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- BILLS TO PROTECT AT-RISK CHILDREN & HELP VULNERABLE FAMILIES SIGNED INTO LAW
< Back July 2, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT AT-RISK CHILDREN & HELP VULNERABLE FAMILIES SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will improve the child welfare system, protect essential benefits for Coloradans who need them, and provide a one-time payment of $500 to the state’s most vulnerable families to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic. SB20-162 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Kim Ransom, makes a number of changes to the child welfare system to better protect vulnerable youth and connect them with the services they need. The new law aims to lower the rate of foster care and group home placement by allowing the state to use federal Family First funding to deliver supportive services in a family’s home, keeping families together whenever safely possible and consistent with the goals for the child or youth. “I’ve worked in the child and youth welfare system, and I’ve seen how important it is to keep children and youth in their homes and help families stay together,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This bipartisan new law allows our state to use federal funding to deliver evidence-based services in the most appropriate setting. It will help our state keep up with best practices, protect our most vulnerable children and youth, keep children and youth in their communities, and most importantly, reduce placements in group homes and residential facilities.” Currently, when a person is found to have intentionally committed a violation in seeking access to a public assistance program, that person is then barred from accessing any public benefits. SB20-206 , sponsored by Representatives Jonathan Singer and Lois Landgraf, clarifies that recipients are only disqualified from participating in the program in which they were found to have committed the violation. “Everyone deserves a fair shot; we shouldn’t bar our most vulnerable from assistance without due process,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “We have to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now more Coloradans will be able to keep a roof over their heads and food on their family’s table when they’re in crisis.” The governor also signed SB20-029 , sponsored by Representatives James Coleman and Monica Duran, which provides a one-time assistance of $500 to participants in Colorado Works, the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The program connects clients with job and training opportunities, providing support that helps participants become self-sufficient. Colorado Works assistance has not been adjusted for inflation since it was created in 1996, while the cost of living in Colorado has grown significantly since then. In 2019, approximately 35,000 Coloradans received TANF benefits each month, but that figure has likely grown due to the pandemic. “We are in an unprecedented economic and public health crisis, and Colorado families experiencing poverty need immediate help to afford basic needs,” said Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. “This one-time payment will help vulnerable families make ends meet as our state works to recover from the pandemic.” “Hardworking families across our state are struggling right now to pay their rent or mortgage or to put food on the table,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We can’t let Coloradans who are experiencing hard times fall further behind during this pandemic and into greater economic hardship or homelessness.” Previous Next
- BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP CONDUCT BUSINESS ELECTRONICALLY PASSESS COMMITTEE
< Back February 25, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP CONDUCT BUSINESS ELECTRONICALLY PASSESS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Matt Soper that would make it easier for entities to conduct business electronically. “With so much in our lives being conducted online at the moment, it just makes sense to give businesses the tools they need to conduct their affairs remotely,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Building back a stronger Colorado means supporting small businesses in every area we can- big and small. Today we made strides towards bringing Colorado’s corporate and business law into the modern digital age, and I’m proud to have played a part.” HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. Previous Next
- HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR KIDS
< Back April 25, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR KIDS More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 25) – The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would increase access to mental health services for children. Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill would create a pilot program that provides a social worker in participating schools to follow kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. “We know that services provided sooner rather than later have greater results. Imagine a situation where the social worker engages with the family and identifies safety net insecurities and follows up with wrap-around services,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “The social workers can check-in and prevent an emotional cycle that may go out of control. Support is provided sooner rather than later, and no child slips through the cracks.” HB19-1017 asks the Department of Education to find a pilot district that meets the characteristics including high poverty, ethnic diversity, and a large concentration of students in the foster care system. Within that district, one social worker for every 250 students in the school will be readily available to those students throughout their elementary period. The bill passed on a voice-vote and will receive a final vote at a later date. Previous Next
- Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes Committee
The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 31, 2026 Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 11-0. “Colorado funeral homes have unfortunately been in the headlines for tragic abuses, and Colorado Democrats are taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “If a county coroner has financial ties to a death care business, it is important that that interest is disclosed to help with potential investigations and improve transparency. Everyone deserves fair treatment, even in death, and this bill is another step that Colorado Democrats are taking to make sure that our funeral homes are following the law.” “Coloradans deserve dignity in death,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “With the recent news of numerous Colorado death care businesses mishandling bodies, we’re requiring county coroners in Colorado to disclose financial ties to these businesses. We’re building on the work that we’ve already done to ensure Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories are following proper protocol by creating another tool to improve oversight of the death care industry.” SB26-105 would require a county coroner to disclose if they own, work for, manage, contract with, or otherwise have a financial interest in a death care business. Under the bill, county coroners would post a notice on the coroner’s website and would be prohibited from taking an official action that would impact that business. The bill also changes the county population threshold for the certification requirements for coroners from at least 150,000 to at least 300,000 people, alleviating problems for smaller counties where there may not be enough residents eligible to serve as a coroner according to current law. In 2022, the Colorado General Assembly passed a law directing the state to inspect and investigate funeral homes and crematories for malpractice based on complaints. A 2024 law requires regular inspections of Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories. When the state conducted an annual inspection at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo in August 2025, it found several mishandled bodies , some of which had been decomposing for over 15 years. The mortuary was owned by then-Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter, who is alleged to have used his position to direct deceased people without next-of-kin to his mortuary. The investigation is ongoing. Previous Next
- Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety
The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. < Back October 25, 2023 Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety DENVER, CO - The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. “In order to effectively understand and utilize data on recidivism, we have to start on the same page,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “The legislation we’re advancing today will ensure agencies operate with the same definition and understanding of ‘recidivism’, and that the legislature has a comprehensive knowledge of the way Coloradans move through our criminal justice system. With these updates to help us better understand our criminal justice system, we’ll be able to develop more effective legislation that results in just outcomes for Coloradans and safer communities for all.” “Agencies throughout Colorado use varying definitions for ‘recidivism’, making it more difficult to use as a data point when drafting legislation to address public safety concerns,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bill 1 and 3. “We’re streamlining the definition across Colorado agencies to make ‘recidivism’ a useful tool in policy-making and continued evaluation of our justice system to create a safer Colorado.” Currently, the definition of “recidivism” fluctuates greatly between the Division of Youth Services, Department of Corrections, community corrections, and other agencies. Bill 1 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Judy Amabile and Matthew Martinez, would require the Division of Criminal Justice to create a working group with the purpose of establishing a definition of “recidivism” that can be used by all state entities, making it easier to use data to understand the efficacy of current procedures and legislative or policy changes. “Understanding recidivism rates is a useful tool in measuring successful strategies to decrease future criminal activity, and with this legislation, we are considering additional metrics to create meaningful and effective policy,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 1 and 2. “Factors like housing status, education, mental health, and social considerations can contribute to the likelihood of someone committing a crime. By expanding our scope and using a consistent definition of ‘recidivism’, we can identify what factors have a positive influence on individuals so we can reduce crime and slow the revolving door of people in and out of prison.” “Time and time again, data has shown us that the most successful strategies to decrease crime are comprehensive approaches,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “Our new legislation will bring in diverse voices and provide the necessary resources to take a close look at the efficiency of Colorado’s criminal justice system and, going forward, will help us determine more holistic methods to decrease crime and help Coloradans successfully reintegrate into their communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Judy Amabile, would create the Alternative Metrics to Measure Criminal Justice System Performance Working Group to study metrics and methods other than recidivism. These alternative metrics and methods, used in addition to recidivism data, would measure risk-reduction outcomes and life factors that influence successful outcomes, and more effectively determine the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The working group would be required to submit a report to the House Health and Insurance, House Judiciary, Senate Health and Human Services, and Senate Judiciary committees by July 1, 2025 with a summary of their work and any recommendations. The committee also voted to advance Bill 3 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Matthew Martinez, requiring the Division of Criminal Justice (division) to conduct a study to examine how individuals proceed through the stages of criminal and juvenile justice proceedings, including sentences and alternative sentencing programs, and make recommendations for creating a more efficient system. The division must submit a report of its findings by June 30, 2025. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next
- REP. MCCLUSKIE: FAMILIES IN THE MOUNTAINS WILL SAVE OVER $10,000 ON HEALTH CARE NEXT YEAR
< Back October 10, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE: FAMILIES IN THE MOUNTAINS WILL SAVE OVER $10,000 ON HEALTH CARE NEXT YEAR Savings are largely attributable to Rep. McCluskie’s reinsurance legislation, premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide DENVER, CO– Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today released the following statement after Governor Polis announced that the final health insurance rates for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent and that families living in the mountains and some rural areas will save over $10,000: “This is big news. Health insurance rates sold on the individual market will be falling dramatically, and the typical family of four living in the mountains and some rural areas of our state will see a savings of over $10,000 next year. Every Coloradan deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care services close to home, and the General Assembly worked tirelessly this past year to deliver on this basic human right. From colorado hospitals and insurance carriers, to the lawmakers who cosponsored this legislation, I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of all the partners and stakeholders who helped secure this reduction in health care costs.” Rep. McCluskie was the prime sponsor of HB19-1168, State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program, which was signed by Governor Polis last May. The bipartisan legislation establishes a state reinsurance program, which has successfully lowered health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market. Rep. McCluskie and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, were also the co-prime sponsors of SB19-004, a bill that facilitated the establishment of the Peak Health Alliance, a health care cooperative that aims to lower costs in rural parts of the state. After starting successfully in Summit County, Peak Health is now expanding into several other counties, including Grand, Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties. In the announcement today, Governor Polis said that the typical family of four living in the mountains who purchase their insurance on the individual market will see a yearly savings of $10,302, and that health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide. Previous Next
- BIPARTISAN AGRICULTURE STIMULUS BILLS ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY
< Back May 27, 2021 BIPARTISAN AGRICULTURE STIMULUS BILLS ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support the agriculture industry, invest in sustainability and drought resiliency that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed unanimously. “Colorado’s agriculture industry is what has allowed our state to grow and prosper, but the industry needs our help to continue to be a major economic driver,” said Committee Chair Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-248 and SB21-235 . “The Agriculture Future Loan Program will provide new and existing agriculture operations with crucial funding that will help create jobs and provide a boost to this critical industry. At the same time, by investing in the ACRE3 program, we’re investing in the long-term sustainability of the industry by encouraging more energy efficient agriculture operations to ensure that Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can continue to contribute so much to our state.” SB21-248 , also sponsored by Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would create the Colorado Agriculture Future Loan Program and direct $30 million of state stimulus funds into it. The Program is designed to provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers and farm-to-market infrastructure loans and grants for businesses. Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado, and this program is intended to ensure that the industry has a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Supporting our agriculture industry and protecting the environment are not at odds – this bill is proof that we can do both at the same time,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-235. “Investing in the ACRE3 program will help Colorado’s agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency and cutting costs. In fact solar panels and crops have a symbiotic relationship that means more efficient panels, better crop yields, and increased water retention. I’m proud of the work we did today to ensure Colorado’s agricultural comeback is sustainable.” SB21-235 , sponsored by Ag Committee Chair Karen McCormick and Representative Tracey Bernett, allocates $5 million to the Department of Agriculture, with at least $3 million going to the ACRE3 energy efficiency program and at least $2 million going to conservation districts to implement voluntary soil health programs. ACRE3 is Colorado’s premier state-level program for agricultural energy management and provides financial aid, technical assistance, and education to help the agriculture industry cut energy costs and develop their own energy resources. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Every single county in Colorado experienced drought last year, and we need to be doing more to ensure our state is prepared to anticipate and respond,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of SB21-234. “As climate change worsens, the effects of drought on our agriculture industry will only become more and more severe, and we have to make sure we’re providing this critical industry with the support it needs.” SB21-234 , sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, provides $3 million to the Department of Agriculture to ensure the state is better prepared to anticipate, mitigate, or respond to droughts. Colorado’s drought was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a severe economic toll on the agriculture industry. This bill will help the state plan for and mitigate future droughts and climate disturbances. SB21-234 passed through the Senate with unanimous support. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. The House Finance committee also passed SB21-229 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, which invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Previous Next
- Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward
The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. < Back April 21, 2023 Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. HB23-1210 is part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step toward combating climate change and boosting our state’s economy," said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “This legislation helps us develop a strategic plan surrounding the emerging technologies for carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage. We are strategically positioning Colorado to be a national leader in carbon management, attracting new companies and innovative solutions to save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” HB23-1210 would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. Using public input, the roadmap will also identify early investment opportunities to minimize community risks associated with projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next
- HOTELS, MOTELS, AND HOUSING SUPPORT
< Back June 7, 2021 HOTELS, MOTELS, AND HOUSING SUPPORT House passes innovative proposal to convert underutilized motels and hotels into affordable housing units DENVER– The House today passed Representatives Gonzales Gutierrez and Woodrow’s bill to invest $30 million of federal funds into a grant program that will allow local governments to convert underutilized properties into shelters or affordable housing units. The bill passed by a vote of 42-22. “Colorado’s housing crisis demands action, and today we empowered local governments to take immediate steps to help keep people housed,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242 and SB21-027. “Revitalizing hotels and motels to meet housing needs is an innovative and commonsense way to tackle one of Colorado’s most persistent issues.” “Working to help families keep a roof over their heads isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a matter of investing in Colorado’s economy and improving public health,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242. “By converting underutilized hotels and motels, we’re leveraging existing assets to provide shelter and housing to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.” SB21-242 provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients, local governments and nonprofits are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. The legislation also provides direct assistance to workers who were unable to receive prior federal and state relief. Previous Next
- CATHY KIPP JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS
< Back January 7, 2019 CATHY KIPP JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS (Jan. 7) – Cathy Kipp, a former Poudre School District board member, was sworn in today at the state capitol as the next representative for House District 52 in Fort Collins. A vacancy committee selected Rep. Kipp last week to replace state Senator Joann Ginal in the House. “I’m honored the group in HD-52 selected me and look forward to hitting the ground running,” Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins said. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at the legislature to invest in education and address the threat of climate change, among other issues.” “Representative Kipp brings a deep knowledge of policy and grassroots experience to the capitol and we all look forward to working with her to craft bipartisan solutions to the problems facing Coloradans,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. For the past seven years she sat on the Poudre School District Board of Education. Rep. Kipp is well-known in Colorado for her public education advocacy efforts. “I look forward to working with all of you, I am a very boots on the ground kind of person,” Kipp told the House upon being sworn in. Rep. Kipp lives in Fort Collins with her husband Don. They have two sons, Nick and Arthur. Previous Next
- Titone, Michaelson Jenet Release Statements on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Hearing
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar. < Back October 7, 2025 Titone, Michaelson Jenet Release Statements on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Hearing DENVER, CO – Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar . Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City: “In 2019, after years of work and repeated legislative attempts, I sponsored and successfully passed a law to prohibit the life-threatening and inhumane practice of conversion therapy. While writing the bill and fighting for its passage, my co-sponsors and I had meetings with parents, children, child psychology experts, and doctors. We heard gut-wrenching personal testimony, research and data about the lifelong consequences of conversion therapy, and even stories of suicide. The evidence was overwhelming: conversion therapy is deeply and often permanently harmful to youth. “Now, the Supreme Court is taking up a case that challenges these fundamental protections in yet another attack against the LGBTQ+ community. No matter what happens in this case, I will always fight for Colorado youth to grow up happy, healthy, and with the freedom to be themselves.” Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada: “In Colorado, we trust the science and medical professionals. Conversion therapy is harmful and ostracizes our LGBTQ+ youth. The research is clear: conversion therapy does not work, and it leads to negative outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth that put their lives at risk. This SCOTUS case is another attempt by MAGA loyalists to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and harm LGBTQ+ youth. We strongly urge the Court to uphold this law and protect children across the country. ” In 2019, Colorado Democrats sponsored legislation to ban conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy is a debunked treatment intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity through harmful interventions. The vast majority of medical and mental health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are opposed to conversion therapy. In 2009, a task force at the American Psychological Association published a report conducting a systematic review of conversion therapy and concluded that “...efforts to change sexual orientation are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm, contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates.” More than 20 states , including Colorado, New York and Utah, have banned conversion therapy for minors. Previous Next
- House Passes Bill to Reduce Property Insurance Costs
The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back March 20, 2025 House Passes Bill to Reduce Property Insurance Costs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about the policy decisions their insurers make. This bill promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation laws help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this bill helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This legislation helps provide transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 would require an insurer to provide a written notice to each policyholder at the time of application, renewal, or nonrenewal. The notice would include plain-language explanations of the wildfire risk score or other classifications, a range of possible scores a property could be assigned, and the impact each mitigation action could have on a risk score or classification. Policyholders and applicants can appeal their wildfire risk model score, wildfire risk classification, or applicable mitigation discount if they believe it is inaccurate and can provide evidence of the mitigation efforts that should be considered. The insurer would notify the policyholder or applicant in writing of the right to appeal and acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 10 calendar days. They would be required to respond to the appeal with a reconsideration and decision within 30 calendar days. If an appeal is denied, the Commissioner can request a copy of the appeal and the insurer’s response. HB25-1182 would require insurers that consider parcel level and community wide mitigation efforts in their models to ensure that risk scores reflect actual resilience. An insurer that uses these models would be required to ensure property-specific mitigation actions and community-level mitigation activities or designations are accounted for in underwriting and pricing. If an insurer doesn’t incorporate these actions into their models, they shall provide discounts to policyholders who demonstrate these property or community-level mitigation actions. Previous Next
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