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< Back January 30, 2020 REP. SIROTA: LIMIT CONTRIBUTIONS IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES DENVER, CO– The House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs today advanced Rep. Emily Sirota’s bill to set a maximum contribution limit of $2,500 in school board elections by a vote of 7-2. “Money is corrupting our political system, and we need to address it at every level, especially when it’s taking direct aim at our children’s education,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “Spending in school board races is out of control and getting larger each year. It’s time to put limits on contributions in school board races to curb the influence of high-dollar donors in our democracy.” Unlike federal elections, Colorado House and Senate elections and county elections, there are currently no limits on campaign contributions in school board races. Spending in school board races in Colorado is growing rapidly, and donors, sometimes from out of state, are contributing tens of thousands of dollars to individual candidates, amounts substantially above federal and state contribution limits in other races. HB20-1066 would set contribution limits in school director elections at $2,500 per individual donor. These limits would be adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill subjects school board candidates to existing disclosure laws, including requiring school board candidates to file contribution reports in a similar manner to state House and Senate candidates. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 PASSED: BILLS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS AND LESSEN CMAS TESTING LOAD DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation on third reading and final passage to protect public health workers from dangerous doxxing attempts and to reduce the CMAS testing load on Colorado students. “As Colorado students continue to grapple with the challenges of an extremely difficult year, I’m proud that we were able to come together to lessen the testing load,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “It took a lot of work and compromise by stakeholders from every corner of the education community to reach agreement on this proposal, but with this bill, we’ve found a solution that works for Colorado students, parents and teachers while still complying with federal guidance.” “By crafting this responsible solution, we are allowing our incredible educators, who have been through so much, to focus on teaching their students and getting through the rest of this unprecedented school year,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill represents a careful compromise that will put educators, students, and parents first while keeping us in compliance with federal regulations.” HB21-1161 , which passed by a vote of 52-12, requires the administration of the English Language Arts exam in grades three, five, and seven, while students in grades four, six, and eight will take the Math exam. Parents will also have the option to opt their child in to taking whichever exam they did not automatically receive. The legislation also requires the Colorado Department of Education to request a waiver to suspend science exams normally administered in grades 5, 8, and 11. The bill suspends for one year the statutorily required social studies exams for grades 4 and 7. The bill also implements consensus recommendations from a departmental task force last year, including suspending the link between tests, accountability, and educator evaluation. The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Education to seek a waiver from the federal Department of Education to implement these policies as soon as practicable. “Our public health officials have helped Colorado navigate through a devastating emergency, but they’ve been subject to relentless harassment and instances of doxxing,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, (D-Thornton) . “No public servant deserves to have their families and their wellbeing threatened because of the work they do. With this bill, we spoke clearly and declared that our public health officials deserve protection from harassment.” HB21-1107 , sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for public health workers. Currently, it is unlawful to post on the internet the personal information of a law enforcement official, if that information poses an imminent and serious threat to the official or the official’s family. HB21-1107, which passed today by a vote of 61-4, would add the same protections for public health workers. “State employees working to keep our communities and correctional systems safe take risks while serving Colorado,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This straightforward bill will ensure that these employees and their families are protected from those who would do them harm by posting their personal information online. State employees deserve to feel safe in their own homes.” HB21-1015 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for employees at the Department of Corrections. The bill would add dissemination of personal information that poses a serious risk to a Department of Corrections employee or their family to Colorado’s existing anti-doxxing statutes. The bill passed 63-2. Previous Next

Two bipartisan laws to allow Coloradans who are incarcerated to earn time off their sentence by pursuing higher education and to expand access to DNA testing after being convicted of a felony are now in effect. < Back October 3, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Laws to Reduce Recidivism and Expand Post-Conviction DNA Testing Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two bipartisan laws to allow Coloradans who are incarcerated to earn time off their sentence by pursuing higher education and to expand access to DNA testing after being convicted of a felony are now in effect. “Education is a proven tool to reduce recidivism and improve public safety because it creates strong, post-sentence pathways for formerly incarcerated Coloradans to thrive after completing their sentence,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB23-1037 . “It is exciting to see higher education institutions from across the state sign on to work with the Department of Corrections to offer courses to Coloradans who are incarcerated. This bipartisan legislation will help Coloradans have the skills and higher education credits they need to secure a good-paying job after their time is served.” “Colorado owes incarcerated people more, which is why I am proud to have championed these bills that will help folks in prison prove their innocence and better prepare them for life outside prison,” Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Sponsor of HB23-1037 and HB23-1034 said. “Enabling petitioners to access post-conviction DNA testing will help folks prove their innocence and allow them to reclaim their freedom, while expanding educational opportunities will reduce recidivism rates and better prepare Coloradans to find good-paying careers once they’ve left prison. I am happy to see these important new laws go into effect, and I look forward to the transformational changes they will bring to incarcerated Coloradans.” “Wrongful convictions ruin the lives of innocent people across our nation and can lead to cycles of poverty and incarceration that devastate families and perpetuate injustice,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1034 . “When someone is wrongly convicted, that means the real perpetrator is likely still on the street. This important law makes it easier for those convicted of certain crimes to access post-conviction DNA testing, which can help prove their innocence and identify the actual perpetrator. This law will lead to safer communities and a more just and trusted legal system for Coloradans.” HB23-1037 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs and Senator Julie Gonzales, allows people who are incarcerated and sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while the person is incarcerated in the Department of Corrections. Specifically, people who are incarcerated can receive 6 months of earned time for an earned credential or a 30 credit hour certificate, one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree. Five Colorado Universities will offer select courses and certificate programs to people who are incarcerated including Adams State University, Trinidad State University, Pueblo Community College, Colorado State University Pueblo and Regis University. HB23-1034 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, aims to help end wrongful convictions by expanding the use of post-conviction DNA testing. Specifically, this law expands the eligibility for people to access DNA testing after being convicted of a felony to include those on parole or probation, registered sex offenders, those charged with a felony but not convicted by reason of insanity and those who have completed their felony prison sentence. Previous Next

On August 6, legislation goes into effect to bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. Another law also goes into effect to expand the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. < Back July 24, 2025 Democrats Save Coloradans Money with New Laws to Crack Down on Price Gouging, Expand Paid Family Leave DENVER, CO - On August 6, legislation goes into effect to bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. Another law also goes into effect to expand the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I sponsored this law that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1010 and SB25-144. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent, and as a mom to three young children, I have personally felt the pressure facing so many of our Colorado families. With this law going into effect today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “This law is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1010. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.” “With corporate bad actors driving up prices on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1010. “While the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues have impacted prices, bad-acting corporations have taken advantage of these factors to jack up prices just to increase their profits. While Republicans in the legislature sided with wealthy corporations, our majority passed this law to help tackle the rising cost of living, put an end to corporate price gouging and make Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 prohibits price gouging of goods or services during a declared emergency. In this law, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, like groceries and toiletries. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown and Sen. Weissman, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. SB25-144 allows parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks while the child is receiving care. “When I was forced to juggle work to pay the bills and spend time with my newborn, who was receiving life-saving care, I knew we needed to reform Colorado’s paid family leave,” continued Zokaie. “Every parent should be able to be fully present with their child during life’s most difficult moments. By expanding FAMLI leave by up to twelve additional weeks, we ensure Coloradans no longer have to choose between a paycheck and their family." “I know firsthand how terrifying and consuming it can be for a parent of a newborn in intensive care,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB25-144. “It is so important for a child's development to be with their parents in those first few months of life. We need to make it easier for parents with kids in the NICU to have access to that quality time, which is why we’re expanding FAMLI in a way that doesn’t raise premiums for employees or employers..” “This law will support families so they have the time they need to prioritize their newborns who need extra care to ensure they have a long, healthy life,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-144. “As a NICU baby myself, I want to ensure that families have the opportunity to be present with their newborn, something that is proven to have positive impacts on child development. By expanding the voter-approved FAMLI program, we’re being responsive to the needs of Colorado parents while also supporting Colorado businesses.” “We know that children are more likely to come home faster from the NICU if their parents can be with them,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of SB25-144. “Because of the good work and the existing resources of the FAMLI Insurance program, expanding benefits for additional time allows the state to provide additional help to families going through incredibly taxing times.” The law also modifies the premiums for the FAMLI program to reduce the current rate of 0.9 percent of wages per employee to 0.88 percent for the next calendar year. For each subsequent year, the FAMLI division director is required to set the premium rate to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. Under the new premium amounts, the law will save Colorado businesses and employees nearly $17 million in FY2025-26 and over $35 million in FY2026-27. Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in the November 2020 election, creating the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative to provide Colorado families 12 weeks of paid leave. Some families are allowed up to 16 weeks of leave in certain cases. To date, the FAMLI program has paid out an average weekly benefit payment of $915 to cover 155,000 Coloradans for medical leave, parental leave, caretaking, safe leave for survivors of domestic violence and military family leave. The average leave duration is over 51 days. A 2019 report found that parent presence in the NICU decreases stress and pain, strengthens parent-child attachment and improves brain development. Previous Next

Majority Leader Monica Duran today delivered the keynote presentation at the 36th Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) Conference. < Back October 16, 2024 Majority Leader Duran Delivers Keynote Presentation for Annual Domestic Violence Conference KEYSTONE, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today delivered the keynote presentation at the 36th Annual Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) Conference. Majority Leader Duran’s presentation, “My Journey to Hell and Back”, highlighted parts of her personal, professional and political life. “I’d like to thank COVA for inviting me to deliver the keynote presentation at their annual conference – it’s truly an honor,” said Majority Leader Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Domestic abuse is difficult to talk about, let alone escape with a young son, and I wouldn’t be here today without the fearless advocates and resources that helped me get back on my feet. I’m beyond proud of our recent legislative efforts to support survivors and curb gun violence in Colorado. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which serves as both a reminder for how far we’ve come and how much further we must go to create a safer state for us all.” Majority Leader Duran has been a longtime advocate for survivors of domestic violence and violent crime. During the 2024 legislative session, Majority Leader Duran sponsored a law to strengthen protection orders for victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence. She also sponsored important gun safety legislation, including laws to improve conceal carry permitting and expand extreme risk protection orders . In recent years, she passed laws that improved standards for domestic violence cases tried in municipalities , invested $48 million with a funding boost of $3 million toward survivor programs and strengthened requirements for certain domestic violence abusers to relinquish their firearms. In addition to passing vital survivor-forward laws, Majority Leader Duran has also been awarded the 2023 Domestic Abuse Survivor Heroes (DASH) Award from non-profit Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abuse, 2023 Violence Free Aquamarine Award and the 2024/2023 Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) Legislator of the Year Award. Previous Next

< Back April 14, 2022 HOUSE SENDS BUDGET TO GOVERNOR Budget increases per pupil funding by nearly $570 per student, improves air quality, increases public safety funding and expands health insurance for children and pregnant women DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Conference Report on the FY 2022-2023 Long Appropriations bill, sending the state budget to the governor for his signature. “We’re making a record investment in K-12 public education that schools can use to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay and prepare our students for success,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This budget increases funding for public safety and sets aside hundreds of millions to save Coloradans money as pandemic-induced inflation burdens families across our state. This balanced budget will prepare our students for success, support our economic recovery, save Coloradans money and move our state forward.” “I’m proud that our balanced budget will increase funding for public schools and invest in air quality monitoring, which will prepare our students for success and improve our air,” said JBC member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This budget will improve educational outcomes for at-risk and special education students and increase health care access for children and pregnant people to help close equity gaps that disproportionately impact Black and Brown Coloradans. This is a responsible budget that sets aside a record reserve to protect our state from any uncertainty that may lie ahead.” Preparing Students for Success Improving Public Schools: The budget increases funding for education by nearly $200 million, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to $321 million–the lowest it’s been since it was created. This record investment in K-12 education will increase funding for public schools and put more resources into classrooms. This responsible approach will direct record levels of support to public schools and ensure this increase is sustainable. Statewide, schools will receive on average $569 more per student next year, which is over $14,000 more for a classroom of 25 students. Schools can use these additional resources to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay, provide individualized support to help students learn, and ensure that students have what they need to thrive. Saving Students Money on Higher Education: This budget supports our institutions of higher education amidst rising costs and the challenges of the pandemic. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees. Expanding Early Childhood Education: Universal preschool and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents thousands of dollars a year. The budget invests $6.5 million to fund the new department of early childhood to bring Colorado one step closer to offering universal preschool next year. Fort Lewis, Aims, Colorado Mountain College: The budget funds discounted tuition for Coloradans living near Fort Lewis, Aims and Colorado Mountain Colleges. The budget increases funding for these institutions by over $2.5 million. Saving Coloradans Money Reducing Fees: The budget sets aside $157 million to reduce fees for businesses, as well as licensing fees for frontline workers including nurses, mental health professionals and teachers. Boosting Rural Economies: The budget provides $10 million for economic development in rural communities by leveraging federal dollars. Providing Property Tax Relief: The budget includes funding to save Coloradans money on their property taxes. Democrats have made it a goal this session to save people money, and with property values rising, we’re looking at an effort to save people money on property taxes. Boosting Funding for Public Safety Improving Investigations: The budget boosts the capabilities of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to support local law enforcement departments in solving and preventing crimes. The budget implements a multi-year effort to increase the department’s funding to $15.3 million, including a nearly $6.8 million increase next year. This funding will go toward additional investigators, supervisors and forensic scientists to boost forensic labs, crime scene processing, and support to local law enforcement agencies. Funding for Public Safety Legislation: The budget puts aside funding for legislation that will prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The bipartisan bills direct resources to support local law enforcement initiatives to recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse law enforcement workforce through strategies such as tuition support, workforce mobility, enhanced curriculum, training, and mental health services. The public safety package also includes resources to improve school safety, reduce recidivism, prevent bias-motivated crimes and expand effective strategies like co-responder models and violence interrupter programs. Protecting EMS and 9-1-1 Response Services: Counties in rural Colorado are at risk of losing EMS response services, while 9-1-1 operators across that state are feeling increased pressures and demands. This budget significantly increases funding by $7 million for EMS providers and increases staffing at 9-1-1 dispatchers to retain and recruit the staff they need to respond to community emergencies. A Healthier Colorado: Expanding Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The budget increases funding for home and community based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by $58.5 million. Boosting Children’s Health: The budget increases funding for the Child Health Plan by $29.8 million, including an increase of $7.9 million for children and pregnant women enrolled in the program. Increasing funding for Behavioral Health: In addition to the $450 million behavioral health package moving through the legislature as a result of the bipartisan interim ARPA task force, the budget invests $54 million in behavioral health community programs. This funding provides for mental health and substance use disorder care for eligible Medicaid clients. Improving Air Quality: The budget includes an increase of $43.4 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. Of this amount, $17.9 million will be used to increase air quality monitoring, establish an electric lawn equipment rebate program for public entities, and replace old monitoring equipment. Additional Highlights Ensuring a Responsible Budget Reserve: The budget sets aside a record reserve to protect Colorado from future changes to the budget forecast. This budget ensures responsible savings so Colorado will be protected from possible drastic changes to the economy. Saving responsibly to guard against future downturns and pre-paying for some key priorities protects the progress Colorado has made rebounding from COVID. Investing in Capital Construction: The budget makes impressive investments in updates, expansions, or additions to facilities at public buildings and colleges and universities across the state. This includes improvements to the National Western Center at CSU, the agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, the health sciences building at Pueblo Community College, Brendt Hall and the FLC Health Sciences Center at Fort Lewis, the Bowman Building at Lamar Community College, and library renovations at Trinidad State College. Improving State Parks, Opening Sweetwater Lake: The budget boosts funding to support Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and conservation, a key economic driver and job creator for the state and a core part of Coloradans’ quality of life. The budget includes a nearly $6 million increase for state park operations and wildlife conservation to open new trails, hire additional game wardens to assist park visitors and preserve Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. It also includes funding to help open the state’s newest park, Sweetwater Lake, in Western Colorado. Investing in Transportation and Infrastructure: The initial funding from last year’s transformational investment in Colorado’s transportation system to save people money on their vehicle repairs is starting to flow to projects. The budget directs nearly $50 million in funding generated through SB21-260 to get critical road maintenance projects under way to reduce traffic and improve Colorado’s competitiveness with neighboring states, as well as to make much-needed investments in multimodal and clean energy transportation options to modernize Colorado’s state’s transportation system. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 REP. BUENTELLO’S BILLS A WIN FOR VETERANS AND RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Bills to provide free state park access for disabled veterans and create scholarships for rural law enforcement for officer training pass committees Denver, CO– Earlier today, the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture unanimously passed Representative Bri Buentello’s legislation to provide free state park access for all Colorado disabled veterans. This afternoon, the Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced Rep. Buentello’s bill to provide scholarships for rural law enforcement agencies to pay for the cost of sending potential officers to training academies. “Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo . “Our state parks are beautiful, and every veteran should be able to enjoy them without cost. They fought to protect this land. It’s only right they get to access it for free.” Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. “Rural and small communities all across Colorado are in need of police officers, but obtaining the P.O.S.T. requirements can be cost-prohibitive in many cases,” said Rep. Buentello . “Today, we’re one step closer to giving these communities the resources that they need to train the next generation of men and women who will keep our communities safe.” HB20-1229 would establish a scholarship fund for rural and small communities to assist in paying for the cost of potential police officers to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy. The cost of basic training that satisfies the peace officers’ standards and training (P.O.S.T.) requirements can cost thousands of dollars , which is especially prohibitive to potential candidates in rural areas where funds can be scarce. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 REP. DURAN APPLAUDS DEFEAT OF SO-CALLED “RIGHT-TO-WORK” LEGISLATION (Jan. 30) – This week, the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee defeated a so-called “right-to-work” bill. The bill would have hampered the ability of workers in our state to organize, a right provided through long-standing federal law. “A win for Union Workers today! HB18-1101 (Right to Work) was defeated in committee,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Thank you to all my union brothers and sisters that attended our meeting and had their voices heard.This legislation is bad for workers and bad for our economy.” HB19-1101 would have restricted the ability of unions to negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for workers. This bill would have also prevented employers from exercising their right to hire union-trained and certified employees. If passed, the bill would have had devastating impacts on worker wages and protections, further stacking the deck against hardworking families in our state. A large Economic Policy Institute study from 2011 found that, after controlling for a host of factors, right-to-work states have lower wages on average than states without right-to-work laws. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ACCESS TO FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS This bill maintains dignity to women while in custody (Mar. 20) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who are in custody immediately and free of charge. “If you can’t say the word tampon, then don’t restrict access to one,” said Rep. Herod. “Women’s bodies are different, and we need to ensure that we are treating all women, especially those that are in custody, with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” Under current policies, some county jails provide limited menstrual hygiene products to inmates, while some provide none. HB 19-1224 requires all local jails, multijurisdictional jails, and municipal jails to provide menstrual hygiene products to people in custody at no expense. HB19-1224 passed by a unanimous vote of 65-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill follows legislation from 2017, sponsored by Rep. Herod and Senator Winter, which required that the Department of Corrections provide free menstrual hygiene products to those in state prisons and other DOC facilities. Previous Next

Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, extend a tax credit for alternative transportation use, and establish a free transit program for youth < Back May 7, 2024 Vigil, Marvin Bill to Increase Transit Ridership Passes House Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, extend a tax credit for alternative transportation use, and establish a free transit program for youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Julia Marvin that would increase the use of transit in Colorado. SB24-032 passed by a vote of 44-17. “As a multi-modal traveler in a city on the rise, I'm so proud of the progress that Colorado has made in recent years to expand transit options, and to carry this legislation that will boost and expand our efforts,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “We’re building on our existing zero fare program to cover either zero fare during the summer months or year-round free transit for Colorado youth. Transportation choice means more freedom and opportunities for Coloradans, less traffic, and cleaner air." “During my time as a local elected official, my community expressed a great need for more transit options in the Northern Corridor to get to work, school, and appointments,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton. “Our legislation looks to address barriers to public transportation ridership, increase connectivity between local and regional transit agencies, and create more multi-modal travel opportunities for our communities. I know this bill will have a significant impact on hardworking Coloradans and will reaffirm our commitment to reaching our air quality goals.” SB24-032 would create the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program to provide grants to transit agencies around the state for fare-free year-round transit services for Coloradans ages 19 and younger. The bill would also extend the successful Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season, which is set to expire without further legislative action. Finally, the bill would extend the income tax credit for alternative transportation options and create a statewide transit pass exploratory committee within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to produce a proposal for implementing a statewide transit pass. The committee would be created by October 1, 2024, and offer a proposal by July 1, 2026. The committee members would be appointed by the executive director of CDOT and must include representatives of transit agencies from across the state. RTD data revealed a significant increase in the use of services, particularly buses within the district, during RTD’s 30-day Zero Fare for Better Air program. RTD also experienced a 36 percent ridership increase between August 2021 and August 2022 as well as a 21 percent ridership increase between July 2022 and August 2022. There was also a significant increase in ridership in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and mountain communities. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. HB25-1010 passed by a vote of 38-24, with no House Republicans voting in support of the bill. < Back March 10, 2025 House Democrats Save Coloradans Money by Cracking Down on Price Gouging DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. HB25-1010 passed by a vote of 38-24, with no House Republicans voting in support of the bill. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I’m sponsoring this legislation that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent, and as a mom to three young children, I have personally felt the pressure facing so many of our Colorado families. By passing this legislation in the House today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “With corporate greed and profits driving prices higher on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “While the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues have impacted prices, bad acting corporations have taken advantage of these factors to jack up prices just to increase their profits. As Republicans in the legislature side with wealthy corporations, our majority is tackling the rising cost of living, putting an end to corporate price gouging, and making Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries during a market disruption. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good during a declared disaster. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit Big Pharma price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Previous Next

The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. < Back April 20, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality, Reduce Harmful Emissions Passes House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the emissions permitting process. SB23-016 would propel Colorado’s clean energy transition by establishing interim greenhouse gas emissions targets and incentivizing investments in electrification. “Coloradans face some of the worst air quality in the nation, and we need to stand firm in our plan to reduce harmful emissions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “High levels of ozone are dangerous for our children and our neighbors to breathe, often leading to significant health issues.This is not just a Denver problem, this is also a Front Range problem that we must address, and our bill is a significant step towards transparency around our air quality problem and potential solutions. This legislation gives impacted communities more of a say in the permitting and enforcement processes and ensures that we will continue working to find meaningful solutions.” “As ozone season approaches, Coloradans across the Front Range will once again battle poor air quality that affects their day-to-day life,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “In Colorado, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce harmful emissions and that includes strengthening our permitting processes. This important legislation gives Coloradans a voice when it comes to reporting poor air quality in their community and works to create a path forward that will not only improve Colorado’s air quality, but aid in our state’s clean energy transition.” HB23-1294 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for air permits in Colorado. The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. This bill works to improve public engagement in permitting processes by giving impacted communities a voice in the enforcement process, and sets clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. To address the poor air quality in the nonattainment area, HB23-1294 would lead to stronger emissions control measures to help the state meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with these federal standards. HB23-1294 would also create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. “From record breaking droughts, destructive wildfire and poor air quality across Colorado – it’s important we implement bold policies that bring us closer to reaching our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation creates targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize the use of clean alternatives in our homes and businesses. We need to ensure Colorado’s on a strong path forward to combat climate change, and this legislation brings us closer to a decarbonized economy.” “Coloradans are demanding action, and we’re committed to doing our part in the fight against climate change to protect our children and neighbors,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver. “This bill sets crucial greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals to improve the air we breathe now and in the years to come. Under this bill, we can mitigate the effects of climate change by encouraging electrification and speeding up our transition to a decarbonized economy. Our important legislation takes action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, prioritize clean energy and protect our families.” SB23-016 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update the state’s emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utilities Commission to prioritize the renovation, rebuilding, and reconditioning of electrical transmission lines, enabling and improving electrification across the state. Permitting for these projects would be expedited and the construction would be subject to the state’s labor standards. To further expedite electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirements of a major local ozone contributor: lawn equipment. Purchasers of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers would qualify for 30 percent off at the point-of-sale and a corresponding tax credit would be provided to the retailer. SB23-016 would also encourage climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey. Finally, the bill would expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the EPA for Class VI injection well primacy. Previous Next