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The House today passed a bill to save people money on prescription drugs. < Back March 25, 2024 House Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to save people money on prescription drugs. HB24-1010 would streamline prescription drug access for Coloradans with chronic, complex, rare, or life-threatening medical conditions and save them money on life-saving prescription drugs. “Health care decisions should be based on the health and safety of a patient, not dictated by profits for health care insurers,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Doctors are sometimes required to order medications for their patients through specific pharmacies, which leads to delays in care and additional costs for patients. We need to make sure Coloradans can access the medication they need, when they need it and this bill breaks down prescription drug access barriers while saving Coloradans money.” HB24-1010 , also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 48 to 15. The bill would protect Coloradans’ access to critical provider-administered prescription drugs by breaking down unnecessary barriers, including added fees, that make it difficult for patients to access their life-saving medication. The bill would: Prohibit insurance carriers from requiring certain prescription drugs to be available only by specific pharmacies, or only at in-network pharmacies, Prevent insurance carriers from limiting or excluding provider-administered prescription drugs due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy, or Prohibit insurance carriers from imposing additional fees, copayments, or coinsurance due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy or if the provider-administered drug was not provided by a pharmacy in the carrier’s network. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2019 HOUSE SENDS LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Apr. 1) – The House gave final approval today to the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This life-saving bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “Today, the House and the legislature stood up and did the right thing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “One of the reasons I ran for office was so I could tell all of you about my son Alex who lit up rooms and was beloved, and so I could tell all of you about other victims and families of gun violence. This bill will give law enforcement and families the tools that they need to stop tragedies from constantly happening and save lives.” Rep. Sullivan’s son, Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. “Colorado took a big step forward today. Today, we rejected the status quo and finally put forward meaningful change that can truly save a life,” said Majority Leader Garnett. “I am grateful for the support of Rep. Sullivan, who championed this carefully crafted bill and all those who stood shoulder to shoulder with us every step of the way. This bill is supported by the majority of Coloradans because it will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities.” HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or is at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for an ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House with bipartisan support, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, testified at a Feb. 21 House hearing on the bill. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee during the hearing how the language in the bill is legal under the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Hours of testimony during House and Senate committee hearings in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Fourteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. A U.S. Senate committee held a hearing on an ERPO bill this March. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. The House concurred with Senate amendments to the bill and it was approved on a final vote of 38-25. The bill now goes to Gov. Polis for his signature. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2021 HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN HOUSING PASSES THE HOUSE Budget integrity and economic relief and resilience bills move forward DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation to allocate federal stimulus funds to fortify Colorado’s budget and ensure the state’s long-term economic resilience. “By setting aside over $1 billion to fortify future budgets, Colorado will be positioned to grow and sustain funding for critical state services such as K-12 education, health care and agriculture programs,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’ve made a lot of progress to make our budget more equitable, and by creating this fund, we’ll be able to protect that progress and ensure we continue to make investments that help small businesses, workers, students and all Coloradans thrive.” “We have a responsibility to use some of the federal funds Colorado is receiving to ensure our budget can continue to fund the services Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “The $1 billion we’re setting aside will help buy down future obligations to ensure Colorado can make necessary investments in education, health care and housing programs that Coloradans need.” SB21-289 , which is sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Shannon Bird and passed 41-23, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will hold $1 billion of the federal funds to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado bounces back. The funds will be deployed in future budget years to support critical priorities, such as K-12 education, housing, seniors, state parks and agriculture programs. The funds essentially buy down future obligations now to bolster the long-term health of Colorado’s state budget. “We are grateful for the significant federal relief that has helped so many small businesses stay open through the pandemic, but we know many Colorado businesses are still struggling to recover,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “ The legislature is setting aside $848 million in federal funds for future economic stimulus that will help sustain our recovery. The bill we passed today invests $40 million now to attract new businesses while allowing us to take the next six to eight months to see where there are gaps in the existing relief and craft policies that will help as many businesses and workers as possible.” SB21-291 , which is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle and passed 53-11, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic. It allocates $848 million for economic stimulus and relief initiatives that will be recommended through a robust interim committee process involving a diverse set of stakeholders from across the state. Additionally, it directs $40 million to the Strategic Fund in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade in order to incentivize companies to create jobs in Colorado and small businesses to relocate to rural Colorado. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 “KEEP COLORADO WILD” PASS AND FREE STATE PARK ACCESS FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO– Two laws passed last session to make it easier for Coloradans to access state parks and recreation areas go into effect today. SB21-249 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Perry Will, creates a discounted Keep Colorado Wild Pass to increase access to and funding for Colorado’s state parks and public lands. HB21-1116 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, allows Colorado veterans with purple heart license plates and their passengers free entry to state parks and recreation areas. “The ‘Keep Colorado Pass’ will make it easier for people to enjoy some of the most incredible state parks and public lands in the country,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Starting soon, Colorado drivers will have access to cheaper park passes that will help us ensure our parks have the resources they need to flourish, protect visitors and remain open for all to enjoy.” SB21-249, also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, creates the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, a discounted state park pass which can be paid for at the time a vehicle is registered or during the registration renewal process. The pass grants entry into state parks and other public lands and the revenue collected from the pass will go toward investments in our public lands and state parks, which have taken a toll from a surge in outdoor recreation during the COVID pandemic. Also going into effect today is a bill to expand access to our state parks for veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal, sponsored by Rep. David Ortiz. “Colorado’s spectacular state parks offer tremendous benefits and recreation opportunities for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “ While we can never repay the debt we owe to all of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients, this small token of gratitude honors our veterans and ensures that cost will never be a barrier for them to access and enjoy our state parks.” HB21-1116, a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. Previous Next

< Back February 17, 2022 WILDFIRE MITIGATION MEASURES ADVANCE, WILL SAVE COLORADANS MONEY DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed three bills that will save Coloradans money on wildfire mitigation efforts and help prevent wildfires. The bills passed today continue to build on the legislature’s work from prior sessions to invest additional resources in wildfire mitigation and recovery. Last session , the legislature dedicated over $100 million to prevent and mitigate the destructive impact of wildfires in our state and help our natural environment recover from previous fires. “As wildfires become more frequent, we’re working in a bipartisan way to help homeowners save money on mitigation measures to protect their property and prevent wildfires,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “These bills will help our communities move forward after wildfires and fund local efforts to remove debris and restore damaged lands after a fire.” Saving Homeowners Money on Wildfire Mitigation: HB22-1007 , sponsored by Representatives Donald Valdez and Mike Lunch, passed unanimously and would save people money on wildfire mitigation measures. The bill extends an existing income tax deduction and creates a state income tax credit to reimburse landowners for the costs incurred in performing wildfire mitigation measures on their property. A landowner with a federal taxable income at or below $120,000 is allowed a state income tax credit equal to 25% of mitigation costs, up to $625 per year. It also creates a grant program to fund local outreach efforts to communicate best practices in wildfire mitigation and prevention to landowners. “Colorado is seeing more frequent and intense wildfires as a result of our changing climate; with these bills, Coloradans will save money on their mitigation efforts and help prevent wildfires,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery is going to be a big focus of our work this session, and I’m excited to see the hard work begin to support homeowners and local governments to help us meet the challenges ahead.” Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery: HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez, passed by a vote of 11-1. The bill expands the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program to support efforts by counties to promote the recovery of forested lands from wildfires by removing deadwood and other potential fuels as well as debris from wildfires. “I’m proud of the bipartisan legislation we’re working on this session to save people money on wildfire mitigation and prevention and support local governments,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “Wildfire isn’t a Republican or a Democratic idea. That’s why we’re working together to support our communities and continue the progress we’ve made to reduce the threat communities face from wildfires.” Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 9-3 and would leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the bill makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2023 Titone Statement on Defeated Anti-Trans Bill DENVER, CO – Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, today released the following statement on anti-trans legislation defeated by Democrats on the State, Civic, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee: “It is infuriating that trans people, their families and allies must come to the Capitol to advocate against legislation that targets our community just months after a shooter attacked LGBTQ Coloradans at Club Q – violence incited in part by dangerous rhetoric elevated by politicians with platforms. While Colorado is long past being known as ‘the hate state,’ GOP lawmakers continue to sponsor dangerous legislation that would harm trans youth. Laws like these give legitimacy to the hateful rhetoric and increase bullying, physical assaults on trans youth, and rates of suicide and self harm. “Across the country, Republican-led state legislatures are attacking LGBTQ people and passing laws that endanger trans lives by legislating away their existence. From furries in classrooms to claims of voter fraud, discredited conspiracies are fueling Republican bills that are nothing more than solutions in search of problems that don’t exist. We won’t let them pass in Colorado. House Democrats will continue to govern responsibly, focus on the most pressing needs in our communities, and defend our freedoms and democracy.” Previous Next

< Back September 27, 2021 HOUSE AND SENATE DEMS RELEASE POWERING THE COMEBACK RESOURCE GUIDE DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democrats today released the Powering the Comeback Resource Guide to help Coloradans, businesses, nonprofits, local governments and education providers access the funding, services and programs created through the 2021 Colorado Comeback State Stimulus Plan , as well as initial investments made from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which together invested roughly $1.3 billion to uplift struggling families, support small businesses, redevelop our workforce and revitalize our economy. “Our top priority in the 2021 session was to provide direct support for the small businesses, individuals and local governments that were ravaged by the pandemic,” said House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I’m proud to say we delivered on this priority, and now we’re working hard to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most. From individuals to institutions of higher education, and from small businesses to nonprofits, there’s a program available for everyone in this resource guide.” “After a year of devastation, we entered 2021 with a plan to meet the moment and deliver for Coloradans. Thanks to the successful passage of our Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan, we were able to achieve those goals,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “Today, we’re thrilled to launch this helpful resource guide that will assist Colorado families, workers, educators, businesses, nonprofits and others as they navigate the resources and funding opportunities we secured for them this session.” “The resource guide we’re unveiling today includes everything from watershed restoration grants that protect our most precious resource to workforce development programs that will help Coloradans find sustainable, fulfilling careers,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . “I’m immensely proud of the work we did this year to help build our state back stronger, and I’m excited to see these new opportunities become available for businesses, local governments and families across the state. I encourage anyone looking for assistance to look through the guide and find the program that’s right for them.” “Coloradans have been through a lot over the last year, and we know they are looking to us for support,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “As part of our ongoing economic recovery, we’re excited to provide additional tools and resources to help our communities get the vital support they need. With the help of this resource guide, Coloradans will conveniently be able to access the services and grant opportunities available to them that will help them recover and build back stronger.” During the 2021 legislative session, House and Senate Democrats passed a historic stimulus package to boost Colorado’s economy and help the state recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic. These new programs are now offering services, funding and other supports across Colorado. The Powering the Comeback Resource Guide , which will continue to be updated, is intended to serve as a tool to connect Coloradans with these newly-created programs. The resources and programs in the guide are organized by individuals, businesses, non profits, agricultural producers, early childhood, school districts and higher education, and local governments. Previous Next

< Back March 23, 2019 MCLACHLAN INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN McLachlan-Wilson bill will help invest in Colorado’s future (Mar. 22) – Rep. Barbara McLachlan and Rep. Jim Wilson, R-Salida introduced a bipartisan bill to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners. The budget from the Joint Budget Committee proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. “I am excited to introduce this bipartisan bill that will help our state’s youngest learners, especially in our rural communities, ” said Rep. McLachlan, chair of the House Education committee. “As a former teacher I understand the benefits of full-day kindergarten and the importance of investing in our children’s future. I couldn’t be prouder to sponsor this legislation because of the profound benefits it will reap for the hardworking families of our state for many years to come.” “This is great news for kids and parents across Colorado. Full-day kindergarten will help invest in young learners and break down barriers,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett. “Our kids and our state can’t wait. Let’s get this done and start investing in our most precious resource – the next generation of Coloradans.” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten but the research shows they will benefit from this learning experience. While Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. The text of HB19-1262 can be found here. Previous Next

< Back July 11, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed new legislation into law to help Colorado safely reopen by protecting workers from retaliation when they report workplace safety concerns. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez. “With ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks at workplaces in our state, we must empower workers to speak up to protect themselves and their colleagues,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “No one should be fired in Colorado for doing their part to help our state safely reopen or for protecting customers, workers or students from unsafe conditions.” “People need to feel safe going to their employers about workplace safety concerns,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Unfortunately during the COVID outbreak, too many workers experienced retaliation when they spoke up. This new law will ensure that all Coloradans can return to work safely without being forced to choose between risking their life or losing their job.” “If we don’t keep our workforce safe, then more Coloradans will fall sick, and our economic recovery will leave behind those who are struggling the most,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “These whistleblower protections will help Coloradans stay safe at work, give employees the essential right to wear a mask and keep our economic recovery on track by reducing the number and frequency of COVID-19 outbreaks.” “In order for Colorado to continue safely reopening, we must ensure that workers’ voices are heard,” said Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Businesses need to take seriously the concerns raised by their employees and not dismiss or punish those who come forward. This law will protect Coloradans and promote transparency and receptivity in the workplace. ” Until now, Colorado has had few state-level whistleblower protections, relying primarily on the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which can take years to process retaliation claims. HB20-1415 protects Colorado workers from retaliation when they raise concerns about the health and safety of their workplace to their employer, fellow coworkers, the public, or government agencies. The vast majority of businesses are being responsible and are working to keep people safe during this pandemic, but there are workers who have been fired simply because they raised concerns about safety procedures in their workplace. The new law grants workers the right to wear protective equipment, such as masks, to work, and it requires employers to inform employees of their rights to blow the whistle on unsafe conditions. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will manage implementation and investigate complaints. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2021 AG COMMITTEE ADVANCES RURAL COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS UNANIMOUSLY The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support rural economies and small businesses, and invest in critical water projects. DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today approved two bipartisan bills that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills are focused on bolstering rural economies and restoring some of the damage that wildfires have caused to our watersheds. Both passed unanimously. “The Rural Jump Start program has a proven track record of success creating jobs and supporting small businesses in economically distressed areas and coal transition communities across rural Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-229. “The funds we directed toward the Program today will make our rural economies and local communities stronger by boosting businesses that are starting up or need funds to grow.” SB21-229 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Of the grants available, new businesses can receive up to $20,000 for establishing operations in rural jump-start zones and up to $2,500 for each new job they create. While businesses establishing operations in coal transition communities (as identified in the Office of Just Transition Action Plan ) can receive up to $40,000 as well as up to $5,000 for each new job they create. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. “Last year’s fire season was among the most destructive in the history of Colorado, and it took an unspeakable toll not only on homes and communities, but also on our forests and watersheds,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB21-240. “Through a robust investment in the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program, this bill helps us mitigate some of the worst effects of droughts and wildfire seasons so we can be better prepared for what’s to come.” SB21-240 , also sponsored by Ag Committee Vice Chair Marc Catlin, transfers $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program to help watersheds recover from the impacts of wildfire. The bill also sets aside funds to conduct a statewide watershed analysis that investigates the susceptibility of life, safety, infrastructure, and water supplies to wildfire impacts. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

< Back September 5, 2019 COLORADO’S CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE EXPECTED TO GROW 9% THIS YEAR Colorado House passed landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur clean energy project DENVER, CO— The Advanced Energy Alliance today released a fact-sheet highlighting the significant growth expected this year in Colorado’s clean energy workforce. The trade group, made up of both large and small companies in the advanced energy economy, estimates that Colorado’s advanced energy workforce of over 65,000 people will grow by 9 percent this year. It attributed the growth to Colorado’s commitment to clean energy policies. Last session, the Colorado’s Democratic lawmakers passed numerous laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy and position our workforce to thrive in the green economy. “Colorado is leading the way in creating jobs in the clean energy economy because we’ve set ambitious goals and lowered the cost of using our state’s abundant renewable energy resources,” said Colorado House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Last session, we passed legislation to prioritize clean energy sources and reduce our state’s emissions by 90 percent by 2050, and we created innovative ways for utility companies to finance new clean energy projects. House Democrats will continue fighting to ensure every Coloradan has access to clean air and water and for an economy that works for everyone.” “Pollution impacts every Coloradan, which is why we are committed to taking meaningful action to protect the air we breathe, our environment and our public health,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee. “The legislation we passed will help create new jobs in renewable energy generation, and it’s clear the future is bright for this critical industry.” Earlier today, Emilie Olson of Advanced Energy Economy, which supported many of the climate and clean energy bills that passed the House last session, said in a release that “Colorado’s forward-looking energy policies are paying off.” She added to the Denver Post that our state is “reaping dividends from its energy policies and investments.” Speaker Becker and Rep. Jackson were the prime sponsors of HB19-1261, a landmark climate legislation that established pollution reduction goals in state statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2025, and ultimately by 90 percent by 2050. As market forces and innovative policies change the state’s energy economy, state Democrats are also working to support the people impacted. Last Spring, the governor signed HB19-1314, Speaker Becker’s legislation to create the Office of Just Transition in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood and economic security of workers and communities affected by the transition away from coal. Speaker Becker and Representative Chris Hansen, D-Denver, were also the prime sponsors of SB19-236, which was signed by Governor Polis. The new law established a financing mechanism to help utility companies retire coal-fired power plants quicker in order to transition to more renewable sources of energy generation. In addition, the bill directed the Public Utility Commission to evaluate the cost of carbon pollution emissions when considering projects in the future. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. < Back January 25, 2024 Amabile Suicide Prevention Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. “It is far too easy for people to access sodium nitrite products, which has unfortunately contributed to many suicide deaths in Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Suicide by sodium nitrite is becoming increasingly common, and hundreds of sodium nitrite-related suicides have been linked to a single private seller. Regulating sodium nitrite purchases will prevent suicide across our state, saving countless Colorado lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to commit suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, would regulate the sale or transfer of products that contain 10 percent or greater of sodium nitrite. Sellers would be required to verify that commercial businesses require the product before a transaction could be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators could see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next