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Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by at least 101-percent in Colorado due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Congress’s refusal to continue cost-saving health care tax credits is hiking health care premiums in Southwest Colorado and other rural communities that already struggle with access to care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Because of our action in the special session, these premiums are over 37 percent lower than they otherwise would be on the Western Slope and nearly 30,000 Coloradans across the state will be able to keep their health care coverage. Despite our best efforts, inaction by Republicans in Congress will still increase Southwestern Coloradans’ health care costs by thousands of dollars and threaten to put rural health care providers out of business.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. If Congressional Republicans don’t act now, a family that lives in southwest Colorado, on the Western Slope, in the San Luis Valley or on the Eastern Plains, will see their health insurance premiums increase by $16,000-$21,000. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Stewart signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in every county on the Western Slope in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. On the Western Slope, a Colorado family of four who chose the Colorado Option plan in 2025 saved over $9,600. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. By stabilizing Colorado’s reinsurance program, premiums are 37-percent less on the Western Slope. On the Western Slope, the average 40 year old individual saved nearly $15,000 from the reinsurance program, and since 2020, a family of four has saved nearly $56,000 from the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health < Back February 23, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Advances Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health DENVER, CO - The House today advanced bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. “There has been a significant rise in the cost of housing, especially in the Western Slope, forcing Coloradans to spend more of their money on housing and less on other necessary costs, like health care and groceries,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "Our bipartisan legislation would allow local governments to address the unique challenges that their communities face, like shortages in workforce housing, childcare, mental health care services, and much more.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, and the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. < Back December 20, 2023 Stronger Colorado Consumer Protections Coming this January DENVER, CO - On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. “Every Coloradan deserves insurance coverage that best fits their needs, which is why we passed legislation to require professionally translated insurance documents for non-English speakers,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB23-1004. “It’s disappointing that some insurers have threatened to suspend non-English language services, preventing communities from understanding insurance documents that can be difficult to comprehend even without a language barrier. Our law gives Coloradans the tools they need to choose an insurance plan that works best for themselves and their families, no matter what language they speak.” “The laws going into effect today will help Coloradans by making insurance more accessible and loan fees less predatory,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1004 and HB23-1229. “HB1004 ensures that when insurance companies advertise in languages other than English, that they also translate the policy documents, because consumers should be able to understand what they’re signing and the terms of their policies. Additionally, HB1229 closes predatory payday loan loopholes and brings Colorado in accordance with the will of the voters. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits these laws will have in my district and across the state.” HB23-1004 requires insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified by a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy and any related documents in any language upon request. HB23-1229 protects consumers by limiting lender fees on alternative charge loans, which are short-term loans capped at $1,000. The law also increases the minimum term of an alternative charge loan from 90 days to 6 months, allowing more time for repayment. Separately, it ensures that out-of-state, state-chartered banks are subject to applicable Colorado lending laws when lending to Coloradans to protect borrowers and create uniformity within the state. “Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 111 to protect against predatory payday loans in Colorado, but until now, a loophole has allowed some lenders to continue related high-interest lending practices,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1229. “With this law going into effect, we’re aligning Colorado law with the will of the voters and saving hardworking Coloradans money on these financial products.” “Alternative charge loan fees can often top 100% for APR, penalizing low-income Coloradans for taking out small loans that help them afford basic necessities until the next paycheck comes in,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1229. “Coloradans voted in 2018 to cap rates on these types of loans to 36%, but out-of-state banks have taken advantage of a loophole that allows them to circumvent our laws. Our new law will hold out-of-state banks to the rates voters approved of, protecting Coloradans from these predatory lending practices that exacerbate economic insecurity.” In 2018, Colorado voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 111 to crack down on predatory payday loans with high annual percentage rates (APRs). Since then, some Colorado lenders have replaced their payday loans with alternative charge loans, which are not subject to the same consumer protections. This bill would close that workaround to prevent lenders from overcharging Coloradans for credit that is often sought by borrowers already in duress. Previous Next

SB23-190 would protect patients by prohibiting deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers and unproven so-called “medication abortion reversal” < Back March 30, 2023 House Advances Bill to Prohibit Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers SB23-190 would protect patients by prohibiting deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers and unproven so-called “medication abortion reversal” DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect those seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs). Part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package, SB23-190 cracks down on AACs, also known as crisis pregnancy centers, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics that mislead patients seeking abortion care. "This legislation will protect patients seeking reproductive health care from deceitful, misleading practices touted by anti-abortion centers,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “AACs are known to use deceptive advertising to lure patients in under the guise that they offer the full range of reproductive health care when they do not. These practices put patients at risk, limit their access to care and mislead patients about the so-called ‘medication abortion reversal’ which is medically unethical and unproven. Patients across Colorado deserve access to honest, factual medical information so they can make informed decisions about their own reproductive health care.” “In Colorado, we support your fundamental right to the full scope of reproductive health care, including abortion,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Abortion is legal, but legality doesn’t equal equitable access. Our most marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by the deceptive advertising practices some anti-abortion centers showcase. There is no room for misinformation or deception when you are seeking medical care, and our legislation makes sure AACs are open and honest about the type of care they provide.” Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers: SB23-190 would make it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or for referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies that the administration of a “medical abortion reversal” by a health care profession is unprofessional and will be subject to discipline. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and explains that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care. Earlier this legislative session, Colorado Democrats on the House Health and Insurance Committee defeated HB23-1150 which would have required physicians and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to spread and maintain information about the so-called “medication abortion reversal”. AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services, such as ultrasounds and counseling, to low-income communities. In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20 . Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions. 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 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

< Back April 23, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GA DEMS CALL OUT RISE OF HATRED DURING PANDEMIC, URGE ACTION House and Senate Democrats release public community letter on increase in anti-Semitic, hateful, and bigoted language; urge Coloradans not to be bystanders DENVER, CO– General Assembly Democrats today released a public community letter on the increase in anti-Semitic, bigoted and racist language during the spread of COVID-19. “We are seeing an unacceptable rise in hate speech in our communities in the wake of this outbreak, and as Colorado’s representatives, it is our obligation to speak up and show that this type of language has no place in our state,” said Jewish Caucus Chair Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We are calling on Coloradans to join us in condemning bigotry and anti-Semitism and to work together in our communities to confront this danger.” The letter, which was organized by the Jewish Caucus, asks Coloradans to report hate crimes and embody the values we share: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. It is endorsed by the leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ legislative caucuses of the General Assembly. Coloradans can add their name to the letter here , and the full list of signatories and a Spanish translation of the letter can be found here . The full text of the letter is below: Dear Coloradans, We write to you as concerned citizens, advocates and as your neighbors. We are Colorado House and Senate Democrats and leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latino and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses. We endorse this letter because we are deeply concerned by the increase in bigotry and racism we are seeing and because we are compelled to speak up. We must come together as Coloradans, united to make sure that hate has no home in our state. To see the full list of signatories, please visit this website . The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak its havoc across the globe and to date, the crisis has cost us 42,514 American lives — 500 in Colorado alone. As we continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus and keep our communities safe, we the undersigned, pause for a moment to emphasize our shared commitment to ensuring that our communities and our state persevere through this crisis together, without turning on each other, and without resorting to hatred, bigotry or divisiveness. Our response to this pandemic requires that we follow CDC guidelines, listen to public health experts and practice proper social distancing. As we do so, it is imperative that we do not allow another sickness—racial and religious intolerance—to spread unchecked. In these unprecedented times, combating one pernicious disease is difficult enough. Though physically separated, we remain united and resolute: COVID-19 is no excuse for bigotry of any kind. We understand that this period of uncertainty has brought confusion and frustration to Coloradans of all backgrounds and identities. The virus has forced governments, including our state government, to make difficult decisions and take emergency action to save lives. We realize that this isn’t easy for anyone. We are endlessly thankful for the heroes who have stepped up to the challenge and made enormous sacrifices to support their fellow Coloradans. From our medical professionals, grocery store clerks and bus drivers, to all the folks staying at home, we have seen countless examples of Coloradans stepping up to contain the contagion in a spirit of kinship and togetherness. These acts of collective support, of selfless sacrifice and of everyday heroism provide a stark contrast to the examples of hateful and counterproductive behavior we have also seen on display. As such, we condemn—in the strongest possible terms—all acts of bigotry, xenophobia, racism, nativism, and antisemitism that have occurred in the wake of this outbreak. Tragically, some have used this pandemic as a cover and an excuse for abhorrent behavior. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans, conspiracy theories denigrating immigrants, statements that compare actions taken by the state’s first Jewish governor to the Gestapo—none of these are acceptable, none of it is Coloradan, and none of it will get us through this crisis any safer or any faster. While much has already been asked of the great people of our state, much more can be done to ensure we get through this crisis without sacrificing what it means to be a Coloradan. While we do the hard but necessary work of staying indoors, let’s make sure hate has no home in Colorado. We ask that as part of doing your part to combat the spread of COVID19, we all aim to speak up in the face of racism and antisemitism, report hate crimes and bigoted attacks, and embody the positive values we would like to see more of in our state: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. We ask that you join us in making sure these core American values—which the vast majority of Coloradans display proudly every day—continue to guide us as we confront this common enemy. To add your name to the letter, please visit this website . Signed, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), Jewish Caucus Chair Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Black Caucus Chair, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver), Latina Caucus Chair Representative Alex Valdez (D-Denver), LGBTQ Caucus Chair, Latino Caucus Chair Representative Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) Representative Adrienne Benavidez (D-Brighton), Latina Caucus Representative Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) Representative Janet Buckner (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), Latina Caucus Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton), Latina Caucus Representative James Coleman (D-Denver), Black Caucus Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) Representative Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge), Latina Caucus Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Tony Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs), Black Caucus Representative Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) Representative Alec Garnett (D-Denver) Representative Matt Gray (D-Broomfield) Representative Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) Representative Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D- Boulder), Latina Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood) Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) Representative Susan Lontine (D-Denver) Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) Representative Jovan Melton (D-Aurora,) Black Caucus Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) Representative Jonathan Singer (D-Longmont), Jewish Caucus Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs) Representative Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial) Representative Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood), Latina Caucus Representative Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Donald Valdez (D-La Jara), Latino Caucus Representative Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), Jewish Caucus Representative Steven Woodrow (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Mary Young (D-Greeley) Senate President Leroy Garcia Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Steve Fenberg Senator Rhonda Fields Senator Mike Foote Senator Joann Ginal Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Chris Hansen Senator Dominick Moreno Senator Brittany Peterson Senator Robert Rodriguez Senator Tammy Story Senator Nancy Todd Senator Angela Williams Senator Faith Winter Senator Rachel Zenzinger Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to prevent Colorado homeowners from being underinsured in the event of property loss. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. < Back March 9, 2023 Consumer Protections from Homeowner Underinsurance Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to prevent Colorado homeowners from being underinsured in the event of property loss. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Coloradans shouldn’t be blindsided by the reality of their home insurance coverage after they’ve suffered devastating property loss,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Our communities have experienced catastrophic wildfire damage in recent years, displacing thousands of people from their homes and saddling them with the responsibility of recovering with minimal financial assistance from their home insurance company. This bill prevents Coloradans from being under insured and allows them to choose a coverage option that provides them peace of mind.” “Coloradans are being driven out of the community they know and love because they lost their home in a wildfire and can’t afford to rebuild,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “Many Coloradans believed they had enough home insurance coverage, but more than half of homeowners who lost their home in the Marshall fire didn’t have enough to rebuild. This bill helps our neighbors stay in their community and rebuild their life after devastation.” HB23-1174 would require home insurance companies to offer a variety of coverages to protect them, covering the cost of repair or replacement for a damaged or destroyed structure. If a homeowner wants additional coverage, the insurer must offer coverage for extended replacement, law and ordinance, and inflation protection. It would also extend the length of time in which an insurer would have to notify a homeowner of a cancellation or refusal to renew a homeowner’s policy from 30 days to 60 days. The Division of Insurance would contract with an independent third party to put together an annual report detailing reconstruction costs in every region of the state. Representative Judy Amabile passed similar legislation in the 2022 Legislative Session in response to the Marshall Fire that destroyed over 1,000 homes in Boulder County. The bill ensured that homeowners received fair compensation for the loss of their property and streamlined the insurance claims process for underinsured disaster victims. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the permitting process. “Whether in Denver or along the Front Range, high levels of ozone are dangerous for our health, and it’s vital we address this problem and center the most impacted communities in our work,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation works to improve transparency around Colorado’s air quality issues and gives Coloradans a stronger voice when sounding the alarm on poor air quality in their communities. This bill is a step forward in our ongoing work to cut back harmful emissions and improve the air we all breathe.” “Ozone season brings poor air quality that makes it difficult for Coloradans to breathe, especially those with underlying health conditions or asthma,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “We’re stepping up to strengthen our permitting and enforcement processes so we can combat harmful emissions and prioritize Coloradans’ health. This legislation works to give Coloradans more input when it comes to the air quality in their own neighborhood through strengthening the public complaint process. We’re committed to helping Colorado reach its climate goals and cleaning up our air.” HB23-1294 works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for emissions permits in Colorado. There are thousands of “minor” sources - including many oil and gas wells - that are significant contributors to Colorado’s ozone problem.The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for ozone. This bill works to improve public engagement in the permit enforcement process by elevating complaints by impacted communities and setting clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. The bill also strengthens consideration of cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations during the permitting process and would create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. ### Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2020 BUENTELLO BILL TO FACILITATE ENERGY EFFICIENT SCHOOLS ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to improve energy efficiency in schools today advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Environment. “This has been a really productive session so far, and I’m proud that so many of my bills have advanced,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “I’ve focused on legislation to improve our schools and public education, assist rural law enforcement and support our veterans and service members. This legislation will help our schools become more energy efficient, potentially saving our schools resources they desperately need while also improving our environment.” SB20-124 , which is also sponsored by Representative Perry Will, R- New Castle, would require public school facility construction guidelines for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program to include consultations with utility companies regarding the use of energy efficiency and beneficial electrification technologies. The objective of the bill is to facilitate new capital projects at public schools that reduce their energy use, saving local taxpayers money that can be used for other critical investments such as keeping local libraries open or fixing roads and bridges. The bill passed 9-1 out of the Energy and Environment Committee. Previous Next

< Back September 21, 2019 ON PUPPY MILL AWARENESS DAY, REP. DURAN & FIRST GENTLEMAN REIS DRAW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR CANINE FRIENDS Representative Monica Duran and First Gentleman Marlon Reis today spotlighted the inhumane conditions at puppy mills in Colorado and across the country. “I’m honored to be partnering with First Gentleman Reis to shed light on the abhorrent conditions at puppy mills,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge.“Every dog deserves to live in happiness and safety. Our furry friends demand very little in exchange for unconditional love and attention, and I look forward to taking action to address the inhumane treatment of animals in our state.” “Helping animals has long been the work that inspires me. In my advocacy on behalf of Colorado’s animals, I strive to turn good ideas into meaningful actions. I am proud to support efforts at the government level that help to ensure animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve while providing for their overall wellbeing and happiness,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. “We look forward to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell, and are thrilled to see Colorado lead the way and create more humane standards,” said Aubyn Royall, Colorado State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We thank both Representative Duran and our First Gentleman for their commitment to protecting consumers and animals.” Puppy Mill Awareness Day is a national day of action to raise awareness about puppy mills and to encourage advocates to make their voices heard in opposition to canine abuse. First Gentleman Reis and Representative Duran are exploring legislative proposals to ensure the health and safety of dogs and cats. Previous Next

< 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