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Bill to require three day waiting period advances DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence. < Back March 10, 2023 Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Bill Advances in House Bill to require three day waiting period advances DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence. “A 3 day waiting period requirement for the purchase of a firearm is commonsense, evidence-based policy supported by 72 percent of Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “We’re here to deliver on our promise to pass legislation that protects more Coloradans from becoming victims of senseless gun violence.” “I’ve seen firsthand how a ‘cooling off’ period is crucial in saving a life from preventable gun death,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “Research shows that this gun violence prevention policy is effective in reducing gun deaths from both suicide and homicide. Our bill is one step of many that Colorado Democrats are taking to improve public safety and make significant progress in reducing gun violence in our communities.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 would require a gun purchaser to wait three days from the initiation of the background check or an approved background check, whichever is later, until they could be in possession of their newly purchased gun. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses. The bill would not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military servicemember who is set to deploy overseas and their family. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. < Back January 22, 2024 House Committee Passes Bill to Expand Wildfire Prevention Awareness DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. HB24-1024 , sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Elizabeth Velasco, passed by a vote of 10-2. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan, whether they live in the foothills, forested areas or rural areas, to know how they can protect their homes and businesses,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies, such as reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes. Combating wildfires begins with good mitigation, and this bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these effective strategies.” “We’re taking steps to reduce destructive wildfires and protect our communities, businesses and homes,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Colorado’s rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage, and this legislation extends an education and outreach campaign to increase residential mitigation efforts. Reducing wildfire risk in our backyards begins with awareness, and this legislation shares important tactics to help Coloradans protect their homes in the wake of a wildfire.” HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. This bill was created through the Wildfire Matters Review Committee , which spearheaded legislation to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. MULLICA: WE CAN AND MUST ADDRESS TEEN NICOTINE USE Prime sponsor of nicotine regulation bill addresses Lung Association report that calls for action on teen nicotine use and Colorado’s highest in the nation e-cigarette use DENVER, CO– Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn), the prime sponsor of HB20-1001, today released the following statement after the American Lung Association published its updated State of Tobacco Control grades, which assessed Colorado an “F” grade in several categories: “This report shows just how critical it is that we revamp our state’s nicotine laws to combat the teen vaping epidemic. We can and must address teen nicotine use. I’m proud that my Democratic colleagues have made HB20-1001 a top priority. This bill would address several of the concerns raised in the American Lung Association Report, including by enacting a statewide tobacco retailer licensing program. It would give our state the tools to finally crack down on underage sales of tobacco products, end flashy electronic advertising outside retailers that appeal to our youth, and close the online sales loophole for vaping products.” HB20-1001, which has bipartisan sponsorship by Representatives Mullica and Colin Larson would raise the minimum age of sale for cigarettes, tobacco and other nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices, to 21 years of age and add enforcement measures. It would require every retailer of nicotine products to be licensed by the Liquor Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue, increase compliance checks, prohibit new retail locations within 500 feet of schools and create new fines and penalties for failing to obtain a license or for selling products to people under age 21. It also holds retailers accountable for preventing underage sales by removing the criminal penalty for minors who purchase these products. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ACCESS TO FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS This bill maintains dignity to women while in custody (Mar. 20) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who are in custody immediately and free of charge. “If you can’t say the word tampon, then don’t restrict access to one,” said Rep. Herod. “Women’s bodies are different, and we need to ensure that we are treating all women, especially those that are in custody, with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” Under current policies, some county jails provide limited menstrual hygiene products to inmates, while some provide none. HB 19-1224 requires all local jails, multijurisdictional jails, and municipal jails to provide menstrual hygiene products to people in custody at no expense. HB19-1224 passed by a unanimous vote of 65-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill follows legislation from 2017, sponsored by Rep. Herod and Senator Winter, which required that the Department of Corrections provide free menstrual hygiene products to those in state prisons and other DOC facilities. Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2021 POLIS SIGNS TAX FAIRNESS PACKAGE AND BILL TO LOWER PROPERTY TAXES DENVER, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the tax fairness package that will boost economic support for hard working families and eliminate the business personal property tax for two-thirds of the businesses that currently have to pay it. Polis also signed SB21-293, which will temporarily reduce property taxes. “Without a doubt, our tax code is more fair today because the package we passed and Governor Polis signed today puts working families and small businesses ahead of well-connected and wealthy special interests,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Colorado will build back stronger because we made the choice to provide significant assistance to the families and small businesses who are critical to the success of our local communities by ending ineffective tax windfalls and loopholes for those at the very top.” “Soon, over 300,000 families and tens of thousands of small businesses will see direct economic assistance for years to come because Democrats in the legislature made the decision to bring more fairness to our tax system,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The package Governor Polis signed today will expand opportunities for hard working Coloradans, families and small businesses instead of continuing tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations.” HB21-1311 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Emily Sirota, would boost the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 25 percent of the federal credit through tax year 2025. The bill also provides economic assistance to hard working Coloradans and families by funding the state’s Child Tax Credit, which was created in 2013, but has never been funded. In order to provide this relief, the bill closes loopholes primarily used for tax avoidance or which only benefit three-tenths of a percent of taxpayers. HB21-1312 , also sponsored by Representatives Weissman and Sirota and which was endorsed by the Colorado Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, would eliminate business personal property taxes (BPPT) for over two-thirds of the businesses that remit BPPT. Currently, businesses with under $7,900 in business personal property do not have to pay BPPT. The bill increases this exemption to $50,000. In addition to providing an important tax cut to tens of thousands of small businesses, raising the exemption means businesses will no longer have to complete and submit burdensome paperwork needed to claim the BPPT exemption. In order to provide this relief, the bill modifies ineffective tax subsidies for the largest businesses, such as strengthening the criteria insurance companies must meet in order receive a 50 percent discount on their insurance premium tax rate. Many of the tax expenditures that these bills seek to close or limit were identified by the State Auditor as ineffective and only benefit a small number of businesses and Colorado’s wealthiest taxpayers. The package seeks to narrow expenditures that benefit only a few individuals and large businesses in order to provide broad tax relief to large numbers of hard working Coloradans and small businesses. Governor Polis also signed SB21-293 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Matt Gray, which would temporarily lower property tax assessment rates on several classes of residential and commercial property. The bill creates three new subclasses of non-residential property: agricultural, lodging, and renewable energy production property. It also establishes multi-family residential property as a new subclass of residential property. The bill applies new, lower assessment rates to these property classes. “Today, we are responsibly reducing property tax rates and targeting assistance to the Coloradans who need it the most, and at the same time, we are protecting Colorado’s local governments, fire districts, schools, police and local libraries that would be devastated by permanently losing nearly $1 billion in revenue every year,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m proud the legislature came together to pass this bipartisan bill that will ensure rural Colorado doesn’t continue to bear the consequences of rising property values in more populated areas of the state.” “The bill Governor Polis signed today thoughtfully creates new categories for properties, such as agricultural properties or single family homes, to temporarily provide direct relief where it’s needed most,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This is a responsible approach that will help Coloradans and protect the critical services that our communities need right now, like our public schools, which are especially important to help Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic.” The assessment rate on multi-family residences (apartment buildings, condominium buildings) would be lowered from 7.15 percent to 6.8 percent. The assessment rate on single family owner occupied primary residences would drop from 7.15 percent to 6.95 percent. For second homes and short term rental properties, the assessment rate would remain the same. The bill also expands the property tax deferral program to allow homeowners whose tax bills grow by more than four percent since the previous valuation period to defer the amount that exceeds the four percent growth, up to to $10,000. If a statewide measure passes to reduce residential property rates, it would only apply to multi-family properties. For non-residential properties, agricultural and renewal energy production properties would see their rate reduced from 29 percent to 26.4 percent. If a statewide measure passes to reduce nonresidential property rates, it would only apply to lodging properties. Remaining commercial property rates would remain at 29 percent. Previous Next

HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies < Back April 22, 2026 House Passes Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to prohibit employers from confiscating identification documents. HB26-1238 passed by a vote of 41-23. “With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to establishing clear, legal protections for workers who fear retaliation from their employer,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “HB26-1283 safeguards vulnerable employees, especially those in the construction, service, agriculture, or hospitality industries, from having their personal documents unlawfully shared with federal law enforcement agencies. This bill strengthens protections for immigrant workers and keeps Coloradans safe on the job.” “You need your ID for everything from renting an apartment and driving a vehicle to accessing health care,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill protects workers by restricting an employer from confiscating employees’ and applicants’ personal IDs for more than ten hours. Threats and harassment on the job should never be tolerated, and this bill protects all workers, especially if their employer threatens unlawfully to report them to federal authorities.” HB26-1283 would prevent employers from seizing, demanding, confiscating, retaining or otherwise requiring an employee to surrender their government-issued identification card (ID) for more than a short period of time (up to ten hours), and except for lawful purposes like employment verification or when otherwise required by federal law. To enforce these provisions, the bill creates criminal penalties for unlawful confiscation and allows workers to pursue civil action and have their ID documents returned if their documents were unlawfully seized. Under the bill, employers must advise their employees of these protections. This bill also strengthens protections for employees if their employer unlawfully turns over their ID to federal immigration enforcement authorities or threatens to do so. If an employer holds an employee’s ID or personal document with the intent of harassing or intimidating the employee, they could be charged with a bias-motivated crime. HB26-1238 helps protect immigrant communities, especially for workers employed in the service industry, hospitality, agriculture and construction. In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans, including SB25-276 , which prohibits public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. Previous Next

US House votes to slash Medicaid, kick Coloradans off health insurance, and cut food assistance to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans < Back May 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: GOP Budget Is Devastating for Coloradans DENVER, CO — Speaker Julie McCluskie, President James Coleman, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and JBC members Shannon Bird, Jeff Bridges, Emily Sirota, and Judy Amabile today released the following statements after the US House passed Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “Coloradans across the state– from rural health providers to seniors in long term care– are counting on us to speak up now and tell members of Congress to oppose this bill. This shouldn’t be partisan. We pay more in federal taxes than we receive back, and now Republicans in Congress want to take even more. Trump’s budget kicks vulnerable people off their health care, cuts food assistance for children, and will force rural health clinics to close or turn away patients. This is an all hands on deck moment to stop these painful cuts that will devastate Coloradans." Statement from Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver: “Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans. Nearly one in five Coloradans rely on Medicaid for health care. That’s over one million Coloradans from Denver to Durango, and everywhere in between. The vote to advance this package is an expected, yet disappointing step forward, and I urge Colorado’s federal delegation to do all they can to defend our access to essential medical care and fix the mess that Washington is creating for us here at home.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran: “Congress should be cutting taxes for working families, not cutting Medicaid and food assistance and rolling back consumer protections. These GOP cuts will harm the most vulnerable in Colorado and force us to choose between bad and worse options to keep our budget balanced. Furthermore, this bill defunds Planned Parenthood, which would disproportionately limit access to family planning and preventive care like screenings and tests for women and people of color. I am deeply alarmed that this bill has moved forward.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver: “The GOP’s reconciliation bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families. From sweeping tax breaks for billionaires to buried provisions like a 10-year federal preemption on any and all AI safeguards, the bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of Big Tech and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public accountability." Statement from JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County: “Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget. Every year, the Joint Budget Committee does so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. While we budget with a scalpel, Congressional Republicans are using a chainsaw. This budget is irresponsible and reckless, and it will hurt Coloradans. Smart investments yield strong returns, and every dollar we invest in health care, education, and families pays dividends in a healthier, more productive workforce and a stronger economy. Slashing essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP will hurt families today, and jeopardize our state’s long-term stability and opportunity.” Statement from JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster: “Everyone who works hard deserves a fair opportunity to thrive and live the American dream, but Republicans in Congress just voted to make it harder. Instead of cutting costs for families, they are stripping health care from Coloradans and increasing copays for low-income people. Colorado’s budget simply cannot absorb these cuts, and if this bill passes, we will have to slash core services that people depend on and expect. I am concerned that this bill will cause chaos in the stock market and crash people’s retirement savings, raise costs on consumers and worsen the economic volatility that’s hurting families under the Trump administration.” Statement from JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder: “Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid. Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.” Statement from Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver: “GOP politicians in DC just voted to take health care and food assistance from vulnerable people so they can give massive tax cuts to billionaires and the wealthiest Americans. The message from Washington Republicans is clear: Trump, Musk and their billionaire backers are more important than hardworking people. Their budget cuts will harm those who can least afford it and make it harder for Colorado to fund higher education, K-12, public safety initiatives, and the critical services Coloradans rely on. We will be forced to reduce health care eligibility, cut services or pay providers less, jeopardizing our safety net and critical access facilities.” Previous Next

Legislation would prohibit firearms in key locations consistent with SCOTUS rulings, improve the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal firearm activity < Back April 29, 2024 House Passes Gun Violence Prevention Bills to Improve Investigations of Illegal Firearm Activity and Prohibit Firearms in Sensitive Spaces Legislation would prohibit firearms in key locations consistent with SCOTUS rulings, improve the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal firearm activity DENVER, CO - The House today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich that would improve investigations of illegal firearm activity. SB24-003 passed by a vote of 35-26. The House also passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Mandy Lindsay that would protect communities from gun violence and create safer public spaces by prohibiting the carrying of firearms in certain locations. SB24-131 passed by a vote of 43-21. “From safe storage laws to waiting periods, Colorado Democrats have passed significant gun violence prevention legislation that can have a real impact on the safety of our communities,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Current gaps in authority and resources make it difficult for law enforcement officials to enforce our laws to the fullest extent. With this legislation, CBI will have the authority and the resources to work with local law enforcement agencies on life-saving investigations of illegal firearms.” “We all share a common goal of keeping illegal guns out of our communities, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to ensure the safety of our loved ones and neighbors,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We should be proud of the significant progress that we’ve made to tackle gun violence. This legislation uplifts our past work and reflects our commitment to keeping our communities safe by ensuring law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to investigate illegal firearm activity.” SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. It would appropriate $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates individuals convicted of felonies who are attempting to illegally purchase a firearm, and other illegal firearm crimes such as possession of a ghost gun. SB24-131 would restrict the presence of firearms in certain locations where children and families may be present. The bill would prohibit carrying a firearm - openly or concealed - in the following locations and their parking areas: government buildings where legislative meetings and offices are located; courthouses; child care facilities, K-12 schools, colleges; and polling locations. The bill includes exemptions for peace officers, members of the US Armed Forces performing official duties, working student resource officers, and more. “Coloradans deserve to vote, peacefully assemble, and receive a quality education, but firearms have historically threatened their right to do so without risking their lives,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “ Firearms can and have been used to intimidate and cause harm, making people afraid to vote in person and attend school. This legislation would restrict guns in certain sensitive spaces, like polling centers and government buildings like the Colorado Capitol, to better protect all Coloradans from gun violence.” “As legislators, we are responsible for passing policy that protects Coloradans’ lives, which is why we’re passing this important gun violence prevention legislation,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Our bill would prohibit firearms in sensitive spaces, defined by the U.S. Supreme Court, like polling centers, preschools, and government buildings so we can make our communities safer and prevent threats and intimidation in our schools and government and electoral processes.” Many states protect sensitive places from gun violence. Arizona, Florida, Texas, Georgia and Louisiana prohibit open and concealed carry at voting locations. The locations protected under this bill have been deemed sensitive spaces in recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. Previous Next

The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! New Law Will Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. “Colorado families are counting on us to put their health and safety first,” Michaelson Jenet said. “This new law will ensure that all Coloradans, especially those who rely on rural hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, don’t lose access to the services they depend on to stay safe and healthy.” “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Martinez. “This bipartisan law ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on the federal 340B program and serve our rural communities.” “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, and pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “At the legislature, we've taken steps to lower health care costs for Coloradans. By improving transparency and accountability, we are continuing to take steps to expand access so that more Coloradans can receive high-quality health care." SB25-071 , cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Rick Taggart, D-Grand Junction, will ensure prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities – such as pharmacies and clinics – that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, and will require hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The new reporting requirements, including the hospitals' reported 340b savings and how they utilized those savings, aim to improve transparency. SB25-071 aims to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, this law will help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. To improve accountability and ensure 340b savings are passed down to the consumer, this law prohibits hospitals from spending the 340b savings on executive salaries, gifts, lobbying, and advertising. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of health care for low-income individuals. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2022 TAX EXTENSION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES RETAILERS PASSES DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation that would save small business retailers money by extending the deadline for sales tax collection practices that came as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair in 2018. The vote was 64-0. HB22-1027 extends the destination sourcing deadline from February 1, 2022 to October 1, 2022 giving Colorado small businesses more time before needing to remit sales taxes based on the buyer’s address. This bill is also the first piece of legislation to advance the House this year. “This session, we’re looking at every way we can to save Coloradans and businesses money, and that’s what this bill will do,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp D-Ft. Collins . “With the legislation we passed today, small retailers will have a nine-month extension for destination sourcing, providing them more flexibility before making the final transition later in 2022.” Last year, the Colorado Legislature passed SB21-282 to provide relief to Colorado’s small business network amidst the pandemic. This bill builds upon last year’s legislative efforts to save retailers money by extending the compliance deadline to October 2022. In accordance with Colorado tax codes, destination sourcing is sales tax calculated based on the buyer’s address when the taxable product or service is delivered to a consumer. HB22-1027 allows small business retailers with less than $100,000 of sales, to continue to source their sales to the business’ location regardless of where the purchaser receives the good. It also provides more time for retailers to onboard with the electronic sales and use tax system. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 COLORADO SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN DENVER, CO – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court ended a seven-year case by ruling that Colorado’s 2013 large capacity magazine ban is constitutional. The law passed in 2013 prohibits the sale and transfer of gun magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan released the following statements. “Today the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a commonsense law that protects public safety without infringing on Coloradans’ right to bear arms,” said House Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud that the Supreme Court has determined that this reasonable law will stand, and glad to see the end of yet another frivolous legal attempt to unwind common sense gun violence prevention laws.” “I’m encouraged to see the Supreme Court uphold the 2013 large capacity magazine ban,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Gun violence has ravaged our state and our nation, and I came to the legislature to work to put an end to it. Large capacity magazines like the 100 round drum that was used on the night my son Alex was murdered can cause devastating carnage and have absolutely no place on our streets. I’ll keep working day in and day out to fight the epidemic of gun violence.” The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that HB13-1224 represents a “reasonable exercise of the police power that has neither the purpose nor effect of nullifying the right to bear arms in self-defense encompassed by article II, section 13 of the Colorado Constitution.” Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 HOUSE PASSES RESOLUTION TO ALLOW REMOTE VOTING DENVER, CO — The House today passed a resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Reps. Adrienne Benavidez and Brianna Titone, to allow the Speaker to change House rules to allow for remote participation in the House during a declared public health disaster emergency. The measure would allow Representatives who are at high-risk of severe complications from COVID-19 to represent their constituents without risking their lives. The resolution passed by a vote of 38-24. “As we return to the legislature, House Democrats are focused on taking responsible steps to get our state and our economy back on track,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This resolution will allow members who have serious public health concerns to perform the duties of their office without putting their lives at risk, and I’m proud to see it pass today.” “Democracy can not be put on hold, even during a pandemic,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Brighton. “The voters knew what they were doing when they chose their Representatives, and their decision must be respected by this chamber by allowing them to participate without risking their lives. This resolution will allow for exactly that.” “Unprecedented times call for innovative solutions, and that’s exactly what this resolution represents,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Remote participation will allow lawmakers to represent their communities without risking their lives so we can responsibly pass legislation that helps Coloradans get back to work safely, supports hardworking families and small businesses, and protects our communities.” HR20-1002 authorizes the Speaker of the House to promulgate regulations to allow members of the House to participate remotely in the legislative proceedings of the House in the event of a declared public health emergency. It does not allow for a rule change that would enable participation in committees. Under this resolution, members participating remotely would be counted as being physically present during House proceedings and any action taken by a member participating remotely has the same legal effect as if the member were physically present. At least 15 other states have passed resolutions allowing for remote legislative participation, and several more have authorized changes in legislative proceedings in response to COVID-19. Previous Next