SB25-197 modifies the Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS) Program to make grants more accessible and reduce barriers for smaller non-profit organizations < Back April 25, 2025 House Passes Bill to Create Opportunities for At-Risk Youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to create opportunities for at-risk youth to thrive and help them avoid involvement with the criminal justice system. SB25-197 passed the House by a vote of 50-12. “We’re committed to creating opportunities for at-risk youth to thrive, and that begins with proactive intervention and prevention programming,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program provides after-school and in-school engagement for our kids to help keep them safe and create pathways to success. This bill will reduce administrative barriers so smaller non-profits that sometimes struggle to receive the funding can continue to show up for our kids.” SB25-197 modifies and simplifies the TGYS program to better support smaller non-profits, especially those that do not have a full-time grant writer on staff. The bill restructures the TGYS grant program so smaller non-profit organizations, specifically those with an operating budget under $1.5 million, can apply for and receive grant funding. SB25-197 aims to ease the burden on smaller non-profits by scaling back some logistical requirements to make grant funding more accessible. The bill also modifies the board structure of the TGYS program to shift some of the responsibilities to the Colorado Department of Human Services. For decades, the TGYS program has helped community-based organizations provide prevention and intervention programs for children, youth, and their families. Non-profit organizations provide in-school and after-school programs that work to keep at-risk youth safe, reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and increase graduation rates. Mentoring programs have been active in Colorado for years, and national research indicates that structured mentoring programs are an effective tool in combating youth substance use as well as youth crime and violence. Previous Next

The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced five bills to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. < Back November 1, 2023 Wildfire Matters Review Committee Advances Bills to Better Prepare Colorado for Wildfires DENVER, CO - The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced five bills to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Bill 1 , sponsored by Vice Chair Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, Chair Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, directs Colorado State University (CSU) to study the use of biochar in wildfire mitigation efforts. The study would evaluate beneficial uses for biochar, its impacts on forest health and best practices in creating it, with a report due on its findings by July 1, 2026. “Coloradans are counting on us to help reduce wildfire-risk in their backyard, and these bills put us on a path forward to improving statewide mitigation efforts and education,” said Chair Velasco, sponsor of Bills 1, 2, 5 and 9. “Colorado rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage and are especially vulnerable to high workforce shortages and a lack of resources needed to prevent and combat wildfires. Today, we passed five bills to support communities in boosting their wildfire mitigation efforts, creating emergency preparedness plans, and increasing awareness surrounding residential mitigation efforts.” “I represent many communities on the wildland-urban interface, and they are at an increased risk of wildfires as we continue to feel the impacts of climate change,” Vice Chair Cutter said, sponsor of all five bills. “I'm excited about the bills we advanced today, which will look at innovative ways to remove and utilize biomass, help homeowners with costly slash and debris removal, protect pets, help rural communities apply for grants and raise community awareness about what actions people can take to mitigate their risk. As Vice Chair and longtime member of the Wildfire Matters interim committee, I'm always thrilled to work with stakeholders and colleagues to forward policy to help protect our forests and our communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Reps. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Velasco, and Sens. Cutter and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would encourage agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during an emergency, and also include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. “Preventing destructive wildfires and protecting our communities begins with good mitigation methods and resources at the local level,” said Snyder, sponsor of Bills 2, 5 and 6. “The bills we advanced today would establish programs to aid local governments with wildfire mitigation, better connect rural communities with grant money to close the gap in their wildfire mitigation and response efforts, and encourage cities and counties to provide pet-friendly emergency shelters and emergency resources. Wildfires are a very serious risk in our state, and these policies will save lives, prevent devastating damage, and protect Coloradans from wildfire threats.” “I saw first hand as the Senator for Louisville during the Marshall Fire, how important responding to the threat of wildfires really is, which is why I am sponsoring two bills to help Colorado families and communities be better prepared,” said Jaquez Lewis, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “These bills will provide resources to help folks make plans to ensure that everyone in their families, including their pets, are safe during an emergency, and will improve the aftermath for victims in the cleanup process. I promised I would be there for my community then, and I will continue to work to reduce the risks from wildfires." Sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Snyder, and Sens. Cutter and Will, Bill 5 aims to help rural communities obtain wildfire-related grants. The bill requires that the Rural Opportunity Office provide assistance to rural communities to identify and apply for state and federal grants related to wildfire mitigation, prevention, response, and risk-management efforts. Additionally, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade would maintain a list of government grant programs on its website to further ease the process. The committee also approved Bill 9 , sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Sen. Cutter. The bill would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan living in the foothills and forested areas to know how they can protect their homes,” said Story, sponsor of Bill 9. “Living in the wildland-urban interface means we need to take extra precautions to protect our personal property and our neighbors. This includes reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes and keeping gutters clean. This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies that will keep our beloved communities safer in the wake of a wildfire event. The bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these science-based strategies, which are our strongest barrier against wildfires.” Bill 6 , sponsored by Sens. Cutter and Jaquez Lewis, and Reps. Snyder and Dickson, would create two programs to support local governments in wildfire risk mitigation. The first program would support county efforts to remove slash, which is a residue created by wildfire mitigation efforts. If passed, the Department of Natural Resources would select counties to participate in the program, and provide information and resources to facilitate slash removal. The second program would help local governments with post-disaster debris removal for residences. Under this bill, the Department of Public Safety would be in charge of providing guidance to local governments to facilitate debris removal. “We’re dedicated to keeping Coloradans safe from the risk of wildfire, and today we advanced bills that will do just that,” said Dickson, sponsor of Bills 1 and 6. “Our bills will help prevent wildfires by keeping our forests healthy and delivering data on the use of biochar to sustainably protect our communities. We'll also help local governments to deal with the aftermath of wildfires, including streamlining cleanup and coordinating federal disaster assistance. I am so pleased these evidence-focused policies will move forward to keep our communities and our forests safe.” The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2024 Republican Impeachment Resolution Denies “Alleged” Jan 6 Insurrection Resolution sponsored by House Minority Leader and all but two House Republicans seeks to impeach Secretary of State for agreeing with Colorado Supreme Court that Trump engaged in insurrection against the US DENVER, CO - House Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statement on HR24-1006 , a resolution sponsored by House Republicans to impeach the Colorado Secretary of State: “Hearing this resolution in the Judiciary committee will limit the time wasted on this topic, while respecting that it is a top priority for House Republicans to have it introduced and openly debated. In an age when misinformation and conspiracy theories attack the integrity of our elections, we believe a public hearing to set the record straight on this issue is in the best interest of our democracy. This resolution, by the sponsor's own admission, is a political stunt to gin up MAGA support for House Republicans. It’s clear that the minority’s primary complaint is that the Secretary of State shares the view of the Colorado Supreme Court that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection against the United States. Instead of protecting our democracy, Republicans are defending Trump.” The resolution, sponsored by almost every House Republican, seeks to impeach the Secretary of State for agreeing with the Colorado Supreme Court that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection against the United States. The resolution claims that the Secretary’s past public statements about Trump engaging in an insurrection is grounds for impeachment. In the resolution, House Republicans inaccurately claim that the Secretary prevented Trump from being listed on the primary ballot, when in fact she was the defendant in a case brought by Republicans and simply followed Colorado Court rulings in executing the duties of her role. Trump was never prevented from appearing on the ballot. In 2022, two-thirds of House Republicans voted to thank Tina Peters and the Jan 6 insurrectionists, and disputed that Joe Biden is the duly elected President. The House Judiciary Committee will consider the resolution on April 9, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the Old State Library. Testimony will be limited to four witnesses selected by the resolution sponsors, House Minority Leader Pugliese and Representative Armagost, and four witnesses selected by the Chair in consultation with the Secretary of State. The Chair will allow witnesses to participate remotely, and from out of state if necessary. Secretary Griswold will also be allowed to testify for 10 minutes and respond to questions from committee members. Witnesses will testify as panels of four, and each witness will be limited to 10 minutes. Members of the committee will have one hour to question each panel, with the time split evenly between Majority and Minority members. A letter from Representative Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, is attached and outlines the parameters for the hearing. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! TWO BIPARTISAN BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE Legislation boosts hospital transparency and improves protection from surprise medical bills DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will increase hospital pricing transparency and save Coloradans money on health care. HB22-1285 sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, Representative Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City and Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley will increase hospital pricing transparency practices and save health care consumers money. “Our bipartisan laws will save Coloradans money on health care by improving hospital price transparency and protecting patients from surprise billing,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar . “Hospitals are required to be open and honest about what they’re changing patients, and our bills signed into law today by Governor Polis will not only ensure transparency but limit the hospital’s ability to collect medical debt if they’re not in compliance. Coloradans deserve to know what they’re getting when it comes to health care, and this legislation protects them against surprise medical bills that are often shockingly expensive.” “According to federal law, hospitals are required to be transparent about the price of services they provide patients,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno. “By preventing Colorado’s hospitals from sending medical debt to collections if they are out of compliance with these requirements, this new law will protect patients and empower Coloradans to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their families.” HB22-1285 saves Coloradans money on their health care costs by increasing hospital transparency and prohibiting hospitals that are out of compliance with federal price transparency laws from referring medical debt to collections. In July 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop detailed rules to increase hospital billing transparency. Hospitals must now publicly post their “standard charges,” which are the gross charges, discounted cash prizes, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for health care services. Under the law, hospitals that are not in compliance with federal hospital price transparency laws will be prohibited from referring, assigning or selling medical debt to collectors, and they will be prohibited from using the courts to obtain a judgment for an outstanding medical debt. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1284 , sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar, Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose and Senators Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, to improve surprise medical billing protections in Colorado. “We need to do everything we can to protect Coloradans from malicious surprise billing practices, and instead help them access the care they need while saving them money,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen. “This new law will increase protections for patients, lower the cost of health care for Coloradans, and improve patient outcomes as we work to build a healthier Colorado for all.” HB22-1284 boosts Colorado’s surprise medical billing protections by aligning them with recently passed federal legislation. The law provides clarity to consumers, providers and insurance carriers about how to move forward with surprise billing protections. It adds balance billing protections for post-stabilization services to ensure that patients are protected from surprise bills until they can consent and be safely transferred to an in-network facility. It mirrors the federal law’s notice and consent requirements to ensure that out-of-network providers and facilities provide notice to a consumer before a scheduled service, including a good-faith estimate of the total charges the consumer will be responsible for. Additionally, it updates Colorado laws to allow for a 90-day period of continued coverage at in-network rates for transitional care. Previous Next

The Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. < Back February 19, 2026 Bill to Support Older Coloradans in the Workforce Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. HB26-1010 passed committee by a vote of 10-3. “Our economy works best when we equip workers with the tools and skills they need to succeed in our workforce,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Colorado Democrats are taking the steps now to ensure that older Coloradans have more opportunities to take on new roles and participate in workforce development recommendations. From specialized training to employment access, older Coloradans deserve resources tailored to them, and this bill helps create a clearer path to support their workforce needs.” “The talent, knowledge and lived-experience of older workers is extremely beneficial to our growing workforce needs,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “This bill prioritizes the participation, representation and support of older Coloradans in the workforce. We know that when workers have the skills they need to thrive, our economy benefits. HB26-1010 spotlights new opportunities for older workers and studies their workforce participation in Colorado to help meet our ever-evolving workforce.” HB26-1010 would modify Colorado’s workforce policy to ensure older Coloradans have direct input regarding workforce support and resources. This bill prioritizes representation by placing a worker who is 55-years-old or older on several commissions to ensure their perspectives and needs are considered in the workforce. HB26-1010 also requires the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Commission on Aging, and others to work collaboratively to support workforce development and examine issues related to employment access, training, support and services for older adults. Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of Colorado’s workforce, yet they often report struggling to find employment opportunities and are looking for upskilling opportunities. While some data is available on older adults in the workplace, there are significant gaps in reporting. HB26-1010 would require data collection and reporting of Coloradans' participation in the workforce. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE AND CHILD CARE ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed two bills that will save Coloradans money on health care and child care. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: SB22-200, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Matt Soper, creates a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals to increase access to health care and save Coloradans money. The bill will provide millions to improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. The bill passed 10-1. “This legislation will save Coloradans in rural areas money on health care and make it easier to access the services that people need and rely on,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “SB22-200 will direct $10 million in federal economic relief funds to expand the availability of primary and behavioral health care services, telemedicine, and make it easier for Coloradans living in rural areas to access the life saving health care they need to thrive.” The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management, telemedicine, and the expansion of in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and behavioral healthcare. Saving Coloradans Money on Child Care: SB22-213 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Alex Valdez, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care and for parents to get back to work. It will increase capacity across the state and better develop the child care workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care. The bill passed 9-3. “By expanding child care options, we’ll save families money and help parents get back to work,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The high cost of child care is eating into families’ budgets and can leave parents juggling to find someone to care for their children so they can go to work. We’re investing over $50 million to make child care more affordable, support child care providers and save families money.” “Child care is essential for our economic recovery, and increasing funding for providers will expand child care options, keep providers in business, help parents get back to work and save families money,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “With child care costing many hardworking families more than their monthly mortgage payment, we have to act now to help every family afford quality child care.” This bill will help boost child care capacity by providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work. SB22-213 also adds $15 million to a successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program, and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, SAVE FAMILIES MONEY Legislation includes a record investment to reduce ozone emissions, eco-friendly updates to building codes and provide tax filing assistance to families DENVER, CO – The House today passed bills to save people money and build a healthier Colorado. “Denverites are stuck with some of the worst air quality in the world during the ozone season,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-180. “Our bill will help improve air quality by providing free rides on buses and lightrails during peak ozone season, typically experienced in Colorado during the summer months. This bill incentivizes Coloradans to use our public transit system and will cut down on harmful emissions as we work to build a healthier Colorado.” Increased Transit Options : SB22-180 passed the House by a vote of 41-23. This bill would create an Ozone Season Transit Grant Program and transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce ground-level ozone. This bill also includes a $10 million investment toward the successful Main Street Program to create better pathways for bikers, pedestrians and transit users to navigate cities. The top emitter of carbon pollution in Colorado is the transportation sector which includes personal vehicles. By incentivizing Coloradans to take public transit options during the summer months, this bill aims to reduce ozone pollution by cutting down on the number of cars on the road. The House also concurred with Senate amendments on HB22-1362. This bill would update building codes to improve energy efficiency and cut down on air pollution in Colorado. “I’m beyond proud of the work we’ve done to update Colorado’s building codes. When we build right the first time, we’ll cut down on air pollution, save Coloradans money on their utility bills and create more energy efficient homes and buildings,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville, HB22-1362 . “Our bill takes action to address one of Colorado’s largest pollution sources and saves families money in the process. As it heads to the Governor’s desk, we can reflect on the extraordinary transitional efforts to prepare for a sustainable through efficient, resilient and healthy buildings.” Eco-friendly Building Codes: HB22-1362 , sponsored by Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez, would update Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. The bill preserves all appliance and utility options for consumers, including natural gas, and does not transfer enforcement responsibility away from local governments. Owners and occupants of existing homes and buildings would only be affected if their local government chooses to upgrade their building codes and the building owner chooses to undergo a major, permit-authorized renovation or addition. For cities and counties that have adopted building codes, the legislation updates building codes to ensure that new buildings are constructed right the first time by incorporating electric vehicle charging capabilities, solar and electric-ready wiring, to save building and homeowners thousands off the costs of retrofitting their homes and saving them money on utility bills. While not mandatory, the codes encourage all-electric homes, which research shows cost less to build and save building owners money over their lifecycle. The bill includes $3 million in grant funding to help cities and counties adopt and enforce updated building codes, $1 million in grants for training for builders and contractors, and $22 million in grants and incentives to help finance energy efficiency upgrades. “This legislation will save Coloradans money as they file their taxes and help hardworking families take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit that we expanded last year,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-182 . “This small investment will put even more money back into people’s pockets and help Coloradans access the economic support they need to thrive.” “Colorado Democrats passed major tax reform last session that is putting hundreds of millions of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and small businesses, and with this bill, we’re making it easier for families to get the money they are owed,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-182 . Economic Mobility Program: SB22-182 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Mary Young, passed the House by a vote of 41-23. This bill would save Coloradans money by providing $4 million to extend the successful Economic Mobility Program, which provides tax filing assistance for eligible Coloradans. Among other things, this program helps people claim tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which Colorado families may not know they are eligible for. Last session, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to put over $170 million into Coloradans’ pockets by expanding the EITC and the CTC. Previous Next

SB25-276 seeks to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans < Back May 2, 2025 Legislation to Protect Civil Rights Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect civil rights and Colorado’s immigrant communities. SB25-276 would strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. “Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The Trump administration’s attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities – parents are afraid to pick up their children from day care, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesn’t just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado’s economy. We’re taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status.” “Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administration’s immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, we’re limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities.” This legislation would build on existing data privacy law by prohibiting public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. The bill would repeal outdated affidavit requirements to access a Colorado driver’s license or in-state tuition to protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies. The bill would clarify protections for immigrants at public locations, including hospitals, schools, public institutions of higher education, public health care facilities, libraries, and public child care centers. It reaffirms current law that the continued detention of an individual after bond is posted and processed is considered an unconstitutional and warrantless arrest. Additionally, the bill would limit the use of local and state resources for federal immigration enforcement to those situations explicitly required by law. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 GOV. POLIS, STATE LEGISLATORS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS & CABINET MEMBERS DISCUSS TRANSFORMATIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATION, VISIT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC Polis Administration in partnership with state legislature continues to take bold steps to improve access to and delivery of quality behavioral health care services across Colorado DENVER — Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined Rep. Serena Gonzales-Guiterrez, Senator Chris Kolker, Rep. Perry Will, Senator Faith Winter, Rep. Judy Amabile, cabinet members, and community leaders to discuss comprehensive legislation to elevate Colorado’s behavioral health system and address Colorado’s most pressing needs made possible by historic funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Governor Polis and the group then visited the Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver and participated in a roundtable discussion about Colorado’s successful and continued integration of physical and behavioral health care to support efficient, streamlined health care services for Coloradans. “We are saving Coloradans money on behavioral health care and improving access to quality services to ensure every Coloradan can thrive,” said Governor Polis. “I was proud to visit the innovative Tepeyac Community Health Center and see firsthand the transformative impact of our investment in providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable care that Coloradans deserve.” A bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks ( Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 ) will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. This bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the continuum of care and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee unanimously earlier this week. “This year, we are making the single largest investment in our state’s history, nearly $450 million, to expand access to behavioral health care,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver shows first hand how our transformational investments will allow more Coloradans to access the care they need to thrive. Our package of behavioral health legislation, crafted over the course of many months with experts across the state, will boost access to care, substance use disorder treatment, residential and outpatient services, and save Coloradans money on behavioral health care.” “As someone who has experienced mental health challenges myself, I know how difficult it can be to seek out treatment and get the care you need,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial), member of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “I was lucky because I was able to get help, but too many Coloradans can’t say the same. I’m proud to be working to help more people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders get the care they need and deserve. We have a lot more work to do, but this package of transformational bills represents an important first step toward expanding access to critical care, ending the stigma around behavioral health, and saving more lives.” Senator Kolker is the sponsor of the bipartisan and Senate passed Behavioral Health Services for Children: SB22-147 which is also sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg and Representatives. Mary Young and Rod Pelton. The bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families. The bill directs $4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program, $5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program, and $1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program. Additional Behavioral Health Legislation moving through the legislature: Youth and Family Residential Care: HB22-1283 sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield and Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola, will make it easier for families and youth to access residential and outpatient care in Colorado. This bill will invest $54M to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee unanimously. Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: HB22-1303 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options for individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. HB22-1303 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 9 to 1. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. HB22-1302 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 1. Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development: SB22-181 , sponsored by Senators. Jeff Bridges and Cleave Simpson and Representatives. Lisa Cutterand Tonya Van Beber , directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Bob Rankin and Representatives. Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield , invests $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. Behavioral Health Care for Colorado Native American Tribes: SB22-148 , which has passed the Senate and is sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Barbara McLachlan , provides $5 million to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing. The package of legislation is based on the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommendations to increase access to affordable care, bolster the behavioral health care workforce, expand residential care for youth and families, and increase support for pediatricians and school counseling programs. The Polis Administration continues to take bold steps to increase access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health care across Colorado, and to create an efficient behavioral health care system that Coloradans deserve. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE RESCINDS REQUESTS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS DENVER, CO– Through a resolution sponsored by Judiciary Chair Mike Weissman, the House today rescinded all previous requests by either chamber of the General Assembly to call for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. “Colorado has not made a request for a constitutional convention in over 25 years,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “In that time, our population has nearly doubled, and our state has changed drastically. Passing this resolution today gives Colorado a clean slate and ensures our state has no part in prompting a massive, wide-open revamp of the US Constitution. This is about ensuring that we maintain a high standard for amending our country’s foundational document and protecting the rights and liberties we hold dear.” “Amending our Constitution should be no easy feat,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “While the Constitution is certainly a living document, we cannot allow it to be put on the operating table and left to be tinkered with. There’s a reason we haven’t had a constitutional convention since 1787; it could threaten the core rights and freedoms that are foundational to our democracy. If changes need to be made, the framers gave us another, more targeted mechanism through Congress and the state legislatures that has been used successfully many times to ensure our Constitution meets the needs of the times.” HJR 21-1006 establishes “that all resolutions, memorials, or other enactments previously passed by the Colorado General Assembly or either house thereof petitioning Congress for a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution shall be rescinded, cancelled, voided, nullified, and superseded upon passage of this resolution.” Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2020 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO BOOST LOWEST IN THE NATION IMMUNIZATION RATES FOR CHILDREN DENVER, CO — The House today advanced SB20-163, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon as well as Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, on second reading. The bill would boost Colorado’s childhood immunization rates. “Vaccines are a crucial public health tool that has saved millions of lives throughout the course of history,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Today we’re taking an important step towards improving our state’s vaccination rates to prevent the outbreak of preventable diseases like whooping cough and measles. By streamlining the immunization exemption process and improving our state’s low vaccination rates, we’ll be protecting vulnerable Coloradans like newborns, seniors, and the immunocompromised. As COVID-19 has taught us, an outbreak could happen at any moment and cripple our hospital capacity– there’s no time to waste.” “This bill is a simple, reasonable step forward towards improving public health in Colorado while protecting parental choice,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “I’m proud of the work that has been done on this bill and I’m glad that we were able to move forward with it today. Improving our state’s low immunization rates will go a long way towards preventing a tragic outbreak of infectious disease among Colorado’s children.” “Public health is about collective responsibility,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “In order to protect our communities, we have to improve Colorado’s lowest-in-the-nation immunization rates for children. I am proud of this bill. As a member of the Black Caucus, I deplore any characterizations of this modest public health measure as anti-Black, and I completely repudiate those who have used this issue to sow discord and distrust in the Black community.” SB20-163 is designed to get more children fully vaccinated by the time they start kindergarten by encouraging those who do not vaccinate, but who have no objections to vaccinations, to immunize their children. The percentage of Colorado kindergartners vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella is the lowest rate in the country at 87 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This low rate makes our state particularly vulnerable to a measles outbreak. SB20-163 requires parents who choose not to vaccinate their children to present a standardized exemption form signed by an immunization provider or submit a confirmation form that they took a short online class about vaccinations before they send their children to school. The bill also streamlines the immunization exemptions categories by dividing them into medical and nonmedical exemptions, but makes no changes to who can choose to exempt their children or for what reasons. Lastly, SB20-163 would require all immunizing health care providers to use the state’s Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) data system, though providers wouldn’t be subject to a regulatory sanction for noncompliance. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 BUENTELLO-GARCIA BIPARTISAN BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bipartisan to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Apr. 27) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello and President Garcia’s that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time we expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “This bill will save lives and help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get they treatment they need.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. “Hundreds of Coloradans die every year at the hands of opioids and I am proud that this life-saving bill will soon be signed into law and helping Coloradans get the treatment they need,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “We have seen tremendous results from this pilot program in Pueblo County and Routt County and this expansion will help even more Coloradans, particularly those in high-need areas of our state, who are battling drug abuse and addiction.” SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The House approved SB19-001 on a bipartisan vote of 54-7. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next