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The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to jumpstart a study to examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. < Back April 1, 2024 Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to jumpstart a study to examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. SB24-053 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Naquetta Ricks, would create the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. “Generations of systemic racism cannot be eliminated by a few policy changes – we need data-driven research to define the structural inequities Black Coloradans are experiencing,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “From redlining to limited educational opportunities, we know Black Coloradans have combated blatant inequality and racism for decades. This important, community led, legislation would help Colorado develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial inequities and give us the tools we need to craft forward-thinking policy that will support Black Coloradans into the future.” “Uncovering the historical harm done against Black Coloradans is an important step forward in our healing and creating a more equitable future for us all,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This legislation would instruct History Colorado to research decades of systemic inequalities in our schools, our neighborhoods and in statewide policies that will help us better understand their lasting impacts on Black Coloradans today. While painful, this racial equity study opens the door to future conversations and will help us craft future policies that will uplift Black families instead of putting barriers in front of them.” SB24-053 , which passed by a vote of 8-3 would establish a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in SB24-053, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study would also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under this bill, History Colorado would submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study hinge on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS LAW CHAMPIONED BY STORY, ROBERTS GOES INTO EFFECT New law will help communities better prepare for dangerous wildfires DENVER, CO – A new law, championed by Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, to ensure Colorado communities have the resources necessary to prepare for future wildfires, went into effect today. Many remote communities in Colorado face wildfire risk, but lack the necessary resources to fight fires. As a result, some fire districts rely on local, remote ponds in emergencies to quickly refill water tanks and suppress small fires, but first responders are not always able to use remote ponds for firefighting. SB22-114 preserves critical fire suppression ponds and ensures that communities at risk of dangerous wildfires are equipped with the resources necessary to suppress fires and keep residents safe. “The threat of wildfires continues to grow, and it’s important that we’re as prepared as possible to handle them,” said Story. “We worked hard this year to help prevent wildfires while making sure our neighbors have the tools and resources they need to rebuild and recover. This new law is just one of many policies we passed that will help us prepare for future emergencies and keep our communities safe.” “These days in Colorado, wildfire season lasts year round, which means we have to be prepared to respond at any moment and give our brave first responders every possible tool they need to do their jobs,” said Roberts. “That is why I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass this new law that will ensure firefighters have access to water to fight fires effectively and supported many efforts this year to add critical funding resources for wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response.” During the 2022 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed several measures to support rebuilding efforts after disaster emergencies , improve insurance claims processes following wildfire disasters , and fund efforts to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires . SB22-206 establishes two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters. It allocates $15 million to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency, as well as $20 million to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures and $15.5 million for improved wildfire firefighting resources. Colorado Democrats also passed HB22-1379 , which invests $20 million in federal pandemic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2022 BILL TO BOOST FUNDING TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed legislation today that would create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202 which passed by a vote of 48 to 17, would more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “We’re taking a modern, data-based approach to identify at-risk students so schools can better serve them,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill creates a new holistic method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. It also considers important neighborhood socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success including unhoused status, an incarcerated parent and English as a Second Language. Gathering this information is vital for getting school districts that serve at-risk students the funding they need." “We’re setting every Colorado student up for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion “Better serving Colorado’s at-risk students requires a multi-faceted approach and that includes considering more than just a few factors that might hinder academic success. This bill creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and subsequently provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” HB22-1202 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Leslie Herod, would create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socioeconomic disadvantage or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socioeconomic factors that affect them, including eligibility for free lunches, unhoused status and a neighborhood index status. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 HOUSE ED COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – Legislation to address the health care workforce shortage passed the House Education Committee today unanimously. SB22-003 would permit community colleges to offer BSN programs to nursing students. “We’re tackling the health care workforce shortage head on,” said Kyle Mullica D-Federal Heights . “Pandemic pressures have only added to the stress and burnout the nursing community has been dealing with. This bill will fast track Coloradans on a path to earning their BSN and will help hospitals find more qualified, talented health care professionals. I’m incredibly proud of the tireless work my nursing colleagues have put in over the past two years to keep Coloradans safe and healthy, now’s our chance to give them the break they deserve by boosting their workforce.” “Expanding the number of colleges who can offer BSN programs is a win-win for Colorado,” said Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “We’re focused on getting more health care professionals in high-paying, impactful careers and this bill paves the way to increasing Colorado’s nursing workforce.” If passed, SB22-003 would make it easier for students pursuing certificates in nursing to enroll in Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) programs at community colleges. The need for this bill comes at a time when Colorado is facing a significant shortage of health care workers. This bill addresses this need by streamlining the education process for future nurses and getting them in the field faster. Previous Next

2023 legislation will prevent gun violence, protect reproductive rights, provide record public school funding, improve air quality and reduce the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs < Back May 8, 2023 Legislature Adjourns with Dems Delivering Real Results on the Issues that Matter Most for Coloradans 2023 legislation will prevent gun violence, protect reproductive rights, provide record public school funding, improve air quality and reduce the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs DENVER, CO – The First Session of the 74th General Assembly adjourned today. Democratic lawmakers passed legislation that focused on the issues that matter for Coloradans: addressing the cost of living, protecting reproductive rights, reducing gun violence and improving public schools. “From improving public education with a record investment in our schools, teachers and students, to reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs, this session delivered real results on the issues that matter most to Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The legislation we passed will protect access to abortion, support our workforce and save people money on housing. I’m proud of our work to boost rural economies, protect our water future, and pass bipartisan legislation that will uplift people all across our state and help everyone reach their Colorado dream.” “Coloradans demanded bold action on the issues that matter most to them, and this session we delivered,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “From passing landmark gun violence prevention laws and working to lower your energy bills, to improving our gold standard elections and taking action to lower property tax bills for families and businesses, we fought tirelessly this session to make a real difference in our communities and for the people who make this state great.” “This session, we worked to address the most pressing needs in Colorado and did what we told voters we’d do when they elected the largest Democratic majority since the 1930s,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Democrats passed a landmark package of commonsense gun violence prevention laws, increased funding for crime victim services, and worked across the aisle to protect our freedoms, support working families, and improve public safety. We rejected the GOP’s extreme abortion bans, bills that would upend our gold standard election system, and anti-science climate denialism that threatens our future and our Colorado way of life.” “Democrats delivered real results for Coloradans this session that meet the needs of our growing state and position us well for the future,” Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, said . “We remained laser-focused on the issues that matter most to Colorado families: making Colorado a more affordable place to live, building safer, healthier communities, and setting students, teachers, and our workforce up for success. I’m proud of the progress we made this year, and I look forward to building a better Colorado for generations to come.” This year, the General Assembly passed packages of legislation to make housing more affordable, reduce health care costs, advance affordable clean energy, cut property taxes, prevent gun violence, increase access to protected health care, improve public education, and boost Colorado’s workforce. Reducing Housing Costs Building Homes for Every Colorado Budget: Lawmakers encouraged affordable housing development by making it possible to build housing on state-owned property through public-private partnerships ( SB23-001 ). Democrats also passed legislation to eliminate arbitrary local caps on new housing that restrict supply and drive up costs for families, thereby increasing our housing supply, saving people money on housing, improving our environment, and allowing people to live where they work ( HB23-1255 ). Lawmakers also passed first in the nation legislation that will give local governments a right of first refusal r on a multifamily or mixed-use rental property, if they commit to maintaining the property as affordable housing for at least 100 years ( HB23-1190 ). Proposition HH, which will appear on the ballot in November, would reduce property taxes, help seniors and veterans on fixed incomes stay in their homes, and boost TABOR refunds for everyone making under $100,000 to help renters, lower and middle income Coloradans, and put more money back into the pockets of the people who need it the most ( SB23-303 ; HB23-1311 ). Creating New Renter Protections and Saving Renters Money : Democrats passed landmark laws to protect renters. New legislation will limit security deposit amounts, cap income requirements, and reduce barriers to housing eligibility ( SB23-184 ). Lawmakers saved Coloradans money on rental applications by allowing potential renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees ( HB23-1099 ). Democrats also strengthened residential lease agreements to protect renters against leases with hidden language that negate legal protections for excessive fees and legal rights ( HB23-1095 ). Lawmakers protected lower-income Coloradans and Coloradans living with disabilities who rely on critical safety net programs from unjust evictions by providing for mandatory mediation prior to an eviction being filed ( HB23-1120 ). Lawmakers also passed a bill to allow Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, so renters can avoid a default judgment from not being able to attend in person ( HB23-1186 ). Saving People Money on Health Care Saving People Money on Prescription Drugs: Democrats strengthened the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs ( HB23-1225 ), held pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable for cost saving requirements ( HB23-1227 ), and made it an unfair business practice for PBMs to charge employers more for a drug than what they pay pharmacies for the same drug ( HB23-1201 ). With the cost of critical drugs skyrocketing, lawmakers also tackled the high price of EpiPens so that Colorado residents can better afford this life-saving medication ( HB23-1002 ). Lowering Premiums, Reducing Costs and Increasing Transparency: Democrats passed laws to lower insurance premiums and make it easier for consumers to shop for high value health plans that work for them and their families ( HB23-1224 ), expanded access to affordable community health service workers in health-care settings ( SB23-002 ), ensured hospitals are reinvesting in their communities in ways that align with community needs ( HB23-1243 ), and improved hospital transparency requirements to identify ways to reduce costs for patients ( HB23-1226 ). Enhancing Medical Consumer Protections: Democrats created additional consumer protections from high interest rates for medical debt and confusing debt collection practices that lead to long-lasting financial instability ( SB23-093 ; HB23-1126 ) and protected patients, doctors, and hospitals from exorbitant costs in the case that a health insurance company becomes insolvent ( HB23-1303 ). Improving Access to Behavioral Health for Colorado Youth: Lawmakers passed bills to support the mental well-being of Colorado’s students by offering mental health screenings in schools ( HB23-1003 ) and by streamlining the hiring process for licensed mental health professionals and expanding access to mental health resources and support in schools ( SB23-004 ). New legislation will require insurance to cover multiple types of therapy and treatment planning services for Medicaid members who are under the age of 21 ( SB23-174 ). Investing in Education and Workforce Providing Record K-12 Public Schools Funding, Boosting Math Achievement, Increasing Special Education Resources: Democrats put more money into classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes and set up students to thrive by increasing public school funding by $660 million next year– increasing per pupil funding to $10,614 per student on average. Lawmakers provided $30 million to rural schools and committed to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year ( SB23-287 ). Bipartisan legislation will ensure students get the support they need to improve their math skills by increasing access to affordable programs inside and outside of the classroom ( HB23-1231 ). The General Assembly also significantly increased funding for special education programs ( SB23-099 ). Boosting Colorado’s Workforce: Democrats invested $45 million over two years for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward certificates and degrees in fields such as elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, nursing, and construction trades ( HB23-1246 ). Bipartisan legislation will provide qualifying students with a scholarship up to $1,500 for an apprenticeship or on-the-job training at a trade school, community college, or college and university ( SB23-205 ). To help working families, the legislature increased the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit by over $170 million, putting hundreds of dollars directly into the pockets of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans ( HB23-1112) . Addressing the Teacher Shortage: Lawmakers passed legislation to get more teachers into classrooms through the creation of an apprenticeship program as an alternative route to teacher licensure ( SB23-087 ), and created new pathways for qualified out-of-state teachers to more quickly gain professional licensure in Colorado and start teaching in our schools ( HB23-1064 ). A new law will save educators money by expanding the pool of student educators who qualify for stipend programs ( HB23-1001) . Preventing Gun Violence Expanding the ‘Red Flag’ Law: Democrats expanded who can file an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to now include district attorneys and other law enforcement officials, health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators ( SB23-170 ). Creating a Three Day Waiting Period: A new law will require a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check - whichever is later - to deliver a firearm. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent suicides and impulsive acts of violence ( HB23-1219 ). Raising the Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm to 21: Under current federal law, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun but only need to be 18 years old to purchase long guns. To reduce youth access to firearms and prevent gun violence, this law raises the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21, with limited exceptions ( SB23-169 ). Cracking Down on Ghost Guns: This bill prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a frame or receiver, including via a 3D printer, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer ( SB23-279 ). Improving Gun Violence Survivors’ Access to Justice: Previously, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoyed broad protections under the federal PLCAA law from most types of civil lawsuits - and Colorado law had a punitive provision that forced survivors of gun violence to pay legal fees in dismissed cases. This law removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections to allow for legitimate lawsuits to move forward to hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable ( SB23-168 ). Taking Bold Climate Action and Wildfire Mitigation Lowering the Cost of Clean Energy, Electric Vehicles and E-Bikes : This legislation will save Coloradans money and help meet our climate goals with approximately $60 million in annual tax incentives to businesses and consumers for electric vehicles, e-bikes, and investments in clean energy and industrial emissions reductions ( HB23-1272 ). Other laws will reduce the cost of energy bills by aligning utility company incentives with consumer interests ( SB23-291 ) and making electric vehicles more accessible ( HB23-1233 ). Reducing Emissions From Energy Sources: Democrats passed legislation to reduce the time and cost of residential solar installation and permitting to save Coloradans money on their energy bills ( HB23-1234 ), and lower Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions through new reduction targets, electrification incentives, and climate-aware investments ( SB23-016 ). Conserving and Protecting Water Resources: Conserves fresh water by requiring oil and gas operators to reduce, reuse and recycle water in their drilling operations ( HB23-1242 ) and allows all homeowners in HOAs to pursue water-wise landscaping ( SB23-178 ). Invests $12.6 million towards the implementation of the state Water Plan to support the Colorado River, outdoor recreation and agriculture ( SB23-237 ). Protecting Against Wildfires: Supports local governments to better investigate and prevent the causes of wildfires ( SB23-013 ), and invests in Colorado’s forestry and wildfire mitigation workforce and tree nursery to more effectively mitigate and recover from wildfire destruction ( SB23-005 , HB23-1060 ). Helps restore natural stream systems and freshwater resources to mitigate floods and wildfires ( SB23-270 ), and secures a second Firehawk helicopter, the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available ( SB23-161 ). Protecting Our Freedoms and Access to Reproductive Health Care Protecting Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers: Establishes a shield law to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – from criminal prosecutions. Prevents Colorado state employees from assisting with interstate investigations in order to protect patients traveling to Colorado from other states to access protected health care ( SB23-188 ). Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care: Limits surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. Modernizes a 1971 law to expand access to contraception for all Coloradans, increases family-planning related services, and prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication ( SB23-189 ). Cracking Down on Deceptive Practices by Anti-Abortion Centers: Protects Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by making it a deceptive trade practice to advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. Clarifies that it is unprofessional for health care providers to administer or prescribe a “medication abortion reversal” ( SB23-190 ). Expanding Access to Contraceptive Care: Improves access to the single dispensing of 12 months of contraception and ensures health insurance plans and PBMs are providing coverage in compliance with current law ( SB23-284 ). Defeating Dangerous Bills to Criminalize Abortion: Democrats in the House defeated dangerous Republican bills that would have criminalized abortion in Colorado and spread harmful disinformation about so-called “medication abortion reversals”. The efforts would have eliminated access to safe, legal reproductive health care in Colorado ( HB23-1150 ; HB23-1119 ; HB23-1097 ). Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. < Back May 22, 2025 New Law Will Strengthen Victim Protections and Housing Security DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 11 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep victims safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows victims to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep victims housed. This law is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Too often, survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease to not be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own as long as they provide a copy of the key to the landlord as soon as reasonably possible, if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector unless the landlord provides at least a 90-day notice to the tenant and complies with the requirement to provide the tenant with documentation of the economic damages, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. Previous Next

Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services < Back November 19, 2023 Property Tax Relief Passes Committee Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to provide short-term property tax relief while protecting our schools, fire districts, and other local services Colorado communities rely on. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9-4. “If we don’t act now to deliver property tax reductions, next year’s tax bills could be devastating for Coloradans who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our legislation takes $55,000 off assessed home values and reduces the percent of a home’s value that is subject to property taxes. It provides meaningful property tax reductions while protecting schools, fire districts and critical services our communities rely on without using TABOR surplus dollars.” “Homeowners and renters alike are struggling with the high cost of housing in Colorado,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes meaningful reductions in property taxes while protecting funding for K-12 public schools and fire districts. The next step is for every local government to take a hard look at their own budget. Property taxes are primarily the concern of local governments, and only they know whether they can afford to go beyond our legislation by lowering their own mill levies.” SB23B-001 would increase the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $55,000 and decrease the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year. To offset revenue loss resulting from these property tax reductions, this bill would transfer $135 million of general fund dollars to the State Education Fund to be used to backfill school districts’ budgets, and would appropriate $65 million of general fund dollars to be used to backfill fire districts and local government services. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. < Back March 12, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Youth on Social Media Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. “Right now, it’s far too easy for youth to purchase illicit substances and illegal firearms on social media sites – we need to do more to protect our kids online,” said Rep. Andy Boesnecker, D-Fort Collins. “This bipartisan bill would require social media companies to ramp up their reporting methods and swiftly remove buyers and sellers who violate the companies’ illegal sales policy and state law. As a state, it’s important we step in when our children are being lured toward illegal drugs, firearms, or sex trafficking on unregulated marketplaces – this bill works to keep our kids and communities safe.” SB25-086 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, passed committee by vote of 11-2. This bill aims to protect youth by requiring social media companies to provide an annual report to the Attorney General’s Office with detailed data about their policies and enforcement, with specific reporting related to illegal activity occurring through their platforms including: Firearms sales in violation of state and federal law Sales of illicit substances Sex trafficking of minors Possession, display, sale, exchange, or creation of sexually exploitative material involving minors Social media companies also must report on how youth are using the platform and interacting with content related to these illegal activities. This bill also intends to speed up the timeline for social media companies to determine if a violation has occurred to 72 hours and 24 hours to remove a proven violator. This bill also aims to improve public safety by creating a hotline for Colorado law enforcement to follow up on warrants submitted to social media companies. This aims to speed up the legal process for Colorado law enforcement, so they can move forward with their cases faster. For example, Facebook has an explicit policy not allowing the sale of firearms or ammunition between private individuals, but buyers and sellers can violate that policy up to ten times before they’re removed from the site. Additionally, social media companies collectively generate nearly $11 billion in advertising revenue from users under 18 yet are often exposed to drugs, firearms, sex trafficking and sextortion of minors on these sites. Previous Next

Legislation creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal dollars for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail in Colorado and boost economic diversification for coal-transitioning communities < Back May 3, 2024 House Advances Bills to Establish Passenger Rail, Incentivize Economic Development in Colorado Legislation creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal dollars for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail in Colorado and boost economic diversification for coal-transitioning communities DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state. The House also advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado. “Increased car traffic on our roads wears down our infrastructure and worsens air quality, which is why we’re passing this historic legislation that will allow us to build a passenger rail system through the Front Range and our Western Slope communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-184 and SB24-190. “Our passenger rail legislation will also boost economic prosperity for our rural economies, especially those in our coal transition communities. I’m proud to carry these bills to leverage federal transportation funding and create jobs and commerce on the Western Slope.” “The Front Range Passenger Rail is a long time in the making, and this legislation would secure federal funding and create a long-term funding mechanism to make expanded passenger rail a reality across Front Range communities,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB24-184. “From Fort Collins and the Western Slope to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Coloradans have been asking for more transit options. Our legislation would build on existing transit systems and expand transit partnership opportunities to ensure we’re providing transportation services that work for the needs of our communities.” SB24-184 would implement a congestion impact fee to mitigate the congestion, and wear and tear on Colorado’s roads caused by rental vehicles and offset the climate impacts of congestion. Revenue from the fee would create sustainable funding to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide transit and rail, and support other forms of multimodal transportation. The bill would encourage the Regional Transportation District (RTD), the Front Range Passenger Rail District, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish the first phase of Front Range Passenger Rail service from Denver to Fort Collins, while exploring near-term opportunities to fund regional transit and rail projects along the Front Range, through Southern Colorado and into the mountains. It would also direct the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail services originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity Study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus. Finally, the bill encourages CTIO to fund a full suite of multimodal infrastructure projects, including bus and passenger rail, and would require a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards. SB24-190 would make the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly in Craig and Hayden. The bill would incentivize businesses and operators to utilize freight lines that are at risk of inactivity due to declining usage as a result of the transition away from coal. “Expanding rail operations into the Western Slope opens up the door for economic opportunities that will bring jobs and business into coal transition communities like Craig and Hayden,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB24-190. “This bill incentivizes new economic activity along the Mountain Rail corridor by offering new tax credits for rural businesses that use rail to transport their products. Our legislation is crucial in supporting rural businesses as we transition to renewable energy.” SB24-190 would create two income tax credits – one for businesses that use rail to transport their freight into or out of a coal transition community, and one for rail carriers that utilize a rail line at risk of inactivity or abandonment due to lack of demand. It would also make more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely between Winter Park and Craig, with stops in between. Previous Next

The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist in a preliminary vote. < Back February 21, 2025 House Advances Bill to Create Safeguards on Ammunition Purchases DENVER, CO - The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist in a preliminary vote. HB25-1133 would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. “Colorado Democrats have worked tirelessly to pass commonsense gun violence legislation to save lives, and we’re building on our work by filling gaps in our laws that allow ammunition to get into the wrong hands,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “While cold medicine is locked up behind a glass case, firearm ammunition is openly available in aisles for anyone to grab. By requiring ammunition to be securely stored and raising the age to purchase, this bill works to prevent senseless gun violence and theft to keep our communities safe.” “Current firearm laws make it far too easy for people to evade safety measures before purchasing ammunition, especially with online purchases,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “That’s why we’re bringing this gun violence prevention bill that would increase the minimum age to purchase ammunition to 21 and implement safety measures, like age verification and secure display requirements. I’m proud to sponsor this bill to prevent senseless gun violence in Colorado and save countless lives.” Under current law, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase any firearm but only 18 years old to purchase ammunition. HB25-1133 would raise the minimum age to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition to 21 years old with limited exceptions. Sellers would be required to verify that the buyer is at least 21 years old using a valid government-issued photo identification. The bill also requires sellers to display ammunition in a position where an employee must assist the buyer, like in an enclosed display case or behind a counter, to help prevent theft. Any person delivering ammunition would be required to verify that the person receiving the delivery is at least 21 years old and obtain written proof of receipt of the delivery from the recipient. The bill exempts an active member or veteran of the US military or Colorado National Guard as well as Coloradans with a valid hunter education certificate or an expired or unexpired hunting license. Coloradans between 18 and 21 years old would be allowed to purchase ammunition at a shooting range if they use it on-site. It would also exempt Coloradans under 21 years old if they were born on or before January 28, 2007. Unlawful sale of ammunition would be a civil infraction, while subsequent violations would classify as a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased by a staggering 41 percent in the last decade. Majority Leader Duran passed a law in 2023 to raise the minimum age to purchase a long gun firearm to 21, which was already the minimum age to purchase a handgun. She also passed a safe storage law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next

Legislation would stand up health care programs at higher education institutions in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Trinidad < Back April 17, 2024 House Passes Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School and Boost Health Care Training DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support both health care and veterinary care at various higher education institutions across the state. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty, passed by a vote of 42-17 and would help address health care workforce shortages in Colorado. “This critical bill will help create a new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado, which will help meet the physician workforce needs of our region, especially in rural and underserved communities across our state,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “From saving people money on health care to addressing critical workforce shortages, we’ve taken historic steps to increase access to health care Coloradans can afford. From CSU - Fort Collins and MSU Denver to Trinidad State College, this bill supports new higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “All across our state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care and veterinary providers, which is why we are standing up new medical and veterinary programs to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “With this legislation, Colorado will be better positioned to train and educate future osteopathic doctors, veterinarians, nurses, and other critical allied health care providers. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” HB24-1231 will stand up four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions. Specifically, the legislation would fund the: Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University (CSU) Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College This legislation will jumpstart a second-of-its-kind medical program at UNC, which will streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in economic impact, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. The legislation will also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care professionals. Colorado is facing a significant health care provider shortage that is causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state’s largest higher education investment aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce so Coloradans can receive the health care they need, when they need it. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 ANTI-DOXXING LEGISLATION PASSES COMMITTEE Bills would protect public health workers and employees in the Department of Corrections DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to prevent the doxxing of public health workers, law enforcement officials, and employees and contractors of the Department of Corrections. HB21-1107 , sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for public health workers. Currently, it is unlawful to post on the internet the personal information of a law enforcement official, if that information poses an imminent and serious threat to the official or the official’s family. HB21-1107, which passed today by a vote of 11-0, would add the same protections for public health workers. “Public health workers have been on the frontlines keeping Coloradans safe through this unprecedented crisis, but many have faced harassment and death threats with reckless individuals even posting their addresses and personal information on the internet,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “It’s time we stand up and say with one clear voice that we will not tolerate actions that threaten our public health officials and their families. Too many have quit their jobs after threats during this pandemic, and passing this basic set of privacy protections will help us retain the officials we depend on during crises like COVID-19.” HB21-1015 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for employees at the Department of Corrections. The bill would add dissemination of personal information that poses a serious risk to a Department of Corrections employee or their family to Colorado’s existing anti-doxxing statutes. The bill passed 11-0. “Department of Corrections employees and their families must be protected from people who would wish to cause them harm by posting their personal information online, and that’s what this bill would do,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This simple change will mean more of our state employees who work every day to keep Colorado safer will now also feel safe at home.” Previous Next