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

< Back March 5, 2020 GA DEMS UNVEIL COLORADO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTION DENVER, CO– Today, Representative Dylan Roberts, Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Chris Kennedy unveiled innovative, first-in-the-nation legislation to lower the cost of health care and increase consumer choice by creating the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. “Today, we have introduced a bill that will give Coloradans relief they deserve: lower insurance premiums and real choice on the individual health insurance market,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “After several years of work with our constituents, consumers, hospitals, insurers, and many others, we are excited to introduce this bold step forward for our state. The Colorado Option will provide choice and competition for Colorado families, and the status quo of being forced to pay outrageous premiums because it’s the only option will be over.” “The health care industry isn’t working for Coloradans. Everywhere I go I hear people struggling with not being able to access or afford the care they need,” said Sen. Donovan. “The Colorado Affordable Health Care Option is a unique, balanced solution that works to address the high cost of healthcare by asking big hospitals to be part of the solution to increase choice and lower costs. I came to Denver with the promise to put my constituents first and that is what I am doing with this bill.” “Colorado families are struggling to afford the cost of health care and are working harder and harder to get ahead as hospital corporations make record profits,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By creating the Colorado Option, we’re giving consumers a new choice for insurance that will cover the services they need at a lower cost.” From fostering health care cooperatives to ending surprise medical billing, House and Senate Democrats have passed innovative legislation that has saved consumers money. However, despite these gains, Colorado families still pay too much for health insurance, and 22 out of 64 counties have only one health insurance carrier. Furthermore, research shows that one-fifth of Coloradans do not seek care because of affordability concerns. To lower the cost of health care and increase competition, this bill creates the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. As a public-private partnership, this health insurance plan would be available to Coloradans who purchase their coverage on the individual market. The Colorado Option will offer a similar benefit design and structure to existing plans offered on the exchange. The plan works to reduce premiums by seven to 20 percent, depending on the region, by holding down the state’s near highest-in-the nation profit margins at the largest hospitals. The plan will be widely available across the state– increasing competition, options, and access to affordable health care. Previous Next

House Bill 1313 uses goals tied to HUTF funds to give local communities incentives to build more housing near transit < Back Reps. Jodeh & Woodrow: The state can and should encourage housing near transit with legislation this year Feb 28, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Denver Post here . House Bill 1313 uses goals tied to HUTF funds to give local communities incentives to build more housing near transit Every day, Coloradans grapple with the harsh realities of our housing crisis. Finding an affordable place to rent or buy feels like a dream out-of-reach for many. Recent polling shows that 95% of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home in Colorado is a problem. You read that right; a January poll conducted by Keating Research of 1,277 registered voters in Colorado said 95% said affordable housing was a problem – ninety-five percent. Of the homes people can afford, they are farther and farther away from their jobs, the communities they grew up in, and the places they want to live. It’s time for action. Increasing the supply of housing close to transit is an important piece of the solution. Building near existing, new, and expanded public transit systems, safe biking and walking corridors, and job centers will save Coloradans money while protecting our environment. It’s a win-win for Colorado and critical to the future of our State. Enter House Bill 1313, a crucial bill that builds on the successes some localities have enjoyed in fostering transit-oriented communities. This bill is the product of months of participating in housing tours across the state and meeting weekly with a large group that included affordable housing advocates, transportation experts, local governments, city planners, environmental advocates, realtors, chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations, developers and policy experts (We like to call these meetings TOC Tuesdays). As a result, this bill is a thoughtful pathway to constructing housing Coloradans can afford in close proximity to transit and employment centers, thereby reducing housing costs and pollution while promoting vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. It’s a tangible way to ensure that the people we care about can continue to call Colorado home. Support for this initiative is overwhelming. According to the Keating poll, 68% of Coloradans back a hypothetical state law that promotes housing development near transit and commercial hubs. This sentiment resonates across party lines and in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike, underscoring the statewide urgency for action. There are many recognizable and successful transit oriented communities around the state and this bill will help more communities replicate that success. A few examples include Olde Town Arvada, served by the G Line commuter rail and includes a mixed-use district with multi-family residential, hotel, and retail. Sheridan Station, served by the W Light Rail Line, is in a residential district with multi-family homes, townhomes, and single-family homes. City Center & Ridgegate Stations in Lone Tree are served by light rail, which are in mixed-use districts with multi-family homes, office, and retail. By eliminating barriers to smart growth, the bill empowers local governments to address their housing needs effectively while providing financial incentives for municipalities that embrace this vision. At its core, the bill establishes locally-tailored goals, setting reasonable targets for jurisdictions to increase housing stock near transit and urban centers. Flexibility is key, allowing communities to meet these goals while preserving their unique character. Moreover, communities that work to achieve the goals of the bill will benefit from a new Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which mirrors federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funds, and will also get access to a Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund. These resources support affordable housing construction and essential infrastructure development, ensuring that our communities thrive. The bill gives local governments a long runway and financial support to meet their goal, but if they struggle to reach their goal by December 1, 2026 the state can withhold Highway User Tax Funding (HUTF) from them. However, communities can apply for an extension if they demonstrate a plan to achieve their housing goals. They have until December 31, 2027, to meet these targets, after which they’ll be considered out of compliance with state law. If local governments don’t meet their goal, housing costs will rise, pollution will worsen, and traffic congestion will increase. That’s why this bill links HUTF with these forward-looking objectives. We recognize that development can carry a heightened risk of displacement. The bill includes strategies to promote affordability while mitigating the challenges created for existing residents. Through careful planning and state support, we can ensure that progress doesn’t come at the expense of our most vulnerable neighbors. It’s time for action. By expanding housing options near transit, we pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future where Coloradans don’t need to drive hours every day to work. HB-1313 aligns our priorities with the bright future Coloradans deserve, incentivizing local governments to lead the charge. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a Colorado where everyone can afford to thrive, where housing is accessible, and where our environment is safeguarded for generations to come. Iman Jodeh represents District 41 in the Colorado House and Steven Woodrow represents District 2 in the Colorado House. Previous Next

The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. < Back November 19, 2023 Bill to Combat Child Hunger Votes Through House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. “No child in Colorado should go hungry, which is why we’re taking advantage of federal funding to feed more kids across our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Colorado is stepping up to ensure more than 300,000 students have healthy food during the summer months through expanded EBT benefits. Our students deserve access to healthy, nutritious food even when they’re not in school, and this legislation sets our state on a path forward to combating child hunger.” “One in nine Colorado kids face hunger, and it only gets worse during the summer months without school meals, stretching families already strapped budgets,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “The federal government recently expanded summer nutrition assistance funding, and we’re jumping on this opportunity in Colorado to feed more children during the summer months. This program is a proven method to reduce childhood hunger. Our legislation will feed more than 300,000 Colorado kids during the summer, making it easier for our students to receive the food they need to grow and learn.” SB23B-002 , which passed by a vote of 7-4 would allocate an estimated $35 million to expand EBT benefits, which would help families purchase groceries from SNAP retailers during the summer months when child hunger is most severe. Families with children eligible for the national free and reduced-price school meals program will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Previous Next

New laws to set updated emission reduction goals, bolster environmental programs, and help mitigate and recover from wildfires will take effect on August 7. < Back August 4, 2023 Laws to Reduce Emissions, Bolster Environmental Programs & Mitigate Wildfires to Take Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to set updated emission reduction goals, bolster environmental programs, and help mitigate and recover from wildfires will take effect on August 7. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, updates Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is clear we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and with the implementation of this legislation, we will be demonstrating national leadership to tackle the climate challenge. The new statute will empower businesses, homeowners, and state and local governments to reduce emissions, set reasonable and attainable goals, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This new law works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide and speeds up our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Sirota. “By reducing emissions, we’ll better protect our families and children for generations to come.” “Every Coloradan deserves clean air and a livable climate, which is why we’re working to reduce harmful emissions and conserve our freshwater resources,” said McCormick, sponsor of SB23-016 and SB23-178. “Our law creates interim targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and jumpstart clean energy implementation in our homes as well as businesses. We’re also reducing our water usage by making it easier for Coloradans living in HOAs to replace their water-intensive lawn with drought-tolerant landscaping.” To help reach these targets, the law requires the PUC and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electric transmission infrastructure system, and ensures quicker connections to the grid for residential solar. Other provisions of the law, including a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state, requirements for climate risk disclosures for insurance companies and tax credits for electric lawn equipment, take effect at a later date. SB23-178 , sponsored by Sen. Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. McCormick and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, reduces barriers for Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping. Also sponsored by Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-178 promotes water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystems while requiring little or no irrigation. Many homeowners in HOAs want to replace their lawn and save water, but are deterred by obscure HOA approval processes. The bill streamlines this by requiring HOAs to select and pre-approve water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from, as an alternative to getting HOA permission for their own design. “As extreme weather events like wildfires and droughts become more frequent because of climate change, it’s important that we do everything we can to make private, commercial, and industrial properties more resilient,” said Jaquez Lewis, sponsor of HB23-1005 and SB23-178. “HB23-1005 expands and streamlines the successful C-PACE program, so more properties in Colorado can prepare for natural disasters while reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, SB23-178 makes it easier for Colorado homeowners to replace their water-guzzling lawns with water-wise landscapes, allowing us to drastically cut down on overall water usage while maintaining beautiful, unique yards natural to Colorado's climate.” “Until now, many Coloradans living in HOAs were not allowed to replace their water-intensive lawns with native drought-tolerant landscaping,” said Lindsay. “Under this new law, HOAs must allow for drought-tolerant landscaping options in their homeowner requirements – which is a win-win for water conservation and saving Coloradans money.” HB23-1005 , sponsored by Sens. Jaquez Lewis, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, helps protect Colorado's environment and conserve water resources by expanding project eligibility and streamlining the financing process so more commercial properties in Colorado can take advantage of the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments. “This new law modernizes the successful C-PACE program so more businesses and builders can access financing to improve the resilience and efficiency of their commercial properties,” said Titone. “By expanding this favorable financing tool, more businesses can make eco-friendly infrastructure upgrades, such as high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems.” “We know many commercial building owners and developers want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to support measures that invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and improve Colorado’s sustainability for years to come.” “It will soon be easier for commercial property owners in Colorado to improve the efficiency of their buildings,” said Willford. “Our law enhances and expands the widely-used, successful C-PACE program that’s catalyzed hundreds of millions of dollars of commercial property upgrades to reduce their energy usage. As we push to meet our statewide climate goals, it is important our businesses have the tools they need to invest in eco-friendly, cost-saving infrastructure.” HB23-1060 , sponsored by Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, invests $5 million in Colorado’s forestry and wildfire mitigation workforce and tree nursery to more effectively mitigate and recover from wildfire destruction. “For the past several years we’ve experienced the devastating impacts of wildfires in our state, affecting our lives, homes, health, watersheds and economy,” said Cutter. “The increase in frequency and intensity of these events is a direct result of escalating climate change. Over the past several years, we've worked hard to provide resources for mitigation and suppression, but have lacked the workforce to properly deploy these resources. This legislation builds on that progress to provide a more robust forestry workforce.” “Healthy, robust forests help us mitigate the devastation caused by wildfires,” Story said. “This new law will fund critical upgrades at the State Forest Service’s tree nursery to update the facilities and increase the number of seedlings to repair and replant forests devastated by wildfires. This will help stabilize watersheds and preserve critical natural ecosystems across our state.” Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 EXUM DELIVERING RESULTS FOR COLORADO SPRINGS Two Exum bills to protect firefighters and our most vulnerable headed to Gov’s Desk (May 2) – The House sent two bipartisan bills sponsored by Rep. Tony Exum to the Governor’s desk. “As a former battalion chief, we often used the material during training and this toxic material increased the health concerns of my fellow firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate the drinking water of the surrounding communities. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters who fight for us and protect the health of people in our communities.” HB19-1279 was unanimously approved. The bill will protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to expand the benefits and eligibility for the Property, Tax, Rent, Heat Credit program (PTC Rebate) is also headed to the Governor’s desk. “This program helps keep some of Colorado’s most vulnerable families and individuals warm and secure in their own homes. This program can help keep people safe and potentially save a life when temperatures plummet,” Rep. Exum said. This program, within the Department of Revenue, provides property tax, rental, fuel and heat assistance to seniors over the age of 65, those with disabilities and surviving spouses over the age of 58. This bill expands these benefits and eligibility for the PTC rebate program. The bill passed the House last session but was blocked in the previously Republican-controlled Senate. HB19-1085 passed with a bipartisan vote of 43-20. The bill was approved in the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 29-6. Previous Next

< Back May 30, 2019 ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARD ENSURING PAID FAMILY LEAVE: GOV SIGNS FAMLI BILL INTO LAW (May 30) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Matt Gray and Rep. Monica Duran’s bill, SB19-188 Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), that will ensure a seamless implementation of the best possible FAMLI policy for Coloradans. “There is consensus across all political spectrums that paid leave should be a reality,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Denver. “This new law is the biggest next step we can take and look forward to taking bigger ones in the future that will help make life better for the majority of workers in our state who don’t have access to paid leave.” “After I escaped domestic violence to keep my son safe, I lost a job and a home. I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in position to make a difference and be a voice for others, I would,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This law will help offer safe leave. Whether you’re a server, a nurse, a fast food worker, or a lawyer, you should have access to paid leave. The plan creates an outline and execution schedule that lays the groundwork for the implementation of a strong, robust paid family leave policy for Colorado workers and businesses by 2024. Over 90 percent of Coloradans don’t have access to leave to care for a sick loved-one or a newborn. The implementation plan is comprised of a number of analyses that will ensure the program is administered efficiently, effectively, and fiscally responsible, including: A family and medical leave implementation task force, which will be appointed by July 1, 2019 . A report prepared for the taskforce with results from a third-party study and recommendations from experts in the field by October 1, 2019 . An independent actuarial analysis completed by December 1, 2019 . The implementation plan also requires an analysis of the feasibility of contracting with a third party to administer parts of the program as an alternative to administration by the state. The plan does not change the timeline for when Coloradans can start receiving benefits from the program. These analyses will assist in the preparation of legislation in the 2020 legislative session establishing paid family leave in Colorado. Following the establishment of the program, education and outreach will begin on January 1, 2022, the funding stream will be established on January 1, 2023 and benefits will be provided beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill does require that the General Assembly grant permission for implementation of the program by legislation. Eighty eight percent of Coloradans do not have access to paid family leave, and even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is inaccessible for 64 percent of working people. That means most Coloradans do not have time off to recover from a serious illness, to care for a sick family member or to welcome the birth of a child. They are often forced to choose between their jobs or taking care of sick loved one. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 ALL ABOARD! FRONT RANGE RAIL FRAMEWORK LEAVES THE STATION House passes bill to establish the framework for the development of Front Range Rail DENVER, CO– The House today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Rep. Matt Gray’s bill to lay the groundwork for the development of a passenger rail to connect Colorado from our Northern to our Southern borders. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “This bill ensures that Colorado has a framework in place to take advantage of federal transportation funds efficiently and effectively,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Developing a passenger rail system from our Northern to our Southern border will keep Colorado connected and improve our state’s economy for years to come. I’m proud that the House voted to set in motion a project that has been a Southern Colorado priority for years.” “Colorado is in dire need of more and better transportation options to keep our state competitive and connected,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Front Range Rail has the potential to revitalize economies across the front range, improve congestion on our state’s highways and lower our state’s emissions. The bill we passed today gets us one step closer to making this vision a reality.” SB21-238 would create the Front Range Passenger Rail District and tasks it with conducting the necessary research, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the Front Range Rail system, which would connect Coloradans living and working along the I-25 corridor. The bill outlines funding options, and authorizes the District to pursue a sales and use tax that would be subject to voter approval. The District would be overseen by a board of directors that would be instructed to work closely with RTD and Amtrak to ensure the passenger rail and transit systems are compatible and work well for travelers. The bill ensures Colorado will be in position to benefit from the federal government’s proposed investment in railroad development. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. < Back April 16, 2025 Bills to Make it Easier to Cancel Automatic Renewals, Support Families with Newborns in the NICU Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. “Coloradans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to be able to cancel a subscription,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-145. “When ‘free trials’ turn into unbreakable contracts, consumers suffer. This legislation would simplify the process for Coloradans to cancel subscriptions, including online options, to avoid unwanted charges and save Coloradans time and money.” “Too many companies are using complicated cancellation processes to trap consumers into contracts with costly charges,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB25-145 and SB25-144. “From Netflix and Amazon Prime to gym memberships, subscription services are prevalent in our daily lives. This legislation would make it a deceptive trade practice to purposefully make subscription cancellations difficult, saving Coloradans money on services they no longer find useful.” SB25-145 would require sellers of goods and services to implement simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel automatic renewal contracts and trial periods either online or in person. Failure to do so would constitute a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. SB25-145 passed by a vote of 7-5. “Having a child in the NICU is one of the most terrifying moments as a parent, and the last thing they should be worried about is having to choose between spending time with their child in the hospital and keeping their jobs,” continued Zokaie. “I got involved in politics to fight for a paid family leave, as I had to work from the hospital when my baby was sick in the NICU. Extending FAMLI for families in the NICU is a no-brainer, and I am proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado families.” SB25-144 , which passed by a vote of 9-3, would allow parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks while the child is receiving care. “The FAMLI Insurance program has given Colorado families much-needed time away from the office to take care of sick loved ones or bond with new additions to the family without worrying about how they’re going to pay the bills,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-144. “We know that parent engagement while their newborn is in the NICU is crucial for development and attachment. This bill would extend FAMLI benefits up to 12 weeks for families in the NICU so they can focus on what matters most - the health of their child.” The bill would also modify the premiums for the FAMLI program to reduce the current rate of 0.9 percent of wages per employee to 0.88 percent for the next calendar year. For each subsequent year, the FAMLI division director is required to set the premium rate to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in the November 2020 election, creating the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative to provide Colorado families 12 weeks of paid leave. Some families are allowed up to 16 weeks of leave in certain cases. To date, the FAMLI program has paid out an average weekly benefit payment of $915 to cover 155,000 Coloradans for medical leave, parental leave, caretaking, safe leave for survivors of domestic violence and military family leave. The average leave duration is over 51 days. A 2019 report found that parent presence in the NICU decreases stress and pain, strengthens parent-child attachment and improves brain development. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. < Back May 24, 2024 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers Becomes Law ALAMOSA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. “With the help of this law, we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.” “As Colorado continues to face drought, we must ensure we’re balancing the needs of our agricultural industry with stewardship practices that benefit the environment,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law creates tax credits that will help improve soil health and water efficiency while supporting Colorado’s family farms and ranches. I’m proud to see this bipartisan policy – one of many we passed this year to support rural Colorado and our agriculture industry – signed into law today.” HB24-1249 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, creates a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch. Under this law, farmers and ranchers are eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are: Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000, Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to repeal Colorado’s statewide prohibition on rent stabilization, allowing local governments to use additional tools to address housing affordability in their communities. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. < Back February 27, 2023 House Passes Bill to Lift Statewide Ban on Rent Stabilization DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to repeal Colorado’s statewide prohibition on rent stabilization, allowing local governments to use additional tools to address housing affordability in their communities. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “Skyrocketing rents are making it harder and harder for Coloradans to afford to live here while limiting their ability to save for homeownership,” Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver . “As an eviction defense and housing attorney, I’ve had clients kicked out of their homes because they can’t afford their rapidly increasing rent, despite working two full-time jobs. Giving local governments the ability to use rent stabilization measures will save Coloradans money on housing, reduce displacement, and help address our state’s housing crisis.” “Rural communities like mine are struggling to keep up with the increasing cost of living, with educators, first responders, and hospitality workers being priced out of their homes, impeding their ability to serve their community,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs . “Solving our statewide housing crisis looks different on the Western Slope than it does on the Front Range. This bill would lift the statewide ban on rent stabilization, giving our rural areas the power to choose which tools work best for their community.” In 1981, the Colorado legislature passed a statewide rent stabilization ban, prohibiting local governments from enacting measures that would address how much rents could increase year to year. HB23-1115 would repeal the statewide ban, allowing local governments to have the choice to implement rent stabilization measures to make housing more affordable and reduce the tide of Coloradans being displaced from their communities. Data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the US Census Bureau show that counties with rent stabilization policies in place do not see lower housing development rates than counties without them. For example, Hudson County, New Jersey, which has rent stabilization, saw 51 permits per 1,000 residents between 2010-2018. In comparison, Pueblo, Jefferson, Boulder, and Arapahoe counties had fewer permits per 1,000 residents during the same time period. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2022 BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON FERTILITY TREATMENTS PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to save Coloradans money on fertility treatments today passed the House on Third Reading and final passage. HB22-1008, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Matt Soper, would ensure insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment passed by a vote of 45 to 20. “We are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on starting or growing their family by expanding health care coverage to include fertility treatments and diagnosis,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper D-Lakewood. “For many families around Colorado, the high cost of fertility and reproductive health care is often a financial barrier for starting a family. This bill aims to break down those barriers by making fertility diagnosis and treatment more affordable.” HB22-1008 would update legislation passed in 2020 to ensure that insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the revised bill language would implement coverage requirements for fertility treatment to take place under some Colorado health care plans, with coverage extending to all Colorado health plans pending a decision from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their families. If passed, HB22-1008 would save Coloradans money by covering fertility treatments in large employer plans beginning January 1, 2023. It also applies to individual and small group policies within a 12-month decision from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Previous Next