Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. < Back September 28, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Gun Violence Prevention Laws Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. “We know waiting periods are a successful tool proven to prevent suicide and firearm deaths,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “Establishing a three day waiting period creates breathing room and time to intervene before an act of violence is committed. Widely supported by gun owners, waiting periods can help us address gun violence and create safer Colorado communities.” “Previously, if you wanted to get your hands on a gun, you could do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1219. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this new law that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.” “I have experienced firsthand how a ‘cooling off’ period can save someone's life when they are in crisis and trying to purchase a firearm,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “My son is still with us today because his background check was delayed when he went to a local gun store, and I am forever grateful he did not have instant access to a firearm that day. This new law will help save lives from senseless and preventable gun violence and improve public safety by preventing someone in crisis from immediately acquiring a deadly weapon.” “A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1219 said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am proud to take this meaningful step to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 requires a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, before delivering a gun to the purchaser. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. The law does not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military service member, who is set to deploy overseas, and their family. “With this law, we are ending the excessive legal protections enjoyed by the firearm industry and ensuring they can be held accountable when their actions cause harm to others,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-168. “This law re-establishes pathways for victims of gun violence, and their families, to seek justice through the courts. It ensures the firearm industry can be held to the same standard as any other business that operates in our state and hopefully encourage them to be stronger partners in our efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities and create safer neighborhoods for everyone." “Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-168. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.” “Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-168 said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.” “When it comes to seeking justice through the courts, victims of gun violence in Colorado have faced an uphill battle,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-168. “Prior to this law, the firearm industry had extreme and unjust legal protections that prevented families and victims from seeking accountability. Through this legislation, we’re removing these completely unwarranted legal protections and creating a new avenue for victims to seek the justice they deserve.” Prior to SB23-168 , firearm industry members enjoyed broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the firearm industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for firearm industry members and allows legitimate lawsuits against the firearm industry to move forward. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. As a result, they ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter. Removing Colorado’s firearm industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice via civil actions and will give survivors the legal opportunity to hold firearm industry members accountable for their actions. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO MODERNIZE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT CLEARS COMMITTEE Teen vaping is an epidemic in Colorado (Feb. 27) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill that modernizes the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City would add hookah smoking, electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited activities in indoor public places and workplaces. “Colorado teens are engaging in e-cigarette and vaping use at an alarming rate. As a parent of teenagers, I share the concern of moms and dads who are worried about this growing public health issue and how it is impacting their children,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “It’s time to show our young people that vaping is harmful for them, their peers and their long term health.” HB19-1076 looks to protect people of all ages against the dangers of secondhand smoking exposure from electronic cigarettes. It will also ensure that existing smoke-free laws are being enforced. In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General called teen vaping an epidemic . In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado a “B” grade for its smoke-free air citing Colorado’s use of electronic smoking devices indoor. The report also suggested strengthening state and local laws around youth access to tobacco products to raise “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. The bill passed the committee 10-1 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to help uncover root causes of rising property insurance for HOAs, timeshares and condo owners in rural and mountain towns < Back February 21, 2024 Bill to Address Rising Property Insurance Rates in Rural, Mountain Communities Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to help uncover root causes of rising property insurance for HOAs, timeshares and condo owners in rural and mountain towns. HB24-1108, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Judy Amabile passed unanimously. “After a wildfire devastates a community, HOAs and lodging facilities often have a difficult time securing affordable policies – or any policy at all,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We need to look into ways to create more affordable, reliable property insurance for our neighbors living in rural and mountain communities. This legislation creates a market study so we can learn more about what leads to rising HOAs and lodging facilities insurance rates, which are often passed on to consumers and property owners, and the availability of insurance options to lay the groundwork for future legislation.” “Due to the rising threat of extreme weather and wildfires, HOAs and lodging facilities have a difficult time securing affordable property insurance, which means fees increase for residents,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill would help uncover some of the causes that lead to rising insurance rates and lack of coverage in our HOAs and lodging properties in the urban-wildland interface and beyond. Tourism is a massive economic driver in the high country, and ensuring our HOAs and lodging facilities can acquire property insurance uplifts our economy and supports our local communities.” HB24-1108 would create a market study of property and casualty insurance for homeowners’ associations and owners of lodging facilities. This bill aims to explore current market conditions and will be used as a baseline for future legislation or state-operated programs. This bill requires the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to conduct a study of property and casualty insurance policies for HOAs and lodging facilities. The report must include key metrics including: current market conditions, availability of insurance coverage, affordability of insurance coverage, areas of the state with insurance availability concerns, and recommendations for long-term sustainability and availability of property and casualty insurance policies. The report must be submitted to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. Previous Next

< Back Steven Woodrow Chair of the Finance Committee Steven L. Woodrow represents House District 6 located in east-central Denver--The Fightin’ 6th! A class action attorney by trade, Rep. Woodrow brings to the General Assembly his experience as a litigator and detailed understanding of law and policy, to examine an issue, understand where commonalities lie between parties, and execute a plan to bring a favorable resolution for his constituents and community. He is the Chair of the Finance Committee. Steven was raised outside of Detroit by his hardworking, widowed mother, a public school teacher, who taught him and his sister the importance of a strong work ethic, even in times of struggle. This allowed him to matriculate at the University of Michigan and the Chicago-Kent College of Law, successfully argue multiple landmark appeals, and to head his own consumer protection practice which he started in 2015. Representative Woodrow is a passionate advocate for social, racial, environmental, and economic justice for all Coloradans--believing that healthcare is a human right, every child deserves an excellent education, the American Dream should be accessible for all, and clean air, water, and soil essential. One is never surprised to see him standing strong with those who need help, regardless of age or status and fighting for what is right and true. His goal is to leave every situation and every interaction #BetterThanWeFoundIt .

Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect < Back June 25, 2025 Gun Violence Prevention Law Goes Into Effect Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license. “This law is crucial in setting up firearm dealers for success to help us reduce gun violence and crime in our communities, especially as the Trump Administration threatens to slash the number of federal gun sale inspectors by 67 percent ,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “From hairdressers and auto dealers to liquor store owners, state licenses are required to conduct business, and we believe that people who sell firearms should be held to the same standard. This law establishes a state permitting system for firearm dealers, requires dealers and employees to undergo training to better identify suspicious activity, and ensures compliance with business standards to prevent illegal firearm sales. Dealers who violate state laws could lose their permit to sell firearms, preventing illegal guns from terrorizing our communities.” “Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.” "This is an important gun violence prevention law that will equip Colorado firearm dealers and their employees with safety training and protocols that can save lives," said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. "Training requirements for the proper storage of firearms, background checks, and identifying potentially dangerous behavior will help keep guns out of the hands of people who may otherwise harm themselves or someone else. This new statewide permitting process for firearm sales allows the state to thoroughly vet and inspect firearm dealers, ensuring they have taken necessary steps to reduce crime and save lives.” “Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” said Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I was proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.” Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 requires firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit is an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. Under the law, firearm dealers must apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants are ineligible for the permit if they have had an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They are also ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms. Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include: Fingerprint-based background checks for employees every three years; Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit; Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law; Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident. Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent . Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2023 Bill to Prevent Youth Crime Advances in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to increase the prosecution age of children to improve public safety and prevent future crimes and victims. “I’ve spent my professional career working closely with kids and their families to help them navigate the traumatic experiences that often lead to contact with our criminal justice system,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “I’ve seen unstable living environments, abuse, mental health struggles, poverty, and many other factors that impact childhood development. Research and data show that the strategies in this bill prevent crime and keep our children safe. If we want to improve public safety, we need to set kids up for success by connecting them to services that address their underlying needs to prevent future crimes from occurring.” “The decade I served as a law enforcement officer taught me that too many people who end up in a cycle of incarceration are first arrested at a very young age,” said Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud.” “We must start passing policy that prevents this cycle, and the victimization that stems from it, in the first place. There are hundreds of statutes on the books to charge someone after they commit a crime but not enough to protect our loved ones from being victimized in the first place. This bill makes our communities safer by getting young kids the evidence-based interventions they need that have been proven to reduce crime.” Current Colorado law permits kids as young as 10-years-old to be prosecuted for a crime and detained in the juvenile justice system, introducing them at a young age to what can become a long-term cycle of incarceration. HB23-1249 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Ryan Armagost, would prohibit kids from 10 to 12-years-old from being prosecuted or detained for crimes beginning in July 2024, with exceptions for the most serious crimes. Instead, these kids would be referred to local collaborative management programs to receive services like behavioral health treatment and other community-based programs to address the root causes that lead to criminal activity. This bill does not make any changes to victims services, and victims would still be notified of and able to provide input on the plan to rehabilitate the child. They may also be eligible to receive financial compensation. Starting September 1, 2023, every Colorado county would be required to establish collaborative management programs to provide services to 10 to 12-year-olds instead of detaining them in the criminal justice system. These individualized programs must review all referrals, create a plan for the child and family, and refer the child to relevant services accordingly. Victims have the right to be informed and provide input to the plan. In developing services to support the victims, the Department of Human Services shall consult with the Department of Public Safety and representatives from community based organizations. Additionally, a juvenile referred for an action that would be considered felony sexual assault or unlawful sexual conduct if committed by an adult must receive a sex offender evaluation. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 36-27, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back April 25, 2025 Bill to Identify and Prevent the Sale of Stolen Firearms Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 36-27, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “This bill allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers who want to help keep our communities safe can help identify guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “We’re passing this bill for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Running serial numbers checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. This bill would allow firearm dealers to protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 would establish a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the bill, local county sheriff’s offices would have to complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they would be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours.Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2020 HOUSE PASSES ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS The House today passed Representatives Mike Weissman and Alex Valdez’s bill to give home buyers more options with regards to energy efficiency products in new homes, such as electric vehicle charging, electric water heating and solar panel systems. The bill passed in third reading by a vote of 37-23. “When buying a home, which is perhaps the most significant investment of their lives, homeowners deserve to have more options to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora . “This legislation would reduce the headache of having to install greener solutions down the road, which makes sense for anyone in Colorado who is interested in reducing their carbon footprint or the cost of their bills.” “To protect the Colorado way of life, we need to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver . “Withthis legislation, Coloradans can take part in moving towards carbon-free homes while saving money in the process.” HB20-1155 requires single-family home builders to make a non-mandatory offer to install or pre-wire homes for electric vehicle charging, electric heating, or electric water appliances. The home buyer would pay for the installation, and the bill does not mandate that a builder build or install anything that a buyer doesn’t want. Current law asks home builders to offer, if a buyer wants, to pre-wire for solar or thermal systems. This would expand that to electric vehicle charging, heating and water. It is less expensive to install or pre-wire for energy efficient appliances and vehicles when a home is being built than to retrofit a new home after it’s been purchased. Homebuyers can save money on electric vehicle charging if it’s installed when they build their homes. Together, these options will lead to more homes having energy efficient appliances, reducing the direct use of fossil fuels. ### Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 TRANSPO COMMITTEE VOTES TO BOOST RTD RIDERSHIP, IMPROVE TRANSIT SYSTEM DENVER, CO– The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed HB21-1186 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Tom Sullivan, which would authorize RTD to make several improvements in order to boost ridership. The vote was 7-4. “For Coloradans across our metro area, RTD is an essential service that they can’t live without,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This bill came out of a year-long effort and partnership with RTD, the Governor’s office, and transit experts to craft an accountability plan that will boost ridership and ensure the system meets the needs of our communities. I’m proud of the collaborative effort that led to the crucial accountability report and this important legislation.” “As an RTD rider who takes the bus to work every day, I know what it’s like to rely on public transit and how critical these services are to our communities,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This bill will give RTD the tools it needs to boost ridership, create new services, and lower costs. I’m excited to see how the increased flexibility will allow RTD to better serve our communities and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” HB21-1186 acts on the recommendations offered by the RTD Accountability Committee report . It includes three provisions aimed at creating new revenue sources, boosting ridership, and improving RTD services. The bill repeals the requirement that 30 percent of RTD operating costs be covered by fare revenue, allowing RTD to reduce fares in order to boost ridership as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows RTD to develop District properties for retail, commercial or residential purposes to generate new revenue streams and attract a wider ridership. Finally, HB21-1186 allows RTD to contract with nonprofits and local governments to provide critical services and help lower the overall operating costs. Previous Next

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

Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to initiate and enforce landlord-tenant laws, ensuring safe housing and strengthening renter protections. SB25-020, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 6-5. “Every Coloradan deserves access to safe, stable housing,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “When an apartment complex in my district in Aurora was closed due to years of unmanaged rodent infestations and structural damage, it was clear that we needed to take action to ensure we have the tools to hold property management companies accountable. This legislation would empower the Attorney General and local governments to step in when the health and safety of Colorado renters are at risk, creating safer housing for all.” “Far too many Coloradans have been forced to live in untenable, dangerous conditions due to bad-acting landlords turning a blind eye,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Aurora and Denver made national headlines last year, highlighting the need to bolster Colorado’s renter protections and crack down on property management companies who ignore Colorado’s housing protection laws. With this bill, we’re holding neglectful landlords accountable for side-stepping Colorado’s tenant protection laws and preventing more Coloradans from being stuck in unlivable housing situations.” SB25-020 would give the Colorado Attorney General authority to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, documentation requirements for housing agreements, and protections regarding bed bugs in residential homes. The bill would give counties and municipalities the ability to initiate and enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. The bill would establish a process where, only in severe cases, residential housing may be placed into receivership - a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The bill outlines the process for receivership cases, including proper notice to parties, powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and the process for ending receiverships. Reps. Lindsay and Mabrey have championed numerous tenant protection laws, including legislation to prevent unnecessary and arbitrary evictions and strengthen residential lease agreements to protect renters from signing leases with harmful hidden language. They have also bolstered Colorado’s warrant of habitability law to ensure tenants have access to timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise and adding damage due to an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back March 31, 2025 House Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. “People of color and low-income communities are disproportionately more likely to be involved in the justice system, and excessive fees make it increasingly difficult for them to break cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Eliminating administrative fees helps make Colorado’s juvenile justice system more equitable so we can set up Colorado youth for success.” “This legislation helps reduce youth recidivism and financial burdens on Colorado families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our bill builds off a bipartisan law to eliminate certain court fees that can be debilitating for justice-involved youth and their families. This is one step we can take to create a more equitable justice system and make our communities safer for all.” The Colorado General Assembly passed a 2021 law to ban certain court fees and fines for juveniles who are in the juvenile justice system and their families. It also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. The law is set to be repealed on June 30, 2025. HB25-1294 makes this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees. The bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service. Previous Next