The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lesley Smith and Eliza Hamrick to expand low and no-cost college-level courses to high school students < Back February 25, 2026 Legislation to Expand Concurrent Enrollment and Save Students Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lesley Smith and Eliza Hamrick to expand low and no-cost college-level courses to high school students. HB26-1078 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Concurrent enrollment is a fantastic tool for high school students looking to advance their education, save money and try something new,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This bill broadens the scope of concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions. Under our bill, high school students will soon have access to more high-quality college-level courses that save them time and money while exploring their future career options.” “With this bill, we’re establishing stronger career pathways and educational opportunities for our students while they’re still in high school,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “The narrow definition of concurrent enrollment programs excluded our higher education institutions, and this bill makes it possible for our colleges and universities to offer accredited courses that meet the needs of today’s students. When we equip our students with the tools they need to learn and grow, including concurrent enrollment, we can save them money and time as they begin to build their careers.” HB26-1078 extends concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by higher education institutions. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, saving them money and time while accelerating their degree completion. Students can typically earn high school and college credits simultaneously for certain courses. Under current law, off-campus courses are excluded from concurrent enrollment programs unless they are part of the Teaching Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. This means only high school classrooms meet the concurrent enrollment course requirements. This bill modifies the narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to follow state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. Some examples of concurrent enrollment courses include English, history, speech, algebra and biology, This bill also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades. HB26-1078 would create stronger career pathways for Colorado high school students by allowing them to explore hands-on and unique educational experiences while still completing their degree requirements. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. < Back March 7, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. “Gun violence has touched all of our communities, including my community of Boulder that tragically lost innocent lives in the Boulder King Soopers shooting in 2021, and I vow to do everything I can to prevent future mass shootings to protect Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “That’s why I’m proudly sponsoring this bill that improves safety at gun shows, like requiring vendors to hold valid federal and state permits and properly securing firearms and ammunition, to prevent theft and illegal sales. It takes a multi-faceted approach to reduce gun violence, and this bill is one of the ways Colorado Democrats are working to improve safety in our communities and prevent senseless firearm deaths.” “Colorado Democrats have spent years passing laws that help prevent gun violence, and this law helps improve compliance with the lifesaving laws we have passed around background checks, safe storage, and lost and stolen reporting requirements,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation will close loopholes to ensure gun laws are followed at gun shows, where thousands of guns, ammunition, and other gun products are present and available to the public. We’re helping vendors keep guns out of the wrong hands to protect Colorado communities from gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit or have not completed a gun show certification. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill exempts gun collectors shows that only offer curios, relics or antique firearms. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next

< Back June 24, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM TOXIC POLLUTION DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect communities from toxic pollution. “Everyone should have access to clean air and water, but toxic pollution threatens the health of too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “Under the bill governor Polis signed today, we’ll collect more real-time data through fenceline monitoring in communities, and more people will know when facilities release air toxins. We’ll also better understand the cumulative health effects of toxic pollution on disproportionately impacted communities, often lower-income Coloradans or people of color.” HB21-1189 requires facilities to collect and publicly report real time air monitoring data and fund community-based monitoring programs to better understand the cumulative health impacts of air toxics emissions from multiple sources. Air toxics are pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as adverse reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental and economical effects. Specifically, the law expands the type of facilities covered by air toxin pollution limits. Importantly, the law requires real-time “fenceline” monitoring and public reporting on the results of the monitoring. Facilities are required to notify the public when emissions breach thresholds for toxic levels or exposure. Covered facilities must take corrective action within 15 days of a violation. The law requires covered facilities to conduct outreach to communities near the facilities, in particular disproportionately impacted communities. Outreach must be conducted in the two most prevalent languages spoken in the communities. Disproportionately impacted communities often include low-income neighborhoods and residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2020 COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, CRITICAL SCHOOL SAFETY & MENTAL HEALTH BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW New laws boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and support Colorado teachers and students Arvada, CO– Today at Red Rocks Community College in Arvada, Governor Jared Polis signed seven bills into law to boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and increase access to behavioral health services for students. “The new laws signed today are about making it easier for Coloradans to start and complete a higher education degree,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We’re giving non-traditional students a leg up and are expanding adult education grants to help Coloradans learn the skills they need to provide academic support to those they care for. We’re also doing away with the unnecessary and often harmful requirement that high schools list standardized test scores on students’ transcripts.” HB20-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley, requires a plan to award academic credit for work-related experiences that will be transferable and accepted at all state institutions by 2022, improving affordability for non-traditional students. SB20-009, sponsored by Reps. McLachlan and Marc Catlin, increases the number of eligible adult education providers as well as expands the goals of the state’s adult education program to create a two-generation approach to adult and childhood literacy, ultimately increasing educational and employment opportunities for both the adults in the program and their children. SB20-175 , sponsored by Reps. Brianna Titone and McLachlan, prohibits students’ national standardized test score from being included on high school transcripts, which has been required in Colorado. Standardized tests have proven to be a poor measure of a student’s success, and requiring their inclusion on transcripts disadvantages lower-income students who may not have access to expensive test preparation materials and services. HB20-1113 , sponsored by Reps. Titone and Kevin Van Winkle, improves the state’s Safe2Tell program. The new changes align the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to help individuals in crisis rapidly access crisis counseling. It adjusts the annual advertising campaign to improve awareness about the program and reduce its misuse, and it enhances Safe2Tell’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. “I’m proud of the way we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and put Colorado students first,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “By getting rid of the unproven, stressful and discriminatory requirement to include standardized test scores on high school transcripts, an idea brought to me by a constituent, more students will have a fair opportunity to succeed after they graduate. These laws will provide educators the tools they need to help our students and will improve the Safe2Tell program so that it better serves our youth, keeps them safe and saves lives.” “The pandemic has changed students’ lives in so many ways; it’s clear we need to keep mental health at the forefront of our response to this public health crisis,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We made important progress this year, improving the Safe2Tell program, expanding behavioral health training for educators, and allocating significant federal resources for behavioral health services in schools.” HB20-1312, sponsored by Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Titone, includes behavioral health training and awareness of laws and practices relating to educating students with disabilities in the professional development requirements to obtain a teacher’s license. HB20-1407 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp and Baisley, allows publicly funded colleges and universities the option to waive standardized testing as a requirement for admission for high school students graduating in 2021 in response to the pandemic. The governor also signed SB20-183 , sponsored by Reps. Baisley and Titone, which allows the statewide internet portal authority (SIPA) to serve institutions of higher education, the state department of education, and other state agencies. SIPA provides technology services and products. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 DANGEROUS GUN BILLS DEFEATED Dems praise bipartisan school safety measures, stop bills that would have allowed dangerous high capacity magazines that can shoot 50 or 100 rounds back on Colorado streets Democrats on the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today defeated HB20-1040 and HB20-1099, two dangerous gun bills that would have allowed armed teachers in Colorado schools and once again permitted high capacity magazine sales in the state. “These two bills would have endangered students’ lives and allowed weapons capable of quickly shooting a hundred rounds onto our streets,” said committee member Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver). “I worked hard on the School Safety Committee to craft bipartisan legislation to save students’ lives. We should focus on bills that will keep our students safe. Instead, we’re debating the same dangerous proposals year after year.” “We’ve seen too much devastation caused by high capacity magazines to go back to when these extremely dangerous accessories could be sold in our state,” said committee member Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins). “I’ve heard from many constituents and Coloradans across our state who fear gun violence and are deeply concerned for their safety. I also heard it when I was a school board member for seven years. Putting guns into classrooms won’t make them safer.” The National Association of School Resources Officers strongly opposes allowing guns in schools because in an active shooter situation, it could cause confusion and lead law enforcement to mistakenly identify someone not in uniform as an assailant. They also point out the wide discrepancy, often hundreds of hours in training requirements, between law enforcement and concealed carry permit holders. There have been multiple incidents where students have accessed firearms that adults brought on campus. Research shows that access to a firearm triples the risk of suicide and doubles the risk of a homicide occurring, all while we know young people in this age group are at some of the highest risks for behavioral health conditions and suicide. House Democrats have instead focused on bipartisan school safety reforms , developed from dozens of hours of expert testimony, that aim to save lives in school. These bills would enhance the Safe2Tell program, expand access to mental health in schools, and improve existing school safety initiatives. The second bill Democrats defeated would have allowed the sale of high capacity magazines, like the one used in the Aurora shooting, back on Colorado streets. Research from Everytown on mass shooting incidents where data was collected on magazine size found that 58 percent of these incidents involved firearms with high-capacity magazines. There were twice as many fatalities and 14 times as many injuries on shootings where high-capacity magazines are involved. In Dayton Ohio, an assailant shot 26 people in 32 seconds. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado. SB24-190 passed by a vote of 8-2. < Back April 25, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Incentivize Economic Development in NW Colorado and Advance Mountain Passenger Rail DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado. SB24-190 passed by a vote of 8-2. “From new job opportunities to more transportation options, our Western Slope communities would greatly benefit from this bill,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “In addition to our Front Range passenger rail legislation, this bill will bring our mountain and rural communities closer to an expanded rail system for transit and goods. We’re supporting the Western Slope, especially those in coal transition communities, to boost the economic security of our mountain and rural resort towns.” “Connecting Steamboat Springs to Hayden to Craig through an expanded rail system would significantly boost our local economies by creating jobs and improving transit between our Colorado communities,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Our legislation is a community-driven effort and would provide financial incentives to businesses in coal transition communities like Craig and Hayden when they use freight rail lines so we can keep those lines active and operational. By supporting diverse industries in our district, this would make a difference to the issues that are most impacting rural and rural resort communities, like housing supply and workforce shortages.” SB24-190 would make the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly in Craig and Hayden. The bill would incentivizer businesses and operators to utilizefreight lines that are at risk of inactivity due to declining usage as a result of the transition away from coal. Through SB24-184 , also sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Colorado has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring passenger rail to Northwest Colorado and connect the region as well as generate new economic opportunities for communities facing economic transition. The federal government has already committed billions of dollars to rail development nationwide, and there is a growing coalition of support throughout Northwest Colorado. The region is uniquely prepared for this moment, with an existing rail line that can be expanded and equipped for passenger use. The proposed mountain line would connect Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allow for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line. SB24-190 would create two income tax credits – one for businesses that use rail to transport their freight into or out of a coal transition community, and one for rail carriers that utilize a rail line at risk of inactivity or abandonment due to lack of demand. It would also make more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely between Winter Park and Craig, with stops in between. Previous Next

< Back April 17, 2019 EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK TAKES BIG STEP IN HOUSE (Apr. 17) – The House Business Affairs and Labor committee approved Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to help close the wage gap in Colorado. Currently, the gender wage gap is projected to not close until 2057 in Colorado and 2059 nationally. “This bill is extremely important to me on a personal level. Black women make 56.1 cents on the dollar compared to white men. Pay discrimination is a real and persistent issue that short changes women and their families. Women are the sole breadwinners in a growing number of hardworking families in Colorado,” Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora, said. “We believe we are taking a bold step to help close the gender wage gap by addressing the root cause of pay disparity.” Colorado women are paid 86 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job and African-American women earn 63 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job. The bill, SB19-085, provides an avenue by which Coloradans can, through mediation via the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and through the court system, seek relief if they have been discriminated against in their compensation based on their sex. The bill puts proactive measures to reduce the gender pay gap and prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on sex. “In order to solve the pay gap, we must address unintentional wage disparity. This bill implements common sense prevention and transparency measures to fight the pay gap,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “ We are fighting for women to be treated with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. This bill is a Colorado solution that strikes a balance between workers and employers. It’s time for our state to take the lead in achieving equal pay for equal work.” SB19-085, the Equal Pay For Equal Work Act, passed on a vote of 7-3 and now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. < Back February 25, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Support Older Coloradans Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. HB25-1184 would support Coloradans by allowing certain senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted. “As the demand for senior living facilities increases, we’re creating more options for older Coloradans on the waiting list so that they may access the programs and services offered by the facility,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. This bill gives communities another option for older Coloradans to access community-based services that help them lead healthier, stronger lives.” HB25-1184 is also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker and passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill would allow for the expansion of community-based services to older Coloradans who are awaiting admission to a life care institution. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are a supportive living facility to seniors who pay a one-time admission. Waiting lists for life care institutions in Colorado can be long. This bill empowers these facilities to include older Coloradans on the waiting list in their programs and services. Some examples of community-based services including transportation, social programs and nutrition counseling. Previous Next

SB26-001 would make funds available for workforce and affordable housing < Back March 4, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Unlock Local Governments’ Ability to Address Housing Needs SB26-001 would make funds available for workforce and affordable housing DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to give local governments additional flexibility to address housing shortages. SB26-001 passed unanimously by a vote of 12-0. “Coloradans deserve to be able to live where they work, and this bill would leverage existing tools to better meet the needs of our communities,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “This bill would remove restrictive regulations that prevent local governments from being able to create housing that their communities can actually afford. Colorado Democrats remain committed to delivering housing opportunities, and legislation like this can drive down housing costs so Coloradans can build a successful future.” SB26-001 , also sponsored by Representative Chris Richardson, R-Elbert County, would allow counties to use existing resources to support workforce and affordable housing, removing outdated restrictions that limit their ability to respond to local housing needs. The bill would also allow local governments to sell, lease, or acquire property for the purpose of workforce or affordable housing and create a tax exemption for construction materials used for workforce housing projects. Additionally, SB26-001 would update Colorado’s Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit to help projects secure financing by allowing the credits to be transferred to individuals, firms, or corporations that do not own a project interest. In 2024, Colorado Democrats created the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation. This pilot program offers tax credits to support affordable rental housing projects for middle-income Coloradans. In 2025, nearly $5 million was allocated to projects in the Denver Metro Area and the Western Slope. Previous Next

US House votes to slash Medicaid, kick Coloradans off health insurance, and cut food assistance to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans < Back May 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: GOP Budget Is Devastating for Coloradans DENVER, CO — Speaker Julie McCluskie, President James Coleman, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and JBC members Shannon Bird, Jeff Bridges, Emily Sirota, and Judy Amabile today released the following statements after the US House passed Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “Coloradans across the state– from rural health providers to seniors in long term care– are counting on us to speak up now and tell members of Congress to oppose this bill. This shouldn’t be partisan. We pay more in federal taxes than we receive back, and now Republicans in Congress want to take even more. Trump’s budget kicks vulnerable people off their health care, cuts food assistance for children, and will force rural health clinics to close or turn away patients. This is an all hands on deck moment to stop these painful cuts that will devastate Coloradans." Statement from Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver: “Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans. Nearly one in five Coloradans rely on Medicaid for health care. That’s over one million Coloradans from Denver to Durango, and everywhere in between. The vote to advance this package is an expected, yet disappointing step forward, and I urge Colorado’s federal delegation to do all they can to defend our access to essential medical care and fix the mess that Washington is creating for us here at home.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran: “Congress should be cutting taxes for working families, not cutting Medicaid and food assistance and rolling back consumer protections. These GOP cuts will harm the most vulnerable in Colorado and force us to choose between bad and worse options to keep our budget balanced. Furthermore, this bill defunds Planned Parenthood, which would disproportionately limit access to family planning and preventive care like screenings and tests for women and people of color. I am deeply alarmed that this bill has moved forward.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver: “The GOP’s reconciliation bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families. From sweeping tax breaks for billionaires to buried provisions like a 10-year federal preemption on any and all AI safeguards, the bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of Big Tech and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public accountability." Statement from JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County: “Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget. Every year, the Joint Budget Committee does so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. While we budget with a scalpel, Congressional Republicans are using a chainsaw. This budget is irresponsible and reckless, and it will hurt Coloradans. Smart investments yield strong returns, and every dollar we invest in health care, education, and families pays dividends in a healthier, more productive workforce and a stronger economy. Slashing essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP will hurt families today, and jeopardize our state’s long-term stability and opportunity.” Statement from JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster: “Everyone who works hard deserves a fair opportunity to thrive and live the American dream, but Republicans in Congress just voted to make it harder. Instead of cutting costs for families, they are stripping health care from Coloradans and increasing copays for low-income people. Colorado’s budget simply cannot absorb these cuts, and if this bill passes, we will have to slash core services that people depend on and expect. I am concerned that this bill will cause chaos in the stock market and crash people’s retirement savings, raise costs on consumers and worsen the economic volatility that’s hurting families under the Trump administration.” Statement from JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder: “Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid. Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.” Statement from Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver: “GOP politicians in DC just voted to take health care and food assistance from vulnerable people so they can give massive tax cuts to billionaires and the wealthiest Americans. The message from Washington Republicans is clear: Trump, Musk and their billionaire backers are more important than hardworking people. Their budget cuts will harm those who can least afford it and make it harder for Colorado to fund higher education, K-12, public safety initiatives, and the critical services Coloradans rely on. We will be forced to reduce health care eligibility, cut services or pay providers less, jeopardizing our safety net and critical access facilities.” Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2020 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS APPROVED IN COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Education today passed Representative Barbara McLachlan and Tony Exum’s bill to create the Higher Ed Student Emergency Assistance Grant program by a vote of 8-5. The program would offer emergency grants to help students at state institutions of higher education stay in school and graduate. “Students who are forced to decide between dropping out of college and paying for a financial emergency deserve our support,” said Education Committee Chair Rep. McLachlan (D-Durango). “This grant program will pick up, with just a small amount of financial investment, where student financial aid leaves off. This grant program will ensure that determined and hard-working students can finish their degree and fill the many job vacancies that require a post-secondary degree.” “A financial emergency like a flat tire or family crisis shouldn’t be what stops a great student from obtaining their degree,” said Rep. Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs). “I was very pleased to see the House Ed Committee advance our bill today and get us one step closer to creating this grant program. Low income students face a much steeper climb towards graduation, and I’m proud to say we have their back.” HB20-1110 would create the Emergency Completion and Retention Grant Program within the department of higher education. This grant program seeks to improve our state institution’s retention and completion rates by providing emergency financial assistance, capped at $500 while enrolled at an institution of higher education, to students who are experiencing qualifying financial emergencies. The bill recognizes that, while student financial aid programs exist to reduce the overall cost of a student’s attendance at a college or university, there are certain financial emergencies that force students to choose between continuing their education or paying for the emergency. The grant program outlined in this bill would remedy these types of situations. In order to qualify for one of these grants, students must qualify for in-state tuition, meet state financial aid eligibility criteria and be more than 60% done with their required coursework, among other requirements. State higher education Institutions must prioritize eligible low-income students, first generation students, and students who lack other financial resources. ### Previous Next

Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis < Back October 30, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Opioid Committee Advances Bills to Save Lives and Prevent Overdose Deaths Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis DENVER, CO - The Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee today advanced four bills to bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. “Too many Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorders, and in many cases, dying of preventable overdoses,” said Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 4 . “Colorado has made remarkable progress on building a comprehensive response since this committee was established in 2017. I am proud that we have again risen to the challenge, engaging stakeholders over an intensive process to identify the next set of policy changes that are needed to turn the tide on this crisis and build a healthier, safer Colorado.” "More than 1,500 of our neighbors died from a drug overdose here in Colorado last year, a heartbreaking number we must do more to reduce," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 2. "We've worked hard this interim to develop a menu of options for tackling this crisis, including legislation I am sponsoring that will expand treatment options for folks struggling with substance use disorders. I am proud of the work we've done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track." Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ryan Armagost and Senators Kyle Mullica and Perry Will would expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The bill: Directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to apply for Medicaid waivers to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities; Reduces insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment, Expands the treatment workforce by increasing training opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors and licenses clinical social workers; Authorizes pharmacists to diagnose opioid use disorders, prescribe medications, and make referrals to comprehensive treatment programs, creating new access points, especially in rural Colorado; Supports rural treatment providers by creating a shared infrastructure for administrative functions and allowing them to compare their reimbursements with metro area providers and negotiate better contracts; Creates a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober; Invests in criminal justice diversion programs to provide individuals charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option; and Studies additional barriers to treatment access, including inadequate insurance networks and federal regulations around methadone services. "Addressing the overdose and substance use disorder crisis that impacts many Coloradans and their families requires us to dig deep and consider many approaches, especially data driven initiatives, and this prevention bill starts with doing a better job on the front end by preventing folks from getting hooked at all,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of Bill 1. “These resources will empower community organizations and folks on the ground as they work to prevent substance use and abuse while connecting folks who are struggling with the treatment and support they need." “The best way to protect Coloradans from developing substance use disorders is to promote proven prevention methods to stop people from using dangerous substances in the first place,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our bill takes a multi-pronged approach at substance use prevention by funding grant programs that connect residents to community-based resources and establishing screening and treatment referrals within our schools and pediatric settings.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola and Representatives Mary Young and Elisabeth Epps, would boost SUD prevention efforts. The bill: Updates Colorado’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, support safer prescribing, and reduce misuse of prescription medication; Funds community-based organizations to provide prevention services for youth, families, and communities; Establishes a grant program for substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to help identify youth who may need to seek treatment or resources; Continues the statewide perinatal substance use data linkage project for experts to develop legislative recommendations on improving outcomes for families impacted by substance use during pregnancy; and Launches a new data linkage project for opioid use disorders to better target investments to parts of Colorado with the greatest needs. “Preventable overdoses are rising across our state; we need to take action now to save lives,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3 . “Prevention and harm reduction efforts like those included in these bills are proven to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health. We’re working to fund community-based prevention organizations, interrupt the spread of communicable disease, improve community safety, and protect all our neighbors—including the front line direct services workers who provide support and care as they prevent and reverse drug overdoses.” “We have lost far too many Coloradans to accidental overdoses and substance use disorders. Something has to change,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of Bills 1, 3 and 4. “We have worked hard to develop legislation that will result in meaningful harm reduction for people using substances, protect Coloradans stepping in to help those in crisis, and cultivate more supportive recovery programs to help Coloradans thrive. The bills we’re advancing today will save lives, and I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll make next session.” Bill 3 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, and Senator Priola, focuses on harm reduction strategies. It would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment, expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, ensure that drug users know they can go to the hospital without fear of arrest, and broaden existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado like xylazine, or “tranq”. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, would foster more recovery-friendly workplaces, clear barriers for sober living residences, and urge grocery stores to avoid in-your-face alcohol advertizing that makes it harder for people in recovery to simply buy food for their families. The four 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