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Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. < Back May 22, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Develop Innovative Clean Energy and Create Jobs DENVER, CO - Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. “The need to address the climate crisis is only becoming more urgent, which is why I am so pleased to see these bills be signed into law,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of SB23-285, HB23-1210, and HB23-1281. “This package of bills will help Colorado remain on the right path to net-zero emissions by helping us create jobs while encouraging better carbon management and clean energy initiatives. I am proud of our work to help build a healthier more sustainable future for us all.” “Climate change is a very real threat to Colorado. We need these laws to manage carbon emissions, push toward cleaner energy, and meet our climate goals,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-285 and HB23-1210 . “These laws will help us reach net zero carbon emissions by encouraging innovative methods for energy generation and carbon management. I’m happy to champion these efforts to create good-paying jobs, meet our climate goals, and make Colorado a leader in clean tech.” SB23-285 , sponsored by Senators Hansen and Priola and Representatives Dickson and McCormick, renames the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission and directs the Commission to regulate energy and carbon management areas beyond oil and gas. The Commission will now include new energy generation and storage technologies like deep geothermal and underground natural gas storage. The law also directs the Commission to undertake studies to ensure the safe development and regulation of these new technologies and others, including transportation and storage of hydrogen. “Climate change impacts our communities each and every day, and we must expand our reach to take advantage of innovative ways to improve our air quality and protect our way of life,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-285 . “This law will expand opportunities for new carbon management and geothermal technologies to reduce our air pollution, protect public health and help meet our climate goals.” HB23-1210 , sponsored by Representative Dickson and Senators Hansen and Priola, directs the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The law will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. “Achieving Colorado’s bold climate goals requires innovation,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Carbon removal is emerging as an innovative, successful technology to be used in the pursuit of a net-zero economy. I’m proud to help Colorado become a leader in carbon management and I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law.” HB23-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Stephanie Vigil and Senator Lisa Cutter, sets first in the nation standards for the production of hydrogen energy that will help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel driven sources of energy and create good paying jobs. This law encourages the development of hydrogen projects by building on federal investments and incentives and creating an income tax credit for the use of hydrogen fuel. It also establishes several safeguards to ensure that hydrogen fuel production doesn’t create new emissions by requiring that it be powered by dedicated renewable energy resources, located in close proximity to power hydrogen plants. “With this bill being signed into law today, we’re unlocking an innovative and affordable source of green energy in Colorado to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1281. “Hydrogen will provide affordable and reliable electricity as Colorado works toward our net zero carbon emission goal. This law protects consumers and our environment while spurring innovation in hard-to-decarbonize industries.” “With this legislation, we will be able to leverage federal funds to support the transition to hydrogen for specific industrial uses,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1281. “We worked hard to create a balance; incentivizing innovative energy options while creating a framework to provide the critical environmental protections necessary. I'm proud that Colorado is leading the way and providing a model for other states as we work towards a carbon neutral future." “This innovative approach to clean energy production creates a framework for a clean hydrogen economy in Colorado,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1281. “This law helps us compete for federal funds and incentivizes clean hydrogen in sectors that can’t rely on other forms of renewable energy so we can move away from the use of fossil fuels and reach our carbon and climate goals. I’m proud Colorado is leading the way to promote and reduce the cost of new technologies and more affordable clean energy while creating good paying jobs.” The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap states that we need innovative methods to bring down costs to reach Colorado’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2050. Cement and steel production, heavy duty trucking, and aviation fuel are difficult to decarbonize, which is why investing in clean hydrogen energy is promising in efforts to meet Colorado’s climate goals. In February 2022, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming developed the Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub to secure federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to fight against climate change. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO BAN THE GAY AND TRANS PANIC DEFENSE The House Judiciary Committee today passed Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Soper’s bipartisan bill to ban the use of the gay and trans panic defense. The committee vote was 6-2. “Telling a crime victim that their sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the violence perpetrated against them is wrong and cruel,” said Rep. Herod , D-Denver . “The gay and trans panic defense should never hold up in court. This defense harms the already vulnerable LGBTQ+ community and holds Colorado back. It’s time to ban this antiquated and discriminatory practice.” The gay and trans panic defense is a legal tactic that has been used to strengthen a legal defense by playing on the prejudice of jurors. HB20-1307 states that evidence about a defendant’s knowledge or discovery of a victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation cannot be asserted as a legal defense constituting ‘sudden heat of passion’ in a criminal case. If this bill is signed into law, Colorado would join California, Nevada, Illinois, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey as states that have banned the gay and trans panic defense strategy. In 2018, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and House Representative Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA) introduced legislation to ban the gay and trans panic defense at the federal level. According to the FBI’s 2018 hate crime statistics , 1,404 hate crimes perpetrated in 2018 were based on sexual orientation. Of these offenses, 59.8 percent were classified as anti-gay male and 25 percent were classified as anti LGBTQ bias. According to this FBI data , in Colorado in 2018, there were 123 hate crimes reported and of those 24 were related to sexual orientation and three of them were related to gender identity. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2019 DURAN & LONTINE’S BILL TO ENSURE PREGNANT MOMS HAVE ACCESS TO DENTAL SERVICES THROUGH CHP+ GETS GREEN LIGHT Bill will lead to healthy mothers and healthy babies (Feb. 22) – The House floor approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran and Rep. Susan Lontine that will extend eligibility for dental coverage to pregnant women insured through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) on second reading. Through this bill, all enrollees in this program can benefit from dental coverage. The bill will help nearly 900 pregnant women who are insured through CHP+. “As a dental assistant, I’ve seen many pregnant women come in with dental issues that can affect their baby,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, a certified dental assistant.. “Due to hormonal and diet changes during pregnancy, women are particularly susceptible to gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth decay, that can spread to their babies and cause low birth weight among other issues. This is really important to all of us.” Currently, the medical services board only offers dental services for eligible children enrolled in a CHP+. About 25 percent of all pregnant women in Colorado lack dental insurance coverage. CHP+ is health insurance for children and for pregnant women over the age of 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. “This bill improves the health of women, their pregnancy outcomes, and the health of new babies,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Having healthy moms leads to healthy babies, and this is something we all want to see.” HB 19-1038 passed on second reading with bipartisan support through a voice vote. It must go through final reading on the House floor before it gets sent to the Senate. ATTACHED: Headshot of Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge and Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2021 BILL TO FINANCE FOREST HEALTH EFFORTS MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, & Water Committee today passed bipartisan legislation that would allow communities to join together to create special districts in order to help finance forest health projects. HB21-1008, sponsored by Representatives Jeni Arndt and Marc Catlin, passed. “With droughts getting worse and worse each year and temperatures rising to historic levels, our fire seasons have become more dangerous and destructive,” said Rep. Jeni James Arndt, D-Fort Fort Collins. “Building back stronger means providing our communities with the tools they need to protect their property from future disasters. This bill would allow towns, counties, and municipalities to join together to finance forest health projects that can reduce the threat, intensity, and size of wildfires in our state.” HB21-1008 allows local governments to establish special improvement districts that would, with voter or property owner approval, be allowed to levy property taxes to finance forest health projects like removing trees damages from pine beetle or replanting deforested areas. Forest health projects can reduce the intensity and size of wildfires. The bill also empowers counties, municipalities, special districts, water conservancy districts, and forest improvement districts to financially contribute to forest health projects. Previous Next

< Back September 19, 2020 BECKER, GARNETT REACT TO JUSTICE GINSBURG’S PASSING DENVER, CO – House Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Alec Garnett today released the following statements reacting to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the age of 87. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg will forever be remembered as a trailblazing giant of American jurisprudence,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “I am heartbroken to hear of her passing. Justice Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court the summer before I started law school, and throughout my years there she was an unyielding force of inspiration for myself and my fellow women law students. She has no doubt inspired leagues of young lawyers for three decades since, and I am confident that she will continue to inspire any woman seeking to practice law long after her passing. May she rest in peace and power.” “With every decision, every dissent, and every question raised during Supreme Court hearings, Ruth Bader Ginsburg furthered the cause of justice,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett . “At 5’1, she was a towering presence — a fierce ally to all those who fought for equality and the improvement of our country and a fearless foe to those who did not. I can only hope and pray that Cory Gardner, Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate in Washington will respect the legacy of an American icon, as well as their own rules about Supreme Court appointments during presidential election years, and wait until 2021 to vote on a nominee for her seat.” Previous Next

< Back October 12, 2021 TITONE: COLORADO LEADING THE WAY ON LGBTQ+ HEALTH CARE DENVER, CO — Representative Brianna Titone, one of the first transgender lawmakers elected in the country, today released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Colorado’s request to include comprehensive coverage for gender affirming health care in the state’s benchmark health insurance plans, making Colorado the first state in the country to do so. “Every person deserves access to the full range of health services they need, and I’m proud that Colorado is leading the way to cover comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ people in our state,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “For too long, too many transgender and nonbinary people have struggled to access the health care they need, despite having health insurance. These services are critical for the health and safety of LGBTQ+ communities and will provide more Coloradans with the agency they need to affirm their identities.” The plans approved today also include coverage for alternatives to opioid medications to help address substance use disorder, which was required through HB21-1276, legislation sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Leslie Herod. The plans also include coverage for an annual mental health wellness exam, which was established through HB21-1068, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Brianna Titone. Affordable Care Act insurance plans are offered through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s marketplace for individual and small group plans. Previous Next

< Back April 2, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER & REP. MCCLUSKIE’S BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO BETTER FUND SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED GAINS INITIAL APPROVAL If approved, bill would go to the 2019 ballot (Apr. 1) – This afternoon, the House Finance committee approved Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bipartisan proposal to better fund public schools, higher education, and transportation. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but the arbitrary TABOR cap severely restricts the state budget, preventing the state from keeping revenue it already generates off of growth in the economy. The cap also limits Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools, higher education, and transportation and infrastructure consistently rank at the bottom of the nation. “The state budget should be able to grow with the economy so we can make important, investments in our future. It makes sense to ask voters whether the state can keep the money it already receives when times are good and that’s what we’re proposing,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “The TABOR cap is an antiquated fiscal policy that has severely limited Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government. This is not an answer to all of Colorado’s fiscal problems, but it’s a strong first step in making sure our fiscal policy supports our way of life.” “Leaders in business; health care; K-12 and higher education; transportation; and rural, urban and suburban Colorado talked about the value of the bipartisan measures we’re putting forward,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This is not going to solve our state’s funding crisis but these are one-time use dollars that can have a real impact. It’s common-sense, it’s smart, and it’s about doing what’s right.” Witness after witness testified in support of the bills this afternoon. Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can retain, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. The vast majority of local governments and school districts have already “debruced,” meaning, they’ve received voter approval to retain all or a portion of the revenue over the TABOR cap. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. Click here to see the current list of supporters. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the TABOR limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005.In the last 27 years since the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development, especially in rural Colorado. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap. HB19-1258, the companion bill, is contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. At a news conference when the bill was introduced in March, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures: “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bipartisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” HB19-1257 and HB19-1258 were approved by a vote of 7-4. Both bills now go to the House Appropriations committee. Permalink: ### Previous Next

HB24-1017 would establish critical statutory rights for foster youth, including freedom from discrimination, harassment and access to basic care < Back February 9, 2024 Bill of Rights for Foster Youth Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish a Bill of Rights for Foster Youth by a vote of 43 to 19. HB24-1017 outlines critical rights to empower and protect foster youth, including freedom from discrimination, harassment, access to basic care and freedom of gender, cultural and religious expression. “To empower our foster youth, we need to establish in statute their freedoms and rights,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “This legislation is about protecting our youth’s access to the personal care and education they deserve and the freedom to express themselves and not be discriminated against. I’m extremely proud of the role our foster youth played in developing this legislation, an important step toward giving them the tools they need to not only succeed, but thrive.” “Through my experience as a foster parent, I understand the sacred trust that must exist between the youth in our system and their host families in order to have the best outcomes for everyone involved,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . “This bill is about ensuring foster youth have full knowledge of the protections and rights their foster families are already obligated to provide them. Through this legislation, we’re helping empower the most vulnerable kids in our communities to be treated with respect, dignity and understanding.” HB24-1017 establishes critical statutory rights for youth living in foster care, requires county human service departments to provide written notice to foster youth about their rights, and clarifies the enforcement of these rights. The rights of foster care youth include: Access to education, basic essentials, and health care The right to confidentiality and privacy Freedom from discrimination or harassment Freedom of thought, cultural and ethnic practice, and religion Freedom to express gender identity Freedom from threats, punishment, retaliation for asking questions, stating concerns, or making complaints about violations of their rights Access to services, placements, and programs they are eligible for and notification of the benefits they are eligible for The ability to request information on how payments were used by individuals who accepted payments for the youth The right to receive appropriate placement and care, including being placed in a safe environment that is free of abuse, having their preferences regarding placement considered, and having providers who are aware of their history The right to timely court proceedings and effective case management The right to a timely notification to the Social Security Administration to initiate the transfer of benefits from providers to youth who are leaving the custody of the department The right to access and communicate privately with caseworkers, legal representatives, advocates, probation officers, and other professionals The ability to participate in legal proceedings and case planning Access to certain necessities and support that will allow them to be self-sufficient in their transition to adulthood Under this bill, the rights listed above would apply to foster youth including those who are ages 18 to 21 and participating in the Foster Youth in Transition Program. HB24-1071 requires that foster youth five years old and older receive written notice about their rights at their initial placement in foster care and that the written notice of rights in the youth’s primary language is updated at least annually, including if there is a new placement change. In 2021, Representative Daughterty championed legislation to establish two new programs within the Department of Human Services to prepare Colorado’s foster youth for life after their foster care placement. Previous Next

Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder < Back February 21, 2024 Removing Bail Eligibility for First-Degree Murder Cases Passes Committee Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to make first-degree murder defendants ineligible for bail. “This constitutional amendment makes it clear that for certain heinous crimes, bail should not be an option,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HCR24-1002 and HB24-1225. “When there is strong evidence that ties someone to a murder, it’s in the best interest of the safety of Coloradans to keep them in custody until their case is adjudicated. If voters support this constitutional amendment, this bill would clarify in statute that people accused of first-degree murder aren’t eligible to be released on bail.” In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in People v. Smith that defendants of capital offenses are eligible to be released on bail per language in Colorado statute. HCR24-1002 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would refer a constitutional amendment to Colorado voters on the November 2024 ballot to exempt the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment by at least 55 percent for it to be adopted into the Colorado Constitution. HCR24-1002 passed by a vote of 8-2. HB24-1225 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would make the conforming changes in Colorado statute if the voters adopt the constitutional amendment, exempting defendants who are charged with first-degree murder from bail eligibility when the proof is evident or presumption is great. HB24-1225 also aligns jury procedures for first-degree murder cases with other capital cases to allow 10 peremptory challenges during jury selection for the first defendant and an additional three for every defendant after. The bill, which also passed by a vote of 8-2, is contingent on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment created by HCR24-1002. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 BILL TO ADDRESS CAMPUS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college (May 2) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Barbara McLachlan that would add more guidelines and protections around sexual misconduct and violence in higher education institutes in Colorado. “Our current policy has a problem when we are seeing studies that one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during college. And what’s even more troubling is that only about 12 percent of victims actually report their assault,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Sexual misconduct poses a serious threat to the safety of our students and interferes with our students’ ability to learn. This bill ensures a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings and creates equal rights for reporting and responding to parties in an incident.” SB19-007 creates a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings to ensure that all students know how to report abuse and know that the administrative process will be fair for both parties. It requires institutions of higher learning to adopt policies that clearly outline the process for survivors of sexual misconduct, to provide support services for survivors and to distribute information across campus to inform students of the institution’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Higher Education to convene a biennial working group that will study best practices in order to prevent and raise awareness surrounding sexual misconduct. “This bill will help get rid of sexual violence and abuse on campus. While we are waiting for the federal government to adopt and clarify the law, we are making sure our state laws are ready to follow and maintain protections for survivors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This is not a one-size-fits-all bill but rather puts minimum requirements for policies regarding reporting and procedures for investigations for all higher education institutions.” In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded guidance for institutions of higher education on how they should address sexual assault under the federal law, Title IX. The lack of federal direction means that states like Colorado have to step up to develop policies that promote and ensure the safety of students on campuses around the state or risk losing important protections. SB19-007 passed by a bipartisan vote of 54-9. It passed unanimously out of the House Education committee. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2022 BILL TO INVEST IN LOCAL NONPROFITS ADVANCES HOUSE Legislation would distribute $35 million from the transformative Economic Recovery and Relief Funds to support nonprofits disproportionately impacted by the pandemic DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today to support local nonprofits that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. This bill invests $35 million in federal Economic Recovery and Relief funds to build stronger communities. HB22-1356 passed by a vote of 44 to 19. “When the pandemic hit, our nonprofits adapted to meet the needs of some of our most underserved communities,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill directs $35 million in pandemic recovery funds to Colorado’s local nonprofits so they can continue supporting our marginalized communities. Local nonprofits stepped up to provide services that kept our neighbors fed, safe and well-informed during the pandemic. Our bill is more than a thank you, it’s an investment in our communities.” “We’re one step closer to providing small nonprofits with the financial support they need to continue to serve Colorado communities,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “This bill invests in local nonprofits, especially the ones who went above and beyond during the pandemic, so they can keep their doors open and continue to serve our neighbors. Investing federal pandemic recovery dollars in local organizations just makes sense and will foster stronger communities as a result.” During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly set aside $700 million in federal pandemic relief funds to use for economic recovery and relief initiatives in the years ahead. HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Small community-based nonprofits have played an important role in delivering essential services to families and communities that were directly impacted by the pandemic. These organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back March 17, 2025 Election Intimidation Protections, Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Democracy is the backbone of our country, and it is crucial that Colorado voters feel safe to engage in their constitutional right to vote,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “Election denialism, sparked by the dangerous ‘Big Lie’ narrative, has put a target on the backs of election workers, canvassers and voters. No one should feel threatened for their involvement in the election process, and this bill helps prevent firearm intimidation from impacting Coloradans’ right to vote.” “Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting Colorado’s gold standard elections system,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Voters of color have disproportionately been impacted by voter suppression, and it is crucial that we crack down on intimidation tactics so all Coloradans can participate in the election process. This bill strengthens protections to ensure Coloradans can feel safe to vote, serve as an election judge and engage in the election cycle so they can make their voices heard.” HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. HB25-1225 passed by a vote of 8-3. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. “Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This legislation would help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.” SB25-059 passed by a vote of 8-3. The bill would direct the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The bill would also define “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. Previous Next