< Back March 3, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO BAN THE GAY AND TRANS PANIC DEFENSE The House Judiciary Committee today passed Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Soper’s bipartisan bill to ban the use of the gay and trans panic defense. The committee vote was 6-2. “Telling a crime victim that their sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the violence perpetrated against them is wrong and cruel,” said Rep. Herod , D-Denver . “The gay and trans panic defense should never hold up in court. This defense harms the already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community and holds Colorado back. It’s time to ban this antiquated and discriminatory practice.” The gay and trans panic defense is a legal tactic that has been used to strengthen a legal defense by playing on the prejudice of jurors. HB20-1307 states that evidence about a defendant’s knowledge or discovery of a victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation cannot be asserted as a legal defense constituting ‘sudden heat of passion’ in a criminal case. If this bill is signed into law, Colorado would join California, Nevada, Illinois, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey as states that have banned the gay and trans panic defense strategy. In 2018, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and House Representative Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA) introduced legislation to ban the gay and trans panic defense at the federal level. According to the FBI’s 2018 hate crime statistics , 1,404 hate crimes perpetrated in 2018 were based on sexual orientation. Of these offenses, 59.8 percent were classified as anti-gay male and 25 percent were classified as anti LGBTQ bias. According to this FBI data , in Colorado in 2018, there were 123 hate crimes reported and of those 24 were related to sexual orientation and three of them were related to gender identity. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 JBC CHAIR MCCLUSKIE, JBC MEMBER HEROD STATEMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2022-2023 DENVER, CO – JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ budget request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. “The governor’s budget request makes smart investments in critical priorities to continue Colorado’s recovery while fulfilling our future budget obligations,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, “I appreciate the governor’s dedication to saving money for future buying down of the Budget Stabilization Factor, and I share his commitment to crafting a budget that reflects the diverse priorities of communities all across our state. I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s request and to working with my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee to craft a balanced budget that powers the Colorado Comeback and boosts our state’s economic recovery.” “The governor’s budget proposal suggests responsible one-time investments in Colorado’s immediate needs while allocating funds for critical state services in the long term,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m proud to see that the governor and the General Assembly remain aligned in our intent to invest in an equitable recovery for Colorado. I look forward to working together to craft a budget that prioritizes the full recovery of those who are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic and those who haven’t been able to get back on their feet as quickly as other Coloradans.” Previous Next

Legislation will insulate nonprofits, shore up protections in education and housing < Back July 30, 2026 New Laws to Protect Coloradans’ Rights Amid Federal Rollbacks Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 12, three new laws to shore up Coloradans’ rights as the federal government rolls back key protections will go into effect. SB26-009 , sponsored by Senators Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, will ensure that nonprofit organizations that have lost their federal tax-exempt status for politically motivated reasons remain exempt from state sales tax. “Nonprofit organizations in our state are cornerstones of their communities, supporting countless Coloradans through difficult times,” Snyder said. “Chaos in the federal government threatens to upend these organizations’ ability to serve their communities. This new law offers much-needed stability and dependability to charitable groups across our state.” “Trump’s politically motivated attacks are threatening the ability of non-profits in Colorado to serve and support their communities,” said McCluskie. “Our new law protects nonprofits, ensuring that they continue to benefit from tax exemptions in our state, no matter what changes at the federal level. From safeguarding reproductive rights to creating affordable housing opportunities, nonprofits in Colorado deeply benefit our communities, and with this law, we have their back.” “H.R. 1 slashed our state budget in favor of corporate tax breaks, which means the services and support nonprofits offer are now more important than ever to our communities,” said Stewart. “Nonprofit organizations are under threat from the federal government, and this law makes sure Colorado’s nonprofits do not lose their tax-exempt status.” “Political retribution from the federal government could throw essential nonprofit organizations and the Colorado families who rely on them into chaos and financial distress,” Lindstedt said. “This legislation will fulfill our state’s responsibility to offer stability to valid charitable organizations amidst federal turbulence.” SB26-009 will ensure that valid 501(c)(3) organizations maintain their state tax exemption if the federal government removes their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. It will also ensure that the state maintains its authority to deny tax exemption for organizations that have lost their federal nonprofit status for legitimate reasons. Since January 2025, Colorado nonprofits have increasingly struggled to navigate frenzied federal actions that call into question their budgetary futures and ability to serve their communities. HB26-1045 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, will protect equal housing opportunity for Coloradans with disabilities. “After the federal government repealed existing protections for Coloradans with disabilities, we’re stepping in to reinstate those protections,” Kipp said. “Tenants who rely on service animals deserve equal access to housing, and this new law ensures that access remains in Colorado.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans with disabilities deserve equal access to housing,” said Clifford. “In contrast to the Trump Administration’s continued attacks, our law protects tenants who rely on service animals by making sure they are not turned away from housing opportunities. Service animals provide life-saving support to Coloradans with disabilities, and this law protects tenants.” “Every Coloradan deserves equal access to housing,” Danielson said. “One of my top priorities during my time in the legislature has been to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities. This new law is a continuation of that work, ensuring that those who depend on service animals do not face discriminatory barriers to housing.” “Colorado Democrats are stepping up to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities from Trump’s continued attacks,” said Zokaie. “Relying on a service animal should not jeopardize your housing, which is why our new law protects Coloradans from certain housing discrimination. Everyone deserves to have a safe, comfortable place to call home and our law protects Coloradans.” HB26-1045 establishes the presumption that live-in service animals are a reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities, and a complete prohibition of live-in service animals by landlords is a discriminatory housing practice. Under the law, landlords will be entitled to an interactive accommodation process to ensure dialogue between tenants and landlords. The law will also define “assistance animal” and “emotional support animal” to provide clarity for housing providers and Coloradans with disabilities and to reduce litigation. In May 2026, the Trump Administration formally narrowed the definition of an “assistance animal” allowed to live with disabled tenants. The defination was effective immediately. Last year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rescinded federal guidelines that outlined the rights that people with disabilities have regarding service animals under the Fair Housing Act. These guidelines also helped landlords, property managers and tenants understand how to distinguish between service animals and Emotional Support Animals. The repeal of these guidelines has created confusion regarding the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and what reasonable accommodations housing providers must provide. HB26-1141 , sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, will prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. “In Colorado, we believe that students deserve protections if they experience discrimination based on their skin color, sexual orientation and disability,” said Bacon . “As the Trump Administration slashes funding for the federal Office of Civil Rights, the time is now to strengthen civil rights protections to protect students in Colorado. Our schools should be a safe place for students to learn and grow, and together we’re creating a positive learning environment for all students.” “Colorado students are as diverse as the state itself, and that diversity is a strength that we must protect, especially in the face of ongoing threats to the federal Office of Civil Rights,” said Marchman. “With this new law, we are following through on that commitment by ensuring equal treatment for protected classes – which now includes those who are pregnant, in school and after-school programs.” “Students, faculty, and families deserve to know with complete certainty that if they experience discrimination in public schools, Colorado stands behind them, even if the federal government will not,” said Kolker. “This new law is a part of our holistic, 360-degree approach to supporting students of all backgrounds and ensuring that Colorado is a place where all students can learn and grow in a safe environment.” HB26-1141 prohibits public K-12 schools, higher education institutions and their employees from discriminating based on a protected class, like disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and national origin. The law also adds pregnancy and prenatal status to the definition of “harassment and discrimination" in K-12 public schools. The law outlines discrimination in K-12 schools and higher education institutions as denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a public accommodation when the school: Excludes a student from participating in school programs or activities, Denies educational services, benefits, or opportunities to a student without a legitimate, non-discriminatory basis and treats the student differently than a similar student, and Fails to take prompt and effective steps to address a complaint that they have created a hostile environment based on a protected class. The Colorado Civil Rights Division is able to create rules specifically for how to address these types of complaints. Higher education institutions, including community and technical colleges, will be required to establish a discrimination complaint process. They will also be required to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and Title VI, educate students and employees about the complaint process, manage and respond to grievances and publish data on violations. Since Trump started his second term, he has slashed the US Department of Education’s workforce by nearly 50 percent , including firing half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights and closing seven of the 12 regional offices, costing taxpayers over $28 million . The Office of Civil Rights leads investigations of discrimination at schools and higher education institutions across the country. He also moved oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Senator Marchman previously passed a law that clearly defines what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. They also passed a law in 2024 that ensures that schools and educators have trauma-informed resources to support youth against harassment and discrimination. All three bills join a host of actions Colorado Democrats have taken to protect Coloradans’ way of life amid federal threats. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin. < Back January 14, 2025 Bills to Increase Access to Medical Equipment, Psilocybin Medication Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin . “As a former first responder, I know how important it is for Coloradans to access the medical treatment they need to live comfortably, which is why I’m carrying this bill to make it easier for people to receive life-saving equipment like wheelchairs and CPAPs,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB25-1016. “This bill would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment to their patients, cutting out the middle man and streamlining access to essential medical equipment, especially in rural areas where people have to travel further to see a provider.” HB25-1016 , which passed by a vote of 13-0, would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, like ventilators and wheelchairs, without requiring a prescription from a licensed physician leading to increased access to medical care and treatment. HB25-1063 , sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, would make a prescription medication that includes crystalline polymorph psilocybin legal to prescribe, dispense, distribute, possess, use, and market in Colorado upon its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Coloradans have shown support for natural psychedelic treatment options when they passed Prop 122, and this bill would help prepare Colorado’s medical industry to start prescribing synthesized psilocybin for Coloradans with certain mental health conditions,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1063. “Research shows that this type of medication can have positive long-term impacts on people suffering from treatment-resistant depression or post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). This bipartisan bill creates guidelines for medical psilocybin treatments in the case that it is approved at the federal level to give Coloradans more controlled treatment options for depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and other conditions.” Colorado became the second state in the nation to legalize psychedelic therapy when voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022. In June 2023, the FDA published guidance for researchers investigating the use of psychedelic therapy for medical treatment, stating that psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown promising results when used to treat mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use disorders. A Johns Hopkins study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can relieve major depressive disorder symptoms in some adults for at least a year. HB25-1063 passed by a vote of 12-1. Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2021 SEVENTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY KICKS OFF; URGENT LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Today, on the first legislative day of the Seventy-Third General Assembly, the Colorado House of Representatives met to address pressing business and to swear in new members. At the end of this week, the General Assembly will go into a temporary adjournment, with the aim of returning to the Capitol tentatively on February 16. After floor debate, House Committees met to consider four urgently needed pieces of legislation. The following bills were heard and passed out of the House State Affairs Committee: HB21-1001 : Ensures the smooth continuation of our democracy by giving leeway to members of a party central committee or vacancy committee to participate in a committee meeting remotely, including by casting the member’s vote by email, mail, telephone, or through an internet-based application if allowed by the party’s rules, through the end of 2021. The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole by a vote of 10-1. HB21-1003: Protects public health by allowing members of the General Assembly to safely participate in legislative proceedings remotely during a declared disaster emergency. The bill also permits joint committees of reference to hold SMART Act hearings remotely any time after the General Assembly convenes, allowing legislative oversight to continue during the temporary adjournment between now and February. The bill was moved to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 7-4. The following bills were heard and passed out of the House Finance Committee: HB21-1002: Clarifies the original intent of HB20-1420 to address unintended consequences impacting business and independent tax filers. HB20-1420 aimed to decouple Colorado from federal tax changes in the CARES act, leaving taxpayers no better nor worse off than prior to the passage of CARES. Since the passage of HB20-1420, the bill has been misinterpreted to disallow taxpayers the ability to carry forward various tax benefits over the annual allowable limit to future tax filing years. This bill affirms taxpayers ability to carry forward specified amounts. The bill also allows ITIN filers to claim the Earned Income Tax credit beginning in the 2020 tax year. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 8-3. HB21-1004: Protects public health by enacting the “Colorado Uniform Electronic Wills Act,” which ensures that Coloradans can settle their affairs remotely, without putting their health or the health of their loved ones at risk. The bill permits the execution of wills using online platforms designed for the remote notarization of electronic documents. The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole by a unanimous vote. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or life-long illnesses. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. < Back January 28, 2025 Legislation to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral, Complex Health Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or life-long illnesses. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. “Colorado Democrats have championed programs that help families as they work to support their children with behavioral health conditions and life-long illnesses, and this legislation would help streamline the process to receive these services,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “These waivers allow children to live at home while receiving care, and expand the critical services they have access to. This is something that all Colorado kids deserve. With our bipartisan legislation, we’re making health care and in-home support more accessible for Colorado youth and their families.” HB25-1003 , also sponsored by Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, would create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver by merging the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) and the Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI) waivers. This would help streamline waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with complex health needs. The CHCBS provides home and community-based services for families with children with significant medical needs so they can continue to live at home and prevent institutionalization. The CLLI provides in-home services and treatments for families with children with a complex health need, including respite care and pain management. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to improve access to behavioral and mental health care, including creating the I Matter program to offer no-cost mental health services to students, training for first responders and community leaders to identify and respond to symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorders, and expanding mental health care coverage for Colorado youth. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elizabeth Velasco that would streamline the process to receive a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. SB24-182 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 7, 2024 Bill to Expedite, Streamline Driver’s License Process for New Immigrants Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elizabeth Velasco that would streamline the process to receive a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. SB24-182 passed by a vote of 43-19. "For undocumented people, the average wait time to get a drivers license is 12-30 months, but undocumented people still need to drive to work or drive their kids to school,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill allows us to address the needs of newcomers that have been present for decades but have only grown more clear from the recent influx of migrants across the state. I’m thankful to have been a part of taking oppressive barriers for our community away through this legislation." “The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act has made a significant impact on our immigrant communities by allowing all residents, regardless of their immigrant status, to qualify for a driver’s license or state ID,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We’re streamlining the eligibility process to limit hurdles for immigrants who use our roads.” SB24-182 would amend the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act to make it easier for new immigrants to obtain a driver's license or state identification card for residents who do not have legal resident status in the United States. This bill would change requirements to receiving a driver's license or state identification card by: Removing a requirement to file a Colorado resident income tax return for the prior year, Removing a requirement to demonstrate residence in the state for the previous two years, Removing a requirement to provide a documented social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and Expand the list of acceptable identification documents to include a photocopy of a passport issued by the applicant's country of origin, a voter identification card with a photograph issued by the applicant’s country of origin, and other alternatives. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. < Back May 4, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Improve Mental Health Access in Schools, Support our Students DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. “Colorado students are battling a mental health crisis – and we’re committed to getting them the professional support they need,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our educators go above and beyond to support our students, but they can’t do it alone; Colorado schools need more mental health professionals. This law expands schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so our students can access mental health services in school. The bravery of our students never ceases to amaze me, and I’m proud we can streamline the school mental health services they need.” “Without mental health professionals, our overworked educators are stepping up to provide mental health support to our youth,” said Rep. Mary Young, a school psychologist, D-Greeley. “Our law cuts red tape and makes it possible for schools to hire more licensed mental health professionals in schools now. Many Colorado students are combating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues while struggling to find the support they need in schools. This important legislation helps our schools hire more mental health professionals and prioritize the needs of students.” SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license to practice therapeutic services and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This law streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2021 POLIS SIGNS $75M FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING AND BILL TO CREATE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY DENVER, CO - – Governor Polis today signed two bills that will invest $75 million to boost Colorado’s workforce training programs and expand access to quality apprenticeship pathways. The lack of qualified talent in Colorado has been one of the primary barriers to business growth. HB21-1264 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Young, invests $75 million to provide Coloradans with reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling opportunities that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities in growing industries that are looking to hire. The money will go to the Colorado Workforce Development Council and the Departments of Education and Higher Education to invest in this new innovative program as well as enhance Colorado’s adult education and career and technical education programs. The funds will help thousands of Coloradans complete high quality job and career training programs to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency and rebuild our economy. “Colorado businesses are looking to hire skilled workers so they can grow and meet demand for their goods and services,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB21-1264 “This new law will create expanded opportunities for workers to upskill, reskill or next skill so they can fill good jobs and power the Colorado Comeback.” “The bills Governor Polis signed today are going to provide more workers in Colorado the tools and skills to fill good jobs and build careers in thriving and growing industries,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D- Centennial, sponsor of HB21-1264 and HB21-1007. “We’re putting $75 million toward expanding access to workforce centers and nonprofits across Colorado that provide critical job-training, and we’re creating a Colorado Apprenticeship Agency to improve, oversee, coordinate and expand access to apprenticeship programs that can jump-start careers.” “Apprenticeship programs are a proven pathway for workers and students to learn the skills they’ll need to work in growing industries,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m excited the governor signed legislation today to create a state apprenticeship agency in Colorado that will ensure workers and students can access quality programs that are designed to provide the skills and tools apprentices need to excel in their careers.” HB21-1007 , sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and David Ortiz, establishes a state apprenticeship agency. The agency will collaborate with the US Department of Labor to register and oversee apprenticeship programs at the state level, determine standards for apprenticeship programs, and ensure these standards are being met. It will work to promote apprenticeship programs so that more Coloradans can access these critical training opportunities, which to-date have jump-started the careers of nearly 2 million Americans in the last decade. Because Colorado does not have a state apprenticeship agency, apprenticeship programs are currently registered with the US Department of Labor. This new state agency will work with businesses and organizations offering apprenticeship programs to provide technical assistance to help them create and meet standards and provide more flexibility to ensure apprentices are learning the skills they need to advance in their trade. Twenty-five other states have state apprenticeship councils. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2020 GA: REGULAR SESSION SHOULD CONTINUE WHEN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY SUBSIDES GA brief to Supreme Court argues state Constitution gives lawmakers 120 calendar days to do the people’s work, can be suspended during public health emergency DENVER, CO — House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statements after the General Assembly submitted its brief to the Colorado Supreme Court. The governor and attorney general submitted a brief in support of the General Assembly’s position, as did the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials and several other groups and individuals. “We filed a brief asking to fulfill our constitutional obligation to do the people’s business in a regular session, which is not only called for in the Constitution, but is necessary to serve our constituents,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “With their brief, Republican lawmakers are recklessly using a global pandemic to jeopardize our ability to carry out our constitutional requirements and responsibilities.” “What Coloradans need right now is for us to focus on the immediate wellbeing of their loved ones and their livelihoods. What they do not need us to do is abandon all of the work they elected us to accomplish on their behalf,” said President Leroy Garcia . “We suspended our legislative session in order to protect the community from this serious pandemic, but we are committed to continuing to fight for solutions that will provide relief to Coloradans in the wake of this difficult time.” “We suspended the session to protect public health, and a common-sense reading of the Constitution allows us to continue our important work at a later date,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This should not be a partisan issue. This is about preserving the legislature’s ability, regardless of the party in power, to do what we were elected to do and carry out the people’s work.” “We are facing one of the worst public health and economic crises we’ve seen in a generation, which makes this partisan gamesmanship all the more disappointing. Now is the time to come together, not play politics,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg . “The argument that we cannot suspend a legislative session in the middle of a public health disaster smells of putting politics over people’s lives. Coloradans will need us to get back to work when it’s safe so that we can pass legislation to help our state get through this incredibly difficult time.” The legislature was faced with the difficult decision to protect public health and potentially fail to meet the people’s need for legislation, or meet the public’s interests by continuing to work on legislation while ignoring the danger to the public. To resolve this question, the General Assembly asked the Supreme Court if legislative days must be counted consecutively during a public health emergency, as determined by the governor, or whether the legislature can suspend operations to be resumed at a later date where they left off. Under longstanding rules of the General Assembly approved by both Republicans and Democrats for over a decade, the General Assembly may suspend its session in the case of a public health emergency without having the time of the suspension count against the 120 day legislative clock. In its brief, the General Assembly makes six arguments in favor of the validity of its longstanding interpretation of Article V, Section 7, as embodied in Joint Rules 23(d) and 44(g), that calendar days do not have to be counted consecutively during a public health emergency, allowing the session to resume at a later date. The phrase “120 calendar days” says nothing about whether “calendar days” must be consecutive. Most obviously, neither the word “consecutive” nor any similar term is included in the provision. In 1982 and 1988, Colorado voters limited the legislative session to 120 calendar days. The intent of the Constitutional amendments, found in the accompanying “Blue Books,” was to ensure lawmakers had adequate time to consider all critical and important issues during a regular session. The legislature’s joint rules are consistent with that intent. The rules in question relate to the Assembly’s own procedures, and constitute an appropriate exercise of the Constitution’s independent grant to the Assembly of the “power to determine the rules of its proceedings,” the power “to protect its members against violence,” and “all other powers necessary for the legislature of a free state.” The GAVEL amendment requires that all bills currently introduced be considered on their merits, which cannot happen if the session does not resume. Furthermore, a contrary interpretation could prevent the General Assembly from passing a budget, which it is also Constitutionally required to do. The decision to suspend the session was not optional. It was necessary to protect the public’s health. The legislature’s rules allow the General Assembly to meet its constitutional obligations without exposing legislators, their staff or the public to COVID-19. Special sessions are intended to address specific subject matters, not general business. A special session may only be called by the governor or by a two-thirds majority vote in each house. No sound basis exists to bar the General Assembly from acting on matters that cannot garner support from a supermajority of each chamber at the outset of the special session. Three additional briefs were filed in support of the General Assembly’s position: A combined brief from the Governor and Attorney General; a second brief from the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO); and a third combined brief from the ACLU of Colorado, Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio (in his individual capacity), AFT Colorado, Bell Policy Center, City of Aurora, City of Northglenn, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Club 20, Democrats for Education Reform, Denver District Attorney, Good Business Colorado Association, Interfaith Alliance Colorado, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Metro Mayors Caucus, SEIU, Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Towards Justice, and Women’s Lobby of Colorado. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bill Improving Access to Life-Saving Medicine Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill allowing psychologists to prescribe some mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Treatment for mental illness can take many forms, but when someone needs prescription medication, it can often be costly and take too long to get in to see a prescriber,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Allowing specially-trained psychologists to prescribe medication that best fits their patient’s needs will improve treatment options, reduce costs, and increase access to life-saving care for Coloradans with mental illness.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Matthew Martinez, D-Alamosa today released the following statement following a train derailment outside Pueblo: < Back October 16, 2023 Mauro, Martinez Release Statement Regarding Pueblo Train Derailment DENVER, CO – Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Matthew Martinez, D-Alamosa today released the following statement following a train derailment outside Pueblo: “We’re deeply saddened and concerned by the derailment in northern Pueblo County of a large coal train, and we mourn the semi-truck driver who was killed during the incident. We are truly grateful for the first responders and Colorado State Patrol who have been on scene to assist in traffic navigation, communication and operations. “While the cause for the derailment is still unknown, our community is now grappling with a massive cleanup effort and the re-opening of I-25 to ease travel and economic disruptions. We are committed to working toward solutions alongside our colleagues in the legislature and other officials to ensure the safety of the railways our community and economy relies on.” Previous Next