Fare Free August improved ridership on public transit and saved Coloradans money while improving our air quality. House Democrats sponsored legislation to direct historic levels of resources to wildfire mitigation, response, and recovery efforts , including new state of the art firefighting technologies like the soon-to-be delivered Firehawk helicopter. Previous Next

Legislation will save Coloradans money, protect working families, cut health care costs and meet our climate goals < Back January 8, 2025 House Democrats Introduce First Ten Bills 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. Previous Next

Meet Your House Democrats We are the Colorado House Democrats. With a historically large and diverse majority, we represent communities from the Front Range and the San Luis Valley to rural towns in the high country and Southwest Colorado. Our members are teachers, veterinarians, business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, engineers, lawyers, advocates, and more. Our top priority is to make Colorado more affordable and protect our hard-fought rights and freedoms. We love Colorado and believe in public education, clean air and water, access to parks and a safe and just society. From our littlest learners to working families and eldest Coloradans, we think everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive. We’ve governed responsibly through challenging times and delivered results that move Colorado forward. These landmark laws prevent gun violence, support small businesses, address climate change and lower the cost of health care, child care and housing. We bolstered renters’ rights to reduce evictions, provided two years of free college and boosted the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Colorado House Democrats reflect the diversity of our communities and are the right people to lead our state, protect our Colorado Way of Life, and uphold our promises to future generations. Julie McCluskie Speaker of the House Learn More Matthew Martinez Majority Whip Learn More Emily Sirota JBC Member Learn More Bob Marshall Learn More Eliza Hamrick Learn More Javier Mabrey Chair of Judiciary Learn More Monica Duran Majority Leader Learn More Elizabeth Velasco Majority Whip Learn More Kyle Brown JBC Member Learn More Brianna Titone Learn More Gretchen Rydin Learn More Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Learn More Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Alex Valdez Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee Learn More Cecelia Espenoza Learn More Jacque Phillips Learn More Andrew Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Learn More Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Amy Paschal Learn More Chad Clifford Learn More Jamie Jackson Learn More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

< Back March 4, 2020 AMBER ALERT NOTIFICATION READINESS BILL PASSES HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Donald Valdez’s bill to ensure Colorado’s AMBER Alert notification system stays up to date with the latest telecommunications technology. The bipartisan bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. and has already passed the Senate unanimously. “I want to make sure that Colorado is as ready as it can be to stop tragedies from happening and protect our children and missing persons,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “Making sure our AMBER Alert systems are always up to date will help move us in the right direction.” SB20-079 requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to send AMBER Alerts using technological applications that promote the largest reach of community notifications. While Colorado’s current method of sending AMBER Alerts meets the criteria, this bill will ensure that Colorado’s AMBER Alert system keeps up with technological advances in the future to ensure the widespread receival of these critical alerts of missing children. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR COLORADANS WHO NEED IT THE MOST Colorado is ranked near the bottom for behavioral health care (Apr. 30) – The House gave final approval to two bills suggested by the Behavioral Health Task Force to address the current mental health crisis facing Colorado. SB19-222, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, expands community based services, providing a safety net of comprehensive mental health care that could cover the entire state. “SB 222 is about implementing a vision for a system that can serve everyone, so Colorado’s jails don’t have to. When people with serious behavioral health disorders cannot access the treatment they need, other parts of our system are negatively impacted as we’ve directly seen in Pueblo,” said Rep. Esgar. “This is about helping the people in our communities who are the hardest to serve.” Rep. Esgar’s bill requires access to civil beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institutes at Fort Logan and Pueblo. It also requires a robust collaboration with all local enforcement jurisdictions and counties in the service area. SB19-222 passed unanimously. This bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. SB19-223, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, improves the process and provision of services for individuals who have been ordered for competency evaluation and restoration in the criminal justice system. “This bill will ensure that our criminal justice system adheres to constitutional requirements when questions of competency are raised,” said Rep. Weissman. “We can, and we must, and with SB 223, we will, address competency evaluations and restorations more quickly and efficiently. Together with SB 222, this bill help keep individuals with behavioral health issues from becoming entangled in our justice system.” Rep. Weissman’s bill is the primary legislative mechanism to codify the reforms set forth by the taskforce. It includes a series of reforms to help the Colorado Department of Health Services come into compliance with a mandated timeframe for providing competency services. It also requires the Department of Human Services to implement policies to prioritize in-patient treatment for those with the greatest need while providing community-based services for other patients. SB19-223 passed with a bipartisan vote of 59-4. Rep. Lois Landgraf is the secondary sponsor of both bills. Previous Next