The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. < Back April 20, 2023 Improvements to Domestic Violence Cases, Access to Resources Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how imperative it is to have comprehensive protections for victims while they seek accountability in court,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our current law doesn’t hold county and municipal courts to the same standards for domestic violence cases and doesn’t require them to share case information between one another, letting past criminal activity fall through the cracks when considering the threat that an abuser poses to the victim and the community. By improving the way that municipal courts handle domestic violence cases, Coloradans will have equal protections and services under the law, no matter where they live.” “Municipal courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence cases in several large Front Range cities, but they aren’t required by law to have the same procedural requirements or Victims Rights Amendment protections as county courts do," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “That means that over 1.5 million Coloradans aren't guaranteed the protections for domestic violence survivors that we’ve deemed necessary to keep victims safe and assist their recovery. This legislation would require municipal courts to provide the same victim protections and apply equivalent sentencing requirements as county courts to ensure that Coloradans receive equal treatment for domestic violence cases.” HB23-1222 would create new requirements for municipal courts for domestic violence cases. These requirements include that: Victims, victims’ families, and witnesses of a domestic violence violation will receive protections and rights under the “Victim Rights Act”, Sentencing, probation, and release on bond for a violation must be consistent with state law, Guidelines and standards are consistent with those adopted by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board, and The prosecuting attorney that originally meets with the victim should make an effort to stay on the case throughout the proceeding. If there is a domestic violence violation, municipal courts would be required to issue a protection order, report the violation to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and search the CBI and National Crime Information Center System databases to identify potential past domestic violence violations. The Department of Public Safety would report the total number of reports and inquiries submitted to the CBI, the Colorado Crime Information Center database, and the National Crime Information Center database during the annual SMART Act hearing so the General Assembly can determine if further action can be taken to improve how domestic violence cases are handled. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (board) reported that there were 91 fatalities due to domestic violence in 2021, the highest the state has seen since the board was founded in 2017. By improving how municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensuring victims are afforded protections by the Victims Rights Act, Colorado can reduce and prevent domestic violence. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back March 18, 2024 Lukens and Velasco Bill to Improve Educator Safety Advances DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. “As a teacher, I understand how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school, which is why we are taking steps to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The idea for this bill came from educators who have reported seeing an increase in violence targeting educators. Keeping educators safe will encourage more teachers to enter and stay in the profession and foster the environment students need to learn.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “I’m excited to focus on the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Everyone deserves to be safe in school, including educators, and I know this is possible without contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Representatives of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Junie Joseph to save more Colorado lives from gun violence by prohibiting the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. The bill passed by a vote of 9 to 4. < Back May 2, 2023 Legislation to Crack Down on Ghost Guns Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Junie Joseph to save more Colorado lives from gun violence by prohibiting the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. The bill passed by a vote of 9 to 4. “Ghost guns bypass the life-saving firearm protections that the Colorado legislature has implemented in recent years to keep our communities safe from senseless gun violence,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “When someone evades a background check by assembling an unserialized firearm, it means that someone may have access to a gun even if they’re prohibited from possessing one. By requiring people to register unserialized firearm parts, we can keep dangerous weapons out of our communities and save more Colorado lives.” “Once someone has all of the necessary parts, they can put together a ghost gun in under an hour,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Because these weapons are unregulated and untraceable, it can be impossible for law enforcement to track down a suspect when a gun crime has been committed. This commonsense legislation will crack down on ghost guns to reduce crime and keep our communities safe by limiting access to dangerous, untraceable firearms.” SB23-279 aims to prevent further gun violence by cracking down on “ghost guns”, which are unregulated and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home. Ghost guns are designed to avoid all gun laws and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections. Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. A background check would be required before the owner could receive their item after it had been serialized. Serialization records must be kept and available for law enforcement. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun. Ghost guns are often constructed using unfinished frames or receivers and are easily accessible through a 3D printing device. Once assembled, ghost guns look, feel, and function exactly like traditional guns and are equally as deadly and dangerous. These weapons have been connected to suicides, homicides, mass shootings, robberies, and domestic violence throughout the country. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the USA increased by 1000% , yet over 99% of those guns can’t be traced back to a user or owner. When a gun used in a crime is untraceable, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: AURORA DELEGATION STATEMENT ON FIRING OF POLICE CHIEF WILSON DENVER, CO – The Aurora Delegation in the Colorado General Assembly today released the following statement on the firing of Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson: “The firing of Aurora’s police chief will set back the critical and long overdue efforts currently underway in Aurora to ensure accountability and integrity in our police department. In 2020, we provided the Attorney General with the authority to investigate the department, which led to the finding that Aurora Police engaged in a longstanding pattern and practice of racist policing. Chief Wilson has been working hard to build a police force that reflects the diversity of our community and hold officers accountable for racially biased actions. Her firing in the middle of these efforts sends a terrible message to the police force and to the community about Aurora’s commitment to reforming these practices. “We commend Chief Wilson for her steadfast commitment to making our communities safer and rebuilding our community’s trust in our city’s police department. She held officers who engaged in misconduct accountable, and refused to tolerate the status quo that the Attorney General’s investigation found consistently endangered the lives of Black and Brown people in Aurora. We will not go back. Aurora needs a police chief who will continue these critical reforms to eradicate the department’s clearly documented pattern of racist policing and targeting of people of color.” The members of the Aurora Delegation are Representatives Iman Jodeh, Naquetta Ricks, Mandy Lindsay, Mike Weissman, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components. HB26-1114, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 18, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Prohibit 3D Printing of Ghost Guns DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components. HB26-1114, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 7-4. “Ghost guns circumnavigate Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws like universal background checks, the three-day waiting period and laws that prevent domestic violence abusers from accessing a gun,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “These ghost guns are increasingly found at crime scenes, making it harder for law enforcement to track down a suspect because the gun isn’t traceable. This bill would help keep these dangerous weapons out of our communities and save countless Colorado lives.” “Colorado Democrats have passed life-saving gun violence prevention legislation to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and our bill would strengthen those protections to save lives,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Background checks and high-capacity magazine limits are required in Colorado law to prevent gun deaths, and 3D printing guns or gun parts completely evades these safeguards. By cracking down on these ghost guns, we can better protect our communities and limit access to these dangerous, untraceable firearms.” HB26-1144 would prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar technology, to make a firearm or a firearm component. The bill would also prohibit the possession of instructions and the sale or distribution of instructions on how to use a three-dimensional printer to create a firearm or a firearm component. HB26-1144 would not apply to federally licensed firearms manufacturers. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the country increased by 1000-percent , yet over 99-percent of those guns cannot be traced back to a user, owner or producer. Between 2016 and 2021, law enforcement reported recovering over 45,000 privately-made firearms, including in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations. When an untraceable gun is used in a crime, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Speaker Pro Tem Boesenecker passed the original “ghost guns” law back in 2023, which prohibited the possession, sale or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers. Previous Next

< Back Reps. Bacon & Willford: Ready to Fight Legislatively to Provide Air-Quality Win for Coloradans Feb 21, 2024 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here . Colorado’s legislative session lasts just 120 days. It is a sprint from January to May, racing against the clock to get as much good work done for the people of Colorado as we possibly can. But like every dedicated athlete or weekend warrior, we know wins come from the months of dedicated preparation leading up to a race, and that is exactly what we’ve been up to since last spring and in the first few weeks of the legislative session. Last year we fell short of a decisive win with House Bill 23-1294 , the Protecting Communities from Air Pollution Act. Our goal was to improve Colorado’s broken air quality permitting and enforcement system, which has worsened the state’s ozone crisis and kept any marginal improvements from making air in our communities more breathable. And though the version of the bill that passed took a few important steps in the right direction (requiring rule-making on cumulative impacts, updating complaint processes and eliminating loopholes for polluters), we knew our work needed to continue in 2024. Last fall, the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality heard testimony from hundreds of Coloradans who bravely shared their stories about the ways poor air quality has negatively impacted their lives. We also made sure to bring state agencies and industry voices to the table — all of these perspectives were important for us to consider as we pondered and debated the best ways for us to address what is truly a crisis for so many Coloradans. The American Lung Association's 2023 State of the Air report reflects data so many of us know to be true anecdotally: air quality along the Front Range continues to get worse. Every county in the Denver metro area received a failing grade. But up to this point, that evidence, coupled with more bloody noses, increased instances of asthma and lung disease and days of school and work missed because of unbreathable air, have not been enough to make changes that would put Colorado back on the right track. No more — we’re at the starting line, revved up and raring to go as we and our colleagues prepare to launch three bills we believe everyone who cares about the health of their loved ones, communities and the planet, to boot, can get behind. Up first: permitting. Colorado’s permitting processes are standing in the way of ozone attainment by failing to adequately consider the air quality impacts of minor sources — including almost all oil and gas sources. The bill we are sponsoring will ensure emissions from proposed projects are aggregated so regulators get an accurate picture of the emissions a project will produce. It will also require greater scrutiny for permits in the nonattainment area, and require oil and gas operators to obtain a permit to pollute from the Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) before the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) can issue a permit for drilling or fracking. Immediate reduction measures are also critically important for the health of our communities, and our colleague, state Sen. Kevin Priola, is sponsoring a bill to address this. His bill targets a number of different emissions sources: cars, trucks, home appliances and oil and gas operations. By implementing seasonal restrictions on oil and gas production, creating standards for non-road engine emissions, finding ways to make electric appliances more accessible to more people, and setting goals for reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) we will have a fighting chance at getting back into compliance with federal air quality standards. None of those measures will matter, however, if the state doesn’t have the appropriate mechanisms to enforce them. That is where the bill of state Sen. Faith Winter and state Rep. Meg Froelich comes in. Right now, it is often more economical for polluters to pay paltry fines rather than comply; their bill will require repeat violators to pay mandatory fines, in part into a fund that will support environmental mitigation projects. It will also create a public right to enforce the APCD’s regulations if the APCD is not pursuing enforcement. It further takes steps to increase transparency. Our laws should do what they were passed with the intention to do. Communities along the Front Range and across the state, especially low-income and communities of color, have suffered for far too long. Thanks to the work of the Interim Committee, our constituents and advocates, we’ve begun this legislative session more prepared to fight for a win than ever before. Previous Next

< Back September 2, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WINTER, CUTTER & BERNETT HONORED FOR WORK TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AT STATE CAPITOL GOLDEN, CO – Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, and Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville, were recently awarded the 2022 CRES Courage Award by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) for their efforts to combat climate change. “We are in the midst of a growing climate emergency, and the time to act is now,” said Winter. “The past several legislative sessions, I have worked hard to ensure we meet our climate goals, and I’m pleased to be recognized for those efforts. With these new policies, we are taking important steps toward building a healthier and more sustainable future for us all.” Winter was awarded for her efforts championing SB22-180 , which created the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season to encourage transit ridership, ultimately reduce air pollution, and further Colorado’s climate goals. Winter was also recognized for her work on HB21-1266 , which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and set Colorado on a pathway toward meeting its climate targets. “Due to a lack of access to convenient, affordable curbside recycling services, Colorado only recycles about 15 percent of its waste,” said Cutter. “We all need to do our part to protect our environment, which is why I worked hard this legislative session to make it easier for Coloradans to recycle. Through these new laws, we can help conserve energy, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gasses, and preserve our natural resources.” Cutter was honored for her work on HB22-1355 , which makes recycling free for most consumers, improving access to reliable, no-cost curbside recycling for Coloradans across the state. She was also recognized for HB22-1159 , which aims to improve access to end markets – businesses that use recycled material to make new products. “I’ve spent my time at the Capitol advocating for energy efficiency, transitioning to a sustainable future and creating a healthier Colorado for all,” said Bernett. “Under these new laws, Colorado will build right the first time, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality and create more efficient homes and buildings for the future, all while saving Coloradans money in the process. We’ve taken action to address pollution on the Front Range and improve the resiliency and reliability of Colorado’s electric grid, especially in rural areas vulnerable to grid disruption due to natural disasters.” Bernett was recognized for her work on HB22-1362 , which updates Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, she was awarded for her efforts on HB22-1249 , which will jumpstart the development of a grid resilience and reliability roadmap to improve grid resilience and reliability, as well as better serve the electricity needs of customers. Previous Next

Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. < Back December 17, 2025 Trio of Bills to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. HB25-1222 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will preserve rural access to independent pharmacies. “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan new law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens . “From routine prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline for our communities. Our bipartisan law will protect and expand options for pharmacists and patients in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies and expanding telehealth options.” Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1222 will preserve access to rural health care by ensuring fair reimbursement rates that account for inflation for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these updates will help them maintain access to vital healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. HB25-1002 , sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver, will save Coloradans money on behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders care by ensuring coverage standards are based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. “Health care coverage decisions should be made using the best evidence-based recommendations from health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Brown. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to afford the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorder care. Our law, going into effect soon, aligns mental health care coverage with the best evidence so Coloradans can actually access the full spectrum of services they pay for.” “Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and well-being of Colorado families,” said Amabile. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This legislation will help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Gilchrist. “When insurance companies choose to deny coverage, it drives up costs and makes it harder for Coloradans across the state, especially young people, to access critical care. Too many Coloradans still don’t receive affordable care, and we have made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care. This law takes another huge step forward by requiring every health insurance plan to cover medically necessary health care.” HB25-1002, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, will ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This law requires insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services, clarifying state law on mental health parity and limiting gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. SB25-010 , sponsored by Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, will improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications. “There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This new law will provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This legislation is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks, utility companies, and other service providers; this should be an option for health insurance, too,” continued Brown. “This law helps provide timely health insurance information to patients, while keeping their personal data safe and protected. Our goal is to reduce administrative costs and modernize Coloradans' access to their health care information.” SB25-010 mirrors the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation. Under the new law, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals who do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich that would combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. < Back January 30, 2025 Wage Theft Prevention Legislation Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich that would combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. “I’m proud to bring this wage theft prevention legislation to protect hardworking Coloradans, boost workers, and ensure Coloradans are paid for their work,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Wage theft is devastating to families and working people, especially for workers of color and women who are more likely to be victims of wage theft. There’s no excuse for it ever. People deserve to be paid for what they do, no matter what their role is or what industry they work in. This policy will strengthen avenues to justice, protect workers who speak up, and crack down on employers who engage in wage theft.” “Withholding earned wages is theft, and it hurts the livelihood of hardworking Coloradans who are just trying to put food on the table for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Whether it’s worker misclassification to avoid overtime pay or employers refusing to issue a paycheck for completed work, wage theft robs workers of the money they worked hard for. Our bill works to prevent wage theft across all fields and support workers as they seek the wages they deserve to continue our commitment to make Colorado a great place to live, work, and do business.” HB25-1001 , which passed by a vote of 8-5, aims to protect workers who make wage theft claims and prevent wage theft occurrences by holding bad-acting employers accountable and increasing the wage theft claim cap. Currently, wage theft claims are capped at $7,500. The bill would increase the cap to $13,000, with that claim amount adjusting for inflation beginning in 2028. Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime, and taking tips that were meant for the employees. The bill aims to expedite the process of receiving owed wages by allowing the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to pay victims more quickly, This will improve the investigative process and proactively identify violators. CDLE would also be able to crack down on worker misclassification, a technique used to avoid providing benefits and overtime wages. To deter employers from stealing wages, CDLE would be required to publish wage theft determinations and update a list of wage theft violators on the division’s website. Under the bill, CDLE would also report wage theft violations to licensing and permitting bodies and publicize consequences. HB25-1001 allows third parties to bring complaints on a worker’s behalf. The bill also extends anti-retaliation and discrimination measures for all workers who raise complaints allowing for similarly situated employees to speak up for others. Reps. Duran and Froelich have championed numerous bills to ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned, including legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally-earned wages. A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. < Back April 16, 2025 Bills to Make it Easier to Cancel Automatic Renewals, Support Families with Newborns in the NICU Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. “Coloradans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to be able to cancel a subscription,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-145. “When ‘free trials’ turn into unbreakable contracts, consumers suffer. This legislation would simplify the process for Coloradans to cancel subscriptions, including online options, to avoid unwanted charges and save Coloradans time and money.” “Too many companies are using complicated cancellation processes to trap consumers into contracts with costly charges,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB25-145 and SB25-144. “From Netflix and Amazon Prime to gym memberships, subscription services are prevalent in our daily lives. This legislation would make it a deceptive trade practice to purposefully make subscription cancellations difficult, saving Coloradans money on services they no longer find useful.” SB25-145 would require sellers of goods and services to implement simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel automatic renewal contracts and trial periods either online or in person. Failure to do so would constitute a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. SB25-145 passed by a vote of 7-5. “Having a child in the NICU is one of the most terrifying moments as a parent, and the last thing they should be worried about is having to choose between spending time with their child in the hospital and keeping their jobs,” continued Zokaie. “I got involved in politics to fight for a paid family leave, as I had to work from the hospital when my baby was sick in the NICU. Extending FAMLI for families in the NICU is a no-brainer, and I am proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado families.” SB25-144 , which passed by a vote of 9-3, would allow parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks while the child is receiving care. “The FAMLI Insurance program has given Colorado families much-needed time away from the office to take care of sick loved ones or bond with new additions to the family without worrying about how they’re going to pay the bills,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-144. “We know that parent engagement while their newborn is in the NICU is crucial for development and attachment. This bill would extend FAMLI benefits up to 12 weeks for families in the NICU so they can focus on what matters most - the health of their child.” The bill would also modify the premiums for the FAMLI program to reduce the current rate of 0.9 percent of wages per employee to 0.88 percent for the next calendar year. For each subsequent year, the FAMLI division director is required to set the premium rate to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in the November 2020 election, creating the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative to provide Colorado families 12 weeks of paid leave. Some families are allowed up to 16 weeks of leave in certain cases. To date, the FAMLI program has paid out an average weekly benefit payment of $915 to cover 155,000 Coloradans for medical leave, parental leave, caretaking, safe leave for survivors of domestic violence and military family leave. The average leave duration is over 51 days. A 2019 report found that parent presence in the NICU decreases stress and pain, strengthens parent-child attachment and improves brain development. Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2020 GOV. SIGNS MARIJUANA BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS Denver, CO — Today, at Simply Pure, a marijuana dispensary, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill that increases access to the Social Equity license, which makes owning and operating a retail marijuana store accessible to more Coloradans. The bill is sponsored by Representative James Coleman. “All hardworking Coloradans deserve a fair shot at sharing in the prosperity of the booming marijuana industry,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “This bill will help overcome decades of inequity in an industry where black people have been criminalized and others have been able to make profits. We should not be defined by our past alone, and this bill provides Coloradans who want to make an honest living in the marijuana industry with the opportunity to do so. Creating equal economic opportunity for all makes us stronger. ” “Colorado has led the way for the nation’s fast-changing laws and attitudes towards marijuana,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont . “By allowing the Governor to pardon individuals with small possession offenses and improving access and equity in the booming marijuana industry, this bill moves our state boldly forward. The bill signed today is good for small businesses, hardworking Coloradans, and our state’s economy as a whole.” In order to drive socioeconomic equity to the retail marijuana trade, HB20-1424 establishes that applicants for a marijuana license cannot be denied access based on a marijuana conviction if they qualify as a social equity applicant. The bill also allows the governor to pardon individuals who were convicted of possession of marijuana for up to two ounces — effectively offering these Coloradans a clean slate. In order to be eligible for the Social Equity license, applicants must be a Colorado resident and one of the following regulations must apply. Applicants must have either: resided in Colorado for 15 years, have been arrested or convicted of a marijuana offense, or have a household income that did not exceed a predetermined amount. Marijuana retailers who have a Social Equity license are eligible for the Accelerator Program, which authorizes stores with a Social Equity license to operate under established state laws as long as they are endorsed by an Accelerator Store. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The law: Requires the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. Expands enforcement actions and develops new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. Establishes additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions. Codifies the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030, which will be achieved through methods established in Air Quality Control Commission rules promulgated by August 31, 2026. Provides additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This law is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids." “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” Bacon said. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After years of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – our plan will improve air quality by having stricter permitting guidelines, increased accountability for bad emitters, plugging wells, and investing in transportation efficiencies.” “Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark policy,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This law is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all." “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” Willford said. “This landmark law enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this law helps us get there.” Governor Polis also signed SB24-230 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, which generates significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. "Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes these new laws all the more exciting," said Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of policy we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these laws will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come." “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” McCluskie said. “I’d like to thank the Governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These laws give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” Velasco said. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this law is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” The law creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including the Northwest and North rail lines. To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on supporting native biodiversity impacted by oil and gas operations. Previous Next