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< Back February 6, 2020 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO END PRISON GERRYMANDERING Bill would ensure the Census Bureau counts people in prison as residents of their home communities DENVER, CO — The Colorado Accurate Residence for Redistricting Act, sponsored by Representatives James Coleman and Kerry Tipper, today passed the House by a vote of 38-23. The bill would count people in prison as residents of their home communities for the purpose of state redistricting, ending the practice of counting those individuals as residents of the localities where the corrections facilities are. “Today, the House voted in favor of democratic representation and a more just count,” said Rep. Tipper (D-Lakewood). “I’m thankful for my colleagues who joined Rep. Coleman and I in supporting this legislation. Accurate redistricting is essential for the health of our democracy, and this bill will help ensure that districts are drawn in a way that reflects the Colorado value of fair representation.” “An accurate census count and fair district maps are good for our democracy and good for Colorado,” said Rep. Coleman (D-Denver) . “Coloradans want a more just political system, and that’s what we’ve set out to do. I’m pleased that the House has approved this commonsense bill.” HB20-1010 would, for purposes of census redistricting counts, reassign prisoners in correctional facilities to their last known residence in Colorado prior to incarceration. Only in the instance that a prisoner does not have a Colorado address, do they get counted in the locality where the prison is located. Prisoners are currently assigned to voting districts based on where they are incarcerated instead of in the communities where their lives are rooted, even though they cannot vote while in prison. This bill would not have an effect on how the census guides the distribution of federal funds in Colorado. Per the Colorado Constitution—which declares that a prison cell is not a residence—people in prison are legal constituents of their home address representatives and not the correctional facility where they have been placed. Additionally, the average length of stay in Colorado prisons is three years , while redistricting guidelines last an entire decade. Other states including Maryland, New York, Washington, Delaware and California have passed legislation to address prison gerrymandering. HB20-1010 was approved by the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee on January 30 and passed the House on second reading yesterday. It now heads to the Senate for introduction in that chamber. ### Previous Next

On July 1, 2025, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco and Representative Michael Carter, D-Aurora goes into effect. SB25-024 adds 15 judges across Colorado to decrease wait times for court cases. < Back June 26, 2025 Bill to Increase Judges and Boost Access to Justice Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco and Representative Michael Carter, D-Aurora goes into effect. SB25-024 adds 15 judges across Colorado to decrease wait times for court cases. “As a former deputy district attorney, I know how important it is to have an adequate number of judges serving our communities,” said Roberts. “Over and over again, we’ve heard from judges, attorneys, victims, and litigants who are hurting from an overburdened court system. Adding 15 new judges to Colorado’s judicial system is a major step forward that will help Colorado fulfill its fundamental duty to provide timely access to justice.” “The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed in our constitution, but the shortage of judges and other judicial staff makes it unrealistic to schedule cases in a reasonable timeframe,” said Carter. “When cases are continuously pushed back, justice for victims and their families is delayed, while potentially innocent Coloradans sit in jail awaiting trial. Our new law increases the number of judges, attorneys and other staff to cut down on wait times, protect the autonomy of judicial actors and improve access to justice.” SB25-024 , also sponsored by Sen. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, increases the number of district and county judges by 15 judges for criminal and civil court cases over the next two years. Beginning on July 1, 2025 and spread over the next two years, specific districts will be allocated the funding to hire more district and county judges. The new law also allocates funds for courts to hire public defenders, deputy district attorneys, sheriff deputies, behavioral health court professionals and support staff. Judicial Districts 4, 7, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 23 and Larimer, Douglas, La Plata, Mesa and Eagle counties will see at least one additional judge. Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera have already made several appointments to fill the new judgeships, effective July 1, 2025. These include: Kelly J. McPherson to the 4th Judicial District Court, Sara S. Price to the 17th Judicial District Court, Stacy K. Guillon to the 23rd Judicial District Court, James X. Quinn to the 18th Judicial District Court, Kimbra L. Killin to the 13th Judicial District Court, and Richard E. Schmittel, Jr., to the La Plata County Court in the 6th Judicial District. In early 2025, Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez made a plea to the Colorado General Assembly to add judges during the annual State of the Judiciary address. Previous Next

< Back April 14, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S EMERGENCY STOCKPILE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed a bill, sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, that would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE). “Colorado is preparing now so we’re not caught flat-footed during the next national emergency or pandemic,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. “This bill boosts Colorado’s stockpile of essential materials and personal protective equipment so our state is prepared to keep Coloradans safe, healthy and protected. With this legislation, we’re taking steps to ensure our healthcare professionals haves the masks, gloves and other medical grade PPE they need when they’re caring for Coloradans.” HB22-1352 passed committee by a vote of 8-3. This bill would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials and PPE to be available for distribution after the governor has declared a disaster emergency. Facial masks, medical gloves, eye protection and other PPE worn by health care professionals are necessary for treating patients and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. This bill will invest nearly $2 million to stockpile medical-grade PPE in Colorado so hospitals, vaccine clinics and other medical sites can have access to the protective equipment to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE which will be distributed via state agencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was charged with maintaining the state’s emergency stockpile of PPE and associated warehouses. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has since maintained a 60-day stockpile of five key PPE product categories to dispatch to state agencies as needed. This bill ensures Colorado has adequate PPE supplies for the next pandemic or declared national disaster. Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2019 Colorado ranks poorly when it comes to rights of renters (Feb. 26) – The House gave preliminary approval today to a bill that improves the rights of renters in Colorado. This commonsense bill would allow improve a renter’s rights if their home becomes uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for human habitation. “I believe that having a safe and affordable place to live is a cornerstone to self-sufficiency,” said Rep. Jackson, D-. “This is real life. When Coloradans are paying market rents, they deserve to live in a safe and habitable place. This is a very fair, and very necessary bill.” Under HB19-1170, tenants can notify the landlords of uninhabitable conditions through written notice including through electronic means. The landlord will then have 24-72 hours to begin to address the complaint. If the issues persists, the tenant has a right to withhold an estimate cost of the repairs from their rent payment and they have the right to break a lease if the uninhabitable condition persists. “If you are paying rent you have the right to expect a home that is safe and healthy to live in, with remedies available if it isn’t–especially in a rental market as challenging as ours is right now,” said Rep. Weissman. D-Aurora. HB19-1170, Residential Tenants Health And Safety Act, passed on final reading with a vote of 40-23 and now heads to the Senate.The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver, and Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. House Democrats passed HB19-1106 last week to put in place commonsense limits on the application fees that renters face as they search for their next rental home. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Rep Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood is the Senate sponsor. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. < Back February 25, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Support Older Coloradans Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. HB25-1184 would support Coloradans by allowing certain senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted. “As the demand for senior living facilities increases, we’re creating more options for older Coloradans on the waiting list so that they may access the programs and services offered by the facility,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. This bill gives communities another option for older Coloradans to access community-based services that help them lead healthier, stronger lives.” HB25-1184 is also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker and passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill would allow for the expansion of community-based services to older Coloradans who are awaiting admission to a life care institution. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are a supportive living facility to seniors who pay a one-time admission. Waiting lists for life care institutions in Colorado can be long. This bill empowers these facilities to include older Coloradans on the waiting list in their programs and services. Some examples of community-based services including transportation, social programs and nutrition counseling. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATION Bills invests $35 million to integrate physical and behavioral health care DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation that will make transformational investments to increase access to behavioral health care by better integrating primary care and behavioral health care. “This session, we’re directing $450 million in federal funds to increase access to and save people money on behavioral health care,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we advanced today will invest $35 million to integrate behavioral health care into primary care so that Coloradans can access both at the same location at the same time. This will save Coloradans money when they seek behavioral health care or substance use disorder treatment and make critical care more available throughout the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.” Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: POLIS SIGNS BILL TO SAVE FAMILIES MONEY ON CHILD CARE VAIL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1006 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle and Senators Kerry Donovan and Jim Smallwood, will reduce child care centers’ costs by reducing their property taxes. “Cutting taxes for child care centers just makes sense, and I am so glad my bill to do just that has been signed into law,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Child care is one of the largest costs young families are facing, and finding child care can be extremely challenging or impossible, particularly in rural Colorado. That’s why I introduced this bill. With these savings, we expect child care centers across the state to be able to lower prices, hire more employees, and create more child care openings for families. Further, it will be a powerful financial incentive for new child care centers to open their doors.” “With pandemic-induced inflation hitting families hard, Democrats are laser focused on making Colorado a more affordable place to live,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This new law will give child care providers a much-needed break, and help address our workforce shortage by allowing them to open up new facilities and free up parents to return to work.” HB22-1006 will make child care more affordable by incentivizing additional property owners to lease space to nonprofit child care centers through a property tax exemption. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the availability of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care. Previous Next

A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2021 HOUSE PASSES SIX COLORADO COMEBACK STATE STIMULUS BILLS Legislation will create jobs, help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger DENVER, CO– The House today passed six Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals to boost Colorado’s events industry, invest in workers, provide free mental health sessions for Colorado students, and make historic investments in the Colorado Water Plan. The bills are part of the state stimulus package that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. HB21-1253 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Meg Froelich, would invest $5 million in grants to local governments for job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. The grants would be distributed by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are intended to be allocated by August 15, 2021. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Renewable energy projects create jobs, sustain communities, and position Colorado for a cleaner future,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “HB21-1253 will boost economies across our state by enabling renewable energy infrastructure projects where they’re needed most. We have a tremendous opportunity to build the clean energy infrastructure that will power Colorado into the future.” The lack of qualified talent in Colorado has been one of the primary barriers to business growth. HB21-1264 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Young, would invest $25 million to provide Coloradans with reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling opportunities that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities in growing industries that are looking to hire. The money would go to the Colorado Workforce Development Council, which will work with local workforce boards to distribute funds across the state to local workforce centers and nonprofit entities. The funds will allow these entities to serve up 6,000 Coloradans through the completion of training programs. The bill passed by a vote of X-X. “Building back stronger means making sure that Colorado workers are ready and prepared to fill jobs in the fastest growing industries so we can boost our economy and get people back to work,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This bill fuels the job and skills training infrastructure we need to be competitive, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking people.” HB21-1262 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Mike Lynch, supports Colorado’s agriculture industry by providing $3.5 million to the Colorado Stock Show–a staple to the state’s agricultural industry and Denver’s economy–as well as $3.5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events organizations across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “The National Western Stock Show brings nearly $100 million in economic activity to Denver while agriculture events and programs help create jobs all across Colorado,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “These events strengthen our western culture and are a big part of who we are as Coloradans. I’m proud the legislature is standing up to support Colorado agriculture, the Stock Show, and local events that are vitally important to our communities.” HB21-1263 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Matt Soper, would create the Meeting & Events Incentive Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The program would provide rebates to incentivize planners to host events in Colorado, bolstering the tourism economy and industry, and supporting thousands of small businesses across the State. The bill appropriates $10 million for the program. The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. Eligible events must generate at least 25 overnight stays. The bill stipulates that the Tourism Office must support events equitably and proportionally across the state and prioritize events with potential to generate local business earnings and tax revenues. Eligible events would receive up to a 10% rebate of the hard costs of the event and a 25% rebate of the COVID-19 related costs. Finally, a small portion of the funds may be used to provide up-front support to attract large events that impact multiple counties and have potential to generate significant economic impact. “Events fill rooms in hotels, tables in restaurants, and shoppers in stores, and that’s exactly what communities across Colorado need right now,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Big events, conferences, festivals and more had to cancel their bookings in our state during the last year and those in the business of events took a hard hit. This bill will provide a direct and impactful incentive for people and organizations to choose Colorado for their events and that investment will benefit businesses all across our state in a big way.” HB21-1258 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kevin Van Winkle, would create a temporary youth mental health services program in the Office of Behavioral Health within the Department of Human Services to facilitate access to mental health services for identified needs, including those that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would provide any young person age 18 and under with an online mental health screening and would then reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions. This support is intended to prepare children for the return to in-person learning and a review of stress management tools, and to make a plan for ongoing treatment when necessary. We estimate that this program can support up to 25,537 children . The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. HB21-1260 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Marc Catlin, would provide $20 million to the state water conservation board to implement the state water plan. The funds will be divided between the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund, which may be used for water plan grants, and the Water Supply Reserve Fund, which provides grants and loans to address water supply issues. The bill passed by a vote of 63-0. Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2022 TWO BILLS TO BOOST ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE PASS COMMITTEE Legislation will improve access to care by investing $100 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment, and better integrate physical and behavioral health care DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee passed two bills today that will boost access to behavioral health care by expanding the state’s inpatient and residential treatment capacity and better integrating physical and behavioral health care. Both bills are based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address Colorado’s most pressing needs. “We’re making a $65 million investment to expand inpatient and residential treatment care and services in Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Right now, we don’t have enough treatment beds to meet the needs of Coloradans with substance use disorders and serious mental illness. This transformational investment will fund 16 beds in Fort Logan and 125 residential care beds across the state so more Coloradans can get access to the treatment they need and deserve. Expanding treatment and residential care capacity is just one of the many ways we’re working to ensure Coloradans have access to the lifesaving care they need, when they need it.” “Improving the integration between physical and behavioral health care will help build healthier communities and improve outcomes,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Thanks to the $35 million investment in this bill, Coloradans can access critical behavioral health care and primary care from the same place, saving them time, money and hassle. Behavioral and physical health are equally important in overall health and this bill makes it easier for Coloradans to access critical care such as mental health counseling and substance use disorder screening and treatment.” Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: HB22-1303 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options. Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need clinical support to become stabilized. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services. HB22-1303 passed committee by a vote of 9 to 1. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. The funding could be used to better streamline and co-locate behavioral and physical health care services in outpatient, pediatric and primary care settings. HB22-1302 passed committee by a vote of 10 to 1. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. < Back March 4, 2025 Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis ,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This is a bipartisan solution that will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget. We’re boosting more ‘starter homes’ in our communities, supporting local workforces and making it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.” SB25-006 would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. SB25-006, also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed by a vote of 9-3. Previous Next

HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory < Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next