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< Back April 13, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES SCHOOL SAFETY AND STUDENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to boost school safety and improve student access to behavioral health services. “Improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services are important for preparing our students for success,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB22-1243. “Our bipartisan legislation provides public schools with the funding they need to protect school grounds and build safer school environments for students, teachers and staff. In addition, this bill extends the I Matter program, which provides free mental health counseling sessions to Colorado’s youth.” “In order to make our schools safer, we need to continue investing in our student’s behavioral health,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), former chair of the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. “By extending the highly successful I Matter program we started last year, we can reach more youth across Colorado and provide them with free, professional counseling sessions. Taking steps to improve your behavioral health is tough, and I’m extremely proud of the hundreds of young people across 48 different counties who have already taken advantage of the I Matter program.” HB22-1243 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Kevin Van Winkle, would invest $14 million toward improving the security and safety of public schools and is part of Colorado Democrats’ Public Safety Package. Based on recommendations of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, it puts $2 million in federal funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and $6 million towards extending the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022. This investment will pave the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. The bill also allocates $6 million to the School Security Disbursement Program over two years, which will be reauthorized by HB22-1120. HB22-1120 , sponsored by Representatives Kevin Van Winkle and Patrick Neville, would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for schools to install monitoring equipment and security systems at school entrances and exits. Grants can also be used for school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT CHANGES DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today announced the following changes to House committee assignments for the 2020 legislative session: Finance Committee: Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) replaces Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) becomes the Vice-chair. Health & Insurance Committee: Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) replaces Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). Public Health Care & Human Services Committee: The committee will expand to 13 members – 8 Majority members, 5 Minority members. Rep. Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder) will replace Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will join the committee. Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee: Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will replace Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) . Transportation and Local Government Committee: Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora) will join the committee, filling a vacancy. State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee: Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) will replace Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora). The Judiciary Committee will become a 9 member committee – 6 Majority members, 3 Minority members. House committee leadership and majority caucus appointments are at the sole discretion of the speaker of the House. The 2020 session begins Wednesday. Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Vice-Chair, Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Education Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice-Chair, Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Health and Insurance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Public Health Care and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont Vice-Chair, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley Rural Affairs Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Vice-Chair, Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Vice-Chair, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Monica Duran, D-Lakewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Vice-Chair, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back June 22, 2021 THREE NEW LAWS SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed three new laws that will help keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers, fund victims services programs and ensure that court personnel have the training they need to best support victims and survivors of domestic violence. “One of my top priorities when I came to the legislature was to make sure we were doing everything possible to support victims and survivors of domestic violence like me,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB21-1255 and SB21-292. “For far too many, the COVID-19 pandemic made unsafe domestic violence situations even more dangerous, and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done this year to address this urgent need. The bills signed today will help keep firearms out of the hands of abusers and ensure that the organizations doing phenomenal work for survivors across the state have the funding they need.” SB21-292 , also sponsored by Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, allocates $15 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to several different victims services programs that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Among these programs are the Domestic Abuse Program in the Department of Human Services, the Forensic Nurse Examiner Telehealth Program in the Department of Public Safety, and the Victims and Witnesses Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund, which sends resources to each judicial district. These programs help survivors hold property while keeping their addresses confidential and their homes secure, promote rapid rehousing so survivors can pay for the costs associated with moving, and provide flexible financial assistance for a variety of basic needs. Funds also pay for attorney fees in domestic violence court cases, and are channeled to anti-sexual assault and gender-based violence organizations across the state to provide community-based crisis intervention services and counseling. “As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen first hand how our current laws can fail domestic violence victims when abusers avoid relinquishing their weapons. That ends now,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB21-1255. “The new law signed today will strengthen the processes by which these firearms are relinquished and help us save lives.” HB21-1255 will strengthen and streamline procedures for the relinquishment of firearms by someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them. Current law already requires domestic violence offenders who are subject to a protection order stemming from an act of domestic or intimate partner violence to forfeit their firearms and refrain from possessing or purchasing firearms for the duration of the order. This bill simply clarifies the way in which defendants must comply with this requirement, and how courts must carry it out. A recent analysis of 749 mass shootings committed over the past six years found that about 60 percent of them were either domestic violence attacks or committed by men with histories of domestic violence. In Colorado, 60 incidents of domestic violence led to 70 deaths in 2019, a 62 percent increase from the prior year, according to the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review board’s annual report. “Domestic violence isn’t always easy to identify and understand, but with the right training, our court personnel will be much better prepared to support victims in the courtroom,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB21-1228 . “Giving court employees who deal with custody disputes and other domestic matters these crucial trainings will help them carry out their jobs in a more effective way and hopefully save lives. I am grateful to the many families who lent their support and shared their stories throughout this process. This is a big victory for Colorado.” HB21-1228 will clarify and increase domestic violence training requirements for court personnel who frequently deal with cases related to domestic matters, such as custody disputes. Training for all personnel includes both an initial training as well as an ongoing annual continuing education. The training would encompass domestic violence and its traumatic effects on children, adults and families. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2022 BILL TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS PASSES HOUSE Legislation will invest $50 million in federal pandemic relief funds toward preventing and responding to homelessness in the Denver-Metro DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today to fund a homelessness navigation campus in the Denver-Metro. HB22-1378 passed by a vote of 40 to 22 and is part of the Colorado Democrats’ package of bills to prevent and respond to homelessness. “The pandemic has only accelerated our state’s homelessness crisis and this bill allocates $50 million in federal economic relief funds to provide proven human solutions,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Our legislation meets our neighbors where they are and steps up to offer transitional housing, emergency shelter, medical care and skills training – all in one location. I am proud to sponsor legislation that will foster a navigation campus based on nationally-utilized strategies to prevent and address homelessness in our community.” “We need to diversify our tactics for addressing homelessness in Colorado, and this bill funds a one-stop-shop for our neighbors experiencing homelessness to get the services and resources they need,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “Whether someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, has struggled to keep a stable job, or is at-risk of becoming homeless, they can seek help at the navigation campus funded by this bill. Preventing homelessness starts at the local level and our $50 million investment in federal funds will jumpstart a navigation campus so Coloradans have resources and support right in their own neighborhood.” Denver-Metro Residential Campus : HB22-1378 , sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivan directs $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. < Back April 8, 2024 McCluskie, McCormick Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. “This bill outlines a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands so we can sustain our water quality and ensure future generations enjoy all the activities that make Colorado unique,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “ After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we’re taking steps now to secure our state’s water future. We know fresh, clean water is necessary for everything from brewing beer and maintaining our world class ski resorts to keeping up with increased household demands and sustaining our agriculture industry. This bill protects our water now and into the future.” “We’re stepping up to protect our vital freshwater resources to ensure that for future generations, Coloradans will have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our important legislation creates regulatory certainty for our businesses and landowners when it comes to Colorado’s water – this means we can effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. From agriculture and tourism to everyday families living in the four corners of our state, Colorado’s water is a steady and essential resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come.” The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. HB24-1379 , passed by a vote of 9-4 and works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The bill would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, and erosion control practices would not require a permit. Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA , the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. The legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources. Previous Next

SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Improve Health Insurance Transparency Becomes Law SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado DENVER, CO – Governor Polis yesterday signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, and Representatives Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, that will enhance transparency in health care coverage. Currently, insurers are required to disclose and post pricing details and submit prescription drug spending information to the federal government. However, this information is not easily accessible to Coloradans. SB24-080 will ensure transparency for consumers so they can make informed decisions about their health care. “Coloradans deserve to have easy access to information on health insurance costs,” said Fields. “Right now, too many health insurance carriers aren’t complying with federal price transparency laws. By addressing the problem at the state level, we can hold these companies accountable and help save Coloradans money on health care.” “We’re committed to saving Coloradans money on their health care, and this legislation ensures that statewide insurance companies are complying with federal price transparency laws,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “To improve health outcomes for every Coloradan, we must make health care more affordable and accessible. This law gives consumers a clear view of their health care costs and ultimately saves them money.” “I’m proud of our work to make health care coverage more affordable for Coloradans. This new law is the next step forward in that process,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Folks would have a digital tool to compare rates, covered items and services, and get real time responses on questions so they can find an option that works best for them and their family.” “To save Coloradans money on health care they need tools at hand to compare the rates of procedures and medical services,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton. “This new law ensures that our health care companies are complying with federal price transparency laws. We’ve made important progress to bring down the cost of health care, and this law makes sure consumers have a better understanding of the cost associated with health care for themselves and their families.” The new law requires carriers to submit information on their negotiated rates and prescription drug trends to the Division of Insurance (DOI) in an easy-to-read, accessible format. DOI will have the ability to ensure compliance from insurers by creating a consumer price comparison tool that insurers use to input data so that Coloradans can easily access cost sharing information on all items and services. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to create healthier learning environments by requiring schools to implement policies concerning cell phone use during the school day. < Back May 1, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Require Cell Phone Policies in Schools DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to create healthier learning environments by requiring schools to implement policies concerning cell phone use during the school day. HB25-1135 is sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens, Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County and Senators Janice Marchman and Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. “This law will allow us to create healthier learning environments for our students by limiting distractions caused by cell phones,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “As an educator, I know reducing classroom distractions is essential for fostering a learning environment where students are focused on the material, asking questions and learning alongside their peers in person. This bipartisan law empowers school districts to create their own student cell phone use policy to limit distractions and boost engagement.” “Many teachers already work hard to limit phone use in class, but they need backup,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “This new law gives local schools the support to set clear, consistent policies – so students can focus, learn, and take a real break from the pressures of constant connectivity." HB25-1135 requires school districts and the Charter School Institute schools to adopt policies concerning cell phone use during the school day no later than July 1, 2026. The law does not specify what the policy should say; it must not interfere with disability standards, special education programs, or students’ ability to monitor a medical condition. Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, excessive cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that address the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2019 SOLAR GARDENS GROWING: HOUSE APPROVES HANSEN-VALDEZ COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS BILL (Apr. 1) – The House approved the Community Solar Gardens bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. This bill modifies Colorado’s community solar garden program by increasing the maximum size of these facilities as well as eliminating burdensome regulations restricting their location. “All citizens should have access to, a direct ownership in, and a direct stake in our clean energy future,” said Rep. Hansen. “Only 25 percent of homes in Colorado are able to put solar panels on their roofs. This bill enables more Coloradans to purchase share in a community solar garden, thereby reducing their carbon emissions and pollution and fostering the creation of good paying jobs all across our state, particularly in rural Colorado.” HB19-1003 will take Colorado’s community solar garden program to the next stage of development by increasing the maximum size of a community solar garden from 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts. It also removes the requirement that a community solar gardens subscriber’s identified physical location be in the same county as that solar garden while keeping the requirement that it be within the service territory of the same electric utility. “We must act on climate and do our part to encourage a greater use of creative renewable energy sources like community solar gardens,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bill allows people whose property can’t accommodate the use of solar gardens to still have a hand in our energy future, especially low-and moderate-income Coloradans.” HB19-1003 was approved on a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to boost Colorado’s workforce by making it even easier for a professional to transfer their credentials to the state of Colorado. “Colorado is open for business and we’re making it easier for qualified candidates to work in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the credentials transfer process so Colorado businesses and companies can attract highly-qualified professionals. We’re breaking down unnecessary barriers to employment to fill Colorado’s growing workforce with professionals in high-demand industries.” SB22-116 , passed out of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee unanimously and would strengthen Colorado’s workforce by further increasing the efficiency of the existing credential portability program. Examples of transferable professional credentials include various health care professionals, veterinarians and certified public accountants, among others. The bill would also add a military occupational specialty, allowing those having served in certain military roles to qualify for a credential through the program. The bill expands on the progress of HB20-1326 , which created the occupational credential portability program within the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The program was created to enable regulators to more quickly and easily approve credentials for qualified individuals. Previous Next

SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable < Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “The last thing on anyone’s mind when receiving life-saving care, including an abortion, should be – can I afford this? However, financial barriers keep that question top of mind for too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill will increase access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but you shouldn’t have to be in my shoes to receive the health care you need. Our bill ensures that all Coloradans, regardless of income level or zip code, are supported in accessing reproductive health care and STI treatments.” “Inequity in health care access is a systemic problem, which is why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and making it possible for all Coloradans to receive the reproductive health care they need,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our bill makes accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatment, more equitable and affordable. To achieve reproductive freedom for all, we need to prioritize health care access for underserved communities and communities of color, and uproot the barriers that hold people back from receiving the care they need.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. Previous Next

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services today passed legislation to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. SB25-196 passed by a vote of 9 to 4, all four House Republicans voted against the measure. “A routine cancer screening can save a life; we can’t jeopardize Coloradans' access to this essential preventive health care,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “In the wake of federal threats to cut fundamental health care coverage, we’re stepping up to protect preventive health care in Colorado. Preventive care today means avoiding costly emergency events in the future.” “Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes for patients and save money on health care,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Despite the resounding benefits of preventive health care, recent federal attempts to strip away preventive health care coverage means Coloradans could lose coverage if we don’t act now. This bill steps up to protect health care coverage in Colorado so everyone can lead longer, healthier lives.” SB25-196 would give state insurance agencies the authority to reinstate guidelines on preventive care from federal agencies that existed in January 2025 or comply with recommendations by the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care (NPATCH). This includes the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner of Insurance to consult the NPATCH in developing their recommendations about updates and modifications to the current list of preventive coverage. Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut $250 million from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has laid a strong foundation to a healthier future for Americans by making health care coverage more affordable and prioritizing no-cost clinical preventive services. The ACA covers more than 100 preventive health care services, annual check ups, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and some cancers. More than 44 million Americans rely on ACA health care coverage, including nearly 300,000 Coloradans . Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next