The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. < Back November 17, 2023 Higher Tax Credits Coming Soon for Hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “Our bill will put hard-earned money back into the pockets of 400,000 hardworking Colorado families,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit provides a significant boost to working-class families struggling to buy their children clothing, afford groceries, and otherwise support their families. We’re saving Colorado families money, lifting more families out of poverty, and boosting our local economies.” “Hundreds of dollars in savings can be the difference between missing meals and being able to put food on the table for your family,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our kids perform best in school when they have stable housing and reliable meals. The Earned Income Tax Credit is proven to improve family health and education outcomes, improve child nutrition, and boost parents’ take-home earnings so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.” HB23B-1002 would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average state-level EITC is $521 . By increasing the EITC, families could see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which more than doubled the state's EITC and funded the Child Tax Credit for the first time in Colorado, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Additionally, Colorado Democrats passed HB23-1112 last session to increase the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024. The bill’s demographic note showed that EITC recipients were more likely to be women, people of color, and people living with disabilities. Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2020 MULLICA ACCEPTS HEALTH EQUITY HERO AWARD–SELECTS SENIOR HUB AND RALSTON HOUSE TO RECEIVE CONTRIBUTION Recognizing Mullica’s work caring for patients in the Cook County Jail, Dentaquest will provide a $5,000 contribution to The Senior Hub and Ralston House of Northglenn in his name DENVER, CO — Representative Kyle Mullica today received the Dataquest Health Equity Hero Award, a national award that recognizes individuals for working to expand access to health care, especially in underserved communities. Rep. Mullica, an ER nurse, was honored for his work in the Cook County Jail, where he cared for patients during a critical COVID-19 outbreak in April and May. “I am honored to select Ralston House and Senior Hub to receive these contributions,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “These charities are doing essential work to protect and support at-risk seniors and youth. So many Coloradans rely on Ralston House and Senior Hub for access to health care, critical services, nutritional meals and so much more. I could not be more grateful for their dedication to serving our community.” “Ralston House is honored to be chosen by Representative Mullica as a recipient of this donation,” said Ralston House Executive Director Don Moseley. “Ralston House provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, and victim advocacy for children who are suspected of being sexually or physically abused or have witnessed a violent crime. This donation will go directly to funding these services in a year where the impact of COVID 19 has limited the fundraising efforts of Ralston House and other nonprofits. We are grateful to Representative Mullica for his donation and for the work he did to earn this award.” According to their website: the DentaQuest Health Equity Hero awards program celebrates and promotes individuals who are going above and beyond to expand access to equitable oral care and health care — especially in underserved communities. These community leaders are inspiring collective action on behalf of our neighbors with the greatest needs and the fewest resources. In addition to celebrating and promoting the contributions of the 2020 Health Equity Heroes, DentaQuest provides a $5,000 charitable contribution in the name of each hero to a nonprofit committed to promoting health equity. Rep. Mullica was selected because: “[As a] husband, father and ER nurse, [he] left home and family after the Colorado General Assembly suspended its session to work in the Cooke County Jail in Chicago during one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the city. Mullica spent five weeks at the jail, working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week." The Senior Hub is a nonprofit agency that provides services and support to assist aging adults to remain in their homes, as long as possible. The agency serves older adults in Arapahoe and Adams county through a variety of programs and initiatives including Meals on Wheels, home care services, adult day services, and a food pantry. Ralston House is a not-for-profit agency that provides a friendly and safe place for child and teen survivors of abuse to tell their stories and begin the healing process. Founded in 1990, Ralston House receives referrals from law enforcement, social services and the district attorney’s office, and works in conjunction with these entities to provide specialized forensic interviews and medical examinations. Previous Next

SB25-236 improves efficiency and expands access to crisis response services by consolidating the Colorado Crisis Line and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line < Back June 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Streamline Crisis Response Services, Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care Takes Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to crisis response services and expand access to behavioral health care will take effect on July 1, 2025. Sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, SB25-236 consolidates crisis response services by moving the Colorado Crisis Services Line under the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise. Starting July 1, 2025, any time someone calls or texts the Colorado Crisis Services line at 1-844-493-8255 or 38255, they will be connected to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for support and services, just as if they had called or texted 988 directly. “Streamling access to mental health care will help save more lives,” said Amabile. “Colorado has amazing crisis response services that help people during their difficult times, and this legislation makes them even stronger. Combining the two separate lines into one will make it that much easier for Coloradans to access quick, supportive services that help them get back on their feet.” “In Colorado, we’re taking steps to improve the efficiency of our crisis response, not tear it down,” said Sirota. “At a time when our youth are experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, the Trump administration plans to cut funding for the 988 crisis hotline, eliminating counselors specifically suited to help LGBTQ+ youth. This law streamlines access to crisis response services so that everyone in Colorado can receive the support they need during a behavioral health emergency.” “In Colorado, efficient government means cutting red tape, not cutting support,” said Bridges. “While lawmakers in Washington slash suicide prevention funding in pursuit of ‘efficiency,’ we’re taking steps to streamline our services and make sure every Coloradan is able to access the help they need in moments of crisis.” The Colorado Crisis Line was created by SB13-266 to respond to and assist individuals who are in a behavioral health emergency. The 988 Crisis Hotline is a national network of local crisis contact centers designated by Congress in 2020. Earlier this month, the Trump administration eliminated funding for specialized support on the 988 Crisis Hotline for young LGBTQ+ callers . Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 HEROD, GONZALES-GUTIERREZ CLARIFY AND STRENGTHEN HISTORIC POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LAW DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Reps. Leslie Herod and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to clarify and strengthen certain provisions of SB20-217, the sweeping police accountability reform bill signed into law last year. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Last year, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and our community’s demands for action, Colorado led the nation by passing a first-of-its-kind bill to end qualified immunity and boldly reform how law enforcement polices our communities,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Now, one day after a Minneapolis jury found Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts, we’re making improvements to strengthen the law and ensure it is being implemented the way the legislature intended. No single policy or court decision will erase centuries of injustice. Our work must go on.” “Passing SB20-217 last year was a historic step toward ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability for Colorado’s law enforcement,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales Gutierrez, D-Denver . “In the nine months since the bill became law, we have engaged with our communities on the law’s implementation and found opportunities to clarify language to ensure it is meeting our goals. The work of protecting Black and Brown lives and ensuring law enforcement guarantees justice for all is not a ‘one-and-done’ affair. It requires constant action, upkeep and follow-through.” HB21-1250 makes changes to the provisions of law enacted by SB20-217 to provide clarity and strengthen the progress made to date on its implementation. The bill clarifies requirements related to the instances when body-worn cameras must be operating to include welfare checks. It directs the Division of Criminal Justice to create a single form to streamline the reporting requirements for peace officers, which will now include whether an ambulance was called to the scene of an incident, whether there was a forcible entry into a residence, and the number of officer-involved civilian deaths. Among other provisions, HB21-1250 requires the use of de-escalation techniques prior to the use of physical force and includes a more robust use of force provision informed by nationwide conversations about the modernization of policing that have occurred over the last year. It explicitly outlines a peace officer’s due process rights and allows an administrative law judge to participate in an investigation. The bill defines what it means for a peace officer to be exonerated from a charge of misconduct. It extends the elimination of qualified immunity to the Colorado State Patrol and it prohibits employers from preemptively determining whether a peace officer acted in good faith before such action in question even occurred, closing a loophole in the current law that was taken advantage of by the city of Greenwood Village last year. Previous Next

Pipeline safety legislation, sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Kyle Brown, passed the House Energy & Environment Committee today. < Back April 18, 2024 Story, Brown’s Pipeline Safety Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – Pipeline safety legislation, sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Kyle Brown, passed the House Energy & Environment Committee today. HB24-1357 would address transparency and enforcement concerns about the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Pipeline Safety Program. “This bill is about keeping our neighbors and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “A recent state audit confirmed – pipeline operators are not being held to a high safety standard, jeopardizing people’s lives and livelihoods. We’re stepping up to ensure the Pipeline Safety Program is working as intended by increasing transparency requirements and establishing a minimum penalty amount for violators. Public health and safety is a top priority and this bill would require pipeline operators to check for and fix leaks in a timely manner.” “Damaged or leaky pipelines can pose a risk to public health and safety, and add powerful greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere that contribute to climate change,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This legislation ramps up the state’s enforcement, reporting and transparency regulations on pipeline operators so we can keep our communities safe. Minimum penalties for pipeline operators who violate the law will also help deter noncompliance. We’re serious about improving pipeline safety, and this bill gives the state the tools it needs to hold pipeline operators accountable.” HB24-1357 , which passed committee by a vote of 9-3, would require minimum penalty amounts for failure to follow rules designed to protect public health and safety. This bill would also limit the PUC's discretion for reducing or eliminating fines on violators and increase maximum penalty amounts. In 2023, the Office of the State Auditor produced a report that detailed six years of systemic failure of the Pipeline Safety Program, including failure to enforce safety requirements for 94 percent of instances of operator noncompliance. In addition to improving the efficacy of enforcement, this bill would also update pipeline reporting and transparency measures. Specifically, it would require the PUC to develop a user-friendly, public-facing website for pipeline safety data, including leak information, public complaints, and follow-up actions taken by the PUC in response. HB24-1357 would also improve public safety by requiring the PUC to engage in rulemaking to require pipeline operators to utilize advanced leak detection technologies, prioritize and fix leaks based on severity, and address owner responsibilities for abandoned or decommissioned pipelines. Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2023 Legislation to Protect Reproductive Health Care Providers and Patients Moves Forward SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health and gender-affirming care DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to establish that the state of Colorado will not recognize any out of state prosecutions for those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care.SB23-188, part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package, works to protect health care providers and patients from overreaching interstate criminal and civil threats. “Colorado Democrats will always defend reproductive freedom, and I’m proud of the important progress we’ve made to protect those seeking or performing legal, reproductive health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Our bill codifies important protections for legally protected health care service to make sure our patients, providers, and assistors are shielded from interstate prosecution, retaliation, and imprisonments. In Colorado, we trust you to make your own medical decisions and will protect you from other states’ baseless attempts to enforce their restrictive abortion laws.” “Anti-trans bills, bans and laws have been sweeping the country, yet in Colorado we’re focused on protecting the fundamental right to gender-affirming and reproductive health care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our legislation not only affirms the right to protected health care, but prevents other states from enforcing their regressive anti-abortion and anti-trans laws in Colorado. For many, having access to gender-affirming care is both life-saving and validating. This important legislation protects our privacy, prioritizes patients and providers over politics and upholds our fundamental rights to health care.” Protections For Accessing Reproductive Health Care: SB23-188 prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. For 1.2 million people, Colorado is the closest state to receive legal abortion and reproductive health care. In order to protect patients, providers and assistors from anti-abortion lawsuits or legal action, this bill establishes a shield law to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected abortion and gender-affirming health care. This includes protections for out-of-state patients and providers. Across the nation, many states are enacting strict laws to limit access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. In both Texas and Oklahoma , anyone providing, assisting, or paying for an abortion that occurs within the state are subject to criminal and civil penalties. Under these laws, residents and non residents of these two states are subject to penalties. During the 2023 legislative session, 431 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country. Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa , Florida and Tennessee have joined, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, in passing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care. The bills included in the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package are part of an effort to make Colorado one of the safest states in the nation to receive reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick to better support military families by expanding driver license extensions to dependents of active duty members. HB25-1083 unanimously passed by a vote of 63-0. < Back April 21, 2025 House Approves Hamrick Bill to Support Military Families DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick to better support military families by expanding driver license extensions to dependents of active duty members. HB25-1083 unanimously passed by a vote of 63-0. “As a former military spouse, I understand the importance of supporting and honoring military members and their families,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Current law allows service members outside of Colorado to extend their expired license for up to three years, and this legislation would expand this benefit to dependents of military service members. I’m proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado military families and recognize the sacrifices they make for our state and country.” If a Coloradan’s driver license expires while they are on active duty outside of Colorado, current state law allows the expiration date to be extended for three years. Beginning January 1, 2027, HB25-1083 would also allow dependents of these service members to benefit from this three-year extension. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2021 FROELICH BILLS TO DEFEND COLORADO FAMILIES ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY Two proposals from Rep. Meg Froelich to support domestic violence survivors and parents in custody court were approved by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed two of Representative Meg Froelich’s bills to increase domestic violence training requirements and update child support statues. “Giving court personnel the training they need to identify and assess instances of domestic violence will make their jobs easier and hopefully save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The many tragic stories we heard in committee today demonstrate how critical it is for us to be better prepared to deal with domestic violence in the courts. I’m proud of the work the committee did today to stand up for families and ensure our statutes and courts are up-to-date and ready to serve Colorado.” HB21-1228 would 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. This bill is directly responsive to cases of domestic violence in Colorado, including the tragic murder of 10 year old Ty Tesoriero . The bill passed 13-0. HB21-1220 would update Colorado’s statutes by enacting the recommendations of the Colorado Child Support Commission regarding how child support is enforced and calculated. Among the changes made are provisions that would reduce the interest rate on unpaid child support, clarify which courts that have jurisdiction over child support matters, as well as technical amendments and provisions updating outdated language. The bill passed 13-0. Previous Next

SB26-095 will improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response < Back May 20, 2026 ICYMI: Signed! Legislation to Support Survivors of Crimes SB26-095 will improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve access to information for survivors of crime and strengthen trauma-informed practices in the justice system was signed into law yesterday. SB26-095 is sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Under current Colorado law, survivors of crime face significant barriers to care, justice, and information about their proceedings,” said Weissman. “I am proud to sponsor this long-overdue legislation to improve access to care, ensure trauma-informed justice procedures and law enforcement response, and strengthen protections for the rights of survivors in court proceedings.” “This survivor-led law builds on the progress we have made to improve protections for survivors and make it easier for them to hold their abuser accountable,” said Froelich. “The justice system can be daunting, especially when a survivor is discouraged from pursuing their case and is left to figure out how to track the status of their DNA evidence kit on their own. It should not be so hard for survivors to manage their cases. By improving trauma-informed investigations and response, survivors are more empowered and protected during the judicial process.” “We’re making changes to the health care, legal and justice systems to prevent the retraumatization of survivors and make it easier for survivors to seek justice,” said Willford. “Colorado Democrats stand with survivors, and our new law makes crucial changes that make navigating the justice system an easier, less traumatic experience for survivors. This will help aid in the healing process for survivors and improve public safety across the state.” SB26-095 makes several updates to Colorado statute, including: Ensuring that victims are notified when forensic testing is complete and informed of how to obtain results and other records related to testing; Creating a special motion to dismiss claims arising from protected survivor statements made during investigations or legal proceedings, helping to shield survivors from retaliatory lawsuits; Limiting the enforceability of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and joint-action waivers, thereby strengthening the rights of survivors in sexual misconduct disputes; Authorizing remote forensic testimony and allowing certain survivors to voluntarily testify remotely via closed-circuit television to prevent retraumatization; and Expanding training and use of peace officer training funds to include trauma-informed law enforcement response training. Weissman, Froelich, and Willford passed laws last year to address the backlog in DNA tests collected in sexual assault investigations and protect survivors and children conceived through sexual assault. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's processing backlog for sexual assault evidence kits reached over 1,400 cases in February 2025 with a turnaround time of 560 days. As of April 2026, the backlog has been reduced to 566 cases with a turnaround time of 334 days. Previous Next

< Back March 14, 2022 HOUSE PASSES REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT Legislation will protect and uphold the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act on Third Reading and Final Passage by a vote of 40 to 24. “This is a big win for protecting access to abortion and reproductive health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Across the country, the GOP is introducing and passing extreme laws to criminalize those who seek reproductive health care, and to ban abortion entirely, with no exceptions. We’re here to say, that’s not going to happen in Colorado. We’re standing up to protect access to abortion and I’m thrilled the Reproductive Health Equity Act has passed the House.” “Today, our hours of endurance, dedication and perseverance to protect abortion paid off for Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . “We’re one step closer towards enshrining access to reproductive health care and abortion into Colorado law. We trust Coloradans to make their own medical decisions and that includes deciding whether or not they want to become a parent.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court today made it virtually impossible for abortion advocates to fight the bill by halting their use of federal courts. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Another bill introduced in the Missouri House would make it illegal for pregnant people to abort ectopic pregnancies, pregnancies that happen outside of the uterus and which can lead to serious complications and even death if left untreated. House Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected providers who perform an abortion to imprisonment. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed two bills. < Back March 26, 2025 House Committee Passes “Freedom to Read Act” and Facial Recognition Protections DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bills. SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. SB25-143 would protect the biometric data of students and staff collected by schools. “Banning books only harms our students, and it’s never been more important to preserve access to literature in our public schools,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-063. “Knowledge is power, and schools shouldn’t take that away from students. Schools are for learning, and this important bill insulates our public libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights by creating a fair process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library.” “When we ban books in our schools, we’re erasing the identities and perspectives of diverse thinkers and cultural thought-leaders from society,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of SB25-063. “We’re fighting back against attempts to remove books from libraries and silence the voices of marginalized people. The freedom to read is a cornerstone of democracy and muzzling what literature our students are exposed to is a slippery slope. When students have access to age-appropriate books that cover all topics, they’re more likely to be well-informed and critical thinkers.” SB25-063 , passed committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a written 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 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. “As technology continues to advance, we need to ensure that the privacy of our students and staff is upheld,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-143. “Facial recognition technology can be a helpful tool for schools when locating a missing student or identifying a threat – but that biometric data needs to be kept safe and secure. This bipartisan bill protects and secures the biometric data collected by schools and ensures that they cannot use or share this information freely.” SB25-143 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, passed the committee unanimously. This bill aims to extend biometric data protections to students and staff. Without SB25-143, schools would be permitted to use facial recognition software freely beginning in June 2025. This bill reaffirms guardrails already in place to protect the biometric data obtained by schools of students and staff. The goal of SB25-143 is to maintain student privacy in an era where technology keeps advancing, while permitting facial recognition software in limited school safety scenarios. Under the bill, schools are allowed to use facial recognition technology for a limited scope of school safety. This could include using it for locating a missing student or identifying a person of interest. SB25-143 would create an opt-in program for school districts and charter schools. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills to bolster the Colorado State Forest Service’s workforce to improve Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts, and strengthen minimum housing standards for tenants after a natural disaster. SB23-005 passed by a vote of 59 to 5 and HB23-1254 passed by a vote of 46 to 18. < Back April 24, 2023 Bills to Bolster Firefighting Workforce, Housing Protections for Victims of Natural Disasters Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bills to bolster the Colorado State Forest Service’s workforce to improve Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts, and strengthen minimum housing standards for tenants after a natural disaster. SB23-005 passed by a vote of 59 to 5 and HB23-1254 passed by a vote of 46 to 18. “Colorado’s made important progress when it comes to wildfire mitigation, but we need to invest in our state’s forestry workforce to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB23-005. “The forest service works hard to maintain healthy, more resilient forests, removing excess brush and dead trees among other on-the-ground tactics. This legislation streamlines workforce development and recruitment within the state forest service so we can better mitigate the effects of dangerous wildfires.” SB23-005 , sponsored by Representative Snyder and Minority Leader Lynch, would improve Colorado’s forestry workforce by directing the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry for students in high school. It also creates a workforce development program within the State Forest Service to increase internship opportunities within the timber, forest health, and wildfire mitigation sectors. The bipartisan bill will bolster the state’s wildfire mitigation capacity development fund to create and expand forestry programs specifically at Colorado Mountain College, as well as community colleges, technical colleges, area colleges, and public institutions of higher education in order to increase the state’s forestry workforce. SB23-005 would also work to increase and recruit the number of qualified educators at these institutions to deliver a wildland fire prevention and mitigation course or program. “After the Marshall Fire devastated my community, many renters and landlords found that there were no objective health and safety standards that allowed them to know that their home was returned to a healthy and safe condition after a natural disaster,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1254. “This bill creates standards for rental property conditions after a disaster and encourages collaboration and communication between renters and landlords to ensure that the property won’t cause long-term health impacts due to nearby environmental hazards.” “The Marshall Fire displaced many Coloradans and when they were unable to find anything available that was in their budget, many felt pressured to return to the damaged rental property just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1254. “No one should feel cornered into living in housing that can cause negative short or long-term health effects, which is why we brought this legislation to give both landlords and renters the tools to repair their property to a safe living condition. With this bill, we’re streamlining and clarifying the Warranty of Habitability statute to protect renters and help landlords know where the goal post is when it comes to remediating their property.” Colorado’s “Warranty of Habitability” law requires a landlord to maintain their property to a standard that is considered safe and fit for habitation. A report conducted after the Marshall Fire called for the General Assembly to pass legislation to increase the standards to protect Colorado renters from unsafe living conditions. HB23-1254 would bolster renter protections in the state’s warranty of habitability by adding lack of compliance with certain standards following an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. It would also add additional protections for members of a vulnerable population, including allowing such a tenant to terminate their lease if certain conditions are met. The bill would also prohibit a landlord from retaliating against a renter that makes a good faith complaint about the living conditions. Previous Next