< Back April 21, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO LOWER RECIDIVISM, SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House Today passed Representative Kerry Tipper and David Ortiz’s bipartisan bill to support individuals leaving the criminal justice system with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other documents necessary to obtain state-issued identification. The bill passed by a vote of 50-13. “We can’t expect recently incarcerated people to seamlessly reintegrate into their communities if we don’t provide them with basic, necessary support,” said Representative Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “In this day and age, an ID is an absolute necessity for accessing education, employment, housing and much more. Simply by helping people leaving prisons obtain identification documents, we’re taking an important step toward lowering recidivism and building stronger communities.” “Finding stable housing, a good job, and decent health care after a prison sentence is hard enough on its own. Without an ID, it’s nearly impossible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m proud that we were able to pass this bill today, and I hope it sends a clear message: that we are committed to helping people finishing their prison sentences avoid the mistakes of their past and chart a new path forward.” SB21-153 requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to operate a program to assist people finishing their prison sentences with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other identification documents, such as a replacement social security card or birth certificate, that are necessary to obtain state-issued identification. This assistance includes determining eligibility, navigating online forms, and providing transportation to and from a facility that issues IDs. Previous Next

Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws to Streamline and Improve Medicaid Coverage Go into Effect DENVER, CO — Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. The laws will make health care more accessible for patients by reducing administrative barriers and expanding coverage options for certain conditions. "As a former case manager for Medicaid members, I understand firsthand the barriers people experience trying to keep their insurance,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This law will help streamline the recertification process by reducing paperwork. This will allow for more providers to complete required paperwork and request permission from the federal government to allow for Medicaid members with stable income to recertify every three years. Health care works best when it’s accessible to patients – and this law is an important step toward a healthier, safer Colorado.” “While Republicans in DC are creating new hoops to jump through to access basic Medicaid coverage, here in Colorado we’re reducing barriers and making it easier for Coloradans to access the care they need,” said Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This new law makes commonsense improvements to our administration of Medicaid to improve efficiency for providers and ease the burden on Colorado workers and families to ensure that everyone who is eligible is able access care. I’m proud of our work this year to protect access to affordable, quality health care for every Coloradan.” HB25-1162 removes unnecessary administrative barriers to streamline health care for Coloradans. Specifically, this law narrows the questions providers are required to ask patients that determine Medicaid eligibility, mainly for long-term care needs. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has until December 31, 2026, to create and implement the new questions. This law also streamlines Medicaid reenrollment for patients with stable incomes to further reduce red tape for Coloradans. To help prevent accidental disenrollment from Medicaid, this law also allows the HCPF to submit requests to allow a patient's redetermination, or eligibility for Medicaid, timeline to be extended three years. Colorado’s HCPF is permitted to submit three-year extensions; however, it is dependent upon the federal government to approve them. “We’ve made important progress toward lowering the cost of health care in Colorado, and this law will save patients who receive parenteral nutrition both time and money,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, R-Littleton, sponsor of SB25-084. “This law, going into effect soon, will expand provider options for Medicaid patients who need parenteral nutrition. In Colorado, we’re focused on making sure Medicaid patients can receive the care they need." SB25-084 , also sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, will expand access to and save Coloradans money on parenteral nutrition services. Parenteral nutrition is nutritional support provided to patients directly into their bloodstream through a catheter. This law establishes Medicaid reimbursement rates for parenteral nutrition to help diversify the number of infusion pharmacies that offer this service to Colorado patients. This will make it easier for Coloradans using Medicaid to find an infusion pharmacy that accepts their insurance, saving them time and money. Under the new law, dispensing fee rates are capped at 30 percent of the infusion pharmacy’s administrative cost to prepare and dispense for the first year. HB25-1213 , also sponsored by Rep. Feret, Sen. Daugherty, as well as Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver and Rep. Weinberg, R-Loveland, goes into effect on August 6, 2025, and makes important Medicaid program updates so Coloradans can receive consistent, accessible health care coverage. This law improves access and streamlines health care coverage through several administrative, eligibility, billing and review changes to the Medicaid program. The GOP budget will have devastating effects on every sector of Colorado’s health care system, including Colorado hospitals, clinics, and other providers that could lose up to $900 million in annual federal Medicaid funding – mainly caused by a forced reduction in provider fees. The cuts to Medicaid will result in an estimated 140,000-230,000 Coloradans suddenly losing health care coverage. Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 PAID SICK LEAVE AND TELEHEALTH EXPANSION ADVANCE DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Health and Insurance today advanced bills to provide paid sick leave and expand access to telehealth. “We’re working to help Coloradans safely get back to work, and that means allowing workers to stay home if they are sick so that they don’t hurt their colleagues or customers,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “As a mother of two young boys, I know how important this policy is for working parents. No one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and going to the doctor or caring for a sick child.” “If Coloradans return to work while they are sick, then we may see a second wave of the virus,” said Rep. Caraveo, D- Thornton. “We need to stop incentivising people to go to work sick. As a pediatrician, I know that paid sick leave is essential for a healthy workforce that can stay on the job and help keep our businesses open.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, passed 6-4 and would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. The bill allows Colorado workers, including part-time workers, to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to 6 days per year. Sick leave is earned, job-protected time off that workers can use to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. The bill also provides leave during a public health emergency like COVID-19, employees that work 40 or more hours a week will receive at least 80 hours of additional paid sick leave. “Telehealth has allowed Coloradans across the state to get the care they need during this pandemic,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “If we don’t act, then access to these critical services could expire, so we are advancing legislation to extend and protect Coloradans ability to use telehealth and get the care they need.” SB20-212 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Matt Soper, R-Delta, protects access to physical and mental health care via telehealth by continuing policies implemented during the pandemic to expand reimbursement for telehealth services. The bill requires that insurers, including Indian Health Services and Medicaid, continue to reimburse providers for telehealth services. Telehealth coverage helps Coloradans in rural and mountain communities access care without traveling long distances and provides access to care for people served by federally qualified health centers. Previous Next

SB26-009 would allow Colorado nonprofits that have had their federal tax-exempt status revoked for political reasons to maintain their exemption from state sales tax < Back March 5, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Protect Colorado Nonprofits from Federal Threats SB26-009 would allow Colorado nonprofits that have had their federal tax-exempt status revoked for political reasons to maintain their exemption from state sales tax DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Rep. Rebekah Stewart, to protect Colorado nonprofits from hostile federal actions. SB26-009 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Colorado nonprofits are a vital support for communities to protect reproductive rights, create affordable housing opportunities and preserve Colorado’s open spaces, but politically-motivated attacks threaten their ability to continue to serve our state,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This legislation protects nonprofits from attacks by ensuring that they continue to benefit from tax exemptions in our state, no matter what changes at the federal level.” “Nonprofits generate over $60 billion a year to support vulnerable Colorado communities and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, which is especially important as the state grapples with a budget hole created by corporate tax cuts from H.R. 1,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “Trump’s actions are rash and often in retaliation for those who do not blindly follow his political agenda. Our bill would protect good-paying jobs and ensure that nonprofits can continue to support Colorado communities.” SB26-009 would ensure that valid 501(c)(3) organizations maintain their state tax exemption, even if the federal government removes their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. It would also ensure that the state maintains its authority to deny tax exemption for organizations that have lost their federal nonprofit status for legitimate reasons. Over the past year, Colorado nonprofits have increasingly struggled to navigate frenzied federal actions that call into question their budgetary futures and ability to serve their communities. SB26-009 is another in a host of actions Colorado Democrats have taken to protect Coloradans’ way of life amid federal threats. In 2021, Colorado nonprofits generated over $62 billion in total economic output and supported over 262,000 jobs, including 182,000 jobs through direct employment. Previous Next

Legislation would require responsible business practices to sell firearms to help prevent gun violence, reduce crime and crack down on the illegal sale of guns and firearm components like high-capacity magazines < Back April 21, 2024 House Passes Bill to Require Permit to Sell a Firearm Legislation would require responsible business practices to sell firearms to help prevent gun violence, reduce crime and crack down on the illegal sale of guns and firearm components like high-capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license. HB24-1353 passed by a vote of 40-21. “From hairdressers and auto dealers to liquor store owners and many other professions, state licenses are required to conduct business, and we believe that people who sell firearms should be held to the same standard,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our bill would establish a state permitting system for firearm dealers, require dealers and employees to undergo training to better identify suspicious activity, and ensure compliance with business standards to prevent illegal firearm sales. Dealers who violate state laws could lose their permit to sell firearms, preventing illegal guns and components from being circulated in our communities. This bill sets firearm dealers up for success to help us reduce gun violence and crime in our communities.” "A statewide permitting process for firearm sales allows the state to thoroughly vet and inspect firearm dealers, ensuring they have taken necessary steps to reduce crime and prevent gun violence," said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. "Training requirements for the proper storage of firearms, background checks, and identifying potentially dangerous behavior will help keep guns out of the hands of people who may otherwise harm themselves or someone else. This is an important gun violence prevention bill that will equip Colorado firearm dealers and their employees with safety training and protocols that can save lives.” Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 would require firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit would be an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. Firearm dealers would apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Additionally, applicants will not be eligible for the permit if they have an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They will also be ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms. Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include: Finger-printed background checks for employees every 3 years, Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit, Random and regular inspections to ensure firearms dealers are complying with state and federal law, Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show, and Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident. Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent . Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lorena García that would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. HB25-1274 passed by a vote of 40-22. < Back April 21, 2025 García Bill to Continue Healthy School Meals for All Program Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lorena García that would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. HB25-1274 passed by a vote of 40-22. “Colorado children should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has made a significant impact on the health and educational success of Colorado students, and it is imperative that we continue funding. This bill would allow voters to approve the continuation of this program to help put an end to child hunger.” If HB25-1274 passes, the bill would refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election to determine whether or not to continue the program or scale it back. One ballot measure would ask voters if they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All Program that otherwise would need to be refunded. The second ballot measure would expand the program by limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. If at least one of the two measures is approved by Colorado voters, the bill would extend the local school purchasing program, which is set to repeal after FY 2025-2026. In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, creating the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide all Colorado students free breakfast and lunch. The program was funded by limiting income tax reductions for taxpayers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more. The 2025-2026 budget, approved by the Colorado General Assembly in April 2025, fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO STREAMLINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services today passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee. This bipartisan bill is designed to streamline behavioral health care access for Coloradans through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). “Building a healthier Colorado begins with improving access to critical behavioral health care,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We understand that Coloradans often experience barriers to accessing behavioral health care services and treatment. Our bipartisan, transformational bill is designed to knock down those barriers and streamline the process so Coloradans can swiftly receive the behavioral health services they need. Together, we’re making access to behavioral health care more transparent and accountable in Colorado.” HB22-1278 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, would establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services and more. HB22-1278 passed out of committee by a vote of 10 to 1. The BHA will reduce bureaucracy by consolidating fragmented behavioral health networks into one behavioral health administrative services organization (BHASO) per region. The push for this legislation stems from patient frustration surrounding disjointed behavioral health care services. With this bill, patients would be able to more easily access behavioral health services in their community. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would help meet the state’s workforce demands and save Coloradans money. < Back April 13, 2023 Speaker McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Zero-Cost Credentials Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would help meet the state’s workforce demands and save Coloradans money. “Whether you’re headed back to school or switching careers entirely, zero-cost credentials are a win for everyone because they help meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training they need to succeed for free,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Our communities need more childhood educators, nurses, and firefighters, and this bill breaks down the financial barriers to these and many other in-demand fields. This bill creates new, zero-cost pathways for Coloradans to pursue the careers of their dreams while expanding our state’s strong talent pipeline and helping Coloradans live and serve in the communities they love.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed by a vote of 56 to 7 and would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero-cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, such as instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off the successful Care Forward Colorado Program that Democrats launched in 2022, by covering the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. On April 3, the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden visited the Colorado State Capitol to discuss this and other pieces of legislation that prioritize workforce training and uplift aspiring professionals to pursue career paths that do not require traditional, four-year college degrees. 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

SB25-290 would support medical providers that serve vulnerable communities, protecting access to essential health care for thousands of Coloradans < Back May 6, 2025 House Advances Bill to Stabilize Safety Net Providers, Protect Access to Health Care DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect access to essential health care for thousands of Coloradans. SB25-290 would provide immediate financial support to a broad cross-section of safety net health care providers, including rural hospitals, community health centers and behavioral health clinics. “Our health care safety net providers that take care of our low-income, older, and vulnerable community members are in crisis,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “Our bill fills an immediate funding need to prevent our safety net providers from closing their doors and leaving hundreds of Coloradans without the health care they need. These dollars will help protect the essential health care for so many low income and working Coloradans now.” “Without our safety net providers, many Coloradans won’t have access to the preventive and primary care that helps them lead healthier lives,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Higher costs and workforce shortages mean our safety net providers are shouldering enormous financial pressures just to keep the doors open. This bill provides immediate, short-term support to our safety providers so our community members can receive the health care they need.” Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado, like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. However, these safety net providers have been under an enormous financial strain as demand and costs increase. SB25-290 would provide stability while long-term, comprehensive solutions can be developed. Specifically, the bill creates the Provider Stabilization Fund to distribute stabilization payments to safety net providers who provide care to low-income, uninsured individuals on a sliding scale or for free. The bill would transfer interest earnings from the Unclaimed Property Tax Trust Fund to the Provider Stabilization Fund as a loan. Payments would be distributed based on the proportion of low-income, uninsured individuals that the provider serves. Without access to preventive and primary care services, Coloradans are more likely to seek emergency care, increasing costs in the health care system as a whole and leading to worse health outcomes. Previous Next

“Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward training used to prepare people for life-saving emergency situations < Back August 5, 2024 Rep. Young Meets with Nurses Behind “Stop the Bleed” Legislation GREELEY, CO – Representative Mary Young today met with nurses, Jennifer Landis and Robyn Wolverton, to discuss implementation of the “Stop the Bleed” legislation. “It was fantastic to meet with nurses Jennifer and Robyn – they played a key role in spreading awareness and training educators in Stop the Bleed ,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We all know time is precious during an emergency and Stop the Bleed training ensures people, including educators, have the resources and training to respond efficiently. I’m beyond grateful to have their expertise in this topic and look forward to hearing about more individuals receiving training to save lives.” In 2023, Representative Mary Young, Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsored legislation that requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. The idea behind this law came from local Greeley nurses, Jennifer and Robyn, who had been providing “Stop the Bleed” training to educators, but were met with funding barriers that made it difficult to sustain the program. HB23-1213 helps to better prepare educators and staff for emergency situations. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the permitting process. “Whether in Denver or along the Front Range, high levels of ozone are dangerous for our health, and it’s vital we address this problem and center the most impacted communities in our work,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation works to improve transparency around Colorado’s air quality issues and gives Coloradans a stronger voice when sounding the alarm on poor air quality in their communities. This bill is a step forward in our ongoing work to cut back harmful emissions and improve the air we all breathe.” “Ozone season brings poor air quality that makes it difficult for Coloradans to breathe, especially those with underlying health conditions or asthma,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “We’re stepping up to strengthen our permitting and enforcement processes so we can combat harmful emissions and prioritize Coloradans’ health. This legislation works to give Coloradans more input when it comes to the air quality in their own neighborhood through strengthening the public complaint process. We’re committed to helping Colorado reach its climate goals and cleaning up our air.” HB23-1294 works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for emissions permits in Colorado. There are thousands of “minor” sources - including many oil and gas wells - that are significant contributors to Colorado’s ozone problem.The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for ozone. This bill works to improve public engagement in the permit enforcement process by elevating complaints by impacted communities and setting clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. The bill also strengthens consideration of cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations during the permitting process and would create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. ### Previous Next