< Back May 10, 2022 BILL TO CREATE STATEWIDE RESPONSE TO MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS RELATIVES PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill that aims to improve the state’s response to missing and murdered Indigenous individuals to help prevent crime and improve public safety. SB22-150 sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Monica Duran, passed the House by a vote of 45 to 20. “The data is clear and devastating, Indigenous people are far more likely to be the victims of crimes the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people go unsolved at a far higher rate,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Colorado must improve how we respond to the cases of missing and murdered indigenous relatives. That’s what this bill would do by ensuring relatives get the responses and justice they deserve. We’re standing with the Indigenous community so they can get the justice they deserve.” “It’s critical we address the high rates of violent crime against Indigenous women and children,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our bill works to improve coordination, response and communications surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives so we can create a comprehensive and strong response to this crisis.” SB22-150 would improve coordination, response, communication, and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases. More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population. SB22-150 aims to improve responses to MMIR cases, provide better support for Indigenous communities, and better serve families of MMIR. It would establish an MMIR alert system and improve data tracking regarding MMIR cases while ensuring interagency coordination, allowing for a more effective and robust response. It would also require MMIR training for first responders and implement a public awareness campaign to raise awareness around MMIR issues. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation into law today that will create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and James Coleman, will more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “Modernizing the way we identify at-risk students will direct proper funding toward schools and prepare all Colorado students for success,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Under this law, the state will create a new well-rounded method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. But every child lives a different home life, so the data collection will also consider important socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success such as parent incarceration, unhoused status and English as a Second Language. This law will get school districts the funding they need to meet the needs of their at-risk students so their students can grow, thrive and achieve.” “As we introduce more precise factors into the school funding formula, we can increase the likelihood that our resources will be used in the most equitable manner, to the greatest degree of success,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada . “The at-risk measure is one of those factors in need of greater precision and definition; and thanks to HB22-1202, we will eventually be able to support the children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a true at-risk condition.” “I am proud Colorado is taking steps to identify, serve and support each and every student,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillion “Research has shown to better serve at-risk students, we need to look at the bigger picture and consider more than just a couple of socioeconomic factors that might hinder academic success–and this law does just that. This law creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” “We know that, right now, we don’t do enough to support our at-risk students, and that needs to change,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver . “More accurately identifying our at-risk students will allow us to do a better job allocating the critical resources school districts need to serve them. This bill will help us better prepare all of Colorado’s students for success.” HB22-1202 will create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socio-economic disadvantages or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socio-economic factors that affect them. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next

The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced bills to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. < Back September 26, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Wildfire Review Committee Approves Bills to Bolster Forestry Workforce and Improve Prevention and Mitigation Strategies DENVER, CO – The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced bills to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, and Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland and Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, would grant landowners who allow access to their property during an emergency immunity from civil liability charges for damage or injury to people or property. Immunity would not be granted when damage or injury arises from gross negligence or willful misconduct caused by the landowner. “Our communities need more wildfire prevention tools and they need them now,” said Mauro, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “We’ve worked hard to ensure our communities have resources during natural disasters, and I’m sponsoring a bill that will ensure important resources and wildfire information are more easily accessible to the public. We also advanced legislation to legally protect landowners who allow access to their land during an emergency to keep our communities safe and prevent landowners from being sued when they act in good faith.” “Just last month, a wildfire in my district burned thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of structures,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 7. “Due to dry conditions and a warming climate, the threat for future wildfires will only grow. While we have worked hard in recent years to bolster Colorado’s wildfire fighting systems, it’s never too late to do more. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will protect landowners who assist in firefighting efforts by allowing access to their private lands, support outreach programs to get more young folks connected to careers in forestry, and expand opportunities for using prescribed fires as a wildfire resilience tool.” Sponsored by Chair of the Committee, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Vice Chair Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, as well as Marchman, Bill 3 would support outreach programs to bolster the forestry workforce. The bill would direct the Colorado Cooperative Extension Service at Colorado State University to develop outreach programs to build skills and forestry career awareness, and to promote degree programs in forestry. Additionally, it would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to provide grants for firefighter and trainer certification and to develop an outreach campaign that promotes career and volunteer firefighting opportunities. “With annual wildfires becoming the norm, it is critical that we take action now to protect Coloradans from dangerous wildfires,” said Boesenecker, sponsor of Bill 3. “I am proudly sponsoring legislation that would boost our forestry workforce to help prevent wildfire devastation. By ensuring our communities have the tools they need to prevent wildfires from progressing, we can save lives and protect our beautiful open spaces.” “This summer, Colorado once again saw destructive wildfires that threatened communities along the Front Range and in my district,” said Cutter, sponsor of Bills 3 and 7. “As the threat of wildfires continues, it’s urgent that we continue our work to leverage every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for future wildfire disasters. The legislation we’re advancing today will grow our workforce and reduce barriers to responsible prescribed burns, an emerging and critical tool for wildfire resilience.” “As a resident and representative of the Western Slope, I know how destructive wildfires can be and the impact they have on our communities, which is why we’re carefully drafting legislation to make our state more resilient to wildfires,” said Velasco, sponsor of Bills 3, 6 and 7. “From building up our wildfire response workforce and boosting prescribed fire efforts to improving accessibility to important wildfire emergency resources, we’re taking multiple approaches to better prepare our communities’ wildfire mitigation and response efforts and build up Colorado’s healthy forests.” Sponsored by Cutter, Marchman, Velasco, and Weinberg, Bill 7 aims to encourage the use of prescribed fires as a wildfire resilience tool by creating the Prescribed Fire Claims Cash Fund within the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to pay damage claims resulting from qualifying prescribed fire projects. Unintended damage is rare, yet lack of liability coverage is often a barrier to these beneficial projects happening, these funds will enable beneficial forest health work even when no claims are paid. Bill 7 would also create a new avenue for individuals to obtain a 'certified burner' designation from the DPS, allowing them to conduct prescribed fires on private lands if they are certified in another state. The committee also approved two additional bills. Bill 1 would direct the DPS to study and develop applications of artificial intelligence to fight wildfires and Bill 6 would require the DPS to add additional county-level information on its website, such as emergency information and wildfire updates. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP LOWER MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE (Feb. 13) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, looks to address the increasing rate of maternal deaths. This bill will allow the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) to review cases of maternal deaths in a timely manner to then work on ways to lower these deaths. “Colorado’s maternal mortality rate has dramatically increased,” said Rep. Buckner. “ In fact, it doubled in Colorado since 2008. It is time that we work to stop what is preventable and save lives.” HB19-1122 also imposes diversity requirements for the committee as the maternal mortality rate is higher among African-American women and women in urban areas. “To hear the surprising statistic that 80 percent of maternal deaths in Colorado could have been prevented is a clear indication that we really need this bill,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, chair of the House Public Health Care & Human Services committee. HB19-1122 also funds CDPHE to complete regular reports to the legislature on ways to prevent maternal mortality based on the findings of the MMRC. The bill passed unanimously, 11-0, and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2021 HOUSE DEMOCRATS MARK NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WEEK DENVER- Today, members of the House Democratic Caucus, led by their colleague Rep. Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial), released the following statement commemorating National Gun Violence Survivor’s week: “This week, from Monday February 1st through Sunday the 7th, is National Gun Violence Survivors Week. “The week was first commemorated in 2019 as part of an effort to amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who live with the traumatic impacts of gun violence every day. Given our country’s tragically high gun death rate as compared to the rest of the world, early February marks the average point at which more people are killed with firearms in the U.S. than are killed with firearms in our peer countries in a whole year . These harrowing numbers include the number of deaths by suicide in which a gun is used, which claim the lives of 23,000 Americans every year . “When mass shootings occur, media reports are quick to quote the number of lives senselessly lost. It is much more difficult, and much more daunting, to calculate the number of lives affected. Nearly 60% of adults in our country can be considered survivors of gun violence, meaning they have either experienced gun violence themselves or have a close friend or family member who has directly experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. The number of individuals who have been impacted is even higher in Black and Latinx communities. “House and Senate Democrats are no strangers to gun violence. Several of us have lost loved ones to this epidemic, a few of us are among the countless Americans who have survived gun violence personally, and all of us are determined to take action to curb gun violence in our communities and across our state. “Colorado has experienced a series of tragic and high profile mass shootings, and everyday acts of gun violence, including deaths by suicide, continue to plague our society. Acknowledging the damaging and pervasive impact that gun violence can have long after a shooting has occurred is more important than ever, as we continue to lose loved ones and while certain dark corners of society deny the truth of tragic mass shootings in our children’s schools. This week, as we uplift the voices and stories of those who live with the impacts of this epidemic within our caucus and across the state of Colorado, we pledge to continue our work to stem this violent tide.” Signed, Representatives Susan Lontine, Alec Garnett, Meg Froelich, Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Alex Valdez, Steve Woodrow, Jennifer Bacon, Leslie Herod, Emily Sirota, Edie Hooton, Karen McCormick, Tracey Bernett, Judy Amabile, Tony Exum, Sr., Marc Snyder, Chris Kennedy, Monica Duran, Lisa Cutter, Dylan Roberts, Brianna Titone, Kerry Tipper, Lindsey Daugherty, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Yadira Caraveo, Adrienne Benavidez, Kyle Mullica, Shannon Bird, Mike Weissman, Tom Sullivan, David Ortiz, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, Dominique Jackson, Daneya Esgar, Mary Young, Cathy Kipp, Barbara McLachlan, Julie McCluskie and Donald Valdez. Previous Next

Legislation carries out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force < Back May 28, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Address Long-Standing Environmental Injustices in Colorado COMMERCE CITY, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to address some of Colorado’s long-standing environmental injustices that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities. HB24-1338 , sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Elizabeth Velasco, will direct the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to carry out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force, created by HB21-1266 . "Everyone has the right to clean air and environment for themselves and their families. That is why, for nearly a year, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force met with community members and collected data-driven information to create a comprehensive checklist to clean up our air and support communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This new law implements key task force recommendations, including increased oversight of known polluters, like refineries, and better response time to community complaints of air pollution. By diving deeper into the cumulative impacts of environmental injustice, we can create policy that addresses the pollution negatively affecting our neighbors of color and low-income neighbors.” “Poor air quality and other environmental factors can lead to breathing issues, such as asthma,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We owe it to our neighbors to implement the recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force to clean up our air, take air pollution complaints seriously and combat long-standing environmental injustices. Environmental justice is a statewide issue, and we all deserve access to clean air and water. Our new law implements the task force recommendations to help our neighbors most affected by poor air quality lead healthy lives.” HB24-1338 will authorize CDPHE to carry out recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force and address long-standing environmental injustices. Specifically, this law would: Increase oversight of petroleum refineries. The law would fund the hiring of an expert in air pollution control for petroleum refineries. This expert would assess gaps in public health protections and identify the best regulatory tools to fill those gaps. The law would also require refineries to provide near real-time emissions monitoring and compliance data. Improve response to air pollution complaints. The department’s Air Pollution Control Division would house a new rapid response inspection team to support quicker responses to air pollution complaints by impacted communities. Analyze the cumulative impacts of pollution . The law would implement recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force by formally establishing and authorizing the creation of at least two Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analyses to analyze the cumulative air, water, soil, and demographic impacts in specific disproportionately impacted communities. Founded in 2021 through HB21-1266, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force hosted several in-person meetings and gatherings with Coloradans in Commerce City, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo in addition to receiving more than 300 written comments and survey responses. The task force provided its final recommendations to Governor Polis, the legislature and the CDPHE in 2022. Previous Next

< Back March 19, 2021 BROADBAND EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD Bill would help broadband deployment board grants better reach unserved areas across the state. DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representative Brianna Titone’s bipartisan proposal to expand broadband access across Colorado on second reading. “Access to reliable broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s become an absolute necessity,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “More than ever before, Coloradans are using broadband internet for learning, commerce, health care, and so much more. Ensuring that rural and underserved communities have reliable access to broadband internet will aid our economic recovery and set our local economies up for sustained success.” HB21-1109 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper, would help prioritize grant proposals that provide high speed internet access to low-income households and creates a process for encouraging proposals for critically unserved areas of the state. The bill requires applicants to submit granular mapping data to more accurately identify these unserved areas, which is critical to understanding where and how to expand broadband infrastructure. The bill makes changes to the Broadband Deployment Board to increase efficiency and ensure expertise and geographic diversity are adequately represented. The bill also holds grant applicants accountable by requiring them to report the number of people served, their rates and quality of service provided. Previous Next

< Back July 31, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: LAWMAKERS CALL FOR STATE AID, EXTENSION OF UI BENEFITS In letter to Colorado Congressional delegation, members request funding for schools and housing, utility, nutrition and small business assistance Denver, CO – Democratic lawmakers in the General Assembly today sent a letter to the Colorado Congressional delegation urging swift passage of a coronavirus relief package that includes significant aid to states and local governments, education funding, and housing, utility, nutrition, and small business assistance. “We write to you to urge swift passage of a coronavirus relief package that first and foremost includes significant and flexible aid to state and local governments, to help preserve core functions and services for Coloradans amidst the budget crisis,” the members wrote. “We also hope to see an extension of critical unemployment insurance benefits, nutrition benefits, housing assistance, small business support, resources for schools and funding to expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. We firmly believe that the proposal released this week by the Senate falls short of meeting the needs of our state in this pivotal moment, and we appeal to you to keep working to incorporate these critical components.” “Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are agonizing over their financial future, and many are within days or weeks of being unable to pay their bills or losing their homes. We urge you once again to take swift action on behalf of our state to deliver a coronavirus relief package that meets the needs of our communities,” the lawmakers concluded. Nonpartisan organizations across the country, including the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Governors Association, have also called for additional and flexible aid to state and local governments. The full text of the letter is below and can be read here : July 31, 2020 The Honorable Michael Bennet United State SenatorThe Honorable Cory Gardner United States SenatorThe Honorable Diana DeGette Member of CongressThe Honorable Joe Neguse Member of CongressThe Honorable Scott Tipton Member of CongressThe Honorable Ken Buck Member of CongressThe Honorable Doug Lamborn Member of CongressThe Honorable Jason Crow Member of CongressThe Honorable Ed Perlmutter Member of Congress Dear Members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation: We deeply appreciate your dedication to our state and determined advocacy on behalf of our communities as Congress crafts its latest, and potentially final, coronavirus relief package. The federal resources you have secured to date have served as an essential lifeline for our communities, mitigating the impact of crippling budget cuts to our schools, universities, public health departments and local governments. Yet without further Congressional action, our state will have to reduce services for those who need them the most while thousands of Coloradans lose the economic assistance that has sustained them through this crisis so far. We write to you to urge swift passage of a coronavirus relief package that first and foremost includes significant and flexible aid to state and local governments, to help preserve core functions and services for Coloradans amidst the budget crisis. We also hope to see an extension of critical unemployment insurance benefits, nutrition benefits, housing assistance, small business support, resources for schools and funding to expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. We firmly believe that the proposal released this week by the Senate falls short of meeting the needs of our state in this pivotal moment, and we appeal to you to keep working to incorporate these critical components. This year, we had to make significant cuts to the state’s budget to close a $3.3 billion deficit. These cuts have been painful, and the next few years will be even harder, as many of the reductions were one-time cuts that will not be available to lawmakers in the future. Furthermore, some of the most significant reductions were absorbed by institutions that received federal aid, which helped cushion some of the impact of the cuts. Failing to provide additional support would undoubtedly exacerbate our state’s devastating budget crisis and pull the rug out from under our school districts, local governments, and universities who would feel the full brunt of potentially even deeper cuts next year. To meet the needs of our state, the next coronavirus relief package must include at least $500 billion in flexible aid to states and additional funding for local governments, K-12 education and higher education. As lawmakers, we have all seen first hand the devastation this pandemic has had on our communities. If Congress does not boost the federal pandemic response and renew key programs, such as expanded unemployment insurance, we fear that the consequences borne by hardworking Coloradans will only be exacerbated. The legislature has taken swift action to direct federal resources to help Coloradans pay their rent, mortgage and utility bills and to support our small businesses, but this funding will not be enough. The next coronavirus relief package must also include additional housing, utility and small business assistance to bolster our state’s successful relief programs and stimulate our economy. Congress should increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15 percent, as more and more Colorado families rely on food pantries and nonprofit assistance. With many Coloradans struggling financially, the demand for these key programs has never been higher. We know Colorado can channel additional assistance directly to businesses and hardworking families to help them make ends meet, but we need Congress to act. Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are agonizing over their financial future, and many are within days or weeks of being unable to pay their bills or losing their homes. We urge you once again to take swift action on behalf of our state to deliver a coronavirus relief package that meets the needs of our communities. Previous Next

< Back May 9, 2022 HOUSE PASSES TWO BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING Legislation would invest $185 million of federal pandemic relief dollars toward creating more affordable housing and empowering mobile homeowners to purchase their parks DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today to make housing more affordable. SB22-159 and SB22-160 are part of a package of bills recommended by the Transformational Affordable Housing Task Force to invest $185 million to save Coloradans money on housing. SB22-159, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton and Perry Will R-New Castle, passed the House by a vote of 42 to 23. Despite bipartisan sponsorship, 23 House Republicans voted against this bill which would allocate $150 million to build more affordable housing, a record setting investment for the state of Colorado. “Today, we passed the largest affordable housing investment in state history and I’m proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done this session to save Coloradans money on housing,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-159 . “However, I’m disappointed my Republican colleagues voted against building more homes in Colorado when more home construction is exactly what we need to bring down housing costs. This legislation invests $150 million to create, modify and improve Colorado’s affordable housing stock and is self-sustaining so Coloradans now and in the future can save money on housing. I’m proud to send this bill forward because it fulfills our promise to make housing more affordable for Coloradans across the state.” Revolving Loan Fund Invest Affordable Housing : SB22-159 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Perry Will would invest $150 million to create the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Program to develop and integrate housing-related infrastructure, provide gap financing for affordable housing development projects, and preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing. “Resident owned communities are the key to keeping more Coloradans living in mobile parks housed,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB22-160 . “Mobile homeowners often face an uphill battle when it comes to fighting lot-rent price increases, so our legislation invests critical resources to empower mobile homeowners to purchase the land their homes sit on. This bill keeps mobile homes affordable, protects our neighbors and keeps our communities whole.” “Despite their name, mobile homes are difficult and expensive to move, which is why empowering mobile homeowners to buy the land their homes sit on saves them money and keeps them housed. Our bill expands critical protections for mobile home park residents so they can invest in their own communities,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB22-160 . Loan Program Resident Owned Communities : SB22-160 , sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Mandy Lindsay, passed the House by a vote of 41 to 24. This bill would invest $35 million into the newly created Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund. The Fund will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land under their homes and convert into a resident-owned community. Additionally, the bill establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. This bill will provide a critical financial tool for mobile homeowners across the state at risk of displacement or exorbitant lot rent increases that often occur when a park is sold from one for-profit owner to another. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 REP. SINGER’S HELPING THE HELPER BILL READY FOR GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE Legislation that would provide benefits to workers who have experienced a traumatic event in the workplace passes DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Johnathan Singer’s bipartisan bill to provide worker’s compensation for employees who have experienced visual and audible psychological trauma. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields and John Cooke. The bill passed 48-15. “This piece of legislation is crucial for the mental health of our 911 operators and dispatchers,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont . “When we call 911 we don’t think of the person on the other side of the line even though they save lives on a daily basis. Most of us can’t imagine the trauma that some of these individuals have to go through. Helping to treat PTSD that occurs on the job is just a small way that we can show our appreciation, and help them keep saving our neighbors’ lives by getting them back to work stronger and faster.” SB20-026 would expand worker’s compensation benefits for criminal justice employees who were exposed to death while they were working if they were diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist with PTSD. Under the bill, workers who experience either visual or audible death or serious bodily injury, or the immediate aftermath of these events would be eligible for worker’s compensation. The eligibility also extends to workers who were repeatedly exposed to these qualifying events. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2019 TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM AND HIGH SCHOOL PILOT BILLS PASS OUT OF HOUSE COMMITTEE (Apr. 23) – The House Education committee approved two bills that will help provide more resources for Colorado’s teachers and students. “When I worked at Fort Lewis College, it was empowering to watch young people get excited about their profession,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “However, I also saw some challenges arise, especially for future educators. This bill seeks to address those challenges, and will provide help and encouragement to educators so they can better assist students in their classroom.” Rep. McLachlan is a former school teacher. SB19-190 will create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. This bill would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs of alternative teacher programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. This bipartisan bill passed was unanimously approved and it now heads to the House Appropriations committee. The House Education committee also approved SB19-216, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, which incentivizes for local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school. “Our children deserve the very best that we have to offer them. A modern education will give the students of Colorado the preparation they need to grow to their full potential,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill updates our laws, breaks down barriers and expands opportunities for students. It also helps ensure that Colorado’s smaller school districts have the resources they need to thrive.” The bill creates the high school innovative learning pilot program to support school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools in providing innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Each local education provider that is selected to participate in the pilot program can count high school students who participate in innovative learning opportunities as full-time pupils, for purposes of school finance. SB19-216 passed unanimously and now heads to the House Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO REFORM AND IMPROVE PRE TRIAL DETENTION DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representatives Steven Woodrow and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to reform pre-trial court processes for bond hearings and strengthen due process by ensuring timely access to justice under the law. The bill passed on second reading. “Too often, Coloradans languish in our jails for excessive periods of time while awaiting trial for minor offenses,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver . “One of the foundational values of this country is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This reform of our pre trial and bonding processes will ensure a more timely, more efficient and more just system for those awaiting a trial in Colorado.” “Improving the manner in which our courts hold bond hearings and handle monetary bonds will keep our jails from overcrowding and will further the cause of justice for individuals who have yet to have their case heard in court,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Holding an individual behind bars for days before a bond hearing or for hours and hours after bail has been posted is not justice. I’m proud of the work we did today.” HB21-1280 requires courts to hold an initial bond hearing with an arrested individual within 48 hours of arrival at a detention facility and changes statute to allow these hearings to be conducted online or over the phone. Some counties throughout the state already hold bond hearings six or seven days a week. For rural and under-resourced jurisdictions, this bill creates and funds a statewide bond hearing officer to better allow hearings to be held on weekends and holidays. The bill also makes several changes to the monetary bond process. It requires that a defendant who has posted bond be released no later than six hours later, allows bonds to be paid by cash, money order, or cashier’s check, ensures that a defendant receives receipt of the payment of their bond, and prohibits officers from requirings bonds to be paid in the defendant’s name. Lastly, it requires each jail to establish a way to pay bond online by January 1, 2022. Previous Next