< Back March 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE POLITICAL PARTIES FLEXIBILITY ON TIMING DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1359, sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, in order to provide political parties flexibility to safely continue the primary process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is part of several steps the General Assembly is taking to prepare for a potential recess in the session. “While we work to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Colorado, our democratic process needs to be able to continue in the safest way possible,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett,D-Denver. “This bill takes into consideration that large groups of delegates would have to meet in public gatherings and that many of these delegates are members of high-risk populations that are vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. Please follow the advice of medical and public health experts who have urged us all to take simple precautions.” With county assemblies beginning as early as this weekend, legislation is needed urgently to allow parties the flexibility to ensure that the process can continue without requiring a high number of at-risk individuals to meet in large public gatherings, often held in schools. HB20-1359 extends various deadlines related to ballot access requirements in 2020. It allows political parties to amend their bylaws as needed during 2020 to allow remote participation in assemblies and conventions and to fill vacancies. Delegates to assemblies may participate remotely if allowed by the party, and parties may reduce or waive any quorum requirements to allow assemblies to proceed. The modifications are repealed effective December 31, 2020 Previous Next

I want people to know they are not alone in this battle < Back MONICA DURAN: Domestic violence awareness more important now than ever Oct 31, 2023 See more This op-ed was published in the Aurora Sentinel on Oct 30, 2023 I want people to know they are not alone in this battle Hidden behind closed doors and hushed about in dark hallways is the growing epidemic of domestic violence. Nationally, domestic violence is on the rise , and troubling data from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board reveals Colorado is not immune to this trend. Economic uncertainty, isolation and lack of child care, all exacerbated by the pandemic, have created more dangerous conditions for many in our state. Throughout October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are tasked to spread awareness about this epidemic and connect those fleeing abusers with crucial services. The trauma, hardship and pain are very real for me, and a constant reminder of why this work is important. At just nineteen, I found myself in an abusive home situation that left me in fear for my life. Domestic abuse is difficult to talk about, let alone escape with a young son. It took me years to muster up the courage to leave my abuser, reclaim my life, and breakthrough stigmas to make my voice heard. Throughout those trying years, I navigated a challenging court system, limited survivor resources, financial uncertainty and ultimately homelessness. Today, I have my life. But we must remind ourselves that for every person who escapes, there are many more who are still living in dangerous and terrifying situations. After all this time, sharing my story still isn’t easy. As we face more domestic violence deaths than ever recorded before in Colorado, I want people to know they are not alone in this battle. I am fighting for you at the Capitol and working to break down the wall of silence surrounding domestic violence. Since the end of the last legislative session in May, I have been busy collaborating with local leaders, survivors, and advocates to help shape policy that supports domestic violence survivors. One of the persistent issues survivors face is the lack of resources to help them start anew. That daunting list of tasks can include arranging child care, hunting for a new apartment, seeking health care treatment and attending court dates. As I plan for the 2024 legislative session that begins in January, securing more funding for crime survivors, making survival resources more readily available and cutting red tape with criminal filings are at the top of my priority list. Our work this session will build on important legislation I helped pass that combats the domestic violence epidemic and protects survivors. In 2021, we passed HB21-1255 , which allows for the removal of firearms from someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them, and HB21-1165 , bipartisan legislation to make criminal investigations more seamless for victims of strangulation. To improve the court system experience for survivors, we passed HB23-1222 , which establishes standards for domestic violence cases tried in municipalities, strengthens oversight, and increases data sharing. These pivotal pieces of legislation, along with many others, make our communities safer and protect Coloradans. While it is humbling to see my own personal history shape statewide policy and to be awarded the Domestic Abuse Survivor Award by the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abuse non-profit and the Aquamarine Award for being a champion in our fight against domestic violence from Violence Free Colorado, our work is never done. We must continue to spread awareness of domestic violence and work toward a future where we can all live violence-free. October is the time to be extra aware of the lingering and growing dangers of domestic violence. Identify warning signs of abuse as a partner tries to gain or maintain power and control over you and your household. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Those living in Jefferson County can call Porch Light, a Family Justice Center, at (720) 853-8850 to seek help. Majority Leader state Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, represents House District 23 which includes Lakewood, Lakeside, Applewood, and Mountain View Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, today released the following statement on the agreement reached between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CommonSpirit Health to maintain in-network coverage for consumers: < Back May 24, 2024 McCluskie, Roberts Applaud Anthem CommonSpirit Agreement DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, today released the following statement on the agreement reached between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CommonSpirit Health to maintain in-network coverage for consumers: Coloradans in rural communities often have few options for health facilities, and many have to drive far distances to receive care. CommonSpirit hospitals and clinics are critical for patients in Northwest and Central Colorado, and in-network coverage for these providers is essential for people to access the care they need. I applaud the parties for reaching an agreement that will allow Anthem consumers to continue receiving care from CommonSpirit providers. I know many in our communities are relieved for this situation to be resolved so they can access their providers at facilities that are the most convenient or best suited for their care. On May 6, McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts issued a joint statement calling on the parties to reach an agreement. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2022 BILL TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AND SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to ramp up consumer protections for Coloradans that participate in health care cost sharing arrangements (HCSAs). HB22-1269, sponsored by Representative Susan Lontine, would require HCSAs to submit operating information to the Division of Insurance (DOI) to improve transparency. “This bill aims to improve consumer protections and save Coloradans money on health care,” said Susan Lontine D-Denver. “Right now, very little is known about how HSCAs operate in Colorado and that’s a huge problem for participating consumers all across the state. With routine data collection, we can improve transparency and ensure Coloradans are getting the health care coverage they enrolled in and paid for. HCSA’s are not insurance companies and Coloradans deserve to be protected from contract breaches, fraud and poor health care coverage.” HB22-1269 , passed the committee by a vote of 7 to 4 and would require HCSAs to submit some basic, routine information to the DOI about how they operate. The DOI would then make these comprehensive reports publicly available to improve transparency between health insurance organizations and Colorado consumers. This bill would also provide an avenue for consumers to submit complaints about HCSAs to the DOI. There is limited information on HSCAs including how many of them conduct business in Colorado, the number of consumers enrolled and how many of those consumers receive payouts for their health care costs. Making HSCAs operations information public will discourage misconduct, several notable and egregious instances of which have been documented across the country. The need for this bill stems from consumers signing up for HSCAs as a less expensive alternative to health insurance. However, consumers are often unaware of the full extent of their benefits and have been denied reimbursement or payments for their health care costs in arbitrary or capricious ways. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Jennifer Bacon to protect HOA residents against having to pay for excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions against unit owners and create new safeguards against foreclosure. HB24-1337 passed by a vote of 43-18. < Back April 8, 2024 House Passes Bill to Protect Against HOA Foreclosures DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Jennifer Bacon to protect HOA residents against having to pay for excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions against unit owners and create new safeguards against foreclosure. HB24-1337 passed by a vote of 43-18. “Millions of Coloradans live in HOA communities, and although we have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, they are still at risk of losing their homes over minor issues,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “No family struggling to keep up with rising HOA assessments should have to forego buying food, medicine, or other necessities just to foot the bill for legal fees. This legislation ensures that Coloradans won’t be on the hook for paying exorbitant attorney fees racked up by HOAs in addition to the actual payments owed, keeping Coloradans safely housed.” “Housing affordability is a serious issue for Coloradans, and foreclosures due to unreasonable HOA repayment requirements threaten housing security for thousands of families,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. "Our legislation would create a right of redemption, allowing Colorado homeowners the right to purchase the property back rather than watching their home and hard-earned equity go to the highest bidder for pennies on the dollar.” Currently, home owners associations (HOAs) can require a homeowner to reimburse the HOAs for collection costs and attorney fees without starting a legal proceeding. HB24-1337 would limit the reimbursement amount for attorney fees to 50 percent of the underlying payment owed or $5,000, whichever is less. The bill also prohibits foreclosing on a lien if the homeowner is in a bankruptcy civil action or if the homeowner is in compliance with a payment plan to pay off the collection owed. It also requires the HOA to take specific action before foreclosing on a home, ensuring foreclosure is the last resort. The bill also creates a right of redemption for properties in an HOA that have been foreclosed on, which would allow unit owners, tenants, nonprofits, community land trusts, and other entities the opportunity to purchase the property before it is transferred, which will help keep wealth in families and communities. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill that would support immigrant communities and increase transparency for state and local law enforcement. < Back March 17, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Support Immigrant Communities Amidst ICE Crackdown and Overreach DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill that would support immigrant communities and increase transparency for state and local law enforcement. “Immigrants and U.S. citizens alike are being violently attacked and detained by federal law enforcement, which spreads fear throughout our communities and prevents people from going to work, the grocery store, school or medical appointments,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We will not let the federal government run dangerous and inhumane detention centers in our state without oversight while they execute indiscriminate mass deportations and unlawful detentions without warrants. This bill pushes back against federal overreach to safeguard your constitutional rights and shore up existing privacy protections.” “The reckless, dangerous activities of federal agents have left many Coloradans living in fear,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “We’ve witnessed the unlawful detainment, and even the killing of U.S. citizens, as federal law enforcement actively ignores our constitutional rights. This bill is about keeping all Coloradans safe, and we’re working to strengthen existing privacy protections while ensuring accountability and transparency.” HB26-1276 passed committee by a vote of 6-5. Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. HB26-1276 would build upon legislative efforts by: Requiring reporting on conditions in immigration detention facilities through more frequent environmental and health inspections of facilities, in addition to unannounced inspections, and environmental impact studies for new and existing detention facilities Enforcing laws on the sharing of our personal information and making information on federal subpoenas available to the public; Placing restrictions on the use of local resources for the transportation of individuals by a federal agency for the purpose of deportation. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: HISTORIC LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES General Assembly passes Colorado Comeback stimulus plan, historic transportation package & bills to reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs DENVER, CO – House and Senate leadership tonight released the following statements after the gavels fell on the historic First Session of the 73rd General Assembly. “This was an ambitious and historic session,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “From the very beginning, we were clear about what we set out to do, and we delivered on our promises. Democrats demonstrated that we have earned the trust Coloradans put in us to govern responsibly. Sometimes, history makes us. This year, we made history.” “There is no doubt that this last year was marred by tragedy, but it was also marked by triumph,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Rather than succumb to the weight of a pandemic and economic recession, we used all of our resources to not only persevere but build back stronger than we were before. From transformational infrastructure investments to landmark stimulus policies, we used this session as an opportunity to take on the big challenges and make generational change. I am incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish and I can’t wait to see our work in action.” “This session will be remembered for decades as one of the most ambitious and productive in recent memory,” said House Majority Leader, D-Pueblo . “We made investments and reforms that will create a more prosperous Colorado for working families for decades to come. As I go home to Pueblo to welcome the newest member of my family, I’ll go home knowing that the work we did this session will make life better for my future child, and for Coloradans of every background across the state.” “After an unprecedented year in Colorado, we returned to the Capitol with an ambitious to-do list. I’m so proud to celebrate each and every accomplishment coming out of this session – and they are many,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “From immediate small business relief and housing assistance, to landmark transportation legislation and gun violence prevention measures, we were truly responsive to both today’s needs and tomorrow’s prosperity. The hard work from Democrats over the past few months has resulted in one of the most productive and consequential legislative sessions in recent memory.” Revitalizing Our Economy, Delivering Urgent Relief, Forging a More Prosperous Future for Coloradans In the midst of a global pandemic and challenging year that has severely impacted the lives of Coloradans, Democrats came together to not only deliver urgent relief to struggling Coloradans but build our state back stronger. By focusing on r evitalizing our economy, delivering urgent relief, and forging a more prosperous future for all Coloradans, the legislature was able to deliver on promises that were years in the making – passing transformational legislation that will pave the way for a Colorado where everyone can thrive. This was accomplished by putting people over politics and working across the aisle to accomplish great things, resulting in 91% of our passed legislation receiving bipartisan support. In order to recover faster and build back stronger, lawmakers prioritized addressing our most pressing challenges head-on. This meant developing a bipartisan state stimulus package to foster the Colorado Comeback, making monumental investments to strengthen small businesses, supporting Colorado families, investing in rural Colorado, and developing our workforce. Specifically, lawmakers passed bills to create a $30 million startup loan fund for businesses across the state, provide $15 million in grants to small businesses, and invested $22 million to support artists and arts and culture organizations. We also championed legislation that will provide more than $100 million to increase child care capacity and affordability, create a $30 million loan and grant program for Colorado’s agricultural sector, add $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative, and allocate $25 million in funding for upskilling and reskilling our state’s workforce. In addition to passing state stimulus policies, state leaders worked collaboratively to enact Colorado’s roadmap to Building Back Stronger – embarking on a statewide listening tour to gather input on how to allocate nearly $4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The resulting legislation immediately deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to make housing more affordable, provide emergency behavioral health services and help workers complete degree or skills-training programs. The roadmap also dedicated $1.3 billion in federal funds to protect critical state services in future years and set aside nearly $1.8 billion for future transformational investments in housing, behavioral health, and workforce development that will be crafted through bipartisan interim processes. Beyond tackling urgent needs and enacting once-in-a-generation stimulative plans, lawmakers prioritized addressing longstanding issues that have burdened Colorado for decades. One such issue is the inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care. With skyrocketing health care costs and limited options, lawmakers crafted legislation to implement the Colorado Option, a policy that is set to save Coloradans 15 percent on their insurance premiums and create a guaranteed plan for consumers. Lawmakers also passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Board, which will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and ensure that no Coloradan is forced to forgo life-saving medication. Another long-standing issue that has held Colorado’s economy back for decades is transportation. After booming population growth yet stagnant funding, Colorado’s infrastructure is in desperate need of significant repair and modernization. That’s why the 73rd General Assembly prioritized passing a groundbreaking transportation plan – finally ending the deadlock that has plagued our state for years. Supported by a large, bipartisan coalition, this historic legislation will help connect people and goods from all corners of the state, ensure our economy can compete on the national stage, and allow Coloradans to get where they’re going faster and more safely. Sadly, the legislature was also confronted with the all-too-familiar issue of gun violence during the legislative session. After 10 people lost their lives in the Boulder King Sooper shooting, Democratic lawmakers crafted and passed three measures designed to curb the gun violence epidemic in our state. These policies together will save lives by expanding background checks, closing loopholes, and giving local governments the tools they need to craft community-based solutions to gun violence. The three bills passed in addition to three other measures that address firearm safety including safe storage, lost and stolen reporting, and protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence. In 2021 General Assembly Democrats rose to the occasion and championed policies that will not only support people in the aftermath of the pandemic but pave a hopeful path forward by creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado for all. Revitalizing our economy: Thanks to the swift and bold action of our federal delegation, Colorado was afforded a once-in-a-generation opportunity to jumpstart our struggling economy and strengthen our recovery. From rebuilding our workforce by giving Coloradans the tools they need to fill good-paying jobs, to investing in up-and-coming businesses and revitalizing mainstreets we have delivered on our promise to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. Strengthening small businesses and community centers: HB21-1288 — Colorado Startup Loan Program ** SB21-241 — Small Business Accelerated Growth Program ** HB21-1302 –– Continue COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program ** HB21-1265 — Qualified Retailer Retain Sales Tax For Assistance ** HB21-1312 — Increase to Business Personal Property Tax Exemption ** SB21-252 — Community Revitalization Grant Program ** HB21-1263 — Meeting And Events Incentive Program** SB21-110 — Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets ** Investing in rural Colorado and agriculture: SB21-203 — Funding For Colorado Proud ** SB21-204 — Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program Funding ** SB21-229 — Rural Jump-start Zone Grant Program ** SB21-248 — Loan Program For Colorado Agriculture ** SB21-234 — General Fund Transfer Agriculture And Drought Resiliency ** SB21-235 — Stimulus Funding Department Of Agriculture Efficiency Programs ** HB21-1290 — Additional Funding For Just Transition ** Developing our workforce: HB21-1264 — Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills ** HB21-1270 — SNAP workforce ** HB21-1330 — Higher Education Student Success ** SB21-232 — Displaced Workers Grant ** HB21-1149 — Energy Sector Career Pathway In Higher Education ** HB21-1007 — State Apprenticeship Agency HB21-1215 –– Business Training for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals** Stock Show, State Fair, Agriculture Fairs and Events, Arts and Creative Industries: HB21-1262 — Money Support Agricultural Events Organization ** HB21-1285 — Funding To Support Creative Arts Industries ** Delivering urgent relief: With sky-high unemployment, social isolation, and prolonged uncertainty, too many Coloradans were being crushed under the weight of the pandemic. That’s why we prioritized providing direct relief to struggling families – allocating funds for housing, childcare, and food assistance efforts; and bolstering mental and behavioral healthcare services. K-12 and Higher Education: 2021 School Finance Act: The 2021 school finance act increases total program funding by $750.8 million. Per pupil funding for the 2021-2022 school year will be $8,991, an increase of $868 (10.7 percent) over the current school year. This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive. The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support. 2021-2022 State Budget: The Long Appropriations bill resumes state support for institutions of higher education, increasing funding by $494 million over last year’s budget. The budget invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST) to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures and directs an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF), which funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Supporting Colorado families and youth: SB21-236 — Increase Capacity Early Childhood Care & Education ** SB21-027 — Emergency Supplies For Colorado Babies And Families ** SB21-202 –– Funding Public School Air Quality Projects** HB21-1311 — Boosting Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit HB21-1161 — Suspend Statewide Assessments For Select Grades HB21-1259 –– Extended Learning Opportunities SB21-013 –– Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss HB21-1234 –– Supplemental Education High-impact Tutoring Programs** SB21-053 — Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21 SB21-292 — Federal COVID Funding For Victim’s Services** Helping Coloradans avoid eviction and making housing more affordable: HB21-1271 — Department Of Local Affairs Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies ** HB21-1329 — American Rescue Plan Act Money To Invest Affordable Housing ** HB21-1117 –– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units HB21-1054 –– Housing Public Benefit Verification Requirement SB21-173 — Rights In Residential Lease Agreements SB21-242 — Housing Development Grants Hotels Tenancy Support Program ** HB21-1121 — Residential Tenancy Procedures HB21-1274 — Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use Increasing access to mental health care: HB21-1258 — Rapid Mental Health Response For Colorado Youth ** SB21-137 — Behavioral Health Recovery Act ** SB21-239 — 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System ** HB21-1119 — Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention HB21-1068 — Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam HB21-1281 — Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program Protecting communities from wildfire SB21-258 — Wildfire Risk Mitigation ** SB21-240 — Watershed Restoration Grant Program Stimulus ** HB21-1260 –– Funding for the State Water Plan** HB21-1208 — Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise ** SB21-054 — Transfers For Wildfire Mitigation And Response SB21-113 — Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response ** HB21-1008 — Forest Health Project Financing Supporting Colorado’s Veterans HB21-1065 — Veterans’ Hiring Preference SB21-129 — Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program SB21-032 — Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program Forging a more prosperous future for Coloradans: This pandemic has taken a serious toll on our lives and our livelihoods, but Coloradans are resilient and we used this as an opportunity to not only recover, but build back stronger. That’s why we passed transformational policies increasing access to affordable healthcare, investing in the sustainability of our transportation system, reforming our justice system, and protecting our environment for generations to come. The legislature set aside over $1 billion to fortify the state’s budget and created a responsible process to hear from experts on the most effective way to allocate nearly $1 billion in funding toward mental health, housing, workforce development, and the long-term resilience of Colorado’s economy. Improving Colorado’s transportation and infrastructure: SB21-260 — Sustainability Of The Transportation System SB21-238 — Create Front Range Passenger Rail District HB21-1186 — Regional Transportation District Operation HB21-1289 — Funding For Broadband Deployment Reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs, improving access to care and addressing health disparities: HB21-1232 — Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option; SB21-175 — Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board HB21-1097 — Establish Behavioral Health Administration; SB21-123 –– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program SB21-009 –– Reproductive Health Care Program SB21-194 — Maternal Health Providers SB21-193 — Protection Of Pregnant People In Perinatal Period SB21-016 –– Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage Providing a high quality education to all students: HB21-1325 — Funding Public Schools Formula HB21-1304 — Early Childhood System SB21-185 — Supporting Educator Workforce In Colorado HB21-1173 — Prohibiting Legacy Preferences In Higher Ed Insts HB21-1067 — College Admission Use Of National Test Score Advancing Justice in Colorado Communities: HB21-1315 — Costs Assessed To Juveniles In The Criminal Justice System HB21-1314 — Department Of Revenue Action Against Certain Documents HB21-1280 — Pre-trial Detention Reform SB21-271 — Misdemeanor Reform HB21-1214 — Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction HB21-1250 — Measures to Address Law Enforcement Accountability HB21-1251 — Appropriate Use Of Chemical Restraints On A Person HB21-1122 — First Responder Interactions Persons With Disabilities SB21-087 –– Agricultural Workers’ Rights Protecting Communities SB21-073 — Civil Action Statute Of Limitations Sexual Assault HB21-1298 — Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements HB21-1299 — Office Of Gun Violence Prevention SB21-256 — Local Regulation Of Firearms SB21-078 — Lost Or Stolen Firearms (Isabella Joy Thallas Act) HB21-1106 — Safe Storage Of Firearms HB21-1255 — Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser HB21-1165 — Assistance For Victims Of Strangulation HB21-1143 — Protect Survivors’ Rights To Rape Kit Evidence HB21-1107 — Protections For Public Health Department Workers HB21-1110 — Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities Protecting our clean air and water, and addressing climate change: SB21-264 — Adopt Programs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities SB21-230 –– Financing Clean Energy Projects SB21-231 –– Funding for Weatherization Assistance HB21-1266 — Environmental Justice Disproportionate Impacted Community HB21-1238 — Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility HB21-1286 — Energy Performance For Buildings HB21-1253 — Renewable And Clean Energy Project Grants** HB21-1189 — Regulate Air Toxics Responsibly Allocating Federal Stimulus Funds SB21-288 — American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund SB21-289 — Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund SB21-291 — Economic Recovery And Relief Cash Fund Improving Colorado’s Elections HB21-1011 — Multilingual Ballot Access For Voters HB21-1071 — Ranked Choice Voting In Nonpartisan Elections SB21-250 — Elections And Voting Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2022 FAMILY AFFIRMATION ACT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to simplify the adoption process for parents conceiving through assisted reproduction today passed the House by a vote of 53-11. “When parents conceive using assisted reproduction, the law doesn’t always automatically recognize the parent-child relationship,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “In Colorado, there is a burdensome adoption process used to establish the parent-child legal relationship, which is costly, invasive and time consuming. The Family Affirmation Act would create a simplified legal process for parents so they can spend more time with their newborn and less time navigating the adoption process.” “Under Colorado’s laws, my wife still needs to go through the expensive and complicated adoption process just to be legally recognized as the mother of our child, even though she is Marlo’s biological parent,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “My wife, and every parent that goes through assisted reproduction, should have the same parental rights that I do. It’s time to modernize our laws so that every parent in our state has equal protections under the law.” HB22-1153, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Daneya Esgar, would create an accessible and streamlined adoption process for parents conceiving through assisted reproduction. Some parents, often LGBTQ+ couples, who conceive using assisted reproduction must currently go through the legal adoption process to be recognized as legal parents. This lengthy, expensive and complicated process is necessary just to be recognized as the legal parent of their child. The adoption process currently requires home visits, court appearances, criminal record checks and countless complicated forms to legally confirm the parent-child relationship. This is all required for a parent to legally adopt their child. This makes parenting exponentially more expensive and time consuming for LGBTQ+ and other non-traditional families. The bill would create a process for families to establish a legal parent-child relationship that must be recognized nationwide and instruct courts to confirm the adoption within 30 days. Previous Next

The Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force today advanced bills to extend the senior housing income tax credit, exempt modular homes from sales and use taxes, and expand the wildfire mitigation tax credit and the health preceptor tax credit. < Back October 31, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Save Seniors Money on Housing, Expand Wildfire Mitigation Efforts Advance DENVER, CO - The Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force today advanced bills to extend the senior housing income tax credit, exempt modular homes from sales and use taxes, and expand the wildfire mitigation tax credit and the health preceptor tax credit. “These bills will put more money back into the pockets of Colorado seniors renting their homes, property owners trying to mitigate wildfire risk, and health care preceptors training the next generation of doctors,” said Chair Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bills 1 and 10. “By increasing the tax credit for wildfire mitigation costs, we’ll make it easier and cheaper for Coloradans to protect their homes. We’re also exempting modular homes from sales and use tax and reestablishing a housing tax credit for seniors, which together will help build more affordable places to live and save Coloradans money on housing.” “Colorado’s working families deserve a break, and the bills we’re advancing today will do just that by making it more affordable to defend homes against wildfires, bolstering our health care workforce, and allowing more Colorado seniors to stay in their homes,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of all five bills. “I’m proud to champion these bills that will save money on housing and will make life easier for Colorado families.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Lisa Frizell and Senators Chris Hansen and Chris Kolker, would modify various tax expenditures including increasing the wildfire mitigation tax credit, doubling the health care preceptors tax credit, and exempting modular homes from sales and use tax. Under this bill, the Rural and Frontier Healthcare Preceptor Credit would increase from $1,000 to $2,000 and the maximum Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Expenses Tax Credit would increase from $625 to $1000. Bill 10 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Bob Marshall and Senators Chris Hansen and Chris Kolker, reinstates a refundable income tax credit for seniors, created by HB22-1205 , for the income tax year starting January 1, 2024. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident who is 65 years old or older by the end of 2024, have a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) that is $75,000 or less for a single filer, or $150,000 or less for joint filers, and have not claimed the senior property tax exemption for the 2024 property tax year. “This bill could save 130,000 Colorado seniors over $143 million dollars,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of Bill 10. “Seniors are particularly vulnerable when the cost of living rises because they are dependent on a set income, like their retirement savings, to cover all of their costs. Our bill ensures that seniors who cannot take advantage of the senior homestead property tax exemption because they rent their homes also receive some housing costs assistance as they age in place on fixed incomes. By advancing this bill, we’re one step closer to saving lower- and middle-income seniors thousands of dollars each, helping them combat the rising cost of living.” “We’ve been working hard to support Colorado seniors, and especially those living on a low fixed income while renting, or who are not eligible for the senior homestead exemption, which is why I am so proud to champion this important legislation,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 10. “This measure would save older Coloradans millions of dollars on housing, make our state a more affordable place to live, and ensure seniors can remain in the communities they have called home for years to come.” Single filers with a federal AGI of $25,000 or less will receive $1,000. Joint filers with a federal AGI that is $50,000 or less will also receive $1,000. For every $500 of income above the threshold, the amount of the credit is reduced by $10. The committee also advanced three other bills. Bill 2 , in response to the SCOTUS ruling of Tyler v Hennepin County , ensures that Colorado’s laws around the recovery of unpaid property taxes on real property and mobile homes align with the Constitution by changing requirements and process for the issuance of treasurer’s deeds. Bill 6 modifies short-term rental definitions and directs the property tax administrator to establish and administer a program to develop a statewide database and uniform reporting system to track short-term rentals. Properties used as a residence, but only for short-term rentals, would be defined as a lodging property under the definition of hotels and motels. Bill 7 changes procedures of the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) for evaluating state tax expenditures and directs OSA to review federal tax law changes that impact the state. The bill also permits the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force to request evaluation of specific tax expenditures and continue the oversight committee and task force until December 2031. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to improve health care in rural Colorado by designating funding to train, recruit and grow Colorado’s health care workforce. < Back June 7, 2024 ICYMI: Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Rural Health Care Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to improve health care in rural Colorado by designating funding to train, recruit and grow Colorado’s health care workforce. “Folks who live in rural communities like those I represent on the Western Slope face unique challenges with the cost of and lack of access to health care,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “In the legislature, I’ve worked to boost our rural health care workforce, and this new law will expand that successful program and support our rural hospitals with much needed supplemental funding so that they can keep their doors open and continue to serve their communities." “Coloradans living in rural and mountain communities, like mine, deserve access to high-quality health care – including mental and behavioral health care,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “We’re taking steps to support Colorado’s rural health care workforce by driving funding toward rural hospitals and expanding mental health care support for our farmers and ranchers. I’m beyond proud to carry these bills at the Capitol because health care in every community and corner of the state matters.” SB24-221 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, builds upon previous legislation that established the Colorado Rural Health Care Workforce Initiative to expand the number of health care professionals practicing in rural areas. This law would designate additional funding for institutions of higher education to establish or expand an existing rural health care provider training track, as well as provide over $1.7 million in direct assistance for rural hospitals. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to allow the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. < Back April 30, 2026 Tamale Act Passes House DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation to allow the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. The Tamale Act passed by a vote of 46-17. “Growing up, I watched my abuela and mom sell delicious food to make ends meet, and this bill is an entrepreneur’s dream realized,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “The Tamale Act makes it possible for Coloradans to sell safe, temperature-controlled foods, like tamales and burritos, with fewer barriers. We know that many immigrant families are looking for new, creative ways to earn money while navigating the Trump Administration's harsh policies, and our bill will open doors. The Tamale Act is a win for home chefs, and I know it will make all the difference to people like my abuela.” The Tamale Act ( HB26-1033 ) would allow for the sale of homemade foods in Colorado that require refrigeration and foods that include meat or meat products. To keep Coloradans safe, homemade food sellers must complete a food safety course that includes proper food handling, including time and temperature control. Food sellers must maintain proof of the course completion. The course can be completed in-person or online. Additionally, food sellers may not transport the food more than once or transport it longer than two hours. The Tamale Act is also sponsored by Representative Ryan Gonzales, R-Greeley. In 2012, Colorado passed the Cottage Food Act. This law allowed for the sale of some homemade food items, including coffee beans and pickles, but not temperature-controlled items or meat and dairy products. This bill expands the Cottage Food Act so home food sellers can sell products that include staple ingredients, such as butter, milk and meat. The Institute for Justice analyzed data from seven states with some of the broadest homemade food laws and found no significant instances of foodborne illness traced back to homemade foods. In the report, IJ stated these results should not be surprising considering “many of these cottage food businesses are run by only one or two people, with their name, reputation, and livelihood on the line.” Previous Next

The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. < Back March 25, 2023 Houses Advances Bill to Expand ‘Red Flag’ Law DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. “ We’re expanding Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law to allow district attorneys, mental health professionals and educators to file a petition to remove a firearm from someone who is a danger to themself or others,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This law is a successful tool that has saved lives, but Coloradans need to know how to use it and have better access to the red flag process. This legislation will increase awareness of the law and create additional avenues for qualified individuals to seek a court action to remove a firearm from a dangerous person, which will save lives, reduce gun violence, and help keep our communities safe.” “Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law is working; from 2020 to 2022, law enforcement, close family members, and housemates filed 380 red flag petitions, saving countless lives and avoiding tragedies,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “It’s clear that professionals who understand the legal system are more successful at filing red flag petitions. That’s why this bill creates an education campaign to help people understand how to file a petition. We know we can save more lives and improve public safety by expanding our red flag law, and that’s exactly what this bill does.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently, a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include district attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its ‘red flag’ law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have red flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. With SB23-170 expanding eligible individuals that can file a petition for removal, more lives can be saved by gun violence. Nearly 360 red flag petitions were filed from 2020 to 2022. Previous Next