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< Back March 7, 2022 BILL TO FOSTER CIVIC-MINDED BUSINESSES PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – A bill to foster civic-minded businesses and innovators passed the House on Third and Final Reading today by a vote of 41 to 20. Modifications To Colorado Public Benefit Corporation Act, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Senator Pete Lee would make it easier to start businesses that positively impact communities and a healthy environment across Colorado. This bill now heads to the Governor's office. “The passage of this bill means we’re one step closer to making Colorado the best place for civic-minded business leaders to set up shop,” said Rep. Shannon Bird D-Westminster. “Coloradans feel connected to their neighborhoods and businesses play a special role in fostering that sense of community. Our legislation will make it easier for arts, culture, environmental and other community-focused businesses to open in communities across the state. We’re pleased to move Colorado forward with legislation that attracts businesses to communities where they can have a positive impact.” SB22-045 would break down barriers for corporations to register as public benefit corporations. Specifically, this bill would modify the “Public Benefit Corporation Act of Colorado” to simplify the conversion procedures for forming a public benefit corporation (PBC). PBCs are businesses that have a positive effect on a community’s art, charity, culture, economy, education, environment, literature, medicine, religion, science or technology scene. PBCs are becoming more popular with both consumers and employees that believe corporations should contribute more to the community they reside in and make conscious efforts to reduce their negative environmental impact. The changes in this bill are necessary for Colorado to remain a competitive place for business leaders to form PBCs as other states, including Delaware, reform their laws in a similar way. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to improve conservation and stewardship of public lands. < Back May 13, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: New Law Will Protect Colorado’s Public Lands LONGMONT, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to improve conservation and stewardship of public lands. "This new law will help Colorado protect its iconic landscapes, encourage outdoor recreation, and ensure that farming and ranching continue to thrive on state trust lands,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “Balancing these priorities is essential for the future health of our communities and our environment." “This bill is a critical step in preserving Colorado’s natural beauty while also recognizing the importance of traditional State Land Board land uses,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “By integrating conservation, recreation, and agriculture, we’re ensuring that future generations of Coloradans can continue to enjoy our land while supporting the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers.” “As Colorado prepares to celebrate its 150th birthday, now is a great time to take a comprehensive look at our state trust lands,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. "This work group will make recommendations to ensure that the State Land Board modernizes its priorities to promote conservation but also other benefits our state trust lands can provide, including agriculture, outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and more - all while maintaining the mission of generating funds for our public schools. I am glad to see this bipartisan bill signed into law and look forward to following the work group's efforts closely." Currently, the Colorado State Land Board (SLB) oversees most of Colorado’s trust lands, including state parks. HB25-1332 establishes a formal working group process to identify opportunities to improve and enhance conservation, agricultural operations, and outdoor recreation on state trust lands. There are more than 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million subsurface acres, such as lakes, caves and rivers, overseen by the Colorado SLB. Next year is the 150th anniversary of Colorado and the SLB. This law helps uncover challenges and opportunities to advance conservation, agricultural leasing programs, wildlife habitat, climate resiliency and low-conflict recreation while still driving funding to Colorado’s public K-12 schools. HB25-1332 requires the working group to include participation from Colorado’s Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes, rural schools, and renewable energy organizations, among others. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens today presented the Walking Mountain Science Center with a Colorado Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Pipeline Grant at Red Sandstone Elementary. < Back October 23, 2024 Rep. Lukens Presents STEM Grant to Walking Mountain Science Center VAIL, CO – Representative Meghan Lukens last week presented the Walking Mountain Science Center with a Colorado Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Pipeline Grant at Red Sandstone Elementary. The grant, supported by We Work For Health , aims to boost student access to science and technology across Colorado. “How exciting is it to present a Colorado STEM Pipeline Grant to the Walking Mountain Science Center, congratulations to all!,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “I’m thrilled the Walking Mountain Science Center will soon have more resources to boost environmental science in the classroom – further encouraging our students to explore their passions for STEM education. Recent laws we passed will help drive more funding to rural and underserved school districts and support our students in achieving their dreams. Together, we’re building a stronger educational foundation for students in Vail Valley and beyond.” At the state house, Rep. Lukens supported HB24-1446 , a bipartisan law to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. She also proudly supported groundbreaking education legislation including HB24-1448 , the new public school finance formula, and SB24-188 , the 2024 School Finance Act, which eliminates the budget stabilization factor (BSF). In addition to HB24-1448 and SB24-188, Rep. Lukens was the prime sponsor of education legislation to bring more school psychologists to Colorado and establish an Educator Safety Task Force . Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM MOVES FORWARD Bill would build safer communities by enhancing security at institutions facing increasing threats DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Iman Jodeh to help nonprofits like synagogues and mosques pay for enhanced security passed the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 9-2. “We’ve seen an alarming increase in violent threats against religious and nonprofit organizations, and it’s clear they need additional resources to enhance security measures in places of worship, schools and community centers,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “I am scared for our communities. The pandemic has led to increased anti-semitism, violence and threats. This funding will make Colorado safer for everyone by providing nonprofit institutions the resources they need to protect their communities.” “This bill will make our communities safer by providing additional resources to nonprofit organizations for security upgrades in the wake of increasing threats of violence targeting minority communities,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Everyone should feel safe in their houses of worship, community centers, schools and community spaces, and that’s what this bill will do. There’s a clear need for additional funding, and I’m proud our state is stepping up to fill this gap and provide these critical resources.” HB22-1077 would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. As drafted, the bill would provide $1.5 million for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000, allowing nearly30 additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE Around $150 billion is wagered illegally on sports every year in the U.S. (Apr. 22) – The House Finance committee passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. This bill would require voter approval if passed by the General Assembly. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Rockies in the World Series or the Avs in the Stanley Cup. Voters support funding to protect our water and this will help them do their part,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “Our outdoor economy depends on access to water and healthy rivers and this will help generate much needed funding for the Colorado Water Plan. And it is our hope that this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting.” HB19-1327 would provide a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to fund Colorado Water Plan projects to keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. HB19-1327 passed out of the committee with a bipartisan vote of 9-1. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. The bill is sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. John Cooke. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2021 BIPARTISAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISASTER RESPONSE ADVANCES Bill would establish the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program to support Coloradans after major disasters and emergencies DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services today passed Representative Cutter’s bipartisan bill to support the work of behavioral health organizations responding to community behavioral health needs in the wake of an emergency or disaster. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “There is a clear need for a more holistic response to disasters like wildfires, pandemics, floods, and even mass shootings,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This bill will support the great work of our state’s behavioral health organizations striving to meet the needs of communities left reeling in the wake of a disaster or an emergency. With many community mental health centers already operating programs to help Coloradans deal with the effects of COVID-19, today we’re seizing a unique opportunity to help them continue their important work and build resiliency.” HB21-1281 , also sponsored by Representative Perry Will, creates the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The program is intended to enhance, support, and formalize behavioral health disaster preparedness and response activities of community behavioral health organizations. Community mental health centers are already operating a number of programs that would fall within the scope of this fund, especially as they relate to COVID-19, but funding for them is fragmented and much of the federal funding will soon be withdrawn. Previous Next

House Democratic Leadership today released the following statements on Representative Said Sharbini’s resignation: < Back December 18, 2023 Leadership Statements on Resignation of Rep. Sharbini DENVER, CO – House Democratic Leadership today released the following statements on Representative Said Sharbini’s resignation: Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “It’s been a joy to serve alongside Representative Sharbini, and I will miss his deep dedication to the people of Colorado and his critical voice at the Capitol. He has been a champion for his district and always stayed true to his values. I know he will continue working to improve the lives of people in our state with his enduring commitment to public service.” Statement from Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “I wish Representative Sharbini and his family the best as he pursues the next chapter in his life, and I am sincerely grateful for the kindness of character he brought to the legislature. As a member of the Latino caucus, his devotion to serving others and to protecting the rights of all Coloradans helped us pass better policies. Representative Sharbini understood how tough our work could be, and his good humor made many days better - I’ll miss his presence very much.” Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO NEWLY RELEASED BUDGET FORECAST Denver, CO – This afternoon, the Governor’s office and the Colorado Legislative Council released a quarterly budget forecast that will help lawmakers write the annual state budget. In response, members of the Joint Budget Committee released the following statements: “While this budget forecast might not be as strong as we hoped for, the Joint Budget Committee’s priority must be to serve as responsible stewards of taxpayers dollars as we work to balance the state budget,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I am still confident that we will be able to find a way forward that protects the state’s finances while also delivering on many of the important legislative priorities that our Democratic majorities were elected on.” “We remain focused on putting forth a bipartisan and responsible budget that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hardworking individuals and families in southern Colorado and across our state are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. We must work together to support them and give them the tools they need to get ahead.” “The budget forecast is not a red or a blue issue, and regardless of party, we must be smart with our decisions and balance many competing priorities with the need for fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We take these decisions very seriously, and will carefully identify what our biggest financial needs are as we debate and finalize our state’s budget.” “A poorly targeted federal tax change and pointless trade wars and tariffs have manufactured uncertainty in the economy and are beginning to drag down hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We must work together to responsibly invest in education, work to cut the cost of health care to ensure our state remains prosperous.” Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2020 GOV. SIGNS BILLS TO PROTECT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS Broomfield, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect mobile homeowners by creating a pathway for them to purchase the land under their properties and by protecting mobile homeowners from retaliation or massive penalties for minor rule violations. “This bill gives mobile homeowners a path forward to purchase the land they live on in the event a mobile home park owner decides to sell or redevelop a park,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder . “All Coloradans should have access to a safe, affordable place to live, and this new law will protect Coloradans who live in mobile home parks, our state’s largest source of unsubsidized, affordable housing, at a time when affordable housing is difficult to find.” “Coloradans, many of whom have put everything into purchasing their mobile homes, should have a fair shot at owning their home and protecting the investments they’ve made,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Unlike other homeowners, most mobile homeowners do not always have the security of owning the land they live on and can be forced out of their homes at nearly any time. This new law will help ensure that more Coloradans can stay in the homes that they’ve built their lives around.” HB20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, creates a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 14 days notice if a park is for sale or 12 months notice if they intend to redevelop the land. Residents thereafter have 90 days to make a qualifying offer to purchase the park and enter into negotiations with the park owner. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. “Coloradans need to feel safe in their own homes, and this new law will help protect them from being forced out of their homes for a minor rule infraction,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Many Coloradans are feeling the pressure of paying their rent or mortgage during these difficult times, and this bill will protect the rights that mobile homeowners and all tenants should have and stop unwanted and costly penalties.” HB20-1196 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Julie McCluskie, protects residents from retaliation when they complain about park owner violations. It prevents park owners from removing tenants over minor rule violations, thereby protecting mobile home residents from unwarranted and arbitrary evictions that can destroy their lives. The bill also requires transparency in utility billing so that residents can ensure that the money they pay for essential services goes towards its intended purpose, and secures a right to privacy for tenants, mandating that park owners provide adequate notice and obtain tenant consent before entering their homes. Previous Next

The Governor today signed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget. This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. < Back April 28, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bipartisan FY25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget . This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. The state’s $43.9 billion budget contains $16.7 billion in general fund expenditures. “This is a budget that no one is happy with but that everyone can be proud of,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Thanks to the rationing equation in TABOR, the Joint Budget Committee faced difficult decisions that resulted in painful tradeoffs. But unlike Washington, we made these cuts thoughtfully, strategically, and with bipartisan support. We eliminated dozens of programs and invested those savings in public education, and public safety, and public lands. It’s not a perfect budget, but it’s responsible and responsive to our TABOR constraints while keeping our commitment to the people of Colorado.” “This budget navigates significant reductions in resources while still meeting our core responsibilities,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “From protecting access to healthcare for our most vulnerable to fully funding our public schools and capping college tuition increases, this bipartisan budget invests in the services that Coloradans rely on. Despite having to make painful decisions, I'm pleased with our efforts to preserve the services that keep Coloradans safe and healthy and expand opportunity for all." “After months of precise and careful decision-making to minimize the impact of $1.2 billion in cuts to the state budget, we crafted a responsible budget that invests in the well-being of every Coloradan by protecting funding for Medicaid, K-12 education, and food stamps,” said Joint Budget Committee member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Despite a challenging budget situation exacerbated by federal uncertainty, we remain committed to creating every possible opportunity for Colorado communities and families to thrive.” “I’m proud of the thoughtful decisions we made to soften the impact of our $1.2 billion gap while prioritizing the essential services that families and older Coloradans need,” said Joint Budget Committee member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our state’s fiscal restraints and TABOR-required cuts forced us to make tough reductions to important services in order to protect funding for K-12 and higher education, Medicaid and Healthy School Meals for All." Protecting Investments in K-12 and Higher Education Protecting K-12 Funding: In just the last few years, Colorado Democrats have increased total funding for our schools by nearly $3 billion. Since the 2018-19 school year, per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. Despite a declining enrollment environment, this year’s budget builds on steady progress to increase the resources going to our classrooms by directing an additional $150 million more from the General Fund into schools as compared to the FY24-25 budget. Capping Tuition Rates for Higher Education: In recent years, Colorado Democrats have fought to increase college access by limiting tuition increases and boosting funding for financial aid. This year’s budget includes a 3.5 percent cap on tuition increases for in-state students. Continuing Medicaid Services for Vulnerable Coloradans Protecting Medicaid Services that Coloradans Rely On: This year, Colorado Democrats rejected proposed reductions to provider rates and instead secured a moderate 1.6 percent increase and protected Medicaid eligibility, avoiding dire impacts to Coloradans who rely on Medicaid services. However, this progress remains under threat by federal government actions to potentially cut Medicaid. Continuing Dental Services Provided Through Medicaid: This year’s budget protects funding for Coloradans on Medicaid to receive dental care. Supporting Colorado Kids and Families Bolstering Child Care Assistance: The budget invests $15 million in FY24-25 and $10 million in FY25-26 to increase support for the child care assistance program, a vital resource for low-income families to ensure access to quality child care providers which have seen long waitlists and frozen enrollment in many counties due to funding restrictions. Early Intervention Support for Colorado Children: The budget increases support for early intervention services that help bridge developmental gaps for infants and toddlers who were born premature or with other special needs. This year, Colorado Democrats acted swiftly to plug an unexpected gap in funding in FY24-25 by providing $4 million to halt proposed service reductions, and are investing an additional $16.5 million to sustain the program in FY25-26. Healthy School Meals for All: This budget fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year, preserving what voters previously approved at the ballot. If HB25-1274 passes, a referred ballot measure in November will ask voters to weigh in on whether to raise the needed revenue to continue the program or scale it back. Anti-Poverty Programs Administered by Local Governments: This year’s budget protects programs like TANF and SNAP administered by local governments to serve the most vulnerable communities. Preserving Colorado’s Public Lands and Natural Resources Investing in State Parks: This budget preserves and improves Colorado’s state parks, including $52 million in investments to protect critical habitats, maintain park facilities, and reinforce parks' infrastructure. Promoting Water Conservation: This year’s budget protects funding for water conservation and resource management projects to ensure access to clean water for generations of Coloradans to come. Safeguarding Colorado's Civil Liberties Maintaining Election Security: The Trump administration abruptly halted federal support for election security, including from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This budget keeps Colorado’s elections safe and secure by providing $410,000 for robust security assessments and critical technology for all local election systems. Defending Against Unlawful Federal Actions: Amidst ongoing uncertainty from the Trump administration, the budget allocates an additional $604,000 for increased support in the Attorney General’s Office to fight reckless, unlawful federal actions and protect federal funding that Coloradans rely on. This year’s budget also creates The Colorado Defense Fund and sets aside $4 million via SB25-269 and HB25-1321 to protect Colorado from the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal grants or undermine Colorado’s sovereignty. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2023 Duran Statement on the Increase of Domestic Violence Deaths in Colorado DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement regarding the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report which revealed an increase in domestic violence deaths in 2021. Statement from Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “The annual report from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has confirmed one of my worst fears – domestic violence deaths surged in 2021 and are now at an all-time high in Colorado. “This is frightening, and I am keeping those who have lost a friend or loved one to domestic violence very close to my heart. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. For a time in my life, I was not safe in my own home. I know the feeling of displacement and the struggle of navigating your next move to keep you and your children safe. “Today, and every day, I am deeply committed to ensuring Colorado’s crime victims and survivors receive the support and services they deserve. While the rise of domestic violence deaths is troubling and we have a lot to work to do, we have been able to secure multi-year funding that will enhance services for victims of crime. This year, we will make improving public safety a top priority and continue our focus on providing the services that survivors need.” In Colorado, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high since the state began tracking this information in 2016. Majority Leader Duran, a domestic violence survivor, has spent her career at the capitol advocating for survivors' rights and services. In 2022, Majority Leader Duran spearheaded SB22-183 which invested $48 million toward providing critical resources, programs and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence. She has also sponsored bills to protect survivors of domestic violence by strengthening enforcement of requirements that certain domestic violence abusers relinquish their firearms. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO HELP COMMUNITIES PREVENT WILDFIRES EVERGREEN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will help Colorado communities prevent, respond to and prepare for future disastrous wildfires. SB22-002 , sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, will invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. “Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat,” said Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We must take steps to defend our homes and our communities from these climate-induced mega fires, and these laws will give more Coloradans the resources and knowledge they need to proactively defend themselves, their property, and their communities from future blazes.” “The threat of destructive wildfires in Colorado is only growing due to climate change and extreme weather conditions, which means we need to be more prepared than ever,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “The four bills signed by Governor Polis are preventative measures to prepare our local fire departments, improve Colorado’s mitigation efforts and invest in our communities’ safety. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, we’re taking action now to combat destruction, save lives and build a healthier state for all.” The law will make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use grant funds to replace or dispose of damaged or obsolete equipment. The law also provides behavioral health care services to firefighters, paid for by public employers. SB22-007 , sponsored by Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, will expand an outreach campaign to raise awareness and motivate more than half of the state’s population to better prepare for extreme wildfires. The law will help folks living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness. “The Marshall Fire highlighted just how dangerous the threat of deadly wildfires has become,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “These laws will give millions of Coloradans the education and motivation they need to keep themselves and their property safe while also equipping local governments with the tools they need to support wildfire mitigation efforts and protect our forests from future damage.” “Wildfires are encroaching on our homes, businesses and livelihoods–we need to mitigate the destruction and support communities,” said Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “I’m proud to stand behind two bills signed into law today by Governor Polis that will give Coloradans the tools to proactively defend their property from wildfire destruction and provide resources to local governments to fight wildfires. Improved mitigation is one of the best methods to combat catastrophic wildfires and our laws work at the local level to protect communities.” SB22-007 will direct the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a wildfire mitigation public awareness campaign for 2023 and 2024 aimed at folks that live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, areas where structures and developments meet with wildland vegetation. The Governor also signed HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez as well as Senators Pete Lee and Joann Ginal, which will improve forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air. “The regular threat of wildfires has become scary and stressful, and serves as a constant reminder of the impact of global warming in our world,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins. “While we continue ramping up our wildfire mitigation efforts to keep Coloradans safe, we need to ensure that we are conserving our natural resources as well. This law will help improve forest management so we can better protect our forests from future destruction.” The new law creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests. Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder as well as Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story. This law will leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the law makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. Previous Next