The House today passed the Plastic Pellet-Free Waters Act, legislation that will protect Colorado’s waterways and wildlife from plastic pellet pollution. < Back March 17, 2026 House Passes Bill to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Waterways and Streams DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Plastic Pellet-Free Waters Act, legislation that will protect Colorado’s waterways and wildlife from plastic pellet pollution. SB26-016 passed the House by a vote of 41-18. “Not only are plastic pellets bad for our health, but they can majorly disrupt Colorado’s freshwaters and ecosystems,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “Under this bill, facilities would no longer be issued permits to discharge small, plastic pellets into our waterways or natural lands. Fish and zooplankton can ingest microplastics mistakenly as food, which can cause significant harm to our food chain. This bill prevents microplastic pollution and safeguards Colorado’s freshwater.” “Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to break down, and we need to protect Colorado’s ecosystems and waterways from harmful materials,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Once plastic pellets are spilled, they’re very difficult to clean up, and this bill stops plastic pellets from being discharged into our waterways in the first place. Our bill puts our rural economies first by putting an end to plastic pellet discharge permits so we can better protect the fish and wildlife that call our waterways home.” SB26-016 , also known as the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, would prohibit facilities that use, make, package or transport plastic pellets or preproduction plastic materials from discharging them into Colorado waterways and on land. Under current law, facilities can obtain a permit to discharge plastic pellets. Permits would no longer be issued under SB26-016, meaning all facilities would be prohibited from discharging plastic pellets into waterways or on land. These pellets are often discharged during production or transport and can take up to 1000 years to break down. Of the waterways tested by the Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center in 2023, microplastics were identified in 100-percent of the samples. Zooplankton and fish often ingest plastic pellets by mistake, which can disrupt food chains. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. < Back March 18, 2025 Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. “Land is expensive, and this legislation ensures we are strategic about the space we have available so we can build more housing that saves Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we implement innovative housing strategies, it’s crucial that we continue to protect tenant health and safety. This bill ensures that buildings must fulfill modern and strict safety standards, like smoke control systems, automatic sprinklers, and the use of non-combustible materials, to qualify for this single-stairway design. By modernizing building codes across our state, we can build housing options that hardworking Coloradans can afford.” “With this bill, we’re empowering builders to better utilize the space they have to build more affordable housing units for Colorado workers and families,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Cities that have allowed for single-stairwell apartment buildings have benefited from decreased building costs while continuing to protect the safety of their residents from building fires. Eliminating the extraneous requirement for a second stairwell in smaller apartment complexes allows us to make more room for housing units in price ranges that Coloradans can actually afford.” Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 would require a municipality of 100,000 or more residents to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings to be served by a single exit if the municipality is served by a fire protection district or fire department. Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include: Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor, Safety features throughout the building that satisfy building codes and other relevant codes, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems, Stairways no more than twenty feet away from a door to each dwelling unit or 125 feet from the stairwell to any point in a dwelling unit, and Buildings constructed by non-combustible construction materials. The bill would also require a jurisdiction to notify their local International Association of Fire Fighters affiliate and the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association when they begin the code adoption process. These buildings would also be required to include signage to identify that it is a single stair building and a fire-resistant box that contains keys to the buildings for relevant firefighters to access the building and necessary units. According to a 2025 Pew Study , there has been no evidence of safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments to be built. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by 6 to 13 percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80 percent. Previous Next

< Back November 4, 2019 ENERGY LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE ADVANCES BIPARTISAN BILLS TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY DENVER, CO— The Energy Legislation Review Interim Study Committee today advanced three bipartisan bills to promote renewable energy transmission, storage and use after spending the last several months meeting with stakeholders across the state on energy issues. “From improving our state’s air quality to taking action on climate change, increasing the use of renewable energy is critical to making the progress we need to address our climate crisis,” said Energy Legislation Review Interim Study Committee Chair Rep. Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “These bills, which we developed through extensive discussions with stakeholders throughout the energy industry and communities across the state, will make it easier to transmit renewable energy, increase the use of biodiesel fuels and encourage investment in new battery storage technologies to lower energy costs and protect our environment.” “Because of the importance of addressing climate change, we’ve decided to examine energy issues year round,” said Committee Vice Chair Senator Foote (D-Longmont). I’m pleased that we moved forward today with bipartisan support on some common sense energy solutions that will facilitate Colorado’s transition to renewable energy.” “We’ve made a lot of progress in increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing emissions in our state, but we still have work to do to ensure we meet our climate goals and lower our reliance on fossil fuels,” said committee member Rep. Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora). “The legislation we passed today will improve our state’s use of renewable energy and continues our commitment to advancing energy policies that protect public health.” “Our planet is facing a climate crisis,” said committee member Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Longmont) . “Increasing the use of renewable energy is a critical part of our efforts to pass along a livable planet to our children, and I’m pleased to see these bills move forward to encourage the use of biodiesel and make it easier to transmit and store renewable energy.” “The bills we passed today will continue to build on our progress toward reducing carbon emissions and supporting our transition to renewable energy,” said committee member Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “I’m proud of the work this committee has done over the past several months to ensure Colorado remains a leader in addressing the climate crisis at the state level.” Committee members have been traveling across the state and engaging with stakeholders and communities about the Colorado’s energy landscape. Over the course of several months, the committee heard from the oil and gas industry, coal communities, renewable power industries, and local governments about innovative new jobs and technologies. The committee engaged in conversations, hearings, testimony and site visits to communities and energy facilities such as the coal-powered Pawnee Generating Station in Fort Morgan; a wind facility in Limon; a hydro-electric facility in Palisade and the net-zero, all-electric community in Basalt. 1. Conservation Easement Safeguards for Transmission Development: The first bill advanced today would enable a modification of conservation easements to include the placement of electrical transmission lines primarily used for renewable energy. This would allow private wind or solar companies, among others, to enter into agreements with willing private landowners to transfer energy from the renewable energy source to where it is needed in communities across the state. Sponsors: Sen. Jake Tate, Sen. Faith Winter, Rep. Chris Hansen 2. Biodiesel Blend Requirement: The second bill moving forward would create a 5 percent biodiesel blending standard for all diesel fuel sold during the summer months in Colorado by January 2021 and a 10 percent standard by January 2023. Under the bill, Air Quality Control Commission must create a waiver process for supply disruptions or extreme weather. Sponsors: Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis 3. Valuation of Energy Storage Equipment: The final bill wouldtreat the assessed value of battery storage for the purposes of property taxation in the same manner as renewable energy facilities used to generate and deliver electricity. Renewable energy production tends to peak when demand for electricity is low, so this bill incentivizes investments in storage to ensure the energy produced can be used when there is demand for it. Sponsors: Rep. Hansen, Rep. Dominique Jackson, Sen. Faith Winter Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2022 VOTE WITHOUT FEAR ACT PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Tom Sullivan to prevent armed voter intimidation today passed the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 7-4. “Every voter should be able to cast their ballot without fear, and no one should be able to use a firearm to try to intimidate voters and election officials,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Firearms being used to intimidate voters, especially voters of color, is nothing new in this country, but we are seeing alarming incidents that cannot continue. The Vote Without Fear Act will help protect against armed intimidation when people go to vote or if they are one of the tireless public servants who oversee our elections.” “The Vote Without Fear Act protects our democracy and our fundamental right to vote by prohibiting armed intimidation at voting locations,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should be made to feel afraid when they vote, but that’s exactly what we see happening when armed individuals show up at polling places. This is a common sense bill to protect access to the ballot and help ensure voters can vote without fear.” HB22-1086 protects the right to vote by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling places. Armed voter intimidation is rising across the country, and there have been several well publicized incidents where armed individuals have attempted to dissuade people from voting. These incidents have not just been targeted at voters, but also have aimed to intimidate nonpartisan election officials from doing their jobs. The legislation advanced today would extend protections that already exist for settings such as government buildings and legislative hearings to polling places, as well. Last year in Littleton, two men, one of whom was armed, filmed people dropping off their ballots, leading some voters to feel unsafe. Previous Next

Bills would expand awareness about mental health and concussions and save students money on college-level courses < Back April 17, 2026 Legislation to Support Students Advances DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support Colorado students. SB26-060 would require youth coaches to receive training on the mental health risks from concussions. HB26-1078 would expand low and no-cost college-level courses to high school students. “As a former educator and coach, I’ve dedicated my career to Colorado students, and these bills support our kids,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB26-060 and HB26-1078. “One of my bills protects students by expanding training for youth coaches, so they’re informed about the mental health risks from a concussion sustained by a youth athlete, including anxiety and depression. Another bill updates the definition of concurrent enrollment, so more students can save time and money as they begin building their careers. Colorado Democrats are committed to strengthening Colorado’s K-12 education system, and these bills meet the needs of our students to help them be successful.” SB26-060 is also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad. This bill, also known as the Alyssa Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act, would help keep student athletes safe by informing coaches and parents of the mental health risks of concussions. The bill also requires youth coaches to receive training on broader mental health issues, including wellness plans and the impact that coaches can have on students. Under current law, youth athletic coaches must complete a concussion recognition course and remove an athlete from play if they suspect the athlete has a concussion. This bill expands the training to include more information on the relationship between concussions and mental health for coaches at middle, junior and high schools. The general concussion course applies to youth coaches at public and private middle schools, high schools, clubs, leagues and recreation facilities. Additionally, this bill requires coaches to inform parents or guardians of athletes who sustain a concussion of possible changes in their mental health as a result of the concussion. Under current law, if a student is removed from play due to a suspected concussion, their parents or guardians must be informed and coaches must advise that the athlete seek an evaluation from a licensed healthcare provider. Mental health impacts of a concussion include mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. “By broadening the scope of concurrent enrollment to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions, more high school students can take advantage of this cost-saving tool,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1078. “Our bill expands access to college-level courses to save students money and encourage them to try something new. Colorado’s higher education institutions are top-notch, and this legislation makes it easier for high school students to take advantage of concurrent enrollment.” HB26-1078 extends concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by higher education institutions. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, saving them money and time while accelerating their degree completion. Students can typically earn high school and college credits simultaneously for certain courses. Under current law, most off-campus courses are excluded from concurrent enrollment programs. This means only high school classrooms meet the concurrent enrollment course requirements. This bill modifies the narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to offer off-campus concurrent enrollment courses by following state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. Some examples of concurrent enrollment courses include English, history, speech, algebra and biology, This bill also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades. HB26-1078 would create stronger career pathways for Colorado high school students by allowing them to explore hands-on and unique educational experiences while still completing their degree requirements. Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES PAID SICK LEAVE, PROVIDES RELIEF FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES DENVER, CO — The House today passed bills to provide paid sick leave to hardworking Coloradans and increase funding for COVID-19 recovery grants given businesses with less than 25 employees. Both bills passed the House on third reading. “While the federal small business grants in response to COVID-19 helped some small businesses persevere, it was clear to us that more needed to be done,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB20-222. “Today we voted to provide $20 million in grants to small businesses, including those who may not have been able to access SBA or payroll protection loans thus far. As we work to recover Colorado’s economy, it’s more important than ever to give our state’s small businesses the tools and support they need to bounce back.” SB20-222 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Perry Will, R-New Castle, would direct $20 million dollars to the Energize Colorado Fund that OEDIT has created to provide assistance to small businesses in Colorado who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID19. This fund will be providing grants to businesses with less than 25 employees, with a preference given to those that did not qualify for, or access, SBA PPP loans. Preference will also be given to businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, or is located in rural areas. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 65-0. “The need for a robust paid sick program was clear well before COVID-19,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB20-205. “But watching our health care system and our economy ravaged by a pandemic has made it clear that as we rebuild and recover, we’ll have to put in place systems to ensure we’re better prepared for public health emergencies to come. I’m proud that we voted to give Coloradans the ability to earn paid sick days and care for themselves or their loved ones without losing a paycheck.” “I see the devastating public health effects of not having a paid sick leave program in my clinic every day,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “No Coloradan should be forced to choose between foregoing income or going into work sick. Today’s modest proposal will make a real difference in the lives of my patients and will go a long way towards improving the public health of our state.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. Currently, 40 percent of Colorado’s workforce is not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days –– creating a “work while sick” culture that increases the transmission of deadly viruses such as COVID-19. The bill allows Colorado workers, including part-time workers, to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to 6 days per year. Sick leave is earned, job-protected time off that workers can use to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. The bill also provides leave during a public health emergency like COVID-19; employees that work 40 or more hours a week will receive at least 80 hours of additional paid sick leave. The bill passed 38-27. Previous Next

Interlock devices have blocked over 180,000 alcohol-impaired driving attempts since 2006 < Back March 11, 2026 Paschal, Jackson Bill to Prevent Drunk Driving Passes Committee Interlock devices have blocked over 180,000 alcohol-impaired driving attempts since 2006 DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Representatives Amy Paschal and Jamie Jackson, that would improve road safety. HB26-1242, which passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0, would require all drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to install an interlock device in their car. “Interlock devices prevent drunk driving and improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Over 75 percent of drivers with license suspensions have admitted to driving during the suspension period, which is why we’re bringing this bill to ensure that drivers who get a DUI are sober before driving. This bill could save countless lives by preventing drunk driving.” “These devices blocked over 26,000 alcohol-impaired driving attempts in Colorado last year alone, which has stopped preventable accidents and fatalities and improved transportation safety across the state,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “By requiring all drivers with DUI convictions to install an interlock device before they can drive, we can crack down on reckless driving and save Colorado lives.” Currently, a person who is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol for the first time must either install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle or have their driver’s license revoked for nine months before they are able to legally drive again. HB26-1242 would require first-time DUI offenders to hold an interlock-restricted driver’s license while their license is suspended and for nine months after their driver’s license is reinstated. Drivers with multiple DUIs are already required to install an interlock device in their vehicles. The bill removes a two-month license suspension for drivers who wish to immediately install an interlock device in their vehicles, removing barriers to accessing their workplace, school and health care. HB26-1242 would also expand the financial assistance program by raising income eligibility to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Under the bill, interlock device manufacturers must provide a 50 percent monthly service discount with free or discounted installation and removal for individuals who meet the income eligibility requirement. A 2018 report found that laws that require all DUI offenders to install an interlock device in their vehicle reduce the number of impaired drivers in fatal crashes by 16 percent . Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2021 BILL ADVANCES TO HIRE FORMER SWIFT CREW MEMBERS DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to SB21-012, legislation sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts that would allow the state to hire back former members of Colorado’s State Wildland Inmate Fire Team. “This bill is a win-win for Colorado: it creates jobs and protects our communities from increasingly devastating wildfires that impact my district and communities all across the state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill allows Colorado to hire former inmate wildland firefighters. These SWIFT crew members put everything on the line to protect lives and property, and it just makes common sense to continue to utilize their skills and help them find solid employment.” SB21-012, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, would allow the wildland fire management section in the Department of Public Safety to more easily hire former inmates with wildland firefighting experience. The bill also requires the department to develop materials to increase awareness of wildland firefighting career opportunities for Coloradans who have experience fighting fires through the inmate disaster relief program. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase transparency at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and help address the backlog of sexual assault evidence kits awaiting testing. < Back March 13, 2025 Bill to Improve CBI Transparency, Address Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase transparency at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and help address the backlog of sexual assault evidence kits awaiting testing. “Sexual assault evidence kits need to be tested promptly, but a considerable CBI backlog means Coloradans are waiting longer to receive the justice they deserve,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “The public health and safety of our community relies upon CBI clearing the forensic evidence backlog. This bill increases department transparency and encourages CBI to not only clear the backlog, but keep the public up-to-date on its progress.” “The backlog of sexual assault evidence kits isn’t just a number – it’s 1,407 people who are awaiting justice,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “Every day that we ask survivors to wait for their turn is a hard reminder that they’re not prioritized in Colorado’s criminal justice system. This bill is a step forward to clearing the CBI forensic evidence backlog and holding the department accountable, survivors are counting on it.” “Coloradans are waiting several months for their sexual assault evidence kits to be tested – this cannot continue to happen,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This bill aims to accelerate the testing timeline for sexual assault evidence kits by allowing the department to use contract labs but also establishes important, public facing accountability measures within the CBI.” SB25-170 , sponsored by JBC members Reps. Bird and Sirota, passed the House by a vote of 60-0. This bill would allow CBI to rollover $3 million allocated for 2024-25 to 2025-26 for the purpose of forensic evidence testing. The goal is to accelerate the testing of sexual assault kits. The bill also permits CBI to use contract labs to test kits and requires the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) to provide regular and detailed updates to the general assembly of its forensic testing progress every thirty days beginning this month through June 2026. The monthly updates must include the following information: The number of cases with pending tests by category. Current turnaround time by category. The number of cases completed internally and by contract labs in the past 30 days. The anticipated timeline to bring the turnaround time down below 90 days Updates on CBI lab analyst staffing levels. Any new information related to lab contracts that may impact testing or timelines. To improve department transparency, CBI must create a dashboard on CDPS’s website to keep the public updated on the backlog—including everyone from survivors to criminal investigators to nurses conducting sexual assault evidence exams. This includes the number of tests completed, new cases received, and current turnaround times. There 1,407 sexual assault evidence kits and forensic cases waiting to be testing by CBI. CBI’s backlog has been well-documented and partly exacerbated by a former forensic scientist’s mishandling and manipulation of DNA testing. Earlier this year, Representative Willford filed a lawsuit against Lyft alleging she was sexually assaulted during a ride in 2024. Her sexual assault forensic case is part of the backlog and has not been tested. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 LEGISLATION TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE AND INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL ED STUDENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education today passed three bills sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie that will boost Colorado’s workforce and prepare students for success. “The legislation we advanced today will invest $90 million in federal funds to create new pathways into good jobs in growing industries and will boost funding for K-12 public schools by $80 million a year to better serve special education students,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-DIllon. “Through SB22-127, we are significantly increasing resources for public schools that serve special education students to set up all our learners to thrive. HB22-1350 will create new regional partnerships to help address workforce shortages and develop the talent employers need to grow their businesses, and HB22-1215 will expand secondary, postsecondary and work-based learning experiences to save students money as they pursue their education and prepare for good jobs in high-demand industries.” HB22-1350 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Janice Rich, would establish a grant program with $90 million in federal funds to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The competitive grant program will leverage local, federal and private dollars to better align postsecondary credential programs to today’s jobs. The program will take a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will build new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Grants will prioritize projects that enhance collaboration between industry, communities, and higher education institutions. They will also focus on evidence-based best practices and pathways that focus on applying work experience and earned credentials toward postsecondary degrees. HB22-1350 passed 9-0. SB22-127 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Colin Larson, will dramatically increase funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to $300 million per year moving forward. This increase will bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. SB22-127 passed by vote of 9-0. “Secondary, postsecondary and workplace experience programs help students launch their careers in growing industries, and this bill will expand these opportunities to more students in our state,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This legislation will help the state better prepare students for success and create new options for students to earn degrees and thrive in the workforce.” HB22-1215 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Jennifer Bacon, aims to better prepare students for success by creating a task force to recommend policies that will support secondary, postsecondary and workplace learning, which prepare students for careers in high-need industries. The bill will direct education leaders to examine opportunities to expand these opportunities in Colorado and provide postsecondary learning opportunities for students still enrolled in high school. HB22-1215 passed by a vote of 8-1. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back April 2, 2024 Lindsay, Froelich Bill to Protect Renters from Unsafe Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Every renter deserves for their home to be a safe place to live, yet loopholes in our tenant laws have left Coloradans in dangerous living situations,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “These unsafe living situations negatively impact the health and safety of renters, and our current laws fail to hold landlords accountable for providing necessary repairs. With this legislation, we’re clarifying our Warranty of Habitability laws to protect Colorado renters and ensure their right to safe and healthy housing.” “From broken elevators to no access to running water, Colorado renters have struggled with ongoing maintenance issues that make it difficult for families, elders, and Coloradans with a disability to live their day-to-day lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “No one should be forced to deal with these living situations. Our bill would ensure that renters have the right to timely repairs for mold, sewage leaks, and other serious issues to avoid preventable housing-related health conditions.” Colorado’s current “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice, most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions don’t receive the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. SB24-094 would modify existing warranty of habitability laws by: Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that impact a tenant’s life, safety, or health. Requiring landlords to include in leases that tenants are entitled to safe and healthy housing and cannot be retaliated against for requesting repairs. Protecting tenants against having to use their own rental insurance to pay for repairs that fall under the warranty of habitability, which drives up their premiums. Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units they provide with the unit when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices. Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law or otherwise seek monetary damages. Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments < Back April 11, 2023 Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects Passes House Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance. “We’re making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects, which is good for everyone,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “This bipartisan legislation streamlines clean energy projects by cutting red tape to save people and local governments time and money. Speeding up the permitting process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using clean and renewable power for their homes sooner, bringing us closer to achieving Colorado’s clean energy goals.” HB23-1234 , passed by a vote of 53 to 8 and would establish the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This program would offer one-time financial assistance to implement the software, helping local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and local governments and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy. Previous Next