< Back April 5, 2021 ‘ISABELLA JOY THALLAS ACT’ PASSES THE HO Lost and Stolen Gun Safety bill, renamed ‘Ana Thallas Act’, passes the House DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement within five days of realizing their firearms have been lost or stolen. After a Third Reading amendment, the bill was renamed the Isabella Joy Thallas Act, after a Denver woman who was murdered last summer with a stolen weapon that was never reported. The bill passed by a vote of 41-24. “Bella Thallas’ young life was cut short in a tragic, senseless and random act of violence,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud that we were able to honor her life with this small gesture, and I’m incredibly grateful to Bella’s mother, Ana, and her family for their strength and testimony in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.” “Lost and stolen firearms end up in crime scenes across the country every day,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “By requiring that lost or stolen guns be reported in a timely way, this bill will give law enforcement the information they need to prevent crime and track down perpetrators when crimes are committed. Renaming the bill after Isabella is the least we could do to honor her memory and her family today.” Isabella Joy Thallas was murdered on June 10, 2020 while she and her boyfriend were walking their dog outside of their apartment in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood. The high-powered semi-automatic rifle used in the killing was stolen. SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COVERAGE FOR ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAM DENVER, CO– The House passed legislation by a vote of 54-11 that would make Colorado the first state in the country to require health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness exam. “By passing this bill, Colorado will be the first state in the country to cover an annual mental health wellness exam in the same way that physical exams are covered,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We shouldn’t wait until people are in crisis to get them the care they need. Annual mental health wellness exams can detect and prevent mental health issues earlier. By doing so, Coloradans will be given the tools to address mental health challenges they may be facing early, preventing them from getting to crisis.” “By making mental health a top priority this session, we can help Colorado build back stronger and ensure that everyone in our state has access to the care they need,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Coverage for annual mental health wellness exams will save lives and bring critical mental health services to Coloradans. By detecting and treating mental health conditions, we can provide Coloradans with critical care and prevent the mental health crises that have led to tragedies in every community in our state.” HB21-1068 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Brianna Titone, would require health insurance plans in Colorado to cover an annual mental health wellness exam of up to 60 minutes that is performed by a qualified mental health care provider. Under the bill, coverage for the annual exam must be comparable to coverage for an annual physical exam, and insurance plans may not require deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for the annual mental health wellness exams. Research shows that the prevention and early detection of a mental health condition can lead to better health outcomes. Annual wellness exams allow individuals to be offered services and supports that address their needs before an issue progresses or becomes a crisis. Mental health conditions occur at all stages in life, and by integrating mental health into primary care, more Coloradans will have access to the care they need. Previous Next

The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. < Back February 28, 2023 Prescription Accessibility Bills Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. “Step therapy, also commonly known as “fail first", requires patients to try treatment options preferred by their insurance company before they can receive coverage and access to medication prescribed by their doctor,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “This process can take weeks or months depending on the medication and can worsen symptoms and quality of life, especially for patients with a life-threatening or chronic disease. This bill puts doctors and patients in the driver's seat, encouraging prioritization of evidence-based solutions to medical issues over cost-effective drugs preferred by insurance companies.” “This legislation expands step therapy exemptions to include Medicaid recipients so they can access the same quality health care that Coloradans with private insurance have,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “Last year, we passed legislation to reduce administrative burden, save Coloradans money on unnecessary care, and improve health outcomes. Aligning step therapy protocols will streamline health care, save Coloradans money, and provide quality and immediate patient-focused care.” In 2022, Representatives Iman Jodeh and Emily Sirota passed a bill limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment preferred by their insurance company before they can access the treatment originally recommended by their doctor. HB23-1183 would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to exempt patients with serious or complex medical conditions from the step therapy requirement if the alternative drug would likely cause negative side effects, the alternative drug is unlikely to be effective based on the patient’s history, or if the patient is already using a prescription that has clinical documentation of being effective. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. The bill is accompanied by HB23-1130 , which prohibits state-regulated insurance plans from requiring patients to try more than one alternative drug before the insurance company can cover the originally prescribed medication for certain mental health conditions. The bill was recently passed by the House Health and Insurance Committee and will be heard next in the House Appropriations Committee. “Rural and lower-income communities often live in “pharmacy deserts'' where they have limited access to pharmacies to receive their essential medication,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “Many pharmacies are only open during business hours, making it nearly impossible for working class Coloradans to get their prescription due to their work schedule. This bill would allow for pharmacists to remotely dispense prescriptions from a dispensing machine placed within a health care facility, creating more health care jobs and improving patient accessibility.” HB23-1195 would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication when the in-person pharmacist is off-duty. The machines would be placed only in a health care facility and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would already be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2019 KENNEDY’S BIPARTISAN HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY BILL SIGNED INTO LAW House Dems bills to lower the cost of health care becomes law (Mar. 28) – Rep. Chris Kennedy’s bipartisan bill to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis today. “My colleagues and I are committed to helping to lower the cost of health care and we were honored to join the Governor today as he signed this landmark legislation,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Too many hardworking people across our state are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of health care, particularly in rural Colorado where we’re seeing some of the highest premiums in the country.” The high cost of health care is harming both Colorado consumers and businesses. By requiring hospitals to be transparent about their spending, we can increase competition in a way that will reduce costs for all. By identifying inefficiencies and wasteful spending, businesses and payers will be able to choose more efficient options and lower hospital costs. According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39 percent of health care spending nationwide. Physician and clinical services account for 26 percent, and prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products account for 11 percent. HB19-1001 will require hospitals to disclose more information about spending on patient care, administration, capital construction, and acquisitions of physician groups; and will require hospitals to show how they’re shifting costs onto the backs of families and businesses. In addition, the data provided to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will inform the supplemental payments made to hospitals through the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) to incentivize value-based care, rather than volume of patients served. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the House with a vote of 39-22 on Jan. 31. HB19-1001 passed with bipartisan support in the Senate with a vote of 34-1 on Mar. 14. It was brought back to the House to approve an amendment added in the Senate, which was concurred. With the new amendments added, the bill passed in the House with a bipartisan final vote of 43-21 and was signed into law today. Additional legislation led by House Democrats to Help Lower the Cost of Health Care HB19-1174 Out-of-network Health Care Services – This is a bipartisan effort to address the issue of surprise billing, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo when the House approved the bill. “I am responding to to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise and often expensive bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” Bill status: HB19-1174 passed the House on a vote of 60-4 and is awaiting action in the Senate. Find out more here. HB19-1168 State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program -This is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie that aims to reduce insurance premiums for individuals and families by January 2020 to provide much-needed relief to Coloradans, many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. “I’m proud to partner with Democrats, Republicans, Governor Polis and Coloradans who are focused on driving down the cost of health care on the Western Slope and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McCluskie said after the bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee. “We must work together to protect our Colorado way of life and fix a broken health care system for the working people in our state.” Colorado, especially the Western Slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES WILDFIRE INSURANCE PROTECTIONS DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans with wildfire insurance by updating standards to ensure consumers’ claims are paid in a timely manner today advanced in the House. HB22-1111 is a proactive approach to ensure homeowners displaced by wildfires receive a fair and comprehensive payout for lost property after deeply traumatizing/catastrophic disasters. “After the fires and devastation our communities have experienced, it is clear that we need to update our laws so that future victims of catastrophic fires receive the insurance payouts they’re owed,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “By passing this bill, victims of fires will face fewer barriers to file and receive their claims for lost property and living expenses. This streamlined process will help Coloradans get on the road to recovery faster.” HB22-1111 , sponsored by Representative Amabile, would update a 2013 law by standardizing what insurers will pay out in claims for lost property and additional living expenses after a declared wildfire disaster. More specifically, it would require insurers to pay disaster victims 65 percent of the value of the contents of their home up front without requiring the victim to do a comprehensive inventory of their personal property. Current law only guarantees 30 percent upfront, creating a burdensome process for many people to claim what they are owed after a deeply traumatizing event. The bill also puts in place several provisions that would streamline the insurance claims process for disaster victims. Due to climate change and dryer seasons, Coloradans are at risk for future wildfires. The Insurance Coverage For Loss Declared Fire Disaster would boost the number of insurance providers required to pay by 50 percent so displaced wildfire victims receive more for their destroyed homes and its contents faster. Following the devastation from the Marshall Fire and pressure from those in support of this legislation, many insurers have already agreed to increase the amount of money that will be paid out to fire victims, streamline the inventory process and cover the costs of habitability testing for smoke damage. This bill will ensure all policyholders will receive the benefits they are owed. Previous Next

Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. < Back December 17, 2025 Trio of Bills to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. HB25-1222 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will preserve rural access to independent pharmacies. “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan new law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens . “From routine prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline for our communities. Our bipartisan law will protect and expand options for pharmacists and patients in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies and expanding telehealth options.” Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1222 will preserve access to rural health care by ensuring fair reimbursement rates that account for inflation for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these updates will help them maintain access to vital healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. HB25-1002 , sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver, will save Coloradans money on behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders care by ensuring coverage standards are based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. “Health care coverage decisions should be made using the best evidence-based recommendations from health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Brown. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to afford the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorder care. Our law, going into effect soon, aligns mental health care coverage with the best evidence so Coloradans can actually access the full spectrum of services they pay for.” “Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and well-being of Colorado families,” said Amabile. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This legislation will help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Gilchrist. “When insurance companies choose to deny coverage, it drives up costs and makes it harder for Coloradans across the state, especially young people, to access critical care. Too many Coloradans still don’t receive affordable care, and we have made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care. This law takes another huge step forward by requiring every health insurance plan to cover medically necessary health care.” HB25-1002, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, will ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This law requires insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services, clarifying state law on mental health parity and limiting gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. SB25-010 , sponsored by Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, will improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications. “There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This new law will provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This legislation is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks, utility companies, and other service providers; this should be an option for health insurance, too,” continued Brown. “This law helps provide timely health insurance information to patients, while keeping their personal data safe and protected. Our goal is to reduce administrative costs and modernize Coloradans' access to their health care information.” SB25-010 mirrors the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation. Under the new law, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals who do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

New legislation to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional will go into effect on August 12. < Back August 3, 2026 Law to Establish Guardrails for AI in Healthcare Goes into Effect DENVER, CO – New legislation to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional will go into effect on August 12. “AI chatbots are being mistaken by patients as legitimate therapy, which is why we’re stepping up to ensure Coloradans are protected and informed,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton. “Going into effect this month, HB26-1195 establishes reasonable protective measures on AI use in mental and behavioral health care, including prohibiting the use of AI to independently provide therapy to a patient. This law does not hamper licensed professionals’ use of AI for administrative purposes, but does require all clinical treatment and psychotherapy to be administered by a licensed, human provider.” “No AI-generated algorithm can replace the expertise, nuance, and connection that human healthcare professionals utilize to treat their patients,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “With this new law, we’re establishing necessary guardrails to ensure proper access to quality care for those who need it most.” “Human-centered care should be at the forefront of healthcare in Colorado,” s aid Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “AI chatbots are biased, unlicensed tools, and they should not be used for therapy and treatment recommendations without oversight and transparency. Without this law, there is no clinical standard for AI chatbots, which can ultimately harm patients’ access to high-quality healthcare. This law protects patients while still allowing providers to take advantage of AI tools for administrative tasks.” “As policymakers, we cannot let chatbots, several of which are currently facing major lawsuits due to wrongful and horrifying deaths, replace certified mental health providers,” said Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Some AI models serve as bad actors claiming to offer low-cost care – but this new law puts guardrails in place to ensure patients receive the quality, human care they deserve.” HB26-1195 sets standards in clinical settings, limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative tasks with oversight by a licensed professional. Providers must disclose the use of AI for supplementary support, such as recording or transcribing meetings. To ensure patients receive legitimate behavioral healthcare, this new law makes sure that psychotherapy is human-delivered by a licensed professional, such as a social worker, psychologist or addiction counselor. To protect consumers and ensure access to quality care, this legislation will prohibit AI chatbots from being marketed to patients as equivalent to a licensed psychotherapist or counselor. AI chatbots will also be barred from implying patient input is covered by commonplace confidentiality protections like HIPAA. In 2025, researchers at Stanford University recommended that Large Language Models (LLMs), which power AI chatbots, “should not replace therapists.” Additionally, researchers concluded that “LLMs express stigma toward those with mental health conditions and respond inappropriately to certain common (and critical) conditions.” Top AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Character.AI , are all facing lawsuits from families after AI chatbots recommended suicide to a person seeking behavioral health advice or support. Last year, parents of children who died by suicide testified before Congress, stating AI chatbots discouraged their teens from seeking support. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT LGBTQ VETERANS Bill to restore benefits for LGBTQ veterans who were wrongly dishonorably discharged passes House on third reading. DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative David Ortiz’s bill to ensure that LGBTQ veterans who received a dishonorable discharge from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity can access the veterans benefits they have earned. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 47-16. “No one who is willing to put their life at risk to serve our country should be prevented from accessing the benefits they earned because of who they love or how they identify,” said Rep. Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Coming home and reintegrating into your community after military service is hard enough without facing the additional stigma of being unjustly discharged. I’m proud that we were able to deliver some relief for my brothers and sisters in the armed forces today.” Before the repeal of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”, countless servicemembers were discharged other than honorably due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. This prevented many LGBTQ+ veterans in Colorado from qualifying for the same state programs and benefits that their peers have access to. SB21-026 , the Restoration of Honor Act, will create the “discharged LGBT veteran” status and allow Coloradans who fall under this category to access existing state programs available to honorably discharged veterans. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create a healthier, safer Colorado. < Back June 2, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bills to Protect Patient Access to Medication and Boost Support for Rural EMS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create a healthier, safer Colorado. HB26-1262 will protect Colorado’s drug compounding laws to ensure patients’ continued access to individualized prescription medication. HB26-1069 will save Coloradans money on healthcare and support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers, especially in rural and underserved communities. “These new laws work to safeguard life-saving healthcare in rural communities,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB26-1262 and HB26-1069. “Patients in Southwest Colorado are already feeling the effects of federal restrictions on compounding, and this law creates clear protections so health care providers can continue to administer individualized medication across the state. With this law, we’re making sure compounding pharmacies can continue to operate. When I worked as an EMT in Southwest Colorado, we provided on-site care to many patients, but EMS was not reimbursed for those calls when we did not transport the patient to the emergency room. Our new law saves patients money and supports EMS workers by eliminating the need to flood the emergency room with non-emergent cases, freeing up EMS so they can continue to provide essential care to our communities.” “Hospitals, dental offices, and behavioral healthcare clinics across Colorado rely on compounding to provide their patients with individualized doses and custom formulations of the medicine they need,” said Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1262. “This law resolves the uncertainty caused by recent court decisions by establishing consistent, clear rules so compounding can continue safely in Colorado. We’re protecting patient access to medication made specifically for them at the right strength, form, and ingredient combination that they need.” “From allergies to smaller dosages, there are many reasons health care professionals utilize compounding to meet the needs of patients," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB26-1262. “This law codifies compounding rules and regulations in state law to ensure that patients can continue accessing individualized medication at an affordable cost. Our legislation protects health care professionals' ability to treat patients' safety through compounded medications.” “This bill protects longstanding practices that help lower prescription drug costs and ensure access to customized medications tailored to patients’ needs, especially when those treatments aren’t commercially available,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of HB26-1262. “Compounding is particularly critical in rural Colorado where care can be difficult to access. This law provides clarity for patients and providers, safeguards access to essential medicine Coloradans rely on, and keeps compounding practices under the oversight of state health and safety standards.” HB26-1262 safeguards Colorado’s compounding rules by aligning state and federal standards. This law provides necessary clarity in state law to protect the longstanding compounding practices used across hospitals, clinics and local pharmacies. Concentrated albuterol, a medication used to treat severe bronchospasms, asthma, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is created in a Colorado compounding facility that serves patients nationwide. Conflicting decisions by the Ninth and Fifth Circuit Courts have created uncertainty around the definition and regulation of compounding for our state and the cross-country patients that rely on Colorado. This law establishes clear statutory language surrounding compounding, ensuring Colorado can safely continue best practices that have guided compounding for decades. HB26-1069 will save patients and the state money on healthcare and sustain EMS in rural communities. “EMS shows up to every call they receive, but only get reimbursed when they transport patients to the emergency room,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB26-1069. “By reimbursing for treatment in place and transport to a non-emergent setting, we save patients time and Colorado taxpayers money. This law will provide additional resources to emergency response providers while saving both hospitals, health plans and consumers money and freeing up emergency room beds for those who truly need it." “As an emergency healthcare provider, I know that our EMS workers must have every tool at their disposal to provide care in-the-moment, and they should be reimbursed for that care,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB26-1069. “This law will lower costs for patients, reduce overall healthcare spending, and close funding gaps so EMS can continue providing the life-saving care Colorado communities rely on.” EMS providers regularly provide essential on-site treatment, also known as treatment in place (TIP), which costs significantly less than a trip to the emergency room. However, under current law, EMS providers are only reimbursed if they transport a patient to an emergency room, even when that transport is not necessary. This new law, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, will require Medicaid to reimburse EMS for TIP. It will also improve access to care by allowing Medicaid to reimburse for certain telehealth care involving EMS. TIP limits the need for costly emergency room visits, saving the state and patients money on healthcare. For example, a federal TIP pilot program showed a 193-percent cost-to-savings ratio for Medicare members receiving TIP services instead of emergency room visits. On the Western Slope, a 2022 analysis of 911 calls in Eagle County revealed that TIP reimbursement accounted for a preliminary cost savings of $1,285.40 to the state per TIP call. HB26-1069 also ensures that social workers who co-respond in emergency settings are classified as first responders and receive the same benefits as EMS providers, which will strengthen workforce recruitment and retention, especially in rural or underserved areas. Previous Next

< Back December 12, 2022 Chris deGruy Kennedy Appointed Speaker Pro Tempore DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced her appointment of Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore. “Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy’s institutional knowledge, proven leadership and dedication to making Colorado a better place for everyone are exactly why he will make an excellent Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “As outgoing Chair of our State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee and a prominent member of the Health and Insurance Committee, Rep. deGruy Kennedy has stepped up to fight for Coloradans, their families and the caucus values we all share. Chris will make a wonderful addition to our new leadership team and I could not be happier to have him take on this important role.” “I am humbled and excited to take on the role of Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “Throughout my years at the Capitol, I have taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together for the people of Colorado. In this new role, I will have the honor of joining the most diverse leadership team in House history to help guide and support the work that lies ahead as we take on the state’s most significant challenges.” Rep. deGruy Kennedy will be serving his fourth and final term in the House of Representatives. He will also serve as Vice Chair of the House Health & Insurance committee and as a member of the House Finance committee. He represents House District 30, which includes eastern Lakewood and Edgewater in Jefferson County. During the 72nd General Assembly, Rep. deGruy Kennedy served as Assistant Majority Leader under Speaker KC Becker. The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House when the Speaker is absent. One of the only leadership positions not elected by the majority caucus, the Speaker Pro Tempore is appointed by the Speaker. Rep. deGruy Kennedy’s legislative accomplishments include robust cost transparency requirements for hospitals, a prescription drug affordability board, advancement of value-based payments and integration in primary care, increased support for renters and utility customers, improved prevention and treatment for substance use disorders, regulation of toxic air contaminants, and multiple innovative democracy reforms. Previous Next

The Governor today signed into law the “Freedom to Read Act.” Sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-063 creates safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. < Back May 1, 2025 “Freedom to Read Act” Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law the “Freedom to Read Act.” Sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-063 creates safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. “Free societies don’t ban books,” said Cutter. “The Freedom to Read Act will ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature, including works that might challenge preconceived notions or present uncomfortable truths. By doing so, we empower Colorado's children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As diverse identities are being erased and marginalized throughout the country, it has never been more important to protect the freedom to read.” “Knowledge is power, and our law preserves access to age-appropriate literature in Colorado public schools,” said Willford. “This legislation creates a standard process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library, further shielding our public school libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights. Schools are for learning, and our students deserve access to age-appropriate books that encourage them to think broadly and critically about the world.” “As an author and owner of a publishing company, I am committed to telling stories that would not otherwise be told,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These are the stories that end up on banned book lists. While other states enact laws to criminalize educators and restrict access to books, this policy sends a strong message that Colorado values our students’ freedom to access diverse voices and opinions.” “This law ensures a transparent policy to avoid discriminatory censorship and protects students’ access to books that share the voices and experiences of marginalized communities,” said García. “Books offer a window to the world where students can explore new places, discover different cultures and dive deep into a new experience. The freedom to read is a cornerstone to a strong democracy, and we’re making sure our students have access to age-appropriate literature.” SB25-063 will create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a standard policy on the acquisition, use and removal of library resources. The policy would ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the Charter School Institute could not remove a library resource from its collection. SB25-063 will also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. Previous Next

< Back May 30, 2019 ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARD ENSURING PAID FAMILY LEAVE: GOV SIGNS FAMLI BILL INTO LAW (May 30) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Matt Gray and Rep. Monica Duran’s bill, SB19-188 Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), that will ensure a seamless implementation of the best possible FAMLI policy for Coloradans. “There is consensus across all political spectrums that paid leave should be a reality,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Denver. “This new law is the biggest next step we can take and look forward to taking bigger ones in the future that will help make life better for the majority of workers in our state who don’t have access to paid leave.” “After I escaped domestic violence to keep my son safe, I lost a job and a home. I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in position to make a difference and be a voice for others, I would,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This law will help offer safe leave. Whether you’re a server, a nurse, a fast food worker, or a lawyer, you should have access to paid leave. The plan creates an outline and execution schedule that lays the groundwork for the implementation of a strong, robust paid family leave policy for Colorado workers and businesses by 2024. Over 90 percent of Coloradans don’t have access to leave to care for a sick loved-one or a newborn. The implementation plan is comprised of a number of analyses that will ensure the program is administered efficiently, effectively, and fiscally responsible, including: A family and medical leave implementation task force, which will be appointed by July 1, 2019 . A report prepared for the taskforce with results from a third-party study and recommendations from experts in the field by October 1, 2019 . An independent actuarial analysis completed by December 1, 2019 . The implementation plan also requires an analysis of the feasibility of contracting with a third party to administer parts of the program as an alternative to administration by the state. The plan does not change the timeline for when Coloradans can start receiving benefits from the program. These analyses will assist in the preparation of legislation in the 2020 legislative session establishing paid family leave in Colorado. Following the establishment of the program, education and outreach will begin on January 1, 2022, the funding stream will be established on January 1, 2023 and benefits will be provided beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill does require that the General Assembly grant permission for implementation of the program by legislation. Eighty eight percent of Coloradans do not have access to paid family leave, and even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is inaccessible for 64 percent of working people. That means most Coloradans do not have time off to recover from a serious illness, to care for a sick family member or to welcome the birth of a child. They are often forced to choose between their jobs or taking care of sick loved one. Previous Next