Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to initiate and enforce landlord-tenant laws, ensuring safe housing and strengthening renter protections. SB25-020, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 6-5. “Every Coloradan deserves access to safe, stable housing,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “When an apartment complex in my district in Aurora was closed due to years of unmanaged rodent infestations and structural damage, it was clear that we needed to take action to ensure we have the tools to hold property management companies accountable. This legislation would empower the Attorney General and local governments to step in when the health and safety of Colorado renters are at risk, creating safer housing for all.” “Far too many Coloradans have been forced to live in untenable, dangerous conditions due to bad-acting landlords turning a blind eye,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Aurora and Denver made national headlines last year, highlighting the need to bolster Colorado’s renter protections and crack down on property management companies who ignore Colorado’s housing protection laws. With this bill, we’re holding neglectful landlords accountable for side-stepping Colorado’s tenant protection laws and preventing more Coloradans from being stuck in unlivable housing situations.” SB25-020 would give the Colorado Attorney General authority to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, documentation requirements for housing agreements, and protections regarding bed bugs in residential homes. The bill would give counties and municipalities the ability to initiate and enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. The bill would establish a process where, only in severe cases, residential housing may be placed into receivership - a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The bill outlines the process for receivership cases, including proper notice to parties, powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and the process for ending receiverships. Reps. Lindsay and Mabrey have championed numerous tenant protection laws, including legislation to prevent unnecessary and arbitrary evictions and strengthen residential lease agreements to protect renters from signing leases with harmful hidden language. They have also bolstered Colorado’s warrant of habitability law to ensure tenants have access to timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise and adding damage due to an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 FED STIM INVESTMENTS IN HOUSING, WORKFORCE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVANCE DENVER, CO — House committees today advanced three bills that would allocate federal stimulus dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act toward affordable housing, workforce development and behavioral health. “The need for affordable housing has skyrocketed in Colorado; across our state, hardworking families are struggling to find a place to live or afford their rent or mortgage,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “That’s why the legislature is going to immediately deploy $100 million in federal funds to help finance the construction of 7,000 affordable housing units across the state. This summer, we’ll work alongside experts, lawmakers, community advocates, and state departments to develop recommendations for how we can most effectively allocate the remaining $450 million in federal funds to make housing more affordable in Colorado.” “Housing is a human right, but it’s way too hard in Colorado for middle and lower-income families to find an affordable place to live,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Housing costs are rising faster than wages and salaries can keep up as more people move into our great state. We heard these concerns loud and clear during our statewide listening tour, and we are going to advance transformational changes to make housing more affordable for Coloradans.” HB21-1329 , which passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 6-4, is sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Steven Woodrow and channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests $100 million of that funding to build 7,000 housing units that will help Coloradans who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic obtain affordable housing. The bill requires a broad and diverse stakeholder process during the interim that will develop and make recommendations to the General Assembly for how to allocate the remaining $450 million. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs and supportive housing programs. HB21-1330 , which passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 8-4, is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The pandemic has disrupted the careers of hardworking people across our state,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill will provide direct support to students and workers seeking to complete higher education or skills training programs. It will increase access to critical education programs that help workers obtain new skills and earn higher wages. By boosting our workforce and easing the path for Coloradans to complete their degrees and certificate programs, we will help workers fill good jobs and bounce back stronger from the pandemic.” “I see it every day in my community–hardworking Coloradans struggling to build a better life who don’t have the resources to complete the degree or certificate program that could set them up for a successful career,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Businesses need skilled workers, and workers and students need affordable pathways to obtain critical skills. That’s exactly what the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative already does. With this $50 million investment in our workforce, we are going to create tremendous opportunities for Coloradans to build successful careers.” Funding allocated under HB21-1330 will provide direct and indirect support to students to incentivize them to complete degree and credential programs, assist in navigating career options and address equity gaps in higher education and the workforce. A portion of the funds will be used for scholarships and financial assistance. Under the bill, higher education institutions will develop student assistance plans that describe how they will spend their allocation to assist students in enrolling, persisting and completing the program. SB21-137 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Chis Kennedy, was amended to deploy over $100 million in federal stimulus funds immediately for emergency behavioral health services. The pandemic and its accompanying economic recession has taken a toll on the mental health of Coloradans, with mental health challenges and substance use disorders taking a particularly high toll on people of color and people who live and work in frontier and rural communities. In 2020, fatal drug overdoses increased by 59 percent in Colorado. The bill passed the Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 10-3. Among its many provisions, the bill provides: recovery-oriented services to individuals with a SUD or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder, support for training programs for providers in rural and metro areas to develop competencies in mental health and substance abuse and grants to nonprofits to provide vouchers to individuals living in rural and frontier communities in need of behavioral health-care services. The amendments also create a Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund and a robust interim process to allocate federal stimulus funds for behavioral health. The Colorado Comeback Roadmap to Building Back Stronger envisions spending over half a billion on behavioral health services. “This session, we’ve passed legislation to require insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams, provide three free mental health sessions for Colorado youth, and create a behavioral health administration, and we’re not done yet,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Colorado will build back stronger if we can connect people with the behavioral health care they need. We are going to use a significant portion of Colorado’s federal relief funds to address urgent needs and bolster our state’s behavioral and mental health capacity.” “The pandemic has had a number of devastating impacts on Coloradans’ mental health, and one distressing pattern we’re seeing is that substance use deaths are rising,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will help Colorado build back stronger by doing everything possible to reverse the impact the pandemic has had on behavioral health. It creates a process to invest over half a billion dollars to ensure critical resources fund the treatment and care that Coloradans need.” Previous Next

< Back July 10, 2020 GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS TO SUPPORT RESTAURANTS, BARS, SMALL BUSINESSES DURING COVID Gov signs two bills to provide greater flexibility to brewpubs and restaurants, bars, hotels or other establishments selling alcoholic beverages. Denver, CO — Today, at the Englewood Grand bar, Governor Jared Polis signed two bipartisan bills to continue to allow establishments to deliver and offer takeout of alcoholic beverages and provide brewpubs with greater flexibility in selling the beer and malt liquor they produce at separate locations. SB20-213 , sponsored by Reps. Dylan Roberts and Colin Larson, allows licensed alcohol dealers to deliver alcohol or to provide it as takeout for their customers. Consumers must be at least 21 years old when they pick up alcohol from a licensed establishment. The order cannot have more than 750ML of spirits and no more than 72 fluid ounces of malt liquors, including hard cider. Deliveries must be made by a person who is 21 or older. “The restaurant and service industry has been hit harder by the pandemic than almost any other industry in our state,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “Having the flexibility to sell alcohol for delivery and to-go has been a lifesaver for many restaurants in my district and across the state – for many, it was the sole reason they were able to stay in business. I am thankful that the governor signed my bill into law today because this will provide restaurants continued flexibility and revenue as we continue through these turbulent times.” SB20-194 , sponsored by Reps. Matt Gray and Kevin Van Winkle, will allow owners of more than one brewpub to sell beer manufactured at one brewpub at a different brewpub under their ownership. This only applies to sales of beer to be consumed off premises. As of March 2020, there are 180 licensed brewpubs in Colorado. This new law will provide them with greater flexibility as they navigate the new reality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coloradans love their craft beer, and takeout from our brewpubs has fortunately continued throughout the pandemic,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. This bill removes an arbitrary restriction from state law to give people more choice and brewers more opportunity. It’s a win-win, and I’m grateful to the Governor for signing it.” Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE COST-SHARING ARRANGEMENTS MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to enact protections for consumers in health care cost-sharing arrangements that are not health insurers today was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee. The bill would protect consumers by giving the Colorado Division of Insurance authority to conduct specific oversight of healthcare cost sharing arrangements to help ensure that they provide consumers with full information about their financial capacity to pay claims. “Consumers should know what to expect when they pay into a health care cost-sharing agreement,” said Health and Insurance Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill would ensure that those buying into cost sharing agreements understand exactly how they operate and what their limits are. While there are plenty of well-meaning and responsible cost sharing communities out there, we have heard too many stories of bad actors taking advantage of health care consumers to not take action.” As defined in HB20-1008 , a “health care cost-sharing arrangement” is a health care cost sharing ministry or medical cost-sharing community that collects funds from its members on a regular basis, at levels established by the arrangement, for purposes of sharing, covering, or defraying the medical costs of its members. These are not traditional health insurance companies and are exempt from federal insurance requirements like guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions, established by the Affordable Care Act. Last year in Colorado , the Division of Insurance made the decision to prevent one of these arrangements, Trinity HealthShare, from marketing in the state for the foreseeable future because of complaints received from consumers about these companies. Health care cost sharing ministries like Trinity are being scrutinized by state legislatures across the country for misleading health care consumers and failing to cover the medical bills of their members. The bill would not prohibit cost-sharing arrangements from operating in the state but would require increased and improved reporting from the administrators of these arrangements. Under the bill’s new requirements, health care cost-sharing arrangements would have to provide the Commissioner of Insurance with information regarding their operations, financial statements, membership, and specific information surrounding medical claims submitted, paid, and denied. The arrangements would also be required to disclose to consumers and potential customers the limitations of these agreements and other specific information as required by the bill. Finally, health care cost-sharing arrangements would be required to respond to requests for payment of medical expenses from health care providers within a period specified by the Commissioner of Insurance. ### Previous Next

SB26-150 would implement the recommendations from the RTD Accountability Committee < Back April 28, 2026 Bill to Modernize and Improve RTD Passes Committee SB26-150 would implement the recommendations from the RTD Accountability Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to modernize and improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD). SB26-150, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Jamie Jackson, passed on a vote of 9-4. “RTD reform has been a big priority for me in the legislature, and I am excited that we are taking a big step to create a more robust and reliable transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The RTD Accountability Committee did a terrific job recommending necessary changes so we can create safe, accessible public transit across the Denver Metro Area. This bill implements recommendations from the committee to deliver on Colorado’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and get Coloradans where they need to go.” “Working people deserve high-quality transit systems, which is why we’re bringing this bill to improve mass transit safety, reliability and accessibility,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “The unfortunate reality is that RTD isn’t delivering, and after many years of waiting for improvements, time is up and Coloradans are rightly out of patience. We must reform RTD’s leadership to get this agency on the right track. Mass transit plays an important role in reaching our climate goals, saving Coloradans money on transportation and creating transit-oriented housing. This legislation will make changes to better align RTD with the needs of our communities.” SB26-150 would make a number of changes to the RTD board in order to create a governing board that is more functional and well-equipped to make decisions in pursuit of a world-class transit system. These changes include: Reducing the current 15-member board to nine, increasing efficiency and bringing it in line with the majority of transit boards in the country; Preserving five seats up for election, ensuring that the majority of the board remains democratically elected; Making the remaining four seats at-large appointments, ensuring that the board will have expertise in finance, land use, transportation planning, disproportionately impacted communities, and/or labor; Requiring one of the board members to be appointed in consultation with the Denver Regional Council of Governments and at least one board member to be an Amalgamated Transit Union member, guaranteeing that the voices of local governments and labor are represented; Raising board and chairperson salaries to attract high-quality candidates; and Increasing structure and clarity for the board by requiring that specific authorities and responsibilities be set for each board member. New RTD districts would be drawn in advance of the 2028 election, creating an entirely new board by January 1, 2029, with plans in place to achieve staggered turnover of the board starting in 2031. Additionally, the bill would require that RTD complete a study and adopt a plan for implementing improved paratransit services by December 31, 2027. The bill would also require a review of the new RTD board structure after 15 years, guaranteeing a review of the new structure to assess its effectiveness over time, including representation, expertise, ridership, and financial performance. The RTD Accountability Committee was created by SB25-161 , also sponsored by Rep. Froelich. As a result of the bill, the Committee delivered its recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor Polis earlier this year. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. < Back February 20, 2025 House Committee Passes Two Bills to Protect Colorado Water DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. HB25-1115 would expand the duties of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and HB25-1113 would eliminate non-functional turf around certain multi-family housing. “Water is a part of our Western identity, and we must take steps now to preserve and protect the water resources we have,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB25-1115. “To effectively manage Colorado's water supply, we need all the research and data available to inform our decisions. This bipartisan bill empowers the Colorado Water Conservation Board to expand their research, specifically around water supply measurement and snowpack, so we can better protect the freshwater Coloradans rely on for agriculture, household use, recreation and everything in between.” “Smart landscaping choices play a big role in conserving our precious water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB25-1113. “This bill builds upon our efforts to cut back on unnecessary water usage that maintains non-functional turf or invasive plant species. As our state experiences increased climate threats and extreme droughts, we must work to effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.” “When we cut back on the amount of non-functional turf or invasive grasses in our state, we preserve water while embracing our state’s native plants and species,” said Rep. Leslie Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1113. “Our bill encourages water-wise landscaping on multifamily housing, like apartments and condominiums. As we navigate a drier, hotter climate in Colorado we need to take steps now to conserve our precious water resources.” HB25-1115 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would help protect and preserve Colorado’s fresh water resources in the face of uncertain water conditions ahead. HB25-1115 would expand the power and responsibilities of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to oversee a statewide water supply measurement and a forecasting program. The bill would expand the CWCB’s water supply measurement program to: Collect and disseminate data on snowpack levels. Investigate the latest technological advances in snowpack measurement and water supply forecasting. Collect other data to assist in snowpack measurement, water supply forecasting, or flood hazard mapping. Colorado currently relies on a patchwork of smaller entities, like nonprofits and municipalities, to measure and map the state’s water resources. This bill would redirect funding already set aside from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Cash Fund to permanently support a statewide program, ensuring equitable support across the state. HB25-1113 , passed committee by a vote of 9-3. This bill aims to promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation or planting of non-functional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on multi-family housing properties, specifically condominiums or apartment complexes with twelve or more units. Colorado lawmakers have championed multiple laws to ramp up water conservation in the state, including turf replacement and the reduction of non-functional turf on state and commercial properties. HB25-1113 builds off of SB24-005 by limiting the installation of high water-use, non-native plants on property owned and operated multi-family properties, including apartments or condominiums. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 passed by a vote of 47-16. < Back March 7, 2024 House Passes Jodeh, Bacon Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 passed by a vote of 47-16. “Metro districts are a tool used to help keep up with the increasing demand for housing in our communities, and we must ensure that homeowners in these districts are protected from preventable foreclosures,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Metro districts can legally conduct design review and covenant enforcement, unfortunately leading to some homeowners being foreclosed on due to fines and fees over decisions like the material used for their roof. Our legislation would encourage metro districts and homeowners to work together to settle disputes and avoid unnecessary foreclosures.” “There are over 2,000 metro districts throughout Colorado where homeowners pay additional taxes to cover costs for infrastructure and services, and these homeowners deserve transparency about the covenant enforcement guidelines of the metro district that they are paying into,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would offer greater transparency for the rules and practices that metro districts must adhere to and prevent homeowners from having their house foreclosed on due to unpaid debts for covenant enforcement, keeping Coloradans housed.” Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including: Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines, Prohibiting metro districts from foreclosing on liens based on delinquent fees and requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials, Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases. HB24-1267 protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices. Previous Next

SB26-189 would help prevent discrimination and improve transparency < Back May 9, 2026 House Passes Bill to Establish Colorado’s Regulatory Framework on Automated Decision-Making Technology DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation to establish Colorado’s regulatory framework on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) when it is used to make consequential decisions about an individual. “AI is everywhere, and Colorado needs appropriate guardrails to prevent discrimination when AI is used to make consequential decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “If someone is denied housing, a job or health care at the hands of automated technology, they deserve to know what criteria went into that decision and to have an opportunity to correct mistakes. The AI taskforce helped us establish the right policy framework for Colorado that protects consumers, prioritizes transparency and does not stifle business growth.” “Colorado is leading the way nationally with AI guardrails to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We did not do this work alone–the AI taskforce brought together a group of stakeholders that laid the groundwork for this legislation. Together, we’re protecting Coloradans from harm and discrimination while fostering a strong business environment. Coloradans deserve to know when automated technology is being used, and they deserve a chance to correct inaccurate information. I’m immensely proud of the work that’s gone into this legislation.” SB26-189 would update the regulatory framework on ADMT when such technology is used to make consequential decisions. SB26-189 passed the House today by a vote of 57-6. ADMT is a technology that automatically processes personal data and generates an output used to make, guide, or assist a decision concerning an individual. “Consequential decisions” are defined in the bill as decisions that relate to an individual's access to, eligibility for, or compensation related to education, employment, housing, financial or lending services, insurance, healthcare services, or essential government services. Protecting Coloradans To protect consumers, SB26-189 would require deployers, entities that use an ADMT, to provide a clear notice to consumers when they are interacting with an ADMT covered by the bill. If an ADMT makes a consequential decision that results in an adverse outcome for a consumer, the deployer would be required to provide the consumer with a plain-language description of the technology’s role in the decision and a process to request additional information about the decision within 30 days. In the case of an adverse outcome, consumers would have the right to request correction of factually inaccurate personal data and the right to request meaningful human review and reconsideration of the decision. Implementing and enforcing the new framework Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would require ADMT developers to provide a deployer with a description of the technology’s intended uses, categories of data used to train the ADMT, known limitations and risks, and instructions for appropriate use and human review, as well as updates or modifications to the ADMT as they are made. The legislation requires the Attorney General (AG) to adopt rules that clarify disclosure requirements after an adverse outcome by January 1st, 2027. The AG would have exclusive authority to enforce the bill through the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" and a violation of the bill would be deemed a deceptive trade practice. In the case of an alleged violation, the AG would be required to provide the developer or deployer with a 60-day notice and an opportunity to cure the violation within that timeframe, if a cure is deemed possible. The bill does not create a new private right of action for an individual. Ensuring balanced responsibility and liability Under the bill, both developers and deployers of an ADMT may be held liable for a violation of existing anti-discrimination law, including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). It further specifies that any fault in a violation of anti-discrimination law should be allocated based on the relative fault shared between the developer and deployer. The liability section of SB26-189 establishes that provisions in a contract between a developer and deployer that indemnify against any liability under the CADA from either party’s actions are void. The bill is structured to ensure that developers and deployers only have responsibility and liability for the intended use of an ADMT in a consequential decision. In 2024, lawmakers passed first-of-its-kind legislation to implement consumer protections in interactions with high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Over the past six months, a task force convened by the governor met to develop and publish a new policy framework to strike a balance between the interests of businesses and consumers. SB26-189 would repeal the 2024 legislation and enact many of the recommendations developed by the task force. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. < Back March 2, 2026 Mauro, McCormick Bill to Benefit Farmers and Ranchers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. HB26-1111 passed committee by a vote of 10-3. “Colorado’s farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our environment, and this bill saves them money and time on proper pesticide disposal,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “There’s a farmer in my district who has held on to used pesticides for decades because there aren’t safe, easy disposal options. This bill would create a new program that brings safe, convenient and low-cost pesticide disposal to our communities. HB26-1111 is good for our agriculture industry, and I am proud to sponsor this bill.” “With this bill, we’re saving our farmers and ranchers money and protecting our environment,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Without access to pesticide disposal programs, we risk contaminating our groundwater and soil. This bill brings safe, affordable pesticide disposal to our farmers and ranchers. We’re taking steps to make it easier for our farmers and ranchers to do business in Colorado, and this bill supports our ag community.” HB26-1111 would offer farmers a new option to dispose of used or unwanted pesticides and containers, and safely dispose of chemicals and recycle containers. This bill would create the Pesticide Product Disposal and Container Recycling Enterprise housed in the Department of Agriculture (CDA). This bill targets large quantities of pesticides used by farmers and ranchers by creating an affordable method for pesticide disposal. Pesticide disposal and recycling facilities in Colorado are limited, dispersed, inconvenient and expensive for farmers and ranchers. Without access to pesticide disposal and recycling services, harmful chemicals often accumulate, which increases the risk of improper disposal or leaks that could contaminate Colorado’s soil and water. Beginning in 2027, HB26-1111 would create a new program that provides relief to our farmers and ranchers and protects our environment. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER ON THEIR TERMS The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone’s bill that allows youth who are 15-years-old, or older, to directly consent to receive shelter services from a licensed facility. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Rob Woodward. The committee passed the bill by a vote of 10-3. “Homeless youth are one of the most vulnerable populations in Colorado, and it’s up to us to protect them,” said Rep.Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would remove barriers towards homeless kids receiving the support they need from licensed and regulated services. We can’t have teens falling through the cracks, and this bill puts their safety first.” “When it comes to homeless youth, safety is our concern,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This bill would allow homeless teens in our state to advocate for their own safety and well-being, and will no doubt lead to better outcomes.” SB20-106 would allow homeless youth facilities, including foster or family homes, to provide shelter and “crisis intervention” to homeless youths who are 15-years-old. The youths must consent, in writing, to receive these services and do not need the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The bill also states that a person who provides shelter to a homeless child without the consent of a legal guardian must notify the legal guardian and authorities within 24-hours after shelter has been provided. Additionally, if the authorities come to the conclusion that the youth cannot be returned to the legal guardian, they must notify the county so proper living arrangements can be made. The bill passed the Senate 32-1. ### Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (May 1) – Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications passed in the House on second reading. The bill will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for hardworking families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the House Health and Insurance committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under federal law to contract with a vendor. The vendor will design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. “Republicans in Congress are failing to help lower the cost of health care, and this is a commonsense approach that can help Colorado cut the cost of medication,” Rep. Jaquez Lewis added. SB19-005 passed on a a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. If approved, the bill goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to improve health outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. < Back May 3, 2024 Bill to Support Coloradans with Sickle Cell Disease Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve health outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. SB24-042 , sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. “This bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “ Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and can cause joint pain, prolonged fatigue and reduce oxygen flow. With this bill, we can make it easier for people to access critical health care as we work toward closing the gap to accessing health care experienced by marginalized communities.” “Long-standing inequities in our health care system have left many Black Coloradans without access to the care they need, let alone specialized care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect Coloradans living with sickle cell disease with health care resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, impacting Black communities at a higher rate with prolonged fatigue and pain. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator and one of my predecessors in the House, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the health care gap, especially for those who have been underserved for far too long.” SB24-042 , passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3, would work to improve health outcomes for Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. This bill would create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services would be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE. Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sickle cell disease occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births and occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Previous Next