< Back June 3, 2020 PASSED! DEMOCRATS STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers by a vote of 55-12. The bill includes specific protections for low-income Coloradans and those who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. “Far too many Coloradans are feeling the economic strain of this pandemic and even struggling to keep the lights on,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill will go a long way towards guaranteeing protections for low-income Coloradans who may face having their power disconnected. It will also provide more support to those who use a considerable amount of power due to a health condition. This bill is the result of years of work and advocacy in Southern Colorado, and I’m proud to see it swiftly pass the House.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE VOTING OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE New law preserves voting access for both renters and property owners displaced by the fire DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed. “The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this law will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.” “With Colorado’s primaries just around the corner, this law assures voters displaced by the Marshall Fire that they’ll be able to vote in their communities, regardless of if they owned a home or rented before being forced to evacuate,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This law will preserve access to Colorado’s gold standard elections for every voter displaced by the Marshall Fire and ensures they have a voice in who represents them.” “This important bill will provide Colorado voters who are temporarily displaced by natural disasters like the Marshall Fire the certainty they need to continue using their home address to vote,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “No person should have to worry about accessing the ballot box during such an incredibly difficult time, and these voters should be able to cast a ballot on the issues and candidates for the community that they truly call home.” “Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County said. “This law will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.” “My heart still breaks for the Coloradans who are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing everything they had,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “ This law offers voters displaced by the fire the peace of mind that they will still be able to easily cast their ballot in their communities.” SB22-152 , allows registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched. The law preserves voting options for both renters and homeowners. This law will also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and will extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 INTRODUCED! LANDMARK BILL TO EXPAND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS TO OVER 37,000 PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS Building upon the 2020 state workers bill, SB22-230 would more than double the number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today introduced landmark legislation to support workers by extending collective bargaining rights to more than 37,000 county public service employees, marking a historic step in Colorado’s labor and workers rights movement. SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 to extend similar collective bargaining rights to county workers. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, retention issues, and improving public services. “County workers kept Colorado running through some extremely difficult years of pandemic disruptions and health and safety hazards,” said Fenberg. “These tens of thousands of unsung heroes have more than earned what nearly every private sector and state worker already enjoy — the right to organize and negotiate for fair and safe workplaces. It’s time for county public service workers to be given the choice to form a union.” “County workers have been on the frontlines during the pandemic and often work dangerous jobs to protect our communities and deliver the services Coloradans rely on,” Esgar said. “We depend on these tens of thousands of workers, and now is the time to have their backs. This bill will give county public service workers the right to form a union to negotiate for fair and safe workplaces and to improve the delivery and efficiency of critical services. County workers who fix our roads, staff our public health departments and protect our communities deserve the right to negotiate for a better future for themselves and their families.” “Across Colorado, tens of thousands of county workers perform hazardous jobs and provide the critical services that keep communities running safely and smoothly,” said Moreno. “These public servants deserve to have a seat at the table to negotiate their employment, just like private sector and state employees currently do. By granting Colorado’s 37,000 county workers the right to choose to form a union, this bill will help Colorado take the next step on the path to ensuring collective bargaining rights for every Coloradan.” Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize public service workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee Colorado statutory county workers have the ability to organize and form a union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services, if they so choose. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

On August 6, 2025, legislation goes into effect to boost the incomes and working conditions for home care workers and increase access to care. < Back July 29, 2025 Law to Boost Incomes, Address Home Care Workforce Shortage Takes Effect DENVER, CO - On August 6, 2025, legislation goes into effect 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.” “With this law now going into effect, 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 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

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. < Back March 31, 2025 Gov Signs Law to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral and Complex Health Care DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. “I’ve seen the positive impact that access to essential health care and services has on children with IDD, behavioral health, and long-term medical needs, which is why it's so important that we expand and streamline the process for receiving care,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill is near and dear to my heart, and I am excited that this new law will expand the services available to Colorado kids and families so they can enjoy life at home while receiving the health care they need and deserve.” “We owe it to our children to provide the support they need in their early years. That is not only the right thing to do, but an important investment in our future,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This legislation helps protect and streamline children’s health care and early intervention services to make sure every child in Colorado has the opportunity to thrive.” HB25-1003 , also sponsored by Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, creates the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver by merging the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) and the Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI) waivers. This helps streamline waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with behavioral health conditions or complex needs. The CHCBS provides home and community-based services for families with children with significant medical needs so they can continue to live at home and prevent institutionalization. The CLLI provides in-home services and treatments for families with children with a complex health need, including respite care and pain management. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to improve access to behavioral health care, including creating the I Matter program to offer no-cost behavioral health services to students, training for first responders and community leaders to identify and respond to symptoms of mental health struggles or substance use disorders, and expanding behavioral health care coverage for Colorado youth. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 COMMITTEES ADVANCE MATERNAL HEALTH AND HEALTH EQUITY BILLS DENVER, CO– Two House Committees today advanced two bills addressing maternal and social determinants of health in Colorado. The Judiciary Committee advanced Rep. Leslie Herod’s bill about perinatal pregnancy protections, particularly for those giving birth while incarcerated, by a vote of 7-4, while the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee passed Reps. Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to create a strategic plan to address health equity disparities in underrepresented populations by a vote of 8-4. “Our country is facing both a maternal mortality and a health equity crisis, and today we took bold steps to address both,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “American women face subpar perinatal and postnatal care, and for Black and Indigenous women, it’s far worse. Maternal mortality in our communities is two to three times higher than that of white women. The bills we advanced today will work in tandem to improve health care for expecting mothers and communities of color.” “I see the devastating manifestations of Colorado’s health disparities play out in my medical clinic far too often,” said Doctor Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “The bill we advanced today will improve health equity in our state and help chart our course toward better health outcomes for Black, Brown and Indigenous communities in Colorado.” SB21-193 , considered by the Judiciary Committee today, takes several steps to address maternal health inequality in Colorado. It ensures a pregnant person’s advance directive is honored the same way as one coming from a non-pregnant person, addressing what’s known as the pregnancy exclusion clause that was recently found unconstitutional by a federal judge. The bill also requires the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to receive reports regarding culturally incongruent maternal care provided to pregnant women or those in postpartum care, and it adds protections for pregnant people in jails and state correctional facilities. SB21-181 , considered by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today, expands and improves the existing Health Disparities Grant Program and requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to prepare a biennial report on health disparities and how best to address social determinants of health for underrepresented populations. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bills to Address Teacher Shortage, Boost Workforce Advance DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. “We’re working to remove barriers educators face when entering the workforce in Colorado,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Our bill would streamline the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado. As a former teacher, I know how important it is to have qualified, dedicated educators in the classroom, and this bill will help Colorado attract more licensed teachers to support our students.” “Addressing Colorado’s teacher shortage is a top priority this session,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Through this bill, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license. Boosting the teacher workforce begins with reducing barriers to entering the profession, and our bill creates an important pathway for teachers licensed in other states to begin teaching in Colorado.” HB23-1064 passed committee by a vote of 9-2 and would create new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain a teacher’s license from another member state. This bill is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocated from state-to-state. HB23-1001 also passed the House on a preliminary vote this morning. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, builds upon last year’s work to boost the educator workforce by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. HB23-1001 is scheduled for a final vote in the House later this week. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2023 Duran Statement on the Increase of Domestic Violence Deaths in Colorado DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement regarding the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report which revealed an increase in domestic violence deaths in 2021. Statement from Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “The annual report from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has confirmed one of my worst fears – domestic violence deaths surged in 2021 and are now at an all-time high in Colorado. “This is frightening, and I am keeping those who have lost a friend or loved one to domestic violence very close to my heart. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. For a time in my life, I was not safe in my own home. I know the feeling of displacement and the struggle of navigating your next move to keep you and your children safe. “Today, and every day, I am deeply committed to ensuring Colorado’s crime victims and survivors receive the support and services they deserve. While the rise of domestic violence deaths is troubling and we have a lot to work to do, we have been able to secure multi-year funding that will enhance services for victims of crime. This year, we will make improving public safety a top priority and continue our focus on providing the services that survivors need.” In Colorado, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high since the state began tracking this information in 2016. Majority Leader Duran, a domestic violence survivor, has spent her career at the capitol advocating for survivors' rights and services. In 2022, Majority Leader Duran spearheaded SB22-183 which invested $48 million toward providing critical resources, programs and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence. She has also sponsored bills to protect survivors of domestic violence by strengthening enforcement of requirements that certain domestic violence abusers relinquish their firearms. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing. < Back February 11, 2025 Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Ambulance Billing Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing. HB25-1088, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, would shield Colorado patients by expanding existing consumer protections to public ambulance services. “No one should hesitate dialing 9-1-1 during an emergency because they’re concerned about cost,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont . “This bill aims to extend surprise billing protections to public ambulance service so Coloradans can receive the emergency services they need. Our bill would establish clear reimbursement rates and ensure that when patients require an ambulance, they aren’t later charged unreasonable and often unaffordable bill.” “The last thing on someone’s mind when calling an ambulance during an emergency should be cost – yet many patients still receive expensive, surprise bills from ambulance services,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This important legislation extends consumer protections to cover surprise billing from public ambulance services. Keeping our communities safe and healthy is a top priority, and this legislation makes sure Colorado patients won’t face surprise ambulance bills that they cannot afford.” HB25-1088 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill would protect patients from surprise, and typically expensive, ambulance billing. Colorado’s existing billing protections only include private ambulance services. HB25-1088 builds upon previous bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing by extending protections to public ambulance services. Additionally, this bill would put key federal Advisory Committee on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing (GAPB) recommendations in place, such as: Prohibiting all ambulance agencies from balance billing patients for both emergency and non-emergency transports. Establishing reimbursement rates for ambulance services that are out of network. Requiring carriers to pay the rates adopted by governing political subdivisions, assuming those rates meet conditions designed to improve transparency and limit costs. Creating a public-facing website of rates adopted by political subdivisions. Ensuring ambulance agencies are paid directly after a transport. During an emergency, patients cannot choose who responds to their 9-1-1 call and more than 75-percent of ambulance agencies in Colorado are public departments, not covered by current law. The bill establishes clear reimbursement rates to ensure patient access and improves ambulance sustainability in all Colorado communities. Previous Next

Legislation would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options and supporting local efforts < Back March 6, 2024 Committee Approves Legislation to Incentivize Housing Near Transit Legislation would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options and supporting local efforts DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to save people money on housing by building more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community. It would also provide financial support to cities, counties, and municipalities that meet their housing goals. HB24-1313 passed by a vote of 7-3. “We can all agree that housing affordability is at crisis levels in our state, and we have to act now,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This legislation unlocks the door for more affordable housing near transit. Coloradans want and deserve shorter commutes and safe, walkable neighborhoods. This bill advances our climate and housing goals, and I’m grateful to the committee and all the stakeholders for helping us get this done.” “We all want a Colorado where our essential workers can afford their rent and families can buy a home, and this bill will help get us there,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Our bill reduces housing costs by removing burdensome barriers in order to encourage more housing near transit and job centers. It provides financial support to local governments that meet their housing goals. By building in a smart, strategic way, we can bring down the cost of living and prevent our loved ones and neighbors from being pushed out of our communities.” HB24-1313 would increase affordable housing options and help prevent Coloradans from being displaced from their communities by encouraging strategic housing development near transit and job centers. The bill empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve our natural resources and improve our air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. The bill would establish Housing Opportunity Goals in areas close to transit services where qualifying cities and counties could build more housing. Subject jurisdictions would have the flexibility to decide where it makes sense to build more housing to ensure they are meeting the diverse needs of their communities. Jurisdictions could meet the Housing Opportunity Goals a number of different ways including increasing the maximum building height in multi-family and mixed-use zones, or allowing multi-family residences in commercial-only or single-family zones. Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from a new Affordable Housing Tax Credit and the Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their efforts in increasing housing opportunities near public transit, employment centers, safe biking and walking corridors. HB24-1313 applies to cities only if they are in Metropolitan Planning Organizations, have a population over 4,000, and have more than 75 acres of Transit Areas. Of the approximately 30 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor. A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE SENIORS MONEY ON HOUSING DENVER, CO – The House today passed HB22-1205, which will save seniors money on housing by creating a temporary new income tax credit. The bill passed 51-12 with half of all House Republicans opposing this relief for Colorado seniors. “This bill will save nearly 140,000 Colorado seniors money on housing by creating a new refundable income tax credit,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This credit will boost the incomes of seniors who rent their homes or haven’t owned them long enough to qualify for the senior homestead exemption. Rising housing costs and property values are hurting Colorado seniors, and this bill will bring much needed relief and save them money.” “With housing costs rising, Colorado seniors need relief, and that’s exactly what this bill provides through a new refundable tax credit,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will put money back into seniors’ pockets, save seniors money on housing, and help vulnerable Coloradans afford the rising cost of living in Colorado.” HB22-1205 will save Colorado seniors $100 million on their housing costs by creating a new refundable income tax credit. Seniors with incomes under $75,000 who have not claimed the senior homestead exemption will be eligible for the tax credit. The credit starts at $1,000 for taxpayers with incomes below $25,000 and phases out slowly by $10 for every $500 of income above $25,000. Because the credit is refundable, taxpayers will receive the benefit even if the credit exceeds their tax liability. According to the bill’s fiscal note prepared by nonpartisan staff, nearly 60,000 Coloradans will receive the full $1,000 credit, and up to 77,000 Coloradans will see tax relief under the bill. The chart below shows the tax credit amount as it phases out by income level. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next