SB25B-003 would modify Proposition MM to include funding for SNAP < Back August 22, 2025 Committee Passes Legislation to Protect Food Assistance for Colorado Kids & Families SB25B-003 would modify Proposition MM to include funding for SNAP DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Katie Stewart that would give voters the opportunity to fund food assistance for Colorado students and families. SB25B-001 passed by a vote of 9-4, without a single House Republican voting in support. “Every Coloradan should be outraged that Trump and Congressional Republicans’ budget offers significant tax breaks to mega corporations while jeopardizing food security for children and families,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “SNAP and Healthy School Meals for All are life-saving programs, and there will be crushing consequences if they are not fully funded. I am disappointed in our GOP federal delegation for voting for H.R.1, but this bill gives Coloradans the opportunity to blunt some of the cuts to food assistance programs and prevent children from going hungry.” “It breaks my heart that over 600,000 Coloradans, especially children, will be impacted by the SNAP cuts under Trump’s budget bill,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Families struggling with food insecurity should never have to worry about when their next meal will be, which is why Colorado Democrats helped create the Healthy School Meals for All program and have continuously invested in programs like SNAP and EBT. Our bill would add SNAP to Proposition MM, giving Colorado voters the opportunity to continue programs that keep vulnerable Coloradans fed.” SB25B-003 would modify Proposition MM, which the Legislature referred to the November 2025 ballot, to give Colorado voters the opportunity to direct funds to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after the Healthy School Meals for All program is fully funded. In June, Governor Polis signed a law that will refer two ballot measures, Propositions LL and MM, to Colorado voters to determine whether or not to continue funding the Healthy School Meals for All program, which offers free, nutritious school meals to all public school students. In July, Congressional Republicans made unprecedented cuts to SNAP with the passage of H.R.1, slashing millions from the program that helps families put food on the table. Now, more than 300,000 low-income Colorado families – including children, older adults, and people with disabilities – are at risk of going hungry. By adjusting Proposition MM to include SNAP, voters would have the opportunity this November to fully fund the successful Healthy School Meals for All program and help fund SNAP. If Proposition MM passes, it could raise up to $95 million per year by limiting state income tax deductions for households earning over $300,000. These new revenues would first ensure that the Healthy School Meals program is fully funded, and then any remaining funds could support SNAP. Previous Next

General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation, calling on them to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs are awarded as intended. < Back October 6, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Dems Urge Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to Reinstate Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions DENVER, CO – General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation, calling on them to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs are awarded as intended. In the letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: “We are writing with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s September 10 decision to discontinue discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for the 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended.” “Cancelling these program funds, which benefit all students and provide a boost to these critical institutions, would greatly harm Colorado’s students, higher education institutions, and future workforce and amount to a significant setback in our longstanding efforts to better prepare young people for career and life.” “We, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you to take action to ensure that previously appropriated funding for MSI programs is delivered to our colleges and universities without delay.” The full text of the letter is below: Esteemed Colorado Congressional Delegation Members: We are writing with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s September 10 decision to discontinue discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for the 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended. The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has reported significant uncertainty and disruption for institutions and students across the state as a result of this announcement. CCCS is the largest higher education system in Colorado, with 13 unique colleges and more than 35 locations across the state. CCCS educates over 124,000 students every year, offering low- to no-cost education and career training. Their programs focus on high-demand career paths that power Colorado’s economy and fill workforce shortages in essential industries like behavioral health care and early childhood education. As of today, four CCCS colleges have received official notices of discontinuation, including three of seven Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designated colleges and Arapahoe Community College, which is not HSI-designated but holds a Title III grant that is also being discontinued. If this decision holds, Morgan Community College will lose $1.6 million for a grant to support the creation of a career and transfer center, a new campus-wide advising system with added technology support, and assistance for English as a Second Language students. Planned initiatives will go unrealized and the Grant Director position will be eliminated. Lamar Community College will lose $3 million for a grant that funds five full-time positions dedicated to serving first-generation, low-income, and Latino students. Pueblo Community College will lose almost $600,000 for a grant to support the college’s Onboarding initiative, designed to provide a more in-depth and personal approach to helping new students transition to college. Funded activities include learning cohorts and mentoring, a laptop lending program, a financial literacy component, and professional development for faculty and staff. Arapahoe Community College (ACC) received notice that its Title III block grant is being discontinued, a loss of over $400,000. This would be the final year of a five-year block grant that supports increasing student retention by strengthening advising, tutoring, closing achievement gaps, and expanding data analytics. The early loss of funds will directly affect four full-time staff positions. CCCS is still awaiting clarity on whether the other HSI-designated colleges, including Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, Otero College, and Trinidad State College, will receive similar notices, which would push the total financial effect beyond the more than $5.6 million identified to date. Additionally, the two largest institutions within CCCS, Front Range Community College and Pikes Peak State College, are emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions preparing for future eligibility for these same federal supports. We are also monitoring the status of federal TRIO programs such as Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services. While Colorado’s TRIO programs have not yet been affected, institutions across the country are reporting uncertainty and disruptions. Any reductions or delays in TRIO funding would jeopardize critical support services that help students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation and under-resourced students, and students with disabilities. As lawmakers who represent these institutions and who are committed to the success of all Colorado students, regardless of their income or background, we urge you to ensure that funds appropriated by Congress for MSI programs in the current 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended. Cancelling these program funds, which benefit all students and provide a boost to these critical institutions, would greatly harm Colorado’s students, higher education institutions, and future workforce and amount to a significant setback in our longstanding efforts to better prepare young people for career and life. We, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you to take action to ensure that previously appropriated funding for MSI programs is delivered to our colleges and universities without delay. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to supporting Colorado’s students and protecting access to affordable, high-quality education for all. Senator James Coleman President of the Senate Representative Julie McCluskie Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Senator Robert Rodriguez Majority Leader of the Senate Representative Monica Duran Majority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives Senator Chris Kolker Senator Cathy Kipp Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Dylan Roberts Majority Caucus Chair Senator Faith Winter Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Janice Marchman Senator Jeff Bridges Joint Budget Committee Chair Senator Jessie Danielson Senator Judy Amabile Joint Budget Committee Member Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Katie Wallace Senator Kyle Mullica Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Lisa Cutter Senator Marc Snyder Senator Matt Ball Senator Mike Weissman Senator Nick Hinrichsen Majority Caucus Whip Senator Tom Sullivan Senator Tony Exum, Sr. Representative Andy Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Representative Brianna Titone Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Chad Clifford Representative Elizabeth Velasco Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Emily Sirota Joint Budget Committee Member Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Javier Mabrey Representative Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Representative Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Karen McCormick Representative Katie Stewart Representative Kyle Brown Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Matthew Martinez Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Meg Froelich Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Naquetta Ricks Representative Sean Camacho Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Steven Woodrow Representative Tammy Story Representative Tisha Mauro Previous Next

The House Education Committee yesterday passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, that aims to prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. < Back February 27, 2026 ICYMI: Bacon Bill to Prevent Discrimination in Schools Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee yesterday passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, that aims to prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. “After the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Education was dismantled, students and families lost critical protections in schools. We’re standing up protections in Colorado to ensure all Colorado children are not discriminated against in schools,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Colorado schools should be a safe place for children to learn and grow, and if they experience discrimination based on their race, sexual orientation or disability, they should absolutely have a path to righting the wrongs made against them. This bill would create a positive learning environment and ensure access to the quality education that Colorado children deserve, uplifting all students and preparing them for success.” HB26-1141 , which passed by a vote of 9-3, would prohibit public K-12 schools, higher education institutions and their employees from discriminating based on a protected class, like disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and national origin. The bill defines discriminatory education practices as actions taken due to a student’s membership or perceived membership in a protected class, including: Refusing or withholding full and equal enjoyment of the services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations of the school, Publishing, displaying, or otherwise communicating that the full and equal enjoyment of the school would be denied to a student or that the student’s presence at the school is unwelcome, Carrying out a decision or policy that disproportionately impacts a student, Failing to adequately respond to instances of harassment, and Retaliatory actions against a student who takes part in the complaint process for a harassment case. The bill allows an impacted student or their family to file a discrimination complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission or the Attorney General would also be able to file a complaint on their behalf. HB26-1141 would create a process to resolve the complaint, including early mediation, a 60-day period to resolve the issue, investigation by the division, and a judicial review. The bill also allows the commission to share data with the Department of Education about discriminatory education practice charges filed with the division each year. Higher education institutions would be required to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with the bill, manage grievances and publish data on violations. Since Trump started his second term, he has slashed the US Department of Education’s workforce by nearly 50-percent , including firing half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights and closing seven of the 12 regional offices. The Office of Civil Rights leads investigations of discrimination at schools and higher education institutions across the country. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon previously passed a law that clearly defines what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. She also passed a law in 2024 that ensures that schools and educators have trauma-informed resources to support youth against harassment and discrimination. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to improve the safety of natural gas pipelines and make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. < Back April 11, 2023 House Advances Bills to Improve Gas Pipeline Safety and Expand EV Charging DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to improve the safety of natural gas pipelines and make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. “Many homes in Colorado rely upon natural gas, and this legislation works to improve safety and close gaps in maintenance requirements,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of HB23-1216. “Establishing maintenance responsibility and requiring documentation of inspections are just a few of the ways we can improve the safety of natural gas pipelines that service our homes and businesses. This bill protects Coloradans by ensuring regular inspections and creating a baseline for safely maintaining natural gas pipelines regularly.” "We're taking steps to ensure that natural gas pipelines are well maintained and regularly inspected to keep Coloradans safe," said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1216. "This legislation will establish maintenance expectations, communications and documentation for pipelines so Coloradans have accurate and up-to-date information about the pipelines that service their homes, businesses and communities Safety is a priority and closing these gaps in maintenance requirements and upkeep is an important step that protects Coloradans." HB23-1216 , sponsored by Representative Tammy Story, would address the gaps in maintenance and inspections of natural gas pipelines to ensure public safety. This bill would direct the Public Utilities Commission to adopt rules requiring a combination of inspections, maintenance responsibilities and written notice from a pipeline’s owner or operator to a natural gas consumer before March 1, 2024 to bolster accountability. Specifically, HB23-1216 would require inspections of gas meters and service regulators every 36 months, documentation of inspections and ensure specific placement of natural gas vents to ensure gas can properly escape. Additionally, this bill would establish an improved process to determine who is responsible for maintenance and repairs of existing service lines as well as clear written notice to consumers regarding future service line installation, maintenance and repair. “Many Coloradans are interested in owning an EV, however it can be difficult to secure charging locations near their home or even in their communities,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1233. “This bill will expand EV charging infrastructure to accommodate new and future EV owners. By making EV use and ownership more accessible, we’re reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs and saving Coloradans money.” “With more EVs on the road than ever before, it’s vital we invest in EV-specific infrastructure now to meet growing demand,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1233. “By expanding charging stations, we can break down accessibility barriers in our communities and across the state that hold people back from owning EVs. Our legislation sets in motion a plan to expand EV charging, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and save Coloradans’ money in the long term.” HB23-1233 , sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Alex Valdez, would remove barriers to EV ownership by ensuring Coloradans have access to EV charging, especially renters or those living in multifamily housing. Specifically, HB23-1233 would expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new construction to accommodate new and current EV owners. The bill would update electric code requirements, remove burdensome parking restrictions for EVs, and provide property tax relief to Coloradans for EV charging stations. HB23-1233 is part of a broader legislative package to incentivize the advancement and adoption of clean energy technologies, accelerate the clean energy transition and make Colorado a leader in budding clean energy technologies. Previous Next

Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. < Back January 17, 2025 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate Federal Investment to Secure Shoshone Water Rights DENVER, CO – Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Water Rights provide an invaluable freshwater resource for Western Slope residents, agriculture, tourism, local economies and the Colorado Way of Life. “Today is an exciting day for Colorado’s water future!,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From agriculture and outdoor recreation to protecting natural habitats and supporting local economies — securing our water future is essential. Last year, we stepped up to allocate $20 million to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure the flow of fresh water in the high country. I’m grateful for the collaboration of local leaders and governments, including the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, Governor Polis and our federal delegation, that helped secure critical funding. This is a historic opportunity to protect Colorado River water, and I applaud the Biden Administration for delivering the final piece of the funding needed for this deal.” “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights is absolutely critical for the future of water security on the Western Slope and for the entire state, and today’s announcement of a $40 million federal investment that will close the financial gap to secure the right is monumental win for Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Last year, the state legislature made a bipartisan $20 million investment in this effort, and our local partners have offered over $56 million. I want to extend my gratitude to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and the Biden administration for their advocacy to get us across the finish line.” "Permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights is a multi-generational investment in our farms and ranches, and our thriving rural economies,” said Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “Today's announcement builds upon decades of work by our predecessors to protect the river as we have known it for more than a century." “One key piece to protecting Colorado’s water future has been the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights and today, the federal government announced they’ll invest $40 million to seal the deal,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Securing one of Colorado’s oldest water rights protects the Colorado way of life on the Western Slope. The Colorado River powers local economies, preserves natural habitats and supports tourism. As a lawmaker from the Western Slope, I’m committed to preserving our freshwater resources that keep our communities powered and thriving.” “The federal government’s investment to secure the Shoshone Water Rights is a huge win for Colorado water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Last year, we worked diligently to allocate $20 million in crucial funding for the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights because we understood the necessity of protecting Colorado’s water future now. I’m thrilled the federal government has decided to fulfill the Colorado River District’s funding request. Securing our water future is essential for everything from agriculture to local development, and I’m proud Colorado will be well-positioned to secure this deal.” “Securing Shoshone’s water rights is critical to farms, ranches, outdoor recreation, and communities that depend on the Colorado River!,” said Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta . “Western Colorado is very thankful for the Federal investment in protecting the largest and most senior water right on the main stem of the Colorado River. These water rights will ensure year-round flows for healthy riparian habitats and good faith in compact compliance.” Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant holds one of Colorado’s oldest Colorado River water rights. The Shoshone ensures a steady flow of fresh water used for electricity, agriculture, recreation and local economies, and reaches as far as Grand Junction and other Western Slope communities in between. Valued at $99 million, securing the Shoshone Water Rights is vital to Colorado’s water future. Last year, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition; a combination of local leaders and governments. In November, the Colorado River District submitted a funding application to the federal government to help bridge a $40 million funding gap to purchase and protect Shoshone Water Rights, and both state and federal leaders pushed for its approval. Today, the federal government has committed to fulfilling the request. With these federal dollars, Colorado can permanently protect the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure fresh water from the Colorado River flows to the high county. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 REP. BUENTELLO’S BILLS A WIN FOR VETERANS AND RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Bills to provide free state park access for disabled veterans and create scholarships for rural law enforcement for officer training pass committees Denver, CO– Earlier today, the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture unanimously passed Representative Bri Buentello’s legislation to provide free state park access for all Colorado disabled veterans. This afternoon, the Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced Rep. Buentello’s bill to provide scholarships for rural law enforcement agencies to pay for the cost of sending potential officers to training academies. “Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo . “Our state parks are beautiful, and every veteran should be able to enjoy them without cost. They fought to protect this land. It’s only right they get to access it for free.” Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. “Rural and small communities all across Colorado are in need of police officers, but obtaining the P.O.S.T. requirements can be cost-prohibitive in many cases,” said Rep. Buentello . “Today, we’re one step closer to giving these communities the resources that they need to train the next generation of men and women who will keep our communities safe.” HB20-1229 would establish a scholarship fund for rural and small communities to assist in paying for the cost of potential police officers to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy. The cost of basic training that satisfies the peace officers’ standards and training (P.O.S.T.) requirements can cost thousands of dollars , which is especially prohibitive to potential candidates in rural areas where funds can be scarce. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 AFTER GEORGIA’S JIM CROW 2.0, DEMS BEAT BACK “BIG LIE” INSPIRED ELECTION BILLS DENVER, CO — The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs committee today defeated multiple GOP bills based on “the big lie,” which raised baseless conspiracies about the security and integrity of elections across the country, and here in Colorado. “Colorado’s elections system is a national model for facilitating record turnout and constantly improving voter access while ensuring safety, integrity and security,” said House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “These bills are dangerous attempts to make it harder to vote and undermine faith in our elections based on conspiracies and the ‘big lie,’ which have been repeatedly debunked. In fact, there wasn’t a single piece of evidence presented that anyone voted who wasn’t supposed to or that anything went wrong with our voting systems. Our system has been lauded by both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state, county clerks and recorders, and officials in both parties for nearly a decade.” “From Georgia to Colorado, we are seeing an onslaught of GOP efforts across the country to restrict access to the ballot and make it harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote,” said committee vice chair Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “We won’t stand for these attacks on our democracy in Colorado. We should be looking for ways to increase participation and make it easier to vote, not casting doubt on the best elections system in America.” Dismantle Vote by Mail (HB21-1086 – Luck): This bill would severely limit voter access by requiring voters to submit proof of citizenship in-person at their county clerk and recorder’s office, dismantling our convenient and secure mail-in voting system. Instead of automatically receiving a ballot in the mail, each registered voter would have to go in person to submit additional documents. Voter fraud is extremely rare in the United States, and noncitizen voting is even more rare. This bill is not only a solution in search of a problem, it’s a reckless piece of legislation that would set back our progress and disenfranchise countless Coloradans. Among those directly affected would be military and overseas voters who cannot possibly get to their county clerk’s office in-person. The bill was postponed indefinitely at the request of the sponsor, although two Republicans voted against the motion and to move it forward instead. Redundant And Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1088 – Pico): This bill would require the state auditor to conduct a completely unnecessary and redundant annual audit of the voter registration system. The Secretary of State’s office and county clerks across the state conduct risk-limiting audits, regarded nationally as the gold standard, in every election and have not found any substantial evidence of fraud. Giving Political Party Chairs Influence Over Election Equipment Recommendations (HB21-1170 – Geitner): This bill creates an advisory committee made up of partisan appointees from the state’s two major political party chairs to make recommendations on how to change the state’s voting systems, which are the safest and most secure in the country. Colorado already has a bipartisan commission of experts made up of county clerks, election officials, lawmakers, and voting access and integrity advocates that shouldn’t be usurped by a commission made up only of political party appointments. After they spent months trying to undermine the security of our elections, it would be disastrous to allow partisan GOP political operatives a greater say in how we run them. Commission to Guide Redundant and Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1176 – Holtorf): This bill would create yet another commission to offer recommendations on how to audit Colorado’s elections, despite the fact that the state already has a Bipartisan Election Advisory Commission and already conducts the nationwide gold standard for election audits. By offering bills to fix problems that don’t exist, Republicans continue their efforts to undermine faith in Colorado’s elections. Endless and Meritless Recount Requests (HB21-1053 – Williams): This bill would allow any registered elector in the political subdivision where the election was held to request an electoral recount when one is not otherwise required. Under this bill, the voter requesting an recount could go so far as to specify that the recount be conducted manually, leaving the door open for all kinds of abuse of the recount mechanism. Under current law, recounts are automatically triggered when the margin falls within 0.5 percent of the vote and can be requested by any candidate or their affiliated party within 28 days of an election. Previous Next

Legislation would strengthen Colorado’s law to crack down on ghost guns < Back February 27, 2026 CO Dems Advance Bill to Prohibit 3D Printing of Ghost Guns Legislation would strengthen Colorado’s law to crack down on ghost guns DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components. “Three-dimensional printing technology has become much more accessible in recent years, which has been taken advantage of by bad actors who print firearms and firearm parts to avoid background checks and other gun violence prevention laws,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “3D printed guns and gun components are an increasing threat in our communities because they lack identification that law enforcement can use to track the weapon back to a suspect, and they undermine life-saving guardrails like background checks and waiting periods. Our legislation would crack down on this illegal practice to protect our communities from gun violence and save lives.” “We’re being responsive to new technology that threatens the safety of our communities by bringing legislation to ensure that everyone must adhere to Colorado’s laws before they can access a firearm,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “I proudly passed Colorado’s ghost gun ban in 2023, which helped prevent unserialized guns and gun parts from terrorizing our communities. This legislation strengthens our 2023 law to keep ghost guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals and protect Coloradans from gun violence.” HB26-1144 would prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar devices, to make a firearm or a firearm component. An initial violation of this provision would be a class 1 misdemeanor, and any subsequent violation would be a class 5 felony. The bill would also prohibit the sale or distribution of instructions on how to use a three-dimensional printer to create a firearm or a firearm component. A violation of this provision would be a civil infraction. This does not apply to the three-dimensional printing of non-functional or prop firearms. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the country increased by 1000-percent , yet over 99-percent of those guns cannot be traced back to a user, owner or producer. Between 2016 and 2021, law enforcement reported recovering over 45,000 privately-made firearms, including in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations. When an untraceable gun is used in a crime, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Speaker Pro Tem Boesenecker passed the original “ghost guns” law back in 2023, which prohibited the possession, sale or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers. Previous Next

< Back December 9, 2022 Polis-Primavera Administration Announces Behavioral Health Grant Opportunities and Toolkit to Help Communities Apply DENVER - Today, the Polis-Primavera administration and Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) announced that over $130 million in grant opportunities supporting behavioral health care are now available for eligible parties to apply. The grant programs focus on implementing innovative, data-driven behavioral health strategies that meet the needs of individual communities and expanding crime prevention. As part of these grant opportunities, the BHA has partnered with Colorado Health Institute to provide technical assistance to applicants through the community behavioral health services toolkit which will support navigating the application process and creating the most effective projects for each community. “Ensuring people have access to high-quality behavioral healthcare when they need it is one of the most important investments we can make in our state,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Governor Polis and I are encouraged by the investments we’ve delivered over the past four years, including the allocation of resources to bolster Colorado’s behavioral health workforce and funding to address targeted areas of community need, but the work does not stop here. I look forward to continuing improving behavioral healthcare resources so that every Coloradan can reach the support they deserve.” “As we emerge from the pandemic, it is the BHA’s plan to operate as a community anchor, supporting local efforts while elevating our collective cause to strengthen Colorado’s behavioral health system,” said Dr. Morgan Medlock, Behavioral Health Administration Commissioner. The new four grant programs are a result of SB22-196 , sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Pete Lee as well as Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, and HB22-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks and Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin. These laws were signed by Governor Polis this summer as a part of the Polis-Primavera administration’s commitment to delivering bold investments in behavioral healthcare for Coloradans. The grant opportunities now accepting applications include: The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program Community Investment Grant Program Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program Substance Use Workforce Stability Grant Program “Arresting and jailing Coloradans with behavioral health needs has never been an efficient or cost-effective way to combat our state’s behavioral health crisis and help folks get the care they need, so we’re taking steps to change that,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Through this grant opportunity, local communities will be equipped with the resources they need to divert people away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs.” “The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program is a community-based solution that will reduce reliance on our jails and prisons for mental health care and make it easier for Coloradans with behavioral health needs to receive the treatment they need," said Assistant Majority Leader-elect Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196 . "Now, with grant applications open, we're one step closer to improving behavioral health access for Coloradans in communities across the state.” “Coloradans with behavioral health conditions deserve treatment, not punishment, yet the criminalization of these conditions has only made the problem worse,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “This grant opportunity will help ensure folks with mental health conditions and substance use disorders can get the treatment they need rather than enter the criminal justice system while making our communities safer, reducing recidivism, and saving taxpayers money.” “Early behavioral health intervention is one tool we have to divert Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment," said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. "The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program is a local strategy to get Coloradans the behavioral health they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place." The grant programs invest in local strategies and encourage those who understand their community’s individual needs and challenges to apply. Eligible applicants include local governments, community-based and/or nonprofit organizations, nonprofit hospitals, rural health clinics, substance use disorder treatment or recovery providers, federally recognized tribes, and local law enforcement agencies. “Navigating Colorado’s behavioral health system can be unnecessarily difficult, which makes it challenging for folks to access the care they need when they need it,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “These grants will help local governments and nonprofits implement innovative, community-based programs to fill critical gaps within our behavioral health system and improve outcomes for families, children, and youth across our state.” “Coloradans in every corner of our state feel the acute lack of behavioral health services, and each community’s needs are different,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1281. “I’m thrilled that this grant program will soon accept applications because it means families, kids, and youth will soon have expanded access to the behavioral health care they so critically need.” “New grant programs, including the Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program, will fill critical gaps in care so that more families can access the behavioral health services they need to thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1281 . “Every community's needs are different and the available grants are designed to help local governments, non-profits and substance use organizations secure the necessary funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for Coloradans." The community behavioral health services assessment toolkit was created by the BHA in partnership with the Colorado Health Institute to support applicants through the application process and understanding their community’s strengths, needs, and gaps; overall strengthening their investments. The toolkit offers assistance with grant writing, needs assessment, and/or program design. Applicants for the Community Investment Grant Program and the Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program are able to utilize the toolkit. “We know navigating grant application processes can have many obstacles, especially for our historically-excluded communities and those who have been unable to access trusted resources, and we truly want to make applying for funding as simple and accessible as possible. The BHA is here to support you and to honor lived experiences,” said Kayla Martin, BHA Contracts & Procurement Manager. Other transformative behavioral healthcare investments signed this year by Governor Polis include: SB22-177 was signed by Gov. Polis in May and sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen (now Congresswoman-elect) and Bob Rankin and Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield. SB22-177, Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure, will improve coordination across Colorado between behavioral health providers and include new resources for communities statewide. Streamlining information and data will improve how providers coordinate care and services for people seeking behavioral health services and improve patient experiences. SB22-181 , the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Development, created a new plan to strengthen and build the behavioral healthcare workforce to ensure Colorado can continue to provide high-quality services. This bill was sponsored by Senators Bridges and Simpson and Representatives Cutter and Van Beber. Through collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, institutions of higher education, and community colleges, this plan will provide new training opportunities, internships, scholarships, and more to help recruit, train, and retain a qualified behavioral healthcare workforce. The Polis-Primavera administration has committed to developing the behavioral healthcare system in Colorado and saving people money on healthcare. Through their commitment, the administration has created innovative resources to ensure that more Coloradans can access quality support when needed. Governor Polis created the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force (BHTTF) in 2019 which focuses on streamlining Colorado’s behavioral health system and increasing the efficiency and access to resources. The task force is made up of stakeholders, legislatures and community leaders to deliver well-rounded strategies. The Polis-Primavera administration has worked closely with the BHTTF to create transformative behavioral health bills. Further information regarding available technical assistance for these grant opportunities can be found by creating an account and logging in to VSS to access the request for applications (RFA) and more information regarding each of these grant programs and timelines can be found on the BHA Funding Opportunities webpage. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bill Improving Access to Life-Saving Medicine Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill allowing psychologists to prescribe some mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Treatment for mental illness can take many forms, but when someone needs prescription medication, it can often be costly and take too long to get in to see a prescriber,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Allowing specially-trained psychologists to prescribe medication that best fits their patient’s needs will improve treatment options, reduce costs, and increase access to life-saving care for Coloradans with mental illness.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES EXPANSION OF RURAL BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE (Apr. 26) – The House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee approved Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to expand the broadband infrastructure in Colorado, especially in rural areas. “Access to the internet is an indispensable part of our lives and it’s important we create equity between the rural and urban areas,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “Improving broadband infrastructure will help close the digital divide in communities on the Western Slope. We can save millions of dollars on new infrastructure if we allow electrical easement holders to deliver internet services to communities.” Rep. Roberts is the Chair of the Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. This bill allows electrical easement holders to lease existing fiber resources on these easements for the purpose of delivering broadband internet services to communities. It will allow the utilization of dark fiber by providers to connect areas without having to spend money on costly new infrastructure or easement negotiation. In parts of rural Colorado, broadband services are inadequate and in some instances nonexistent. Similar legislation has been passed in Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee. The bill passed the Senate on a 35-0 vote. SB19-107 passed the committee on a bipartisan vote of 9-1. It now heads to the House floor. The Senate co-prime sponsor is Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: DEMS INTRO BILL TO END HANDOUTS FOR WEALTHY CORPORATIONS AND FUND SCHOOLS INSTEAD Bill puts teachers and students before millionaires and big corporations; ensures economic relief is directed to hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO– Democrats in the General Assembly today unveiled new legislation to protect critical funding for education by eliminating taxpayer-funded handouts to big corporations and millionaires. HB20-1420 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Emily Sirota and Senators Chris Hansen and Dominick Moreno, would preserve economic relief for middle-class families and small businesses. “Colorado can’t afford to let Washington dictate our tax policy while our schools struggle to avoid teacher layoffs,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. “These are hard times for everyone, but the changes coming from Washington bring too much harm to our schools and our working families. It’s up to us to fix that.” “We need to support hardworking Coloradans by making the tax code less regressive and more equitable for everyone,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This bill works to protect important community priorities like k-12 education funding, infrastructure investments, and critical services across our state– areas that have been devastated by the economic crisis and that need additional support.” “Our bill protects economic relief for those who need it most, our small business and middle-class families, and provides a direct boost to hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “It’s time to pick a side. We can’t afford to give money away to corporations and millionaires while our schools desperately need funding. We need a tax code that reflects our Colorado values and priorities, not one that benefits the one percent.” “This year’s state budget was the most difficult piece of legislation I’ve ever worked on. From education to critical human services, nothing was left unaffected. But we have the opportunity to minimize those effects going forward if we can ensure that our tax code prioritizes people and institutions that need it most,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By decoupling with the federal government, Colorado can balance our lopsided tax system and bring necessary relief to working families and small businesses.” Several provisions in Colorado’s tax code follow federal law and cost the state hundreds of millions a year, but primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations. This legislation makes means-tested changes to eliminate handouts for special interests and the wealthiest corporations while protecting them for hardworking families to avoid devastating cuts to education. CARES Act Loopholes: Eighty-two percent of the benefits from a provision of the CARES Act that allows for the deduction of excess business losses (CARES Act Section 2304) goes to filers with incomes above $1 million. Only three percent of the benefits go to filers with incomes under $100,000. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans under that threshold while eliminating it for millionaires. The bill also limits the amount of net operating loss deductions a company can claim in one year to $400,000, preserving the deduction for 98 percent of filers while capping them for the wealthiest businesses. Finally, it rejects a CARES Act hand out of interest expense deductions (CARES Act Section 2306) for corporations larger than $25 million, saving the state $2 million a year. Trump Tax Scam “Pass Through” Loophole: The 2017 federal tax bill, pass-through businesses can take a 20 percent deduction off their qualified business income (QBI), essentially reducing the amount of taxable income. In Colorado, a quarter of the benefit of this tax break goes to households with incomes above $1 million, while households with incomes below $75,000 receive only 11 percent of the benefit. The average millionaire gets nearly a $9,000 break from the state while someone making $30,000 to $40,000 may get $70 or $90. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans making under $75,000 while eliminating it for those who don’t need it. Insurance Company Handouts: The bill removes a tax break for insurance companies who maintain an in-state office. Just 85 insurance companies in Colorado get a 50 percent tax break averaging $1 million because of an outdated provision that the State Auditor has found is ineffective at its intended purpose. Capital Gains: Colorado allows a tax break for income on investments in personal property and other capital gains, even if that property isn’t in Colorado. It costs the state $8-$20 million a year, and only 0.2% of all Colorado tax filers get this benefit. The very wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans—taxpayers with AGI over $2 million—received almost half, or 49 percent, of all capital gains income. Previous Next