< Back María González Representative María González represents Colorado House District 32. A Mexican immigrant and Commerce City resident for 36 years, she is the Founder and CEO of Adelante Community Development, where she leads workforce training, business development, and community advocacy. González champions economic opportunity for working families and small-business owners. She helped advance Colorado’s food-truck reciprocity legislation and the Tamale Act alongside entrepreneurs and public partners. Her priorities include expanding workforce opportunities, reducing barriers to business ownership, and ensuring responsive, accountable government. She is committed to practical solutions that help residents build lasting economic security and strengthen the community she calls home.

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. COLEMAN’S DIVERSITY IN K-12 EDUCATION BILL ADVANCES DENVER, CO– HB20-1007 , sponsored by Representatives James Coleman and Bri Buentello, today passed the House Committee on Education unanimously. The bill would attempt to address the lack of a diverse educator workforce in Colorado. “Eighty percent of the teachers in the US are white, even though studies show that students of color do better in school when they have a teacher with a similar background to them,” said Rep. Coleman (D-Denver) .”I personally didn’t have a teacher who looked like me until I was in 7th grade, and I want to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to be served by a vibrant and diverse educator workforce. This bill will examine the barriers preventing us from achieving that reality and help us move towards that goal in the near future. “As a former teacher, I know that educators are driven to see their students thrive, and we know that when students have teachers from backgrounds like theirs, they are more likely to succeed,” said Rep. Buentello (D-Pueblo) . “There is a need for a paradigm shift in our educational system, and this legislation would help address the shortage of diversity that our schools need. Under the bill, the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Education would create a workgroup on diversity in the educator workforce. The workgroup would investigate barriers to a diverse educator pool and recommend strategies to increase recruitment and retention of a diverse educator workforce to serve Colorado students. In Colorado, 76 percent of teachers are women and 67 percent of teachers identify as white women. Furthermore, only 46 percent of elementary school teachers pass the certification exams the first time despite graduating from accredited teacher preparation programs; only 38 percent of black teaching candidates, 45 percent of Hispanic candidates and 75 percent of white candidates pass the licensing test. ### Previous Next

Majority Leader Monica Duran today delivered the keynote presentation at the 36th Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) Conference. < Back October 16, 2024 Majority Leader Duran Delivers Keynote Presentation for Annual Domestic Violence Conference KEYSTONE, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today delivered the keynote presentation at the 36th Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) Conference. Majority Leader Duran’s presentation, “My Journey to Hell and Back”, highlighted parts of her personal, professional and political life. “I’d like to thank COVA for inviting me to deliver the keynote presentation at their annual conference – it’s truly an honor,” said Majority Leader Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Domestic abuse is difficult to talk about, let alone escape with a young son, and I wouldn’t be here today without the fearless advocates and resources that helped me get back on my feet. I’m beyond proud of our recent legislative efforts to support survivors and curb gun violence in Colorado. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which serves as both a reminder for how far we’ve come and how much further we must go to create a safer state for us all.” Majority Leader Duran has been a longtime advocate for survivors of domestic violence and violent crime. During the 2024 legislative session, Majority Leader Duran sponsored a law to strengthen protection orders for victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence. She also sponsored important gun safety legislation, including laws to improve conceal carry permitting and expand extreme risk protection orders . In recent years, she passed laws that improved standards for domestic violence cases tried in municipalities , invested $48 million with a funding boost of $3 million toward survivor programs and strengthened requirements for certain domestic violence abusers to relinquish their firearms. In addition to passing vital survivor-forward laws, Majority Leader Duran has also been awarded the 2023 Domestic Abuse Survivor Heroes (DASH) Award from non-profit Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abuse, 2023 Violence Free Aquamarine Award and the 2024/2023 Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) Legislator of the Year Award. Previous Next

HB26-1004 extends a tax credit that makes life more affordable for working Coloradans < Back May 28, 2026 SIGNED! Bill to Save Families Money on Child Care HB26-1004 extends a tax credit that makes life more affordable for working Coloradans DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to spur the creation of more high-quality and affordable child care facilities in our communities. “Child care is essential for hardworking families to have a fair shot at the Colorado Dream, and this law will create quality child care options to save Colorado families money,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The Child Care Contribution Tax Credit is an important tool to support hardworking families while creating jobs, which is why I sponsored this bipartisan law so communities across the state can continue to benefit from this tax credit.” “Colorado’s families, communities, and economy are all stronger when we have a vibrant child care ecosystem,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “This law drives donations toward child care facilities, which means more good jobs and more options for hardworking families at all price points. For many Colorado families, child care is their number one expense every month. This law is about taking action to make child care more available and affordable.” The Child Care Contribution Tax Credit allows taxpayers who donate money to a licensed child care facility in Colorado to receive an income tax credit of 50 percent of their contribution. HB26-1004 , also sponsored by Minority Leaders Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, extends the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit until 2037. These child care facilities could include qualifying child care centers, homeless youth shelters and residential treatment centers. These donations can be used to create or maintain a child care facility, fund child care financial assistance programs for families and train child care providers. In tax year 2023, around $33 million in credits were claimed by almost 16,000 taxpayers, generating a total of $66 million for the child care ecosystem. In January, the Trump Administration attempted to freeze over $300 million of funding for child care and social services that thousands of Colorado families rely on. As a result, Colorado Democrats are stepping up to create more avenues to fund affordable care. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BUENTELLO BILL TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello to address the opioid crisis. SB20-007 passed the House 48-17, and SB20-028 received initial approval on second reading. The bills would enhance access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and help more Coloradans through their SUD recovery. “The opioid crisis didn’t go away when the pandemic hit, and it’s clear our communities still need help increasing access to treatment and helping Coloradans stay in recovery,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “These bills will help Coloradans get the care they need to overcome substance use disorders. I am grateful for the bipartisan work that went into crafting these bills and getting them across the finish line.” SB20-007, which passed 48-17, requires insurance carriers to provide coverage for the treatment of a SUD in accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine or other evidence-based guidelines. It also encourages access to medical or substance use disorder treatment services, including recovery services, to people participating in prescribed medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for a SUD and prohibits courts, probation or community corrections from prohibiting MAT as a condition of participation or placement. It also requires the Insurance Commissioner to ensure that insurance carriers’ formularies include medications for MAT and coverage for the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan). SB20-028 , which received preliminary approval from the House on second reading, furthers the work of the Opioid and Other Substance Abuse Disorder Interim Committee by convening a group of stakeholders to review progress on opioid legislation and recommend additional policies to address opioid use. It would also modify the determination of child abuse, neglect or dependency to ensure that a positive toxicology test cannot be the sole reason for deciding that a child born affected by alcohol or other substance exposure is abused or neglected, instead allowing families, moms and babies to bond and remain together if a pregnant or new mom is participating in prescribed medication assisted treatment and a newborn child’s welfare isn’t threatened by substance use, in accord with current best practice for maternal and child health. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2022 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EXPANSION BILL PASSES HOUSE Majority Leader Esgar’s bill would expand collective bargaining rights to 36,000 public service workers and builds upon the 2020 state workers bill DENVER, CO – The House today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s monumental collective bargaining bill by a vote of 41 to 24. SB22-230 would expand collective bargaining rights to an estimated 36,000 county workers, more than doubling the number of public workers in Colorado entitled to negotiate for better pay, benefits and working conditions. SB22-230 ensures that county workers would receive recognized collective bargaining rights that private-sector and state employees in Colorado already have. “We’re one step closer to securing collective bargaining rights for the tens of thousands of county workers who carried Colorado through the pandemic,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “County workers staff our public health departments, maintain our roads and keep our communities safe and soon they’ll have the right to join together to improve their workplace conditions and negotiate for better pay and benefits. Our bill ensures that county workers can unionize if they so choose and have a seat at the table to discuss decisions that directly affect their livelihood.” SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 , also sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar. This bill extends collective bargaining rights to county workers, more than doubling the current number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights in Colorado. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, high turnover, and improving public services. This bill is a historic step forward in Colorado’s labor and workers’ rights movement. Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize their workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee collective bargaining rights to an estimated 98% of eligible statutory county workers in Colorado. Under this bill, county workers in counties with over 7,500 residents have the ability to organize and form a recognized union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 BIPARTISAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILL BOUNDS FORWARD Committee advances Rep. Mary Young’s proposal to create a comprehensive behavioral health crisis response training DENVER, CO– The House Public Health and Insurance Committee today advanced Representative Mary Young’s bipartisan proposal to develop a comprehensive care coordination and treatment training model for people who work with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. The bill passed unanimously “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face enormous obstacles accessing the unique behavioral health care they need,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Far too often, people with disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs end up in mental health institutions, emergency rooms, and even prisons because of the lack of adequate care. Our bill will ensure that providers across the state are aptly trained in crisis response and comprehensive behavioral health care treatment for this population. Conducting the training remotely and prioritizing underserved areas will ensure that we provide training where it’s needed most.” HB21-1166 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will (R-Garfield County), would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to locate and contract a vendor to provide virtual training on a comprehensive care coordination and treatment model for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs. Once the vendor is secured and the training is set up, the bill would require behavioral health service providers including case management agencies, mental health centers, and other approved service agencies to nominate one provider to be trained in the model. Up to 20 providers may be selected for training on a regional basis, and an additional 10 providers from underserved areas will be selected by HCPF with coordination from case management agencies. Previous Next

Laws to boost workforce housing development, improve water quality standards in mobile home parks, and reduce homelessness go into effect August 12, 2026. < Back July 22, 2026 Laws to Make Housing More Affordable and Ensure Quality Drinking Water Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Laws to boost workforce housing development, improve water quality standards in mobile home parks, and reduce homelessness go into effect August 12, 2026. SB26-001 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, allows counties to use existing resources to support workforce and affordable housing, removing outdated restrictions that limit their ability to respond to local housing needs. “I’m proud of this law to unlock local governments’ ability to meet their own housing needs,” said Roberts. “This law will cut red tape and give counties, municipalities, and housing authorities more tools to help them build and maintain housing for more working families and individuals. This means more opportunities for Coloradans to stay in their communities and stable housing for the workers who keep our rural and mountain towns running.” “Coloradans deserve to be able to live where they work, and with this law going into effect, we can leverage existing resources to better meet the needs of our communities,” said Boesenecker. “This law removes barriers that prevent local governments from being able to create housing that their communities can actually afford. Colorado Democrats remain committed to delivering housing opportunities, and legislation like this can drive down housing costs so Coloradans can build a successful future.” “Local governments know their housing needs, and the state shouldn't artificially limit the tools they can use to ensure their residents have a place they can afford to live,” said Bridges. “This law removes barriers for counties and municipalities to invest in affordable and workforce housing and accelerates development. It’s a commonsense approach that lets local communities address their housing shortages.” Also sponsored by Representative Chris Richardson, R-Elbert County, the bipartisan law allows local governments to sell, lease, or acquire property for the purpose of creating workforce or affordable housing and exempts construction materials used by local governments for building affordable housing from sales taxes. HB26-1145 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Jacque Philips, D-Thornton, strengthens water quality protections for Coloradans who live in mobile home parks. “We’ve made significant progress over the past few years to ensure that Coloradans living in mobile home parks have access to safe drinking water. However, by clarifying some definitions in previous legislation, we are making it crystal clear that mobile home park residents deserve clean, safe water," said Cutter. “This law strengthens CDPHE's ability to implement the program to prevent water issues that can impact health and welfare. It's important to address issues before residents become sick, and this bill will do that." “Every Coloradan deserves access to clean water,” said Velasco. “In 2023, I proudly passed a law that strengthened protections for mobile home park residents to improve water quality. This law will expand on that law to help homeowners address water quality that is still contaminated enough to impact their welfare. The law also cracks down on non-compliance and notification requirements to better address water quality issues in mobile home parks.” “Growing up in a mobile home park in my district, I saw firsthand how much more difficult it can be to get access to the safe, clean water that every Coloradan deserves,” said Mullica. “This new law is another crucial step forward in ensuring that access by ensuring CDPHE can prevent water issues and advance the health and safety of all Colorado communities.” “Mobile homes are a great source of affordable housing, and it is important that people who typically do not have access to legal resources have a clear path to fix water quality issues,” said Phillips. “No one should be expected to cook with, drink or bathe in water that is brown and has an odor, yet that is the unfortunate reality that some mobile home residents live with. Our law, which is now going into effect, helps ensure that water quality issues that risk resident welfare are also addressed to guarantee that mobile home park residents also have access to safe water.” The new law expands the definition of “remediation” to include risks to welfare, defined as water quality that is not suitable for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, use with home appliances and other household uses. Negative impacts on the finances of the household are also considered a risk to welfare. Previous law only required mobile home park owners to remediate poor water quality when it posed a direct risk to residents’ health and safety, such as if dangerous bacteria were found in the water. Beginning August 12, 2026, the law authorizes the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to enforce the requirement for mobile home park owners to notify residents of water quality test results without a complaint being filed first. In 2023, Cutter, Velasco, and Boesenecker passed the Mobile Home Park Water Quality Act to address water quality concerns in mobile home parks by establishing a water quality testing program and creating a path to remediation for mobile park owners to fix water quality issues discovered through the testing program. According to CDPHE , as of March 1, 2026, over 600 community partners in over 200 mobile home parks had their water quality tested as a result of that law. HB26-1202 , sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, also goes into effect August 12. This law streamlines state and regional approaches to homelessness, allowing local governments to create multijurisdictional homelessness response authorities to coordinate strategies and share resources. The law also directs the Department of Local Affairs to create a statewide strategy to prevent and reduce homelessness. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services.  < Back February 2, 2026 Colorado Democrats To Safeguard Constitutional Rights DENVER, CO – Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services. Two new bills will be introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives in the coming weeks and SB26-005 will be heard in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon. SJR26-006 , the Immigrants’ Rights Resolution, was heard on the Colorado Senate floor this morning and passed on a party-line vote of 20 to 12. “Federal law enforcement is engaging in dangerous, unlawful immigration enforcement tactics that are perpetuating fear in our communities and, in some cases, even death. Enough is enough,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Across the country, U.S. citizens are being detained and children are being used as bait to lure parents into detention centers, all while federal law enforcement completely disregards our constitutional rights. In Colorado, we’ll defend and uphold your constitutional rights with new legislation aimed at shoring up privacy protections and law enforcement transparency.” “People have long come to our country for the promise of a better life and the guarantee of equal treatment under the law,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB26-005, SJR26-006, and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation to protect our constitutional rights, create legal remedies when those rights are violated, and publicly affirm our commitment to Colorado’s immigrant communities. In particular, Senate Bill 5 stands for the basic principles that government agents must follow the law like everyone else and that there should be legal remedies when constitutional rights are violated. This legislation reaffirms the civil rights of all Coloradans.” Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. Forthcoming legislation sponsored by Representatives Velasco and García and Senators Jodeh and Weissman would build upon legislative efforts by: Increasing accountability and transparency by enforcing violations when personal information is shared unlawfully and informing individuals whose information has been shared with federal officials; Requiring reporting on demographic populations in immigration detention centers and regular environmental and health inspections of centers; Establishing protections from deportation when an individual is in transit to or from a health care facility, school, child care center, court or place of worship. “Over the past few months, ICE activity has left many Coloradans living in fear,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006 and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Our entire community is harmed when fear replaces trust. As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure that Coloradans of all backgrounds feel safe. This legislation is about leading with compassion, protecting our constitutional rights, and ensuring Colorado is a place where every family can live with dignity and safety.” “Immigrants and U.S. citizens who look like me are being met with violence from federal law enforcement, and they’re skipping work, school and medical appointments because they’re afraid of being detained,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “In Colorado, we won’t stand idly by while the federal government disregards our constitutional rights. Soon, we’re unveiling new legislation to strengthen protections and push back against the egregious federal overreach we’re witnessing across the country.” “Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing the conflation of immigration status, dissent, and criminality,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. “Our government is telling us not to believe what we see with our own eyes. It is up to us to act boldly and bravely, create pathways of real accountability for those who violate our fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect in Colorado.” “We are a nation of immigrants, and at a moment when fear and division are being weaponized, Colorado must stand firmly for civil liberties and human dignity, " said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. "When federal immigration agents violate someone’s Fourth Amendment rights, as we've witnessed in Minnesota, there must be accountability. The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and this bill creates a clear cause of action so that no agency, no matter how powerful, is above the law." SB26-005 , sponsored by Senators Weissman and Gonzales and Representatives Mabrey and Zokaie, would uphold constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an immigration enforcement encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-005 establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable. “What we’re witnessing across America at the hands of federal agents is a blatant disregard for our rights,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB26-005 and forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “Children as young as five years old are being detained and separated from their families, and the inhumane tactics of federal law enforcement are causing serious harm, injury, and in some cases even death. In Colorado, we will safeguard our rights and work in partnership with law enforcement to ensure accountability. We must stand now to protect our communities from the erosion of civil liberties levied by the federal government. “Alex Pretti and Renee Good were U.S. citizens killed by federal law enforcement while engaging in constitutionally protected activity,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “We should not have to weigh our lives to protest our government in the United States of America. Law enforcement works for the people, and new legislation we’re carrying this session will help foster stronger public trust in those who swore an oath to protect us.” Forthcoming legislation, sponsored by Representatives Froelich and Zokaie and Senators Jodeh and Weissman, would encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. Under the bill, any law enforcement officer working on behalf of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies must wear identification and would be prohibited from covering their face. This includes the agency name or initials and their identification number on the outermost layer of clothing. If law enforcement officers refuse or fail to properly identify themselves, they could be held liable for impersonating a peace officer. The bill also requires law enforcement to receive training on Colorado’s immigration laws to ensure they enforce state laws properly. “America was founded on the shared beliefs of freedom and fairness, and that must never be taken for granted,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SJR26-006. “As federal agents attack peaceful protesters, unlawfully detain U.S. citizens and deport people without due process, we must stand now to defend our constitutional rights.” “The harsh enforcement tactics of federal agents put local law enforcement and our community members exercising their constitutional rights at risk,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006. “This resolution calls on our federal government to uphold our civil rights and constitutional protections.” The Immigrants' Rights Resolution, sponsored by Senator Jodeh and Weissman and Representatives Joseph and Ricks, calls on the federal government to reaffirm its obligation to uphold civil rights and constitutional protections. The resolution demands the federal government reaffirm civil rights for all, end anonymous enforcement tactics, and protect access to education, health care, and civic participation. SJR26-006 advocates for modernized, humane federal immigration reform and supports state-level measures that safeguard constitutional rights. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT INTRODUCED Legislaton will protect patient’s right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – Representative Meg Froelich, Senator Julie Gonzales and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statements after HB22-1279, the Reproductive Health Equity Act, was introduced. “Reproductive rights are under attack at the Supreme Court and here in Colorado from GOP politicians who have attempted time and time again to take away women’s right to an abortion,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Denver. “We have seen the dystopian version of our post Roe world with bills brought before the legislature this session to ban abortion. It’s clear that Coloradans strongly support abortion rights, and this session, we are going to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act to ensure Colorado’s laws protect access to abortion and fundamental reproductive rights.” “Right now, reproductive rights are under attack across the country, and if Roe v. Wade is overturned, there is no Colorado law in place that would protect the fundamental right to abortion,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) . “With the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we will be able to preserve abortion access in our state, ensuring that every Coloradan is guaranteed their right to reproductive freedom and can make their own decisions about their life and their future.” “Colorado is going to lead the way to protect access to abortion,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We won’t let the Supreme Court or extreme politicians threaten a woman’s right to an abortion in Colorado. Coloradans must be able to make their own decisions about what’s best for themselves and their families, not the government. The Reproductive Health Equity Act will protect reproductive rights and ensure women in Colorado have the access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care.” HB22-1279 would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes that every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to continue that pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The legislation is supported by: COBALT, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. Democrats have defeated three anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, is an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directs Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would allow a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would ban abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill also criminalizes miscarriages and would imprison providers who perform an abortion. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would establish a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would create a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs. < Back May 21, 2024 Polis Signs Bills to Reduce Emissions, Spur Renewable Energy Denver, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs. “New technologies can help Colorado meet our climate goals, improve our air quality, save money on energy, and create jobs,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “The new laws signed today will advance geologic storage to reduce carbon in our atmosphere and make it easier for local communities to approve new renewable energy projects that lower costs for consumers. Together, these laws will deploy new technologies to boost our economy and protect our Colorado way of life.” “Colorado is blazing our own trail to become a national leader on climate policy,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “From providing support to local renewable energy projects to embracing new technologies, these bills are part of a comprehensive climate strategy that will benefit all Coloradans environmentally and financially.” HB24-1346 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Karen McCormick and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, will reduce emissions by establishing a clear regulatory framework for the geologic storage of carbon. It also improves the Energy and Carbon Management Commission’s enforcement procedures. “Carbon sequestration has the potential to create jobs and use our natural resources to reduce carbon pollution that is warming our planet and leading to more devastating climate consequences,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1346. “As a geologist, I know that there are lots of opportunities for this new technology to help us meet our climate goals and support a Just Transition for our workforce. I’m excited Colorado will be at the forefront of developing the safe and responsible use of geologic storage to help address carbon pollution.” SB24-212 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and President Steve Fenberg and Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, will spur the development of renewable energy projects. The new law will make it easier for new projects to be approved by helping local governments develop codes and procedures for approving and reviewing new renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and the supporting energy transmission. “Colorado needs to massively scale up our renewable energy capacity over the next 15 years if we’re serious about meeting our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-212, said. “Development of renewable energy resources will benefit all Coloradans by generating cost savings on electricity bills, providing more stable energy prices, reducing harmful air pollution, and increasing our energy security.”. “Renewable energy creates jobs, reduces costs for consumers and improves our air quality, which is why we are making it easier for these critical projects to get off the ground,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB24-212. “With this new law, local governments will have more tools to support renewable energy projects in Colorado, which will lead to lower energy costs, less reliance on fossil fuels and good paying jobs across our state.” Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT CHANGES DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today announced the following changes to House committee assignments for the 2020 legislative session: Finance Committee: Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) replaces Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) becomes the Vice-chair. Health & Insurance Committee: Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) replaces Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). Public Health Care & Human Services Committee: The committee will expand to 13 members – 8 Majority members, 5 Minority members. Rep. Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder) will replace Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will join the committee. Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee: Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will replace Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) . Transportation and Local Government Committee: Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora) will join the committee, filling a vacancy. State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee: Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) will replace Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora). The Judiciary Committee will become a 9 member committee – 6 Majority members, 3 Minority members. House committee leadership and majority caucus appointments are at the sole discretion of the speaker of the House. The 2020 session begins Wednesday. Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Vice-Chair, Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Education Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice-Chair, Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Health and Insurance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Public Health Care and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont Vice-Chair, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley Rural Affairs Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Vice-Chair, Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Vice-Chair, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Monica Duran, D-Lakewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Vice-Chair, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next