House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. < Back July 9, 2024 Lukens, Bacon Highlight First Meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Committee CORRECTION The Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee was created through an interim committee request letter (2024-04), rather than HB24-1265 as previously stated. DENVER, CO - House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee . Created through HB24-1265, this bipartisan interim committee aims to study cell phone connectivity issues in rural and historically underserved communities of color in Colorado. Chair Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Whether it’s for work, school, meeting virtually with your doctor, searching for directions, or contacting emergency services — quality cell phone connectivity is vital. However, many of our neighbors living in rural and mountainous communities are stuck with unreliable cell services. Gaps in cell phone connectivity means Coloradans can find themselves on their own in a dangerous, emergency situation. “Our first meeting allowed us to dive deeper into the cell phone connectivity issues encountered by many in our state. These gaps were widely exposed during the pandemic, and our goal this interim is to better understand how we can improve connectivity for those living in and visiting Colorado’s mountainous communities.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “No matter your zip code, everyone deserves peace of mind and a strong sense of security that cell phones provide. “However, marginalized communities in urban and rural areas feel as if they experience a lack of reliable cell phone coverage. It has been increasingly difficult for many in these communities to rely on cell phones in emergency situations or everyday life. “We convened this Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee to uncover the gaps in cell phone coverage across our state. Today’s first meeting set us on a path forward to understanding the connectivity issues as we work towards framing up future legislation.” Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO PREVENT FENTANYL DEATHS Legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions DENVER, CO – The House today advanced comprehensive legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Rep. Mike Lynch on a preliminary vote to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. “This comprehensive legislation will crack down on fentanyl dealers and deploys a robust public health strategy to get this deadly poison off our streets and save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Far too many Colorado families have experienced the devastating pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl. Under this legislation, people spreading this deadly drug in our communities will have severe consequences, and if someone distributes fentanyl that leads to death, they will face even harsher penalties. This is an aggressive response that acknowledges the deadliness of this drug and invests in proven public health approaches that will expand access to treatment, make Narcan and test strips widely available, and create a robust education and awareness campaign to save lives.” “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths in Colorado. The fentanyl crisis demands an aggressive response that will hold dealers accountable and remove this deadly drug from our streets, and that’s what this comprehensive fentanyl legislation will do,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This solution will save lives by giving prosecutors the tools we need to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. This legislation will allow us to respond aggressively to dealers who take Coloradans’ lives when distributing this drug, and I encourage lawmakers to pass this bill.” “This legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on fentanyl dealers to get this dangerous drug off our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “Fentanyl doesn’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat; people are dying in every community in our state. This bill is a comprehensive solution that will save lives and prevent fentanyl deaths.” HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. HB22-1326 would make it a felony to knowingly possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Additionally, once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill turns on a no tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. The bill was amended in the Appropriations Committee to repeal the new felony on June 30, 2025 and to include what is known as a “wobbler” provision that allows individuals who complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor. Amendments adopted on the floor include creating a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, providing additional funding to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program and crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment in jails . This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal also makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. Previous Next

Sponsors of HB26-1226, Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement yesterday. < Back September 15, 2026 Democratic Lawmakers Respond to EPA Decision to Dismantle Air Quality Protections DENVER, CO – Sponsors of HB26-1226 , Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement yesterday. “We condemn yesterday’s reckless and shortsighted decision to eliminate rules that keep our communities safe and healthy by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. This rollback puts our air quality, public health, and climate at risk by removing important protections. “We predicted something like this could happen. Earlier this year, Colorado Democrats passed a state law, HB26-1226 , which allows Colorado to set our own emissions limits and air quality standards. While the federal government continues to ignore science and endanger Coloradans’ well-being, we’re stepping in to protect our communities and meet our climate goals.” Previous Next

House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today congratulated Representative-Elect Jamie Jackson who was selected last night to represent House District 41. < Back January 23, 2025 McCluskie, Duran Congratulate Rep-Elect Jackson DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today congratulated Representative-Elect Jamie Jackson who was selected last night to represent House District 41. The vacancy committee for HD-41 was necessitated after former Representative Iman Jodeh was selected to represent Senate District 29. “Congratulations to Rep-Elect Jackson!” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I look forward to working with Rep-Elect Jackson to make our state more affordable, protect our investments in K-12 education and move Colorado forward. ” “I look forward to working alongside Rep-Elect Jackson to reduce costs for families and support working people in Colorado,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “HD-41 is one of our state’s most diverse districts, and I know Rep-Elect Jackson will bring her experience to the legislature to uplift the voices of her constituents.” Rep-Elect Jackson is the Chief Operating Officer at The Naloxone Project, the vice president of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action and the criminal justice chairperson for Aurora NAACP. Rep-Elect Jackson’s official swearing-in will take place in the Colorado House of Representatives soon. Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2020 ROUNDUP: HOUSE DEMS FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS DENVER, CO– House Democrats have advanced several pieces of legislation in the last two weeks that would improve access to mental health care in Colorado. These bills would mandate insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams, improve mental health resources for students, and expand access to early childhood mental health consultations. Annual Mental Health Wellness Exams: Last week, the House Health and Insurance Committee unanimously passed Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s bill to guarantee insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams. HB20-1086 aims to further break down barriers to mental health care by requiring health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness examination as a part of their coverage for preventative health care services. The coverage must be comparable to the coverage for a physical examination, comply with federal mental health parity laws, and not require any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Enhancements to Safe2Tell: Last night, the House Education Committee unanimously advanced Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s bill to improve the Safe2Tell program. HB20-1005, developed in the School Safety Committee, would align the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to ensure that individuals in crisis can rapidly access crisis counseling. It would also align the processes for all types of incoming tips and adjust the annual advertising campaign to most efficiently raise awareness about the program and reduce its misuse. Finally, it would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. Early Childhood Mental Health HB20-1006, sponsored by Reps. Sirota and McCluskie, would create a statewide program of early childhood mental health consultants to increase the number of qualified consultants and improve access to these critical services. Mental health consultants are mental health professionals with experience working with young children and their families in a diversity of early childhood settings. It passed the House Committee on Public Health and Human Services on January, 24. Access to Mental Health Resources On Wednesday, the House Public Health Care and Human Services Committee passed Rep. Titone’s bipartisan legislation to improve access to mental health educational resources. HB20-1113 would require the state to contract with an organization to create an online resource directory with information about mental health crisis resources and resources for individuals seeking behavioral health care services. The online directory and internet links would include information about the Colorado SEE ME campaign and the national suicide prevention hotline . It would also include demographic-specific information about behavioral health care providers that are available to people seeking mental health care services with links to the providers’ websites. ### Previous Next

Two new laws seek to prevent youth violence and deaths linked to firearm theft < Back July 29, 2025 Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence Goes Into Effect Two new laws seek to prevent youth violence and deaths linked to firearm theft DENVER, CO – Two new laws will go into effect on August 6 to prevent gun violence among youth and violence related to firearm theft. HB25-1250 , sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, will standardize the distribution of educational materials about gun violence prevention to caregivers of Colorado kids. The new law will require the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment to accessibly post educational materials about preventing gun violence on its website to be distributed to school districts, charter schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind at the beginning of each school year. Under the bill, local education providers would also be required to post the materials on their websites. “Every student deserves a safe learning environment, which is why we crafted this law with the help of student advocates to protect our students and educators from gun violence,” Hamrick said. “As a gun violence prevention advocate and a former teacher, I know our students are counting on us to boost access to the tools that help mitigate youth violence and senseless gun deaths. This legislation works to increase community awareness and better inform parents and guardians about safe storage laws and resources available to them in their communities. Together, we’re taking a public health approach to connect our communities with resources to create a safer, more supportive space for our youth.” “Preventing acts of gun violence begins at home,” Cutter said. “Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies in our nation’s history have happened in Colorado schools, and one in three Colorado Middle and High School students say they can access a firearm in their home. Safe storage dramatically reduces firearm suicides and overall youth firearm fatalities. Information is power, and this bill simply helps inform and educate students and their families about gun violence and how to prevent it." “Between raising the minimum age to purchase firearms to improve safe storage, we’re taking a multi-prong approach to addressing gun violence in our communities and schools,” Duran said. “This law boosts awareness for parents and guardians by providing them with resources, specifically prevention or intervention services, to help them better communicate with their children about gun violence. Building upon my safe storage legislation from 2021, this law works to spread awareness, making sure firearms are properly stored to keep our communities safe.” Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors, intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence. SB25-205 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, will help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “SB25-205 comes from concerns raised by firearm dealers in my district, and is a win for both public safety and responsible small businesses,” Hinrichsen said. “It ensures that when someone wants to trade in or sell a used firearm, dealers have a clear process and safeguards while they check if a gun is lost or stolen. By guaranteeing timely law enforcement checks, we keep firearm transactions aboveboard and help people buy and sell through safe, legitimate channels. This law also protects dealers from making costly, unintentional purchases that could hurt their business.” “This law allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” Espenoza said. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers have better tools to help keep our communities safe by identifying guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “We’ve created this law for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” Lindstedt said. “Running serial number checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. Now that this law is in effect, firearm dealers can better protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 establishes a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the law, local county sheriff’s offices must complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they will be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours. Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES BUENTELLO BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION Buentello’s bill to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Mar. 22) – The House Public Health and Human Services committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “This is a bill that is about saving lives and helping Coloradans who are struggling in the midsts of the opioid epidemic to get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Buentello. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time to expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-1. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Rep. Buentello’s other bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee, with Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, as the co-prime. This bill requires consensus-based recommendations to the legislature and other boards and commissions to remedy the shortage of licensed, safe and affordable childcare options in the state. SB19-063 passed unanimously and now heads to House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Today, Colorado Springs Democrats Senators Marc Snyder and Tony Exum, Sr. and Representatives Amy Paschal and Regina English released a statement following President Trump’s decision to relocate Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama: < Back September 2, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Springs Democrats Statement on Trump’s Decision to Relocate Space Command from Colorado to Alabama COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Today, Colorado Springs Democrats Senators Marc Snyder and Tony Exum, Sr. and Representatives Amy Paschal and Regina English released a statement following President Trump’s decision to relocate Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama: “We are deeply disappointed by President Trump’s decision to move Space Command out of Colorado and to Alabama. Colorado Springs is not only the nation’s premier hub for aerospace and defense, but also the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, making it the clear and logical choice for Space Command’s permanent headquarters. Space Command drives Southern Colorado’s economy, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs and innovation in aerospace, research, and technology. Relocating it will harm Colorado’s economy, disrupt our nation’s defense readiness, and undermine an industry where Colorado is a recognized national leader.” Previous Next

Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC < Back April 19, 2023 Joint Select Committee Democrats Introduce Bill to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates yesterday introduced legislation that would improve transparency and accountability for utilities and save people money on their energy bills. SB23-291 presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances what kinds of expenses are paid by utility shareholders vs. ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel cost control, and levels the playing field at PUC proceedings, where infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a mechanism to incentivize utilities to save money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce this legislation that will improve transparency and hold utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve. Senate Bill 291 will help to align utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service, while helping save Coloradans money on their energy bills ” "Coloradans are counting on us to address skyrocketing utility costs, and as a Joint Select Committee, we’ve taken their concerns seriously as we worked to uncover the root causes of rising rates,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “After months of information gathering, we’re introducing legislation to change the incentive structure for utilities that will better protect ratepayers from sudden price hikes and ensure a more transparent PUC process for consumer interests.” “Our committee has been hard at work the past few months searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” "As a Joint Select Committee, we’ve been working diligently with policy experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to uncover what is leading to rising utility rates that are impacting our neighbors,” said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our new legislation will create a pathway toward long-term, cost-saving solutions that will increase rate transparency and provide additional tools and tactics to limit price hikes that stick Coloradans with high, unpredictable utility bills.” Further, the bill would level the playing field at the PUC by requiring utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ use of expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. SB23-291 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. You can track the bill’s progress HERE . Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman < Back March 20, 2025 Protecting the Freedom to Marry Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to implement Amendment J and remove language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage. “Coloradans overwhelmingly support the freedom to marry who we love,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this bill implements the will of the voters and protects marriage equality in Colorado. As this bill moves through the House, we’re reminded that everyone deserves to live safely in our state, and marry who they love.” “We’re one step closer to implementing the will of the voters and protecting the freedom to marry who we love,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “As the Trump administration takes aim at critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality in our state. We heard the voters loud and clear – marriage equality must be protected, and I’m truly honored to carry this bill through the House.” SB25-014 will implement the will of the voters by repealing the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution. Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect gender-affirming health care insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. < Back May 23, 2025 Signed! New Law Protects Gender-Affirming Health Care Coverage DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect gender-affirming health care insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. “While the GOP continues to attack the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado Democrats passed this new law to ensure trans Coloradans have access to gender-affirming care,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This law codifies insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, protecting access to medically necessary and evidence-based health care. We’re creating a Colorado that respects, protects and values the trans community.” “Trans and nonbinary Coloradans deserve access to the evidence-based, lifesaving care they need,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Colorado already requires insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, and this new law strengthens those protections by writing them into law and ensuring they can’t be easily undone. The law also removes testosterone from the prescription drug monitoring program which has been misused in other states to target providers and patients. I’m proud to sponsor this new law that will protect what already works and safeguard our freedoms.” “Now more than ever, it is crucial that we ensure Colorado law protects trans people,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Colorado has become a safe haven for trans Americans who face relentless attacks from their government, which is why I sponsored this law to protect gender-affirming health care coverage. As the first openly trans legislator in Colorado, I am proud to pass this law to ensure our state continues to be a place where trans people can safely live and thrive.” “In Colorado, we believe in bodily autonomy and the freedom to live as our authentic selves,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Everyone has the right to make personal health care decisions without political interference. At a time when the trans community is being targeted across the country, I’m proud to stand up for the individual rights and liberties of all Coloradans.” HB25-1309 codifies into Colorado statute that health care insurance plans cannot deny or limit gender-affirming health care that is determined medically necessary by a health care provider. Gender-affirming care can include hormone therapy, facial reconstruction, hair removal and other treatments or procedures. The law also adds privacy protections for Coloradans who undergo hormone therapy by exempting testosterone from Colorado’s prescription drug use monitoring program tracking requirements. This January, President Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, leading to medical providers across the country ending medically necessary care overnight. Congress is currently considering the Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, which includes a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people on Medicaid and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. This would impact over 270,000 transgender adults throughout the country who receive health care through Medicaid. Currently, 26 states have passed legislation banning gender-affirming care. One report found that 94-percent of trans and non-binary adults feel unsafe due to bans on gender-affirming care. Previous Next

Representative Brianna Titone today led over 75 bipartisan elected officials in Colorado in sending a letter to Montana legislators asking for Rep. Zooey Zephyr to be allowed back into the chamber. < Back May 1, 2023 Titone Leads Bipartisan Letter to Montana Legislators DENVER, CO - Representative Brianna Titone today led over 75 bipartisan elected officials in Colorado in sending a letter to Montana legislators asking for Rep. Zooey Zephyr to be allowed back into the chamber. In their letter, the elected officials wrote: Your actions strike at the heart of our democracy and the rights of Montanans to have their voices heard. Removing Representative Zephyr from the House chamber is yet one more attempt to erase trans people and silence them in the face of increasing violence, threats to their lives, and laws that seek to deny their humanity and basic human rights. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to act with integrity and defend our democracy, and we are deeply concerned with erosion of democratic norms we see proliferating in statehouses across the country. Representative Zephyr should be allowed to remain in her seat in your chamber for the remainder of the session. Regardless of your personal stance on these issues, she is still a colleague and a duly elected and sworn representative of the people of Montana. Her voice is no less important than your own. The full text of the letter is below: Members of the Montana House of Representatives: We, the undersigned Colorado elected officials, express our extreme dismay at your decision to prohibit Representative Zooey Zephyr from participating in the legislative process and representing her district. We rise in support of a lawmaker who is doing what she has been charged to do: Stand up and speak out on behalf of constituents on issues directly impacting them. As elected officials, we know very well that our work can be full of passion and emotion when lives are on the line. In the case of Representative Zephyr, she was right to speak with strong words of advocacy for those Montana residents who are struggling to get the care, understanding, and respect they so desperately need. Her words were spoken passionately, but they alone did not cross any lines of decorum. It is a fact that LGBTQ+ youth– who are relentlessly persecuted, ostracized, and denied basic rights–are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to the CDC. Representative Zephyr placed a spotlight of truth on the very real damage proposed legislation could have on Montanans who are already struggling with discrimination and growing fear of physical harm. The decision to ban her from the chamber and prevent her from speaking is a drastic overreaction in response to her speaking truth to power. Your actions strike at the heart of our democracy and the rights of Montanans to have their voices heard. Removing Representative Zephyr from the House chamber is yet one more attempt to erase trans people and silence them in the face of increasing violence, threats to their lives, and laws that seek to deny their humanity and basic human rights. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to act with integrity and defend our democracy, and we are deeply concerned with erosion of democratic norms we see proliferating in statehouses across the country. Representative Zephyr should be allowed to remain in her seat in your chamber for the remainder of the session. Regardless of your personal stance on these issues, she is still a colleague and a duly elected and sworn representative of the people of Montana. Her voice is no less important than your own. Signed, Representative Brianna Titone, Statewide Officials Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young Colorado State Senators and Representatives House Speaker Julie McCluskie Senate President Steve Fenberg House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno Rep. Ruby Dickson Rep. Jenny Willford Rep. David Ortiz Rep. Kyle Brown Rep. Sheila Lieder Rep. Cathy Kipp Rep. Lindsey Daugherty Rep. Steven Woodrow Rep. Mary Young Rep. Barbara McLachlan Rep. Meg Froelich Rep. Lorena Garcia Rep. Steph Vigil Rep. Jennifer Lea Parenti Rep. Michael J. Weissman Rep. Mandy Lindsay Rep. Junie Joseph Rep. Karen McCormick Rep. Said Sharbini Rep. Elizabeth Velasco Rep. Regina English Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez Rep. Elisabeth Epps Sen. Lisa A Cutter Rep. Tammy Story Rep. Naquetta Ricks Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet Rep. Andrew Boesenecker Rep. Iman Jodeh Rep. Emily Sirota Rep. Shannon Bird Rep. Marc Snyder Rep. Meghan Lukens Rep. Jennifer Bacon Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy Sen. Janet Buckner Sen. Julie Gonzales Sen. Nick Hinrichsen Sen. Janice Marchman Rep. Eliza Hamrick Rep. Matthew Martinez Rep. Ron Weinberg Sen. Rhonda Fields Sen. Faith Winter Rep. Javier Mabrey Rep. Judy Amabile Rep. William Lindstedt Sen. Rachel Zenzinger Rep. Leslie Herod Rep. Bob Marshall Rep. Rick Taggart Rep. Tisha Mauro Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis Sen. Chris Hansen Sen. Dylan Roberts Sen. Jeff Bridges Rep. Alex Valdez Sen. Jessie Danielson Sen. Tony Exum Local Government Officials Castle Pines City Councilman Roger D. Hudson Broomfield Mayor Guyleen Castriotta Arvada City Councilmember Randy Moorman Arvada City Councilmember Lauren Simpson Erie Trustee Emily Baer Erie Trustee Daniel Hoback Erie Mayor Justin Brooks Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann Greeley City Councilor Tommy Butler Greeley City Councilor Member Deborah L DeBoutez Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon Previous Next