< Back May 25, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: COMPREHENSIVE FENTANYL BILL SIGNED INTO LAW Bipartisan legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions to save lives DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed comprehensive, bipartisan legislation sponsored by House Speaker Alec Garnett and Senators Brittany Pettersen and John Cooke to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. “This law is a bold response deploying both public safety and public health approaches to combat Colorado’s fentanyl crisis and save countless lives from this deadly drug,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This comprehensive plan cracks down on dealers peddling this poison in our communities and invests in proven public health strategies to prevent overdoses and deaths. For months, we worked with law enforcement, public health experts, Democrats and Republicans to craft this law, and it’s a major step forward toward saving lives.” “We are in the third wave of the opioid epidemic and in the worst overdose crisis in the history of this country. Fentanyl is the drug of choice for the cartels because it’s potent, cheap and easy to traffic,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood . “We need to go after the dealers who are poisoning our communities and provide training and resources to better equip law enforcement to investigate fentanyl poisonings while increasing access to desperately needed treatment and life-saving harm reduction tools. This law is about saving lives with a comprehensive public health and public safety approach, and will complement the work we’re doing to fix our broken behavioral health system throughout Colorado.” HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on individuals who are distributing fentanyl and bringing it into our state. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to help ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl – fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances – which is by far the most prominent form of fentanyl found in Colorado. It will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with substance use disorders. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill also gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Behavioral Health Administration in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. HB22-1326 makes it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture while creating legal guardrails for individuals who genuinely did not know they were in possession of this deadly drug. The new language says that if a defendant can successfully argue that they made “a reasonable mistake of fact,” then they will be sentenced with the lesser charge – a level one drug misdemeanor rather than a felony. The new felony, which is not prison eligible, also includes what is known as a “wobbler” provision that allows individuals who successfully complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. Additionally, once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill turns on a no tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. Finally, the legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings. This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address the root causes of fentanyl use and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this extremely potent drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Transformational Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. This money will be used to buy and distribute fentanyl testing strips and Naloxone, a life-saving opiate antagonist that helps prevent overdose deaths; boost funding to harm reduction community programs across the state; and expand medication assisted treatment in jails to get people the help they need to get back on track. The bill will also provide additional funding to crisis stabilization and detoxification centers. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl, so the State of Colorado can reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of this critical issue. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 ANTI-DOXXING LEGISLATION PASSES COMMITTEE Bills would protect public health workers and employees in the Department of Corrections DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to prevent the doxxing of public health workers, law enforcement officials, and employees and contractors of the Department of Corrections. HB21-1107 , sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for public health workers. Currently, it is unlawful to post on the internet the personal information of a law enforcement official, if that information poses an imminent and serious threat to the official or the official’s family. HB21-1107, which passed today by a vote of 11-0, would add the same protections for public health workers. “Public health workers have been on the frontlines keeping Coloradans safe through this unprecedented crisis, but many have faced harassment and death threats with reckless individuals even posting their addresses and personal information on the internet,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “It’s time we stand up and say with one clear voice that we will not tolerate actions that threaten our public health officials and their families. Too many have quit their jobs after threats during this pandemic, and passing this basic set of privacy protections will help us retain the officials we depend on during crises like COVID-19.” HB21-1015 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, would create anti-doxxing protections for employees at the Department of Corrections. The bill would add dissemination of personal information that poses a serious risk to a Department of Corrections employee or their family to Colorado’s existing anti-doxxing statutes. The bill passed 11-0. “Department of Corrections employees and their families must be protected from people who would wish to cause them harm by posting their personal information online, and that’s what this bill would do,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This simple change will mean more of our state employees who work every day to keep Colorado safer will now also feel safe at home.” Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2019 REP. SINGER’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECTION CASEWORKERS UNANIMOUSLY PASSED HOUSE (Mar. 12) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, to protect the personal information of caseworkers that work in child abuse and neglect cases unanimously passed the House. “This bill protects the people who serve as frontline first responders to protect our kids,” said Rep. Singer, chair of the House Public Health Care & Human Services committee. “When these caseworkers are trying to raise their own families and get calls at 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning to stand up for vulnerable children, they need a line of defense. This bill will ensure they receive the dignity and respect that their profession deserves.” HB19-1197 makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly put the personal information of a caseworker or their family on the internet if the information poses an imminent or serious threat to the safety of the caseworker or their family. This bill is to address the issue that child protection caseworkers sometimes face with threats against them or their families related to their duties. This protection will also extend to county attorneys who engage in legal action against those charged with child abuse and neglect. Rep. Singer’s bill would also require state or local government officials to deny a request for inspection of these caseworkers under the Colorado Open Records Act, which would serve the same purpose as prohibiting posting the person’s information online. Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, is a co-prime sponsor on this bill. HB19-1197 unanimously passed the House. It now heads to the Senate. Rep. Singer has an extensive background in social work, having served for nearly a decade with child protection and family services in Boulder County. Previous Next

The House today passed HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. < Back August 28, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Responsibly Reduce Property Taxes and Protect Colorado’s Future Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. “We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and with this bill we’re delivering additional property tax relief in a responsible way while protecting funding for our schools, parks, libraries and community institutions,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Two initiatives from wealthy special interests on the November ballot would de-fund schools, lengthen emergency response times, and strip health care away from our most vulnerable Coloradans. Stopping these measures with small changes to the bipartisan property tax package from last session is a win for Colorado, our schools and local governments.” Democrats have stepped up to avoid steep property tax hikes and are leading a multi-year effort to deliver meaningful relief while protecting critical funding for schools and local services. In May, the General Assembly passed SB24-233 by a vote 92-8 to responsibly reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion, prevent future spikes in property taxes, and protect critical services that Coloradans rely on. HB24B-1001 makes minor adjustments to SB24-233 in order to avoid devastating ballot measures from wealthy special interests. Irresponsible ballot measures would reduce revenue for public schools, fire departments, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, and public outdoor recreation by nearly $3 billion. If passed, they would risk the major strides Colorado Democrats have made to boost public education funding and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor and would lead to draconian cuts to fire response and public safety. HB24B-1001 reduces property taxes in a responsible way while protecting funding for crucial institutions, especially Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Using SB24-233 as the baseline, the bipartisan bill reduces assessment rates and lowers the revenue caps, but includes significant new flexibility for schools districts and local governments by allowing them to retain revenue above the growth cap if in the prior assessment cycle, they did not reach the cap. The House also adopted an amendment to direct the Property Tax Commission to evaluate the property tax changes made in SB24-233 and HB24B-1001 and report on how Colorado’s tax code does or does not deliver relief to the people who need it the most. Residential Assessment Rates (RARs) Depending on the growth in assessed valuation (AV) between property tax years 2024 and 2025, there are two options for adjustments to RARs: *RARs and value exemptions apply to and stack with the Senior Homestead Exemption. Nonresidential and Personal Property Assessment Rates Nonresidential assessment rates and exemptions are for both schools and local governments. Oil, gas and producing mines remain excluded from this classification. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to reduce the cost of housing, health care, and child care. In the 2024 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed new laws that will provide two years of free college , reduce evictions , and boost the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Previous Next

HB23B-1001 will provide $30 million in additional funding to existing rental assistance programs < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Support Renters and Reduce Evictions Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Legislation that will boost rental assistance and prevent evictions for Coloradans was signed into law today. Sponsored by Reps. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, HB23B-1001 allocates $30 million for rental assistance through the existing Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) administered by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), increasing the statewide assistance to a total of $65 million, which includes $35 million from previously allocated federal funds. The program will serve individuals who are residential tenants living in Colorado, have a household income less than 80 percent of Area Median Income and are at risk of eviction or displacement. “Rental assistance keeps Coloradans housed, landlords paid, and helps combat cycles of poverty, homelessness and family disruption,” said Herod. “Coloradans need help now, and I’m beyond proud of this legislation that will prevent thousands of evictions across our state. This law invests an additional $30 million in emergency rental assistance, bringing the statewide total to $65 million to keep renters housed. We’re doing more to protect our most vulnerable families as we work toward more long-term affordability solutions.” “The housing crisis is impacting us all, and we must utilize every opportunity to help out hardworking renters," said Gonzales. “We hear Coloradans loud and clear: we love our state, but the rising cost of living and housing is making it hard for working folks to get by — both for homeowners and renters. I am proud to see my bill to direct $30 million in rental assistance to keep Coloradans housed and provide responsible relief to support Coloradans who need it most get signed into law.” “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and this law will help thousands of renters avoid eviction and get back on their feet,” said Lindsay. “The need for rental assistance is clear as evictions rise in our state. This law takes action today to provide an additional $30 million total emergency rental assistance, bringing the statewide total to $65 million. More than 34-percent of those living in our state are renters, and this law steps in to provide assistance and keep Coloradans housed in the communities where they live, play and work.” “Renters in my district are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living and continual rent increases,” Buckner said. “Allocating additional funding for proven successful rental assistance programs means more Coloradans will stay housed. While we continue to work on long term solutions to lower housing costs and reduce evictions, this is a critical way we can get immediate relief directly to the families that need it most.” Evictions are on the rise in Colorado. This year alone, 43,899 evictions have been filed according to state courts and Denver County court filing data, threatening the housing of more than 100,000 people across the state. Under ERAP, tenants who apply through DOLA are then connected to a nonprofit partner within their area that can provide direct assistance. Rental assistance dollars may be used to pay for: overdue past rent, rent presently owed, up to two months of future rent, utility bills, late fees, costs associated with preventing an eviction such as court costs and reasonable attorney fees, and relocation costs like security deposits if a tenant has already been evicted. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation to standardize drug overdose education in Colorado’s public high schools. < Back March 20, 2025 House Education Committee Passes Bill to Keep Students Safe and Combat Overdoses in School DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to standardize drug overdose education in Colorado’s public high schools. HB25-1293 is bipartisan and aims to keep students informed and safe. “Overdoses are preventable, and this bill works to ensure our schools and students have the educational resources and naloxone they need to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “This bipartisan bill builds upon previous legislative efforts to combat overdoses in schools and keep students safe. By standardizing drug overdose education in our public schools, we can help keep our high schoolers and teachers informed and prepared for what to do in the case of an overdose. We’re focused on preventing overdoses, and if this education requirement saves even one student, it will be worth it.” HB25-1293 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards regarding drug overdose education in schools. If signed into law, the bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt health education standards for 9th through 12th grades in public schools on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response by 2028 or earlier depending on the funding fulfillment of the bill. The goal of HB25-1293 is to standardize Colorado’s public school response to drug overdose, spread prevention awareness and save student’s lives. Colorado lawmakers have made strides to help prevent youth overdoses in schools. Last year, a bipartisan group of legislators championed a law that made opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to eliminate arbitrary caps on building new housing that drive up costs for families in order to save people money on housing, improve our environment and increase our housing supply. < Back April 21, 2023 House Advances Bill to Reduce the Cost of Housing DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to eliminate arbitrary caps on building new housing that drive up costs for families in order to save people money on housing, improve our environment and increase our housing supply. “Colorado’s housing shortage is pushing Coloradans out of their communities and increasing commutes that worsen our already poor air quality,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Allowing more housing not only helps Coloradans find homes in their communities, but it is often more energy efficient, creates more walkable communities, and prevents towns from sprawling into open space. Eliminating arbitrary growth caps will save people money on housing and build more homes for Coloradans of all incomes.” “When one locality enacts blanket growth limits, it shifts housing pressure onto neighboring communities to keep up with the growing population,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “By ensuring people will receive fair consideration for new housing permits, we can help meet Coloradans' housing needs. This bill will improve affordability and reduce commute times, reducing pollution and allowing Coloradans to live closer to their jobs, schools, and loved ones." HB23-1255 would prevent local governments from enacting and enforcing housing growth restrictions that limit housing development to a certain number of building permits or approvals without a transparent process and fair consideration of a proposal’s merits. Under the bill, local governments would not be required to accept any specific developments or projects, but they would not be able to reject a proposal simply due to an arbitrary growth cap. There are exceptions to the prohibition in cases of a declared disaster emergency and for the purpose of updating land use plans and laws or acquiring public infrastructure or water resources. This bill was introduced alongside SB23-213 in March 2023 with Governor Jared Polis, climate champions, local government officials, economic development organizations, labor groups, and housing affordability advocates to announce Colorado’s plan to address the statewide housing crisis. The bills aim to create more housing supply for every budget so Coloradans can afford to stay in their communities without being priced out. These policies also improve air quality, protect open space, conserve water, create jobs and help local communities plan for future growth. Previous Next

< Back October 19, 2021 MICHAELSON JENET STATEMENT ON “NATIONAL EMERGENCY” IN CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH DENVER, CO – Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet released the following statement in response to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) coming together to declare a national emergency in children’s mental health, citing the serious toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of existing challenges. “America’s young people had enough to worry about before a global pandemic upended the way we live, learn and work. As the leading experts in youth mental health have now declared, our children are in the midst of a full-blown behavioral health crisis,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Chair of the House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee. “I’m proud to say that, in Colorado, we’ve worked to confront this crisis head-on. This year, as part of our Colorado Comeback state stimulus package, we provided free mental health screenings and therapy sessions for our state’s youth, and are currently working on ways to make transformational investments in our state’s behavioral health system using federal relief dollars. Investing in the mental health of our young Coloradans could not be more important. As my colleagues and I continue the critical work of meeting our childrens’ behavioral health needs, I strongly encourage policymakers in Washington and around the country to do the same.” Previous Next

< Back September 20, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC GROWTH TO CONTINUE IN COLORADO; YET INVESTMENTS CONSTRAINED JBC Dems, Speaker highlight need for critical investments in K-12, higher education, and transportation infrastructure DENVER, CO — Members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today received the September quarterly budget forecasts, which once again predicts continued, but slowing, economic expansion in Colorado, wage growth, and an unemployment rate that is well below the national average. Revenue caps continue to constrain the ability of the state to fully invest in critical priorities like education and transportation infrastructure. The projections from economists in both the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly anticipate slower growth in state revenues due to the economic slowdown triggered by the Trump Administration’s trade war and a tight labor market. These conditions may lead to slower growth in critical sectors of the state’s economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and our outdoor recreation economy. “We made critical investments this past legislative session to make healthcare more affordable, invest in education, and support hardworking Coloradans. Given that many of these investments are long-term commitments and that TABOR refunds are predicted for the foreseeable future, we need to be cautious in how we continue to make investments to support Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “However, the constraints imposed by TABOR caps may change depending on what Coloradans decide this fall when Prop CC is on the ballot.” “I’m cautiously optimistic about the strength of our state’s overall economy, and I remain committed to building an economy that works for all Coloradans in all corners of the state,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m glad to see that the economic success of Colorado is now being seen in most areas of the state, but it’s a shame that policies at the federal level are threatening the financial security of Colorado’s working families, small businesses and agricultural and manufacturing sectors primarily in rural areas. “As Colorado’s economy and population continue to grow, it’s a shame that the full benefits of our state’s economic success can’t be invested in key priorities due to arbitrary revenue caps,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “It makes no sense that at a time when our economy is growing and revenue is increasing, our schools continue to be severely underfunded, our students bear too large a share of college expenses, and our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.” “I am proud of all that we accomplished this legislative session for hardworking Coloradans families while protecting the state’s finances. Given the forecasts presented this morning, it is clear that we need to think pragmatically and carefully examine our budget restrictions so that we can make fiscally responsible investments with our limited dollars,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I will continue to work across the aisle to make smart investments that have the biggest impact on Coloradans in every corner of the state.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast shows the General Fund is projected to end FY18-19 with $428.3 million above the Referendum C cap. The LCS report estimates that revenue will be over the Ref C Cap by $264.3 million in FY19-20, and by $142.9 million in FY20-21. The OSPB forecast shows revenue expected to exceed the Referendum C cap by $428.3 million in FY18-19, by $348.1 million in FY19-20, and $551.6 million in FY20-21. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! GOVERNOR SIGNS BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP COLORADANS WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS GET TREATMENT, NOT PUNISHMENT DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed bipartisan legislation into law today that would expand a pretrial diversion program to help more Coloradans with behavioral health conditions get the treatment they need. The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, as well as Representatives Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. SB22-010 will empower District Attorneys to divert eligible individuals away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs, reducing recidivism and preventing further criminal behavior. “A jail cell is no place for someone with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Diverting folks away from the criminal justice system and into community programs will ensure individuals in crisis are met with treatment, not punishment,” said Lee . “Expanding our existing pretrial diversion program to include individuals with behavioral health disorders means we’ll soon be able to extend critical aid to even more folks in need. “ “Coloradans with serious mental health conditions or substance use disorders need treatment, not jail time,” said Benavidez . “I am thankful Governor Polis signed our bill into law that will help break the recidivism cycle so Coloradans can receive care instead of waiting behind bars. We need to intervene early to address Colorado’s escalating behavioral health crisis and this bill expands our pretrial diversion program to connect Coloradans with the lifesaving care they need.” “Coloradans can spend years in jail awaiting critical care, and during that time, their behavioral health deteriorates,” said Amabile. “This law expands our state’s pretrial diversion program so Coloradans with mental illness or substance use disorders can receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Community treatment programs are some of the best tools we have to improve behavioral health outcomes, and our law directs Coloradans toward treatment instead of jail.” Previous Next

Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. < Back September 5, 2024 Rep. Froelich Speaks at Rally to Protect Children, Encourage Family Court Reform DENVER, CO – Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. “Over the years, we’ve passed significant legislation to reform Colorado’s family court system so it prioritizes survivors of domestic violence and child abuse,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Today’s rally serves as a reminder that we have a long way to go to achieve justice for survivors and protect our children. I strongly encourage our justices, judges and magistrates to not only inform themselves on the trauma associated with domestic violence, including the damage done by forced reunification therapy but to put survivors' needs first. We will continue to fight for a future where family court works to protect survivors instead of re-traumatizing them again and again.” “When it comes to Colorado’s family court system, we need to ensure it’s working for the survivors and families – not the abusive parent,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This year we passed a new law that requires child and family investigators and evaluators to serve in the best interest of the child and we will keep working to reform our family court system until it serves survivors first.” This session, Reps. Froelich and Story, sponsored HB24-1350 , which requires child and family investigators and evaluators to provide options that serve the best interest of the child and provides court personnel in domestic violence and child abuse cases with training opportunities to recognizing coercive control. Rep. Story was also in attendance at today’s rally. Rep. Froelich has played an integral role in redefining and updating state laws to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and child abuse in family court. This includes recent legislation to restrict forced reunification therapy, which can re-traumatize children and families who have experienced abuse. Additionally, Rep. Froelich championed HB23-1178 , which created new requirements for family courts to recognize and respond to child abuse and domestic violence as well as make custody decisions that prioritize child safety and HB21-1228 which increased domestic violence training requirements for court personnel regularly involved in cases related to domestic violence. The rally was sparked by a recent family court case in Larimer County. Rep. Froelich and more than a dozen state lawmakers signed on to a letter urging Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez to take action to address some of the flaws in Colorado’s family court system, including protecting children from re-traumatization through reunification when it is not in the best interest of the child. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 LOBBYING TRANSPARENCY ACT SIGNED BY GOV Cutter and Weissman bill will increase reporting requirements (May 20) – Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to improve lobbyist transparency was signed into law today. This new law will increase the reporting requirements for lobbyists. “Recent reports show that special interests spent over $30 million to lobby the legislature. That’s an exorbitant amount of money. The danger of this is that it gives lobbyist access and influence that the general public doesn’t have,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “If money equals speech, then the public deserves to know where that money is coming from.” HB19-1248 requires more frequent reporting of relevant information by professional lobbyists, clarifies that lobbyists that are also attorneys are not privy to attorney-client confidentiality, and it clarifies that a professional lobbyist must disclose who their ultimate client is, i.e., disclose the name of the client who employs or retains the professional services of the lobbyist. “We as elected officials serve as guardians and protectors of the public trust. There is not a tremendous amount of public trust in political processes right now,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This new law will bring commonsense transparency to lobbying practices at the capitol.” Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, is the Senate co-prime sponsor of the new law. ### Previous Next