< Back December 15, 2022 New Recipients Announced for Outdoor Equity Grant Program DENVER, CO – The Outdoor Equity Grant Board announced today the newest recipients of more than $1.3 million in Outdoor Equity Grants. The Outdoor Equity Grant Program, created through HB21-1318 , will help improve outdoor recreation accessibility for all Coloradans including youth, families and traditionally excluded communities. “I’d like to congratulate all the incredible organizations that have received an Outdoor Equity Grant, including ViVe Wellness in HD8,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1318. “When we championed this legislation in 2021, our mission was to open the great outdoors to communities that have traditionally lacked access to Colorado’s unique landscapes and outdoor adventures. Now, organizations in our very own communities and across the state are benefiting from this hard work.” “For those of us living with a disability, accessing the outdoors can be more challenging, but Outdoor Equity Grants help remove barriers so everyone can get out and explore Colorado,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB21-1318. “Congratulations to the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton on receiving one of the latest grant awards. Grants for adaptive sports programs, educational experiences and recreation opportunities will build a more diverse pipeline of Coloradans working in the outdoor industry–and that’s good for everyone.” In 2021, the legislature passed HB21-1318 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz to create the Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The program provides funding to organizations that reduce barriers to the Colorado outdoors for underserved youth and their families. Get Outdoors Leadville! will receive $70,750, and Mountain Dreamers in Frisco will receive $40,000. “Congratulations to Mountain Dreamers in Frisco and Get Out Doors Leadville!,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With these grants, more young Coloradans and their families will be able to experience our incredible outdoor spaces. I’m proud of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program’s work to help more underserved families access the beautiful lands Colorado is known for and live their Colorado dream.” In Carbondale, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (HS)2 Program will receive $6,700. “With these grants from the Outdoor Equity Program, organizations, non-profits and schools will receive new funding to help more Coloradans access the great outdoors,” said Rep.-elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “I’m excited that young people in Carbondale and on the Western Slope will have new opportunities to get out and explore Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes.” In Greeley, the Connections for Independent Living will receive $21,000. “The great outdoors is for everyone, but many Coloradans with a disability face barriers that keep them from experiencing our open spaces,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “I’m so proud that Connections for Independent Living in Greeley, which does fantastic work serving and empowering people with disabilities, was included in this round of Outdoor Equity Grants so that more Coloradans will be able to get outside and enjoy everything our state has to offer.” The Gypsum Elementary School will receive $5,000, and Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports will receive $25,000. “Improving outdoor equity and accessibility is incredibly important in our communities,” said Rep.-elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “With this funding, Gypsum Elementary School and Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports will be able to offer additional opportunities for underserved youth and their families in our communities to experience the world-class outdoor recreation Colorado is known for.” The Adaptive Sports Association in Durango will receive $50,000; the Montezuma Inspire Coalition in Cortez will receive $70,000; and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Ignacio will receive $10,000. “Adaptive sports and educational experiences help introduce more Coloradans to the great outdoors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “I’m pleased the Adaptive Sports Association, Montezuma Inspire Coalition and Southern Ute Indian Tribe, among others, will be receiving an Outdoor Equity Grant. Breaking down barriers to accessing the outdoors will help foster a new generation of Coloradans that can enjoy, explore, respect and protect our public lands.” More than 20 organizations across the state will receive an Outdoor Equity Grant. Grant recipients also include: Asian Girls Ignite – Denver – $78,000 Colorado Center for the Blind – Littleton – $50,000 Colorado Discover Ability – Grand Junction – $50,000 Denver Indian Center – Denver – $85,000 Environmental Learning for Kids – Denver – $75,000 Fort Collins Community Action Network – Fort Collins – $50,000 Friends of Youth and Nature – Hotchkiss – $67,180 Haseya Advocate Program – Colorado Springs – $70,000 International Rescue Committee – Denver – $30,000 Northfield High School La Raza Club – Denver – $7,000 Sims Fayola Foundation – Denver – $50,000 Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning – Denver – $40,815 The Nature Connection – Hotchkiss – $40,000 The Storytellers Project – Denver – $50,000 Vibe Tribe Adventures – Aurora – $80,000 ViVe Wellness – Denver – $70,000 Youth Club of Trinidad – Trinidad – $55,363 Youth Seen – Denver – $75,000 Previous Next

HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with more than $60 million in annual tax credits and exemptions to businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments < Back April 6, 2023 Clean Energy Tax Incentives Win Committee Approval HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with more than $60 million in annual tax credits and exemptions to businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans’ and businesses money by expanding tax incentives for clean transportation, heat pumps, geothermal energy, and industrial emissions reductions. This bill is part of a broader legislative package to incentivize the advancement and adoption of clean energy technologies that build upon federal initiatives to maximize Colorado’s ability to benefit from federal funds, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. “This monumental legislation is pivotal in helping Colorado reach its climate goals while significantly lowering energy costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “From e-bikes and electric vehicles, to geothermal heating and cooling systems, this bill shepherds clean energy tax incentives to improve our air quality and save Coloradans money. We’re committed to investing in innovative clean energy sources to power our economy and heat our buildings, and this bill builds upon federal investments to help Colorado utilize the latest technology to meet our climate goals and transition to more sustainable energy sources .” “Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans to implement some of the impressive clean energy tools and technologies that not only save them money, but bring us closer to reaching Colorado’s climate goals,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill offers consumers significant tax credits to reduce the cost of electric vehicles, prioritizes incentives for clean energy sources, and will attract new businesses to create good-paying jobs. This bill is good for consumers, businesses, the economy and our planet.” Tax Incentives to Advance Decarbonization : HB23-1272 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would reduce the costs of clean energy technologies for residents and businesses across Colorado through tax incentives. This includes incentives for investments in geothermal electricity development and high-efficiency heat pumps, and for measures to reduce industrial pollution. It would also extend and expand tax credits for electric trucks and passenger vehicles and discounts on electric bikes to help increase adoption of cleaner transportation methods. Specifically, this bill builds upon the federal incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts to help Colorado maximize the impact of federal dollars. Tax incentives in HB23-1272 are expected to exceed $60 million with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies. The bill: Extends and expands the innovative motor vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for certain electric passenger vehicles. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the truck’s weight until 2032. Creates a refundable income tax credit for the sale of qualifying e-bikes if the retailer offers a $700 discount to the customer. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits will vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Establishes the refundable industrial clean energy tax credit to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions at qualifying large facilities. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-5 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO CO-CHAIRS’ STATEMENT ON SB8 DENVER, CO– Representatives Lisa Cutter and Monica Duran, the Co-Chairs of Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado, today released the following statement on SB8, the Texas law that will ban abortions as soon as six weeks–before many women know they are pregnant: “The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado strongly supports reproductive rights and the freedom for women to choose what’s best for their bodies. We are outraged at the passage of SB8, the Texas law banning abortions at six weeks. This law is another way to suppress, control, and shame women over their healthcare choices. Despite last week’s unprecedented and unconstitutional attack on abortion rights, Colorado will remain a safe place for patients to access abortion. Coloradans understand that the strength and independence of women promote a healthier and more economically vibrant society by every measure. We will continue to actively work to safeguard women’s rights to have autonomy over their own bodies and uphold the Colorado way of life, putting the health and safety of women first.” Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. BIRD BILL TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SAVE ENERGY (Apr. 8) — The House Energy and Environment committee passed a bill that would make additional capital available for affordable housing and other public housing authority projects by allowing these projects to participate in the New Energy Improvements District’s (NEID) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. “This is an important bill that will greatly benefit many hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “By allowing housing authorities to participate in this program, we are reducing costs to develop affordable housing by 15 to 20 percent. This savings will benefit taxpayers and, importantly, can be passed on to tenants and significantly lower their living expenses.” HB19-1272 will expand access to Colorado’s C-PACE program to public housing authorities and affordable housing projects across the state, allowing these entities to have ready access to capital that can be used for energy and water efficiency projects on their properties. As a result, the overall operational costs of these properties will decrease and the savings will ultimately be passed on to Colorado’s most vulnerable including veterans and disabled individuals. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed a bill to create more affordable housing opportunities by allowing certain property owners to split their lot. HB26-1308, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow, passed by a vote of 8-4. < Back March 17, 2026 Bill to Create More Affordable Housing Opportunities Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed a bill to create more affordable housing opportunities by allowing certain property owners to split their lot. HB26-1308, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow, passed by a vote of 8-4. “Every Coloradan deserves the chance to become a homeowner, and this legislation would make that dream a reality for more hardworking people,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Housing affordability is a major issue throughout our state, which has made it harder and harder for Coloradans to be able to transition from renter to homeowner. This bill aims to create more affordable housing options, especially starter homes, in our communities to make life more affordable for Coloradans.” “We’re increasing homeownership opportunities, especially for first-time homeowners,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Our bill would allow homeowners to split their lot, decreasing their own housing costs while adding more affordable housing to the market. There is a serious housing affordability issue in Colorado, which is why Colorado Democrats are taking every possible approach to create housing opportunities that Coloradans can afford.” Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1308 would require a subject jurisdiction to allow residential lots to be split into two lots if they meet the following requirements: The lot undergoes any applicable administrative approval processes, The minimum lot size after splitting is 1,200 square feet, If the two new lots are unequal in size, the smaller lot must be at least 30 percent of the area of the total lot size, Residential use is allowed on the original lot and the lots have access to the street and certain utilities, and If the lot is subject to a mortgage loan, any lenders holding the debt have approved of the split. The bill also removes setback requirements for any accessory dwelling units or other structures that exist on a split lot. In 2025, the Colorado State Demography Office reported a housing shortfall of around 106,000 units. The state must add approximately 34,100 new housing units each year just to avoid an increase in the existing housing shortfall. Lot splitting would allow communities to create more affordable housing opportunities to address the housing shortfall and save Coloradans money on housing. A 2025 report found that the average age of first-time homebuyers hit an all-time high of 40 years old. Reps. Boesenecker and Woodrow have prioritized housing affordability efforts in recent years, passing laws to remove regulatory barriers for cost-saving modular and factory-built homes and support local governments that build transit-oriented housing . This session, the legislature is considering bills to reduce housing costs by streamlining the process for non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their underutilized land, removing minimum lot size restrictions and fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. Previous Next

< Back January 4, 2019 SPEAKER KC BECKER DELIVERS OPENING DAY REMARKS Good morning and welcome to your state capitol. It is one my greatest honors to stand before you today. I want to thank the constituents of my district which stretches from the Wyoming border in the north, to Mount Evans in the south– from Boulder to Kremmling – from Jackson, Grand, and Gilpin to Clear Creek and Boulder counties. It’s an honor to represent you. Thank you to Majority Leader Alec Garnett and to our entire leadership team who will help lead our chamber over the next two years. You all are awesome. Minority Leader Neville, congratulations on being selected to lead your caucus once again and I hope to work together with you to serve the people of our great state. I would also like to congratulate Representative Kyle Mullica and his family who welcomed the birth of a new baby girl, Autumn Grace, this week. I look around this chamber and see many new faces…and a lot more Democrats… I’d like to welcome our first years and returning legislators. No matter your party, we are all here because we want Coloradans to succeed. Running for office or stepping forward to participate in public service is never easy. So on behalf of this chamber and our state, I extend thanks to you and your families and friends who have agreed to let us borrow you for the next two years. Your support is key to our shared success. Together, we are driven to build a fair economy that expands opportunity for all, to invest in our future, and to protect the Colorado Way of Life. Today, we open the first regular session of the 72nd General Assembly. Members, pack your energy and ideas with you every day because you are about to have some of the longest days wrapped into the shortest four months you’ll ever know. Your patience will be tested, your sleep will shorten, your family will miss you and your waistline may grow. But believe me the future is worth the fight and your efforts are worthwhile. This November, Coloradans made history by electing the first Jewish and openly gay Governor. We made history by electing a record number of people of color to our state legislature. And we made history by electing 33 women to the House including 25 in the Democratic caucus alone and the first transgender representative in state Herstory. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Unaffiliated voter, I think we can all agree that this chamber is sending a strong message that when people participate in democracy, their government is more reflective of their state’s diverse background and ideas. It is our shared hope that the number of women and people of color who were motivated to step forward and run for office will inspire the next generation of Coloradans to pursue public service and become more involved. I am honored to accept this gavel and look forward to working with you all. Now -I’ve watched a few of my predecessors break a few gavels trying to keep this chamber in order so let’s all hope this is the only gavel we need this session… …but based on past experience, Marilyn please have a backup ready. It is not lost on me that I am the third consecutive woman to serve as Speaker and the fourth in our state’s rich history. Standing before you today, I know I won’t be the last. I would be remiss if I did not thank those who have blazed a trail ahead of us including I also want to acknowledge my father-in-law and sister-in law, Ed and Shaun who are here today and my awesome parents, who unfortunately can’t be here today. I am grateful for the care and love they gave to me and my siblings – three of whom are here with me now Karen, Alicia and Elle. I’m most grateful that my parents decided to let me spend my summers as a teenager in the Rockies. I was a Florida girl discovering the vast and transformative place that is the West. Until then I had never seen mountains. I had never seen snow. Actually, it was hailing when I said “oh my god snow” and my now lifelong friend turned to me with a smirk on her face and said “you dummy, that’s not snow, it’s hail.” I truly fell in love with the West and feel lucky to call Colorado home. My husband Miles and I have built our lives and family in Boulder. I’m thankful for the love and support of Miles and our two boys – Ryder and Leo – who are here with us today. 11 years ago, Leo had just been born, he was 7 weeks old when the market tanked and I was laid off from my job. I think about how much has changed in those 11 years. I certainly had no idea then that a run for local office would end up with me standing here before you as the Speaker of the House. But a lot more has changed since Leo was born. Amazon was a fledgling company. There was no bitcoin. No Lyft. No Ikon Pass. No marijuana store fronts. No negative factor. No Affordable Care Act. and Representative Rochelle Galindo was still in high school. 11 years ago, there were only 36 women serving in the House and Senate combined. Each year brings new issues to us at the capitol. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. We’ve gone from a deep recession to a thriving state. But the advantages of Colorado’s growth and economic prosperity of the last 5 or 6 years haven’t been felt by every corner of our state. Unemployment statewide is low and the President might be tweeting about the stock market – at least when it’s up – but many of our neighbors still find it hard to get ahead and they struggle with the rising cost of living. Hardworking families are trying to save for the years down the road or even for the coming months. And they are often one tragedy or paycheck away from financial distress. That means we need to give them the tools they need to get ahead. Last session, we passed bills to help Coloradans with the high cost of child care, increase the construction of affordable housing, and connect more Coloradans to the good, high-paying jobs our economy is now producing in great numbers. But it’s not enough. We are a state built on the value that people who work hard should be treated fairly. That means finally passing paid family leave because no one should have to risk financial ruin – or lose their job – to care for a new child or sick relative. It also means that women and people of color should be paid equally for equal work. We are committed to fighting for every Coloradan to be treated with the dignity, fairness and the respect they deserve. Despite significant efforts from legislators on both sides of the aisle, the rural-urban divide continues to be a challenge. While Colorado’s economy is working for some, it’s not working for everyone in rural communities and the legislature must do more to ensure that our successes touch all parts of our state. That means taking steps in rural Colorado to reduce the cost of health care and kick starting more economic development to get more people into good paying jobs. We must keep building on the bipartisan successes of workforce development programs in communities across the state. Access to affordable housing continues to be out of reach for many people. That means we need to invest state dollars in our affordable housing trust fund. It is my hope and the hope of many in this chamber that we work together to problem solve and expand opportunity. We are also committed to protecting the Colorado way of life, And I cannot think of a more important challenge for us to take on than climate change. Climate change is real. It’s threatening our thriving outdoor economy and our livelihoods. Skiers are seeing smaller snow packs Rafters are seeing smaller rapids Anglers are seeing shallower waters Mountain residents are seeing more frequent and more destructive wildfires And our eastern plains are seeing more drought. And unfortunately, Washington has once again chosen to bury its head in the sand while states and the rest of the world work to address the threat of climate change. We will build a better future by expanding our commitment to renewable energy, giving local communities the tools they need to prepare for the impacts of climate change and creating strong goals to limit carbon pollution. Our recent economic success shows that we can work together to protect our clean air and water and grow our economy at the same time. It is also a point of pride for our state that the leading solutions and studies to this challenge are coming from Colorado’s institutions of higher education and innovative entrepreneurs. We need to continue Colorado’s climate leadership for the sake of our economy, public health and clean air. Colorado’s way of life is also threatened by the growing conflict between neighborhoods and oil and gas. Our state has grown and schools and neighborhoods are butting up against oil and gas operations. It’s time we update our laws to reflect this new paradigm. That means, we must ensure communities feel more confident that the oil and gas happening nearby isn’t negatively impacting their air or water quality and their quality of life. Colorado’s way of life is precious. It’s part of the reason people live, work, play and move here like I did so many years ago. As we think about the Colorado way of life we must also think about investing in our future. Many of our educators are having to work multiple jobs just to pay their own bills, And many students have never had the experience of being in a fully funded school system. We have recently passed bipartisan state budgets that invested hundreds of millions of new dollars into our schools, boosted per-pupil funding, made commitments to address the teacher shortage, and brought down the negative factor. But, if we intend to leave our state in a better position than we found it, then we must do more. We need to give our students, teachers and schools the tools they need to succeed. That means we must continue to invest in early childhood education, K-12 and higher ed. And it means we should make sure our students are well prepared for the jobs of the future in a modernizing economy. Coloradans are also tired over the lack of investment in roads, bridges, and transit. That means coming up with creative and collaborative solutions to our transportation problems. Coloradans – no matter their political affiliation or zip code – are fed up with high cost of health care and out of control prescription drug prices. We hear from Coloradans nearly every day about their struggles with health care. We share the concerns of families and seniors across our state who agonize over access and rising costs. In the absence of federal leadership in Washington, we at the capitol must address this challenge head on. That means, we must work together to address skyrocketing health care costs by promoting transparency in insurance, drug pricing and medical expenses, That also means we must tackle surprise billing and help provide more stability to our health insurance markets. There is no time to waste. The health and well-being of Coloradans must continue to be a top priority because we are facing a public health epidemic. The opioid epidemic in the United States has claimed more lives than the entire Vietnam War. During the last session we passed bills to help battle this epidemic by getting people the care and treatment they need and addressing prescribing practices. These bipartisan measures are a good start, but there is much more work to be done to end the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. That means we must work together to save lives and end this epidemic. There is another epidemic we must address – gun violence. Our state, our children, our families and even those who are now represented in this chamber have been personally impacted by this crisis. Coloradans are tired of living with the consequences of inaction. They are marching in the streets and taking to the halls of this building. And they are demanding action on gun sense legislation. That means we will work to pass the life saving Extreme Risk Protection Order bill to prevent tragedies before they happen. Over the past few years, we have made significant bipartisan strides towards reforming our broken criminal justice system – we are even seeing consensus at the federal level on this issue so it is my hope that this is an area where we can continue to find common ground. We’ve come a long way from when we were labeled “The Hate State.” Last session, we were able to preserve a strong Colorado Civil Rights Division, and we’ve also made important progress for our LGBTQ community in recent years, but there is still work to do to ensure we have a more inclusive and more fair Colorado. That means instead of building walls and barriers that seek to sow division and block progress, we will build bridges and partnerships that will power our people and our state forward. Last session, we worked to address the culture of the capitol. The Capitol must be a place where everyone feels safe and respected, and that means we will continue to focus on reforming the culture and work together – regardless of party – to implement necessary changes this session. So now it’s time to work together. Coloradans cast their votes for those who will fight to expand opportunity for all and to govern responsibly. Coloradans chose compassion and opportunity over cruelty and chaos. They want leaders who will stand for something – not against everything. They want a government that will work for the people – not special interests. We must continue to reach across the aisle and not be afraid to find those sweet spots that reflect the Colorado way. This is a new and diverse group of lawmakers who will all bring influential ideas and renewed energy to this chamber and it’s on all of us to problem solve for the next one hundred and twenty days. I am honored to serve as your Speaker – and a Speaker for all Coloradans. I am excited about what we can accomplish together in order to protect the Colorado Way of Life. Thank you. God bless the State of Colorado and let’s get to work. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2020 REP. BUENTELLO APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC STABILIZATION & GROWTH Lawmaker will serve on Telecom Infrastructure Committee DENVER, CO — House Democrats today announced that Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, has appointed Representative Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to serve on the Telecom Infrastructure Committee, part of the governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth. “A lot of Coloradans are hurting right now. We need to use all the tools we have to help people, families and businesses get through this crisis,” said Rep. Bri Buentello. “Whether it’s helping us work from home or continue our children’s education, video conferencing has become essential to our lives. I’m excited to join private sector and community leaders to continue working on the issues that are important to Colorado families and small businesses.” The Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth is looking at how COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of Colorado’s economy and will make recommendations to the governor on how to help families, businesses and communities through the crisis. In addition to making policy recommendations, the Council is focused on identifying existing relief programs and is actively connecting small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors to these programs. The Council is looking at gaps in federal relief programs and potential ways to fill them. Read more about the other committees and the Council on their website . Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today to protect Coloradans from wildfires. < Back February 12, 2024 Legislation to Keep Coloradans Safe During Wildfire Evacuations Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today to protect Coloradans from wildfires. HB24-1033, sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Elizabeth Velasco, would encourage locally created emergency evacuation plans for Coloradans with pets during wildfires or other emergencies. “Wildfires can creep into communities quickly, and this legislation outlines an evacuation plan to keep everyone safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This bill encourages local communities to create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets so that they have evacuation options when disasters strike. Encouraging emergency preparedness will keep our communities safer during wildfires and other natural disasters.” “Rural and mountain communities like mine are often at-risk of destructive wildfires that uproot families, businesses and entire neighborhoods,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “To better protect our community members during a wildfire, this legislation would create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets, including transportation and other logistics. For many Coloradans, their pets are valued members of the family and this legislation creates a plan to keep everyone safe during wildfire evacuations. From expanded mitigation efforts to emergency planning, it’s important Coloradans are prepared for wildfire emergencies because the safety of our communities depends on it.” HB24-1033 , passed committee by a vote of 12 to 1. This bill would encourage local emergency management agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during wildfires or other emergencies. This would include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets, including service animals. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. This bill was created during the interim by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee and is designed to keep communities and Coloradans safer in the wake of destructive wildfires. Previous Next

< Back May 15, 2026 Democratic Leaders Respond to Commutation of Tina Peters’ Sentence Denver, CO – House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of Tina Peters: “We strongly oppose Governor Polis’ decision to preempt the courts and commute the sentence of a still-unremorseful Tina Peters. Tina Peters sought to overturn the election results and committed a serious crime. She was prosecuted by a Republican district attorney in a conservative county and convicted by a jury of her peers. Her actions threatened our elections, and commuting her sentence sends exactly the wrong message at a time when the Trump Administration is threatening vote-by-mail and working to undermine our democracy. “House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly outlined the many serious reasons why Governor Polis should let the courts decide Ms. Peters’ sentence. We stand by these concerns and the voices of election officials across our state to once again express our strongest objection to this decision. The legislature has worked for years to strengthen and protect Colorado’s elections to ensure they are safe, secure, and accessible, and we staunchly support our dedicated county clerks and election officials who have increasingly come under threat to uphold that.” In March, every House and Senate Democrat signed a letter to Governor Polis opposing a commutation or pardon of Tina Peters. Below is the full text of the letter: Governor Polis: We thank you for your service to our state and the dedication with which you serve the people of Colorado. We write today to urge you not to grant clemency, sentence commutation, any other sentence reduction, or a federal transfer to Tina Peters. While we acknowledge you have concerns with what the Colorado Appellate Court found in the processes of Ms. Peters’ case and the questions that the court continues to assess, the resolution to those issues should be handled by the judicial branch. It is our understanding that such a review is underway with further information being sought by the court, and we urge you to allow that process to advance and for the judicial system alone to handle review of any further actions in this case. Gubernatorial clemency, pardons, and similar sentence forgiveness are processes for those who have taken accountability for their crimes, understand the harm that they have created, and made good faith efforts for restitution to victims and self-rehabilitation. Ms. Peters has made no efforts to these ends. Instead, she refuses to take accountability for her crimes and continues to push election-denial conspiracy theories. Her total lack of remorse is in addition to her at-times violent behavior, as was captured on video when she attacked a police officer and, separately, another inmate . We also wish to remind you that most estimates place Ms. Peters’ release around late 2027 or early 2028, should she act with good behavior. We believe this is a reasonable sentence for attempts to tamper with and sow discord around our elections. We would be remiss if we did not express strong concern about the impact of Ms. Peters’ crimes in fueling election conspiracy theories that undermine the integrity of our elections system as a whole. We fear that any clemency or other sentence reduction on your part will further embolden these conspiracies and those who propagate them. We urge you not to empower those who seek to undermine our elections and Republic by providing them with a figurehead to rally around and near assurance that, when you tamper with our elections, you will escape justice. We also wish to share our sincere concern for the safety and longevity of our county clerks, in particular rural county clerks and their staff, should you grant sentence relief. As a result of election denial conspiracy theories - the likes of which Ms. Peters continues to propagate - our election administrators face threats to their safety and attempted interference in their work. In the last year alone, we have seen one Colorado elections office targeted with arson , in addition to other increasing threats against our election workers. As they seek to ensure transparency and integrity in our elections, clerks and election workers should be afforded every safeguard the state can create. They have made their message clear and we reiterate it here: if you take this action, many will leave their roles and Colorado’s safe and secure elections will suffer greatly as a result. We applaud your transparent approach to this issue, and share your desire to see equal application of justice. In this case, we ask that you let the courts do that work, as is their mandate. We ask for your approach to consider - beyond all else - that the impacts of your decision ripple far beyond fairness in carceral sentencing. This is not about any of us, or you, or even Ms. Peters. This is about the security and assuredness of our elections as a whole. This is about the future of our democracy, and of free and fair elections in our nation. We ask you to stand with us in safeguarding that future. Thank you for your consideration of our genuine concern for the future of our elections. ### Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER REACTS TO TRI-STATE CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today issued the following statement reacting to an announcement from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association outlining the retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico: “I applaud Tri-State’s commitment to Colorado’s clean energy future and am impressed by the bold carbon emissions reduction target they set. Meeting our state’s targets requires immediate collective action, and I’m happy to see Tri-State take their role seriously. As our state transitions toward a clean, renewable energy future, we must always keep in mind that this change will bring difficult transitions for Colorado’s energy workers, their families and communities. A commitment to a clean energy future also requires a commitment to a fair and just transition for Colorado’s workers. Protecting and supporting workers and communities through these shifting economic tides remains a top priority for the legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of stakeholders to find ways to support and protect working families affected by a changing energy economy. The Just Transition Office created by the legislature last year will work with impacted communities and worker representatives across the state on a plan to support those impacted by the transition away from coal.” Previous Next

Legislation will insulate nonprofits, shore up protections in education and housing < Back July 30, 2026 New Laws to Protect Coloradans’ Rights Amid Federal Rollbacks Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 12, three new laws to shore up Coloradans’ rights as the federal government rolls back key protections will go into effect. SB26-009 , sponsored by Senators Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, will ensure that nonprofit organizations that have lost their federal tax-exempt status for politically motivated reasons remain exempt from state sales tax. “Nonprofit organizations in our state are cornerstones of their communities, supporting countless Coloradans through difficult times,” Snyder said. “Chaos in the federal government threatens to upend these organizations’ ability to serve their communities. This new law offers much-needed stability and dependability to charitable groups across our state.” “Trump’s politically motivated attacks are threatening the ability of non-profits in Colorado to serve and support their communities,” said McCluskie. “Our new law protects nonprofits, ensuring that they continue to benefit from tax exemptions in our state, no matter what changes at the federal level. From safeguarding reproductive rights to creating affordable housing opportunities, nonprofits in Colorado deeply benefit our communities, and with this law, we have their back.” “H.R. 1 slashed our state budget in favor of corporate tax breaks, which means the services and support nonprofits offer are now more important than ever to our communities,” said Stewart. “Nonprofit organizations are under threat from the federal government, and this law makes sure Colorado’s nonprofits do not lose their tax-exempt status.” “Political retribution from the federal government could throw essential nonprofit organizations and the Colorado families who rely on them into chaos and financial distress,” Lindstedt said. “This legislation will fulfill our state’s responsibility to offer stability to valid charitable organizations amidst federal turbulence.” SB26-009 will ensure that valid 501(c)(3) organizations maintain their state tax exemption if the federal government removes their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. It will also ensure that the state maintains its authority to deny tax exemption for organizations that have lost their federal nonprofit status for legitimate reasons. Since January 2025, Colorado nonprofits have increasingly struggled to navigate frenzied federal actions that call into question their budgetary futures and ability to serve their communities. HB26-1045 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, will protect equal housing opportunity for Coloradans with disabilities. “After the federal government repealed existing protections for Coloradans with disabilities, we’re stepping in to reinstate those protections,” Kipp said. “Tenants who rely on service animals deserve equal access to housing, and this new law ensures that access remains in Colorado.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans with disabilities deserve equal access to housing,” said Clifford. “In contrast to the Trump Administration’s continued attacks, our law protects tenants who rely on service animals by making sure they are not turned away from housing opportunities. Service animals provide life-saving support to Coloradans with disabilities, and this law protects tenants.” “Every Coloradan deserves equal access to housing,” Danielson said. “One of my top priorities during my time in the legislature has been to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities. This new law is a continuation of that work, ensuring that those who depend on service animals do not face discriminatory barriers to housing.” “Colorado Democrats are stepping up to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities from Trump’s continued attacks,” said Zokaie. “Relying on a service animal should not jeopardize your housing, which is why our new law protects Coloradans from certain housing discrimination. Everyone deserves to have a safe, comfortable place to call home and our law protects Coloradans.” HB26-1045 establishes the presumption that live-in service animals are a reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities, and a complete prohibition of live-in service animals by landlords is a discriminatory housing practice. Under the law, landlords will be entitled to an interactive accommodation process to ensure dialogue between tenants and landlords. The law will also define “assistance animal” and “emotional support animal” to provide clarity for housing providers and Coloradans with disabilities and to reduce litigation. In May 2026, the Trump Administration formally narrowed the definition of an “assistance animal” allowed to live with disabled tenants. The defination was effective immediately. Last year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rescinded federal guidelines that outlined the rights that people with disabilities have regarding service animals under the Fair Housing Act. These guidelines also helped landlords, property managers and tenants understand how to distinguish between service animals and Emotional Support Animals. The repeal of these guidelines has created confusion regarding the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and what reasonable accommodations housing providers must provide. HB26-1141 , sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, will prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. “In Colorado, we believe that students deserve protections if they experience discrimination based on their skin color, sexual orientation and disability,” said Bacon . “As the Trump Administration slashes funding for the federal Office of Civil Rights, the time is now to strengthen civil rights protections to protect students in Colorado. Our schools should be a safe place for students to learn and grow, and together we’re creating a positive learning environment for all students.” “Colorado students are as diverse as the state itself, and that diversity is a strength that we must protect, especially in the face of ongoing threats to the federal Office of Civil Rights,” said Marchman. “With this new law, we are following through on that commitment by ensuring equal treatment for protected classes – which now includes those who are pregnant, in school and after-school programs.” “Students, faculty, and families deserve to know with complete certainty that if they experience discrimination in public schools, Colorado stands behind them, even if the federal government will not,” said Kolker. “This new law is a part of our holistic, 360-degree approach to supporting students of all backgrounds and ensuring that Colorado is a place where all students can learn and grow in a safe environment.” HB26-1141 prohibits 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 law also adds pregnancy and prenatal status to the definition of “harassment and discrimination" in K-12 public schools. The law outlines discrimination in K-12 schools and higher education institutions as denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a public accommodation when the school: Excludes a student from participating in school programs or activities, Denies educational services, benefits, or opportunities to a student without a legitimate, non-discriminatory basis and treats the student differently than a similar student, and Fails to take prompt and effective steps to address a complaint that they have created a hostile environment based on a protected class. The Colorado Civil Rights Division is able to create rules specifically for how to address these types of complaints. Higher education institutions, including community and technical colleges, will be required to establish a discrimination complaint process. They will also be required to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and Title VI, educate students and employees about the complaint process, manage and respond to 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, costing taxpayers over $28 million . The Office of Civil Rights leads investigations of discrimination at schools and higher education institutions across the country. He also moved oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Senator Marchman previously passed a law that clearly defines what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. They also passed a law in 2024 that ensures that schools and educators have trauma-informed resources to support youth against harassment and discrimination. All three bills join a host of actions Colorado Democrats have taken to protect Coloradans’ way of life amid federal threats. Previous Next

< Back March 23, 2021 A DAY AFTER BOULDER TRAGEDY, GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION ADVANCES Previously scheduled hearing on Lost & Stolen Bill moves forward DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement when they realize their firearms have been lost or stolen. The committee hearing, scheduled weeks ago after the legislation had moved through the Senate, comes a day after a tragic mass shooting that took the lives of 10 people in Boulder, Colorado. The bill passed by a party line vote of 7-4. “This bill is about as commonsense and straightforward as gun safety legislation gets,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “By simply requiring that responsible gun owners alert law enforcement when a firearm may have made its way into the hands of a criminal, we truly can save lives. This piece of legislation is overwhelmingly supported by our constituents. 87 percent of Coloradans are in favor of reporting lost and stolen firearms — that includes 81 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of gun owners. This shouldn’t be a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s a life and death issue.” “Reporting lost and stolen firearms to law enforcement is a simple way to prevent crime and save lives,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “As we are tragically reminded of today, gun violence is a plague that we must work to end in Colorado and in our country. While gut wrenching mass shootings like the one that took place near my alma mater yesterday make headlines and capture the nation’s attention, everyday instances of gun violence quietly take lives in our communities every single day. That’s what this bill seeks to remedy. I refuse to offer victims of gun violence only thoughts and prayers. I offer them my action.” SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next