New legislation tackles housing affordability, supports behavioral health care and prioritizes public safety < Back January 14, 2026 House Democrats Introduce First Ten Bills DENVER, CO – Colorado House Democrats today introduced the first ten House bills of the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. “Colorado Democrats are working to build an economy that rewards working people and where every Coloradan has a fair shot to achieve their dreams,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From reducing the cost of housing, health care and child care to investing in our students, our first ten bills help address the most pressing issues our communities face. We believe in equipping workers with the tools and skills they need to land good-paying jobs. These legislative priorities highlight our commitment to making our great state more affordable, safer and healthier for all.” “We’re ready to get to work lowering costs for Coloradans, safeguarding your freedoms and fostering safer communities,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado Democrats are committed to making our state more affordable, boosting small businesses, and protecting our air and water. . Key legislation I am sponsoring will foster stronger, safer communities by putting survivors of crime first.” The HOME Act ( HB26-1001 , sponsors Representatives Andy Boesenecker and Javier Mabrey and Senators Tony Exum and Julie Gonzales) Creating housing options that Coloradans can afford is one of Colorado Democrats’ biggest priorities. The HOME Act would allow schools, nonprofit organizations, and transit districts to use underutilized land to build housing, breaking down barriers to building affordable homes near transit, local businesses and the heart of our communities. Improving access to behavioral health care ( HB26-1002 , sponsors Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist and Senators Matt Ball and Byron Pelton) Everyone deserves getting the behavioral health care they need, but Colorado’s workforce shortages can limit patient access. This bill will bring more behavioral health workers and substance use disorder experts into the workforce by expediting the credentialing process and updating licensing requirements for social workers. Saving small businesses money ( HB26-1003 , sponsors Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Sean Camacho and Senator Chris Kolker) This legislation would make the successful CLIMBER pandemic recovery loan program permanent to support small businesses, create more good-paying jobs and boost local economies. Making child care more affordable ( HB26-1004 , sponsors Speaker Julie McCluskie, Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, Senate President James Coleman and Minority Leader Cleave Simpson) To save families money on child care and spur the creation of more high-quality and affordable child care facilities in our community, new bipartisan legislation will extend an income tax credit that helps fund child care facilities. Worker Protection Act ( HB26-1005 , sponsors Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, Representative Javier Mabrey and Senators Jessie Danielson and Iman Jodeh) Our economy should work for everyone, especially hardworking people. To empower workers, increase wages and strengthen the middle class, this legislation would update the 80-year-old Colorado Labor Peace Act by removing the need for a second election to form a union. Improving higher education outcomes ( HB26-1006 , Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts) To equip students with the education and skills they need to secure a good-paying job after graduation, new legislation will establish a thriving designation for post-secondary higher education institutions. This bill aims to boost Colorado’s higher education landscape and support students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. Reducing energy costs with easy-to-access solar panels ( HB26-1007 , sponsors Representatives Lesley Smith and Rebekah Stewart and Senator Cathy Kipp) In an effort to expand access to solar energy, new legislation will remove barriers to ‘plug-in solar’ so more Coloradans, especially those living in apartments or in shared spaces, can benefit from cost-saving solar. Bolstering outdoor recreation and rural economies ( HB26-1008 , sponsors Representatives Meghan Lukens and Rick Taggart and Senators Janice Marchman and Janice Rich) From the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains and everywhere in between, Colorado’s public lands are essential to our way of life. Colorado supports a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and this bill improves collaboration between conservation efforts, agriculture, private landowners and other public land users. Prioritizing public safety and supporting victims of domestic violence ( HB26-1009 , sponsors Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Gonzalez and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Byron Pelton) Supporting crime survivors and keeping our communities safe are top priorities for Colorado Democrats. New legislation would require police officers responding to a domestic violence case to conduct a “lethality assessment” in their report. Based on the findings, the peace officer would immediately connect the victim with a victim advocate if they believe the victim is at risk. Supporting older Coloradans in the workforce ( HB26-1010 , sponsors Representative Jenny Willford and Jamie Jackson and Senator Jessie Danielson) Colorado’s economy continues to evolve and no worker should be left behind. New legislation will help ensure older Coloradans have more opportunities to grow and thrive in their careers by studying their participation in the workforce and ensuring they have a seat at the table when making recommendations to better support and uplift them. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 SIGNED! Bill to Provide Free Transit Services During Ozone Season, Improve Air Quality Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation that will create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide grants to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and transit associations that offer free transit rides during ozone season which will save Coloradans money on transportation and improve Colorado’s air quality. SB22 - 180 is championed by Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we are taking immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “This new law will reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season, encourage transit ridership, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.” “Denverites face some of the worst air quality in the world during the ozone season,” said Bacon. " Our law will help improve air quality by making public transit including buses, trains and the light rail free during peak ozone season, typically experienced in Colorado during the summer months. The goal is to incentivize Coloradans to use the public transit system, which will cut down on harmful emissions and help clean up our air while also supporting communities. This will increase access to transit and save riders money, as well.” “The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is by getting more folks to utilize our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This new law will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward." “Reducing vehicle emissions will help improve Colorado’s air quality,” said Gray. “This law increases multimodal transportation options and incentivizes ridership on our transit system in order to cut down on harmful emissions during the summer months. Together, we are improving the air we breathe to build a healthier Colorado for all.” SB22-180 invests $30 million into a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone. The top emitter of carbon pollution in Colorado is the transportation sector which includes personal vehicles. Free transit has increased transit use and can help rebuild ridership. The law allocates $28 million to provide grants to RTD and other transit agencies to offer 30 days of free transit during ozone season. The law also invests $10 million in the successful Main Street Revitalization Grant Program to fund projects that increase the use of transit and create better pathways for bikers and pedestrians. 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 13, 2019 JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE FINALIZES BIPARTISAN COLORADO STATE BUDGET, DELIVERING FOR COLORADO AND SECURING $300 MILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION FUNDING Denver, CO – Both the Colorado State Senate and House of Representatives today voted to pass the bipartisan FY19-20 Colorado State Budget, which begins on July 1, 2019. Democrats are putting forth a budget that makes historic investments in education and transportation. This budget for all responsibly manages tax-payer dollars, increases per-pupil funding by $327, and secures more than $300 million for transportation funding. In response to the budget’s passage, leaders from both chambers released the following statements: “This budget is the result of the hard work of our Joint Budget Committee members who reached across the aisle to find common ground so that we were able to make financially responsible investments into healthcare, transportation, education, and so many other priorities,” said Senate President Leroy M. Garcia. “This is what the people of Colorado elected us to do, and I am proud that both chambers decided to put Coloradans ahead of politics to pass this budget with bipartisan support.” “I thank the members of the JBC for their work on this responsible, bipartisan budget that will help invest in our future, expand opportunity for hardworking people in every corner of our state, and enhance our unique quality of life,” said Speaker KC Becker. “I am glad to see both sides of the aisle come together to agree on a budget that makes historic investments in education, transportation, and higher ed.” “I am proud of the budget we passed today,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “It was clear throughout this process that our JBC members were committed to working in a bipartisan manner to fund our state’s top priorities and address some of the most pressing issues across Colorado.” “The budget that was put forward is one that I feel all Coloradans can be proud of,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett. “This budget makes historic, bipartisan investments in some of our top priorities like full-day kindergarten, education, transportation, and higher education.” The budget secures $300 million for transportation funding and increases K-12 education funding by $325.9 million dollars, including $175 million dollars to implement full-day kindergarten and an additional $77 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor. The budget also makes critical investments to help lower the cost of healthcare and help Coloradans achieve greater economic security. The budget also invests $10 million in the water plan and $171 million in capital investments.The FY19-20 Colorado State Budget passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 41-to-22 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25-to-7. For more information about the budget, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-207 . 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 Chair of JBC Learn More Bob Marshall Learn More Eliza Hamrick Learn More Javier Mabrey Chair of the Judiciary Committee 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

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 April 28, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Roberts to support workers and communities making the transition from coal-based economies. “We are going to direct $15 million to ensure that no community or worker is left behind as we transition from a coal-based economy,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This funding will support workers, expand job retraining, and help build vibrant and resilient economies in parts of our state, including Southern Colorado, that are struggling as market forces move our nation away from coal.” “The legislation we advanced today is a vital step forward for transitioning communities and demonstrates our commitment to giving them the resources they need and deserve to help workers and diversify their economies,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Towns like Hayden, Oak Creek, and Craig will be able to use this just transition funding to invest in projects that diversify rural economies, incentivize new energy jobs, and provide workers with supportive career services. I am so proud to fight for the towns in Northwest Colorado that will be able to use this crucial funding. This is the large investment in rural Colorado that our transitioning communities deserve, and I am thrilled this bill is moving forward with strong bipartisan support.” HB22-1394 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Dylan Roberts, passed by a vote of 51-12. It would fund the Office of Just Transition, which is working to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. It also distributes grants to communities to help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies. $5 million will go to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN REINSURANCE BILL TO HELP LOWER THE COST OF HEALTH CARE Reinsurance is a proven approach to helping cut health care costs (Apr. 8) – The House gave final approval to a bipartisan bill to help lower the cost of health care today. The chamber also voted in favor of a bill to increase medical assistance with rural EMTs. Coloradans on the individual market are struggling to keep up with the out-of-control costs of health care, particularly in rural areas of the state. By establishing a reinsurance program Colorado can stabilize the individual marketplace, increase health insurance participation and share the risks more broadly. “After all the work we’ve put into this, I am ecstatic to see this bill move into the Senate on its way to do what it’s intended to do — save Coloradans money on their health care. Reinsurance is a proven concept that will work to lower the cost of health insurance premiums, especially on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This will have a meaningful reduction in health insurance rates on the individual market across the state. We don’t have any more time to waste. People are deciding between paying their mortgage and their health insurance right now.” Rising health care costs are driven in part by the underlying cost of care but are exacerbated by an insurance market that assigns the highest risks and highest costs to the individual market. This is particularly the case on the Western Slope and in rural Colorado, causing families and individuals to forgo health insurance coverage and putting them at major risk of medical debt if emergencies arise. Rep. McCluskie introduced the bipartisan bill in the House with Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction. Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, are the Senate sponsors. Recently, the Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), released an actuarial study on the reinsurance program. The Colorado Reinsurance Program Analysis looked at multiple scenarios that showed the expected reductions to the costs of medical claims through Medicare-reference-based pricing. These reduced costs lead to a statewide decrease in individual health insurance premiums of nearly 23 percent, or approximately $250,000,000. This bipartisan bill aims to reduce insurance premiums for individuals and families by January 2020 to provide much-needed relief to Coloradans, many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. Our state, especially the Western Slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country. The bill will establish three tiers, from the highest cost areas of the state to the lowest cost areas, in order to pass savings on to Coloradans. The first tier, consisting of regions in the state with the highest costs, will experience the greatest reduction in premiums, by 30 to 35 percent. The second tier will experience reductions in premiums by 20 to 25 percent. Finally, the third tier, regions with the lowest costs, will experience reductions in premiums by 15 to 20 percent. HB19-1168 passed on a bipartisan vote of 47-15. Republicans who voted in favor of this bill include bill sponsor Rep. Janice Rich, Rep. Marc Catlin, Rep. Lois Landgraf, Rep. Larry Liston, Rep. Hugh McKean, Rep. Matt Soper, Rep. Perry Will, and Rep. Jim Wilson. The House also approved SB19-052, sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica. This bill would allow EMS workers to work under the medical supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or registered nurse at a clinic or health facility. “This bill will allow for EMTs to come into health care facilities and clinics to help care for more patients, especially in rural clinics and cities that have hard-to-get-to facilities,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn . “Currently patients end up suffering because they have to drive further for care because clinics are closing down in their area.” SB19-052 passed unanimously. Both bills now head to the Senate. Previous Next

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits < Back May 2, 2025 House Passes Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills to save Coloradans money on health care. SB25-296, which passed by 59-5, would ensure patients receive free breast cancer screenings. SB25-118, which passed by a vote of 48-16, would save families money on prenatal visits. “As a rural legislator, I’m proud to carry these bills that will save Coloradans money on life-saving health care in every corner of our state,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of SB25-296 and SB25-118. “Whether it is diagnostic health care or prenatal care, your budget shouldn’t determine whether or not you receive the services you need. These bills will save lives and ensure parents can access health care during pregnancy to set up their family for success.” “Breast cancer screenings can save lives,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB25-296. “We’re clarifying in Colorado law that diagnostic and follow-up appointments are also available at no-cost to ensure hardworking Coloradans can access life-saving health care.” In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296 would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. “Prenatal health care is important for families so they can address potential health concerns that can have long-term impacts on the parent and baby,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Barriers to care disproportionately impact women of color and low-income families, which is why we’re passing this bill to ensure Colorado families can receive prenatal care visits to provide quality and affordable health care.” SB25-118 would save expecting parents money on prenatal care. This bill would ensure that state-regulated insurance plans cover three prenatal care office visits. To save patients money, this bill would prohibit state-regulated insurance plans, except for individual and small group plans offered through Colorado Option, from imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, on the first three prenatal visits. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect for plans issued or renewed after January 1st, 2027. Prenatal care is an important step in expanding access to health care, and helps support mothers who might experience pregnancy-related complications and can prevent emergencies. Previous Next

Press Releases Sep 18, 2026 Economy remains resilient while Colorado households bear the cost of federal policies Diesel prices hit record level as Trump's war with Iran continues Read More Sep 15, 2026 Willford, Wallace Commend SCOTUS Decision to Protect Mail-in Voting Chair of the House State, Civic & Veterans Affairs Committee Representative Jenny Willford, and Chair of the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Senator Katie Wallace, celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of President Trump's plan to tamper with mail-in voting ahead of the midterm election. Read More Sep 15, 2026 Democratic Lawmakers Respond to EPA Decision to Dismantle Air Quality Protections Sponsors of HB26-1226, Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement yesterday. Read More Aug 14, 2026 Carter, Jackson Support CDPHE Decision to Issue Public Health Order Regarding Aurora ICE Processing Center Representatives Michael Carter and Jamie Jackson today released a statement in support of the Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) recent state public health order. Read More Aug 3, 2026 Law to Establish Guardrails for AI in Healthcare Goes into Effect New legislation to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional will go into effect on August 12. Read More Jul 30, 2026 Law to Create Fairer County Commissioner Maps Goes Into Effect A new law to improve the county commissioner redistricting process goes into effect August 12, 2026. Read More Jul 30, 2026 New Laws to Protect Coloradans’ Rights Amid Federal Rollbacks Go Into Effect Legislation will insulate nonprofits, shore up protections in education and housing Read More Jul 29, 2026 SB25-003 Goes Into Effect SB25-003, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, goes into effect August 1, 2026. Read More Jul 29, 2026 Laws to Bolster Outdoor Recreation and Limit Human-Bear Conflict Go Into Effect Two new laws to keep Colorado’s outdoors safe and accessible will go into effect on August 12. HB26-1008 will support outdoor recreation and rural economies, and HB26-1342 helps minimize human-bear conflicts. Read More Jul 29, 2026 Laws to Improve Behavioral and Emergency Healthcare Access Go Into Effect Three new laws to improve healthcare access in Colorado go into effect on August 12. Read More Jul 28, 2026 Laws to Address Teacher Shortage, Recognize Multilingual Students Go into Effect New laws to improve educational outcomes go into effect August 12, 2026. SB26-126 addresses Colorado’s teacher shortage by easing licensure requirements for qualified out-of-state teachers, and HB26-1028 creates opportunities for students who speak more than one language. Read More Jul 28, 2026 Three Laws to Protect Colorado-Grown Produce, Save Farmers and Ranchers Money Go Into Effect On August 12, a trio of laws to strengthen and support agriculture in Colorado will go into effect. HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry from imposter products. HB26-1067 saves farmers money and prevents the spread of livestock disease, and SB26-064 expands opportunities for first-time farmers and ranchers while protecting vital land and water resources. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 ... 225

< Back December 13, 2023 Speaker McCluskie Makes Committee Assignments DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made committee appointments for the second regular session of the 74th General Assembly. These legislative appointments were necessitated in part by the resignations of Representatives Dickson, Michaelson Jenet and Gonzales-Gutierrez. “Committees are critical to the legislative process and where so much of our work gets done. With session just around the corner, these committee assignments lay the groundwork to continue doing the work Coloradans elected us to do,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Each lawmaker and the committees they serve on play an important role in crafting critical legislation that will uplift hardworking families, invest in public education, protect our water and air for future generations, and make Colorado a more affordable place to live and thrive.” The changes include a combined Health and Human Services committee, to take the place of the previously named Health and Insurance committee as well as the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee. House Democrats Committee Assignments for the Second Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Human Services Committee (9-4) (This combined committee replaces the previously named Health and Insurance Committee and the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee) Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Tim Hernández, D-Denver Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Judiciary Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Legislative Audit Committee Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Previous Next

< 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