Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). < Back May 13, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! Gov Signs Bill to Legalize ADUs DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this law gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan law that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.” “Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1152. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.” “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home. HB24-1152 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, allows homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and creates a new $5 million state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs. The grant program would enable local governments to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate, and the construction of accessible ADUs. Finally, HB24-1152 provides $8 million in funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners in ADU-supportive jurisdictions build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: ARPA TASK FORCES UNVEIL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY ON HOUSING Recommendations aim to increase affordable housing stock and access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Denver, CO – The Behavioral Health and Affordable Housing Transformational Task Forces today released final reports on their recommendations for using $850 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and make housing more affordable. “Far too many families like mine know firsthand how difficult getting treatment for behavioral health care can be here in Colorado,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “That’s why the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force has been working tirelessly to improve access to vital services and create an accessible and equitable behavioral health care system that supports effective, data-driven and evidence-based treatment methods. I’m proud of the work this Task Force has done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the care and support they deserve.” “Making housing more affordable will be a main focus of our work this year at the Capitol, and with these recommendations, Colorado has the opportunity to create transformational change on affordable housing,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “From more affordable and attainable workforce housing across the state to new factory-built homes and the jobs that come with them, and much more, our investments will mean many more Coloradans have access to an affordable home to own or rent. I am immensely proud of the hundreds of hours of work our task force and subpanel members put in to craft these transformational recommendations that will drive down the cost of housing in our state and look forward to moving these proposals through the legislature so we can start helping Coloradans as soon as possible.” “The lack of affordable housing here in Colorado is nothing short of a crisis, and our Task Force has been working tirelessly to find solutions so that more Coloradans have a safe, affordable place to live,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the root causes of our affordable housing issues. It’s going to take time, but I am proud of the work we are doing to forge a future where every Colorado family has a place to call home.” “Building healthier, safer communities through greater access to behavioral health services will give more Coloradans the supports they so desperately need right now,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “We know the pressures of the pandemic have exacerbated the behavioral health crisis in Colorado. These task force recommendations and historic investments will significantly improve access to mental health and substance use treatment in every community across Colorado. Importantly, improving access to these services is a powerful step toward our goal of preventing crime before it happens and making our communities safer and healthier.” “I thank state lawmakers for their work to make transformational change and am glad they were able to find bipartisan consensus on how to reduce housing costs and improve mental health support across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Our administration looks forward to working with state legislators to turn this hard work into action and help save people money.” To better provide vital care to Coloradans in crisis, the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommended measures that will make transformational changes to the state’s behavioral health care system and improve access to services to ensure every Coloradan is able to get the help they need. Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Investing in increased adult residential care and improving access to residential care, community services and school-based care for children, youth and families; Addressing the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes; Integrating primary care with behavioral health care and investing in better care coordination to help ensure people are connected to the services they need; Funding for emergency, life-saving interventions like purchasing bulk opioid antagonists and increasing support for survivors of domestic violence; Providing grants to local governments and community-based organizations to help fill regional gaps in the continuum of care; Diverting Coloradans with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs; and Expanding and supporting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce. The Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force also delivered recommendations to the legislature, with measures aimed at addressing Colorado’s affordable housing crisis, reducing homelessness and making sure that every Colorado family has a safe, affordable place to call home. Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Establishing a revolving loan fund that will improve Colorado’s ability to build and develop new housing, help preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing, incentivize property conversion and increase non-traditional housing capacity such as supportive and transitional housing; Providing grant funding to nonprofits and local governments that are doing the work on the ground to add more units of affordable housing by changing zoning laws and developing supportive, rental and for-sale housing; Directing grants or low-interest loans to support and maintain affordable housing and future development opportunities through land-banking, land trusts and community-owned land opportunities. This would also make investments in resident-owned community infrastructure to help residents purchase property such as mobile home parks; and Directing funding to support construction of prefabricated, modular, manufactured and other sources of factory-built housing. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2019 GOV SIGNS MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR COLORADO’S KIDS (May 10) – Gov. Polis signed Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill today at North Middle School that will increase access to mental health services for children. Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill would create a pilot program that provides a social worker in participating schools to follow kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. “Our hearts break for the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch and their families. We know that our students need more access to mental health services and we know that services provided sooner rather than later yield greater results,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Social workers can check-in and prevent an emotional cycle that may spiral out of control. This new law will help ensure support is provided sooner rather than later, and no child falls through the cracks.” HB19-1017 asks the Department of Education to select up to 10 pilot schools that meet the necessary characteristics, including high poverty, ethnic diversity, and a large concentration of students in the foster care system. One social worker for every 250 students in the schools will be readily available to those students throughout their elementary period. This bill, also sponsored by Sen. Rhonda Fields, was approved in the Senate with bipartisan support, and passed in the House on a vote of 40-23. The Governor also signed another bill to ensure Colorado’s children have more security and safety in the food they eat. HB19-1171, sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, would expand school meal programs. When students skip meals it affects their academic performance. Colorado currently pays a forty-cent copay on reduced price lunches for K-8 students through the School Lunch Protection Program. The bill would expand copay coverage through high school. Rep. Michaelson Jenet was the co-prime sponsor of a new law last year that expanded the school meal program to grades 6-8. HB19-1171 passed with bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 PASSED! COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS TO SUPPORT WORKERS, STUDENTS, ARTISTS, BUSINESSES, AND FAMILIES House advances five state stimulus proposals DENVER, CO– The House today passed four Colorado Comeback state stimulus bills on third reading and gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give restaurants a leg up, invest in jobs training, close the COVID learning gap, and boost affordable housing opportunities. The bills are part of the $800 million package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. The bill passed 42-21. “By expanding critical job training programs, we can help more hardworking Coloradans land good jobs and recover faster from the pandemic,” said Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “The Colorado Comeback is going to be powered by workers, and we’re going to do everything we can to provide them the tools they need to get back to work.” Local governments are on the forefront of building affordable housing, but often lack the tools and resources to increase the available housing stock. HB21-1271 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Iman Jodeh, provides $13 million in incentives and technical assistance to local governments to provide for the rapid deployment of affordable housing projects and to also ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to help them identify and meet their unique housing needs. The bill passed 41-22. “The pandemic exasperated Colorado’s long standing affordable house crisis, and it’s clear the pace of our recovery is going to depend on how quickly we can help Coloradans find an affordable place to live,” said. Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “No one should have to choose between paying their rent or mortgage or purchasing necessary goods, and by creating more affordable housing options, we will make Colorado a better place to live.” HB21-1234 , sponsored by Rep. Kerry Tipper would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. The bill passed 55-8. “Every Colorado student should have the opportunity to thrive, but this pandemic has clearly disrupted learning for a lot of students,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood . “This bill drastically increases access to high-impact tutoring, which we know is one of the most effective ways to raise student achievement.” Venues, artists, and so many other culturally vital organizations have struggled to make it through the last year. HB21-1285 , which passed on second reading and is sponsored by Representatives Benavidez and Herod, provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. The bill advanced on second reading. “Colorado’s artists, musicians, and cultural organizations need help to bounce back from this pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Colorado is known for its music, art, and culture, but our creative industry is suffering from job losses, closed venues, and the economic fallout of the pandemic. This important stimulus bill will help our communities bounce back stronger and continue to produce the art, music, and so much more that makes us proud.” HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. The bill passed 62-0. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act to streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land to save Coloradans money on housing. HB26-1001, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 9-4. < Back February 3, 2026 Committee Passes HOME Act to Build More Housing Now DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act to streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land to save Coloradans money on housing. HB26-1001, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 9-4. “Colorado Democrats are exploring every avenue to create more housing now that hardworking Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “We know that Colorado needs to build at least 100,000 more housing opportunities to meet growing demand. This legislation cuts red tape to build more housing on land in the heart of our communities. It will increase the supply of housing that is affordable by making it easier for nonprofit developers, schools and transit districts to build housing that is affordable on the land they own. This bill will lower housing costs and make it easier for Coloradans to find a place to live in their communities.” “We believe in an economy that works for everyone, and that means lowering costs for hardworking families and creating housing and homeownership opportunities that Coloradans can afford,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “It’s harder and harder for families to get ahead when they are spending so much on housing each year. This bill will bring down housing costs by making it easier to build more housing in our communities. This bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to drive down housing costs and lower costs for hardworking people.” Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 would streamline the process for building housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges, Board of Cooperative Educational Services or universities and transit districts to build on their land. Under the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act” (HOME Act), local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. HB26-1001 applies to land up to five acres. Exemptions to this bill would include land that is not connected to water and sewage treatment systems, land where state or federal regulations restrict residential housing and conservation easements. A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent . Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES PAID SICK LEAVE, PROVIDES RELIEF FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES DENVER, CO — The House today passed bills to provide paid sick leave to hardworking Coloradans and increase funding for COVID-19 recovery grants given businesses with less than 25 employees. Both bills passed the House on third reading. “While the federal small business grants in response to COVID-19 helped some small businesses persevere, it was clear to us that more needed to be done,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB20-222. “Today we voted to provide $20 million in grants to small businesses, including those who may not have been able to access SBA or payroll protection loans thus far. As we work to recover Colorado’s economy, it’s more important than ever to give our state’s small businesses the tools and support they need to bounce back.” SB20-222 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Perry Will, R-New Castle, would direct $20 million dollars to the Energize Colorado Fund that OEDIT has created to provide assistance to small businesses in Colorado who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID19. This fund will be providing grants to businesses with less than 25 employees, with a preference given to those that did not qualify for, or access, SBA PPP loans. Preference will also be given to businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, or is located in rural areas. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 65-0. “The need for a robust paid sick program was clear well before COVID-19,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB20-205. “But watching our health care system and our economy ravaged by a pandemic has made it clear that as we rebuild and recover, we’ll have to put in place systems to ensure we’re better prepared for public health emergencies to come. I’m proud that we voted to give Coloradans the ability to earn paid sick days and care for themselves or their loved ones without losing a paycheck.” “I see the devastating public health effects of not having a paid sick leave program in my clinic every day,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “No Coloradan should be forced to choose between foregoing income or going into work sick. Today’s modest proposal will make a real difference in the lives of my patients and will go a long way towards improving the public health of our state.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. Currently, 40 percent of Colorado’s workforce is not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days –– creating a “work while sick” culture that increases the transmission of deadly viruses such as COVID-19. The bill allows Colorado workers, including part-time workers, to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to 6 days per year. Sick leave is earned, job-protected time off that workers can use to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. The bill also provides leave during a public health emergency like COVID-19; employees that work 40 or more hours a week will receive at least 80 hours of additional paid sick leave. The bill passed 38-27. Previous Next

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. < Back December 31, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming DENVER, CO – The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. “By greenlighting the video streaming of committee hearings, we’re opening up more opportunities for Coloradans to engage in the legislative process,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “A recent report found that the committee video streaming pilot project was accessed over 15,000 times between 35 committee hearings this interim. Coloradans are already using this option to tune in to our state government. I am excited the legislature has expanded video livestreaming and will continue to stream committee hearings in the 2026 legislative session and beyond.” Speaker McCluskie has repeatedly advocated for video streaming of legislative committee hearings and proposed the pilot program that began in June 2025. The pilot program ran from July 30 to November 5 in five committee rooms, including the Old State Library, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, House Committee Room 0112, Senate Committee Room 357 and Committee Room A in the Legislative Services Building. According to a report by the Legislative Council Staff, viewers accessed livestreamed video a total of 15,251 times, with nearly 60-percent of the views related to or occurring during August’s special session. Viewers accessed the live streams for the 10 committees of reference that met during the special session 4,500 times. The live stream was accessed more than 2,500 times for the July 30 Executive Committee, where state economists and departments presented on the impacts of HR. 1. The LCS report says the informal feedback has been “very positive” and that viewers “were especially happy to be able to see slide presentations live.” Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. TIPPER & COLEMAN’S BILL TO END PRISON GERRYMANDERING ADVANCES Bill would ensure the Census Bureau counts people in prison as residents of their home address DENVER, CO — Reps. James Coleman and Kerry Tipper’s bill, the Colorado Accurate Residence for Redistricting Act, today was approved by the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee. The bill would count people in prison as residents of their home addresses for purposes of state redistricting, ending the practice of counting those individuals as residents of the localities where the corrections facilities are.. “More accurate district maps and a fairer count of Coloradans means a stronger democracy,” said Rep Tipper (D-Lakewood). “This bill will make a difference not only for the 18,000 or so incarcerated individuals in Colorado, but for everyone who wants to make sure their districts have the most accurate representation possible. I’m pleased to see it move forward in committee today.” “This bill is about fairness, plain and simple,” said Rep. Coleman (D-Denver). “We want to ensure that Colorado has accurate and fair representation in the next decade and beyond, and that means counting incarcerated individuals in their home communities.” HB20-1010 would, for purposes of census redistricting counts, reassign prisoners in correctional facilities to their last known residence in Colorado prior to incarceration. Only in the instance that a prisoner does not have a Colorado address do they get counted in the locality where the prison is located. Prisoners are currently assigned to voting districts based on where they are incarcerated instead of where they live their lives, even though they cannot vote. Per the Colorado Constitution—which declares that a prison cell is not a residence—people in prison are legal constituents of their home address representatives and not the correctional facility they have been placed in. Additionally, the average length of stay in Colorado prisons is three years , while redistricting guidelines last an entire decade. Other states including Maryland, New York, Washington, Delaware and California have passed legislation to address prison gerrymandering. Previous Next

The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. < Back April 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Legislation to Overhaul Judicial Discipline and Improve Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. The legislative package, which includes a resolution to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot, is the result of recommendations by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. “The passage of this legislation and constitutional amendment are the direct result of the constructive, deliberative work conducted by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to increase transparency and restore trust in Colorado’s court system,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Aurora. “Our bipartisan measures work in tandem to modernize our state’s judicial discipline system, simplify the process for filing judicial complaints and prioritize those seeking justice. Independent oversight of the judicial branch strengthens our courts and gives Coloradans a direct avenue for reporting misconduct.” “I am glad to see that our hard work and bipartisan collaboration have come together for the people of Colorado on these bills. They aim to bring important reforms to Colorado's judicial system through a rare but necessary modification to the state constitution,” said Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington . “This is a result of carefully thought-out remedies to address issues apparent in our judiciary system. Our legislation will provide much needed transparency and hopefully restore confidence where needed.” “Transparency and trust go hand-in-hand, and this modernization of Colorado’s judicial discipline process will increase clarity for all involved,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Denver. “This bipartisan legislation creates a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for employees to report misconduct anonymously. The creation of an ombudsman office addresses staff issues in the department. While not all issues stem from judges, this bill expands state’s judicial discipline reporting system, which will help rebuild public trust in our courts.” In 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed SB22-201 , which created the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to review and modernize judicial oversight in Colorado. Today, the House passed three measures to overhaul the state’s judicial discipline process, which to date has been largely conducted out of the public eye, with less information available to the public about discipline proceedings than is available in other states, and without mechanisms to provide timely updates to complainants themselves. HCR23-1001 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. If passed by voters in the November 2024 general election, this constitutional amendment would restore balance to Colorado’s judicial system by limiting the Supreme Court’s current power over discipline proceedings. Under this bipartisan constitutional amendment, complaints against judges would be addressed by the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline and a newly created Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board. The commission would handle initial proceedings and later, formal proceedings would be handled by the board, which will be comprised evenly of a judge, attorney, and civilian members. HB23-1019 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. In an effort to increase judicial discipline transparency, this bill would require the Commission on Judicial Discipline to report and publicize aggregated information on the complaints it receives and investigations it conducts regarding judges and the type of discipline imposed or recommended. HB23-1019 allows Coloradans to submit a request for evaluation to the commission online and requires the commission to provide updates to complainants about the status of investigations into their complaints. HB23-1205 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch passed the House by vote of 53 to 10. This bill would create an external, independent Office of the Judicial Discipline Ombudsman so judicial department employees can seek guidance about workplace issues and possible situations of judicial or staff misconduct. Under this bill, the ombudsman office would create and maintain an anonymous reporting system for employees, investigate claims, and report grievance trends to the Commission on Judicial Discipline, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, law enforcement, and the judicial department. This legislation aims to create a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for judicial employees to report misconduct, without fear of retaliation or their claims not being taken seriously. Previous Next

Three bills save patients money on health care, improve access to contraception, and improve access to health care services < Back May 30, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care Become Law Three bills save patients money on health care, improve access to contraception, and improve access to health care services DENVER, CO - Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed three bills into law that prohibit facility fee charges for preventative care to save Colorado patients money, increase health insurance coverage for contraception, and increase annual funding for nursing facilities and prioritize reimbursement for facilities that serve a higher rate of Medicaid patients. “Surprise bills like hospital facility fees are making it more difficult for Coloradans to seek the care that they need because they can’t afford to be charged hundreds or thousands of dollars in hidden costs on top of the care they received,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1215. “We need hospital billing and facility fees to be more transparent so patients know what to expect. With this bill becoming law today, we’re better protecting patients and saving Coloradans money on health care.” “Most Coloradans are unable to afford hundreds or thousands of dollars of surprise hidden fees,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Surprise fees make it difficult for Coloradans to budget for health care services, deterring people from seeking the care they need altogether. Prohibiting certain facility fees will help protect patients and provide much needed relief for Colorado families.” “When Coloradans put off medical care because they can’t afford to take on more bills, it can become more expensive and life-threatening to address,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Increasing access to preventative care reduces costs for everyone by helping patients get the care they need before their conditions become worse and more expensive to treat. By prohibiting facility fees on preventative care, Coloradans will save money on care that keeps them healthy and avoid surprise fees they can’t afford.” “Medical debt is already a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States; it is not acceptable that Coloradans are being burdened with unnecessary costs they should not be responsible for,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Facility fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are impossible for families to plan for, since they are often unexpected. Further examining and addressing facility fees, and requiring additional transparency, will help save Coloradans money and allow them to better plan and budget for necessary medical care." Some health care centers have started to charge patients hidden fees, often called a facility fee, on top of the health care services they are already being charged to cover operating costs. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are impossible for families to budget for, since there is no transparency as to how these fees will be applied. HB23-1215 prohibits health care providers from charging a facility fee for preventative care in an outpatient setting. Under this law, health care providers are required to share information about facility fees to patients and post information on their property. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice to not share facility fee information to patients. The law also requires a report to be produced by August 1, 2024 that outlines the details of the impact of facility fees to better understand what these fees cover and how these fees impact patient cost and patient health. "No one should have to ask for permission every month from their insurance company to not get pregnant," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, sponsor of SB23-284. "I spoke with a woman during the election who spends more than an hour on the phone every month just getting her birth control prescription refilled. That's absurd. Today's bill protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline." “Coloradans should be able to access their entire twelve month prescribed contraceptive medication at once, and this legislation closes loopholes so the law can work as intended,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284. “Allowing access to a twelve month supply of contraceptives ensures that Coloradans don’t face additional barriers to accessing their medication, such as not living close to a pharmacy, lacking reliable transportation, or many other reasons.” “Whether folks live in rural areas or work odd hours, trips to the pharmacy can be inconvenient and difficult to make,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB23-284. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, and ensuring patients can access twelve months of birth control. This bill will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” SB23-284 requires both insurance plans and Pharmacy Benefit Management firms (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and makes sure Colordans can easily access a twelve month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and can make it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “This new law will provide critical funding to Colorado nursing facilities, helping them keep their doors open and serve older Coloradans across our state, especially in rural areas where many facilities are at risk of closing,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1228. “If we don’t secure funding to prevent nursing facilities from closing, many older Coloradans will lose their homes and access to the daily care they rely on. This new law provides over $60 million in funding so nursing facilities can stay open, hire quality staff, and continue to care for our parents, grandparents, and friends.” “Due to low financial reimbursement rates, our skilled nursing facilities have struggled to maintain the level of quality care they strive to provide,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, Chair of the Joint Budget Committee and sponsor of HB23-1228. “In addition to increasing funding to our nursing homes, we are taking critical steps toward improving the overall nursing facility reimbursement model to ensure Colorado will have a system that works well into the future. I’m proud to see this critical policy signed into law so that our nursing facilities can keep their doors open, provide quality care to high-need Coloradans, and plan for a sustainable financial future for years to come.” “Low reimbursement rates have caused many nursing facilities to close their doors, making it more difficult for our loved ones to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1228. “This law includes stronger financial transparency requirements to ensure nursing facilities and the state are working in tandem to properly allocate funding, allowing nursing facilities to stay in business, accept new residents, and overall provide the critical care, treatment and services residents need.” HB23-1228 makes several changes to the Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement rates to ensure Colorado’s nursing facilities are getting the proper funding to care for their high-need residents, accept new residents, and maintain their operation. Specifically, this law repeals the standard core per diem rate of 3-percent annually and increases it to 10-percent next fiscal year, 3-percent in fiscal year 2024-25, 1.5-percent in 2025-2026, and then a rate to be determined by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) in the following years. Targeted funding will supplement the needs of facilities that serve residents with severe mental health conditions, severe dementia and acquired brain injuries. This law increases the core per diem rate combined with a new supplemental payment for facilities with disproportionately high Medicaid utilization, facilities that are geographically critical to ensuring access to care, and facilities that admit compassion release individuals will result in HCPF receiving more than $62 million this year to support Colorado’s nursing facilities. To ensure financial transparency, nursing facilities will be required to submit audited financial statements to HCPF. Currently, Colorado’s nursing home facilities can report costs that have already been reimbursed by Medicare for Medicaid reimbursement, but due to complications from funding sources, nursing facilities are not currently being reimbursed for their full costs. HB23-1228 changes this Medicaid reimbursement structure to create a more sustainable, flexible, and innovative reimbursement structure so nursing facilities are getting the full reimbursement they deserve. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the flooding disaster that impacted hundreds of Coloradans in Southwest Colorado over the weekend. < Back October 13, 2025 Rep. Stewart Statement on Flooding Disaster in Southwest Colorado DURANGO, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the flooding disaster that impacted hundreds of Coloradans in Southwest Colorado over the weekend. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “Over the weekend, La Plata County and Archuleta County in Southwest Colorado experienced extreme flooding that destroyed homes in our community and temporarily displaced hundreds of Coloradans. Pagosa Springs and Vallecito were among the hardest hit communities, and my heart goes out to every family affected by the recent flooding. “Disaster can strike at any hour, and I would like to personally thank our first responders, offices of Emergency Management, and government officials at every level for their dedication and work over the weekend. Their quick action undoubtedly saved lives. “As we brace for more rainfall and as flood watches and warnings remain in effect , I want to remind Coloradans to follow the direction of local authorities and stay vigilant. Yesterday, the Pagosa Springs Police Department officially lifted the mandatory evacuation order for all residents previously affected in the downtown area affected by the flooding. Below, I have listed resources and information for residents in affected areas. “Southwest Colorado is strong, resilient and determined. I am here with you every step of the way, and we will get through this together.” La Palta County: If you need resources in La Plata County, please visit the Pine River Shares Building, located at 658 S. East Street, Bayfield, CO 81122. Evacuation flood map, information or call 970-385-8700. Archuleta County: An evacuation shelter is on standby at the Ross Aragon Community Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147) and will be activated if needed. As a precautionary measure, the Archuleta County Public Health Department has issued a Boil Water Advisory, effective immediately, for all residents with water wells and/or septic systems along the San Juan River. Call 970-264-2409 for more information. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2022 HOUSE ED HELPS STUDENTS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS SAVE MONEY DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today advanced two bills that will save early childhood educators money and expand opportunities for Colorado students to participate in the ASCENT concurrent enrollment program. “By expanding the proven ASCENT program, we’ll prepare even more Colorado students for success and help even more students save money on their post secondary degrees,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “I’m thrilled we are moving forward to lift the cap on the number of students that can participate each year. This will make an enormous impact on the lives of young people all across our state.” “By expanding our concurrent enrollment program, more students across the state will more equitably be able earn postsecondary degree credits in less time than they otherwise would,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Expanding the ASCENT program makes it easier for students to earn their degrees with less student loan debt and more time to focus on their education instead of juggling the multiple jobs they may need to pay for it.” HB22-1002 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Jennifer Bacon, passed by a vote of 6-3 and would lift the cap on participants in the Accelerating Students through Concurrent ENrollmenT program, which allows students to earn post-secondary degree credits while completing an additional year of high school. By earning postsecondary credits earlier in their educational pathway, students can earn their degree in less time, saving them money on their degree while they participate in a program that will prepare them for success. Under current law, a student participating in the program may enroll in postsecondary courses while also being enrolled and funded by their school district or charter school, and the number of students is capped. The bill also reduces the number of postsecondary credits a student must complete to be eligible to participate, making it easier for students to enter the program. The Education Committee also passed HB22-1010 by a vote of 8-1. Sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber, the bill would increase and expand eligibility for the early childhood educator tax credit. The tax credit would help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field. Boosting the child care workforce will expand childcare options and ultimately lower the cost of childcare in Colorado. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs. “We’re working hard to give every child the tools they need to thrive and to save families money by making early childhood education available to every family in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Too many early childhood educators are leaving the field for higher paying jobs that frankly are a lot easier than providing child care. This has left childcare centers struggling to hire the people they need with parents in the lurch day after day. Our bill encourages providers to enter the field by saving them money on their taxes and may ultimately save families money on child care by creating more reliable options.” Previous Next