< Back May 6, 2023 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills, Reduce Price Shocks Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, would increase transparency and accountability of investor-owned utility companies before the Public Utilities Commission. “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This important legislation sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “We’ve spent time with consumer advocates, utility companies, and policy experts as we’ve worked to uncover the root causes for rising utility rates,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our legislation improves accountability and transparency by creating a fairer utility rate setting process that centers the interests of ratepayers. Coloradans’ voices need to be front and center, and this bill will better align utility and consumer interests so ratepayers aren’t stuck with high, unpredictable utility bills.” SB23-291 , which passed the House by a vote of 64-19, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. Additionally, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen, that will prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed by outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. < Back April 19, 2024 SIGNED! Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen, that will prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed by outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. “Our ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation clearly defines in state law when and why landlords can evict tenants to prevent discriminatory and retaliatory evictions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This new law will create stability for landlords and renters because it does not prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have violated their lease or are behind on their rent, or where a landlord is getting out of the business. With this legislation becoming law, we will save Colorado families money and help keep roofs over their heads and roots in their community.” “Too many families know firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with being evicted from their home, as well as all the difficult consequences that arise because of it,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “We must do more to protect vulnerable renters from being evicted without reason. Our new ‘for cause’ eviction law will improve housing stability, prevent displacement, and keep more of our neighbors in their homes, and I am pleased to see it get signed into law.” “Unnecessary and arbitrary evictions have devastating consequences for Coloradans, which is why we passed legislation to clearly outline reasons landlords can file for an eviction,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Evictions make renters more vulnerable to homelessness, and having an eviction on your record can make it nearly impossible to find housing. I’m excited that our legislation to prevent Coloradans from being displaced is now Colorado law so hardworking Coloradans can remain safely housed.” “Imagine being a respectful neighbor, paying your rent on time, and doing everything right. But your roof leaks, your landlord won’t fix it, and you’re struggling to make ends meet. Do you report it to your local housing authority, so there will be accountability on the landlord to fix it? Or do you keep quiet, knowing that, if you do that, your landlord might not renew your lease? This is just one example of the many cases this bill addresses, to ensure that tenants who are doing the right things don’t lose their housing for arbitrary reasons. It creates stability and financial security for good tenants and their families,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098 , the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, interfering with the right to quiet enjoyment, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement. The law also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ law include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees. Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes . In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings. Previous Next

On August 7, a bipartisan law goes into effect to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, creates a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. SB24-104 will seamlessly connect apprenticeship programs with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and high school and career technical education (CTE) programs. < Back July 29, 2024 New Laws Go Into Effect to Make College Free for First Two Years, Bolster Colorado’s Workforce by Connecting Apprenticeships with Education System DENVER, CO - On August 7, a bipartisan law goes into effect to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, creates a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. SB24-104 will seamlessly connect apprenticeship programs with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and high school and career technical education (CTE) programs. “As one of the first members of my family to go to college, I want to make it possible for every aspiring student to afford higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1340. “By creating the Colorado Promise, we will make higher education nearly free for two years for every family making under $90,000 per year. With this law going into effect, more students will be able to complete their degree and afford the cost of college, which for too many middle-income families is unaffordable.” “In my legislative career, improving education and creating opportunities for all of Colorado’s students has been a top priority,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1340. “The Colorado Promise is a historic opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students whose families make under $90,000 a year. I’m so proud to see this bipartisan legislation take effect. We’re one step closer to making affordable degrees a reality.” HB24-1340 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, supports two years of in-state college for students in families earning less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families. Specifically, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit for Colorado students in their first two years of attendance (based on credit hours accumulated) at any public Colorado institution of higher education. The credit provides reimbursement for the full amount of tuition and fees paid after accounting for any scholarships or grants the student received. The credit can be claimed by a parent or other taxpayer if the student is their dependent, and is available for the 2024-25 school year through 2031-32. SB24-104 will require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the CCCS to align high school CTE programs with registered apprenticeships, which includes things like working with apprenticeship sponsors on including credit for CTE programs completed. There are currently over 300,000 high school and community college students enrolled in CTE programs, and this will help more students progress into paid apprenticeships with concrete career pathways. These registered apprenticeship programs will focus on areas of workforce shortages, such as infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, or health care. “Currently, there is a gap between technical education and apprentice programs across the state,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB24-104. “This new law bridges that gap by connecting students with quality apprenticeships that will give them the opportunity to earn as they learn.” “Colorado has amazing opportunities available for students who are interested in trade work, but the disconnect between their education and existing apprenticeship program requirements make it more difficult for them to complete their training,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB24-104. “With our new law going into effect, we can better ensure that students are going through training that aligns with apprenticeship requirements so they can get into the workforce quicker and build a strong career in their trade of choice.” While Colorado has made progress in advancing registered apprenticeships over the last several years, according to CDLE, apprenticeships make up only 0.1 percent of the state’s workforce. Reports show that students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, leading to higher grades, greater engagement, and stronger career-readiness. Previous Next

< Back April 3, 2024 House Approves Bill to Identify Suspicious Purchases to Reduce Gun Violence Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns, helping to prevent gun violence DENVER, CO - The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Javier Mabrey to help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our bill would expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our legislation is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Firearms are uniquely exempted from having a merchant code. Almost every other product has one of these codes and this bill removes that exemption. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. A report found this legislation could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. ### Previous Next

< Back November 4, 2020 DEMS SECURE HOUSE MAJORITY DENVER, CO — Coloradans voted tonight in favor of continued Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have a strong majority, winning at least 41 seats, with additional races still too close to call. “I’d like to thank the people of Colorado for continuing to put your trust in us and for the clear message you sent tonight about how we can continue moving the state forward for all Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Now, we must all work together to help our nation heal, to take control of this pandemic, and to build back a better, stronger Colorado than the one we had before COVID hit.” “From lowering the cost of healthcare to protecting our communities from oil and gas drilling, our Democratic Majority made important progress over the past two years on issues that are important to families across our state,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We governed responsibly through the pandemic, passing an ambitious COVID relief package to help Coloradans make ends meet and get through this crisis. Tonight, it’s clear Coloradans support what we’ve accomplished and want to see our work continue.” Colorado Democrats strengthened their majority in the Colorado House of Representatives, with David Ortiz victorious in HD-38 , a seat that had previously been held by a Republican. During a victory celebration over Zoom, Majority Leader Garnett sent a clear message about the future Coloradans deserve: “For far too many, and especially for our communities of color, the American Dream is broken, with only flat wages and mounting debt in its wake. Together, we can forge an economic recovery that renews the fundamental promise of America – that if you get a good education, work hard, and play by the rules, you can have a fair shot at success. “To every Coloradan whose support we didn’t earn this time around, we’ll be working for you and your family too. Together we can build back a better Colorado for all.” Election night results as of 9:50 showed Coloradans had definitively re-elected at least 41 House Democrats: Susan Lontine (HD-01) of Denver and Jefferson Counties Alec Garnett (HD-02), Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (HD-04) Alex Valdez (HD-05), Steven Woodrow (HD-06), Leslie Herod (HD-08), and Emily Sirota (HD-09) of Denver County Edie Hooton (HD-10) of Boulder County Tony Exum, Sr. (HD-17) and Marc Snyder (HD-18) of El Paso County Chris Kennedy (HD-23), Monica Duran (HD-24), Lisa Cutter (HD-25), , Brianna Titone (HD-27), and Kerry Tipper (HD-28) of Jefferson County Dylan Roberts (HD-26), Eagle and Routt Counties Dafna Michaelson Jenet (HD-30), Yadira Caraveo (HD-31), Adrienne Benavidez (HD-32), Kyle Mullica (HD-34), and Shannon Bird (HD-35) of Adams County Matt Gray (HD-33) of Boulder and Broomfield Counties Meg Froelich (HD-03), Mike Weissman (HD-36), Tom Sullivan (HD-37), and Dominique Jackson (HD-42) of Arapahoe County Daneya Esgar (HD-46) of Pueblo County Mary Young (HD-50) of Weld County Cathy Kipp (HD-52) and Jeni James Arndt (HD-53) of Larimer County Barbara McLachlan (HD-59) of Archuleta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Ouray, and San Juan Counties Julie McCluskie (HD-61) of Delta, Gunnison, Lake, Pitkin, and Summit Counties Donald Valdez (HD-62) of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano, Mineral, Pueblo, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties. With thousands of ballots yet to be counted, HD-47 where Bri Buentello is seeking reelection is too close to call. Joining the House Democratic Caucus for the first time in January 2021: Jennifer Bacon (HD-7) of Denver County fills the seat previously held by James Coleman, now the Senator-elect for SD-33 Karen McCormick (HD-11) and Tracey Bernett (HD-12) of Boulder County fill the seats held by Jonathan Singer, who is term limited, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, now Senator-elect for SD-17 Judy Amabile (HD-13) of Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand, and Jackson Counties fills the seat held by Speaker KC Becker Lindsey Daugherty (HD-29) of Jefferson County fills the seat held by Tracy Kraft-Tharp, now Commissioner-elect for Jefferson County Naquetta Ricks (HD-40) and Iman Jodeh (HD-41) of Arapahoe County fill the seats held by Janet Buckner, now Senator-elect for SD-28, and Jovan Melton, who is term limited. Races have not been called in: Jennifer Mitkowski (HD-43) Mary Parker (HD-22) Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2021 COLORADO WELCOMES MEETINGS & EVENTS INDUSTRY WITH OPEN ARMS Rep. Roberts’ bill would boost our economy and support small businesses in the tourism industry by providing an incentive for meetings & events to take place in Colorado DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Representative Dylan Roberts’ bipartisan bill to dedicate $10 million to create the Meeting & Events Incentive Program, which would provide rebates and incentives for individuals hosting events in Colorado. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a vote of 10-3. “Colorado’s booming hospitality and special events sectors took a massive blow when the pandemic delayed weddings, conferences, and large events of all kids,” said Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon . “As our economy safely reopens and these events start to be rescheduled, I want to ensure organizations, festivals, and families choose to book their special event in Colorado and this bill will make Colorado an even more attractive venue for these events. The Colorado special events sector employs at least 36,000 Coloradans and generates $1B annually in economic impact, and I can’t wait to see it come roaring back with a little help from this bill.” HB21-1263 would create the Meeting & Events Incentive Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The program would provide rebates to incentivize planners to host events in Colorado, bolstering the tourism economy and industry, and supporting thousands of small businesses across the State. The bill appropriates $10 million for the program. Eligible events must generate at least 25 overnight stays. The bill stipulates that the Tourism Office must support events equitably and proportionally across the state and prioritize events with potential to generate local business earnings and tax revenues. Eligible events would receive up to a 10% rebate of the hard costs of the event and a 25% rebate of the COVID-19 related costs. Finally, a small portion of the funds may be used to provide up-front support to attract large events that impact multiple counties and have potential to generate significant economic impact. Previous Next

SB25-276 seeks to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans < Back May 2, 2025 Legislation to Protect Civil Rights Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect civil rights and Colorado’s immigrant communities. SB25-276 would strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. “Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The Trump administration’s attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities – parents are afraid to pick up their children from day care, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesn’t just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado’s economy. We’re taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status.” “Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administration’s immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, we’re limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities.” This legislation would build on existing data privacy law by prohibiting public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. The bill would repeal outdated affidavit requirements to access a Colorado driver’s license or in-state tuition to protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies. The bill would clarify protections for immigrants at public locations, including hospitals, schools, public institutions of higher education, public health care facilities, libraries, and public child care centers. It reaffirms current law that the continued detention of an individual after bond is posted and processed is considered an unconstitutional and warrantless arrest. Additionally, the bill would limit the use of local and state resources for federal immigration enforcement to those situations explicitly required by law. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. < Back April 12, 2023 House Advances Bill to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. “Pharmacy Benefit Managers hold a lot of power in setting prescription drug prices, which is why we’ve worked to protect consumers from price-gouging and other unfair business practices,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Over 91% of pharmacists agreed that Pharmacy Benefit Managers negatively affect their ability to run their practice and provide quality patient care. This legislation strengthens the Division of Insurance’s ability to enforce our cost-saving measures and protect pharmacies and businesses from unfair practices.” “As a person with a disability, I can’t emphasize enough how crucial it is to ensure every Coloradan can access essential medication at a price they can afford,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This legislation will reduce the cost of prescription drugs by holding the pharmacy benefit industry accountable. By passing this bill, we’ll be able to effectively enforce laws that save Colorado patients and pharmacies money on health care.” HB23-1227 will ensure that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This bill will provide the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. This bill would grant the commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM affiliated pharmacies. Previous Next

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 today advanced a bipartisan bill to identify improvements in trainings for judicial personnel so they can better understand the complex issues that victims of crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence face. < Back March 6, 2023 House Advances Improvements to Judiciary Training in Assault, Domestic Violence Cases DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bipartisan bill to identify improvements in trainings for judicial personnel so they can better understand the complex issues that victims of crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence face. “As a survivor myself, I know how distressing it can be to seek accountability through the justice system as a victim of domestic violence,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Judges, attorneys, and other judicial personnel often don’t have a firsthand understanding of the complicated emotions and dynamics that victims of crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault experience. One of my major focuses as a legislator is to create safer outcomes for victims while they seek justice from their aggressor, and this legislation gives us the tools to do that.” HB23-1108 , which passed by a vote of 56-8, creates a task force to examine current victim and survivor awareness and responsiveness trainings within the Office for Victims Programs. The task force would report their findings and make recommendations on how to improve trainings for judicial personnel to better serve victims and survivors of crimes including sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence. The task force would be required to submit a report including findings and recommendations to the House and Senate Judiciary committees by November 1, 2023. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2023 House Passes Bill to Require Eco-Friendly Appliance Replacement Option This bill would allow Coloradans to replace broken gas appliances with electric appliances under warranty DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on third and final reading that would allow homeowners to replace their under warranty gas appliances with electric appliances. HB23-1134 aims to give Coloradans more eco-friendly and energy efficient options when replacing their everyday appliances. “We’re making it possible for Coloradans to replace their broken, under warranty gas appliances with more energy efficient electric options,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Many Coloradans are interested in making the switch from gas to electric appliances, and our bill gives them the option to replace unrepairable gas-powered appliances with electric models. This will help save Coloradans money on unpredictable natural gas prices and reduce harmful indoor emissions.” “Navigating your day-to-day with a broken stove or water heater can be tough, but at least under our bill Coloradans have an eco-friendly option when it comes to selecting a replacement,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This legislation gives Coloradans the option to replace their under warranty, broken gas-powered appliances with an electric equivalent. We’re working to make it easier for Coloradans interested in making the switch from gas-powered to electric-powered household appliances to do so under warranty.” HB23-1134 passed the House by a vote of 45 to 19 and would require home service warranty contracts that provide coverage for gas-fueled appliances to allow homeowners to replace them with electric-powered appliances if they are still covered under warranty. This bill aims to give consumers the option to replace their broken down gas powered appliances, including stoves, ovens, furnaces, HVAC systems, and water heaters, with an eco-friendly electric option. A growing body of research shows when used without proper ventilation, gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen oxides indoors. HB23-1134 would also require home warranty service contracts to describe minimum efficiency and performance standards for each gas-fueled appliance and for any electric replacements so consumers can make informed and cost-effective decisions. Previous Next