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< Back March 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BECKER-CARAVEO BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COLORADANS & GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE (Mar. 19) – The House Energy and Environment committee approved SB19-181 tonight. The bill will update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting Colorado’s clean air and clean water. “I’m proud of this bill and the stakeholder work that went into it. It proposes commonsense updates and modernization of our oil and gas laws that are more appropriate for the time and place that we are in now,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Oil and gas drilling is taking place at unprecedented levels in neighborhoods and the industry must be more accountable to the communities where they operate. This bill will put health and safety first and protect our air, water and unique quality of life.” Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, the legislature’s only doctor and the co-prime sponsor of the bill, urged the committee to protect the health of the next generation of Coloradans by passing this bill. “As a pediatrician and legislator, I support this bill because we should be ensuring the health and safety of the children I care for in my clinic every day,” said Rep. Caraveo. “We should be balancing our economic growth with the actual growth of children who go to school and live around oil and gas operations. Additionally, given how localized the health effects of these operations are, we should give more tools to our local governments to decide what is the right balance between responsible resource extraction and the health of Coloradans in their communities.” Erin Martinez, a survivor of a tragic gas explosion in Firestone that killed her husband and brother, urged for stronger protections and spoke at length with members of the committee about the struggles she and her family have endured since that fateful day. Mrs. Martinez stated that had the protections outlined in SB19-181 been in place in 2017, her brother and husband might still be alive today. Martinez urged the committee to support the bill and said she believes the industry can put health and safety first and continue to thrive at the same time. “Erin Martinez shared powerful testimony with the people of our state and our committee today about a heartbreaking tragedy that could have been prevented. We need to put health and safety first in our state and that’s what this bill does,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, chair of the Energy and Environment committee. The bill directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to regulate oil and gas development to protect public welfare, and clarifies that local governments have the same authority to regulate the oil and gas industry as they have with every other industry in Colorado – including the mining industry. The bill also removes the prohibition against local governments requiring oil and gas companies to cover the direct costs of regulating, monitoring and permitting the sites in their communities. The bill addresses emissions and air quality by requiring increased monitoring and implementing a rule-making process to reduce emissions to better meet federal regulations. This month, a “brown cloud” returned to Denver and reports showed that the air quality was worse than that of Beijing. The bill would also ensure that taxpayers are not footing the bill for cleaning up orphan oil and gas wells that have been abandoned but not adequately plugged. Current bonding requirements are often found to be inadequate to cover the cost of clean-up when a company abandons a well. Clean-up costs for just one abandoned well costs an average of $82,000. Currently, there are more than 260 known orphan wells and 365 associated known orphan well sites in 31 Colorado counties. Finally, SB19-181 also provides increased protections for property owners with regard to forced pooling. Under current law, just one mineral rights owner can start the process of “force pooling” other mineral interest owners and require development of those resources – against the will of the majority of the owners. This bill would raise the threshold and put more transparency and guardrails on the process. The arguments peddled by the oil and gas industry are misleading. The sponsors and proponents of the bill made clear during the hearing that this bill is not a reiteration of Proposition 112, nor is it a moratorium or a ban on drilling. SB19-181 passed on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House Finance committee. Previous Next

New laws will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty, strengthen firearm intimidation protections < Back May 12, 2025 Colorado Voting Rights Act, Election Intimidation Protections Signed Into Law New laws will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty, strengthen firearm intimidation protections DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed the Colorado Voting Rights Act into law. He also signed legislation to strengthen protections against firearm intimidation during campaigns and elections into law. “With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, it’s imperative that we act now to protect the constitutional right to vote. This law makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.” “The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This law will ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.” “As the first Black person elected to represent my area, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB25-001. “Without the protections secured by that landmark legislation, my path to public office might never have been possible. I am proud to sponsor our own Colorado Voting Rights Act to expand on the foundation laid in 1965 and ensure that all Coloradans—especially those in historically marginalized communities—can access the ballot box freely and fairly. At a time when federal protections are under threat, it is more important than ever that Colorado leads in safeguarding our democracy and protecting the voting rights of LGBTQ+ people, tribal members, and our most vulnerable communities.” In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1986, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, SB25-001 protects and strengthens the right to vote in Colorado. This law codifies stronger voter protections, expands access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibits discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back. The law expands access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections, protects access for eligible voters confined in local jails, requires residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empowers the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. It also prohibits impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and creates a publicly available, statewide database of election information without compromising any personal voter data. In April, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act that would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening the future of mail voter registration and disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, especially the almost 70 million Americans who have changed their name. This would make it impossible for many Americans who do not have a passport, REAL ID, or access to their birth certificates to vote. Colorado is a national role model for administering secure, accessible and fair elections. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to reduce barriers to voting access for Native Americans and Indigenous people, incarcerated Coloradans and college students. In 2021, Colorado Democrats also passed a law to expand minority language ballot access beyond federal requirements. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country and voter registration rates. Over 93-percent of eligible Coloradans are registered to vote, which is nearly 10-percent higher than the national average. HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, expands protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities is considered intimidation. The law also allows an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. “Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, President Trump’s lies following the 2020 election continue to impact the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225. “While Republicans defend convicted criminals like Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used to intimidate voters and election workers. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this law, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as election workers, and volunteer for campaigns without fear.” “Coloradans in rural and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by efforts to suppress voters,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1225. “This law will shore up protections for voters so that everyone, regardless of zip code or identity, feels safe participating in our democratic process.” “The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This new law protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” “Colorado’s gold-standard free and fair elections are the backbone of our democracy,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Increased threats of violence have put voters and election workers at risk of danger. This new law will strengthen protections for all people involved in our elections process so that everyone feels safe to be represented and make their voices heard.” In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that grants local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development was signed into law today. < Back March 15, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Roberts & McCluskie's Bipartisan Bill to Spur Affordable Workforce Housing DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that grants local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development was signed into law today. SB24-002 will allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, childcare, behavioral health, economic development and other areas of local concern. For example, a municipality will be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. “Local governments are desperate for solutions to our state’s housing crisis and affordability issues, which is why this legislation is so important," said Roberts. "It will create valuable financial incentives for more long-term affordable rental housing for local workers instead of short-term rentals, more options for childcare, greater support for small businesses, and more. I'm thrilled to see this important bipartisan bill get signed into law and am excited to see how local governments can help their residents save money.” “There has been a significant rise in the cost of housing, especially on the Western Slope, forcing Coloradans to spend more of their money on housing and less on other necessary costs, like health care and groceries,” said McCluskie. "With our bipartisan legislation becoming law, local governments can address the unique challenges that their communities face, like shortages in workforce housing, childcare, mental health care services, and much more.” SB24-002 allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has been effective in addressing the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2020 HOUSE PASSES EXTENSION OF CONTRACTING SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES The House today passed by a vote of 49-12, Representatives Daneya Esgar and Tom Sullivan’s legislation to extend the Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for the next five years. “The Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is an invaluable resource for small businesses across Colorado. Being able to take advantage of federal contracting is a huge boost to not only their businesses but to our economy said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo . “Minority, veteran and women-owned businesses need our support, and now that the House has passed PTAC, we’re one step closer to supporting these businesses for the next five years. “Entering the world of government contracting is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for a small business. PTAC is a resource that guides small minority, veteran and women-owned businesses through the complex process,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial . “When small businesses succeed, Colorado is better for it.” HB20-1116 would extend the Colorado Procurement Assistance Center for five years. The state currently contracts with a nonprofit to provide procurement assistance services, and that contract will end in September 2020. The bill will also allow the state to contribute additional resources to the program if the nonprofit agrees to match that investment 100 percent. PTAC provides free consulting with procurement counselors, as well as a variety of subject matter experts, to Colorado’s small, women, veteran and minority-owned businesses applying for and performing government contracts at the federal, state and local levels. PTAC also runs free workshops and host events, including a training series, a speaker series and networking events with major federal contractors. The program, which started in 2009, has served over 5,000 clients and helped support 55,000 jobs in Colorado. In 2018 alone, the program helped companies earn a combined $419 million in government contracts and helped create/retain over 8,000 jobs. The program has consistently outperformed its statutorily required performance metrics, serving six times the number of active businesses required by law. It has provided over 1,000 more counseling hours than required by law and sponsored twice as many events. Previous Next

Legislation would improve transit system to help reach housing and climate goals < Back May 3, 2024 House Passes Bill to Improve Public Transit, Meet Housing and Climate Goals Legislation would improve transit system to help reach housing and climate goals DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to better align the Regional Transportation District (RTD) with initiatives to address housing and climate issues. The legislation would also increase accountability, improve coordination between RTD and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), and create a strategic 10-year plan to improve ridership. HB24-1447 passed by a vote of 42-22. HB24-1447 would work alongside a newly revealed legislative package to boost and stabilize funding for transit agencies across the state, including RTD. This significant investment to expand and improve access to transit would help mitigate the negative impacts of oil and gas operations through a fee on production. “We’re working toward a more interconnected transit system that will help us reach our critical housing and carbon emissions goals,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This exciting legislation takes a multi-faceted approach to transit reform by increasing transparency and coordination between our transit systems and encouraging longer-term planning coordination. With the help of new funding, we can increase transportation options to cut commuting costs, get Coloradans to their workplace, and reduce air pollution.” “Coloradans deserve a transit system that gets them where they need to go, and this bill is a big step in delivering a more reliable mass transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This transit reform bill, in tandem with funding from our new legislative package, will increase connectivity, accessibility and reliability so Coloradans can fully utilize bus and train travel and get more cars off our roads.” HB24-1447 would require the RTD Board of Directors to create a 10-year strategic plan that outlines the RTD's plans to improve ridership, support regional and state climate, housing and transportation goals, and identify potential new funding opportunities. To best serve RTD customers, this bill directs the Transportation Legislation Review Committee to create an interim subcommittee to collaborate with community members and make recommendations including: The ideal size of the RTD Board of Directors Consideration for how many directors should be elected versus appointed and the appointing authority Director pay as well as duties and responsibilities of board members Methods to ensure equitable representation on the board The subcommittee would be a diverse group of 19 people including lawmakers, appointees from local government, transit-dependent communities, the disability community, current RTD directors, and a leader from a disproportionately impacted community, among others. To improve coordination between RTD and its metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), the bill requires RTD to: Submit its proposed fixed-route transit service plans to DRCOG Coordinate with DRCOG regarding the implementation of these routes, Ensure that the transit provider's service decisions are consistent with DRCOG's regional transportation plan Coordinate transit and land use decisions to ensure that transit services will be provided to new and existing transit-oriented communities Under the bill, RTD would be required to create three public accountability dashboards and create, maintain, and regularly update a website containing information about RTD's financial plan as well as route ridership and reliability of services. Colorado Democrats, alongside a broad coalition of major environmental non-governmental organizations, announced an agreement with large operators in Colorado’s oil and gas industry to support funding for public transit while cutting back on harmful pollution. The legislative package would impose a new production fee on oil and gas operators. 80 percent of the fee revenue would go toward local transit agencies and public transit projects across the state. This new fee is expected to generate an average of $138 million annually. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN, HISTORIC BUDGET FOR ALL ‘Long bill’ now goes to conference committee (Apr. 5) – The House of Representatives approved the state budget package for fiscal year 2019-20, which will begin on July 1, 2019. Yesterday, Speaker KC Becker, Majority Leader Alec Garnett, and Joint Budget Committee members Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Chris Hansen, reached a bipartisan agreement with the leadership of all four legislative caucuses on a total of $300 million in transportation funding. “We are proud to put forward a responsible bipartisan budget that works for all of Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, vice-chair of the JBC. “Hardworking families and individuals will be well served by the historic investments we are making in education, transportation, mental and behavioral health and other priorities.” “Coloradans can be proud of this carefully balanced and comprehensive budget,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “While some in Washington push economically destructive trade wars, my colleagues and I were able to put forward a budget that makes historic, bipartisan investments in education, transportation and ensures kids and parents have access to full-day kindergarten.” Highlights from SB19-207, the “long bill” approved today, include: A total increased investment in K-12 education of $335.9 million, including funding for the implementation of full-day kindergarten as well as a $77 million boost in the budget stabilization factor buy-down. An additional $120 million investment in higher education to keep tuition flat for Colorado’s college students. Adds $1 million to help expand critical family planning services. Funds an additional $5 million for 42 new inpatient psychiatric beds at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP). Increases broadband deployment grants by $18.7 million. “I thank the members of the JBC for their work on this responsible, bipartisan budget that will help invest in our future, expand opportunity for hardworking people in every corner of our state and enhance our unique quality of life,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We’re making significant investments in education, higher-ed, transportation and other top priorities.” The “long bill” also includes: A $15.4 million placeholder for competency restoration (covers the state’s cost to reduce wait times for court-ordered mental-health evaluations). Adds $142,792 for management and maintenance costs for the new Veterans One-Stop (OneSource) Center in Grand Junction. The goal of the center is to improve services for Western Slope veterans by creating a hub for veterans’ organizations in the region. The facility will bring together, under one roof, multiple regional organizations that serve veterans’ needs. Adds $2.3 million cash funds for 20 new State Troopers and civilian staff to help make our roads safer. Approves 56 projects in the capital maintenance backlog, a $171 million investment for capital overall. The bipartisan bill was approved on a vote of 42-22. The “long bill” now goes to joint conference committee. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS GIVES STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR COMMUNITY-DRIVEN GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION SOLUTIONS Reps. Hooton and Daugherty’s bill would adjust the state preemption on gun violence prevention laws, empowering local governments to implement their own solutions DENVER, CO — The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced a bill to declare that the regulation of the sale and transfer of firearms is a matter of both state and local concern, repealing the state-level preemption that currently prevents localities from enacting stricter gun violence laws than those of the state. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “This critical legislation will allow cities and counties to decide if they want higher gun safety standards to meet the wants and needs of their residents,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “Our bill is about giving local governments the ability to chart their own course on tailored solutions for gun violence prevention, plain and simple.” “Colorado has a proud and longstanding tradition of local control, and this bill will ensure that communities can exercise the ability to set higher local standards on the critical issue of the sale and regulation of firearms,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Our state is vast and diverse in many ways, and that’s what makes us strong. Allowing our local gun violence prevention regulations to respect this diversity will only make us stronger.” Current law prohibits a local government from enacting laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit the purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm. SB21-256 adjusts this prohibition by declaring the regulation of firearms a matter of state and local concern, allowing local governments to set higher standards. Under this bill, local governments would have the authority to enact regulations governing or prohibiting the transfer or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components and accessories, so long as the regulations are more restrictive than state laws on the subject. The bill stipulates that criminal penalties for a violation of these regulations not be brought for a person who did not know or could not be reasonably expected to know that they were in violation of the local regulations. Recently, in the weeks leading up to the tragic shooting in Boulder, a court struck down Boulder’s local assault weapons ban. If it had been law at the time, SB21-256 would have allowed Boulder to keep this ban in place. The bill does not change existing law that allows Coloradans to travel freely throughout the state with a firearm in their vehicle. Previous Next

SB25-006 invests up to $50 million to activate development of affordable for-sale housing < Back May 15, 2025 Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing Signed Into Law FRISCO, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, to unlock Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing was signed into law. Cosponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, SB25-006 will allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds will give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability protections and low mortgage rates to low- and middle-income buyers to ease their way into the housing market. “We know that affordable and attainable housing is a challenge facing our whole state,” said Roberts. “This law will allow us to use existing resources to help build more ‘starter homes’ which is key to giving hardworking Coloradans the opportunity to own a home and accumulate generational wealth.” “This bipartisan law will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget,” said Rutinel. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis. More ‘starter homes’ in our communities will support local workforces and make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.” The $50 million is expected to finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2021 OH SNAP! STIMULUS PROPOSAL TO INVEST IN JOBS AND SKILLS TRAINING PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today advanced Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to invest state stimulus funds and draw down millions of federal funds for jobs and skills training through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-2. “The pandemic has left more Coloradans than ever relying on state support to make ends meet and put food on the table,” said Representative Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Understanding that most Coloradans are eager and ready to get back to work, our bill channels state and federal dollars towards a proven program that will help build Colorado back stronger by preparing people to re-enter the workforce and get back on their feet.” “The savvy proposal we advanced today makes a state investment to leverage federal funds for a grand total of six million dollars going toward getting Colorado back to work,” said Representative Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First program, we’re ensuring that the Colorado Comeback provides training and skill building opportunities for Coloradans who were hit hard by the pandemic.” The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2022 ORTIZ, SULLIVAN STATEMENTS ON MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY DENVER, CO – Representatives David Ortiz and Tom Sullivan, military veterans from Afghanistan and the Vietnam Era, today released the following statements on Military Appreciation Day at the Colorado Capitol. “Every year, we recognize the brave men and women who have protected our nation, and I am especially proud this year to lead the resolution honoring the contributions of our Latino and Latina veterans and servicemembers,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This bipartisan tradition underscores our commitment to every veteran in Colorado, and I look forward to continuing our work to support our nation’s servicemembers and veterans.” “On this important day, we honor all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces and the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe and protect our values,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “As someone who served during the Vietnam Era, I know how important it is to our brothers and sisters who served with us to know that we recognize their sacrifices and that we will always honor their bravery and dedication to our country.” Representative Ortiz, who served as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, today sponsored HJR22-1008 , which recognizes the contributions of Latino and Latina veterans and servicemembers. Representative Sullivan, who served during the Vietnam Era, sponsored HJR22-1010 , which recognizes the military veterans in Colorado who served in the Vietnam War. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2021 HOUSE CHARTS A COURSE TO IMPROVE FIRST RESPONDER INTERACTIONS WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill to establish a commission charged with creating a plan to improve first responder interactions with people with disabilities. The bill passed by a vote of 53-10. “People with disabilities are disproportionately more likely to be the victim of crimes and have unique needs and considerations that must be taken into account by first responders,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill sets us down a path toward ensuring that first responders have the training and tools necessary to guarantee better outcomes when they interact with people with disabilities. By passing this bill today, we voted in favor of preventing tragedies and ensuring that those tasked with keeping our communities safe are better prepared to protect all community members.” HB21-1122 , also sponsored by Representative Colin Larson, would establish a twelve-person commission tasked with performing a detailed study of existing training for peace officers on interactions with persons with disabilities and provide a report to the POST Board by February 28, 2022. The bill establishes that the resulting training curriculum be implemented for basic training and the annual in-service training by July 1, 2022. Once the curriculum is implemented, the commission would monitor the training process, assess any challenges and the effectiveness of the training to present and suggest to the POST Board. Previous Next

< Back May 7, 2023 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills, Reduce Price Shocks Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, would increase transparency and accountability of investor-owned utility companies before the Public Utilities Commission. “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This important legislation sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “We’ve spent time with consumer advocates, utility companies, and policy experts as we’ve worked to uncover the root causes for rising utility rates,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our legislation improves accountability and transparency by creating a fairer utility rate setting process that centers the interests of ratepayers. Coloradans’ voices need to be front and center, and this bill will better align utility and consumer interests so ratepayers aren’t stuck with high, unpredictable utility bills.” SB23-291 , which passed the House by a vote of 64-19, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. Additionally, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Previous Next