< Back April 23, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES NEW FINANCIAL LITERACY STANDARDS DENVER, CO– The House today preliminarily approved HB21-1200 on second reading. The bipartisan bill, which is sponsored by Representatives Kipp and Rich, would improve financial literacy standards to help ninth through 12th graders better understand financial products, focusing specifically on higher education loans and financial assistance. “By improving our financial literacy programs, we can help ensure that more Coloradans have the knowledge and tools they need to make life changing financial decisions,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “When we help young people better understand the complicated and high stakes financial decisions they’re making, we can set them on a path to success. This bill would ensure that Colorado students learn about all the financial products they may encounter along the way to paying for higher education and other important obligations.” HB21-1200 would require the Department of Education to include higher education planning tools in financial literacy standards the next time they are updated. Financial literacy standards for ninth through 12th graders would ensure students understand the costs associated with obtaining a degree, managing credit card and student loan debt, buying a home, and saving for retirement. The bill adds how to budget and pay for higher education and how to manage student loan debt to the suggested financial literacy curriculum and requires school districts to inform students and parents about the importance of applying for state and federal financial aid. In Colorado, more than 743,000 people have student loan debt, with an average debt burden of more than $38,000. Coloradans carry approximately $28.6 billion in student debt. The federal free application for student aid (FAFSA) helps determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. Research shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to enroll in postsecondary education. Providing students with financial literacy assistance can help them begin building the assets they need for financial stability later in life. Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENINGS ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would require insurance plans to better cover colorectal cancer screenings DENVER, CO– Legislation to require health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45 today passed the House Committee on Health and Insurance 10-0. HB20-1103 is sponsored by Representatives Janet Buckner and Perry Will. “According to the Colorado Cancer Coalition, one in 21 men and one in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime,” said Rep. Buckner (D-Aurora). “There’s more we can do to make sure that Coloradans can access life-saving screenings for colorectal cancer, such as lowering the age when coverage for the screening is required, and that’s what this bill would do.” Under current law, health insurers must provide coverage for preventive colorectal cancer screenings in accordance with the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. The bill would instead require carriers to provide coverage for screenings in accordance with the current best medical practice guidelines. Plans must cover a colonoscopy or other medical test for colorectal cancer screening and a follow-up test if necessary. Current best practice guidelines recommend that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45 instead of age 50, as under the USPSTF guidelines. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. < Back February 26, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. “Colorado youth participating in out-of-school sports should be safe, which is why we are putting common sense protections into place to ensure that the adults who supervise youth sports have passed a background check and are trained in CPR/AED certification,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “We owe it to our children to ensure we are doing everything we can to prevent injury and harm and this bill is a critical step to create the safe environment they deserve.” “Kids and parents deserve to know that their sports programs are run by someone they can trust,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “Our bill would require coaches and other adults involved in these sports programs to pass a background test and be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to ensure that we’re creating a safe environment for our kids to play in.” HB24-1080 would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities. 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 March 2, 2022 SIGNED! BILLS TO SUPPORT MARSHALL FIRE RECOVERY AND FIREFIGHTER SAFETY Wildfire recovery and prevention bills are part of the JBC’s FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will aid the Marshall Fire recovery and boost firefighter safety. Marshall Fire Property Tax Reimbursement: As one of the many ways that the state is responding to the Marshall Fire, HB22-1183 will transfer $3.7 million to the impacted counties to ensure they don’t face additional revenue shortfalls as a result of the devastation. “Today, we’re making sure that communities are protected from negative financial impacts from the devastation caused by the Marshall Fire,” said Rep. Matt Gray D-Broomfield. “This bill is a step in the right direction towards helping those impacted by wildfires to recover and build back stronger, safer communities. We know the road ahead is long. We’re committed to helping families affected by the Marshall Fire so they can continue to rebuild communities and create a safer, healthier state in the process.” “This bill is a commitment to the people of Boulder County – we are here for you,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of support our community received from our neighbors and strangers across the world after the catastrophic Marshall Fire. This bill is immediate relief for our communities to rebuild stronger than before. We’re dedicated to continuing to help the residents impacted by the Marshall Fire recover and to continue to move Colorado forward.” Firefighter Safety: As part of House Democrats’ commitment to creating healthier and safer communities, HB22-1194 will direct additional resources to help our firefighters access the best equipment available. The bill makes $5 million available this year to provide grants to help local fire departments purchase safety and disease prevention gear, and support firefighter safety training. “We’re committed to building safer, healthier communities and that begins with making sure our firefighters have the equipment to safely combat wildfires,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans rely on firefighters to protect their homes, livelihood and communities. This bill will help firefighters do their job more effectively by giving them access to the best safety equipment available. This is all part of our ongoing wildfire recovery and prevention efforts that will help communities across the state.” Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO ENSURE MORE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES Roughly three quarters of all CO jobs require post secondary higher education (May 1) – The House gave initial approval to SB19-176, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that would expand opportunities for students to earn postsecondary course credit while enrolled in high school. “This bill builds a college-going culture in our schools, saves families money toward a credential or degree, and ultimately, better prepares students to be Colorado’s workforce of tomorrow,” said Rep. McCluskie. “Concurrent enrollment gives more students the chance to earn credits towards their high school graduation while also earning credits toward a college degree or certification.” The bill also creates a grant program that provides dollars to teachers for the purpose of obtaining a graduate degree that will allow them to teach concurrent enrollment. It also helps cover the cost of books, supplies, fees, transportation and new technology upgrades for students pursuing concurrent enrollment opportunities,. providing services and support for districts and low-income, first-generation students that will gain access to these classes. SB19-176 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2020 HOUSE WORKS TO ADDRESS SHORTAGE OF CRITICAL SCHOOL STAFF IN RURAL AREAS DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB20-1127 , bipartisan legislation to address the special education service provider shortage in rural areas, by a vote of 50-13. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, a former school district official, and Barbara McLachlan, a former teacher. “We’re facing a shortage of critical professionals in our schools, such as nurses, psychologists and school counselors, that is especially acute in rural areas,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “There are special education service providers who have retired and who would come back and help fill this need, but PERA’s rules make it difficult for them to do so. We’re grateful to PERA for their work with us on this important bill.” “This bill is a commonsense fix to help rural school districts attract nurses, psychologists and social workers, who are badly needed across our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Special education service providers who have retired shouldn’t see their benefits reduced if they want to go back to work and help address our rural teacher shortage.” Boards of Cooperative Services (BOCES) supply educational services to two or more school districts that, alone, wouldn’t be able to afford the services. It allows districts to share costs in order to provide special education services to more Colorado children. BOCES primarily serve rural school districts and have faced significant challenges attracting and hiring new special education teachers. In the 2018-2019 academic year, Districts and BOCES reported having 1,177 special services provider positions to hire for, nearly 18.9 percent of all SSP positions in the state. BOCES would like to hire people who are willing to work and have retired from school districts, but PERA’s rules put a limit on the number of days a retiree can work before requiring a reduction in benefits. HB20-1127 would adjust these rules so that retirees can come back to work at BOCES without seeing a reduction in their retirement benefits. The bill would allow BOCES to hire 40 retired special education service providers without any reduction in PERA benefits. It would apply to school psychologists, social workers, early childhood special education teachers, school counselors, nurses, and other critical positions. Previous Next

The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset (HB26-1326). < Back April 23, 2026 Bill to Modernize the Public Utilities Commission, Protect Ratepayers and Improve Oversight Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset ( HB26-1326 ). This legislation would extend the critical functions of the PUC while modernizing the commission to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. “From utilities and cell phones to renewable energy investments, the PUC touches the lives of nearly every Coloradan,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Our bill not only extends the critical functions of the PUC, but modernizes the agency to ensure it’s more streamlined and efficient. We need a dynamic and modern PUC that’s able to respond to the task at hand, and this bill enacts important measures to improve the commission, protect jobs, and focus on consumers and ratepayers.” “The safety and security of our transportation services and utility infrastructure matters, and we’re taking steps to ensure our PUC is appropriately resourced and efficient,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Without the bill, the PUC will not be able to continue its critical work, and it’s our responsibility to put forth legislation that keeps Coloradans safe and connected. HB26-1326 takes bold action to help protect ratepayers, strengthen transportation safety and modernize the commission.” HB26-1326 passed committee by a vote of 9-4. The PUC is the primary regulator of Colorado’s electric, gas, water, telecommunications and transportation services. Without this bill, the PUC would expire on September 1, 2026. This bill extends PUC's critical functions for another seven years while modernizing and boosting transparency within the agency. In 2019 , the PUC Sunset established a minimum value for the cost of carbon pollution. This helped modernize benefits to ratepayers and improve Colorado's clean energy transition. HB26-1326 continues Colorado’s clean energy transition that will lower utility costs and foster new jobs. Meeting Colorado’s renewable energy goals To help Colorado meet its energy goals, this bill updates and streamlines clean energy reporting requirements and scheduling for utility companies. As amended, this bill would boost transparency and accountability by allowing the PUC to investigate how to streamline and integrate energy planning proceedings and report its findings to the General Assembly. The bill would also help electrical utilities secure more renewable energy assets, such as wind and solar, by requiring the PUC to conduct a study regarding the barriers companies face towards joint procurement, or collaborative purchasing for a large-scale investment. Safety improvements This bill takes steps to improve rail, pipeline and transportation safety and security in Colorado. Under HB26-1326, state rail oversight would be aligned with federal law for consistency. The bill also includes the creation of an oversight program that would review, approve and monitor the creation and implementation of passenger and freight rail in Colorado. To improve consumer accountability and safety, this bill requires transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, to submit an annual report to the PUC that contains all safety-related incident reports involving the company or a rider. The bill would also require TNCs to provide the commission’s contact information to riders for increased transparency. HB26-1326 also requires activity buses, limos, and off-road scenic charters to receive scheduled inspections by the commission to ensure they are safe for travel. Modernizing telecommunications and protecting consumers Mobile, wireless, cellular, landlines and satellite telecommunications fall under the PUC’s purview and are charged a fee to provide service in Colorado to help maintain and expand our state’s telecommunications infrastructure. This bill extends the fee to include more telecommunications systems, including voice service providers (VoIP), such as Google Voice or Zoom Phone. To boost consumer protections and crack down on bad actors, this bill increases fees for companies that purchase the no-call lists and sell them to other companies. The PUC would also be required to conduct a study into this and other income-based energy assistance programs to improve funding access and equity. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. < Back September 19, 2024 Colorado’s Economy Strong With Tightening Budget Conditions Ahead DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. “Years of strategic budgeting and governance have placed us on a steady course for the future,” said JBC Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Over the last few years, Democrats have built up the state’s reserve and delivered a balanced budget that reflects our shared values. Under our watch, our economy has grown, inflation is slowing and wages have increased. We’ve restored full funding to our public schools and preserved the crucial services Coloradans rely on, including access to health care for our most vulnerable. We have difficult budgeting decisions ahead, but I remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in our communities.” “During my time on the JBC and in the legislature I have always worked hard to set Colorado up for success,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “From eliminating the budget stabilization factor to directing critical funding to behavioral health resources and community safety initiatives, we have worked diligently to put Colorado on a path to a prosperous future. This forecast indicates that the JBC faces a tight budget year that will require responsible, sometimes difficult, decision-making to ensure they are able to continue to deliver the essential services Coloradans rely on. I’m confident that their leadership will keep Colorado on the right path.” “While this forecast shows us returning to more normal budget conditions, we will work hard to protect funding for crucial services our communities depend on,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The Joint Budget Committee is no stranger to making tough decisions on how we will allocate state dollars, and we understand that Coloradans are relying on us to implement a more equitable school finance formula, support universal preschool, health care, emergency response, and much more. As we’ve done in the past, we will continue to govern thoughtfully while protecting the health and well-being of Coloradans in every corner of our state.” “Colorado’s economy continues to grow with more jobs, lower inflation, and an unemployment rate clocking in lower than the national average,” said JBC Member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “However, due to TABOR, our state resources remain tight and we must be cautious with how we allocate funding and fulfill commitments to our communities. I know that we can rise to meet the moment and ensure that a slimmer budget still represents our Colorado values of opportunity and responsibility and, most importantly, delivers for hardworking families.” The U.S. and Colorado economies continued to expand through the first half of this year. Colorado’s economy has modestly outperformed the nation’s during the first six months of 2024, with comparable employment growth, higher income growth, and lower inflation, specifically housing price inflation beginning to slow following the peak in 2022. Colorado remains a strong state to do business and has added a net 43,200 jobs, a 1.5 percent increase, over the past 12 months. Colorado’s economy continues to grow and outperform the nation’s economy. Colorado’s unemployment rate of 3.9 percent remains lower than the national average of 4.2 percent. Wage growth for the mountain region, which includes Colorado, is outpacing inflation at 5.9 percent compared to 5.1 percent nationwide. The national inflation rate reduced to 3.3 percent, down from a peak of 8.1 percent in November 2022. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $16.93 billion in FY 2024-2025, adding to an opening balance of $3.09 billion in reserves, and $17.96 billion in FY 2025-2026 adding to $1.9 billion in reserves – a 1.2 percent decrease in total funds available when compared year over year. The forecast shows increases to public school funding and anticipates implementing the new school finance formula beginning in FY 2025-2026. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.2 billion for FY 2024-2025 and $17.6 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $210.5 million decrease for FY 2024-2025 and a $502 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 HOUSE ELIMINATES CASH BAIL FOR PETTY & TRAFFIC OFFENSES Bipartisan bill expected to help more than 10,000 people avoid pretrial detention (Mar. 22) – The House unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, to eliminate cash bail for minor offenses including having an open container, trespassing, and shoplifting less than $50 worth of goods. “Every night, thousands of Coloradans awaiting trial for minor offenses languish in jail simply because they can’t afford to get out. We are caging the poor and the homeless, not for their crimes, but for their poverty,” said Rep. Herod. “Poverty is not a crime.” The ACLU of Colorado studied state court data and estimated at least 13,000 people a year would be released from jail as a result of this reform, helping with overcrowding at many Colorado jails. Pueblo County jail recently operated at 194 percent capacity and Alamosa County jail reported operating at 127 percent. HB19-1225 passed with a bipartisan, unanimous vote and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

The Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Karen McCormick to save small farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes. < Back February 19, 2026 McCluskie, McCormick Bill to Save Farmers and Ranchers Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Karen McCormick to save small farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes. “Family farmers and smaller ranchers in my district have shaped Colorado’s agriculture economy and boosted rural communities for generations,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The Trump Administration’s tariffs, imported Argentinian beef, and trade wars are driving up costs for our farmers and ranchers at a time when profit margins are razor-thin, and this bill puts more money back into the pockets of the hardworking people who keep Coloradans fed. This bill extends the property tax exemptions for smaller operations that use their land for pasture-based grazing.” “With trade wars hurting our ag community, we’re stepping up to save our farmers and ranchers money,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our bill puts our local farmers and ranchers first by lowering property taxes for smaller operations that use their land for grazing. Family farms strengthen and diversify Colorado’s economy, and this bill helps save our hardworking farmers and ranchers money.” SB26-010 passed committee by a vote of 12-0. This bill would save Colorado farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes by broadening the definition of "ranch" and “farm” in statute. First unanimously approved by the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, this bill would modify the definitions used to classify land as agricultural for property tax purposes. Under this bill, the new definition would allow small and family-owned ranches and farms to benefit from existing property tax exemptions. It would also specify that a farm is primarily used to produce agricultural products, while a ranch is primarily used for grazing livestock through pasture-based operations. Agricultural land is generally valued lower than other property classifications, and this bill only expands the property tax benefits to producers. The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. An announcement from the Trump Administration last year to quadruple the amount of beef the U.S. imports from Argentina drastically undermined Colorado beef producers during peak season. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2023 House Passes Bill to Require Eco-Friendly Appliance Replacement Option This bill would allow Coloradans to replace broken gas appliances with electric appliances under warranty DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on third and final reading that would allow homeowners to replace their under warranty gas appliances with electric appliances. HB23-1134 aims to give Coloradans more eco-friendly and energy efficient options when replacing their everyday appliances. “We’re making it possible for Coloradans to replace their broken, under warranty gas appliances with more energy efficient electric options,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Many Coloradans are interested in making the switch from gas to electric appliances, and our bill gives them the option to replace unrepairable gas-powered appliances with electric models. This will help save Coloradans money on unpredictable natural gas prices and reduce harmful indoor emissions.” “Navigating your day-to-day with a broken stove or water heater can be tough, but at least under our bill Coloradans have an eco-friendly option when it comes to selecting a replacement,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This legislation gives Coloradans the option to replace their under warranty, broken gas-powered appliances with an electric equivalent. We’re working to make it easier for Coloradans interested in making the switch from gas-powered to electric-powered household appliances to do so under warranty.” HB23-1134 passed the House by a vote of 45 to 19 and would require home service warranty contracts that provide coverage for gas-fueled appliances to allow homeowners to replace them with electric-powered appliances if they are still covered under warranty. This bill aims to give consumers the option to replace their broken down gas powered appliances, including stoves, ovens, furnaces, HVAC systems, and water heaters, with an eco-friendly electric option. A growing body of research shows when used without proper ventilation, gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen oxides indoors. HB23-1134 would also require home warranty service contracts to describe minimum efficiency and performance standards for each gas-fueled appliance and for any electric replacements so consumers can make informed and cost-effective decisions. Previous Next