< Back November 5, 2020 GARNETT, KENNEDY STATEMENTS ON REP. BUENTELLO DENVER, CO — House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Rep. Chris Kennedy released the following statements after Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, conceded in the race to represent House District 47: “Bri Buentello is one of the most committed, dedicated and tenacious lawmakers I have ever had the privilege of working with,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “Her experience as a special education teacher, as a mom, as a military family member, and as a proud Southern Coloradan were invaluable to our caucus and the legislature as a whole. In her time at the Capitol, Bri worked overtime, represented her district passionately and always kept the best interests of her constituents in mind. Her voice, her talent and her larger than life personality will be missed in the upcoming session, but I believe and hope that this is only the beginning of a long career in public service for our dear friend Bri.” “Representative Buentello is a great legislator who made her mark on policies that will positively impact the people of Colorado for decades to come,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “I am proud of the campaign she ran and the vision she offered to the voters of House District 47. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Rep. Buentello and am confident she will continue to work for the people of Southern Colorado in the years to come.” In her two years in the state legislature, Rep. Buentello was one of the most effective lawmakers in Denver, with the governor signing 24 of her bills. Rep. Buentello always worked to support rural Colorado. She sponsored and passed SB20-002, which improved the Rural Economic Development Grant Program to boost rural economies in the state. In passing HB20-1229, she created a scholarship fund to help rural law enforcement departments afford the cost of training new officers. Rep. Buentello also focused on mental health and the opioid crisis, passing a package of bills to increase access to addiction treatment and services (SB20-028 and SB20-007). She sponsored and passed SB19-228 to help prevent substance use disorders and SB19-001 to expand access to medication-assisted treatment. In the 2020 session, she sponsored and passed legislation to support Colorado’s military families. HB20-1275 provides in-state tuition for all military families and veterans in Colorado and SB20-069 allows for free state park access for all disabled veterans. A special education teacher, Rep. Buentello fought for Colorado students. She sponsored and passed SB19-006 to help schools provide high-cost special education services and HB19-1132 to help ensure children have access to healthy school lunches. She sponsored HB19-1192 to ensure a history inclusive of all Coloradans is taught in our schools and HB20-1128, to help teachers have a better awareness of special education issues to help more special education students. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mandy Lindsay that would reduce evictions by saving Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings. < Back April 17, 2024 Bill to Reduce Evictions Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mandy Lindsay that would reduce evictions by saving Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings. HB24-1099 passed by a vote of 44 to 17. “Filing fees during eviction proceedings can add up, making it difficult for Colorado renters to make their case in court that they shouldn’t be evicted,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Costs associated with eviction court should not prevent someone from presenting their side of a case. By removing these fees, we can help avoid default judgments that displace renters, keeping more Coloradans safely housed.” HB24-1099 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, would eliminate filing fees, including e-filing fees and service fees, for renters during an eviction proceeding, ensuring that renters are not prevented from advocating for themselves in the eviction process. Currently, defendants in eviction proceedings are charged filing fees and certain individuals can submit a motion to waive these fees. This bill removes fees associated with eviction proceedings to cut the red tape for defendants responding to eviction filings. 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

The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. < Back April 11, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Parks Access Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. “With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on state park passes, and hunting and fishing licenses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill makes recreational opportunities more accessible for older Coloradans and veterans with disabilities. Colorado’s state parks are teaming with wildlife, outdoor activities and top tier recreation opportunities; this bill helps improve access to our state parks so everyone can enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer.” SB24-161 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 2. This bill would make several changes to certain fees, requirements, and procedures related to licenses and passes issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The goal of SB24-161 is to make hunting, fishing and park passes in Colorado more accessible to those living with a disability and to save older Coloradans money on their passes. Specifically, the bill: lowers the age threshold for senior annual fishing licenses from 65 to 64 years of age; lowers the cost of youth big game and youth small game resident and nonresident hunting licenses by $0.25; Increases eligibility for discounted licenses to veterans with disabilities; allows CPW to establish a harvest permit surcharge of up to $5; and allows revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild pass sales to be used for capital construction costs. Previous Next

The House today advanced a bipartisan bill to identify improvements in trainings for judicial personnel so they can better understand the complex issues that victims of crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence face. < Back March 6, 2023 House Advances Improvements to Judiciary Training in Assault, Domestic Violence Cases DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bipartisan bill to identify improvements in trainings for judicial personnel so they can better understand the complex issues that victims of crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence face. “As a survivor myself, I know how distressing it can be to seek accountability through the justice system as a victim of domestic violence,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Judges, attorneys, and other judicial personnel often don’t have a firsthand understanding of the complicated emotions and dynamics that victims of crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault experience. One of my major focuses as a legislator is to create safer outcomes for victims while they seek justice from their aggressor, and this legislation gives us the tools to do that.” HB23-1108 , which passed by a vote of 56-8, creates a task force to examine current victim and survivor awareness and responsiveness trainings within the Office for Victims Programs. The task force would report their findings and make recommendations on how to improve trainings for judicial personnel to better serve victims and survivors of crimes including sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence. The task force would be required to submit a report including findings and recommendations to the House and Senate Judiciary committees by November 1, 2023. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support child care facilities and save Colorado families money. HB23-1091, sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp, would extend the child care contribution tax credit through 2027. < Back May 23, 2023 Gov. Polis Signs Bipartisan Bill to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support child care facilities and save Colorado families money. HB23-1091, sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp, would extend the child care contribution tax credit through 2027. “Quality child care is a significant investment for each family and a crucial factor in childhood development, leading to success later in life,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “With this bill becoming law today, we’re supporting child care providers and facilities to make child care more affordable and accessible for hardworking Colorado families.” HB23-1091 , also sponsored by Republican Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, continues to encourage charitable contributions to uplift and support child care facilities in Colorado by saving Coloradans money. Specifically, this bill extends the Child Care Contribution tax credit through tax year 2027. The credit is available at 50% of the contribution amount up to $100,000 to Coloradans who make a monetary contribution to promote child care in Colorado. Tax credits are available to those who contribute to facilities, schools, or programs that provide child care, programs that train child care providers, and grant or loan programs for parents requiring financial assistance for child care purposes. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 COMMITTEE PLANTS THE SEEDS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS Business Committee passes economic gardening proposal DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Naquetta Ricks’ bill to help small businesses grow and succeed. This bill is a 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 by a vote of 8-4. “Small businesses are the backbone of Colorado’s economy, and we have to invest in them in order to build back stronger,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora . “This economic gardening initiative will be there to help businesses get past their growing pains and on to even greater success. Colorado’s entrepreneurs will soon be getting a Colorado Comeback boost!” “The exciting new program we approved today will help take small businesses with massive growth potential to the next level,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “Providing these businesses with technical and financial assistance will help ensure that they continue to create jobs and contribute to our economy in a sustainable way. As we safely reopen, it’s our beloved small businesses that will drive Colorado’s economic recovery.” SB21-241 creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program, which is designed to provide small businesses on the verge of major growth with the tools and funding they need to take their small businesses to the next level. The Program will support businesses with 19 employees or fewer and provide them with technical, marketing, and financial assistance to ensure they can grow sustainably and continue to create jobs. Previous Next

< Back October 1, 2019 “WE WILL KEEP FIGHTING”: STATE-LEVEL OPEN INTERNET BILL SPONSORS COMMENT ON FEDERAL NET NEUTRALITY DECISION Ruling preserves state net neutrality laws, but upholds FCC’s elimination of federal net neutrality protections DENVER, CO— Representatives Leslie Herod and Chris Hansen, the sponsors of Colorado’s net neutrality law, today released the following statements after a federal court blocked the FCC from nullifying state net neutrality laws. The court also upheld the FCC’s rollback of Obama-era open internet protections, prompting the members to reiterate the need for a federal-level net neutrality law. “While I am disappointed that the court has upheld the FCC’s misguided decision to repeal net neutrality, I remain committed to fighting for a free and open internet in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “This year, my Democratic colleagues and I passed a law to help protect the right to an accessible internet. I won’t let my guard down—we will keep fighting for net neutrality in Colorado, and I urge Congress to enact strong protections nationwide.” “Net neutrality is essential for small businesses, consumers, and tech startups, and I am deeply concerned with today’s decision to uphold the FCC’s elimination of these critical protections,” said Rep. Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “We took action in Colorado to help preserve net neutrality for businesses and consumers in our state, and I call on Republicans in the US Senate to join Democrats and pass a federal net neutrality law. We can’t let well funded special interests take away our right to a free and open internet.” Reps. Herod and Hansen sponsored legislation last session, which passed the House on a party line vote and was signed into law, to help protect a free and open internet in Colorado. SB19-078 ensures that companies that receive assistance to expand rural broadband provide a net-neutral service. It also gives state contracting preference to internet service providers (ISP) that preserve net neutrality, and it informs consumers on how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission if they believe an ISP has violated open internet principles. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE EDUCATION UNANIMOUSLY PASSES SCHOOL FINANCE ACT DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today unanimously passed the 2021 School Finance Act, annual legislation that sets funding levels for all of Colorado’s school districts and charter schools. The bill restores reductions to K-12 funding that the legislature made last year in the wake of dire budget forecasts that predicted significant revenue declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we recover from the pandemic, we have to do everything we can to build back stronger, and that means putting students, parents and teachers first to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This year’s budget, which I was proud to help craft as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, invested $480 million to restore funding to pre-pandemic levels. The School Finance Act we passed today funds critical grant programs that support our students and will increase per-pupil funding so that every district in our state will see a fair and equitable increase in state resources.” “By increasing funding for education and ensuring that school districts have more of the resources they need, we will put Colorado on the path to bounce back stronger from the pandemic,” said Education Committee Chair Rep. Baraba McLachlan, D-Durango, a teacher. “Every child in our state should have access to the high quality, public education they need to succeed. Students, parents and teachers have all been through so much this last year, and I’m proud that we are dedicating as much funding as possible to provide school districts with additional resources as they seek to help students overcome the impacts of COVID-19-related learning disruptions.” This year’s budget includes an 8.7 percent increase for K-12 funding over the 2020-21 school year, a $480 million increase. Sponsored by JBC Vice Chair Representatives Julie McCluskie and House Education Chair Representative Barbara McLachlan, the School Finance Act allocates the state share of school districts’ total program funding based on the school finance formula. This year, the school finance formula starts with a base of $7,225 per student, a two percent increase from last year. When additional funding for at-risk students is factored in, the average per-pupil spending is approximately $8,857 per student, an increase of 9.7 percent over last year, which is the result of additional funding included in the bill for at-risk students. Lawmakers last year were forced to increase the Budget Stabilization Factor due to pandemic-related revenue losses. Some of the impact of these reductions was blunted by the distribution of federal stimulus resources directly to school districts. This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive. The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset (HB26-1326). This legislation will extend the PUC's critical functions while modernizing the commission to better meet the needs of Coloradans. < Back May 29, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Bill to Modernize the Public Utilities Commission, Protect Ratepayers and Improve Oversight DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset ( HB26-1326 ). This legislation will extend the PUC's critical functions while modernizing the commission to better meet the needs of Coloradans. “We need a dynamic, modern PUC to protect jobs, streamline services and protect ratepayers and consumers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our law extends the critical functions of the PUC that Coloradans rely on, including transportation, utilities and cell services, while improving transparency and oversight of the commission. The PUC keeps Coloradans safe and connected, and we worked alongside many stakeholders, including rural and local leaders, utility providers, labor, and environmental advocates, to ensure the commission can continue its important role.” “This law ensures Colorado continues to lead in renewable energy and consumer protection, while prioritizing safety in our transportation, communications, and utility systems,” said Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “We’re extending and modernizing the PUC to reflect today’s realities and set us up for the future.” “Our law helps ensure the PUC is appropriately resourced and more efficient,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “The safety and security of our transportation services and utility infrastructure is critical, and without this law, the PUC will not be able to continue its important work. We’ve taken steps to modernize the commission in a way that protects ratepayers, strengthens transportation safety and continues Colorado’s clean energy transition.” “How we travel, communicate, and power our lives all look completely different today than they did when the PUC was last renewed seven years ago,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “After months of work and negotiations between impacted groups, this legislation strikes a balance that boosts renewable energy, strengthens safety from passenger rail to rideshare trips, cracks down on phone scams and bad actors, and improves community collaboration.” The PUC is the primary regulator of Colorado’s electric, gas, water, telecommunications and transportation services. In 2019 , the PUC Sunset established a minimum value for the cost of carbon pollution. This helped modernize benefits to ratepayers and improve Colorado's clean energy transition. HB26-1326 extends the PUC's critical functions for another seven years while modernizing and boosting transparency within the agency. This will continue Colorado’s clean energy transition that will lower utility costs and foster new jobs. Meeting Colorado’s renewable energy goals To help Colorado meet its energy goals, this law will update and streamline clean energy reporting requirements and scheduling for utility companies. The law will boost transparency and accountability by allowing the PUC to investigate how to streamline and integrate energy planning proceedings and report its findings to the General Assembly. The law will also help electric utilities secure more renewable energy assets, such as wind and solar, by requiring the PUC to conduct a study on the barriers companies face to joint procurement, or collaborative purchasing, for large-scale investments. Improving safety This bill takes steps to improve rail, pipeline and transportation safety and security in Colorado. Under HB26-1326, state rail oversight will be aligned with federal law for consistency. The bill also includes the creation of an oversight program that will review, approve and monitor the creation and implementation of passenger and freight rail in Colorado. The law will also require rideshare companies to provide the commission’s contact information to riders for increased transparency. PUC staff receiving complaints about rideshares will receive trauma-informed training. HB26-1326 also requires activity buses, limos, and off-road scenic charters to receive scheduled inspections by the commission to ensure they are safe for travel. Modernizing telecommunications and protecting consumers Mobile, wireless, cellular, landline and satellite telecommunications fall under the PUC’s purview and are charged a fee to provide service in Colorado to help maintain and expand our state’s telecommunications infrastructure. This bill extends the fee to include modern telecommunications systems, including web-based service providers, such as Google Voice or Zoom Phone. To boost consumer protections and crack down on bad actors, this law will increase the fees for companies that purchase no-call lists and sell them to other companies. Improving local participation and engagement HB26-1326 will encourage more local participation and decision-making by requiring the PUC to hire staff dedicated to engagement and communications to ensure inclusiveness and consistency in public comment hearings. To further improve representation, the PUC will create an equity task force to represent the interests of disproportionately impacted communities, workers, and income-qualified customers. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. < Back March 4, 2025 House Cracks Down on ‘Junk Fees’ to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB24-1090 passed by a vote of 41 to 21 with every House Republican opposing the effort to rein in unpopular, surprise junk fees. “Hidden ‘junk fees’ often add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses for Coloradans, so we are taking action to crack down on these surprise costs to save people money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to cracking down on junk fees so Coloradans know the upfront cost of products, goods and services.” “It is estimated that ‘junk fees’ add up to $90 billion per year in our country, costing households more than $650 annually that could be better spent on groceries, health care, and child care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Junk fees are often not disclosed until a consumer is ready to check out or after they’ve paid a non-refundable security deposit, which means Coloradans end up paying higher prices than they are expecting. Addressing junk fees in our state has been one of my biggest priorities, and this legislation brings us closer to honest pricing so Coloradans can make buying decisions that fit their budget.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next

The Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. < Back February 23, 2026 Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Outdoor Recreation Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. “For communities like mine, outdoor recreation during every season is the heart of our economy, local businesses and workforce,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “To bolster communities that rely on outdoor recreation as an economic driver, this bill improves collaboration between conservation efforts, agriculture, private landowners and other public land users to maximize our state’s outdoor recreation potential. We’re taking steps now to prioritize outdoor recreation, wildlife, and our natural resources so that future generations can enjoy them and rely on them as we do.” HB26-1008 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and passed committee by 9-4. Colorado’s lands support a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and this bill directs stewards of our lands to collaborate with stakeholders from all different land-use backgrounds, from wildlife and natural resource advocates to agricultural communities and private landowners. Specifically, this bill formalizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) role in developing Colorado’s outdoors strategy to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience in the state. As the lead coordinator, CPW will ensure outdoor recreation needs are well-represented in its leadership and increase coordination to anticipate and respond to potential conflicts. The strategy prioritizes integrating data and metrics from existing efforts, partnering with local and federal agencies, and shoring up state capacity in this area. The goal of HB26-1008 is to proactively streamline planning and management so that the state can continue to provide high-quality experiences to all outdoor users. CPW manages 43 state parks and over 350 wildlife areas, covering roughly 900,000 acres in Colorado. Previous Next