Legislation will promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles < Back May 15, 2024 Gov Signs Legislation to Reduce Gun Thefts from Vehicles Legislation will promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles CENTENNIAL, CO - Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to help prevent firearms from being stolen from vehicles by requiring them to be secured while unattended in a vehicle. “As a Western Slope legislator, I know how important responsible and safe gun ownership is for our rural communities and our way of life," said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "This commonsense law helps reduce gun thefts from vehicles while respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of gun owners across the state.” “Safe storage of firearms in vehicles or at home is an effective way to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and create safer communities,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “Last year, there were 1,221 guns reported stolen in Denver. This law represents one of this year’s many efforts to reduce gun violence in Colorado and I’m proud to see it signed today.” “When someone steals a firearm, they bypass the protections we’ve put in place that consider factors like mental health struggles and a history of domestic violence before they’re handed a gun," said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. "Gun thefts from vehicles are on the rise, putting our communities at risk of preventable gun crimes. By requiring guns to be securely stored in vehicles when they are unattended, this law will prevent gun owners from losing their weapons to prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands and keep our neighborhood kids safe.” “We have seen alarming rates of firearms being stolen from vehicles in Colorado, including one instance here at the Capitol,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “It’s on gun owners to responsibly and safely store their firearms – whether that’s in their home or their vehicle. This important law promotes a commonsense gun safety practice that will help reduce theft and make our communities safer.” HB24-1348 requires handguns in unattended vehicles to be stored in a locked, hard-sided container that is out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen. Other firearms must be stored in a hard or soft-sided container. The law also requires the Office of Suicide Prevention to include information for vehicle safe storage on its website and include vehicle safe storage information that must be displayed at gun stores. There are exclusions such as antique firearms, peace officers, military service members, and people engaged in hunting activities. Recreational vehicles and non-handgun firearms in a vehicle on a person’s private farm or ranch are also exempt. According to the Denver Police Department, 846 of the 1,221 guns that were reported as being stolen were stolen from vehicles in 2023. Of those stolen firearms, 61% were stolen without stealing the vehicle itself. Data from 2020 found that Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs had the highest rates of gun thefts from cars in Colorado. Colorado Democrats passed a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. The law also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the 2021 law created the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: NEW LAWS PASSED BY DEMOCRATS TO SAVE PEOPLE MONEY GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO – New laws passed by Democrats in the General Assembly to save people and businesses more than $150 million go into effect today. “With inflation and rising costs squeezing families across the state, we did everything we could to save Coloradans and businesses money this year,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “The legislation going into effect today will save Coloradans and businesses nearly $150 million. From cutting property taxes by $275 on average and creating free universal preschool, to sending every Coloradan an early rebate check of $750 and boosting the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, we’re putting hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars back into Coloradans’ pockets.” “Pandemic-induced inflation is putting folks in a pinch, which is why we fought to pass this slate of fee relief bills that will help save people money,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “From helping local restaurants hold onto thousands of dollars on their sales taxes, to slashing fees at the DMV, to reducing professional licenses for health care providers, we’re helping families and businesses deal with rising costs and putting money directly back into the pockets of hard-working Coloradans.” “The legislation going into effect today will save drivers money as gas prices rise across the globe and put money back into the pockets of health care professionals and small businesses,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Nurses and mental health professionals served on the frontlines during the pandemic, and small businesses have faced the brunt of the pandemic’s economic disruptions. I’m so proud of the legislation we passed to save families and businesses money and help Coloradans hold on to more of their hard earned money.” “We know that working Colorado families need all the help they can get right now, and we delivered with a package of new laws going into effect today that will reduce fees and help folks across the state save money,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “These measures will help alleviate the financial pressure families and businesses have felt over the last two years, giving them some breathing room and helping them make ends meet when they need it most.” Saving Restaurants and Small Businesses Money: HB22-1406 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Leslie Herod and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and James Coleman, will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect and would otherwise remit to the state. HB22-1001 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Chris Kolker, will save businesses over $8 million by making it nearly free to start your own business in Colorado. Putting Money Back Into Driver’s Pockets: HB22-1004 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields, will save drivers nearly $4 million in DMV fees, and HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Nick Hinrichsen, will save drivers over $78 million by reducing the cost of registering a vehicle and delaying the road usage fee Saving Nurses and Mental Health Professionals Money on Their Professional Licenses: Nurses, who served bravely on the frontlines during the pandemic, will save $11.7 million this year when they go to renew their licenses because of HB22-1298 , legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Sonya Jaquez Lewis. Mental health professionals will save $3.7 million when they go to renew their licenses from HB22-1299 , legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to fight back against federal mandates that force aging coal plants to stay operational, which will drive up costs to ratepayers and hinder Colorado’s clean energy future. < Back June 5, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Fight Back Against Federal Coal Mandates DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to fight back against federal mandates that force aging coal plants to stay operational, which will drive up costs to ratepayers and hinder Colorado’s clean energy future. “With this law, we’re pushing back against federal overreach that increases costs for ratepayers and continues to burden communities with pollution,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “There is consensus among environmental organizations and the operators of the Craig Unit 1 power plant that forcing coal plants to stay online will increase utility costs for Coloradans. Colorado needs to plan for our own energy future, and this law helps protect ratepayers and bring us closer to our climate goals.” “Colorado is a leader in climate policy, and we should be able to continue planning our own energy future,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “While the Trump Administration is busy propping up outdated, highly polluting, ready-to-retire coal plants, we’ve made considerable progress in bringing Colorado into a sustainable future with clean air, good jobs, and affordable energy. This law will mitigate harm caused by misguided federal mandates while protecting ratepayers and maintaining clean air standards.” “Trump's capricious, ill-advised use of an emergency order to keep an aging coal plant online will increase utility costs and set back Colorado’s climate and clean air goals,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans should be in charge of our state’s energy future, not the federal government. And ratepayers deserve to know how much propping up an aging, broken-down coal-fired power plant will cost them on their utility bills. Our law protects consumers from Trump’s war on clean energy and destructive energy cost increases while keeping us on track to meet our climate goals.” “The Trump Administration is trying to force expensive, polluting coal plants to stay open against the will of our communities, ignoring years of thoughtful planning,” said Sen. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill pushes back by requiring transparency and pollution safeguards if some coal plants are required to stay open, ensuring Colorado can continue to chart our own path forward.” HB26-1226 will help to mitigate the impacts of federal interference in Colorado’s energy future, ensure energy reliability, and implement modern standards for coal plant pollution. If coal-fired plants are permitted to operate past 2034, this law will: Mandate that consumers and regulators are given information on the costs of keeping those coal plants open, and give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) financing tools to manage operating costs, minimizing the impact on ratepayers. Ensure the PUC approves new resources for Colorado’s largest electric utilities to help Colorado reach our carbon reduction targets and retire coal plants on schedule. Require that coal plants still in operation use modern pollution controls to reduce emissions and help Colorado reach clean energy targets. In addition to informing consumers about the cost impacts of keeping coal plants open past their retirement date, this law will also allow utility companies to use securitization as a financing tool if it lowers costs for ratepayers. This would include refinanced debt or long-term, low-interest bonds on large-scale projects to help lower costs for ratepayers now. To reduce pollution, this law will require the Air Quality Control Commission to issue a rule to set limits on the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from coal-fired power plants, unless those plants have retired or converted to burn a fuel other than coal. HB26-1226 also requires operators to submit quarterly emissions reports showing compliance and the associated costs beginning in 2034, which the commission must make available to the public. Last December, the Trump administration issued a 202(c) emergency order to keep an aging coal-fired power plant in Craig operating, despite the plant's scheduled retirement in late 2025. The Colorado Attorney General and environmental groups challenged this unprecedented order. Additionally, the owners of the coal power plant, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and the Platte River Power Authority filed a formal petition asking the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider to “find a more effective and affordable path forward, one that will not delay retirement of Craig Unit 1.” In March, the Trump administration issued a second order , further extending coal burning at Craig until at least June, which is estimated to cost almost $80 million annually. Previous Next

< Back January 23, 2019 GARNETT, LONTINE APPLAUD GOV’S MOVE TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF SAVING PEOPLE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE (Jan. 23) – House Democrats applauded Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order creating the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. The office will be led by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. Majority Leader Alec Garnett will carry legislation related to the office. “I’m excited to sponsor legislation to create this critical office. House Democrats are committed to helping lower health care costs for hardworking Coloradans,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We hear every day from Coloradans in the metro area, Western Slope and eastern plains about how their cost of living keeps going up and how they are sick and tired of being ripped off when it comes to health care and prescription drugs.” “The rising costs of healthcare have affected many families and individuals in our state,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “I am excited to work with Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care up and running.” Rep. Lontine is Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee. In addition to Garnett and Lontine, House Democrats present for the signing of the executive order included Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon, Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. In recent weeks, House Democrats have introduced and passed bills through committee to help lower the cost of health care and improve hospital transparency and more to come. Read more here. Read the elective order here. Previous Next

House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senator Dylan Roberts, Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, Katie Stewart and Meghan Lukens today share their legislative priorities on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. < Back January 14, 2026 Western Slope Democrats Kick Off Legislative Session DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senator Dylan Roberts, Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, Katie Stewart and Meghan Lukens today share their legislative priorities on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. “We’re excited to begin another session with Democrats and Republicans from the Western Slope working together on the issues that matter most for our rural and mountain communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Affordable housing is top of mind for many, and this year, we’re building upon our efforts to spur the creation of more housing that Coloradans can afford. We’re focused on bringing down costs, equipping workers with the skills and tools they need for good-paying jobs and protecting our public lands.” “I’m looking forward to another session of working for our rural and mountain communities. That will mean moving legislation forward that lowers the cost of living, protects our water, and supports our Western Slope economies and working families,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “I’m excited to be the sponsor of Senate Bill One, a bipartisan effort to cut red-tape to allow communities to access more housing construction funding, and another bill that will lower costs for small agriculture producers.” “While we’ve made important progress to save you money on everyday necessities such as rent and groceries, hardworking families are still feeling the squeeze,” said Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “This session, we will double down on our affordability efforts to save you money where it matters the most, including health care and child care.” “Coloradans expect us to get the job done, and we’ll work across the aisle to find solutions and be a strong voice for rural Colorado,” said Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “I’m looking forward to representing our communities this year and growing our rural economies so that everyone has a fair shot and an opportunity to thrive. I’ll work to bring down costs, create jobs and protect our public lands.” “We’ve invested more than ever before in Colorado’s public K-12 schools, and the new school finance formula drives more dollars directly to our rural school districts,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This session, we will protect the critical investments we’ve made in K-12 education and higher education, prioritize outdoor recreation and make our state more affordable for all.” Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILL ADDRESSES COVID LEARNING LOSS Bipartisan bill to invest in high-impact tutoring to close the COVID education gap DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today advanced Representative Kerry Tipper’s bipartisan bill to invest $5 million into tutoring programs intended to address COVID-related learning loss across the state. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee unanimously. “Over the past year, Colorado’s educators went above and beyond to continue our students’ education despite an unprecedented public health emergency,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Despite their heroic efforts, COVID-related learning loss has taken a toll on students in every corner of the state. Today we made a robust investment in high-impact tutoring, a proven educational tool to ensure Colorado’s students can quickly close the COVID learning gap and continue to thrive.” HB21-1234 would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. ### Previous Next

< Back August 18, 2020 HOUSE DEMS: PROTECT THE US POSTAL SERVICE DENVER, CO – Colorado House Democrats today released the following statement on efforts by the Trump administration to undermine the US Postal Service: “The critical delays at the US Postal Service (USPS) and the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine mail delivery and deny USPS the funding it needs are dangerous and deeply concerning. These delays are a brazen and direct attack on our democracy. They jeopardize Colorado’s economic recovery and hurt our state’s small businesses, especially in our rural communities. In the middle of a global pandemic, seniors and veterans who rely on the mail for life-saving medications fear their prescriptions won’t arrive. Small businesses struggling to stay afloat worry that one of their crucial lifelines will be yanked away. This is unacceptable. “To protect our democracy and our Colorado Way of Life, Congress and the administration must immediately address reductions in USPS services and ensure timely mail delivery ahead of the November elections.” Colorado mails ballots to all registered voters from October 9-16, ensuring voters receive their ballots at least 18 days before the election. There are over 300 dropboxes across the state, providing Coloradans with multiple options to return their ballots to election officials. During the 2019 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that improved Colorado’s premier vote-by-mail system by increasing the number of dropboxes across the state. This has further reduced the need for in-person contact in order to vote in Colorado. Previous Next

Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health. < Back February 13, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. SB24-002 passed committee unanimously. “We’re working hand-in-hand with rural and mountain communities, like my home county of Summit County, to address the affordability crisis in Colorado and save people money on housing, child care and health care,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "This bipartisan bill provides local governments with new tools to create more workforce housing, high-quality child care options and economic development.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

Legislation would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to improve public access and protect landowners < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Improve Access to Outdoor Recreation Areas Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to expand public access to hiking, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreation on private lands. SB24-058, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Shannon Bird, would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners from personal injury lawsuits. “From hiking and biking to backcountry skiing and backpacking, Colorado is known for its elite outdoor recreation,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This bill makes it easier for Colorado landowners to open their land to those eager to explore the great outdoors and maybe bag a 14er along the way.” “Many of Colorado’s world-class hiking trails and other outdoor recreation areas are privately owned, and although landowners are willing to allow outdoor recreation on their land, our current laws make it difficult for them to do so, ” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill updates Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners and expand access to the beautiful trails and outdoor space that makes Colorado unique.” SB24-058 , passed committee by a vote of 9-1, and works to improve access to privately-owned outdoor recreation sites by protecting landowners from personal injury lawsuits. This bill would require landowners to display and maintain warning signs to disclose any dangerous conditions on the property that could lead to injury or death. The bill does not limit a private landowner from imposing restrictions or prohibitions on the use of their land. If passed, landowners who properly display warning signs would not face personal injury lawsuits. Those who access private land for recreation purposes must stay on designated trails, routes, areas or roadways to avoid trespassing charges. This bill aims to improve public access to outdoor recreation sites, including hiking and backpacking trails, popular long-distance races, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and more. In 2019, a Colorado court decision prompted the closure of many privately owned outdoor recreation sites, including popular 14ers , after property owners feared costly personal injury lawsuits. Previous Next

New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price < Back May 28, 2025 Signed! New Law Will Reduce Property Insurance Costs New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price LOUISVILLE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they can take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about what they can do to reduce their risk and save money. This law promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “I frequently hear from constituents that they are being denied insurance or their premiums have increased dramatically. It has always concerned me that we incentivize and encourage mitigation, but there’s no way to tie these efforts directly to insurance," said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This new law addresses that, requiring insurers to consider mitigation efforts, provide transparency to homeowners on the wildfire risk models they use, and give them the opportunity to appeal directly.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation efforts help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this law helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This new law will improve transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 , also sponsored by Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, requires insurance companies that use risk management models to assess price according to risk of wildfires and other catastrophic events to provide thorough information about how the models impact an individual’s insurance policy with policyholders and the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Insurance companies must also accurately consider mitigation efforts from policyholders when assessing risk, implement and publicize discounts and rewards programs for mitigating risk, and clear a path for policyholders to appeal their risk classification data if they believe it’s inaccurate. Insurers are required to respond to an appeal with a decision within 30 calendar days. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON CHILD CARE AND AT THE DMV MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO – Two bills that would save Coloradans money on renewing their driver’s licenses and on child care passed committee today. HB22-1004 will freeze DMV drivers’ license fees into the next fiscal year. HB22-1006 will expand the number of eligible child care facilities exempt from property taxes. “Freezing DMV renewal fees is just one of the many ways we’re working to save Coloradans money this legislative session,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “We know hardworking families across the state are feeling squeezed from every angle. The high cost of living combined with fatigue and pandemic unpredictability is exhausting. Which is why we’re using every tool available to save them money where we can.” “This bill is a great example of our ongoing efforts to save Coloradans money, boost our economy and move our state forward,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “By freezing DMV fees, Coloradans won’t be hit with an unexpected fee increase when they go to renew their license or state ID which means more money back in their pockets.” HB22-1004 , which passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee by a vote of 8 to 5, will save drivers money by freezing the license renewal fee for two years by transferring money to the licensing services cash fund. “Access to affordable, quality child care is top of mind for nearly every family in Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB22-1006 . “This Child Care Center Property Tax Exemption will increase the number of available spaces for child care facilities, driving down the cost of child care for both providers and families. We know the high cost of child care combined with pandemic pressures adds an extra layer of stress for families with children. This bill will help make child care more affordable, help families, and boost our economy.” HB22-1006 , which passed the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1, will increase child care affordability by incentivizing additional property owners through a property tax exemption to lease space to non-profit child care centers. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the amount of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care. Previous Next

House Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee, today released the following statements in response to the ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, in which a federal judge in Texas overturned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a safe abortion medication: < Back April 7, 2023 Duran, Daugherty Statements on Decision to Limit Safe Medical Abortion DENVER, CO – House Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee, today released the following statements in response to the ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA , in which a federal judge in Texas overturned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a safe abortion medication: Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “In Colorado, your right to medical abortion is protected because we trust people to make their own medical decisions – without governmental or judicial interference. The decision by one federal judge to overturn the FDA’s scientifically backed approval of mifepristone is mounted in misinformation. This will not stop abortion – it will only limit access to safe medication based abortion. But here, in Colorado, Democrats are committed to defending your right to reproductive health care. When we passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we knew the fight wasn’t over to protect access to safe abortion. With the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package, we’re prioritizing patients and providers, stopping the spread of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and reducing health care gaps in reproductive and gender affirming care. “We will never let GOP politicians weaken, limit or flat-out ban access to reproductive healthcare in Colorado.” Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada: “This decision by a Trump-appointed judge will gut access to safe, effective abortion across the country and is yet another attack on our fundamental reproductive freedoms. To be clear, this ruling is not founded in science or medical evidence – it is a Republican-led attempt to restrict access to FDA-approved abortion medication. This gross overreach of power imperils the lives of those seeking an abortion and threatens the health, economic security and freedom of millions of Americans. “By restricting access to this medication, GOP-appointed judges and courts are putting their anti-abortion ideations above science. In February, Democrats on the House Health & Insurance Committee defeated three anti-abortion bills that would have banned safe, legal abortion and spread dangerous misinformation about reproductive health care. “While this decision is a setback in achieving reproductive freedom for all, Colorado Democrats will always fight to protect and uphold your fundamental right to reproductive health care, including abortion.” Mifepristone is an FDA-approved medication that has been used safely and effectively for more than 20 years by more than five million people. This decision will have negative, lasting effects for people trying to access reproductive health care. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), which Governor Polis signed into law. This landmark legislation updated Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and established a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion. Colorado Democrats on the House Health & Insurance Committee also put a swift end to GOP proposals earlier this year. Extreme bills would have criminalized abortion with no exceptions, forced providers to administer legislative-prescribed medical treatments and spread dangerous misinformation about so-called abortion pill reversal. Given instability on reproductive justice issues, Colorado Democrats in the House and Senate passed a legislative package of bills that would improve protections for patients and providers ( SB23-188 ), prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers ( SB23-190 ), and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care ( SB23-189 ). Previous Next