< Back February 26, 2020 TIPPER’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPARENCY BILL PASSES COMMITTEE The House Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Representative Kerry Tipper’s bill on telecommunications data in jails. The bill would require telecommunication providers who operate in jails to provide data related to the calls made by inmates in jail on a quarterly basis. “Affordable phone calls lower recidivism and massively improve the wellbeing of both incarcerated individuals and their families on the outside,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This bill would bring much-needed transparency to a murky system and give us a better idea of where profits are going. I’m proud that the committee approved the measure today and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” In-state long distance or local calls in Colorado’s correctional facilities can cost up to $0.99 per minute depending on the facility– and inmates’ loved ones shoulder the expenses. At 50 percent, Colorado’s recidivism rate is 10 percent higher than the national rate. A November 2011 study by the Minnesota Department of Corrections found that regular communication with a loved one can reduce the risk of felony reconviction by 13 percent and technical violations by 25 percent. Some government agencies, including counties and cities, receive a commission from telecommunication service providers. The commissions drive up the cost of jail phone calls, making it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with loved ones. In a 2013 contract between the city of Denver and Securus Technologies, the telecommunication corporation agreed to pay the city 80 percent commission on all debit calls within the system. HB20-1267 would require telecommunications providers to provide a copy of the existing contract between the provider and the jail that they service to the public utilities commission. Additionally, telecommunications providers must also provide the rates for in and out-of-state phone calls as well as the fees that are charged to the inmate making phone calls. The commission is required to publish all of this data and report on its website in a format accessible by the public. Previous Next

Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. < Back December 22, 2023 Laws to Save Coloradans Money, Protect the Environment, and Reduce Emissions To Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, incentivizes the advancement and adoption of clean transportation such as electric vehicles (EV), high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Coloradans and businesses will save an average $65 million each year with specific tax credits ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “This new law will save Coloradans and businesses money on electric vehicles, e-bikes, clean energy sources, and energy efficient technologies like heat pumps in order to improve our air quality and help us meet our climate goals,” said Weissman. “We’re committed to combating climate change, and this monumental legislation invests in clean, sustainable energy sources that will jumpstart Colorado’s clean energy economy.” “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” Fenberg said. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “Under this law, we’re reducing the cost of clean energy technologies so more Coloradans can use them in their everyday lives – from commuting to work to heating or cooling their homes,” said Joseph. “Starting in January, Coloradans and businesses will be able to claim an expanded tax credit for electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy efficient technologies. Through these smart investments, we’re boosting Colorado’s clean energy economy, creating jobs, and saving people money on the technologies we need to deploy to address our climate crisis.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation go into effect.” A portion of HB23-1272 took effect earlier this year, including increasing the income tax credit for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to $5,000 and will decrease over time. Some of the specific EV tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include: An additional $2,500 tax credit for electric or plug-in vehicles with a retail price of $35,000 or lower; Boosting the tax credit for light-duty trucks to $5,000 (will decrease over time); and Boosting the tax credit for medium-duty trucks to $12,000 (will decrease over time) HB23-1272 also outlines specific tax incentives to encourage large-scale reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through new and innovative technologies. Some of the specific tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include new refundable tax credits for: Geothermal energy project expenditures that meet certain criteria; The production of geothermal electricity; The installation of heat pump technology or a thermal energy network that meets certain industry standards; and The creation of a sustainable aviation fuel production facility. On April 1, 2024, an additional element of HB23-1272 will go into effect. It creates a $500 tax credit for e-bikes retailers. Of the $500 tax credit, $450 will be passed along to the consumer. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, aims to save Coloradans money by expediting electrification and updating Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science. It would add interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050.The portion of the SB23-016 going into effect on January 1 will help Colorado meet those goals by reducing the cost of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers with a new income tax credit available to retailers and provided to purchasers as a discount. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we are tackling this challenge head on by implementing policy that will speed up electrification so we can reduce emissions and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This tax credit will save Coloradans money on battery-powered lawn equipment to encourage their use over noisy and polluting gas powered equipment,” said McCormick. “This law will help keep Colorado on a strong path forward to combat climate change and bring us closer to meeting our state’s climate goals.” “Coloradans are demanding climate action, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect the planet for future generations,” said Sirota. “With this law, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality by reducing the cost of electric lawn equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other tools. Electrifying lawn equipment is one piece of this important legislation that protects our environment and saves Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.” To help meet Colorado’s emissions goals, SB23-016 also requires the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state. Previous Next

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns Becomes Law SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” into law. Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, SB23-279 prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a frame or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer. Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws, and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections. “Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home - and they’re extremely dangerous,” Fields said. “We worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this new law is a big step towards reaching that goal. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safer Colorado for us all.” "Colorado Democrats have passed significant gun violence prevention legislation in recent years, but ghost guns bypass these life-saving firearm protections and make our communities more vulnerable to gun violence,” Boesenecker said. “Unserialized guns allow for dangerous individuals to possess a firearm and makes it harder for victims to seek accountability for gun crimes. With this new law, Colorado is cracking down on unserialized firearm parts so we can save more lives from senseless gun violence and improve accountability for victims and their families." “Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we will get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.” "Too many Coloradans have been affected by gun violence, and ghost guns are becoming increasingly prevalent in crime scenes,” Joseph said. “Through DIY kits or 3D printers, anyone can access a ghost gun on demand without going through the background check process. Our new commonsense law will prevent ghost guns from being in the hands of those seeking to harm themselves or others and keep our communities safer by limiting access to dangerous and untraceable firearms." Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun. Previous Next

Bills will protect patients & providers, prohibit deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers, and ensure critical care remains affordable & accessible < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Democrats Introduce Historic Package to Secure Safe Access to Protected Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers today introduced an historic package of bills that will allow all Coloradans safe access to the essential and affirming health care they need to thrive. Democrats introduced legislation that will improve protections for patients and providers, prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. “The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, which puts critical reproductive care for too many of our neighbors out of reach,” Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver said. “I am proud to be part of the coalition championing the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package. The bills we are introducing today will protect the rights and privacy of patients and providers who seek abortion or gender affirming care, prohibit deliberate health care misinformation in our communities, and make it easier and more affordable for folks to access the health care they need to thrive.” "This landmark package of legislation breaks down the barriers that too often prevent Coloradans from accessing our legal right to protected health care, abortion and gender affirming care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our comprehensive approach to protected health care improves access to safe, legal reproductive and gender affirming health care. Our rights are under attack across the country, and it’s important for Colorado to lead the way in not only protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, but to do everything in our power to break down the inequitable economic and social barriers that stand in the way of the care people need.” “Everyone should be able to seek life-saving reproductive and affirming care without interference or shame - it is a fundamental expression of the American values of freedom, privacy, and self-determination that we all hold dear,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Longmont. “These bills represent an important step forward in our goal to keep abortion safe, transparent, and accessible in Colorado, and will help improve the health and well-being of communities across our state.” “Abortion is legal in Colorado but legality does not equal accessibility. Lower income communities and Coloradans of color face larger barriers and a disproportionate lack of access to protected health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Today, we’re rolling out an historic reproductive health care package that will help break down systemic barriers that have made it harder for people of color in Colorado to receive the care they need. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve access to health care, protect patients and providers, and stop the spread of dangerous anti-abortion misinformation to secure reproductive justice for all.” Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills introduced Thursday include: Protecting Health Care Patients, Providers, and Assistors Sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, this bill establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. It also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care Services Sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, this bill works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. It would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. The bill also expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. It also makes it possible for patients to utilize Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation service to get to and from their abortion services, further breaking down accessibility barriers faced by many Colorado Medicaid patients. Finally, in order to protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality on shared insurance coverage, this bill further creates a state fund that providers can bill directly for their patient’s reproductive health care services. It also priotizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers Sponsored by Sens. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, this bill will protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers. It declares prescribing, offering, or facilitating a “medication abortion reversal” unprofessional conduct for licensed or certified health care providers. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2023 Bill to Save Renters Money on Housing Applications Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill that saves Coloradans money on rental applications. It passed by a vote of 7-3. “Rental application fees average from $40 per adult, which has doubled in the last few decades and will only continue to rise,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “With rapidly increasing rental costs and limited housing availability, Coloradans shouldn’t have to spend multiple rental application fees in the course of a single home search.” “Coloradans shouldn’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars on rental applications,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Tenants sometimes apply for dozens of housing options to secure just one unit and must pay for every application that is required throughout the rental process. By allowing them to reuse documents including rental and credit history and criminal records for a limited amount of time, renters will save more money to cover the cost of rent, rental deposits, movers, groceries, health care, or other necessary expenses.” HB23-1099 builds off the Rental Application Fairness Act that was passed by Colorado Democrats in 2019 by allowing prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. It also minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Under this bill, a landlord must return an application to a potential tenant to reuse if the application is denied and provide a notice of the applicant’s right to dispute the accuracy of the report. Rental and credit history reports and criminal record documents must come from consumer reporting agencies to be eligible for reuse. The bill authorizes the Attorney General’s office to enforce the Rental Application Fairness Act if landlords refuse to accept these reusable applications at no additional cost within the 30-day window. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 House Welcomes Rep Kyle Brown to 74th General Assembly DENVER, CO - Speaker Julie McCluskie swore in Representative Kyle Brown today to fill the vacancy in House District 12. “I’m so excited to fight for legislation that will make a real difference for the community I grew up in,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “From taking climate action and creating affordable housing to helping our community recover from the Marshall Fire, I’m ready to get to work to help address the most pressing needs in our communities. I look forward to using my experience on the Louisville City Council and in health care policy to deliver results that move Colorado forward.“ Representative Kyle Brown represents House District 12, which includes Lafayette, Louisville, Niwot, and Superior. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgetown and his Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard before returning to Louisville with his wife and kids. His background in public service includes serving on the Louisville City Council and as Deputy Commissioner for Affordability Programs at the Colorado Division of Insurance. He worked closely on designing and implementing the Colorado Option and advised US Senators and Colorado governors on issues involving health care, education, human services, and economic security issues. Rep Brown has been appointed to the House Health and Insurance Committee and the House State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BUENTELLO-KIPP BILL TO INCLUDE SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS IN GRADUATION RATES Bill headed to Senate following 62-0 vote (Feb. 5) – The House overwhelmingly approved Rep. Bri Buentello and Rep. Cathy Kipp’s bill to require Colorado schools to count students who are enrolled in special education and who complete the minimum graduation requirements in state-and-local high school graduation rates. “Every student across Colorado deserves to be counted when they complete high school,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “We shouldn’t punish school districts and this bill would allow for students like my son, who is on the autism spectrum, to be counted toward the graduation rate.” Currently, special education students who have met the minimum graduation requirements, but who will continue receiving transition services in a district, do not count towards the school and district’s graduation rates until they leave the system. “This straightforward bill will help school districts and students alike,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “We will continue working to ensure our students and schools are given every opportunity to succeed.” Rep. Kipp is a former member of the Poudre School District Board of Education. HB19-1066 was approved on a vote of 62-0. The bill now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 3, 2019 DRIVER’S LICENSE EXPANSION PROGRAM RECEIVES BIPARTISAN HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVAL Many members of agricultural workforce are forced to drive 600 miles for one of few appointments available (Apr. 3) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, which would expand on SB13-251, a program that provides driver’s licenses to all Colorado residents, regardless of immigration status. There are currently only four appointment offices that grant these driver’s licenses in the state. “In 2013, the legislature took the right steps towards better making our roads safer and protecting the public,” said Rep. Galindo. “Agriculture is an economic driver and employs many of our friends and families. This program is necessary to the health and wealth of our community and ensures we have more resources available to empower our workers while keeping our roads safe.” Without transportation, people have more difficulty finding jobs and keeping them, especially in the agricultural sector, where mass transit options are often limited. This is a problem not only for the farm workers but also for their employers. SB19-139 carries out the full intent of the 2013 law by establishing appointment offices in rural areas to ensure that Colorado farmers have the workforce they need. It will require the Department of Revenue to issue these types of driver’s licenses at 10 or more offices across the state. “Among other things, this bill will also improve the safety of our roads,” said Rep. Singer. “By providing the proper testing, training and insurance, it will improve the safety of our public and our roads.” Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of SB18-108 which removed obstacles that have restricted access to a program launched in 2013 to provide driver’s licenses to all Colorado residents, regardless of immigration status. The self-funded program gives all drivers the opportunity to prove that they are qualified to get behind the wheel and allows them to obtain insurance. SB19-139 will ensure rural communities and agricultural workers can access driver’s licenses in all four corners of the state. It will also help to increase the size of the workforce of local businesses, specifically in the agricultural industry. The bill passed the House Transportation and Local Government committee with a bipartisan vote of 8-3. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House today passed a bipartisan bill by a vote of 62 to 3 to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement. < Back April 26, 2023 McCluskie Bill to Increase Affordable Health Care Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bipartisan bill by a vote of 62 to 3 to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement. “Community Health Workers play an essential role providing Coloradans with affordable health care services, but their funding has usually come from time-limited grants or through non-profits,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bipartisan legislation would seek Medicaid reimbursement for community health services, boosting our health care workforce so Coloradans will have better access to the affordable health care services they need.” SB23-002 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, would save money on health care by providing a lower cost option for preventative health care and seeks Medicaid reimbursement for community health workers that would incentivize growth in the workforce. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be authorized to seek federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services, which would secure long-term funding to make urgently-needed care both easier to access and more affordable for the Coloradans who depend on it. Services provided by community health workers include preventative services, screening, assessments, behavioral or dental health-related services, health coaching, and advocacy. The bill requires HCPF to seek federal approval by July 1, 2024, and to begin implementing coverage once approval is received. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2019 DURAN & LONTINE’S BILL TO ENSURE PREGNANT MOMS HAVE ACCESS TO DENTAL SERVICES THROUGH CHP+ GETS GREEN LIGHT Bill will lead to healthy mothers and healthy babies (Feb. 22) – The House floor approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran and Rep. Susan Lontine that will extend eligibility for dental coverage to pregnant women insured through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) on second reading. Through this bill, all enrollees in this program can benefit from dental coverage. The bill will help nearly 900 pregnant women who are insured through CHP+. “As a dental assistant, I’ve seen many pregnant women come in with dental issues that can affect their baby,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, a certified dental assistant.. “Due to hormonal and diet changes during pregnancy, women are particularly susceptible to gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth decay, that can spread to their babies and cause low birth weight among other issues. This is really important to all of us.” Currently, the medical services board only offers dental services for eligible children enrolled in a CHP+. About 25 percent of all pregnant women in Colorado lack dental insurance coverage. CHP+ is health insurance for children and for pregnant women over the age of 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. “This bill improves the health of women, their pregnancy outcomes, and the health of new babies,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Having healthy moms leads to healthy babies, and this is something we all want to see.” HB 19-1038 passed on second reading with bipartisan support through a voice vote. It must go through final reading on the House floor before it gets sent to the Senate. ATTACHED: Headshot of Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge and Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Previous Next

< Back December 16, 2020 ER NURSE REP KYLE MULLICA RECEIVES COVID VACCINE DENVER, CO — This morning, House Democratic Caucus Co-Whip Rep. Kyle Mullica received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. As an emergency room nurse, Rep. Mullica is a frontline health care provider with direct contact with COVID-19 patients and is among the first people in Colorado to receive the vaccine. “Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today means I’ll be able to continue and expand my work in the ER,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “It also means that the end of this pandemic is finally within reach. The vaccine is not only safe and effective, it is the cornerstone of our plan to beat this pandemic once and for all. I’m grateful to all of my fellow frontline health care workers who have been on the front lines in hospitals across the country. It’s been a long year battling this virus, but the end is in sight.” Last session, Rep. Mullica was the sponsor of SB20-163, a bill signed into law earlier this year that aims to boost Colorado’s low immunization rates by streamlining our vaccine exemption process. In his role as an ER nurse, Rep. Mullica worked in the Cook County Jail in Illinois, where he cared for patients during a critical COVID-19 outbreak in April and May. Previous Next

More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable < Back June 5, 2024 SIGNED! New Law Will Improve Black Maternal Health Care Coverage More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation that aims to improve perinatal health outcomes, especially in Black and historically marginalized communities. SB24-175 , sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, requires large employer health benefit plans to cover doula services in alignment with Medicaid. The law also instructs hospitals that provide labor and delivery or neonatal care services to participate in at least one maternal or infant health quality improvement initiative. Additionally, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will contract with a Colorado perinatal care quality collaborative to provide maternal and infant health equity improvement initiatives to hospitals; track disparity and health outcome data; and address disparate outcomes particularly among American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Black birthing populations. “The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any rich country and significant disparities in outcomes – and the crisis will continue to worsen unless we act,” said Fields. “This law is incredibly important as it addresses gaps in coverage and holds hospitals accountable for ensuring equitable care for all people, and I’m proud to see it signed today.” “Addressing the access gap in health care coverage is the first step we can take to reduce our country’s maternal mortality rate, which is far too high and disproportionately high for Black, American Indian and rural mothers,” said McLachlan. “To improve health outcomes for expecting mothers, including those in rural and remote areas, we need to ensure they have access to a range of perinatal care and that it’s covered by their insurance. I’m proud to have sponsored this law to keep expecting mothers and their newborns safe.” “No Black woman should lose their life, or come close to losing their life, in an attempt to birth their child,” Buckner said. “While maternal mortality rates around the world fell 44 percent, maternal mortality rates in the United States increased by 16.7 percent during that same period of time. It's unacceptable. Working to solve our maternal health crisis – especially for Black and historically marginalized communities – will lead to better economic, health, and social outcomes while saving lives.” “As a new mother myself, I want the best possible outcomes for all expecting mothers. Yet, our country’s maternal mortality rate reflects a different reality, especially for Black mothers,” said Jodeh. “This law works to combat the maternal mortality rate by encouraging hospitals to focus on improving their maternal or infant health outcomes, expanding insurance coverage for doula services and improving health equity training for birthing health care providers.” Under this law, CDPHE will create a program that provides financial support to hospitals in rural areas, hospitals serving a higher percentage of Medicaid and uninsured patients, or hospitals with lower-acuity maternal and neonatal care. Lastly, it requires coverage of over-the-counter and prescribed choline supplements for pregnant people. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. According to the CDC, multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality health care, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. SB24-175 intends to address systemic racism in health care and develop better and more culturally informed care for historically marginalized communities. Previous Next