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< Back July 6, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! RURAL ECONOMIES IN COLORADO GET A JUMP-START Denver, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bipartisan bill to expand on the successful Rural Jump-Start program that helps boost economic development in rural Colorado. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich as well as Senators Kerry Donovan and Ray Scott. “I am thrilled to see this bill signed into law today because our economy needs help so that Coloradans can get back to work,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “From Routt County to Mesa County, the Rural Jump-Start Program has been the reason why dozens of businesses were able to open their doors and hire employees in rural Colorado. This law expands this program to more parts of the state and will allow even more small businesses to open and hire employees. As we move to safely reopen, we are glad to have this tool in place to help with the long term economic health of rural Colorado.” “I am incredibly proud to have sponsored this bill and to watch it become law today,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “For the last 5 years the Rural Jump-Start Program has been helping new businesses open in rural Colorado and boost their local economies in the process. Now with the serious economic pains we are experiencing from COVID-19, it is crucial that we expand this program’s success to other small rural communities across the state. Recovery won’t happen overnight, but with the ingenuity of small business start-ups, I am hopeful that Colorado will have the tools in place to begin an economic recovery.” The Rural Jump-Start program encourages businesses to create and maintain jobs in economically distressed rural areas by providing tax incentives both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. HB20-1003 includes key modifications to the Rural Jump-Start program to ensure more rural communities, businesses and their employees can benefit in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. Importantly, it also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. < Back April 28, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado’s Water Future Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. HB25-1311, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 52-13. “Colorado is losing significant tax revenue that could go to conserving and protecting our water,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “From the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains, we’re prioritizing Colorado’s water future. This bill brings sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent, which means our state can capture more revenue to fund essential water conservation and preservation projects.” HB25-1311 would phase out sports betting tax incentives to capture more revenue for water conservation and protection. When voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, it legalized sports betting and an effective tax rate of 10 percent on betting to be used for industry regulation, gambling addiction services, and water projects. More than 90 percent of tax revenue ($97 million) from sports betting goes to the Colorado Water Conservation program, which has helped fund hundreds of projects in every corner of the state. However, Colorado is missing out on revenue because sports betting companies are only paying an effective 5.89 percent tax rate due to allowable deductions for pay-outs to customers, federal excise tax, and “free bets”. This bill would bring sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent by prohibiting sports betting operators from deducting “free bets” as a tax write-off. Colorado’s 10 percent tax rate is significantly lower than the national average of 18 percent. In 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition JJ, which removed the overall cap on sports betting revenue the state could collect. Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2021 GOV SIGNS BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY BILLS DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed two bills into law, which will increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality and encourage the use of more renewable energy. “Going green, whether through renewable energy or energy efficient technology, is great for our environment and can save individuals and businesses money in the process – what’s not to love?” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-246 and SB21-261. “This was a banner year for clean energy, and the two laws signed by Governor Polis today prove it. Both laws will go a long way toward meeting our climate goals while creating jobs and investing in long-term sustainability.” “New advances in energy efficient technology mean we can save money while saving the planet,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB21-246 . “The new law signed today will help Coloradans embrace energy efficient technologies like electric water heaters and furnaces, helping us to meet our climate goals, create jobs and improve both our indoor and outdoor air quality.” SB21-246 directs the Public Utilities Commission to set longer-term energy savings targets for utility beneficial electrification programs and approve plans from investor-owned utilities that would use incentives to promote the use and installation of energy efficient electric equipment. Transitioning to clean electric homes and businesses will improve public health, save energy, create jobs, and help Colorado meet its climate goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Under the bill, utilities will develop plans to help their customers replace costly natural gas and propane fueled appliances with high efficiency electric equipment, and utilities must include programs targeted to lower-income households in their plans. Clean heat from appliances such as electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves will help Colorado reduce greenhouse gas pollution and has potential to help improve indoor air quality and health and safety in buildings. Improving indoor air quality is especially beneficial to families with children, older Coloradans, or who have household members with respiratory issues. Businesses that sell and install energy efficient technologies will see increased demand and growth through greater adoption of more efficient equipment. “If we’re serious about meeting the ambitious greenhouse gas emission goals we set for ourselves, we can’t be limited by arbitrary caps on the amount of clean energy we can produce,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-261. “The new law signed today does away with unnecessary barriers to allow Coloradans to lean into renewable energy and more adequately store and produce clean energy.” Currently, homeowners with rooftop solar panels have been limited in the amount of solar energy they can produce to 120% of the previous year. SB21-261 removes limitations on rooftop solar, modernizes net metering, reduces the costs of solar installation, and advances adoption of battery storage technology with the goal of helping Colorado meet our climate goals of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to boost the incomes and working conditions for home care workers and increase access to care. < Back May 28, 2025 Bill to Boost Incomes, Address Home Care Workforce Shortage Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to boost the incomes and working conditions for home care workers and increase access to care. “This law uplifts the voices of home care workers, who are more often women and women of color, to ensure they have safe working conditions and earn a livable wage,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We’re implementing recommendations crafted by care workers, employers and direct care consumers to create a home care industry that works for all Coloradans. I’m proud to stand by both home care workers and patients to improve everyday life for our residents.” “We must do better to support the essential workers who provide in-home care, which offers dignity and independence to so many Coloradans,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “I sponsored the 2023 legislation that created this oversight board, and now it’s time to act on their recommendations. These workers deserve more than our gratitude – they deserve fair pay, stronger protections, and clear access to information on their rights and the compensation they’re entitled to.” “We’re supporting the direct care workforce to ensure Coloradans have access to the quality health care that they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our state is falling behind when it comes to providing in-home care services for aging Coloradans, which is why we’re addressing the home care workforce shortage. This law works to respond to the needs of our care workforce to support working families and create a strong, qualified in-home care workforce.” “In-home care workers care for our parents, our grandparents, our loved ones with disabilities, and so many others who deserve to live safely and with dignity in their own homes,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “While these care providers take care of our family and friends, they often face low pay and poor working conditions, making it hard to stay in the profession. As a result, Colorado is facing a shortage of in-home care workers. This new law is about honoring their work, improving their livelihoods, and ensuring that those who care for others are cared for themselves.” HB25-1328 implements recommendations from the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board, including: Requiring the board to investigate how health care benefits for direct care workers compare to other industries and how to reduce costs, Establishing a free “Know Your Rights” training, including information regarding wages, rules for travel time, how to file a complaint, current state and federal laws and where they can find more information, Investigating violations related to training and labor standards and fining employers who violate direct care workforce regulations, and Creating a website and communication platform that includes various trainings, information on worker’s rights, access to benefits, recruitment opportunities and other information. Increasing the minimum wage for direct care service workers to $17 per hour starting July 1, 2025, and recommending future minimum wage increases. The Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board was created by legislation , sponsored by Majority Leader Duran and Sen. Danielson, to make recommendations to improve working conditions for direct care workers and address the workforce crisis. Rep. Sirota and Sen. Bridges sponsored a 2024 law creating a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Previous Next

SB26-011 will ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants < Back March 30, 2026 Legislation to Protect Children Online, Improve Public Safety Signed Into Law SB26-011 will ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to improve warrant response timelines for online platforms and keep communities safe was signed into law today. SB26-011 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, establishes precise requirements for how large online social media platforms must receive, acknowledge, and respond to search warrants issued by Colorado courts. “As a former Deputy District Attorney, I saw firsthand how critical digital evidence can be in serious criminal investigations,” said Roberts. “Increasingly, warrants are being disregarded or not treated with the seriousness they deserve by social media platforms, and delays in accessing evidence can have real consequences. SB26-011 helps ensure that court-approved warrants are respected so investigators can move quickly and responsibly.” “Our legislation is about making sure families who have been harmed aren’t left waiting for justice,” said Boesenecker. “When a judge authorizes a lawful search warrant, law enforcement deserves timely access to evidence, whether it exists in a filing cabinet or with a social media platform. By requiring social media companies to respond to search warrants in a timely manner, we can improve pathways to justice and protect our communities from further harm.” Also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, the bill covers social media websites, online services, or mobile applications that have at least one million monthly users, allow users to create profiles, and allow users to create or share content. Under the bill, these platforms must have a clear process for communication with law enforcement, provide a staffed hotline available to law enforcement 24/7, provide status updates on warrant compliance, and prominently post contact information for search warrant compliance on their homepage. They must also acknowledge receipt of a search warrant within eight hours and comply within 72 hours in most cases. These requirements will be enforced by the Attorney General or local district attorneys. Previous Next

The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on health care and support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers, especially in rural and underserved communities. < Back February 24, 2026 Bill to Lower Emergency Health Care Costs, Sustain Rural EMS Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on health care and support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers, especially in rural and underserved communities. “EMS shows up to every call they receive, but only get reimbursed when they transport patients to the emergency room,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “By allowing treatment in place and transport to a more appropriate setting, we save patients time and Colorado taxpayers money. This bill will provide additional resources to emergency response providers while saving both hospitals, health plans and consumers money and freeing up emergency room beds for those who truly need it." “Without proper reimbursement from health insurance companies, EMS in rural communities like mine are headed for financial collapse,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “When I worked as an EMT in Southwest Colorado, we provided on-site care to many patients, but EMS was not reimbursed for those calls because we did not transport the patient to the emergency room. This bill saves patients money by eliminating the need to flood the emergency room with non-emergent cases, freeing up EMS so they can continue to provide essential care to our communities.” HB26-1069 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would streamline funding for EMS in Colorado by reducing reimbursement red tape. EMS providers regularly provide essential on-site treatment, also known as treatment in place (TIP). On average, TIP costs significantly less than emergency room care and this bill seeks to expand TIP, saving time and money. However, EMS providers are only reimbursed by health insurance carriers if they transport a patient to an emergency room, even when that transport is not necessary. To help bridge some of the EMS funding gaps and reduce strain on health care providers, this bill would require private insurance and Medicaid to reimburse EMS for TIP. To save patients and the state money on health care and sustain EMS in rural communities, this bill permits reimbursable EMS transit when an individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis is transported to an urgent care center. HB26-1069 also improves access to care by allowing Medicaid to reimburse for appropriate telehealth calls involving EMS. TIP limits the need for costly emergency room visits, saving the state and patients money on health care. For example, a federal TIP pilot program showed a 193-percent cost-to-savings ratio for Medicare members receiving TIP services instead of emergency room visits. On the Western Slope, a 2022 analysis of 911 calls in Eagle County revealed that TIP reimbursement accounted for a preliminary cost savings of $1,285.40 to the state per TIP call. If passed, HB26-1069 would save Colorado $2.1 million in FY 2026-27, $4.6 million in FY 2027-28 and $4.9 million in future years. Lastly, HB26-1069 ensures that social workers who co-respond in emergency settings are classified as first responders and receive the same benefits as EMS providers, which will strengthen workforce recruitment and retention, especially in rural or underserved areas. Previous Next

Lower and middle-income Coloradans could see their TABOR refund increase by hundreds of dollars < Back November 19, 2023 Bill to Provide Equal TABOR Refunds Passes Committee Lower and middle-income Coloradans could see their TABOR refund increase by hundreds of dollars DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today advanced legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by issuing TABOR refunds in equal amounts for all fillers for this year and making our tax code more equitable. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Our state’s broken tax code guarantees that the wealthiest Coloradans pay fewer taxes as a share of their income than poor and working-class families,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This bill alone does not solve this injustice but the relief we are aiming to provide here matters. This means extra money for gas to get to work or school, extra money to pay your rent and to keep food on your table. While it’s not enough, this bill moves us in the right direction, and I’m committed to doing more next session to help Coloradans struggling to get by.” “Issuing TABOR refunds in equal amounts is a popular and equitable proposal to help Coloradans with the rising cost of living. It will raise the TABOR refunds for millions of people and put more money back into the pockets of working people,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and our bill delivers crucial relief to people who are feeling the greatest impacts of our cost of living crisis.” SB23B-003 would change the TABOR refund mechanism for the 2023 tax year to provide equal refunds for all taxpayers. Over sixty percent of filers and everyone making under $100,000 per year would receive higher TABOR refunds under this bill, with the majority of working families seeing an increase of hundreds of dollars. Previous Next

SB25-167 creates a down payment assistance program for public school employees < Back June 4, 2025 Signed! New Law Creates Path to Homeownership for Teachers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to create the Educator First Home Ownership Program to provide down payment assistance for public school employees. SB25-167 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, creates a Community Investment Portfolio within the Public School Fund to be used for a shared equity down payment assistance program and other community investments. The law unlocks at least $100 million by 2028 and $200 million by 2030 to assist public school employees in buying their first home. “SB25-167 uses financial tools already in our toolbox to help teachers and other public school employees afford a down payment,” said Amabile. “This new program will allow teachers, who give so much to our communities, to put down roots, build generational wealth, and have a safe and stable place to call home. It is a win-win, letting participants keep most of their equity if they sell, while sustaining the program and paying it forward for others." “For first-time homebuyers, the initial down payment can be financially intimidating or seemingly impossible,” said Rep. Bird. “This law makes it easier for our teachers to afford to purchase their very first home, making it possible for them to build generational wealth and put down roots in the communities they teach in. Together, we’re investing in our teachers.” “With this law, we’re making owning a home a reality for more Colorado teachers,” said Rep. Lukens. “The lack of affordable housing, especially in rural mountain communities like mine, can be a significant barrier for first-time homebuyers. By creating a new program to help public school teachers afford a down payment, more educators can afford to live in the communities where they teach.” The down payment assistance program will be managed by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) who will establish criteria for participation, prioritizing first-time homebuyers using the home as their primary residence. The new law establishes reporting requirements to the House and Senate Education Committees, the Public School Fund Investment Board (PSFIB), and the Colorado Department of Education. The PSFIB will manage the portfolio. They may contract with investment advisors to provide support and expertise, and one member must have experience in community investments. Previous Next

< Back February 12, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES HANSEN BILL TO HELP CONSUMERS & ENERGY COMMUNITIES Bill could help lower energy bills and ensure Colorado leads on climate action (Feb. 11) – The House Energy and Environment committee gave approval to Rep. Chris Hansen and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo’s bill to help lower the cost of energy bills and transition toward renewable energy today. As a result of market forces, Colorado workers and communities are being negatively affected by the closure of aging power plants. “We have a moral imperative to act on climate and ensure our state transitions to renewable energy sources in a responsible manner. This bill will help lower energy costs for consumers, invest in low-cost renewable energy, and provide direct assistance to communities impacted by the retirement of a fading power plant,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. The Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Act would offer job training and financial support to communities impacted by the decommissioning of power plants. “Coloradans are currently on the hook for the outstanding debt on aging power plants. This legislation would allow the state to refinance that debt at a much lower interest rate by authorizing ratepayer-backed bonds. The bill will help hardworking families save money on their energy bills and ensure a soft landing for when an aging power plant inevitably shuts down because of market forces,” Rep. Hansen added. The bill would have no impact on the state budget. As utilities retire facilities, workers and communities where the plants are located can face economic challenges, and this bill creates a means of mitigating those challenges. HB19-1037 creates the opportunity for Colorado to take advantage of low-cost ratepayer-backed bonds. Bonds can be used if an electric-generating facility is being closed. From a portion of bond proceeds, the bill also creates and funds the Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Authority, which acts to mitigate impacts of plant closures on affected Colorado workers and communities. Twenty-one other states have laws in place allowing ratepayer-backed bonds to be used but this would be the first time in U.S. history that savings from the bonds would help workers and communities transition and cost tax-payers zero dollars in the process. HB19-1037 was approved by a vote of 7-4. The bill now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services today unanimously passed a bipartisan bill by a vote of 11-0 to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement. < Back April 18, 2023 McCluskie Bill to Increase Affordable Health Care Passes House Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services today unanimously passed a bipartisan bill by a vote of 11-0 to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement. “Community Health Workers, like patient navigators and Promotores de salud, are critical to reducing health disparities in rural communities by connecting patients to critically needed preventative, primary and behavioral health services,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Improving patient access to community health workers and preventative care mitigates costly, life-threatening and preventable diseases to keep Coloradans healthy and alive. This legislation bolsters Colorado’s health care workforce capacity to save people money on care and increase access to the services they need in the communities they call home.” SB23-002 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, would save money on health care by providing a lower cost option for preventative health care and seeks Medicaid reimbursement for community health workers that would incentivize growth in the workforce. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be authorized to seek federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services, which would secure long-term funding to make urgently-needed care both easier to access and more affordable for the Coloradans who depend on it. Services provided by community health workers include preventative services, screening, assessments, behavioral or dental health-related services, health coaching, and advocacy. The bill requires HCPF to seek federal approval by July 1, 2024, and to begin implementing coverage once approval is received. The committee also passed SB23-031 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mandy Lindsay, to expand opportunities for clinical health professions and graduate students enrolled in participating Colorado institutions of higher education through training at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to better support multidisciplinary health care for aging Coloradans . This training would expand geriatric health care services and work to increase the workforce of specialty providers for older Coloradans across the state. SB23-031 passed by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. < Back November 5, 2024 Colorado Democrats Secure Overwhelming House Majority DENVER, CO - Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. “Coloradans have once again placed their trust in us, and I am grateful to the people of our state. They have elected an overwhelming Democratic majority to the House in similar numbers to what we won in 2018 and 2020 when we secured the largest Democratic majority since FDR,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s clear from the results that Coloradans believe we are the right people to lead our state forward. Coloradans believe in reproductive freedom, and tonight, Coloradans reelected a pro-choice majority. Coloradans believe in public education, and tonight we reelected a pro-public schools majority. Coloradans believe in climate science, and tonight we reelected a pro-climate action majority. House Democrats are excited to build on our breakthrough session and continue fighting for our values, our freedoms and our Colorado way of life.” “I’d like to thank the voters of our state for reelecting our majority, and I congratulate all the Democratic lawmakers and candidates who worked so hard and ran great campaigns,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This cycle, we were defending seats in Republican territory that Trump won four years ago, and we still won an overwhelming majority because Coloradans agree with us on the issues that matter most like saving families money, protecting our climate, reducing gun violence, and securing abortion rights. Tonight, Colorado rejected the party of election deniers, climate deniers and politicians who would take us backward and once again entrusted Democrats to move Colorado forward.” During the 74th General Assembly, House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results. During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the costs for families. Major Accomplishments from the 74th General Assembly Making Colorado More Affordable for All: House Democrats passed legislation to save people money and new laws to make housing more affordable , reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and prevent unpredictable rate spikes on utility bills. We also delivered property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, including veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors. Colorado Democrats put money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by boosting the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and creating the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: From providing no-cost mental health services to youth and increasing hospital transparency to cutting patient costs, Colorado Democrats have passed new laws to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, quality health care. The reinsurance program and Colorado Option are saving consumers nearly half a billion dollars a year. Protecting Reproductive Rights: Colorado Democrats have protected your right to reproductive health care. We passed laws to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with abortion and gender-affirming care, limit surprise medical billing for reproductive health care services and treatment, and improve access to contraceptive care. We also rejected dangerous bills from the Colorado GOP that would have criminalized abortion and effectively banned IVF. Investing in Public Education: One of the biggest accomplishments of the 2024 legislative session was eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor , increasing total funding for public schools by more than $500 million. A new bipartisan school funding formula increases funding for rural schools and at-risk students, special education, and English Language Learners. Families will save money on higher education with the Colorado Promise Act, a refundable income tax credit that will cover the cost of two years of higher education or the full cost of community college. Protecting Our Air and Water: House Democrats are dedicated to addressing climate change , improving Colorado’s air quality, and protecting our water . New laws will generate significant funding for transit, rail, and land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Additionally, Colorado Democrats created over $60 million in annual tax cuts to businesses and consumers for clean energy and made water and energy efficiency improvements more affordable and eco-friendly. Preventing Gun Violence and Improving Public Safety: Colorado Democrats took major strides to prevent gun violence in our communities. We expanded Colorado’s “red flag” law, implemented a minimum three-day waiting period to receive a firearm, strengthened training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit, and improved enforcement of federal gun laws. A bipartisan law was credited for a sharp decrease in auto thefts. In 2024, we passed bipartisan laws to strengthen protections against human trafficking and improve safety for victims by expanding protections around civil protection orders. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support safety net health care providers and lower health care costs for Coloradans. < Back February 26, 2025 Bill to Protect Safety Net Providers, Save People Money on Health Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support safety net health care providers and lower health care costs for Coloradans. HB25-1174 passed by a vote of 8-4. “We’re building upon our progress to save you money on health care by reigning in high hospital prices while protecting the safety net providers Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This bill saves small businesses money on health care coverage for their employees and supports our local safety net providers that serve our vulnerable community members. We’re focused on improving access to the high-quality health care Coloradans need, and that requires us to improve the financial health of our safety net providers.” “While we’ve worked hard to drive down the cost of health care, there is more that can be done to improve access and save Coloradans money on health care,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “For example, Coloradans with commercial health insurance pay nearly three times what Medicare reimburses hospitals for the same care. Our legislation supports Colorado’s safety net providers, including community clinics, that often serve our seniors and hardworking families. This bill saves the state and small businesses money while boosting access to high-quality health care.” HB25-1174 will support safety net providers and reduce costs for small businesses by: Establishing reimbursement maximums for in-network (165% of Medicare) and out-of-network (150% of Medicare) on prices paid to certain hospitals through the state employee health plan and the small group market. Creating a feasibility study is required to explore the option for local governments and school districts to participate in a similar reimbursement limit. Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado – like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. This bill will support safety net providers by redirecting funds to critical community health centers and providers that serve Coloradans where and when they need care. HB25-1174 will also protect the state budget as tens of millions of dollars are expected to be diverted to the health care safety net and to help state employees with minimal impact on hospital margins. Similar policies in states like Oregon and Montana have proven effective, saving state employees money while relieving budget pressures. Colorado is poised to join these states in leading the charge for equitable and sustainable health care reform. Previous Next