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  • Property Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing Passes Committee

    The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today unanimously passed a bipartisan bill to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. The bill passed by a vote of 12-0. < Back February 28, 2023 Property Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today unanimously passed a bipartisan bill to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. The bill passed by a vote of 12-0. “One of our main goals this session is to ensure Colorado workers like educators, first responders, and hospitality workers have the opportunity to buy a home within their communities,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “As the cost to purchase land rises, nonprofits and other affordable housing developers are increasingly reliant on tools that allow them to save on costs and contribute to our affordable housing inventory. Expanding on existing property tax exemptions for nonprofits incentivizes more affordable housing development, reducing financial barriers so more Coloradans can become homeowners and build wealth.” HB23-1184 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100%. It also extends the exemption period from five years to 10 years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The bill would create a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. The National Low Income Housing Coalition ranked Colorado as the 8th least affordable state in 2022 and stated that the average renter needed to work 2.3 full-time jobs at minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom rental. Data from the American Community Survey demonstrates the racial inequality when it comes to homeownership with 71 percent of non-Hispanic White Coloradans owning their home compared to only 51 percent of Hispanic and 43 percent of Black Coloradans. Previous Next

  • JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors

    HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission < Back May 19, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors waiting to be admitted. “As the demand for senior living facilities increases, we’re creating more options for older Coloradans on the waiting list to access programs and services offered by facilities,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. This law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access community-based services that help them lead healthier, stronger lives.” “The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Opportunities to socialize, access transportation and nutrition support are incredibly beneficial services that help older Coloradans lead healthier, fuller lives.” HB25-1184 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay one-time admission. Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and nutrition counseling. Previous Next

  • Kipp, Valdez, Willford Opinion: Energy upgrades to apartment buildings will help Colorado hit its climate target

    Not only would Building Performance Standards reduce greenhouse gases, they will protect renters from extreme cold and heat < Back Kipp, Valdez, Willford Opinion: Energy upgrades to apartment buildings will help Colorado hit its climate target Aug 16, 2023 See more This story was published in the Colorado Sun on Aug 16, 2023. This week, Colorado air quality regulators can take a major step forward in slashing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from our state’s largest buildings while fighting high energy costs. Today the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is scheduled to hold hearings and could cast a key vote on a policy called Building Performance Standards. Approving the proposed policy will help solve a major climate problem in Colorado — large buildings like apartments and offices account for 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions statewide. In 2021, our colleagues in the Colorado General Assembly passed a law setting greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets for large buildings statewide. The Building Performance Standards will do exactly that — achieving a 7% cut by 2026 and 20% by 2030. However, benefits of the policy would extend way beyond climate. It would improve health, comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and livability for tenants of apartment buildings statewide. It’s a chance to keep Coloradans healthy and safe, while saving them money on energy bills and advancing climate action. Commissioners must vote to approve the Building Performance Standards. This is an opportunity Colorado can’t afford to miss. Apartment tenants across Colorado are painfully aware of how difficult it is to keep their homes comfortable on the coldest winter nights and hottest summer afternoons. Inefficient units mean needing to use more energy, resulting in higher bills. As soaring fossil fuel prices sent energy costs skyrocketing in the past 18 months, many Coloradans paid three times as much for heating as they did the year before. This compounds our affordable housing crisis; renters in many Colorado cities have experienced double-digit rent hikes in recent years. We must act urgently. Climate change is causing extreme heat to occur more frequently in Colorado . In 2022, the number of deaths and hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses statewide grew by 66% and 58%, respectively, compared with the annual average for the decade prior. Residents over 65 years old were most likely to be stricken, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment . Energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in apartment units help protect residents’ health and safety from extreme heat , but they can be life-saving if a power outage were to occur during a heat wave or a cold snap. New research has found that making these upgrades to apartment buildings in cities with seasonal patterns similar to Denver can allow residents to shelter in place safely for longer periods of time during such an emergency, and reduce deaths in both extreme heat and cold. The Building Performance Standards is a major step in the right direction. It will upgrade buildings, from inefficient fossil-fuel appliances to highly efficient electric solutions, like heat pumps, which both heat and cool, and heat pump water heaters. Studies have found that these kinds of upgrades, in apartment units, result in 22% lower energy use, on average, and about $272 in annual savings on electric bills. If approved, the policy will gradually take effect over coming years, as building owners submit data and launch their improvements. It will implement upgrades to about 1,000 apartment buildings statewide. The state has tried for years to lower the costs of such upgrades through incentive programs, but upgrades have moved at a glacial pace. State requirements are necessary for Colorado to pick up the pace. This Building Performance Standards policy will also help address energy inequity and advance environmental justice. Low-income residents and communities of color experience higher air pollution burdens, often living near major highways, industrial facilities, or power plants. Studies have found that superior ventilation and better insulation will reduce air pollutant infiltration from outside or from neighboring units and common spaces by 3 to 11 times. This is also a huge benefit when wildfire smoke blankets Colorado. For low-income households, dilapidated housing conditions like poor insulation or broken or old heating and air conditioning are among the main reasons for being unable to pay a bill, receiving a disconnection notice, or having service shut off. In Colorado, 71% of low-income households use fossil fuels for heating, so have been more exposed to recent price volatility. Statewide, utility disconnections have skyrocketed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. These households and communities of color are also more likely to lack air conditioning at home. A recent survey of diverse Denver neighborhoods determined that almost one quarter of residents whose annual incomes were below $35,000 lack access to cooling. There’s never been a better time for Colorado to adopt a building performance standard. The recent federal climate law provides up to $200,000 per apartment building for energy efficiency upgrades, and point-of-sale rebates on electric appliances like heat pumps. Incentives from utilities, governments, and more make the upgrades even cheaper. Building Performance Standards will protect every Coloradan, cutting climate pollution and cleaning up the air we breathe. Inefficient buildings burn much more fuel, meaning more nitrogen dioxide pollution and a worsening air quality crisis in Front Range communities. The state estimates that for every $1 spent on upgrades, we get $3 back in benefits, like lower energy bills or lowered health care costs, from cleaner air. We shouldn’t wait any longer. The Air Quality Control Commission should vote yes this week. Previous Next

  • REP. CARAVEO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH & SAFETY OF COLORADANS, GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE

    < Back March 15, 2019 REP. CARAVEO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH & SAFETY OF COLORADANS, GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE House Energy & Environment committee to hold hearing on SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations on Monday (Mar. 15) – Rep. Yadira Caraveo announced her support for SB19-181, legislation to prioritize the health and safety of all Coloradans, empower local communities and protect our environment today. “As a lifelong Coloradan, and proud resident of Adams County since childhood, I cannot remain silent during one of the most crucial debates we have had in decades,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “As a proud Latina woman, I understand the disproportionate impact oil and gas development has on communities of color. I cannot let marginalized voices go unheard, especially when Republican Senators misappropriate the notion of “environmental racism” to divide us further,” Rep. Caraveo added. The bill is also sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “I will use my expertise as the only doctor in the General Assembly to combat the misinformation surrounding the bill, and fight for a common sense approach to modernize our laws and give communities a greater say in oil and gas development,” Caraveo concluded. SB19-181 updates Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, giving local communities more of a voice, and ensuring clean air. This bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 19-15 on March 13. In addition to a strong stakeholder process around this bill, it was debated for over thirty hours over three public committee hearings and two floor debates in the Senate. The bill will go through three committee hearings in the House that are open to the public and two floor debates. Previous Next

  • Naquetta Ricks

    < Back Naquetta Ricks Chair of Business Affairs & Labor Rep. Naquetta Ricks is the Colorado State Representative for House District 40 and the first Liberian-American to be elected to a US State Assembly. She is the co-founder and President of the African Chamber of Commerce of Colorado, USA and the founder of the African Economic Development Center (AEDC). In 1980, Representative Ricks fled a bloody military coup with her mother and sister and settled in Aurora, Colorado. She knew the value of education when she arrived in America and worked hard to achieve her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also received her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a graduate of Leadership Denver and Leadership Aurora. Representative Ricks has been recognized by the Colorado Black Round Table, the historic National Council of Negro Women, and the Colorado Black Educators Association receiving various accolades including the "Salute Award." Representative Ricks is fighting for policies that expand the quality of life for Colorado residents by expanding apprenticeships, continued access to education, and affordable housing. Her goals are to grow businesses, make healthcare more equitable, and be a voice for the marginalized. She is also serves as the Chair for the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and a member of the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee. When she is not doing legislative work, Representative Ricks is running her successful mortgage brokerage business.

  • Legislation to Lower the Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs Goes Into Effect

    New laws to preserve access to affordable prescription medicine through the 340B program, safely donate and dispense certain unused medicine, and reduce barriers to changing dose or frequency of a medication all go into effect on August 6. < Back July 28, 2025 Legislation to Lower the Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to preserve access to affordable prescription medicine through the 340B program, safely donate and dispense certain unused medicine, and reduce barriers to changing dose or frequency of a medication all go into effect on August 6. SB25-071 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, will ensure prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities, such as pharmacies and clinics, that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, and will require hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The new reporting requirements, including the hospitals' reported 340B savings and how they utilized those savings, aim to improve transparency. “Colorado families are counting on us to put their health and safety first,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This new law will ensure that all Coloradans, especially those who rely on rural hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, don’t lose access to the services they depend on to stay safe and healthy.” “This law helps ensure that Coloradans, especially those in rural and underserved communities, receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Martinez. “This bipartisan law bars pharmaceutical companies from imposing restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics, and safety net providers that are dependent on the federal 340B program and serve our rural communities.” SB25-071 aims to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. This law will also help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. To improve accountability and ensure 340B savings are passed down to the consumer, this law prohibits hospitals from spending the 340B savings on executive salaries, gifts, lobbying, and advertising. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. SB25-289 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, will allow individuals and institutions to safely donate certain unused medicine to eligible recipients. Recipients can include distributors, pharmacies, clinics, health care providers, and hospitals. They are required to keep records on donors and donated medicine, store donated medicine separately from regular stock, and have it inspected by a licensed pharmacist. “Every year, the United States spends billions to dispose of unused prescription medicines from nursing homes, assisted living residences, hospices, and jails,” said Cutter. “Additionally, many left-over prescriptions are flushed down the toilet or thrown into the trash, which causes immeasurable harm to our environment and water supply. With this new law, we are creating a program to reduce waste, protect the environment, and help Coloradans access the medication they need.” “No one should have to go without the medication they need, yet some patients cannot afford their prescriptions,” said Brown. “This law is a win-win because it cuts back on pharmaceutical waste, which can be harmful to our environment, and redirects medication to patients who need it.” “From capping the cost of epi-pens to expanding rural health care, we’ve taken important steps in Colorado to lower the cost of health care,” said Sirota . “This law safely redirects certain unused prescription medication to patients who might not be able to afford their prescriptions. SB25-289 saves patients money, reduces waste, prevents environmental contamination and makes health care more accessible.” In 2021, 9.7 percent of Colorado residents reported being unable to fill their prescription due to cost. Of those, 40 percent said their health condition worsened as a result. Under this new law, patients in need will have access to free and low-cost donated medicine. The program will exclude opioids, scheduled medications, and medicines that require special storage conditions unless storage conditions can be verified. The creation of this program was extensively researched by a task force created by SB22-098 , which included best practices from other states and safety provisions. SB25-301 , a bipartisan law sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, will prohibit insurance companies from imposing prior authorization requirements to adjust the dose or frequency of medication already being used by a patient for a chronic condition. Providers could make such adjustments up to two times without prior authorization. “SB25-301 will increase affordable, consistent access to the medication Coloradans with chronic illnesses rely on by allowing a health care provider to adjust the dose of a medication without needing to go through additional, lengthy insurance authorization processes,” said Wallace. “Colorado’s health care providers know what’s best for their patients, not insurance companies. This new law gives providers the flexibility to respond to their patients’ needs without fear of losing insurance coverage for necessary adjustments.” “Consistent, reliable health care improves patient outcomes,” said Lieder. “Our law breaks down administrative barriers by allowing health care providers to adjust the dose and frequency of certain medications for patients with chronic conditions without preauthorization. By reducing the back-and-forth between insurance companies and providers, Colorado patients can receive the medication they need, when they need it.” In 2015, 3.1 million Coloradans had at least one chronic disease. Many chronic diseases may require adjustment of medication doses to effectively treat the illness. This law will reduce administrative burdens and accelerate access to timely, appropriate care. Previous Next

  • Jamie Jackson

    < Back Jamie Jackson Jamie Jackson is a dedicated leader committed to equity, community empowerment, and effective governance. As COO of The Naloxone Project, she expands access to life-saving overdose prevention resources. With a background in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy, Jamie previously served as COO of the Colorado Children's Campaign and has worked to advance social justice, healthcare equity, and community-driven solutions. She is Vice President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Aurora NAACP. Jamie is committed to policies that uplift working families, protect vulnerable communities, and expand access to equitable healthcare. She brings a people-centered approach to governance, ensuring that House District 41 residents have a strong voice at the Capitol. Rep. Jackson serves on the Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Energy & Environment committees.

  • 2022 Legislative Session | Colorado House Democrats

    Check out the top 10 ways Colorado Democrats are saving you money. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results that will move our state forward. This session focused on saving Coloradans money, improving public safety, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. DOWNLOAD REPORT DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS

  • HOUSE PASSES BILL TO BOLSTER RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS AND STREAMLINE RAPE KIT TRACKING

    < Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO BOLSTER RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS AND STREAMLINE RAPE KIT TRACKING DENVER, CO — Representative Meg Froelich’s bill to improve how Colorado catalogues and maintains forensic medical evidence of sexual assault, known as rape kits, was passed by the House this morning. The bill would begin the process of creating a rape kit tracking system, add victims’ rights provisions and give them more access to information about the status of their medical evidence. The bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. “The House stood up to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault today,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Improving our rape kit processing and tracking system and making sure that survivors can track the status of their investigation confidentially and efficiently is a crucial step forward.” HB20-1228 would require the Department of Public Safety to research the creation of a system to track forensic medical evidence related to sexual assault cases, known as rape kits. The bill directs the department to develop rules to implement a system that allows victims to access information related to the status of this medical evidence, which must be retained until the assailant may no longer be prosecuted for the crime. If a conviction or plea has not been entered in a case, the bill requires the entity holding the medical evidence to notify the victim prior to the medical evidence being destroyed and to maintain the medical evidence for an additional 10 years if the victim objects to its destruction. It also includes provisions related to the confidentiality of the information in this system and requires medical professionals collecting evidence related to a sexual assault to notify the victim of the contact information for the nearest sexual assault victim’s advocate. The Judiciary Committee had previously approved the bill unanimously. Previous Next

  • BIPARTISAN OCCUPATIONAL CREDENTIALING BILL MOVES FORWARD

    < Back May 27, 2020 BIPARTISAN OCCUPATIONAL CREDENTIALING BILL MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Representative Shannon Bird’s bipartisan bill to streamline Colorado’s credentialing system for dozens of professions today passed the House by a unanimous vote. “I’m committed to taking responsible steps to get our small businesses up and running, our economy back on track, and Coloradans back to work,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill will remove red tape and ensure qualified job seekers and health care professionals are able to practice their professions without undue burdens. The Occupational Credential Portability Program created by this bill will be yet another tool in our toolbox as we work to ensure Colorado’s strong economy bounces back as soon and as safely as possible.” HB20-1326 creates the Occupational Credential Portability Program in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The bill will apply to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. Previous Next

  • Rep. Meghan Lukens: Gratitude in focus: Investing in education and community in House District 26

    In the spirit of celebration and appreciation, I am reminded how grateful I am to represent all of you in the state legislature. I am excited for the work ahead this legislative session to continue delivering results for our communities. < Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Gratitude in focus: Investing in education and community in House District 26 Dec 7, 2023 See more Originally published in the Steambot Pilot & Today here . In the spirit of celebration and appreciation, I am reminded how grateful I am to represent all of you in the state legislature. I am excited for the work ahead this legislative session to continue delivering results for our communities. This year, we have a historic opportunity to significantly increase funding for K-12 public schools and finally eliminate what is known as the Budget Stabilization Factor, which has reduced state funding for schools since the Great Recession. This landmark investment in our schools will finally meet the long-promised funding levels that Colorado students deserve. It will put more money into classrooms to increase teacher pay and reduce class sizes. For the last few years, Colorado Democrats have been working hard to increase funding for our schools to put us in the position we are in now. Each year, we have increased funding for schools and gotten closer to eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor. The increase we are planning this year is badly needed and will set up our state to finally fund schools closer to the levels we need. For far too long, schools have had to make do with fewer resources than they need, which has led to some of the lowest teacher salaries in the country. These additional dollars will help us recruit and retain new teachers and ensure every student in our community has the resources they need in the classroom to thrive. Under the governor’s budget for next year, the state will fully fund its share of public education, keeping our promise to invest in students’ success and increasing per-pupil funding to an average of $11,317 per student. This commitment to our students and their future is the Western Slope Way. During our special session last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to our schools while delivering urgent property tax relief. I am proud of the responsible package we passed that will reduce property taxes and protect funding for our schools, fire districts, emergency responders and critical local services our communities rely upon. As a teacher, I know we have to step up to make our state more affordable and prevent teachers from losing their homes because they can’t afford rising property taxes. At the same time, I know how important it is that we protect funding for our schools. It was important to do both, and we did. I know that the Western Slope Way is why so many of you bring up education when we bump into each other at the grocery store, on the slopes or at a community event. When we support and increase resources for our students, our entire community benefits. The 2024 legislative session begins on Jan. 10, and I have been working tirelessly with constituents and colleagues from both sides of the political aisle to gear up for the upcoming legislative session. I am committed to serving the people of Eagle, Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, and am looking forward to passing laws this legislative session that deliver results on the issues most important to the people of House District 26, like affordable housing, behavioral health, education and economic prosperity. I would love to hear from you about education, and any other issues that matter to you. Please contact me at repmeghanlukens@gmail.com with comments and concerns. If you would like to be added to my newsletter for more frequent legislative updates, feel free to send me an email as well. Follow me on social media to be the first to know when I will be hosting town halls to answer your questions in person. Let’s keep in touch and keep making a difference in House District 26. Onward! Previous Next

  • Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee

    The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 25, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. “From safe storage and waiting periods to reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms, I’m proud of the work that Colorado Democrats have done to make our communities safer for all, and this bill ensures that these laws are implemented in gun shows where thousands of firearm and ammunition products are present,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Gun shows can be helpful for Coloradans who are interested in learning more about firearms, and this legislation works to ensure that gun show promoters organize appropriate security for the event and vendors adhere to firearm laws that exist to keep our communities safe.” “One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring firearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing firearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft. With this bill, we’re bolstering Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws to keep our communities safe and save Colorado lives from senseless gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity or have not completed a gun show certification, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill outlines requirements for displaying firearms, including: Keeping the firearms unloaded, Securely attaching firearms to a countertop or wall, Safeguarding ammunition enclosed in a display case, behind the vendor’s counter, or other strategies to restrict customer access without the help of a vendor, and Providing written information regarding safe storage and lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements in Colorado law with each firearm sale. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next

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