< Back May 2, 2019 BILL TO ADDRESS CAMPUS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college (May 2) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Barbara McLachlan that would add more guidelines and protections around sexual misconduct and violence in higher education institutes in Colorado. “Our current policy has a problem when we are seeing studies that one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during college. And what’s even more troubling is that only about 12 percent of victims actually report their assault,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Sexual misconduct poses a serious threat to the safety of our students and interferes with our students’ ability to learn. This bill ensures a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings and creates equal rights for reporting and responding to parties in an incident.” SB19-007 creates a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings to ensure that all students know how to report abuse and know that the administrative process will be fair for both parties. It requires institutions of higher learning to adopt policies that clearly outline the process for survivors of sexual misconduct, to provide support services for survivors and to distribute information across campus to inform students of the institution’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Higher Education to convene a biennial working group that will study best practices in order to prevent and raise awareness surrounding sexual misconduct. “This bill will help get rid of sexual violence and abuse on campus. While we are waiting for the federal government to adopt and clarify the law, we are making sure our state laws are ready to follow and maintain protections for survivors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This is not a one-size-fits-all bill but rather puts minimum requirements for policies regarding reporting and procedures for investigations for all higher education institutions.” In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded guidance for institutions of higher education on how they should address sexual assault under the federal law, Title IX. The lack of federal direction means that states like Colorado have to step up to develop policies that promote and ensure the safety of students on campuses around the state or risk losing important protections. SB19-007 passed by a bipartisan vote of 54-9. It passed unanimously out of the House Education committee. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 DANGEROUS GUN BILLS DEFEATED Dems praise bipartisan school safety measures, stop bills that would have allowed dangerous high capacity magazines that can shoot 50 or 100 rounds back on Colorado streets Democrats on the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today defeated HB20-1040 and HB20-1099, two dangerous gun bills that would have allowed armed teachers in Colorado schools and once again permitted high capacity magazine sales in the state. “These two bills would have endangered students’ lives and allowed weapons capable of quickly shooting a hundred rounds onto our streets,” said committee member Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver). “I worked hard on the School Safety Committee to craft bipartisan legislation to save students’ lives. We should focus on bills that will keep our students safe. Instead, we’re debating the same dangerous proposals year after year.” “We’ve seen too much devastation caused by high capacity magazines to go back to when these extremely dangerous accessories could be sold in our state,” said committee member Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins). “I’ve heard from many constituents and Coloradans across our state who fear gun violence and are deeply concerned for their safety. I also heard it when I was a school board member for seven years. Putting guns into classrooms won’t make them safer.” The National Association of School Resources Officers strongly opposes allowing guns in schools because in an active shooter situation, it could cause confusion and lead law enforcement to mistakenly identify someone not in uniform as an assailant. They also point out the wide discrepancy, often hundreds of hours in training requirements, between law enforcement and concealed carry permit holders. There have been multiple incidents where students have accessed firearms that adults brought on campus. Research shows that access to a firearm triples the risk of suicide and doubles the risk of a homicide occurring, all while we know young people in this age group are at some of the highest risks for behavioral health conditions and suicide. House Democrats have instead focused on bipartisan school safety reforms , developed from dozens of hours of expert testimony, that aim to save lives in school. These bills would enhance the Safe2Tell program, expand access to mental health in schools, and improve existing school safety initiatives. The second bill Democrats defeated would have allowed the sale of high capacity magazines, like the one used in the Aurora shooting, back on Colorado streets. Research from Everytown on mass shooting incidents where data was collected on magazine size found that 58 percent of these incidents involved firearms with high-capacity magazines. There were twice as many fatalities and 14 times as many injuries on shootings where high-capacity magazines are involved. In Dayton Ohio, an assailant shot 26 people in 32 seconds. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 PFAS BILL MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan legislation ensures that PFAS-based firefighting foam won’t pollute groundwater when tested and puts tough restrictions on future use of PFAS firefighting foam DENVER, CO– Representative Tony Exum’s legislation to protect communities and firefighters from PFAS contamination today passed the House Committee on Energy and Environment by a vote of 11-0. “PFAS is a dangerous chemical that is harming our communities and firefighters across the state,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill will help us identify all the facilities that use PFAS substances. It will prevent more of these chemicals from entering our groundwater by placing strict limits on their use and by ensuring that when they are used, they are collected and disposed of property.” HB20-1119 sets out clear guidelines for when AFFF fire fighting foam (PFAS-based firefighting foam) can be tested, requiring that all AFFF foam be collected and properly disposed of after testing. The bill also requires the state to certify and register every facility that possesses PFAS fire fighting substances and to create standards for the disposal and capture of these substances when they are used so that they do not contaminate groundwater. The bill provides the state with information about where PFAS is being used and stored across the state to mitigate and prevent future contamination. To obtain a certification, a facility must prove that it follows the standards for the capture and disposal of PFAS substances. Training and testing with AFFF fire fighting foam is one of the leading causes of PFAS contamination and exposure. Elevated levels of PFAS contamination have been found on and near US military bases across the country due to decades of lax testing and training standards for disposing and handling of AFFF fire fighting foam on installations. While the military and private companies are working to create a fire firefighting foam that does not contain PFAS, AFFF is still the only product available that can efficiently and effectively combat jet fuel and other extreme, or high intensity fires. Airports and other facilities that use jet fuel, or other highly combustible materials, need to test their fire suppression systems, and at times, train with AFFF. The bill ensures that when they do, the AFFF doesn’t end up in the state’s ground water. Previous Next

< Back November 29, 2020 SPECIAL SESSION AIMS TO HELP COLORADANS BRIDGE THE GAP, BOOST RECOVERY Bills to focus on small businesses, housing, child care, broadband for students, utilities, & food pantries DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly will convene a special session on Monday, November 30 to pass bi-partisan COVID-19 relief legislation that will support small businesses, increase access to child care and food assistance, help Coloradans cover their housing and utility costs, and improve broadband options for students in need. “Congressional inaction has left millions stranded – completely abandoned in their time of need. Small businesses have been drowning for months waiting for comprehensive federal aid, while hardworking Coloradans anxiously watch housing and unemployment support dissipate,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “The amount the Colorado state government can do to alleviate the burdens of struggling communities is limited, but it’s not nothing. That’s why we are using everything in our power to deliver the support families and businesses need to make it through another couple months. I fully believe that federal relief is on its way, but Coloradans simply can’t wait any longer. This stimulus package will help cover the immediate needs of those hit hardest by the pandemic and buoy us until more help is available.” “We have to do everything possible in Colorado to help families, workers and businesses get through the challenging months ahead,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “This pandemic is taking its toll on nearly every Coloradan, with businesses on the brink of closing and families struggling to avoid eviction or foreclosure. Only Washington can deliver the kind of comprehensive relief our communities need, but Coloradans can’t wait any longer. Our state government will step up with every tool we have, despite our limited budget, to do what we can to help bridge the gap until Congress acts and until a vaccine is ready.” “The lack of federal leadership during the coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than just human life, it’s claimed careers, financial stability, mental health, and our way of existing in community,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This package of bills cannot replace what we’ve lost and it can’t make up for the lack of nation-wide relief, but it can offer a lifeline to those who find themselves fighting to stay afloat. We are committed to implementing any and all solutions that get us over this next hurdle, which will be one of the biggest ones we have faced yet, but together we can make it through.” “Restaurants and bars, small businesses, and hardworking families across our state are struggling to make ends meet as the virus spreads at record levels and essential federal aid has run out,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Our state legislature will get to work Monday on a relief package to support small businesses, help families avoid foreclosure or eviction, and increase access to safe child care options. While we still need Congress to pass a meaningful relief package, we have a responsibility to do what we can to boost our economy and help Coloradans get through this pandemic.” The General Assembly will address seven key areas aimed at providing immediate relief to Coloradans who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each area will include policy proposals focused on meeting the most essential needs of families and businesses. Small Business Aid (Sens. Winter & Priola and Rep. Herod) : Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. To buttress these industries for the difficult winter months ahead, two bills are being proposed. The first will begin in the Senate, sponsored by Senators Winter & Priola and Representatives Herod. This bill will send $57 million in direct aid, grants, and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority-owned businesses. Sales Tax Relief (Reps. A. Valdez & Van Winkle and Sens. Bridges & Tate) : Eating establishments have been hit particularly hard by capacity restrictions. This bill will allow restaurants, bars, and food trucks to retain state sales tax they collect from November 2020 through February 2021. This will provide bars and restaurants from $2,000 to $10,000 in tax reliefeach month to help them make ends meet. Child Care Support (Reps. Kipp & Landgraf and Sens. Pettersen & Sonnenberg) : Colorado’s economic recovery depends on its workforce having access to stable child care. But due to temporary closures and the increased costs of health and safety precautions for child care providers, many are on the brink of financial collapse. This legislation will distribute $45 million to enable existing providers to keep their doors open and new providers to open and meet the needs of working parents, especially in child care deserts. These grant programs are estimated to support 2,600 child care facilities, preserving child care for over 100,000 children and creating capacity for tens of thousands more. Moreover, research shows that for every dollar spent on early childhood programs, $2.25 is contributed to our state’s economy. Housing and Direct Rental Assistance (Sens. Gonzales & Holbert and Reps. Exum, Sr. & Tipper) : The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. This legislation will provide $50 million for emergency housing assistance to individuals and households who are in financial need due to the COVID-19. Of the funding, $500,000 will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter. Increasing Broadband Access (Sens. Donovan & Coram and Reps. Young & Soper) : Internet access is absolutely essential for students during this difficult time. But many families who are struggling with financial stability simply can’t afford to cover the cost, while numerous school districts lack the infrastructure to educate their students remotely. This proposal will dedicate $20 million towards increasing our state’s broadband capacity – connecting more students to their teachers so that they can learn safely in the months ahead. Food Pantry Assistance (Rep. Cutter & Bockenfeld and Sen. Story) : 1 in 3 Coloradans are struggling with food insecurity as more and more families are being forced to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. Food banks and their partners need additional assistance to meet the rising demands, especially as the December expiration for federal hunger-relief looms. A bill beginning in the House would devote $3 million to replenishing these essential community services to increase access to food for Colorado families that fear they’ll go to bed hungry. Utilities Assistance (Sens. Fields & Crowder and Reps. Duran & Landgraf) : As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources continue to dwindle, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. This bill will appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25% increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. Public Health Response (Sens. Moreno & Rankin and Reps. McCluskie) : With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the State’s robust public health response. This legislation will allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the State can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The legislature will convene with the same overall composition and legislative leadership as the 2020 regular legislative session. Lawmakers will have the option of participating remotely for floor work, and there will be limited committee work with remote public testimony options. Other measures will also be adopted to mitigate the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of additional safety measures in the building, such as daily rapid testing and KN95 masks for legislators and staff as well as increased social distancing. Previous Next

This marks the first time the Pueblo flag has flown at the State Capitol < Back March 22, 2024 Governor Polis, Legislators Celebrate Inaugural Pueblo Flag Day, Fly Pueblo Flag at the State Capitol DENVER - Today Governor Polis and Pueblo area legislators joined together to fly the Pueblo flag at the Colorado State Capitol to celebrate the inaugural Pueblo Flag Day and recognize Pueblo’s significant impact on Colorado’s culture and economy. “Home to Colorado’s world-famous state fair, the superior Pueblo Chile, and an important part of Colorado's history and future, we recognize Pueblo’s many important contributions to our state. Today, as the Pueblo flag flies over the State Capitol for the first time we are celebrating all things Pueblo,” said Governor Jared Polis. This is the first time the Pueblo flag has flown at the Colorado State Capitol. Since 1872 Pueblo has been home to the Colorado State Fair , hosting a range of community activities unique to Colorado, featuring the famous Pueblo Chile, and events celebrating Pueblo’s agricultural history. “I’m proud to represent Pueblo as the Puelo flag flies over the Capitol for the first time,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “From our strong workforce to diverse communities to the iconic Pueblo chile, our city is filled with rich culture and history. Today, we honor and highlight the immense contributions of Pueblo.” To celebrate Pueblo Flag Day, the City of Pueblo is also raising the flag. This day was initiated by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Leadership Pueblo Class of 2023, and is meant to encourage people and businesses to show their Pueblo and Colorado pride by flying the flag. "It's a great day to celebrate our city at the Colorado State Capitol, " said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. "From the Colorado State Fair to the world-famous Pueblo Chile, our city's rich history serves as a reminder of all things Colorado. Today is the day to celebrate the statewide contributions of our great city and to highlight all the extraordinary things to come from Pueblo." "We're celebrating Pueblo at the State Capitol today with the city flag flying high," said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "Pueblo, known for its rich history, cultural influence and agricultural roots, plays an important role in our state's growing economy. The Pueblo city flag serves as a reminder of the Home of Heroes and all unique things this city contributes to Colorado." Previous Next

< Back December 10, 2020 SPEAKER-DESIGNATE GARNETT ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS DENVER, CO– Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced the chairs, vice chairs and committee appointments for the 11 House committees of reference, appointing seven new committee chairs. Of the 22 members in committee leadership, 13 are women. Rep. Jeni James Arndt, D-Fort Collins, will chair the Agriculture, Livestock and Water committee , formerly known as the Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee, and veterinarian Rep.-elect Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, will be the vice chair. “Agriculture, livestock and water have always been the lifeblood of our state, supporting jobs in every county in Colorado,” said Rep. Jeni James Arndt, D-Fort Collins. “We must ensure that our farmers and ranchers have the tools and resources they need to get through the pandemic and reemerge stronger. Our precious water resources require careful stewardship as we move into a water-short future.” Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, will chair the Business Affairs and Labor committee , and Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, will be the vice chair. “Colorado’s businesses and workers are the backbone of our economy, and we know they are struggling right now as COVID-19 spreads at dangerous rates and Congress refuses to help,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “In Colorado, we are going to support our businesses and prioritize the safety and health of our workers to help our state get through this crisis and build back stronger.” Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, will chair the Energy and Environment committee , and Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, will be the vice chair. “We have a responsibility to protect our air and water, as climate change and worsening wildfires threaten our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “In Colorado, we’ve made tremendous progress. We’re going to continue fighting for the environmental justice our communities deserve and to secure our planet for future generations.” Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, will chair the Finance committee , and Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, will be the vice chair. “We have a long road ahead to recover from this pandemic,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “A necessary part of our recovery is ensuring that small businesses and hardworking families get through these challenging months and bounce back stronger. We will do this by ensuring that our policies are smart, common sense and fiscally responsible.” Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, will chair the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee , formerly called the Public Health and Human Services Committee, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, will be the vice chair. “As a longtime champion of access to behavioral health, it breaks my heart to see how hard this pandemic has been on adults as well as children across our state,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “To build back stronger, we must ensure that every Coloradan has access to the mental and physical health care and support services they need to recover.” Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, will chair the Transportation & Local Government committee , and Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, will be the vice chair. “Our local governments are on the frontlines responding to this pandemic, providing testing, health care, and so many other critical services,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “To boost our economy, we have to work together in a bipartisan way to improve our transportation infrastructure and invest in our state’s future. It is an honor to chair this committee, and I look forward to working with Colorado’s cities, counties and towns to help our state get through this crisis. ” Following the precedent in which the members of the Joint Budget Committee are appointed to lead the Appropriations committee , Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, will be the Appropriations committee chair and Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, will be the vice chair. Rep. McCluskie will continue to serve as vice chair of the Joint Budget Committee and will chair that committee in the second year of the 73rd General Assembly. All seven majority lawmakers on the Appropriations committee are women. “With so many hardworking families and small businesses just barely hanging on, I know we have a lot of work ahead to help our state recover from this pandemic and build back stronger,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’re going to have to make a lot of tough decisions due to our state’s limited budget, but I’m excited to see the legislation lawmakers are going to bring forward to help all Coloradans, especially those disproportionately impacted by this pandemic, make ends meet and have a fair shot to succeed as our economy recovers.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, will continue to chair the Education committee , and Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, will be the vice chair. Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, will continue to chair the Health and Insurance committee, and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, will continue to serve as vice chair. Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will continue to chair the Judiciary committee , and Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, will be the vice chair. Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, will continue to chair the newly named State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs committee , and Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, will be the vice chair. Committee structure, leadership and majority caucus appointments are made by the Speaker. “House Democrats are humbled by the trust Coloradans have placed in us as we continue to govern responsibly through the worst public health and economic crisis our nation has seen in recent memory,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Our committee leadership reflects the diverse voices of all our communities. Together, we’re going to help Colorado build back stronger by forging an economic recovery where everyone has a fair shot to succeed and no one is left behind.” The complete list of Majority committee assignments is below: Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Rep.-elect Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Vice Chair, Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep.-elect Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep.-elect Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Business Affairs and Labor Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Vice Chair, Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Rep.-elect Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep.-elect Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Education Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Vice Chair, Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep.-elect Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Vice Chair, Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep.-elect Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Health and Insurance Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Vice Chair, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep.-elect Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep.-elect David Ortiz, D-Littleton Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Rep.-elect Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep.-elect Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep.-elect Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep.-elect David Ortiz, D-Littleton Rep.-elect Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Vice Chair, Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Rep.-elect Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep.-elect Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep.-elect Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Vice Chair, Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back October 24, 2019 BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROTECT BUSINESSES REMITTING SALES TAXES ADVANCES Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force extended until 2025; changes made to hold harmless provisions for users of tax remittance software made crucial in wake of Wayfair Supreme Court decision DENVER, CO– The Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force today advanced two bipartisan bills that would extend the task force until 2025 and continue to support the state’s compliance with the United States Supreme Court Wayfair ruling. “For 30 years, Colorado’s complex system of tax jurisdictions, home rule municipalities and TABOR have led to challenges for businesses trying to navigate different rates,” said Task Force Chair Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada). “The Wayfair decision made the situation more complex, and our task force has been working hard since 2017 to address these concerns. Last session we tasked the state with creating a GIS database and software system to make the tax remittance process easy for businesses. Today, we continued this work by advancing legislation to protect vendors from being liable for any errors made as a result of using the GIS database or third-party software applications that rely on the underlying GIS data.” With local jurisdictions imposing different tax rates, vendors face a challenge in determining the correct tax amount and in accurately remitting payments to the proper local tax jurisdiction. Large retailers and market facilitators, such as Amazon, must remit taxes based on the location of the purchaser. However, smaller businesses are currently allowed to remit taxes based on their business location until the state can create a simplified way for remitting taxes based on the purchaser’s location. Last session, lawmakers passed SB19-006, sponsored by Rep. Kraft-Tharp, which required the state to create a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and software to assist vendors in remitting sales and use taxes to local jurisdictions. The new system will help businesses navigate the patchwork of sales and use taxes across the state and accurately remit sales taxes. A bill that the task force advanced today would hold vendors harmless for errors made as a result using the new state GIS database or a third-party software that relies on the GIS database, once the state develops and releases the new database and software. Additionally, the Department of Revenue must ensure that the information provided in the state database is 95 percent accurate. The other bill lawmakers advanced today would extend the taskforce until July 2025 and eliminate the requirement for a Department of Regulatory Affairs sunset review process. The bill expands the scope of the task force’s work to include a review of legislation passed last session. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce barriers to new, good-paying jobs in coal-transitioning communities. < Back February 20, 2026 Lukens, Mauro Bill to Prioritize Good-Paying Jobs in Rural Colorado Advances DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce barriers to new, good-paying jobs in coal-transitioning communities. SB26-052 makes important modifications to the Office of Just Transition to prioritize coal-transition workers in hiring and community investment. “Over the years, we’ve taken action to jumpstart economic development and good-paying jobs in Northwest Colorado by investing in and prioritizing coal-transitioning communities,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bill puts qualified coal-transition workers first in line for new and upcoming jobs in their communities and allows our coal-transitioning counties to immediately maximize settlement investments. Strengthening pathways into good-paying jobs is important for rural Colorado, local economies and hardworking families, and I’m proud to sponsor this bill.” “Coal-transition communities in my district face unique economic impacts, and this bill maximizes investments in good-paying jobs and rural economies,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our bill makes sure workers transitioning from coal jobs are considered first for new and emerging jobs in their communities. Together, we’re establishing strong career pathways for workers in rural Colorado, so we can do right by our coal-transitioning communities and local businesses.” SB26-052 prioritizes workers transitioning from coal jobs, making them first in line for emerging jobs in their communities. This bill makes important modifications to the Office of Just Transition to ensure coal-transition workers directly benefit from ongoing and future community and economic development. Specifically, SB26-052 provides coal-transitioning communities the flexibility to invest Just Transition settlement dollars in a wider range of investment opportunities. To help ensure no worker is left behind, this bill helps direct workers toward new jobs, including in the transportation, infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and industrial fields. The goal of SB26-052 is to maximize the impact of state investments in coal-transitioning communities and ensure their workers are prioritized in the hiring process for new, future jobs in their neighborhoods. Established in 2019, the Office of Just Transition works to assist local governments in retaining and developing good-paying jobs in coal-transitioning communities, creating new career pathways for workers, and boosting economic growth. This bill makes necessary changes to improve the Office of Just Transition to better meet the needs of workers in rural communities. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES VALDEZ’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 15) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed on the House floor today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. The bipartisan bill unanimously passed 63-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. ATTACHED: Headshot of Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2022 RECORD INVESTMENTS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee passed a bill to create a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. SB22-193 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 4. “Prioritizing clean air improves our health and builds a pathway toward a healthier future for every Coloradan,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This transformational investment tackles air pollution from multiple angles, including improving air monitoring, electrifying school buses and cutting back on industrial emissions. Together, we’re investing in a cleaner future for ourselves and generations to come.” “Too often, disadvantaged communities and low-income Coloradans are exposed to higher rates of air pollutants and toxic emissions,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “We have a plan to invest in clean air solutions, including electrifying school buses so our youngest Coloradans can breathe cleaner, healthier air. These record investments will work to clean up Colorado’s air and cut back on industrial emissions.” SB22-193 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring and incentives. SB22-193 will invest $109 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. This includes: $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses. $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships finance projects to reduce industrial emissions through different technologies such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture. $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs. $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying and localized monitoring to help identify leaks at oil and gas facilities. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 DEFEATED: GOP ANTI-SCIENCE IVERMECTIN COVID MISINFORMATION BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Health and Insurance Committee today defeated a dangerous and misguided bill sponsored by Representative Stephanie Luck that recklessly promotes the use of ineffective and unapproved drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19. “Other than for a few specific reasons, Ivermectin is meant for animals, and I would know since I’m a veterinarian,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “GOP politicians urged on by former President Trump have spread dangerous misinformation about unproven COVID treatments and encouraged the use of these drugs, leading to many overdoses. At the same time, they sowed doubt about COVID vaccines, which are proven to be highly effective and which save lives. Their rhetoric based on unscientific claims and misinformation has endangered people’s lives, and I hope this is the last year we see this misguided bill.” HB22-1015 promotes the practice of prescribing hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin off-label for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. The World Health Organization has warned against using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, and the FDA has been vocal about the dangers of using ivermectin , especially veterinary ivermectin, which is intended for livestock. The use of these drugs can cause adverse effects in patients, and they have been proven to be ineffective in treating COVID-19. In the fall of 2021, poison control centers reported seeing a surge in ivermectin overdose calls linked to COVID misinformation. People have been hospitalized after taking ivermectin, even after receiving a prescription . The bill would waive liability for doctors whose patients experience adverse health impacts as a result of being prescribed Ivermectin off label. The bill failed on a party line vote of 4 to 7. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley that would make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions today advanced from the House Education Committee. The legislation passed unanimously. “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can get happens outside of the classroom,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way. As Colorado employers continue to struggle to fill jobs that require a post-secondary credential, it is critical that we do everything we can to help students get the skills they need to compete in a 21st century economy. This bill would have a lasting and important impact on non-traditional students in my district and across the state, and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next