< Back March 5, 2020 PRESCRIPTION-FREE HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING A REALITY Bill would improve access to life-saving preventative care. DENVER, CO — Representatives Alex Valdez and Leslie Herod’s bill to improve access to HIV Infection Prevention Medications today was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill would allow pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. “We’re one step closer to making accessible preventative care for LGBTQ people and other at-risk groups a reality in Colorado,” said LGBTQ Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We will save lives.” “HIV hits our most vulnerable populations the hardest, and that’s who we’re fighting for today,” said Black Legislative Caucus Chair Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will save lives and move our communities forward. I’m proud to help bring much-needed relief and preventative care to the fight against the scourge of HIV.” If enacted, HB20-1061 would allow Coloradans to go directly to a pharmacy to receive either an initial treatment regimen of PrEP or a full treatment regimen of PEP after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain authorization prior to using their benefits to obtain the medications and also prohibits insurers from requiring that a patient undergo step therapy. More than 14,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in the state of Colorado, according to a 2018 report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previous Next

On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1444 will implement History Colorado recommendations to support healing generational trauma in tribal communities, capture oral histories and dive deeper into long-standing inequities faced by tribal communities. SB24-053 will examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. < Back July 29, 2024 Laws to Extend Federal Indian Boarding School Research Program, Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1444 will implement History Colorado recommendations to support healing generational trauma in tribal communities, capture oral histories and dive deeper into long-standing inequities faced by tribal communities. SB24-053 will examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. “History Colorado’s research about the dark history of federal Indian boarding schools left us with a choice on how to right these wrongs and better support our tribal communities today,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, sponsor of HB24-1444. “This law extends this important research for another three years, acknowledging the abuse and forced assimilation that occurred, and addressing some of the longstanding inequities still faced by our tribal communities.” “I was proud to join this bipartisan effort to acknowledge and address the injustices faced by American Indian communities in Colorado,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1444. “By extending the federal Indian boarding school research program until 2027 and providing new funding, we are helping ensure that the voices and experiences of tribal communities are heard and respected.” “We cannot erase the horrors of the past, but we must face them,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1444. “This new law directs the state of Colorado to continue to expose the truth about the American Indian boarding schools.” HB24-1444 , in consultation with tribes, extends the federal Indian boarding school research program within History Colorado until 2027. Enacted in 2022 through HB22-1327 , this research program was tasked with researching the victimization that occurred at American Indian boarding schools in Colorado. History Colorado released the findings from their report and recommendations in October 2023, which revealed that nine institutions in the state attempted to assimilate American Indian students. HB24-1444 invests $1 million to continue the program in consultation with different tribes, putting forward recommendations to work toward social, educational and economic equity for tribal communities. “Systemic racism has impacted Black Coloradans in every facet of our lives, leading to negative impacts like poorer health outcomes and less likelihood of accumulating generational wealth,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver , sponsor of SB24-053 . “While one law can’t make up for the impacts that Black Coloradans have endured, this legislation will help us identify the impacts that racial inequalities have had on our Black community so we can take intentional and effective action.” “Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-053. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and will give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.” “Racial equity studies can be a useful tool to address racial inequity by compiling data of the long-term impacts that systematic racism has had on Black communities,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora , sponsor of SB24-053 . “Our legislation directs History Colorado to look further into how racial inequalities have impacted the success of Black Coloradans so we can develop meaningful policy that will make a real difference for our future.” SB24-053 creates the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations on the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. History Colorado will conduct research across areas such as economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in this law, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study also includes an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2021 MULLICA BILLS SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH SEIZURE DISORDERS, END LEGACY ADMISSIONS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed two bills sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica that would end legacy college admissions and ensure that K-12 teachers are properly trained to respond to students with a seizure disorder. “Today, we took action to better serve students who are experiencing a seizure at school,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “By passing ‘Joey’s Law’, parents won’t have to fear that the school their student attends is unprepared to respond when their child is experiencing a seizure. Finally, I’m pleased that we’re now one step closer to ending legacy admissions at public colleges and universities. As the first person in my family to graduate from an institution of higher education, I know firsthand that students should be judged by their own merits and achievements, not those of their relatives who happen to be alumni of that institution.” “I’m so proud that we advanced Joey’s law today,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Seizures can be scary if you’ve never witnessed one, and students with seizure disorders should always have the comfort of knowing that their teachers are ready to respond when they need them.” HB21-1133 , which is known as “Joey’s Law” and is also sponsored by Representative Iman Jodeh, would require public schools where a student has a known seizure disorder to designate at least one educator to get trained in seizure response. It would also encourage parents with students who have a seizure disorder to submit a seizure action plan to the school. A seizure action plan provides detailed information on a student’s seizure disorder and guidelines on how to respond if the student is experiencing a seizure. According to the CDC, approximately 7,800 Coloradans under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The bill passed 9-0. HB21-1173 , sponsored by Representative Mullica, would end legacy admissions at Colorado public institutions of higher education. Currently, higher education institutions may consider legacy preferences and family relationships to alumni of the institution as a criteria for admission standards. The bill passed 8-1. The committee also passed SB21-056 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Kevin Van Winkle, which would require school districts to implement policies and procedures to administer medical cannabis to students for whom a physician has prescribed it. Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, especially in children, and is often prescribed for seizure disorders. The bill passed 9-0. Previous Next

< Back June 10, 2020 MORE COVID RESPONSE ON THE WAY: HOUSE PASSES BILLS PROHIBITING SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION AND IMPROVING THE 2-1-1 HOTLINE DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today to support Colorado as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. The bills include an increase in funding for the 2-1-1 hotline, which has seen a spike in use due to the pandemic, and a bill to prohibit source of income discrimination in housing, which will protect the tens thousands of Coloradans who are newly claiming unemployment benefits. “For many Coloradans, the 2-1-1 hotline was the first place they turned to for support with essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB20-1197. “This bipartisan bill will support the hotline through the end of the year to ensure that it can sustain the sharp increase in calls and continue to provide crucial support to Coloradans. ” “With so many Coloradans claiming unemployment benefits after the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to prohibit discrimination based on source of income,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB20-1332 . “A dollar is a dollar, and no tenant should be denied housing for using the resources available to them to put a roof over their heads.” “Well before this pandemic began, I had already heard from far too many Coloradans who faced unjust barriers while looking to rent a place to live,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB20-1332 . “Now that COVID-19 has forced tens of thousands of Coloradans onto unemployment insurance, it’s more important than ever to pass this bill banning discrimination based on source of income. We need to make sure that Coloradans are protected from this type of discmination while we work to get our state back on track and beyond.” HB20-1197 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for 2-1-1 Information Hotline ( Reps. Marc Snyder and Janice Rich, Sen. Jeff Bridges): 2-1-1, Colorado’s free information hotline, is a critical service for many Coloradans and during the COVID-19 pandemic the line has seen a sharp increase in calls. The bill is will receive $500,000 of CARES Act funding to help expand services through December, including providing information on COVID-19 testing and referrals related to health care or employment discrimination as it relates to the pandemic.. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 47-16. HB20-1332 : Prohibit Housing Discrimination based on Source of Income (Reps. Leslie Herod and Dominique Jackson, Sen. Rhonda Fields): This bill makes discrimination in housing based on a person’s source of income an unfair housing practice. As long as a person’s source of income is lawful and verifiable, including income from any government assistance, grant, or loan program, a landlord cannot refuse to show, rent or lease housing. This is especially important given the sharp increase in the number of Coloradans claiming unemployment benefits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill passed 39-25. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 SINGER-DURAN FOSTER SIBLINGS BILL OF RIGHTS BILL PASSES HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY (Apr. 18) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Singer and Rep. Monica Duran that outlines protections for siblings when they are placed in foster care passed unanimously out of the House. “Foster care should not change people’s status as siblings. We know that siblings share a special, lifelong bond often being each others’ first friends, ” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont, chair of the House Public Health Care & Human Services committee. “If siblings cannot be placed together, then they should be able to receive regular updates about each other and have consistent, frequent contact, and that’s what this bill tackles.” HB19-1288 strongly emphasizes the importance of the sibling relationship to youth in foster care. It outlines protections that siblings should receive, such as placing siblings together, having regular contact and communication, and having their relationship encouraged despite their involvement in the foster care system. “Many studies have shown that relationships with siblings benefit their emotional and mental well-being,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill was brought to us by foster youth who go through the horrible experience of being ripped away from their siblings. We need to keep these kids together and avoid any further mental trauma to them.” The bill was unanimously approved in the House and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 CHEERS! HOUSE COMMITTEE DELIVERS ON ALCOHOL TO-GO BILL DENVER, CO– The House Committee of Public Services today passed a bill that will allow restaurants, breweries, clubs, hotels and more, to deliver and offer takeout of alcoholic beverages. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Colin Larson. The bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 9-0. “Restaurants have been hit hard by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 but the ability to sell to-go and delivery alcohol has been one crucial tool that has helped many of our favorite restaurants whether this storm,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill will give these owners the fortitude to keep running even though times are tough. Restaurants have used this creative solution well, and I’m glad we were able to support them in formalizing and extending their ability to generate this additional revenue.” SB20-113 allows licensed alcohol dealers to deliver alcohol to customers or to provide takeout for customers who prefer to drink their beverage in a sanctioned space. Consumers must be at least 21 years old when they pick up alcohol from a licensed establishment. The order cannot have more than 750ML of spirits and no more than 72 fluid ounces of malt liquors, including hard cider. Deliveries must be made by a person who is 21 or older. Several states have made the shift to allow customers to get alcohol delivered or ordering alcoholic beverages with takeout. Texas, New York, New Hampshire, California, California, Nebraska, Colorado, Vermont and Kentucky. SB20-113 will support small businesses while providing Coloradans with access to a service that has been limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC AND BUDGET FORECAST SHOWS CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH JBC Dems to prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March economic forecasts, which will serve as the basis for the state budget for the coming fiscal year. “It’s great to see that our economy is making a bold recovery and that unemployment levels are falling,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our responsible approach to budgeting has positioned us well to craft a balanced budget that saves people money and moves our state forward. Our budget will invest in public schools and higher education to prepare students for success, and it will fund critical efforts to investigate and prevent crime to make our communities safer. I’m excited about where our state is headed, and look forward to the work ahead.” “Today’s numbers prove that, overall, our economy remains very strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We’re back to the strong pre-pandemic levels of employment and wage growth, and the General Fund remains in a solid position. Democrats have worked to support our economy and Coloradans over the past few years, and it’s clearly paying off. We are well positioned to provide working Colorado families critical tax and fee relief while investing in our schools and making Colorado a more affordable place to live.” “Today's economic forecast shows that despite pandemic-induced inflation that is occurring nationally and a geopolitical crisis, Colorado's economic recovery is strong,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Thanks to fiscally responsible decisions that we've made throughout the pandemic and especially this year, I am confident we have positioned Colorado for continued -- and sustained -- growth. The proactive steps we’ve taken to bolster our reserves and our budget will enable us to continue moving forward with critical investments in public schools and efforts to save people money.” “Based on the numbers, it appears that Colorado is financially on track to avert much of the recent disruptions caused by global events,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “The challenges will continue, and we can’t lose sight of our obligations and priorities in Colorado. We must remain focused on creating a budget that will work most efficiently and effectively for the greatest number of Coloradans.” The LCS Forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $15.96 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $16.05 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $59 million increase for FY 2021-2022 and an $344.5 million decrease for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier December revenue forecast. The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 4.1 percent in January, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state has recovered more than 98 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical risk and monetary policy decisions were also presented as risks to the forecast. The OSPB anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $205.9 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $344.7 million relative to its December estimate. The state will exceed its TABOR limit due to higher than anticipated income tax collections, and both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state exceeding the TABOR limit in the upcoming fiscal years as well. In addition, LCS and OSPB identified the uncertainty of the pandemic, evolving fiscal policy, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as risks to the forecast. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation helps to manage and mitigate the impacts of gray wolf reintroduction < Back May 3, 2023 House Approves McCluskie, Lukens Bipartisan Wolf Mitigation Bills Bipartisan legislation helps to manage and mitigate the impacts of gray wolf reintroduction DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Meghan Lukens to mitigate the impacts of Wolf reintroduction and support Western Slope ranchers. “With the reintroduction of gray wolves comes property damage and loss of livestock for ranchers and farmers across the Western Slope,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB23-255. “When Proposition 114 was approved by the voters in 2020, the ballot measure promised compensation for farmers and ranchers who lose livestock or working animals to wolf attacks. With this legislation, we’re ensuring that rural and mountain communities will have financial support to sustain their businesses after the reintroduction of wolves.” SB23-255 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, passed by a vote of 63 to 0. It would ensure Colorado Parks and Wildlife has adequate resources to mitigate wolf conflict and fairly compensate the owners of livestock and working animals for their losses. Under the bill, the “Wolf Depredation Compensation Fund” would be created within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to compensate livestock owners who suffer the loss or injury of their animals from wolf predation. The bill follows through on a core commitment of Proposition 114 by ensuring money is available for livestock owners to be compensated for any losses. “The 10(j) rule gives rural Colorado flexibility with the implementation of gray wolf reintroduction, reducing potential gray wolf conflict with ranching and farming communities that rely on their livestock to pay the bills,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB2-256. “I’m proud to carry this bill through the House to provide relief for rural and mountain Coloradans and fulfill our commitment to our agricultural communities.” SB23-256 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, that would ensure that prior to the reintroduction of wolves, a 10J Rule has been granted to Colorado from the U.S. Secretary of Interior. When the gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in February 2022, proper management tools for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Colorado livestock owners were restricted. A 10J Rule would allow the state to manage wolves in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as an “experimental population” with more flexibility than typically afforded to listed species. It would permit ranchers and property owners to utilize lethal action as a method of last resort if their livestock or working animals are in immediate danger. CPW is already in the process of requesting a 10J Rule from the federal government with hopes of its approval by December 2023. This bill works to ensure there are proper tools and resources available to manage gray wolves before their reintroduction. SB23-256 passed by a vote of 41-22. SB23-255 and SB23-256 are accompanied by HB23-1265 in a bipartisan package of bills to reduce the negative impacts of wolf interaction for farms, ranches, and communities. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 THE COLORADO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTION ADVANCES DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Health and Insurance advanced legislation today to create the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. HB20-1349 passed the committee by a vote of 7-4. “The number one issue I hear about across my district and in the Capitol is the high cost of health care and the lack of choices on the individual market,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The Colorado Option is a common sense and financially responsible way to create a new choice for consumers. It’s expected to reduce premiums on the individual market by up to 20 percent and ensure that more Coloradans across the state have access to affordable, high quality health care. The status quo in health care is hurting too many Coloradans and it is well past time we pass this bill.” “Hospital and health insurance lobbyists and CEOs are attacking the Colorado Option and the prospect of lower health care premiums because the status quo protects their profits – at the expense of consumers,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Hospitals in Colorado have the second highest profit margins in the country and it’s time to end the status quo and bring relief to Colorado consumers.” The Colorado Affordable Health Care Option aims to lower the cost of health care and increase competition. The Colorado Option will offer a similar benefit design and structure to existing plans offered on the exchange while reducing premiums by nine to 20 percent, depending on the region, by holding the skyrocketing profit margins at the state’s largest hospitals in check. It also asks insurance companies to spend less on overhead and more on patient care and ensures prescription drug rebates are passed along to consumers to lower the cost of insurance. Coloradans face some of the highest health care costs in the nation. In 22 of 64 counties, consumers only have one carrier to choose from, and cost barriers have led to one in five Coloradans forgoing needed care. High consumer spending on health care means Coloradans have less money to spend elsewhere in the economy. The Colorado Option will also allow more Coloradans to start their own business without the fear of losing affordable health insurance. The high cost of health care is largely driven by unprecedented growth in hospital profits. Between 2009 and 2018, hospital profits in Colorado increased 280 percent, and hospital prices increased 71 percent while patient growth increased just 16.6 percent. Hospitals account for over one-third of health care spending in the state, which is approaching $50 billion a year. Because hospital corporations account for some of the highest profits in the health care industry in Colorado, the Colorado Option asks some of the largest, most profitable hospitals in the state to take a small cut in their profits to reduce the cost of care and pass along the savings to consumers. The hospital reimbursement rates set by the Division of Insurance will be public and transparent and will start at a base rate that guarantees hospitals a profit and then increases if hospitals meet certain criteria. The bill also supports rural and critical access hospitals by ensuring that they still have a profitable reimbursement rate under this plan. Notably, some critical access and independent hospitals are actually poised to see an increase in their overall reimbursement rates under the Colorado Option. Instead of cutting back on their exorbitant profits to keep care affordable, the largest hospitals have threatened to further raise costs on consumers. Hospitals have deployed this policy, known as cost-shifting, in the past to recoup spending on care provided to uninsured patients. HB20-1349 anticipates that hospitals will try to protect their profits, and the bill includes robust protections to help prevent cost-shifting. Hospitals have engaged in an expensive lobbying and public relations campaign to protect their bottom line. They are once again expending resources to pad their own profits, pay high-priced lobbyists and buy countless television and online ads that instead could be spent on reducing the cost of care for Coloradans who are suffering under unaffordable health care prices. The Colorado Option bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee for further action. Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COLORADO GENERAL ASSEMBLY REACTS TO COVID-19 Today during a hearing of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Senate and House leadership from both parties showed a united front in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership submitted a resolution to temporarily suspend the 72nd Session of the General Assembly for two weeks. The session will adjourn on Saturday, March 14 and return on Monday, March 30. FOR UPDATES AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 BILL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE PASSES COMMITTEE Legislation would allow small businesses that are growing to retain their small group health plans after exceeding the 100 employee cap for these plans DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed SB21-090, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Edie Hooton, which would allow small businesses that exceed the 100 employee cap on small group plans to retain their health insurance plans. “Because of a glitch in our small business health insurance laws, some employers have to switch health insurance plans simply when they hire one more person,” said bill sponsor Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “We should be making it easier for employers to hire, and that’s what this bill would do by allowing businesses to stay on their health insurance plans when they hire a few more people when they would otherwise be forced to purchase a new plan.” Under SB21-090 , small businesses participating in small group insurance plans may renew these plans even if they exceed the 100 employee cap on small business plans. This would allow a growing small business to hire new employees without risking the health insurance of all their employees. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills. SB26-002 would standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. SB26-003 would improve responsible electric vehicle battery recycling, disposal and storage. < Back May 12, 2026 Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Utilities, Promote EV Recycling Clear House DENVER, CO — The House today passed two bills. SB26-002 would standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. SB26-003 would improve responsible electric vehicle battery recycling, disposal and storage. “No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and going to the doctor,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB26-002. “By standardizing utility assistance, ratepayers can easily find and apply for these essential programs. We’re taking steps t o make Colorado a more affordable place to call home, and this bill streamlines energy assistance programs so those who qualify can receive it.” “The application for energy assistance programs needs to be accessible, simple and standardized to save Coloradans time and money,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of SB26-002. “Coloradans who qualify for energy assistance programs should be able to take advantage of these programs without unnecessary barriers. The demand for energy assistance programs hasn’t dropped, and our bill makes necessary modifications to energy assistance programs to save Coloradans money on utility bills.” SB26-002 passed the House by a vote of 40-23. It would require all investor-owned gas and electric utilities in Colorado to have a standardized framework for energy assistance programs known as Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). Specifically, this bill would require utilities to clearly post information about eligibility criteria and enrollment processes for the PIPP program on their websites and would standardize the name of PIPP programs across all investor-owned utilities to reduce confusion for customers. Under this bill, customers would also be allowed to apply directly with their utility for the program, rather than having to first enroll in another assistance program. Utilities would determine an annual bill credit for the customer delivered either as an up-front annual credit or a monthly credit on their utility bill. To improve and expedite the application experience, utilities must inform applicants within 30 days whether they have been approved or denied for PIPP and the reason why. “Colorado is an early adopter of EVs, and Colorado should also lead in a circular economy for still useful EV batteries,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB26-003. “Our bill establishes an important policy framework to help re-use EV batteries that otherwise would be sent to the landfill. Our bill helps reduce reliance on newly mined minerals and improve the sustainability of electric vehicles.” “EVs are popular in Colorado, but we need clear rules that specify who is responsible for the battery at the end of a vehicle’s life,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB26-003. “If not handled properly, EV batteries can be a fire hazard and this bill protects Coloradans by creating pathways for EV batteries to be recycled or reused. EVs are a critical tool to addressing air pollution and meeting our climate goals, and this bill encourages a circular economy and reusing critical materials when possible.” SB26-003 passed the House by a vote of 49-16 and improves end-of-life management for EV, plug-in hybrid EV and hybrid batteries. Specifically, the bill would require EV manufacturers to collect and responsibly handle unwanted batteries, promoting the reuse or repurposing of viable batteries and ensuring responsible end-of-life management. Starting in 2030, manufacturers would also be required to submit regular safety plans on EV battery management to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Hazardous Waste Division. Additionally, SB26-003 would put in place new environmental and safety guidelines and minimum mineral recovery rates for battery recycling, ensuring the use of best practices, reducing environmental impact from mining and smelting, and supporting Colorado’s manufacturing economy. Previous Next