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< Back May 10, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND PEACE OFFICER MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM PASSES Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bill to expand the successful peace officers behavioral health support grant program passes house on third reading DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bipartisan bill to modify the existing peace officer mental health grant program to expand and enhance community based law enforcement response efforts. The bill passed by a vote of 57-6. “Expanding the Peace Officer Mental Health Grant Program to include a focus on co-responder and community partnership programs is responsive to the many behavioral health and social services needs we are seeing in Colorado’s communities,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s important that we diversify the tools available to create a continuum of responses for individuals in crisis and connect them to the support they deserve. Expanding this grant program will do just that.” The Peace Officer Mental Health Grant program provides financial assistance to law enforcement agencies for services such as counseling and mental health support for peace officers, on-scene response services to support peace officers’ handling of people with behavioral health issues, use of force training, and more. HB21-1030 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, removes the grant program’s repeal date and expands the allowable uses of the grant funds to include on-scene responses for social service needs in addition to mental health, meaning responders could direct individuals toward help with housing, food insecurity and more. The program will continue to fund direct mental health support services for peace officers and will open up additional opportunities for collaborative responses to calls for service between public safety entities and community-based providers. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2021 U VISA CERTIFICATION BILL PASSES DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Iman Jodeh’s bill to standardize statewide protocols for U Visa certifications and ensure that all victims in Colorado eligible for the visa are treated fairly passed the House on third reading by a vote of 41-23. “The U Visa was created by Congress to promote safe communities and cooperation between immigrant victims of crime and law enforcement,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Unfortunately, confusion and delays in the process have left already vulnerable victims of crime in perilous and uncertain circumstances. This simple bill would streamline the process to make sure that eligible immigrants get the timely answers and peace of mind they deserve.” “Between their status as crime victims and the requirement that they cooperate with law enforcement when they may be reluctant to, U Visa eligible immigrants are among the most vulnerable among us,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The least we can do is make sure they aren’t left in the dark by providing them a timely answer on their certification form. This bill will achieve just that.” The U Visa was created for victims of certain crimes who have suffered harm and are being helpful to law enforcement in the investigation of the crime. To apply for a U Visa, an immigrant victim needs certification forms signed by law enforcement verifying they meet requirements. Currently, law enforcement jurisdictions have broad discretion in handling these requests with few reporting requirements or deadlines to respond to requests. This has resulted in some agencies simply not responding, or very delayed response times, and a general lack of clarity, leaving applicants in a state of increased insecurity and vulnerability. HB21-1060 would streamline the application process and set time limits for certifying agencies to either sign or decline to sign the U Visa certification form. The bill would also set additional protections regarding the disclosure of the personal information of immigrants, and would request that annual reports be presented. Finally, the bill also requires that information regarding the U Visa be provided to victims of qualifying crimes. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2023 Bills to Advance Climate Goals Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee passed two bills to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition and save consumers money on their energy bills. HB23-1161 and HB23-1210 are part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “Colorado is leading the way on clean energy as we develop new tools to reduce our emissions and save families money,” said Chair of the Energy & Environment committee, Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill updates Colorado’s energy and water efficiency standards for household fixtures so Coloradans have access to the cleanest, greenest devices that reduce their utility bills, save water and improve indoor air quality. Our legislation is part of a broader package to meet our state’s climate goals, reduce harmful emissions and invest in renewable energy sources that create jobs and lower costs for Coloradans.” “Coloradans are invested in our state’s transition to clean energy, and this bill makes it easier for them to obtain high-efficiency and cost-effective household appliances,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill ensures we are stretching our precious energy and water resources as far as they can go by updating standards so consumers benefit from the latest technology. Through this and other bills moving through the legislature, Colorado Democrats are committed to putting forward smart policies that are good for the planet and our wallets.” HB23-1161 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update energy and water efficiency and emissions standards for appliances and fixtures. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access the cleanest high-performance models of appliances, including heating and plumbing fixtures. “This bill will create funding and develop a strategic plan to manage one of the biggest climate change culprits – carbon dioxide,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1210 . “Colorado has many innovative thinkers and emerging technologies surrounding carbon capture, removal, use, and storage. This bill strategically positions our state to be a global leader in carbon management. We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step to combat climate change and boost the economy." HB23-1210 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The bill will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land. HB25-1169, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Bosenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 40-23. < Back March 17, 2025 ‘YIGBY’ Bill to Increase Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land . HB25-1169, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Bosenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 40-23. “This bill helps build more affordable housing across Colorado to create more options that people can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Faith-based organizations across the state have already shown interest in offering housing on their property to low-income and houseless Coloradans. This is a meaningful solution that will help build more housing now and save Coloradans money.” “Coloradans deserve housing options that they can afford,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Land is one of the biggest cost drivers when it comes to building housing, and our legislation helps alleviate these costs by cutting red tape so religious institutions and schools can lean in and help address the housing shortage. This bill provides essential protections against discrimination so that the housing created will be available to all regardless of religious affiliation. This is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce housing costs and keep Coloradans safely housed.” Beginning December 31, 2026, HB25-1169 would allow faith-based organizations, school districts, and state colleges or universities to build housing and other community services on their land, regardless of current zoning laws. Under the bill, local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the standards of the zoning district or standards that apply to contiguous parcels. Additionally, local governments could not restrict the construction based on the number of units, with some exceptions. Local governments could not apply standards that are more restrictive than the standards that they apply to similar housing developments in their jurisdictions relating to structure setbacks from property lines, lot coverage or open space, on-site parking requirements, number of bedrooms in a multi-family residential development, or on-site landscaping, screening, and buffering requirements. If zoning allows, these residential developments could also include child care centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services. Local governments would have the right to restrict these centers and facilities to the ground floor and limit them to 15-percent of the structures in the residential development. California passed a law in 2023 that makes it easier for higher education and religious institutions to build housing on their land, opening up over 170,000 acres of land to be developed into affordable housing or other uses. A church in Washington D.C., built 99 units for low-income families in addition to amenities like office space, a gym, and a culinary arts training program. An Atlanta church plans to build 300 affordable housing units , two schools, and 10,000 square feet of new retail space on their property. The 2023 Population Summary Report from the state demographer stated that housing grew in Colorado by 45,500 units while the population grew by 36,000 in 2023. A recent Denver Post article reported that Denver rents fell 1.5-percent from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 due to new housing units doubling the typical pace in recent years. They also noted that Denver renters are paying 3.5-percent less when the 2-percent annual rate of inflation is taken into account. Previous Next

< Back January 1, 2023 Garnett: Serving in the House Has Been the Honor of a Lifetime DENVER, CO – Speaker Alec Garnett today formally submitted his letter of resignation from the House, effective January 1, 2023. He will begin serving as Governor Jared Polis’ chief of staff on Monday. Majority Leader Daneya Esgar will assume the role of Speaker and serve in that position until January 9, 2023. “Serving in the House and as Speaker has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The most important lesson I learned is that government works and Colorado is well served by the amazing women and men in the legislature. I will always hold close to my heart the memories and relationships I’ve built while serving, and I wish all current and future legislators the best of luck as they tackle the challenges of the day. “I want to thank the nonpartisan staff who work equally hard to carry out the essential functions of government. Colorado owes you a debt of gratitude. To my family, thank you for letting me carry out my duties and for always supporting me and standing by my side. I hope I made you proud.” Speaker Garnett has served in the House since 2015, representing House District 2 in Denver. He has sponsored historic legislation to fix Colorado’s transportation infrastructure, create universal preschool and the Department of Early Childhood, curb youth access to high-potency marijuana, and reform Colorado’s construction defects law. In 2019, he led efforts in the legislature to pass Colorado’s Red Flag Law which has saved lives and reduced gun violence. In 2022, he sponsored comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to combat Colorado’s deadly fentanyl crisis and reduce fentanyl overdose deaths. Garnett served in leadership roles for six of the eight years he was in the chamber. He was elected Assisted Majority Leader, Majority Leader and Speaker of the House, always running unopposed. He led the chamber with a focus on lifting up and protecting the institution. He was the first Speaker in recent memory to appoint a member of the opposing party to be Vice Chair of a Committee of Reference. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2019 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES TITONE BILL ON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (Mar. 12) – The House Education committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, that will provide a baseline statutory guidance for how public schools can operate as a community school. Statutorily defining community schools would open up the possibility for additional federal education funding and research shows that students in low-performing schools achieve more in the classroom when they switch to schools with a community school model. “The community school model has been shown to increase student achievement through strategic partnerships among families, educators, and community partners,” said Rep. Titone. “By putting this into statute, we are providing a potential avenue for these schools to acquire the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable Colorado children and poise them for success. SB19-102 defines ‘community school’ and permits a public school, especially low-income schools, to include community schools in its innovation plan to allow them to operate as such. The bill passed the House Education committee with an 8-5 vote. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS BIPARTISAN BILLS TO IMPROVE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ACCESS TO FOOD Legislation directs more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve outcomes for Colorado youth through behavioral health programs and healthy food access DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee passed three bipartisan bills to improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth and most vulnerable residents. These bills invest more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand behavioral health programs for children and improve youth access to healthy food. “Our neighbors have not been immune to the rising cost of groceries, which is why we are investing federal funds to make it easier for Coloradans in the most vulnerable communities to access healthy, nutritious foods,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380. “The Community Food Access Program is the right move for better connecting low-income Coloradans with the services they need while supporting small businesses in the process.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients. HB22-1380 passed committee by a unanimous vote. “We are tackling Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis from multiple angles,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “During my career as a school psychologist, I experienced firsthand the behavioral health improvement possible when students and their families had access to the right services. This substantial investment of federal relief funds will expand youth access to critical behavioral health care.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative, long-term impacts on the behavioral health of our youngest kids,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369. “We’re using federal relief dollars to invest in our youth’s behavioral health through the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. HB22-1369 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S BILL TO GROW RURAL RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY ADVANCES Representative Mary Young’s bipartisan legislation to extend and expand the Renewable Energy Refundability Program, part of the Enterprise Zone program, today passed the House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor by a vote of 8-3. “Rural economies are strengthened by our growing renewable energy industry,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “The Enterprise Zone program has helped create jobs across our state in rural areas and has spurred renewable energy projects that are contributing to our economy and local governments. We need to keep this program going and allow it to foster new and critical technologies.” The Enterprise Zone (EZ) program helps businesses in rural and economically distressed areas by providing a variety of tax credits and incentives. One of these incentives encourages new renewable energy businesses to create projects in rural parts of the state. The EZ Investment Tax Credit provides businesses investing in business personal property with a 3 percent state income tax credit. If a business generates renewable energy, they also have the option of converting the credit to a refund at 80 percent of the credit’s value, which can help incentivize businesses to construct renewables projects by assuring them that much of their initial investment in a project will be repaid. HB20-1299, which is also sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, would extend the tax credit for three years and expand the definition of renewable energy to include “energy storage systems,” which are critical for keeping power flowing when renewable sources such as solar and wind cannot generate power because the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The tax credit has helped prominent renewable energy projects get off the ground in Colorado. EZ renewable energy credits helped finance the Rush Creek Wind Farm, which spans five Eastern Plains counties. It also encouraged the development of the Prowers Wind Farm, which created 250 jobs during construction. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. < Back February 3, 2025 Bill to Strengthen Local Fence Construction Laws Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. HB25-1023 passed committee by a vote of 11-2. “To protect our environment and the Colorado Way of life in the San Luis Valley, we need to boost local control surrounding fence construction,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “When I visited the newly constructed fence in my community, I was appalled by the negative impact on our environment. Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood. This bill will require individuals to submit an application before construction to prioritize local voices and environmental protections.” “Communities in the San Luis Valley have long had the legal right to access lands they held before Colorado became a state, but a massive, private fence now encircles this property, preventing access and harming the environment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would prevent further ecological damage and ensure access for animal grazing while making sure that Coloradans and their livestock can still traverse the land their families have called home for generations.” HB25-1023 would require individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. The bill would make local governments responsible for determining if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms. Additionally, local governments may pass an ordinance or resolution opting out of these requirements altogether. Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This bill takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley. Previous Next

Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts < Back May 23, 2024 SIGNED! New School Finance Formula to Increase Equity in School Funding, Support Rural Districts Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts AURORA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a monumental, bipartisan bill to support Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students. “This law is a monumental step forward for public education in Colorado and a breakthrough achievement for how we fund our schools,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “For far too long, our school finance formula has not invested in the students with the greatest needs, underfunding rural districts and those serving more children in poverty. The new, student-focused formula will increase funding for K-12 education and drive more resources to at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education, and rural school districts. Every student deserves a world class education no matter where they live, and with this new law, we will live up to our promise to set all Colorado students on a pathway to thrive.” “For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. I am extremely proud of our work to update Colorado’s school funding formula to ensure it reflects the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. This new law will ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.” “With our historic buy-down of the budget stabilization factor, this is the time to update Colorado’s 30 year-old inequitable school finance formula to better reflect our state’s values,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “When it comes to public education in Colorado, we have not been meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students, including our at-risk, English Language Learners, and special education students. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to direct additional dollars to the districts and classrooms serving students with the greatest needs. When we invest in high-quality public education, we’re investing in our future, and I’m beyond proud to be championing a law that prioritizes student outcomes and opportunity for every child in our state.” HB24-1448 will update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education who are shown not to achieve at the same levels as their peers. This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students, English Language Learners, and Special Education students. When fully implemented, there will be $866 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor, all set at 25 percent. Smaller districts with a concentration of 70 percent or higher at-risk students will receive an extra 7 percent, to total 32 percent, ensuring their high concentration of at-risk students get the additional funds they need. Funding for every district will increase by at least .5 percent year over year. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. < Back May 26, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bill to Benefit Colorado Farmers and Ranchers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. “This new law will help farmers and ranchers in my district and across Colorado who have been holding on to pesticides for decades because there aren’t safe, easy disposal options,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our law creates a new state-run program that brings safe, convenient and low-cost pesticide disposal directly to our communities. Colorado farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our land, and this law will save them time, money and hassle on proper pesticide disposal.” “This new law will keep our communities safe from pesticide contamination, protect Colorado’s land and waterways, and support farmers with an affordable and convenient way to safely dispose of pesticides and recycle containers,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “It’s specifically designed to meet Colorado’s needs through a public-private partnership with strong oversight.” “HB26-1111 saves farmers and ranchers money and protects our waterways and soil,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Without access to pesticide disposal programs, Coloradans risk contaminating our environment or exposing themselves to chemicals from accidental leaks. Our law brings safe, affordable pesticide disposal to our farmers and ranchers. I’m proud to sponsor this law because it not only supports our agriculture community, but protects our environment too.” “This new law creates a solution to a real challenge in our rural and agricultural communities that will save people money,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “In Colorado, we don’t currently have a system that allows for the responsible and affordable disposal of agricultural pesticides, leading to unsafe storage, contamination risks, and high costs for producers. These pesticides require specific handling and incineration protocols, leaving many producers in rural communities without any good options. This new law is a win-win, tailored to fill this gap to support Colorado farmers while protecting our land and water." HB26-1111 will offer farmers a new option to safely remove pesticides and containers that are no longer needed from their property. This law creates the Pesticide Product Disposal and Container Recycling Enterprise housed in the Department of Agriculture (CDA). This Enterprise will target large quantities of pesticides kept on agricultural properties by farmers and ranchers by creating an affordable method for pesticide disposal. Pesticide disposal and recycling facilities in Colorado are limited, dispersed, inconvenient and expensive for farmers and ranchers. Without access to pesticide disposal and recycling services, harmful chemicals often accumulate, which increases the risk of improper disposal or leaks that could contaminate Colorado’s soil and water. Beginning in 2027, HB26-1111 will create a new program that provides relief to our farmers and ranchers and protects our environment. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 6, 2024 Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this bill will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency to consumers so they know what their money is paying for.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 would address a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and how much of that the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The bill aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings, and customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, the bill would protect drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next