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< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. HEROD’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REINSTATE VOTING RIGHTS FOR PAROLEES Colorado would join 14 other states in allowing those on parole to vote (Apr. 10) — The House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, with bipartisan support, that would reinstate the voting rights of individuals on parole. “Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to voter turnout and voter enfranchisement. We should be very proud of that fact,” said Rep. Herod. “Today we took another step towards expanding access to the ballot box. Parolees are hardworking individuals who pay taxes, take care of their families, contribute to their communities, and it’s past time we allow them to fully participate in our democracy.” HB19-1266 clarifies that people who are on parole have completed their “full term of imprisonment” upon release from prison, thereby restoring their right to vote. The bill would restore voting rights to approximately 10,000 Coloradans who are now disenfranchised. Parolees are denied the ability to vote because current law defines the “full term of imprisonment” to include the period of parole. The Colorado Supreme Court has stated that the state legislature has the authority to redefine the “full term of imprisonment.” The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 45-19 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2021 CO HOUSE LEADERSHIP APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE BILL DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar released the following statements after the U.S. Senate gave approval to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bill to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in American infrastructure. “I’m heartened to see Washington politicians putting partisanship aside to make a much needed investment in our country’s infrastructure,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The bill championed by President Biden and passed by the Senate today will direct billions of dollars toward necessary improvements to our roads, bridges, rail, public transit, the electric grid, water systems, and broadband. The work we did at the state level this year, like passing SB-260, will allow Colorado to quickly and sustainably capitalize on this funding. I will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and look forward to its final passage.” “Today’s bipartisan bill passage is a win that every Coloradan can celebrate,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This historic investment in American infrastructure will create jobs, modernize our country’s transportation and keep us better connected. I’m particularly excited to see this bill direct robust funding toward passenger rail, bringing us one big step closer to making projects like Front Range Rail a reality.” Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. SIROTA: LIMIT CONTRIBUTIONS IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES DENVER, CO– The House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs today advanced Rep. Emily Sirota’s bill to set a maximum contribution limit of $2,500 in school board elections by a vote of 7-2. “Money is corrupting our political system, and we need to address it at every level, especially when it’s taking direct aim at our children’s education,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “Spending in school board races is out of control and getting larger each year. It’s time to put limits on contributions in school board races to curb the influence of high-dollar donors in our democracy.” Unlike federal elections, Colorado House and Senate elections and county elections, there are currently no limits on campaign contributions in school board races. Spending in school board races in Colorado is growing rapidly, and donors, sometimes from out of state, are contributing tens of thousands of dollars to individual candidates, amounts substantially above federal and state contribution limits in other races. HB20-1066 would set contribution limits in school director elections at $2,500 per individual donor. These limits would be adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill subjects school board candidates to existing disclosure laws, including requiring school board candidates to file contribution reports in a similar manner to state House and Senate candidates. Previous Next

Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. < Back March 21, 2023 Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds Third Meeting, Seeks Solutions to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. “We’ve been investigating the reasons behind Coloradans’ record high energy bills, and now we’re looking to take the next step in order to better understand what exactly we here in the legislature can do about it,” said Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “We heard a lot of good ideas today such as looking at how we evaluate new infrastructure investments that will take decades to repay, and exploring ways we can address volatility so consumers aren’t stuck shouldering the majority of the burden when prices spike. One thing is clear: Coloradans are fed up with bearing the brunt of inflated energy bills. Now, after weeks of information gathering, the committee is ready to turn its attention to providing better protections for consumers, and eventually delivering lower energy bills for Colorado families.” "The Joint Select Committee has heard from industry experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to develop a better understanding of what is leading to record utility costs," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Coloradans are facing higher-than-normal energy bills, and it is our responsibility to make sure utility companies aren’t passing along unnecessary costs onto their ratepayers. This committee has been presented with many innovative ideas to balance risks and rewards as we move closer to identifying long-term, cost-saving solutions." "As a Joint Select Committee, we've been asking the tough questions and having important conversations surrounding skyrocketing utility rates," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "During this process, first-hand accounts from Coloradans as well as testimony from utility company representatives and policy experts have helped us better understand the need to balance out the risks of market volatility so ratepayers aren’t carrying all the burden. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues on policy that will better protect Coloradans from avoidable utility price hikes." “Over the past few weeks, it's been fascinating to take a deep dive into the factors driving Colorado’s rising utility rates, as we've heard from utility company representatives, advocates, and Colorado’s energy specialists,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “With that grounding, we've now begun to hear from experts about potential solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure our utilities are better planning for future needs and infrastructure, protect consumers from questionable pass through costs and ultimately save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” The Committee heard testimony from Meera Fickling of Western Resource Advocates , David Pomerantz of the Energy & Policy Institute , Albert Lin of the Pearl Street Station Finance Lab , Ron Lehr, former Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner, and Michelle Brandt King , a local attorney with Holland and Hart that represents large power users. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place in the coming weeks. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO ENHANCE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 1) – The House voted in strong bipartisan support to pass Rep. Meg Froelich’s Child & Youth Behavioral Health System Enhancements to curb youth suicide in Colorado by making it easier for families to locate and access the behavioral healthcare they need. “We have a mental health crisis in Colorado, one that knows no party lines,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately, there are kids that are in pain and are not getting the timely and appropriate help they need. We need to provide more resources for teens, kids and their families to access the services they need to get help.” SB19-195 would create the Office of Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Coordination in the Office of the Governor, a central agency to coordinate mental and behavioral health resources statewide. Additionally, it would create a commission to study and recommend how to best coordinate and provide such services. The bill would also standardize the screening and assessments that doctors use to identify potential behavioral concerns. Nearly 9 out of every 100,000 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 die by suicide. In Colorado, that number is nearly twice the national average at 17.6 out of every 100,000 teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Help is available. If you are struggling, please text TALK to 38255 or call 844-493-8255. SB19-195 passed with a bipartisan vote of 52-13. It now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back January 10, 2022 SPEAKER GARNETT MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today made additional committee appointments for the Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Representative Dominique Jackson who was appointed Administrator of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Region 8. “I’m excited to make these committee appointments and begin our work moving Colorado forward,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This session, we’re going to redouble our efforts on saving people money and delivering transformational changes that position Colorado for the future and build a stronger, safer and healthier Colorado for all. Many Coloradans are feeling the acute pressures of the pandemic, so we’ll continue our efforts to help Coloradans keep more of their hard-earned money in their wallets.” Majority Committee Assignments for the Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly Agriculture, Livestock and Water Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Chair Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, Vice Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Vacant–to be filled by the Representative from HD42 Appropriations Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Vice Chair Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep. Cathy Kipp, D- Fort Collins Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Business Affairs and Labor Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Education Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, Chair Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, Vice Chair Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, Chair Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, Vice Chair Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, Chair Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, Vice Char Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Health and Insurance Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, Chair Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, Vice Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, Chair Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, Vice Chair Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, Chair Rep, Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, Chair Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, Vice Chair Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Vacant–to be filled by the Representative from HD42 Previous Next

SB24-189 adds gender identity and gender expression to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws < Back June 28, 2024 Legislation to Protect More Coloradans from Bias-Motivated Crimes Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation that will protect more Coloradans from bias-motivated crimes goes into effect on July 1. SB24-189 , sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, improves protections for Coloradans by adding gender identity and gender expression to the classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “Every Coloradan deserves to feel secure in their community, but far too many folks have been targeted because of who they are or how they identify,” Fields said. “As trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks face increasing threats across the country, we will continue fighting to make our state safer for all Coloradans and provide better protections against bias-motivated crime and harassment.” "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," Weissman said. "This new law bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." “Colorado has been a national leader when it comes to advancing equality and protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” Hansen said. “This bill will help protect Coloradans from violence or harassment based on their gender identity or gender expression, and will help ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable for their actions. I’m pleased to champion this legislation that will help more Coloradans feel secure and keep people in our communities safe.” The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in our bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. Previous Next

House sponsors of new legislation to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil action for damages related to conversion therapy today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban: < Back March 31, 2026 Valdez, McCormick Statement on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Decision DENVER, CO – House sponsors of new legislation to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil action for damages related to conversion therapy today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban: Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont: “We’re deeply disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban. We will say it loud and clear – conversion therapy does not work, and many mental health and medical organizations agree that conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful. The LGBTQ+ community already faces higher rates of depression and suicide, and conversion therapy only makes things worse. “In Colorado, you belong just the way you are. Now more than ever, we must protect LGBTQ+ Coloradans from the harmful practice that is conversion therapy. We vow to keep moving forward to safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado.” HB26-1322 passed the House Judiciary Committee last week. It would allow an individual who was subject to damaging conversion therapy to bring a civil cause of action against certain professionals who cause damages from efforts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2019, Colorado Democrats passed a law to ban state-licensed medical or mental health care providers from providing conversion therapy to minors. Under this law, claims against providers must be filed within two years. HB26-1322 would remove this time restriction, and if the impacted individual has passed away, their representative could bring a survival action within five years of the individual’s death. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would allow notifications for vehicle registration, license plate renewals, and other motor vehicle transactions to be sent electronically. HB24-1089 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 11, 2024 Hamrick Bill Improves DMV Process, Allows Electronic Communications DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would allow notifications for vehicle registration, license plate renewals, and other motor vehicle transactions to be sent electronically. HB24-1089 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “Electronic communication is the norm, and Coloradans should be given the option to receive DMV transactions and notifications electronically,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Printing and mailing these communications cost counties hundreds of thousands of dollars every single year. With this bill, we can save counties money while making it easier for Coloradans to navigate the DMV.” HB24-1089 , also sponsored by Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would create an opt-in option for electronic notifications for transactions and notices, including vehicle registration expiration, plate or placard renewal, fleet vehicle registration renewal, dealer license plate and depot tag issuance, and missing documentation. The bill would not allow for the revocation of a vehicle registration or license plate to be sent electronically. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 HOUSE PASSES FY20-21 LONG BILL DENVER, CO — Joint Budget Committee Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today released the following statements after the House passed the FY20-21 Long Bill ( HB20-1360 ) by a vote of 41-23. Lawmakers have spent the last six weeks working to responsibly balance the budget and prioritize funding for education and critical health and safety services. “This was a really difficult budget, and we had to make a lot of painful decisions,” said JBC Chair Esgar, D-Pueblo. “It’s not easy to govern and craft a balanced budget in these economically dire times. I’m proud of the way we came together to govern responsibly and protect our most vulnerable Coloradans as we prioritized funding for education and critical health and safety services. I am grateful for the tireless work of our nonpartisan staff, my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee, and my colleagues in the House Democratic caucus that dug in to help find compassionate and responsible solutions to help our state overcome this crisis.” “We had to make painful decisions on proposals for heartbreaking cuts to responsibly craft a budget that serves our most vulnerable and protects as much money as possible for K-12 education,” said JBC Member Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We rejected cuts that would devastate Coloradans with intellectual or developmental disabilities and kick children off their health insurance. It isn’t the budget we wanted to pass, but I’m proud of the work the JBC did to meet the needs of vulnerable Coloradans during this unprecedented and dire budget crisis.” The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a $3.3 billion budget shortfall. With Congress’s failure to provide additional relief to states, lawmakers were forced to cut over 20 percent of the budget that the legislature controls, which covers core state priorities such as K-12 education, higher education and critical health and safety services. The House also passed HB20-1366 , which makes significant reforms to the higher education funding formula. The product of months of stakeholding, the new formula focuses on student outcomes, helps secure the long-term sustainability of rural institutions and protects the rural economies that rely on public colleges and universities. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. SB25-006 passed by a vote of 42-20. < Back April 11, 2025 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. SB25-006 passed by a vote of 42-20. “Every Coloradan deserves the chance to realize their dream of becoming a homeowner,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “I’m proudly sponsoring this bipartisan effort to help build more ‘starter housing’ for hardworking Coloradans. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access stable housing and build equity and generational wealth.” SB25-006 , also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SUPPORT PEACE OFFICERS’ MENTAL HEALTH DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill to direct additional resources to expand access to behavioral health care for peace officers. “SB5 is such an important bill to support our law officers because it will provide them with the resources they may need after experiencing difficult situations while serving their communities,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill will help law enforcement departments recruit and retain qualified peace officers, and it ensures that we have their backs when they need help.” SB22-005 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Dan Woog, passed by a vote of 55-5. It would direct $3 million to a program that helps law enforcement agencies retain and recruit qualified and trained POST-certified officers. The funding would expand access to behavioral health and counseling support for law enforcement officers to prevent peace officer suicide deaths. Previous Next