< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO KEEP COLORADO CHILDREN SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 16) The House Health and Insurance committee approved Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “This is about keeping Colorado’s kids safe. We need to be proactive, not reactive. We are in the midst of public health crisis and we can’t wait for a tragedy to occur,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Experts believe this option will help improve Colorado’s dismal and dangerous immunization rates. I thank everyone who came to the state capitol today to make their voices heard.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. Here’s what HB19-1312 does: Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified in support of the commonsense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination ra te. Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country. Most recently in Washington state and New York state. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level considered ideal for reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a big outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential to protect the vulnerable including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

SB25-282, sponsored by disabled veterans, would protect veterans from paying too much for services from unaccredited bad actors < Back May 1, 2025 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard Services for Veterans SB25-282, sponsored by disabled veterans, would protect veterans from paying too much for services from unaccredited bad actors DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation that would protect veterans from paying too much for veterans’ services from unaccredited bad actors. SB25-282, sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret, passed by a vote of 52-11. "I am deeply committed to protecting my fellow Veterans and making sure they can access the services and benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice for our country,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada . “‘Claim sharks’ have raked in millions of dollars each year from excessively charging fees on service members' disability claims, sometimes even when they don't even win. Our bill helps create guidelines in this unregulated space to protect our disabled veterans while allowing companies to help address the backlog of disability claims". SB25-282 would protect veterans from unaccredited consultants, often called “ claim sharks ,” who charge money to help navigate the application process to receive benefits from either the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) or the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill is also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud. The bill would mirror the regulations the federal government uses to regulate social security benefits from the Social Security Administration. It would require that businesses unambiguously notify veterans that they can receive the same services for free from the VA, clearly state that they are not affiliated with the VA, and limit the amount of money consultants can receive from veterans’ back pay. Previous Next

Special session legislation puts Colorado’s finances in a better position, while impacts of H.R.1 and tariffs continue to put pressure on state budget and economy < Back September 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Steady Economy with Strong Headwinds and Difficult Choices Ahead Due to Federal Economic Policies, Tariffs and H.R.1 DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. ”We’re no strangers to difficult budget decisions here in Colorado,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Years of thoughtful, bipartisan budgeting puts us on solid financial footing, but with the devastating impacts of H.R.1 along with tariffs continuing to create uncertainty and raise prices for Colorado families, more tough budget decisions are most certainly ahead.” “While we face strong economic headwinds and uncertainty driven by the chaos in Washington, Colorado is now in a better position, in a large part due to our special session efforts to fill a $1 billion gap caused by Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Trump’s tariff taxes are driving up costs for families and businesses, slowing the job market and increasing the risk of a recession. As we look ahead to next year’s budget, I remain steadfast in my commitment to prioritize the programs and services Colorado families, seniors and veterans count on.” “Today’s forecast confirms what we already know: the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration are harming Colorado’s economy and the entire country,” said JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Tariffs are driving up costs in critical industries like housing and increasing costs for consumers, while H.R.1 increased administrative costs and slashed federal assistance for programs like health care and food assistance. Our commitment to serve Colorado families remains steadfast. Presentations like today’s help us be ready for the tough budget conversations that we’ll need to have in the coming months.” “Today’s forecast indicates that closing corporate tax loopholes helped address some of the $1 billion budget shortfall caused by the Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats took a responsible approach to minimize the harm of the Congressional GOP budget to protect our schools, roads, health care and food assistance programs. Health care costs are rising faster than forecasted, which combined with federal cuts to Medicaid, means difficult decisions are ahead. But by closing corporate tax loopholes and putting people over profit, we spared some of the more severe cuts to life-saving community programs.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.17 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $400 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $756 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. In July, Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 created a $1 billion state budget deficit by allowing corporations to dodge taxes owed to Colorado. Following four consecutive years of corporate income tax revenue growth, corporate tax revenue is projected to decline by 30.1 percent, primarily due to H.R.1, which was partially offset by last month’s special session. This forecast shows that laws passed by Democrats during special session to close corporate tax loopholes closed one-third of the deficit, while additional bipartisan legislation closed another one-third of the deficit by using some of the state’s rainy day fund. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs and Colorado’s aging population, are rising at a faster rate than previously forecasted. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the forecast indicates an increase of $350 million in the next year. As Medicaid caseloads continue to increase, H.R.1 will increase administrative costs for state and local governments. H.R.1 drastically cuts Medicaid, including limiting provider fee revenue and state-directed payments, which according to LCS , will result in a reduction of $575 million in provider fee revenue and between $900 million and $2.5 billion in federal funds over a five year period. Additionally, the various provisions of H.R.1 will jeopardize Medicaid coverage for about 377,000 Coloradans. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. According to LCS, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. Additionally, inflation continues to rise, with the U.S. experiencing inflation of 2.9 percent and Denver experiencing 2.1 percent. Slowing price increases in the Denver housing market and lower housing costs are the leading contributors to lower inflation in Denver compared to nationally. During the special session in August, Colorado Republicans sponsored legislation to balance the budget on the backs of working families by reducing a vital tax credit that puts money directly into the pockets of middle and low income families (Family Affordability Tax Credit). Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, LCS anticipates the credit will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

< Back September 5, 2019 COLORADO’S CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE EXPECTED TO GROW 9% THIS YEAR Colorado House passed landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and spur clean energy project DENVER, CO— The Advanced Energy Alliance today released a fact-sheet highlighting the significant growth expected this year in Colorado’s clean energy workforce. The trade group, made up of both large and small companies in the advanced energy economy, estimates that Colorado’s advanced energy workforce of over 65,000 people will grow by 9 percent this year. It attributed the growth to Colorado’s commitment to clean energy policies. Last session, the Colorado’s Democratic lawmakers passed numerous laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy and position our workforce to thrive in the green economy. “Colorado is leading the way in creating jobs in the clean energy economy because we’ve set ambitious goals and lowered the cost of using our state’s abundant renewable energy resources,” said Colorado House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Last session, we passed legislation to prioritize clean energy sources and reduce our state’s emissions by 90 percent by 2050, and we created innovative ways for utility companies to finance new clean energy projects. House Democrats will continue fighting to ensure every Coloradan has access to clean air and water and for an economy that works for everyone.” “Pollution impacts every Coloradan, which is why we are committed to taking meaningful action to protect the air we breathe, our environment and our public health,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee. “The legislation we passed will help create new jobs in renewable energy generation, and it’s clear the future is bright for this critical industry.” Earlier today, Emilie Olson of Advanced Energy Economy, which supported many of the climate and clean energy bills that passed the House last session, said in a release that “Colorado’s forward-looking energy policies are paying off.” She added to the Denver Post that our state is “reaping dividends from its energy policies and investments.” Speaker Becker and Rep. Jackson were the prime sponsors of HB19-1261, a landmark climate legislation that established pollution reduction goals in state statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent of 2005 levels by 2025, and ultimately by 90 percent by 2050. As market forces and innovative policies change the state’s energy economy, state Democrats are also working to support the people impacted. Last Spring, the governor signed HB19-1314, Speaker Becker’s legislation to create the Office of Just Transition in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood and economic security of workers and communities affected by the transition away from coal. Speaker Becker and Representative Chris Hansen, D-Denver, were also the prime sponsors of SB19-236, which was signed by Governor Polis. The new law established a financing mechanism to help utility companies retire coal-fired power plants quicker in order to transition to more renewable sources of energy generation. In addition, the bill directed the Public Utility Commission to evaluate the cost of carbon pollution emissions when considering projects in the future. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to preserve access to pharmacies and health care in rural communities. HB25-1222 passed by a vote of 61 to 1. < Back March 25, 2025 House Passes Lukens’ Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Health Care Access in Rural Colorado DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to preserve access to pharmacies and health care in rural communities. HB25-1222 passed by a vote of 61 to 1. “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this bill works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline to our communities. In fact if one rural pharmacy closes, the next one is typically more than 30 miles away, which means Coloradans are driving further for the care they need. This bipartisan bill aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies. This bill also permits telehealth for rural pharmacies, so no matter where you live, you can receive the health care you need.” HB25-1222 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, aims to help preserve access to rural health care in a few ways. This bill: Makes sure there is a fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies. Allows the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities. Ensures fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close. Allows remote operations for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans. These modifications will help ensure that rural and underserved Coloradans can continue to access vital prescriptions and healthcare services close to home, without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back May 3, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. SB24-197 passed by a vote of 63 to 0. “By implementing recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force, we’re taking steps now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions in the high country have jeopardized our way of life, and this bipartisan legislation addresses some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. To protect our water for generations to come, we need to tackle supply challenges head-on, and this bill works alongside community and industry leaders to protect this vital resource for all.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. In response to drought conditions, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back July 7, 2021 HEROD STATEMENT ON SIGNING OF BILL TO RESTRICT LAW ENFORCEMENT USE OF KETAMINE DENVER, CO — Representative Leslie Herod today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis signed legislation to prohibit law enforcement from compelling or unduly influencing a paramedic to administer ketamine. “Today, we took a significant step forward in our state to improve policing and end the misuse of ketamine, which has had dangerous and deadly consequences for Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “ No longer will law enforcement be able to direct paramedics to administer a potentially deadly drug, especially for a condition of ‘excited delirium,’ the diagnostic validity of which is disputed by medical professionals. I applaud Governor Polis’ support for this bill and for working to stop the misuse of chemical restraints in interactions with law enforcement.” HB21-1251 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo, a physician, prohibits law enforcement from compelling, directing, or unduly influencing a paramedic to chemically incapacitate someone by administering ketamine. It adds strict new requirements for the circumstances under which a paramedic can administer ketamine in prehospital settings in the presence of law enforcement, including attempting to obtain a verbal order from a medical supervisor, an accurate estimation of weight to ensure proper dosage, and equipment on site to monitor the person’s vital signs and provide urgent transport to a hospital. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill that would make it easier for children to navigate the justice system during child abuse cases. HB26-1103, sponsored by Representatives Lorena García and Lori Goldstein, passed unanimously by a vote of 64-0. < Back February 25, 2026 García, Goldstein Bill to Support Vulnerable Colorado Kids through Child Abuse Cases Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill that would make it easier for children to navigate the justice system during child abuse cases. HB26-1103, sponsored by Representatives Lorena García and Lori Goldstein, passed unanimously by a vote of 64-0. “Our bill aims to make it as easy as possible for children to seek justice from their abuser,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Child advocacy centers have the resources to provide trauma-informed support for Colorado children who are navigating the judicial system during something as difficult as a sexual assault, abuse or neglect case. By connecting the victim with these advocates and providing more flexibility in the testimony process, children will have a better chance of holding their abuser accountable without enduring further trauma.” “Having to relive sexual trauma can cause debilitating anxiety and PTSD, especially for children,” said Rep. Lori Goldstein, D-Westminster. “Far too many child sexual abuse cases never move forward because the victim doesn’t know how to navigate the justice system or because they don’t want to be forced to face their abuser in court. Our legislation will ensure that these kids have trauma-informed resources to guide them through medical examinations, the judicial system and mental health support to help prevent retraumatization.” HB26-1103 would require law enforcement agencies to report child sex offense claims to a local child advocacy center (CAC) within a week of when the alleged offense occurred. If there is no CAC within the judicial district, the agency must report the alleged offense to the CAC that they determine would best serve the child. Current law allows a child under 12 years old to give testimony in a room other than the courtroom if the judge believes that the child would experience serious emotional distress or trauma in the presence of the defendant. The bill would raise the age to under 18 years old, require courts to make considerations about a child’s ability to give testimony in front of the alleged offender, and allow for collaboration with a child advocacy center to conduct interviews. There are 19 CACs across Colorado with over 33,000 child abuse professionals and community members who provide wraparound services to survivors. Each CAC has trained forensic interviewers and victim advocates to support the child through the judicial process and with mental health services. The legislature is concurrently considering the Colorado Child Advocacy Center Act , which would reinforce the expectations that child advocacy centers coordinate with law enforcement and adopt trauma-informed practices as they move through the investigation, treatment and prosecution processes. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to support students at higher education institutions. HB26-1016 will save college students and professors money on educational materials. HB26-1006 will support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1078 will expand access to low- and no-cost college-level courses for high school students. < Back June 1, 2026 SIGNED! Trio of Bills to Support Higher Education Students DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to support students at higher education institutions. HB26-1016 will save college students and professors money on educational materials. HB26-1006 will support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1078 will expand access to low- and no-cost college-level courses for high school students. “Our law saves college students and instructors money by making high-quality education materials, such as textbooks, available and easily accessible at no cost,” said Rep. Jacque Phillips, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB26-1016. “This legislation ensures the state develops and implements open educational resources to reduce barriers to a well-rounded education and support our higher education professors and students alike.” “No student should be denied educational opportunities because they can’t afford their textbooks,” said Sen. Judy Amabile, sponsor of HB26-1016. “Free access to course materials through the Open Educational Resources program has already saved Colorado students millions and expanded access to higher education. This law ensures the program continues so that students from all backgrounds can complete their degrees without the burden of expensive textbooks.” HB26-1016 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction and Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, will help college students and professors access no-cost education materials, known as open education resources (OER). OERs include free and openly-licensed teaching, learning and research materials, such as textbooks and videos. OERs save students money, help reduce barriers to high-quality education and spur innovation. HB26-1006 creates an outcome-based designation at the state level to recognize outstanding institutions that serve diverse student populations and make it easier for them to apply for future funding sources or grants. This law establishes a thriving designation for post-secondary higher education institutions. To receive the thriving designation, higher education institutions need to meet certain criteria, such as aligning with Colorado’s workforce development priorities. “No matter their zip code or background, Colorado students should have access to a world-class education at an institution that strives to meet their needs,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1006. “This law will improve outcomes for students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1006 supports rural communities with higher education institutions that serve Coloradans from all backgrounds.” “Students across Colorado represent the diversity of our great state, and those thriving at rural and underserved schools deserve recognition and resources,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB26-1006. “This new law will boost resources for those students and faculty. Kudos to institutions like Colorado Mountain College that worked so hard with us to get this bill passed and signed into law." “When resources are tailored to the individual needs of our students, they’re better equipped for life after graduation,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB26-1006. “As the federal government actively works to punish minority serving institutions and the communities they serve, we’re boosting Colorado’s higher education landscape and supporting students of different backgrounds and income levels. In Colorado, we celebrate all students, and this law helps our students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds achieve their dreams.” HB26-1078 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, will extend 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. “By broadening the scope of concurrent enrollment to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions, more high school students can take advantage of this cost-saving tool,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1078. “Our law expands access to college-level courses to save students money and encourage them to try something new. Colorado’s higher education institutions are top-notch, and this legislation makes it easier for high school students to take advantage of concurrent enrollment.” “Concurrent enrollment classes accelerate student learning and prepare them for future careers, whether it be public service, private sector jobs, or technical training,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of HB26-1078. “I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that will expand these effective and low-cost programs and create more opportunities for Colorado students to excel.” “With this law, 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, sponsor of HB26-1078. “The narrow definition of concurrent enrollment programs excluded some higher education institutions, and this law 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.” This law modifies the state’s narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to offer off-campus courses that qualify as concurrent enrollment courses, provided the courses meet state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. The law 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. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2022 BILL TO PROTECT WILDFIRE INSURANCE CONSUMERS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans with wildfire insurance by updating standards to ensure consumers’ claims are paid in a timely manner passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee tonight by a vote of 10-2. HB22-1111 is a proactive approach to ensure homeowners displaced by wildfires receive a fair and comprehensive payout for lost property after deeply traumatizing/catastrophic disasters. “We’re working hard to update the law so future victims of catastrophic wildfire events like the East Troublesome Fire and the Marshall Fire receive the insurance payouts they’re owed,” said Rep. Judy Amabile D-Boulder. “This bill will make it easier for victims of fires to file and receive claims for lost property and living expenses after a disaster. Families displaced by wildfires are spending too much time waiting for next steps from insurance companies. This bill will streamline the process to get them on the road to recovery faster.” If passed, HB22-1111 would update a 2013 law standardizing what insurers will pay out in claims for lost property and additional living expenses after a declared wildfire disaster. More specifically, it would require insurers to pay disaster victims 65 percent of the value of the contents of their home up front without requiring the victim to do a comprehensive inventory of their personal property. Current law only guarantees 30 percent upfront, creating a burdensome process for many people to claim what they are owed after a deeply traumatizing event. The bill also puts in place several provisions that would streamline the insurance claims process for disaster victims. Due to climate change and dryer seasons, Coloradans are at risk for future wildfires. The Insurance Coverage For Loss Declared Fire Disaster would boost the number of insurance providers required to pay by 50 percent so displaced wildfire victims receive more for their destroyed homes and its contents faster. Previous Next

The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed a bill to improve non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid patients and drivers. < Back April 1, 2026 ICYMI: Stewart Bill to Provide Safe, Reliable Transportation for Patients Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed a bill to improve non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid patients and drivers. HB26-1328 would improve patient experience and strengthen oversight in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HPCF). “We’re taking clear steps to improve NEMT in Colorado, so patients have access to safe, reliable transportation for their medical appointments,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “This bipartisan bill establishes necessary accountability measures within HPCF to reduce fraud and protect patients. In rural districts like mine, NEMT is a vital resource to patients, and no one should have to miss health care because their transportation fell through. Our goal is to improve patient safety and health outcomes for Coloradans by strengthening NEMT and ensuring the transportation services are being utilized by the patients who need them.” HB26-1328 passed by a vote of 13-0 and is also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad. This bill would create a new advisory board that would be required to collaborate with the transportation brokers to establish rules and processes that prioritize patient and driver safety. To strengthen patient safety, NEMT transportation providers would be required to maintain auditable electronic trip records, including patient pick-up and drop-off locations, GPS location data with time stamps, mileage traveled, and driver identification. Video camera footage may also be audited when patient privacy and confidentiality guidelines are followed. HB26-1328 also helps NEMT transportation providers by requiring changes in billing procedures to be clear, limited, and communicated to drivers. Brokers will be allowed to work with patients to schedule rides in advance and with adequate accommodation. To make ride scheduling seamless for patients, this bill allows patients to schedule both one-time and recurring rides, request a specific transportation provider, and have their preferences documented for auditing purposes. To ensure ambulances can continue responding quickly to emergencies, they would be exempt from the new requirements of this bill. Rideshare companies that choose to participate in NEMT will be required to follow guidelines. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 BIOMASS UTILIZATION STUDY ADVANCES DENVER, CO– Representative Donald Valdez’s bipartisan bill to commission a study about biomass utilization and its benefits passed the House of second reading today. “Biomass has the potential to improve soil health, benefit watersheds, aid in carbon sequestration, and serve as a crucial forest fire prevention tool,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “This study will give us the data we need to make informed decisions about the future of biomass in Colorado. I’m proud of the bipartisan effort that led to commissioning this study, and will remain engaged as we move forward on this important issue of shared stewardship.” HB21-1180 requires the State Forest Service to conduct a study of biomass utilization. The study will consult various state agencies, local officials who serve communities in the wildland-urban interface, and other interested stakeholders to prepare a report that must be presented by March 1, 2022. The scope of the study includes identifying the potential costs and benefits of increasing biomass utilization throughout the state and any administrative or statutory changes needed to increase biomass utilization. Previous Next