< Back Meg Froelich Chair of the Transportation, Housing, & Local Gov Committee Representative Meg Froelich is Chair of the House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee and a member of the State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and represents House District 3, which includes Sheridan, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, and Denver. Rep. Froelich is passionate about the health of all Coloradans, and endeavors to be a voice for the most vulnerable people in our communities as well as domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. During the 2022 legislative session, Rep. Froelich sponsored the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) to safeguard all reproductive rights, including abortion. She also sponsored key legislation to protect those from out-of-state who are seeking reproductive and gender affirming care in Colorado. As a member of the Energy & Environment Committee, Rep. Froelich is passionate about preserving Colorado’s air, land and water, reducing pollution and protecting pollinators.

< Back June 3, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY, FOSTER VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND BOOST NONPROFITS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect; invest $20 million in the Community Revitalization Grant Program, and direct $35 million in pandemic relief funds to small, community-based nonprofits in Colorado. HB22-1406 was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts and Senators James Coleman and Nick Hinrichsen. The law will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “This session, we took bold action to save Coloradans and businesses money, and that’s what these new laws will do,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today addresses the pressing needs in our communities by boosting the businesses, nonprofits and community groups that are the heart of our culture and our communities. This will create jobs, expand access to essential and affordable services that Coloradans need, increase affordable housing options and help build vibrant communities.” “Today is a great day for Colorado restaurants and small businesses – the cornerstones of all Colorado communities. Our bill that got signed today will allow each restaurant to save up to $70,000 this summer that they can use to address rising costs, hire or retain employees or expand their business,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With all that restaurants went through during the pandemic and now with what they face with pandemic-induced inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges, this support is so valuable. This tax relief will allow restaurants to keep more of the money they make and offset some of the cost increases they are experiencing.” HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone and Senators James Coleman and Dennis Hisey, directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan . This will fund projects in creative districts, historic districts, main streets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding from the grant program can be found here . “The Community Revitalization Grant Program has created jobs, boosted local economies and funded critical projects that build vibrant, livable and healthy communities,” said Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that the legislature is investing an additional $20 million to fund additional projects in communities all across Colorado. From Trinidad and Naturita to the Denver metro area, cities and towns in all parts of our state have seen residents and businesses thrive from the initiatives funded through this grant program.” HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton and Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. “Colorado’s nonprofits serve our state’s residents and provide essential services that people need, but often cannot afford,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “When the pandemic hit, these organizations did everything they could amid new pressures to meet the demand for services in their communities. Even as the pandemic has subsided, the need for Colorado’s nonprofits has remained. This new law directs $35 million in federal economic relief funds to help Colorado's’ nonprofits expand and deliver the services people need to get back to work, care for themselves or their families and thrive.” Nonprofit organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 14, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “After I escaped my abuser, I struggled to make ends meet as a single mom, and I spent endless nights worrying that my son and I would lose the roof over our heads,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Unnecessary evictions perpetuate cycles of abuse and are another barrier that survivors face when they leave their abuser. I’m proudly sponsoring this legislation to prevent Colorado families from being displaced from their homes so they can create an environment for their children to learn, grow, and thrive.” “Far too many Coloradans have ended up homeless because of discriminatory or retaliatory evictions against renters that abided by their lease,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “‘Our ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation protects Colorado renters from avoidable evictions by clearly outlining reasons when an eviction is allowed, protecting renters that pay their rent and abide by their lease from being pushed out of their homes. This critical legislation will help alleviate housing insecurity, reduce homelessness, and protect the health and safety of Colorado renters.” Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098 , the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement. The bill also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ bill include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees. Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes . In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings. Previous Next

Legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services was introduced in the Senate today. < Back February 27, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Protections for Abortion Care & Pregnancy-Related Services Introduced in Senate DENVER, CO – Legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services was introduced in the Senate today. In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-183 would implement the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage. “Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” said Rodriguez. “Our state has a long history of standing up for reproductive health care freedoms, and this represents another chapter in that story. I am honored to sponsor this legislation that implements the will of the voters and ensures reproductive health care is protected in both our state law and our constitution.” “Colorado Democrats believe you should decide what’s right for your body and your future, and voters agree, abortion must remain legal and protected in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Given the uncertain future of abortion access in our nation, Colorado Democrats stepped up in recent years to protect reproductive health care in our state. Now, we’re building upon those efforts by upholding the will of the voters to protect your fundamental right to access abortion care.” “Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” said Daugherty. “Amidst a dangerous national landscape, we have worked hard to ensure that Colorado is a beacon for access to safe and affordable reproductive health care. Last November, Coloradans resoundingly voted to build on that work and permanently protect the fundamental right to abortion care in our state’s constitution.” “It’s clear – Coloradans believe it is your constitutional right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion,” said Garcia. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion care and access, Colorado remains a beacon for reproductive freedom. This bill upholds the will of the voters by ensuring your fundamental right to access reproductive health care is never ripped away.” Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill would ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado, and the Reproductive Health Care Program. SB25-183 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be scheduled for its first committee hearing in the coming weeks. Track its progress HERE . Previous Next

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back April 16, 2024 House Advances Vigil, Woodrow Bill to Reduce the Cost of Housing Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. "Parking lots may look inexpensive to build and maintain, but requiring a minimum number of parking spots per housing development can add hundreds of dollars to housing costs and a tenant’s rental rate," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Parking minimums prioritize asphalt over community, spreading people away from their place of employment, worship, and recreation. Our bill shifts our focus back to the needs of our community by using available land in a strategic way so we can build more housing, create alternative transportation options, and make it easier for small business owners to be successful.” “From housing to businesses, the financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can cost tens of thousands of dollars and reduces the number of units that we can build, which reduces supply and drives up costs. This bill, in addition to the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats are passing this year, will help alleviate the impacts of the housing crisis.” Beginning June 30, 2025, HB24-1304 would prohibit counties or municipalities from establishing or enforcing minimum parking requirements within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Energy Office to collaborate in order to develop and publish best practices and technical assistance materials to aid local governments in optimizing parking supply and managing parking. The materials must include strategies for developers to manage the supply and price of parking based on location and land use characteristics. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. With new structured parking spaces costing $25,000 each in the Denver Metro Area in 2020, developers are disincentivized from building new residential projects or must reduce the number of units that are developed as a direct result of strict parking minimums. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased 1 percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly 5 percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Denver and the Northern Front Range as having unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, which can lead to negative health impacts like asthma and bronchitis, especially for vulnerable Coloradans. Additionally, replacing wildlife habitats to build massive surface lots for parking harms the environment by increasing soil and water pollution, flooding, and the heat island effect. The bill does not impact parking spaces required for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previous Next

Check out the top 10 ways Colorado Democrats are saving you money. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results that will move our state forward. This session focused on saving Coloradans money, improving public safety, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. DOWNLOAD REPORT DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS

Legislation would improve the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations on tip line requests < Back April 10, 2024 Bill to Improve Investigations of Illegal Firearm Activity Passes Committee Legislation would improve the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations on tip line requests DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich that would improve investigations of illegal firearm activity. SB24-003 passed by a vote of 8-3, with all Republicans on the committee voting against more resources to crack down on illegal activity. “Colorado Democrats should be proud of what we have accomplished on Gun Violence Prevention, including magazine limits, safe storage, and prohibitions on unregistered “ghost” guns,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “But we must ensure that our law enforcement officials are able to investigate illegal firearm crimes. This bill gives CBI the authority and the resources to act on the investigations with local law enforcement.” “One of my top priorities as a legislator is making our communities safer, which is why I’m proud to carry this bill to help the Colorado Bureau of Investigations prevent gun crimes,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill creates a framework for CBI to identify and prevent illegal firearm transfers and ghost guns, as well as investigations from a tip line, to give them more tools to improve safety in every corner of Colorado.” SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. It would appropriate $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates individuals convicted of felonies who are attempting to illegally purchase a firearm, and other illegal firearm crimes such as possession of a ghost gun. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2022 BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS SIGNED INTO LAW The Gov also signed bills to facilitate equal pay and save parents money on child care DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will increase funding for public schools, make early childhood education more affordable and accessible and study pay equity in Colorado’s public sector. These bills are part of the FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package. Years of hard work to save Coloradans money on child care is paying off. In 2020, the legislature put Proposition EE on the ballot, which voters overwhelmingly passed. Then in 2021, Democratic lawmakers created the Department of Early Childhood to implement universal Pre-K. Now, HB22-1197 , sponsored by Representatives Sirota and McCluskie will get the Department of Early Childhood up and running so it can launch universal Pre-K on the timeline voters expect. “We’re making significant progress toward launching universal Pre-K in Colorado,” said Rep. Emily Sirota D-Denver. “Universal Pre-K and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents money and prepare our youngest learners to thrive.” “Pandemic pressures have taken a toll on our students and schools which is why we’re working to provide more resources that support student learning,” said JBC Chair, Julie McCluskie D-Dillion. “This bill is a significant investment in our K-12 education system that will better serve students across the state. We also know that lifelong learning begins with comprehensive early childhood education – that’s why we are focused on investing in our future students. The brand new Department of Early Childhood is dedicated to their growth and development. We are committed to preparing our students for success from their earliest days and ensuring sustainable investments in their education.” HB22-1186 , sponsored by JBC Chair Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Leslie Herod, will buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $68 million and provide an additional $91 million to districts to support all of Colorado’s students/to help all of Colorado’s students flourish, no matter where their classroom is located. By holding total program funding steady amidst an increase in property tax revenues and an enrollment decline, the legislature will reduce the Budget Stabilization Factor. As the legislature moves to improve how at-risk students are counted, the bill would significantly increase funding to districts with higher numbers of at-risk students. “From the classroom to the workforce, we’re taking significant steps towards building a more equitable Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. D-Denver . “We’re focused on preparing our students for success by providing additional funding for school districts to serve at-risk students. We’re also making efforts to ensure state employees, regardless of race or socioeconomic class, are paid equally. These are concrete steps to close equity gaps and move Colorado forward.” In an effort to achieve pay parity, HB22-1196 , sponsored by Representative Herod and Majority Leader Esgar, directs the equity diversity and inclusion task force to conduct a study to assess the pay inequities specific to gender, race and other protected classes in state departments. The task forces will also provide recommendations on how to alleviate these pay gaps as well as provide a detailed summary of their findings to the general assembly and the governor and the executive director of Colorado workers for innovative and new solutions (WINS). “Today, we’re making big steps towards equal pay for equal work,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar D-Pueblo. “This study will shine a light on the pay inequities we already know exist and give us recommendations for alleviating those pay gaps at the state level. We’re serious about making Colorado a better place for everyone and that includes closing the wage gap for women, people of color and other underrepresented, underpaid state employees.” Previous Next

General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Governor Jared Polis, urging him not to grant clemency, sentence commutation, or a federal transfer to Tina Peters. < Back March 10, 2026 General Assembly Dems Urge Against Granting Clemency or Commutation to Tina Peters DENVER, CO – General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Governor Jared Polis, urging him not to grant clemency, sentence commutation, or a federal transfer to Tina Peters. In the letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: “Gubernatorial clemency, pardons, and similar sentence forgiveness are processes for those who have taken accountability for their crimes, understand the harm that they have created, and made good faith efforts for restitution to victims and self-rehabilitation. Ms. Peters has made no efforts to these ends. Instead, she refuses to take accountability for her crimes and continues to push election-denial conspiracy theories.” They continued: “We ask for your approach to consider, beyond all else, that the impacts of your decision ripple far beyond fairness in carceral sentencing. This is not about any of us, or you, or even Ms. Peters. This is about the security and assuredness of our elections as a whole. This is about the future of our democracy, and of free and fair elections in our nation. We ask you to stand with us in safeguarding that future.” The full text of the letter is below: Governor Polis: We thank you for your service to our state and the dedication with which you serve the people of Colorado. We write today to urge you not to grant clemency, sentence commutation, any other sentence reduction, or a federal transfer to Tina Peters. While we acknowledge you have concerns with what the Colorado Appellate Court found in the processes of Ms. Peters’ case and the questions that the court continues to assess, the resolution to those issues should be handled by the judicial branch. It is our understanding that such a review is underway with further information being sought by the court, and we urge you to allow that process to advance and for the judicial system alone to handle review of any further actions in this case. Gubernatorial clemency, pardons, and similar sentence forgiveness are processes for those who have taken accountability for their crimes, understand the harm that they have created, and made good faith efforts for restitution to victims and self-rehabilitation. Ms. Peters has made no efforts to these ends. Instead, she refuses to take accountability for her crimes and continues to push election-denial conspiracy theories. Her total lack of remorse is in addition to her at-times violent behavior, which was captured on video when she attacked a police officer and, separately, another inmate . We also wish to remind you that most estimates place Ms. Peters’ release around late 2027 or early 2028, should she act with good behavior. We believe this is a reasonable sentence for attempts to tamper with and sow discord around our elections. We would be remiss if we did not express strong concern about the impact of Ms. Peters’ crimes in fueling election conspiracy theories that undermine the integrity of our elections system as a whole. We fear that any clemency or other sentence reduction on your part will further embolden these conspiracies and those who propagate them. We urge you not to empower those who seek to undermine our elections and our Republic by providing them with a figurehead to rally around and near assurance that, when you tamper with our elections, you will escape justice. We also wish to share our sincere concern for the safety and longevity of our county clerks, in particular rural county clerks and their staff, should you grant sentence relief. As a result of election denial conspiracy theories - the likes of which Ms. Peters continues to propagate - our election administrators face threats to their safety and attempted interference in their work. In the last year alone, we have seen one Colorado elections office targeted with arson , in addition to other increasing threats against our election workers . As they seek to ensure transparency and integrity in our elections, clerks and election workers should be afforded every safeguard the state can provide. They have made their message clear and we reiterate it here: if you take this action, many will leave their roles and Colorado’s safe and secure elections will suffer greatly as a result. We applaud your transparent approach to this issue, and share your desire to see equal application of justice. In this case, we ask that you let the courts do that work, as is their mandate. We ask for your approach to consider - beyond all else - that the impacts of your decision ripple far beyond fairness in carceral sentencing. This is not about any of us, or you, or even Ms. Peters. This is about the security and assuredness of our elections as a whole. This is about the future of our democracy, and of free and fair elections in our nation. We ask you to stand with us in safeguarding that future. Thank you for your consideration of our genuine concern for the future of our elections. Sincerely, Senator Katie Wallace Chair of the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee Representative Jenny Willford Chair of the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Mike Weissman Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Representative Javier Mabrey Chair of the House Judiciary Committee Senator James Coleman President of the Senate Representative Julie McCluskie Speaker of the House of Representatives Senator Robert Rodriguez Senate Majority Leader Representative Monica Duran House Majority Leader Senator Judy Amabile Senator Matt Ball Senator Adrienne Benavidez Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Lisa Cutter Assistant Majority Leader Senator Jessie Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Tony Exum, Sr. Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Nick Hinrichsen Majority Caucus Whip Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Cathy Kipp President Pro Tempore Senator Chris Kolker Senator William Lindstedt Senator Janice Marchman Senator Kyle Mullica Senator Dylan Roberts Majority Caucus Chair Senator Marc Snyder Senator Tom Sullivan Representative Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Representative Andrew Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Representative Kyle Brown Representative Sean Camacho Representative Michael Carter Representative Chad Clifford Representative Regina English Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Lisa Feret Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Lori Goldstein Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Bob Marshall Representative Matthew Martinez Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Karen McCormick Representative Kenny Nguyen Representative Amy Paschal Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Naquetta Ricks Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Emily Sirota Representative Lesley Smith Representative Katie Stewart Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Tammy Story Representative Brianna Titone Representative Alex Valdez Representative Elizabeth Velasco Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Steven Woodrow Representative Yara Zokaie Previous Next

< Back April 2, 2021 BIZ AFFAIRS & LABOR PASSES BILL TO HELP COLORADANS BUILD CREDIT DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Mary Bradfield that would help Coloradans build up their credit scores by opting into a pilot program to report their rent payments to credit reporting agencies. The vote was 8-5. “Building a credit history is essential for applying for a home loan, car loan, credit card, or nearly any other financial product that requires repayment,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Too many Coloradans don’t have sufficient credit history, even though they pay their bills or rent on time. This bill would establish a pilot program to allow some Coloradans to use their rent payment history to build credit, creating a new way for consumers to raise their credit scores.” Insufficient credit history can be a significant barrier for Coloradans seeking to lease a home or access other types of capital. While there are many ways consumers can build a credit history and improve their credit score, common obligations like rent payments are not often reported to credit agencies and thus do not help a consumer’s credit score when they are regularly paid on-time. HB21-1134 helps Coloradans who pay their rent on-time improve their credit scores by establishing a pilot program that would allow some Coloradans to opt into reporting payments to credit reporting agencies. Previous Next

New laws to set updated emission reduction goals, bolster environmental programs, and help mitigate and recover from wildfires will take effect on August 7. < Back August 4, 2023 Laws to Reduce Emissions, Bolster Environmental Programs & Mitigate Wildfires to Take Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to set updated emission reduction goals, bolster environmental programs, and help mitigate and recover from wildfires will take effect on August 7. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, updates Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is clear we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and with the implementation of this legislation, we will be demonstrating national leadership to tackle the climate challenge. The new statute will empower businesses, homeowners, and state and local governments to reduce emissions, set reasonable and attainable goals, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This new law works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide and speeds up our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Sirota. “By reducing emissions, we’ll better protect our families and children for generations to come.” “Every Coloradan deserves clean air and a livable climate, which is why we’re working to reduce harmful emissions and conserve our freshwater resources,” said McCormick, sponsor of SB23-016 and SB23-178. “Our law creates interim targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and jumpstart clean energy implementation in our homes as well as businesses. We’re also reducing our water usage by making it easier for Coloradans living in HOAs to replace their water-intensive lawn with drought-tolerant landscaping.” To help reach these targets, the law requires the PUC and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electric transmission infrastructure system, and ensures quicker connections to the grid for residential solar. Other provisions of the law, including a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state, requirements for climate risk disclosures for insurance companies and tax credits for electric lawn equipment, take effect at a later date. SB23-178 , sponsored by Sen. Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. McCormick and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, reduces barriers for Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping. Also sponsored by Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-178 promotes water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystems while requiring little or no irrigation. Many homeowners in HOAs want to replace their lawn and save water, but are deterred by obscure HOA approval processes. The bill streamlines this by requiring HOAs to select and pre-approve water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from, as an alternative to getting HOA permission for their own design. “As extreme weather events like wildfires and droughts become more frequent because of climate change, it’s important that we do everything we can to make private, commercial, and industrial properties more resilient,” said Jaquez Lewis, sponsor of HB23-1005 and SB23-178. “HB23-1005 expands and streamlines the successful C-PACE program, so more properties in Colorado can prepare for natural disasters while reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, SB23-178 makes it easier for Colorado homeowners to replace their water-guzzling lawns with water-wise landscapes, allowing us to drastically cut down on overall water usage while maintaining beautiful, unique yards natural to Colorado's climate.” “Until now, many Coloradans living in HOAs were not allowed to replace their water-intensive lawns with native drought-tolerant landscaping,” said Lindsay. “Under this new law, HOAs must allow for drought-tolerant landscaping options in their homeowner requirements – which is a win-win for water conservation and saving Coloradans money.” HB23-1005 , sponsored by Sens. Jaquez Lewis, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, helps protect Colorado's environment and conserve water resources by expanding project eligibility and streamlining the financing process so more commercial properties in Colorado can take advantage of the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments. “This new law modernizes the successful C-PACE program so more businesses and builders can access financing to improve the resilience and efficiency of their commercial properties,” said Titone. “By expanding this favorable financing tool, more businesses can make eco-friendly infrastructure upgrades, such as high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems.” “We know many commercial building owners and developers want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to support measures that invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and improve Colorado’s sustainability for years to come.” “It will soon be easier for commercial property owners in Colorado to improve the efficiency of their buildings,” said Willford. “Our law enhances and expands the widely-used, successful C-PACE program that’s catalyzed hundreds of millions of dollars of commercial property upgrades to reduce their energy usage. As we push to meet our statewide climate goals, it is important our businesses have the tools they need to invest in eco-friendly, cost-saving infrastructure.” HB23-1060 , sponsored by Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, invests $5 million in Colorado’s forestry and wildfire mitigation workforce and tree nursery to more effectively mitigate and recover from wildfire destruction. “For the past several years we’ve experienced the devastating impacts of wildfires in our state, affecting our lives, homes, health, watersheds and economy,” said Cutter. “The increase in frequency and intensity of these events is a direct result of escalating climate change. Over the past several years, we've worked hard to provide resources for mitigation and suppression, but have lacked the workforce to properly deploy these resources. This legislation builds on that progress to provide a more robust forestry workforce.” “Healthy, robust forests help us mitigate the devastation caused by wildfires,” Story said. “This new law will fund critical upgrades at the State Forest Service’s tree nursery to update the facilities and increase the number of seedlings to repair and replant forests devastated by wildfires. This will help stabilize watersheds and preserve critical natural ecosystems across our state.” Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. < Back February 18, 2025 Committee Passes Bill Combat Predatory Vehicle Booting, Boost Consumer Protections DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB25-1117 passed committee by a vote of 8-5. “While vehicle immobilization serves as a tool for property owners to manage parking, it’s essential that these practices are conducted fairly and transparently,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “HB25-1117 aims to protect consumers by regulating vehicle immobilization companies, ensuring they operate under strict guidelines that prevent predatory practices. This bill empowers the Public Utilities Commission to hold companies accountable, mandates clear documentation before immobilization, and enhances industry transparency. By setting these standards, we support legitimate business operations while safeguarding Coloradans from unjust vehicle immobilization.” “Right now, vehicle booting companies are taking advantage of a lack of regulations to immobilize Coloradans’ vehicles for profit,” s aid Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “While we’ve made good headway to protect Coloradans from predatory towing practices, little has been done to protect vehicle owners from unfair booting practices. Our bill cracks down on booting companies that patrol parking lots and authorize their own booting practices that typically end up costing Coloradans money and time. Many Coloradans use their vehicles every day and an unexpected boot can cause financial and logistical headaches. To improve transparency and strengthen consumer protections, booting companies would be required to give consumers a fair warning and place a written notice on vehicles at least 24 hours before immobilizing them.” HB25-1117 aims to improve oversight, transparency and fairness surrounding vehicle immobilization, including booting. Specifically, this bill would give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) additional oversight to deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to review a permit to a vehicle booting company if the company is violating specific guidelines. The goal of HB25-1117 is to establish new requirements for vehicle booting companies and prevent companies from patrolling parking lots. Under the bill, vehicle booting companies would be required to: Document a vehicle’s condition and the reason for immobilization before they immobilize it Display the name of the company, the permit number and a phone number of the company on each company vehicle used for immobilization Not charge more than once for the removal of more than one immobilization device Additionally, vehicle booting companies must refrain from immobilizing a vehicle if: It has already been immobilized by another company It is on private property, unless given appropriate permission It is in a parking space or common parking area until it places a detailed written notice on the windshield of a vehicle at least 24 hours before immobilizing There is inadequate signage posted by the property owner In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation to protect consumers against predatory towing practices, including HB21-1283 , HB22-1314 , and HB24-1051. Previous Next