Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to improve basic access for Coloradans living with a disability. < Back June 3, 2024 SIGNED! Bills to Improve Basic Access for Coloradans Living with a Disability DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to improve basic access for Coloradans living with a disability. HB24-1360 will create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). HB24-1161 will make new electric vehicle charging stations and car sharing programs more accessible. “Despite Federal ADA being law for 34 years, housing, employment, access to participation in government and the outdoors remain inaccessible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1360 and HB24-1161. “These important new laws will remove barriers to car travel, streamline employment opportunities and improve basic access for Coloradans living with disabilities. Universal design hurts no one and helps everyone. As I round out my time at the legislature, I am proud of our efforts to shine a light on the everyday barriers faced by people with living disabilities and lay the groundwork for a more accessible, equitable Colorado.” “People living with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty and unemployment, which is why Colorado needs to step up and provide the resources to eradicate these barriers,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1360. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at creating a strong future that’s all their own. I’m proud to carry this legislation forward with Representative Ortiz because it prioritizes representation, advocacy and commitment to the success of all.” HB24-1360 , signed into law today, will create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment The goal of this office is to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. Another bill signed into law today, HB24-1161 , will require new electric vehicle charging stations to incorporate federal accessible design recommendations for at least five percent of charging spaces or one space, starting January 1, 2026. HB24-1161 will strengthen the prohibition on blocking access to ADA parking spots, curb ramps, and access aisles including using such a parking spot to pile snow. Additionally, the new law will allow owners of a vehicle in a car sharing program to indicate if their vehicle has been modified to be accessible to people with disabilities and what modifications have been made. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right-to-repair laws for wheelchair users. Previous Next

< Back March 19, 2019 E-SCOOTERS ZOOM SAFELY UP THE ROAD TOWARD HOUSE FLOOR (Mar. 19) – Rep. Alex Valdez and Rep. James Coleman’s bill to more properly regulate electric scooters passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee with bipartisan support. “It’s time for Colorado to consider these scooters as an effective mode of transportation,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We need to include them in our larger strategy for better, more accessible transportation in our communities.” HB19-1221 will remove the current definition of electric scooters as toy vehicles and add them to the definition of motor vehicles. Through this, e-scooters can be used on roadways and will be regulated similarly to electric-assisted bicycles. “These scooters aren’t going away anytime soon, so it’s time we embrace them and help keep riders and pedestrians safe,” said Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. According to a report from Denver Public Works, e-scooters have already traveled almost one million miles around Denver and could be headed to other communities in the future. Scooters also have the potential to reduce carbon pollution emissions. HB19-1221 passed by a bipartisan vote of 9-2. The bill now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Shannon Bird: The Colorado Opportunity Caucus puts paychecks first Jan 14, 2025 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here. In the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, it has become clear all hardworking Coloradans need champions who prioritize solutions over soundbites, collaboration over conflict and progress over partisanship. That is why we, as members of the Colorado state House and state Senate, are proud to announce the creation of the Colorado Opportunity Caucus. The mission of this caucus is simple yet profound: to focus on the issues that truly matter to Colorado families — the kitchen-table concerns that affect paychecks, livelihoods and futures. From housing affordability to high-quality jobs, better schools and strengthening our local economy, we are dedicated to pragmatic solutions that expand opportunity for all Coloradans. Together, we aim to foster a culture of leadership where problem-solving and consensus building create lasting progress for working families. For too long, political discourse has been dominated by extremes, leaving behind hardworking people who keep our state running. Divisive rhetoric and political theatrics have no place in the legislature when the stakes are this high. Families are struggling to afford housing, energy costs continue to rise, and our infrastructure — both physical and social — is overdue for an upgrade. These aren’t partisan problems; they’re Colorado problems. Solving them requires leaders willing to roll up their sleeves, listen to diverse perspectives and find common ground. The Colorado Opportunity Caucus is built on the belief collaboration isn’t a compromise — it’s a strength. Though members of this caucus may not always vote the same way on every issue, what unites us is our commitment to creating an environment where pragmatic leaders can tackle the key challenges head-on. This caucus will prioritize discussions that cut through gridlock and focus on results, not ideological purity: Expanding the middle class We are committed to promoting policies that foster upward mobility, advocate for homeownership and create high-quality jobs with fair wages and benefits. Upgrading core infrastructure From transportation to utilities, we will invest in the systems to keep our state moving and growing sustainably. Market-based housing solutions We will push for policies to increase housing supply, streamline regulations and make homeownership more attainable. Supporting business growth Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and we’ll work to ensure they have the resources to thrive. Investing in education and health care Every Coloradan deserves access to high-quality schools and affordable health care. We will prioritize policies that strengthen these essential pillars. Promoting collaborative leadership We will stand against divisive politics and work to find practical solutions that benefit the people of Colorado. The caucus members advancing this work are: Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird (HD 29); Vice Chair, Sen. Lindsey Daugherty (SD 19); Sen. Dylan Roberts (SD 8); Sen. Marc Snyder (SD 12); Sen. Judy Amabile (SD 13); Sen. Kyle Mullica (SD 24); Rep. Cecelia Espenoza (HD 4); Rep. Sean Camacho (HD 6); Rep. Karen McCormick (HD 11); Rep. Meghan Lukens (HD 26); Rep. Rebekah Stewart (HD 30); Rep. Jacque Phillips (HD 31); Rep. William Lindstedt, (HD 33); Rep. Michael Carter (HD 36); Rep. Lesley Smith (HD 49). The Colorado Opportunity Caucus is more than a group — it’s a call to action. We are committed to bridging divides, embracing innovation and taking bold steps to address the needs of our communities. From protecting jobs to reducing energy costs, we will work tirelessly to ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed. This is not about moving to the left or to the right. It’s about moving forward. Colorado’s families deserve legislators who put people over politics. The Colorado Opportunity Caucus aims to be a home for progressively pragmatic and collaborative leaders who understand the best way to build a stronger state is by supporting the people who live and work here. We’re ready to get to work on the paycheck issues that matter most, and we invite others in the legislature to engage with us on these vital concerns. This is a critical moment for Colorado. Let’s seize it together. Shannon Bird represents Colorado’s 29th House District. Rep. Bird currently serves as vice chair of both the Joint Budget and Appropriations Committees. Lindsey Daugherty serves Colorado’s 19th Senate District. Sen. Daugherty serves on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. Previous Next

< Back Lesley Smith Representative Smith was elected to represent House District 49, which spans western Boulder and Larimer Counties plus Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. She is a member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources and the Energy & Environment committees. Smith had a thirty-year career as a research scientist and a science outreach specialist at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research focused on the biogeochemistry of wetlands of large river systems, such as the Amazon, Orinoco and MacKenzie Rivers, as well as small alpine ecosystems in Colorado. She focused the latter part of her career on professional development of educators, graduate students and community college students all funded by the National Science Foundation. Smith was the first woman aquanaut to live and work in Aquarius, NOAA’s underwater research habitat. Smith has been a public servant for nearly twenty-years. She served eight years on the Boulder Valley School District, weathering the 2008 recession. She was appointed to the city of Boulder Water Resources Advisory Committee after the great flood of 2013. Additionally, she served as the University of Colorado Regent At-Large. Through her efforts, sustainability was added to the first-ever system-wide strategic plan, and she was a strong advocate for the state to allow out- of-state Native American students with tribal ties to Colorado to receive in-state tuition at all institutions of higher education. She will champion issues related to climate change, the environment and public education.

< Back May 20, 2019 GOV SIGNS SINGER-DURAN FOSTER SIBLINGS BILL OF RIGHTS (May 20) – Gov. Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill today 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. “Siblings share a special, lifelong bond often being each others’ first friends, and foster care should not change people’s status as siblings,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont . “These kids are survivors of abuse and have done nothing wrong. This bill says we should do everything in our power to keep siblings connected to each other.” 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 new law was brought to us by foster youth who got 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.” Previous Next

< Back May 16, 2019 GOV SIGNS TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WORKERS & HELP WITH NATURAL DISASTERS (May 16) – Today, two bills were signed by Gov. Jared Polis at the Boulder County St. Vrain Community Hub that will protect workers from wage theft and reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. First up was HB19-1267, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, and Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, makes the withholding or stealing of wages a criminal offense. “This is about protecting workers,” said Rep. Froelich. “This new law will help bring restitution for these workers and contractors who have been robbed of their wages. Stealing from workers isn’t a partisan issue and I’m proud this is now the law in Colorado. Currently, employers stealing wages from employees or contractors is a classified misdemeanor. Often times, it is not even worthy of prosecutors to go after because the penalties are so low. “Too many workers are losing their hard-earned wages. This new law has been a long time coming and will help protect workers from the crime of wage theft,” said Rep. Singer. “Labor trafficking is the majority of human trafficking.” Gov. Polis also signed HB19-1292, sponsored by Rep. Singer. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight people dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “There are no red or blue floods, tornadoes or other disasters. I remain inspired by the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Singer. “This has been a collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this a reality. I’m hopeful this new law will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Parts of Singer’s district, including Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County, were among the hardest hit areas in the state by the 2013 flood. Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. Previous Next

HB26-1007 would save Coloradans money on their energy bills by expanding access to cost-saving solar < Back February 27, 2026 Bill to Allow Plug-in Solar Panels Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee yesterday passed legislation to remove barriers to plug-in solar panels to save Coloradans money on their utility bills. HB26-1007 would establish safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars and ensure that utilities accommodate their use to help Coloradans take advantage of cost-saving solar. “Plug-in solar is a great tactic for lowering your utility bill by taking advantage of Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine per year,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This groundbreaking bill removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to make plug-in solar a reality for more Coloradans. Many Coloradans are interested in solar, but traditional rooftop panels aren’t an option for most renters. This consumer choice bill makes it easier for all Coloradans to lower their utility bills by generating their own clean, reliable energy.” “Plug-in solar is a safe and affordable renewable energy source, and now we’re making it more accessible for Coloradans," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood . “This bill establishes important safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars, so more Coloradans can take advantage of this renewable energy source, especially those living in apartments or shared spaces. Plug-in solar can lower your utility bill, and this bill makes it easier for Coloradans interested in this renewable energy source to give it a try at an affordable price point and without unnecessary barriers.” HB26-1007 passed committee by a vote of 9-2. This bill expands access to renewable energy technology by making it easier for those living in apartments or shared spaces to benefit from cost-saving solar. HB26-1007 establishes protective guardrails on the types of plug-in solar products that can be used. Under this bill, all plug-in solar must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard. Plug-in solar, also referred to as balcony solar, can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and is more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. It consists of one to four solar panels plus an inverter and optional battery and is designed for simple, self-installation by a homeowner or renter. Plug-in solar can be used to power household appliances and offer Coloradans alternative, reliable energy sources. To streamline solar installation, HB26-1007 encourages the use of meter collars. Meter collars are devices installed between an electric meter socket and a utility billing meter to provide immediate interconnection of customer-owned solar devices to the grid. Meter collars eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, saving Coloradans money and time on solar installation. This bill encourages a safe, consistent and repeatable solar installation process with minimal disruption and short installation times to benefit Coloradans. Plug-in solar is common in Europe. For example, in Germany, approximately 4 million households have installed plug-in solar. If passed, Colorado would join Utah in becoming early adopters of safe, reliable, plug-in solar in the United States. Previous Next

Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. < Back December 17, 2025 Trio of Bills to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. HB25-1222 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will preserve rural access to independent pharmacies. “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan new law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens . “From routine prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline for our communities. Our bipartisan law will protect and expand options for pharmacists and patients in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies and expanding telehealth options.” Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1222 will preserve access to rural health care by ensuring fair reimbursement rates that account for inflation for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these updates will help them maintain access to vital healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. HB25-1002 , sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver, will save Coloradans money on behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders care by ensuring coverage standards are based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. “Health care coverage decisions should be made using the best evidence-based recommendations from health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Brown. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to afford the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorder care. Our law, going into effect soon, aligns mental health care coverage with the best evidence so Coloradans can actually access the full spectrum of services they pay for.” “Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and well-being of Colorado families,” said Amabile. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This legislation will help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Gilchrist. “When insurance companies choose to deny coverage, it drives up costs and makes it harder for Coloradans across the state, especially young people, to access critical care. Too many Coloradans still don’t receive affordable care, and we have made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care. This law takes another huge step forward by requiring every health insurance plan to cover medically necessary health care.” HB25-1002, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, will ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This law requires insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services, clarifying state law on mental health parity and limiting gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. SB25-010 , sponsored by Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, will improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications. “There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This new law will provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This legislation is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks, utility companies, and other service providers; this should be an option for health insurance, too,” continued Brown. “This law helps provide timely health insurance information to patients, while keeping their personal data safe and protected. Our goal is to reduce administrative costs and modernize Coloradans' access to their health care information.” SB25-010 mirrors the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation. Under the new law, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals who do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed a bill into law to improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, helping to quickly identify firearms and generate leads for gun-related crimes. < Back June 2, 2026 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Improve Collaboration to Solve Gun Crimes DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed a bill into law to improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, helping to quickly identify firearms and generate leads for gun-related crimes. “Our new law ensures that Colorado law enforcement agencies are using this gun violence prevention tool to keep our communities safe from gun crimes,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “eTrace allows firearm information to be shared across jurisdictions, helping law enforcement identify guns connected to serious crimes. With this new bill being signed into law today, we’re ensuring that law enforcement agencies are on the same page so they can work together to keep illegal guns off of our streets and hold gun traffickers accountable.” “We owe it to everyone affected by gun violence in Colorado to do all we can to prevent future tragedies,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This legislation will ensure that state law enforcement agencies have every tool at their disposal to track trafficked guns and help stem the ensuing tide of gun violence.” “This law will improve coordination between law enforcement agencies to solve gun-related crimes and keep Colorado communities safe,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By opting in to this existing federal tool, Colorado law enforcement agencies can have nationwide information at their fingertips to help solve crimes. This new law ensures that Colorado is a part of a coordinated effort with other jurisdictions to save lives.” “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies allows for the quickest possible response and investigation after an incident involving firearms,” said Sen. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Colorado Democrats are committed to making our communities safer. HB26-1265 is a critical piece of that commitment.” By September 1, 2026, HB26-1265 will require each law enforcement agency in Colorado to register with eTrace and opt in to eTrace’s feature that allows for collaboration. Under this legislation, law enforcement agencies are required to record information into eTrace when they: Recover or confiscate firearms in connection with a criminal investigation, Seize or forfeit firearms in connection with domestic violence crimes, and Obtain an abandoned or discarded firearm. eTrace, a bilingual service, allows for collaboration among all participating law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement can submit trace requests through eTrace to quickly determine the firearm’s origin, helping identify potential firearms traffickers and suspects in criminal investigations. Nearly 640,000 firearm trace requests were completed in fiscal year 2024. Last year, the Trump Administration revoked a policy that prevented gun dealers from selling guns to criminals. Trump also proposed a $400 million cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, putting more pressure on states to address firearm trafficking. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to attract film tourism in Colorado. HB25-1005 creates a tax credit to encourage the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other smaller film festivals, to call Colorado home beginning in 2027. < Back January 29, 2025 Bill to Attract Sundance Film Festival Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to attract film tourism in Colorado. HB25-1005 creates a tax credit to encourage the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other smaller film festivals, to call Colorado home beginning in 2027. “Colorado would be the perfect place for the Sundance Film Festival to call home,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This iconic film festival has a track record of boosting tourism and economic growth. It would also solidify Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts. This bill gives our state an advantage in bringing a world-renowned film festival to Colorado for the next ten years which could also build and boost smaller, local film festivals in Colorado.” “From original films to panel discussions with filmmakers, Sundance is a world-renowned festival that would be right at home in Boulder,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “If Boulder is selected as the next location for the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, we’d see a boost in tourism – which is good for our small businesses, restaurants and hotels. It’s clear Colorado is the right home for this festival, and I’m excited to be joining this effort.” HB25-1005 passed committee by a vote of 12-1. Boulder was recently selected as a top-three finalist to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027 – which will boost economic growth, tourism and Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts. As outlined in the legislation, Colorado would stand up $34 million in tax incentives to a film festival that sells more than 100,000 tickets and attracts more than 20,000 out-of-state attendees. Additionally, the bill will also leverage $500,000 annually to support smaller, existing local film festivals that are part of Colorado’s growing film festival ecosystem. If Boulder is selected, the festival would take place starting in 2027 through 2036. Boulder is in the running to host the film festival starting in 2027 with Cincinnati, Ohio and Park City, Utah being other contestants. Majority Leader Monica Duran will replace Speaker McCluskie, a strong supporter of the Sundance Festival’s relocation, as a co-prime sponsor of the legislation after second reading. Previous Next

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits < Back May 2, 2025 House Passes Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills to save Coloradans money on health care. SB25-296, which passed by 59-5, would ensure patients receive free breast cancer screenings. SB25-118, which passed by a vote of 48-16, would save families money on prenatal visits. “As a rural legislator, I’m proud to carry these bills that will save Coloradans money on life-saving health care in every corner of our state,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of SB25-296 and SB25-118. “Whether it is diagnostic health care or prenatal care, your budget shouldn’t determine whether or not you receive the services you need. These bills will save lives and ensure parents can access health care during pregnancy to set up their family for success.” “Breast cancer screenings can save lives,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB25-296. “We’re clarifying in Colorado law that diagnostic and follow-up appointments are also available at no-cost to ensure hardworking Coloradans can access life-saving health care.” In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296 would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. “Prenatal health care is important for families so they can address potential health concerns that can have long-term impacts on the parent and baby,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Barriers to care disproportionately impact women of color and low-income families, which is why we’re passing this bill to ensure Colorado families can receive prenatal care visits to provide quality and affordable health care.” SB25-118 would save expecting parents money on prenatal care. This bill would ensure that state-regulated insurance plans cover three prenatal care office visits. To save patients money, this bill would prohibit state-regulated insurance plans, except for individual and small group plans offered through Colorado Option, from imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, on the first three prenatal visits. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect for plans issued or renewed after January 1st, 2027. Prenatal care is an important step in expanding access to health care, and helps support mothers who might experience pregnancy-related complications and can prevent emergencies. Previous Next

LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM AGE TO PURCHASE A FIREARM TO 21 BECOMES LAW LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO DENVER, CO – Legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 was signed into law today.Under current federal law individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Minority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21 with limited exceptions. “Gun deaths in Colorado climb higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.” “Gun violence is traumatic for anyone to experience, let alone for a child or young adult,” Duran said. “As a survivor of domestic violence and gun intimidation at a young age, I know firsthand how critical it is to prevent our youth from being put in a life or death situation because a firearm was too easily accessible. By increasing the minimum age to purchase a gun, we can prevent suicides and gun violence and keep our Colorado kids and communities safer.” “Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “There is an urgent need to do more to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and I am proud to champion this legislation that does just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.” “Having been a teacher for over 30 years, so many of my students have grown up fearing the constant threat of gun violence – sadly, they are known as the lockdown generation,” Hamrick said. “From countless active shooter events to losing peers to suicide, Colorado youth are forced to grapple with gun violence from a very young age. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to implement this commonsense gun violence prevention policy into Colorado law to keep firearms away from our youth and our children, making our schools and communities safer.” According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next