Search Results

< Back March 9, 2023 Bills to Advance Climate Goals Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee passed two bills to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition and save consumers money on their energy bills. HB23-1161 and HB23-1210 are part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “Colorado is leading the way on clean energy as we develop new tools to reduce our emissions and save families money,” said Chair of the Energy & Environment committee, Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill updates Colorado’s energy and water efficiency standards for household fixtures so Coloradans have access to the cleanest, greenest devices that reduce their utility bills, save water and improve indoor air quality. Our legislation is part of a broader package to meet our state’s climate goals, reduce harmful emissions and invest in renewable energy sources that create jobs and lower costs for Coloradans.” “Coloradans are invested in our state’s transition to clean energy, and this bill makes it easier for them to obtain high-efficiency and cost-effective household appliances,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill ensures we are stretching our precious energy and water resources as far as they can go by updating standards so consumers benefit from the latest technology. Through this and other bills moving through the legislature, Colorado Democrats are committed to putting forward smart policies that are good for the planet and our wallets.” HB23-1161 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update energy and water efficiency and emissions standards for appliances and fixtures. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access the cleanest high-performance models of appliances, including heating and plumbing fixtures. “This bill will create funding and develop a strategic plan to manage one of the biggest climate change culprits – carbon dioxide,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1210 . “Colorado has many innovative thinkers and emerging technologies surrounding carbon capture, removal, use, and storage. This bill strategically positions our state to be a global leader in carbon management. We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step to combat climate change and boost the economy." HB23-1210 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The bill will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships < Back May 20, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Accelerate Affordable Workforce Housing Projects Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships DOWDS JUNCTION, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a bill to encourage innovative, affordable workforce housing projects through public-private partnerships. SB23-001 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, provides $13 million in funding to help develop affordable workforce housing on state-owned land so that Colorado workers like teachers, nurses, and everyone in between can find housing that fits their budget. “Across Colorado, local communities are exploring innovative projects to ensure everyone can have access to an affordable place to call home near where they work,” Roberts said. “This bill will help catalyze many projects across the state by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to affordable housing development: the cost of land. By allowing public-private partnerships access to underused state land, we can expect hundreds of new affordable housing units across the state in the coming years, including 80 units in my home of Eagle County. I am thrilled this bill is being signed after moving forward with bipartisan support.” “We need to utilize every tool we have to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and by allowing public-private partnerships with this new law, we can increase housing opportunities while also creating more well-paying construction jobs,” said Bird. “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans of any budget or zip code to find an affordable place to call home.” “The housing crisis is a top concern for the people of Colorado and the legislature alike,” said Zenzinger. “Constructing workforce housing was a key part of this year’s comprehensive work to address housing availability and affordability. Teachers, nurses, and everyone who helps keep our state running deserve to have an affordable place they can call home. Senate Bill 1 will be incredibly helpful in our efforts to ensure Coloradans can afford to live where they work.” “Rural towns like mine are struggling to keep up with housing demands, which is displacing essential workers that are necessary to maintain the health of our communities,” said Lukens. “Land is a significant cost when it comes to building housing, so we’re allowing for public-private partnerships using state-owned land to make it easier to build housing that Coloradans can afford, helping us retain our workforce and boosting local economies.” SB23-001 builds on work from previous sessions, HB21-1274 and SB22-130 , regarding the inventory of underutilized properties and state-owned land. Of the total funding, $2 million will go towards the Dowd Junction project to facilitate development of 80 two-bedroom units, and $11 million will fund similar projects across the state. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 HB20-1155 CREATES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Energy and Environment today passed Representatives Mike Weissman and Alex Valdez’s bill to give home buyers more options with regards to energy efficiency products in new homes, such as electric vehicle charging, electric water heating and solar panel systems. The bill passed 8-1. “Homebuyers often want more options to improve energy efficiency, but installing wiring and other retrofits after a home is built can be expensive,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill gives homebuyers more options to pay upfront for the products they want, saving consumers money and time while improving the energy efficiency of new homes.” “This bill would require home builders to offer to install charging stations for electric vehicles, pre-wiring for electrical heating or hot water boilers and other energy efficiency options,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “This is how we, as Coloradans, can take part in moving towards carbon-free homes while saving money in the process.” HB20-1155 requires single-family home builders to make a non-mandatory offer to install or pre-wire homes for electric vehicle charging, electric heating, or electric water appliances. The home buyer would pay for the installation, and the bill does not mandate that a builder build or install anything that a buyer doesn’t want. Current law asks home builders to offer, if a buyer wants, to pre-wire for solar or thermal systems. This would expand that to electric vehicle charging, heating and water. It is less expensive to install or pre-wire for energy efficient appliances and vehicles when a home is being built than to retrofit a new home after it’s been purchased. Homebuyers can save money on electric vehicle charging if it’s installed when they build their homes. Together, these options will lead to more homes having energy efficient appliances, reducing the direct use of fossil fuels. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. < Back April 1, 2025 Wage Theft Prevention Legislation Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. “Wage theft is the largest source of theft in our state, and we are standing firm so Coloradans can receive the money they have worked hard to earn,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Research shows that $730 million in wages are stolen from almost 440,000 hardworking Coloradans every year, with women and communities of color disproportionately becoming victims of wage theft. With this bill, we’re allowing workers to more quickly access their owed wages and strengthening protections for whistleblowers so workers can speak up without fear of retaliation.” “When employers refuse to pay their employee for the work they’ve already completed, it is the same thing as stealing money out of their wallet, and hardworking Coloradans can’t afford to forgo the paycheck that they worked for,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Wage theft hurts Colorado workers and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Our bill aims to provide better support for workers to ensure they can be fairly paid for the work they do.” HB25-1001 aims to protect workers who make wage theft claims and prevent wage theft occurrences by holding bad-acting employers accountable and increasing the wage theft claim cap. Currently, wage theft claims are capped at $7,500. The bill would increase the cap to $13,000 starting July 1, 2026, with that claim amount adjusting for inflation beginning in 2028. Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime, and taking tips that were meant for the employees. The bill aims to expedite the process of receiving owed wages by allowing the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to pay victims more quickly. This will improve the investigative process and proactively identify violators. CDLE would also be able to crack down on worker misclassification, a technique used to avoid providing benefits and overtime wages. To deter employers from stealing wages, CDLE would be required to publish wage theft determinations and update a list of wage theft violators on the division’s website. Under the bill, CDLE would also report wage theft violations to licensing and permitting bodies and publicize consequences. HB25-1001 allows third parties to bring complaints on a worker’s behalf. The bill also extends anti-retaliation and discrimination measures for all workers who raise complaints allowing for similarly situated employees to speak up for others. Reps. Duran and Froelich have championed numerous bills to ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned, including legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally earned wages. A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 169 LAWS FROM THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION GO INTO EFFECT New laws include measures to address gun violence, protect free speech, prevent discrimination, foster affordable housing and ban legacy admissions at state universities DENVER, CO– Nearly 170 of the 502 laws passed during the 2021 legislative session go into effect today, with acts subject to petition becoming effective 90 days after the legislature adjourns. “From passing new laws to combat climate change and improve our air quality to working to prevent gun violence and lower the cost of housing, the 2021 session was one of the most productive in history,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud of the work lawmakers did last session to support their communities, revitalize our state and help Colorado build back stronger.” “I’m excited to see so much of what we accomplished last session go into effect today, and I’m especially proud of what we passed to support our Southern Colorado communities,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today, Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws are more inclusive and insurers can no longer use consumer data to discriminate. Communities across our state will start to see improved mental health services and better schools, and more Coloradans will be able to visit our state parks for less money.” The laws going into effect today require retailers to accept cash, update the state’s protections against discrimination , promote financial literacy in K-12 education, and prohibit legacy admissions. Also among the laws going into effect today are measures to combat climate change, bolster the state’s utility assistance program and mitigate natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires. All or portions of the following laws take effect today: HB21-1286 (Kipp, A. Valdez)– Energy Performance for Buildings HB21-1048 (Valdez A)– Retail Business Must Accept Cash HB21-1084 (Exum, Van Winkle)– Drivers Licenses For Foster Children HB21-1108 (Esgar)– Gender Identity Expression Anti-discrimination HB21-1116 (Holtorf, Ortiz)– Purple Heart Recipient Free State Park Access HB21-1117 (Lontine, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units HB21-1119 (Rich, Daugherty)– Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention HB21-1142 (Bacon)– Eyewitness Identification Showup Regulations HB21-1173 (Mullica)– Prohibiting Legacy Preferences in Higher Ed Insts HB21-1181 (McCormick, Will)– Agricultural Soil Health Program HB21-1200 (Kipp, Rich)– Revise Student Financial Literacy Standards HB21-1223 (McLachlan, Soper)– Create Outdoor Recreation Industry Office HB21-1238 (Bernett)– Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility Demand-side Management Standards HB21-1280 (Woodrow, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Pre-trial Detention Reform HB21-1307 (Roberts)– Prescription Insulin Pricing And Access HB21-1310 (Cutter)– Homeowners’ Association Regulation of Flags and Signs SB21-006 (Soper, Titone)– Human Remains Natural Reduction Soil SB21-011 (Mullica and Pelton)– Pharmacist Prescribe Dispense Opiate Antagonist SB21-025 (Tipper and Will)– Family Planning Service For Eligible Individuals SB21-075 (Tipper, Young)– Supported Decision-making Agreement SB21-077 (Benavidez, Kipp)– Remove Lawful Presence Verification Credentialing SB21-078 (Sullivan, Herod)– Lost or Stolen Firearms SB21-123 (McCormick)– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program SB21-154 (Cutter, Soper)– 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network SB21-185 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Supporting Educator Workforce in Colorado SB21-249 (Will, Tipper)– Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass HB21-1009 (Bernett)– Update Division of Housing Function & Local Development HB21-1010 (Ricks, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Diverse K-12 Educator Workforce Report HB21-1012 (Mullica, Rich)– Expand Prescription Drug Monitoring Program HB21-1013 (Snyder, Van Winkle)– Division of Domestic Stock Insurer HB21-1016 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Transfer Jurisdiction To Veteran’s Speciality Court HB21-1019 (Hooton)– Modification to Regulations of Factory-built Structures HB21-1021 (Pelton, Caraveo)– Peer Support Professionals Behavioral Health HB21-1025 (Arndt)– Nonsubstantive Emails And Open Meetings Law HB21-1028 (Bird, Rich)– Annual Public Report Affordable Housing HB21-1030 (McCluskie, McKean)– Expanding Peace Officers Mental Health Grant Program HB21-1044 (Hooton, Larson)– Winery License Include Noncontiguous Areas HB21-1045 (Young, Valdez D)– Invasive Pest Control Administration HB21-1046 (Arndt, Catlin)– Water Share Right Mutual Ditch Corporation HB21-1050 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Workers Compensation HB21-1051 (Geitner, Bird)– Public Info Applicants For Public Employment HB21-1052 (McKean)– Define Pumped Hydroelectricity As Renewable Energy HB21-1056 (Pelton)– Cost Thresholds For Public Project Bidding Reqmnts HB21-1061 (Gray)– Residential Land Property Tax Certification HB21-1063 (Lontine)– Model Law Credit Extraterritorial Reinsurance HB21-1065 (Ortiz, Carver)– Veterans’ Hiring Preference HB21-1066 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– CDOT Financial Reporting Requirements HB21-1069 (Carver, Roberts)– Enforcement of Sexual Exploitation of A Child HB21-1073 (Van Beber, Michaelson Jenet)– Support Foster Families License Plate HB21-1075 (Lontine)– Replace The Term Illegal Alien HB21-1099 (Ransom, Michaelson Jenet)– Policies & Procedures To Identify Domestic Abuse HB21-1100 (Soper)– Electronic Filing Of Documents With Governmental Entities HB21-1102 (Duran, Soper)– Consumer Protection For Dog & Cat Purchasers HB21-1104 (Larson, McLachlan)– Professional Educator Licensure Renewal Period HB21-1105 (Kennedy)– Low-income Utility Payment Assistance Contributions HB21-1111 (McKean)– Consent Collection Personal Information HB21-1115 (Kipp, Mullica)– Board Of Health Member Requirements HB21-1123 (Michaelson Jenet, Larson)– CAPS Checks For Substantiated Mistreatment Of Adult HB21-1128 (Michaelson Jenet)– Hospice And Palliative Care License Plate HB21-1131 (Amabile)– Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements HB21-1137 (Weissman, Van Winkle)– Limit Notification General Assembly Regarding Adoption Of Rules HB21-1140 (Titone)– Eliminate Donor Costs For Living Organ Donations HB21-1141 (Hooton)– Electric Vehicle License Plate HB21-1145 (Kipp and Soper)– Support Pollinator Special License Plate HB21-1147 (Valdez, D and Van Winkle)– Simplify Architects Continuing Education Requirement HB21-1148 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– Colorado State Fair Annual Report Submission Date Change HB21-1150 (Jodeh)– Create The Colorado Office Of New Americans HB21-1151 (McLachlan, Catlin)– Indian Tribes To Certify Own Foster Homes HB21-1152 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Repeal Obsolete Capitol Dome Restoration Fund HB21-1153 (Arndt, Valdez D.)– Enter Zone Child Care Income Tax Credit HB21-1154 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Modification To Child Care Tax Credit To Address Defects HB21-1156 (Lynch, Pico)– Fix Defects Related To Severance Withholdings HB21-1157 (Arndt, Lynch)– Accurate References For Department of Revenue Tax Administration HB21-1158 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Special Fuel Farm Equipment Sales Use Tax HB21-1160 (Duran, Soper)– Care Of Dogs And Cats In Pet Animal Facilities HB21-1167 (Duran, Will)– Private Construction Contract Payments HB21-1177 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Add Use Tax Exemption to Some Sales Tax Exemption HB21-1178 (Pico and Valdez, D)– Correcting Errors in the Colorado Marijuana Code HB21-1180 (Valdez D., Will)– Measures to Increase Biomass Utilization HB21-1186 (Gray, Sullivan)– Regional Transportation District Operation HB21-1187(Young and Pelton)– Long-term Services and Support Case Management Redesign HB21-1188 (Kennedy)– Additional Liability Under Respondeat Superior HB21-1193 (Gray)– Consumer Protection Supplemental Restraint Systems HB21-1194 (Tipper, Ricks)– Immigration Legal Defense Fund HB21-1195 (Van Winkle, Michaelson Jenet)– Regulation of Radon Professionals HB21-1198 (Jodeh)– Healthcare Billing Requirements for Indigent Patients HB21-1208 (Cutter, Gray)– Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise HB21-1209 (Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Parole Eligibility for Youthful Offenders HB21-1212 (Soper)– Diversity of Governor’s Appointments to Boards HB21-1214 (Weissman, Bacon)– Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction HB21-1217 (Bockenfeld, Bacon)– Military Family Open Enrollment in Public Schools HB21-1218 (Duran, Bockenfeld)– Professional Firefighter License Plate HB21-1219 (Esgar, Mullica)– Nurse Special License Plate HB21-1222 (A.Valdez, Van Winkle)– Regulation of Family Child Care Homes HB21-1225 (Bird, Will)– Electronic Recording Technology Board HB21-1226 (Esgar, Will)– More Robust Check Station Aquatic Nuisance Species HB21-1227 (Lontine)– Medicaid Nursing Facilities Demonstration Of Need HB21-1229 (Titone, Ricks)– Home Owners’ Associations Governance Funding Record Keeping HB21-1236 (Titone, Baisley)– State Information Technology HB21-1241 (Daugherty, Lynch)– Employee-owned Business Loan Program Modifications HB21-1245 (Sullivan)– On-track Equipment Railroad Crossings HB21-1247 (Jackson, McKean)– Colorado Department Of Public Health And Environment Contract Pay To Grantees Up Front HB21-1248 (Amabile)– Colorado Children’s Trust Fund Act HB21-1249 (Roberts, Michaelson Jenet)– Repeal Gaming City Audit Requirement HB21-1267 (Lontine, Larson)– County Authority To Delegate Mill Levy Certification HB21-1274 (Titone)– Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use HB21-1275 (Lontine and Will)– Medicaid Reimbursement For Services By Pharmacists HB21-1284 (Valdez A, Van Winkle)– Limit Fee Install Active Solar Energy System HB21-1291 (Van Winkle, Exum)– Insurer Agent Branded Vehicle Title HB21-1293 (Snyder, Larson)– Banks Modify Threshold Credentialed Appraiser HB21-1300 (Weissman, Neville)– Health-care Provider Liens For Injured Persons HB21-1301 (Esgar)– Cannabis Outdoor Cultivation Measures HB21-1303 (Bernett, McLachlan)– Global Warming Potential For Public Project Material HB21-1306 (Garnett, Geitner)– Accreditation Of Postsecondary Institutions HB21-1323 (Cutter, Amabile)– Special Olympics License Plate HB21-1324 (Pelton, Roberts,)– Promote Innovative And Clean Energy Technologies SB21-004 (Esgar, Luck)– Jurisdiction Over Pueblo Chemical Depot. SB21-008 (Valdez D., Holtorf)– Remove Junior From Certain College Names SB21-009 (Caraveo)– Reproductive Health Care Program SB21-015 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Veterans Service Organization Stipend For Funeral Services SB21-017 (Larson, Bradfield)– Sexual Contact By An Educator SB21-020 (Valdez A, Soper)– Energy Equipment and Facility Property Tax Valuation SB21-021 (Young and Carver)– Audiology And Speech-language Interstate Compact SB21-022 (Snyder, McKean)– Notification Requirements For Health Care Policy And Financing Audit SB21-032 (Ortiz)– Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program SB21-035 (Bird)– Restrictions On Third-party Food Delivery Services SB21-038 (Kennedy, Van Winkle)– Expansion of Complementary And Alternative Medicine SB21-040 (Rich)– Driver’s History Profession Or Occupation Decision SB21-056 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Expand Cannabis-based Medicine At Schools SB21-063 (Hooton and Pelton)– Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Offer Insurance SB21-065 (Mullica)– Gasoline and Special Fuels Tax Information Disclosure SB21-067 (McLachlan, Carver)– Strengthening Civics Education SB21-069 (A Valdez, Ortiz)– License Plate Expiration On Change Of Ownership SB21-070 (Bird)– County Authority To Register Businesses SB21-082 (Mullica)– Alcohol Beverage Festival for Tastings and Sales SB21-084 (Gray)– Local government authority roughed-in roads. SB21-090 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act SB21-107 (Young and McLachlan)– Honoring Carrie Ann Lucas SB21-115 (Titone, Larson)– Annual Funding for Talking Book Library Services SB21-119 (Esgar, Geitner)– Increasing Access To High-Quality Credentials SB21-126 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Timely Credentialing Of Physicians By Insurers SB21-129 (Ortiz)– Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program SB21-133 (Catlin, Will)– Donated Alcohol Beverages for Special Events SB21-135 (Duran, Froelich)– Prohibit Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Act. SB21-145 (Valdez D)– Extending Expiring Tax Check-offs SB21-153 (Ortiz, Tipper)– Department of Corrections Offender Identification Assistance Program SB21-155 (Amabile, Baisley)– Limited Gaming Commission Member From Gaming Area SB21-157 (Michaelson Jenet, Baisley)– Increase Cap Charter School Moral Obligation Bonds SB21-158 (Titone and Duran)– Increase Medical Providers For Senior Citizens SB21-160 (Snyder)– Modification to Local Government Election Codes SB21-162 (Snyder, Soper)– Colorado Uniform Trust Code Part 5 SB21-167 (Gray, Larson)– Regulation of Child Care Centers SB21-169 (Ricks and Esgar)– Restrict Insurers’ Use Of External Consumer Data SB21-174 (Cooke, Ginal)– Policies For Peace Officer Credibility Disclosures SB21-188 (Duran, Ortiz)– Ballot access for voters with disabilities. SB21-191 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Residency Requirement Western Colorado University Board SB21-192 (Amabile)– Housing Mentors In Youthful Offender Facility SB21-193 (Herod)– Protection of Pregnant People in the Criminal Justice System SB21-194 (Herod)– Maternal Health Providers SB21-198 (Roberts, Bockenfeld)– Repeal Capital Construction Education Fund Report Requirement SB21-217 (McCluskie)– Market Rate Study for Child care Assistance Program SB21-246 (Valdez, Froelich)– Electric Utility Promote Beneficial Electrification SB21-253 (Carver, Michaelson Jenet)– Women Veterans With Disabilities License Plate SB21-254 (Lynch, Pico)– Eliminate Obsolete Committee Child Care Licensing SB21-255 (Titone, Herod)– Free Menstrual Hygiene Products To Students SB21-262 (Bird, McKean)– Special District Transparency SB21-269 (Michaelson Jenet, Van Beber)– Licensing Of Respite Child Care Centers SB21-270 (Valdez A, Larson)– Increase Alcohol Beverages On-premises Production SB21-284 (Herod and Ransom)– Evidence-based Evaluations For Budget Previous Next

The House today passed a resolution that would allow Colorado voters to decide if property tax decisions should be determined at the local level. HCR24B-1001 passed by a vote of 44-19. < Back August 28, 2024 House Approves Local Control Over Local Property Taxes DENVER, CO – The House today passed a resolution that would allow Colorado voters to decide if property tax decisions should be determined at the local level. HCR24B-1001 passed by a vote of 44-19. “There should be local control of local taxes,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Colorado communities have diverse needs and ideas for how property tax revenue can best serve their communities, and it doesn’t make sense for Aurora voters to make property tax decisions for Coloradans in places like the San Luis Valley and vice versa. Statewide property tax decisions fail to meet the unique needs of all of our communities. This resolution would allow voters to decide if their communities should make the future property tax decisions that impact them.” Property tax revenue pays for local government services like schools, fire and emergency response, and public safety, and does not support state government services. If passed, HCR24B-1001 would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters for the 2024 November election to ensure local control of property tax decisions. Any statewide voter initiative that affects or limits property tax revenue or spending would have to be approved by the voters in a local government jurisdiction for the initiative to be applied in that local government. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. < Back February 23, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. “Affordable housing is crucial for Coloradans’ success, and creating housing and transit investment zones would help communities across the state build affordable housing near transit centers,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “By creating a funding mechanism to spur affordable housing and connective infrastructure near transit hubs, we’re making transit ridership a more attractive option for travel and encouraging more rental opportunities that Coloradans can afford. Our bill would provide this financial tool to local governments across the state, supporting both Front Range transit hubs and rural projects like mountain passenger rail and commuter routes on the Western Slope. This bill would make it easier to call Colorado home so everyone can enjoy the Colorado Way of Life.” “Colorado Democrats’ top priority is saving Coloradans money, especially when it comes to housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “From encouraging transit-oriented communities to removing parking minimum mandates, the legislature has passed laws to build in a strategic way that reduces our carbon footprint while reducing housing costs. This bill would build on our work to create more eco-friendly transportation options and boost housing that Coloradans can actually afford.” HB26-1065 , The Transit Investment Area Act, would create a new financing tool to improve transportation infrastructure and establish a tax credit to build more transit-oriented affordable housing. The bill would use tax-increment financing to allow local governments to invest state sales tax revenue into transportation infrastructure. Local governments, in partnership with transit agencies, would be able to apply to create a transit and housing investment zone. These zones would fund transportation infrastructure projects within 2 miles of a transportation facility, like safety improvements and centering transit stops within the community to increase ridership. Local governments would be required to suggest an annual limit on the amount of revenue that could be allocated to the transit investment project in the application process. Under the bill, the Colorado Economic Development Commission would also set an annual limit of the amount of revenue that can be allocated for a transit investment project. The bill would allow up to three transit investment projects to be approved in a calendar year, with no more than six projects funded through the bill in total. HB26-1065 would also create the Colorado Affordable Housing in Transit Investment Zones Tax Credit. This tax credit is reserved for projects that serve low- and middle-income housing within newly created transit and housing investment zones. The bill would allow up to $50 million in these tax credits per calendar year from 2027 to 2033 for a total investment of $350 million by 2038. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Feb. 27) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give people time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilize families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted for owing as low as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed committee on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the permitting process. “Whether in Denver or along the Front Range, high levels of ozone are dangerous for our health, and it’s vital we address this problem and center the most impacted communities in our work,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation works to improve transparency around Colorado’s air quality issues and gives Coloradans a stronger voice when sounding the alarm on poor air quality in their communities. This bill is a step forward in our ongoing work to cut back harmful emissions and improve the air we all breathe.” “Ozone season brings poor air quality that makes it difficult for Coloradans to breathe, especially those with underlying health conditions or asthma,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “We’re stepping up to strengthen our permitting and enforcement processes so we can combat harmful emissions and prioritize Coloradans’ health. This legislation works to give Coloradans more input when it comes to the air quality in their own neighborhood through strengthening the public complaint process. We’re committed to helping Colorado reach its climate goals and cleaning up our air.” HB23-1294 works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for emissions permits in Colorado. There are thousands of “minor” sources - including many oil and gas wells - that are significant contributors to Colorado’s ozone problem.The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for ozone. This bill works to improve public engagement in the permit enforcement process by elevating complaints by impacted communities and setting clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. The bill also strengthens consideration of cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations during the permitting process and would create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. ### Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. KENNEDY’S BILL TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE COSTS Bipartisan bill will help lower health care costs (Jan. 31) – The House approved Rep. Chris Kennedy’s bill to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals. “The high cost of health care is impacting consumers and businesses alike. It’s been a real struggle for people to keep up with the rising cost of health care, particularly in rural Colorado where we’re seeing some of the highest premiums in the country,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By requiring hospitals to be transparent about their spending, we can increase competition in a way that will reduce costs for all hard-working Coloradans.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39% of health care spending nationwide. Physician and clinical services account for 26%, and prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products account for 11%. HB19-1001 will require hospitals to disclose more information about spending on patient care, administration, capital construction, and acquisitions of physician groups; and will require hospitals to show how they’re shifting costs onto the backs of families and businesses. By identifying inefficiencies and wasteful spending, businesses and payers will be able to choose more efficient and lower cost hospitals for their networks. In addition, the data provided to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will inform the supplemental payments made to hospitals through the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) to incentivize value, not volume. The bill passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 39-22. HB19-1001 now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

Four bills would close corporate tax loopholes to lower taxes for hardworking people < Back February 17, 2026 Colorado Democrats to Create Tax Code that Puts Hardworking Coloradans First DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today unveiled four new bills to rebalance Colorado’s tax code and put working people first after Congress passed H.R. 1, which granted massive tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy that cut off tax relief for families. The bills would create a new tax credit, modeled after the highly successful Family Affordability Tax Credit, to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families. In recent years, Democrats in Colorado have expanded the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and created the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and lift children out of poverty. A 2026 report found that the EITC, CTC and FATC cut child poverty by 37-percent and family poverty by 32-percent. These tax credits were turned off for the next two tax years due to H.R. 1. “We have a choice– we can give taxpayer-funded handouts to mega-corporations and the Jeff Bezos’ of the world or we can update Colorado’s tax code to benefit the hardworking people of our state,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When the federal GOP passed H.R. 1 last year, most of the tax breaks went to corporations and the ultra-wealthy. This eliminated Colorado’s state tax breaks for working people, which have slashed child poverty by nearly 40-percent. Colorado Democrats are now closing special interest corporate tax breaks and handouts to boost the incomes of hardworking Coloradans.” “Colorado’s tax code should work for the people of Colorado, not provide special treatment for monied interests that aren’t effective in advancing state goals,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Recent tax and other law changes at the federal level have been devastating. We must use this moment as an opportunity to examine our tax code and re-balance the scales toward working people. Cleaning up our tax code is a critical way we can mitigate the harms taking place in Washington and put Coloradans first.” Beginning for 2026 taxes, the three bills that will be introduced today would create a new Family Affordability Credit that could be taken in addition to the CTC, EITC and FATC. The credit is revenue neutral – it will adjust based on available revenue, so that families receive all the benefits from modernizing the tax code. Three bills that will be introduced today will create the new credit. The first bill prioritizes working families and ensures corporations and high-earners pay their fair share by closing tax loopholes that offer deductions for top executives’ salaries. A second bill mitigates the harm of H.R. 1 and would decouple Colorado’s tax code from four new federal tax deductions to rein in these corporate tax breaks, especially for out-of-state investments. A third bill would tax software the same, regardless of how it is acquired. Additionally, a fourth bill will be introduced in the coming days and would modernize and simplify the tax code by repealing ineffective or unnecessary special tax exemptions and deductions to expand and extend tax credits for wildfire and beetle kill mitigation, job creators, and investments in clean energy. Prioritizing Working Families , Reps. Yara Zokaie and Emily Sirota, Sens. Judy Amabile and Katie Wallace: This bill would close a tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct the salaries of their CEO, CFO and the next eight highest-paid executives—up to $1 million each—as ‘operating expenses,’ even if the executive doesn’t reside in Colorado. “We’re closing tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy and corporations so we can create a more fair tax code that puts money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and lifts families out of poverty,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When people are struggling to juggle their rent, groceries and utility bills, Trump’s corporate tax breaks for million-dollar salaries are a slap in the face for hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, Colorado Democrats are cracking down on taxpayer funded corporate giveaways to restore the balance toward middle and lower income people.” “Tax credits for working families and children are a lifeline, and they’re at risk because of the chaos from Washington,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “H.R. 1 devastated our ability to fund tax credits that lift families out of poverty and give Colorado kids a chance to succeed. This bill is about setting Colorado’s tax code on Colorado’s terms, closing corporate tax loopholes, and putting everyday Coloradans first.” “Colorado is at a crossroads– we can build an economy where everyone has a fair shot or we can protect tax breaks for CEO salaries and loopholes that allow the very wealthy to avoid paying their fair share,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The tax credits we created are helping families put food on the table, but if we don’t pass these bills, the largest corporations and wealthiest individuals will see their taxes cut while families pay more. This legislation is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to rebalance Colorado’s tax code toward working people so we can drive down child poverty and put more money back into families’ pockets.” “Just because the federal government sold out working families for huge corporate tax breaks, it doesn’t mean Colorado should do the same,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This legislation closes tax loopholes to balance the scales back toward everyday Coloradans and ensure that corporations pay their fair share in our state. By doing so, we can mitigate the harms caused by H.R. 1 and uplift more of Colorado’s working families.” The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) requires some high-income earners to pay a minimum amount of tax, regardless of how many deductions they are eligible for, but there is a state tax credit that reduces what they are required to pay under the AMT. The bill would repeal this credit, which only exists in three states. The bill would also lower the percentage of net operating loss deductions that corporations can deduct from their Colorado taxable income and shorten the length of time that they can carry those losses forward before claiming them, a technique that corporations use to avoid paying taxes year after year, even while making significant profits. Mitigating the Harm of H.R. 1 , Reps. Lorena García and Karen McCormick and Sen. Cathy Kipp: This bill would de-couple Colorado’s tax code from four business tax breaks created or expanded by H.R. 1, including certain write-offs and deductions for interest expenses on debt, especially for multi-national corporations. “Colorado Democrats are focused on building an economy that rewards hardworking people in Colorado, which is why we’re limiting corporate tax breaks so we can lower taxes for middle and lower income people,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “H.R. 1 has already had devastating impacts on our state, and Colorado Democrats are taking every step we can to undo the harm and put working families first. Our legislation would end corporate handouts paid for by Colorado taxpayers, especially for out-of-state investments, so that our tax code rewards hardworking people and uplifts families, not the largest corporations.” “The Federal H.R. 1 – the big, bad billionaires bill – included tax deductions for corporations that were automatically placed into our state tax code, whether or not they benefit Colorado businesses and workers,” said Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The changes proposed in this bill keep Colorado from spending our tax dollars on development outside of Colorado, instead putting those benefits toward the well-being of families and children in our communities.” Updating and Simplifying the Tax Code , Reps. Lorena García and Kyle Brown and Sen. Weissman: This bill, which will be introduced in the coming days, would repeal ineffective or unnecessary tax exemptions and deductions and modify others to make Colorado’s tax code more consistent and efficient. “We’re updating Colorado’s tax code to prioritize hardworking Coloradans, create jobs and reduce costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “H.R. 1 rigged Colorado’s tax code in favor of corporations and the 1%, leaving us to pick up the pieces to lessen the blow on hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, we’re leaving no stone unturned by closing tax loopholes and eliminating ineffective tax breaks to extend and expand tax credits for small businesses, wildfire mitigation and renewable energy that create jobs, boost incomes and save people money.” The bill would repeal ineffective tax exemptions for metal bullion, coins and purchases regarding space flight. It would also eliminate vendor discounts for cigarettes, nicotine and tobacco products. It also makes changes to existing tax credits, including: Increasing access to the Community Food Access Tax Credit that offers small food retailers and family farms a refundable tax credit; Renewing the Renewable Energy Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit to reward businesses that invest in projects that generate renewable energy; and Expanding the Wildfire Mitigation Tax Credit by making it a refundable tax credit and increasing eligibility to boost wildfire mitigation efforts. Expanding a tax credit for businesses that rehabilitate vacant properties. Downloadable Software , Rep. Steven Woodrow, Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Sen. Matt Ball: This bill would repeal the downloadable software exemption to ensure taxes on these products are consistent, no matter how or where they are purchased. “We’re creating a more equitable tax code for Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This tax exemption on downloadable software has been inconsistently applied, so we’re bringing this legislation to prevent Coloradans from being taxed differently due to the way the product is being delivered. Our legislation equally applies sales tax across the board to modernize Colorado’s tax code and prioritize tax relief for working people.” “After Congress changed our tax code to favor the wealthy, we’re stepping in to support working families with a new Family Affordability Credit,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver. “This legislation will also modernize our tax code to treat downloadable software the same as software you’d purchase in store, which will enable us to put money back into the hands of families who need it.” “Our bill would ensure sales tax on software isn’t being applied arbitrarily,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Whether someone purchases Microsoft Word online or in person, they should not be taxed differently. This bill would ensure that Coloradans could expect to pay the same taxes, no matter what zip code or manner in which they purchase software.” The Colorado Office of the State Auditor reported that the antiquated sales tax exemption for certain downloadable software was being applied unevenly across the state, with 14-percent of vendors not applying the exemption at all. Previous Next

Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. < Back January 17, 2025 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate Federal Investment to Secure Shoshone Water Rights DENVER, CO – Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Water Rights provide an invaluable freshwater resource for Western Slope residents, agriculture, tourism, local economies and the Colorado Way of Life. “Today is an exciting day for Colorado’s water future!,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From agriculture and outdoor recreation to protecting natural habitats and supporting local economies — securing our water future is essential. Last year, we stepped up to allocate $20 million to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure the flow of fresh water in the high country. I’m grateful for the collaboration of local leaders and governments, including the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, Governor Polis and our federal delegation, that helped secure critical funding. This is a historic opportunity to protect Colorado River water, and I applaud the Biden Administration for delivering the final piece of the funding needed for this deal.” “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights is absolutely critical for the future of water security on the Western Slope and for the entire state, and today’s announcement of a $40 million federal investment that will close the financial gap to secure the right is monumental win for Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Last year, the state legislature made a bipartisan $20 million investment in this effort, and our local partners have offered over $56 million. I want to extend my gratitude to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and the Biden administration for their advocacy to get us across the finish line.” "Permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights is a multi-generational investment in our farms and ranches, and our thriving rural economies,” said Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “Today's announcement builds upon decades of work by our predecessors to protect the river as we have known it for more than a century." “One key piece to protecting Colorado’s water future has been the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights and today, the federal government announced they’ll invest $40 million to seal the deal,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Securing one of Colorado’s oldest water rights protects the Colorado way of life on the Western Slope. The Colorado River powers local economies, preserves natural habitats and supports tourism. As a lawmaker from the Western Slope, I’m committed to preserving our freshwater resources that keep our communities powered and thriving.” “The federal government’s investment to secure the Shoshone Water Rights is a huge win for Colorado water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Last year, we worked diligently to allocate $20 million in crucial funding for the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights because we understood the necessity of protecting Colorado’s water future now. I’m thrilled the federal government has decided to fulfill the Colorado River District’s funding request. Securing our water future is essential for everything from agriculture to local development, and I’m proud Colorado will be well-positioned to secure this deal.” “Securing Shoshone’s water rights is critical to farms, ranches, outdoor recreation, and communities that depend on the Colorado River!,” said Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta . “Western Colorado is very thankful for the Federal investment in protecting the largest and most senior water right on the main stem of the Colorado River. These water rights will ensure year-round flows for healthy riparian habitats and good faith in compact compliance.” Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant holds one of Colorado’s oldest Colorado River water rights. The Shoshone ensures a steady flow of fresh water used for electricity, agriculture, recreation and local economies, and reaches as far as Grand Junction and other Western Slope communities in between. Valued at $99 million, securing the Shoshone Water Rights is vital to Colorado’s water future. Last year, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition; a combination of local leaders and governments. In November, the Colorado River District submitted a funding application to the federal government to help bridge a $40 million funding gap to purchase and protect Shoshone Water Rights, and both state and federal leaders pushed for its approval. Today, the federal government has committed to fulfilling the request. With these federal dollars, Colorado can permanently protect the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure fresh water from the Colorado River flows to the high county. Previous Next