Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers < Back June 2, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Issue Statement Following Hate Crime Charges in Boulder Attack Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran issued the following statement after federal hate crime charges were filed in the Boulder terror attack on Jewish Coloradans: “Yesterday’s terror attack on Colorado’s Jewish community continues a terrifying rise in antisemitism and threats against Jews, both here and abroad. We stand in solidarity with Jewish Coloradans and Jews around the world who are increasingly living in fear that they will be attacked simply for being Jewish. We agree with our Jewish colleagues that this cannot become normalized. We must commit ourselves to doing more to combat antisemitism and violence against Jews. Now is the time for Coloradans to speak up and say with one clear voice that antisemitism is unacceptable and has no place in our communities." Earlier today, Jewish lawmakers issued a joint statement on the attack. In the statement, the lawmakers wrote, “As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it.” Below is the full statement from Senators Michaelsen Jenet, Weissman, and Ball, and Representatives Sirota, Woodrow, and Weinberg: We are outraged and heartbroken by the vicious attack at the Run for Their Lives walk in Boulder. Innocent people were severely injured for doing nothing more than raising awareness about the 58 remaining hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Boulder community. This attack should not be viewed in isolation. In April, a man broke into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence and set it on fire while his family slept inside. In May, a Coloradan was arrested for trying to burn down the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, and two people were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. It didn’t matter that one of the murder victims had devoted her life to peace through interfaith dialogue, just like it didn’t matter that the victims in Boulder were marching peacefully, calling for the release of hostages and an end to war. What they all had in common was that they were Jewish. We have a name for this: antisemitism. Colorado’s Jewish community is strong and deeply rooted in our state’s history. As members of that community, we know that the attack in Boulder could have happened to any of us—some of us have even participated in Run for Their Lives events in the past. We will continue to live proudly and openly because Colorado must be a place where every Jew feels safe, supported, and free. But we cannot fight antisemitism alone—to stand up to hate, we need Coloradans to stand with us. As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Delivering results for the Western Slope May 8, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Vail Daily here . As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, I am proud to report that we have made significant strides in addressing the needs of our Western Slope communities. From enhancing education to improving health care access, increasing affordability, and protecting our natural resources, your input has guided our work at the Capitol and focused on practical solutions that make a difference in Eagle, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties. Investments in education As chair of the House Education Committee, improving our education system remained my top priority. I sponsored HB25-1320 , the School Finance Act, which significantly increases funding for Colorado’s public schools. This investment will benefit our rural schools and ensure districts across the state can provide students with the necessary resources to succeed. The bill prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come, with a focus on supporting our most vulnerable students. I also sponsored HB25-1135 , which empowers school districts to establish policies on cell phone use during school hours. This law addresses a concern I’ve heard repeatedly from educators and parents across our district. By allowing local solutions to this challenge, we’re helping students focus on learning while supporting their mental health. Another education priority I championed was SB25-167 , which addresses housing costs for educators by offering accessible mortgages and down payments to help teachers live in the communities where they teach. This initiative aims to support approximately 2,500 educators, strengthening our local districts and improving student outcomes. Making Colorado more affordable As I travel throughout the Western Slope, affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns I hear from constituents. That’s why I am proud of the work we have done this session to ease financial burdens on Colorado families. We took action to eliminate hidden costs that impact your budget by passing HB25-1090 , which requires businesses to be transparent about pricing and eliminates deceptive “junk fees” that often surprise consumers at checkout. We also tackled price gouging during emergencies through HB25-1010 , which prevents businesses from exploiting disasters to inflate prices on essential items like groceries and diapers. For renters, we passed HB25-1004 to regulate how algorithms are used in setting rental prices, preventing coordinated increases among landlords. For everyone dealing with the frustration of unwanted subscriptions, SB25-145 now makes it simpler to cancel recurring charges. We also protected vital health care access in our state budget this year by preserving Medicaid coverage, dental services, and health programs for children. For families with young children, we maintained support for child care assistance and school meals , ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day. Health and safety This session, we built upon our progress to protect your fundamental right to reproductive health care. Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79, which enshrined the right to abortion care in the Colorado Constitution. We passed legislation to implement the ballot measure and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. We also passed legislation to strengthen our shield law and protect providers and out-of-state patients from hostile out-of-state investigations related to legally protected health care. Additionally, we passed legislation to ensure emergency access to abortion and miscarriage care by creating a state-level version of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Health care access remains crucial for our rural communities. During this session, I sponsored HB25-1222 , ensuring that rural independent pharmacies can use private couriers for prescriptions and receive fair reimbursement. The bill also defines “flex pharmacies” that can operate both in-person and remotely, bringing essential services closer to home for many rural residents. I also sponsored HB25-1223 , which initiates a comprehensive study of capital needs for rural and frontier hospitals throughout the state. This bipartisan effort will help us understand what our healthcare facilities need to meet current standards. I know how scary and challenging it is to drive on our mountain roads during the winter months. I sponsored SB25-069 , which authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation to issue permits to qualified vendors who can help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices for both commercial drivers and passenger vehicles. These vendors will operate at designated highway locations, making winter travel safer and more efficient for everyone who travels our mountain roads. Moving forward together As we look ahead, I remain committed to bipartisan solutions that make Colorado more affordable, protect our natural resources, support quality education, and ensure health care access for all residents. It’s truly an honor to represent the people of Eagle, Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. I welcome your thoughts on our accomplishments and your priorities for the future. Don’t hesitate to contact me at meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov with ideas, comments, or concerns. I invite you to join one of our upcoming town halls this summer to discuss these legislative achievements in person and share your thoughts on issues important to our communities. You can also join my newsletter for more regular updates by emailing me. Let’s keep in touch and continue making a difference in House District 26. Onward! Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs is the representative for Colorado’s House District 26, which encompasses Moffat, Rio Blanco, Eagle, and Routt counties. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 UITF BILL SAVES PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY, IMPROVES UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DENVER, CO – The House FInance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Marc Snyder to save people and businesses money and improve unemployment insurance in Colorado. “From reducing filing fees to start your own business to reducing property taxes on commercial and residential properties, we’re doing everything we can to save business and people money as they deal with rising costs from pandemic-induced inflation,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation supports workers by improving the unemployment system and saves employers and employees money.” “Workers relied on the unemployment system during the pandemic to make ends meet and pay for everyday necessities as they worked to get back on their feet, and as a result, we avoided a full blown economic crisis,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This legislation will avoid significant cost increases on businesses and improve how we deliver benefits to workers. It also extends a successful change that allows workers to get back to work sooner with part time employment without being penalized by losing part of their benefits.” SB22-234 , which passed by a vote of 9-2, would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to help support Colorado’s working families. SB22-234 invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and surcharges and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. By extending the suspension of the solvency surcharge, a fee placed on employers until the Unemployment Trust Fund reaches solvency, the bill saves businesses money while they continue recovering from the pandemic induced recession. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to make it easier for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization receive the benefits they already contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment to ensure workers are not unnecessarily penalized for errors or miscalculations made by administrators or their employer explores the feasibility of a dependency allowance to better support primary caregivers as they return to work, and requires employers to inform all workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bills to Address Teacher Shortage, Boost Workforce Advance DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. “We’re working to remove barriers educators face when entering the workforce in Colorado,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Our bill would streamline the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado. As a former teacher, I know how important it is to have qualified, dedicated educators in the classroom, and this bill will help Colorado attract more licensed teachers to support our students.” “Addressing Colorado’s teacher shortage is a top priority this session,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Through this bill, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license. Boosting the teacher workforce begins with reducing barriers to entering the profession, and our bill creates an important pathway for teachers licensed in other states to begin teaching in Colorado.” HB23-1064 passed committee by a vote of 9-2 and would create new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain a teacher’s license from another member state. This bill is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocated from state-to-state. HB23-1001 also passed the House on a preliminary vote this morning. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, builds upon last year’s work to boost the educator workforce by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. HB23-1001 is scheduled for a final vote in the House later this week. Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2021 LIFESAVING OPIOID EPIDEMIC BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE Bipartisan proposal to ensure Coloradans suffering from opioid addictions have access to lifesaving drugs passes committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services committee today passed Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to make lifesaving overdose reversal drugs more widely available. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “The opioid epidemic has taken countless precious lives away from families across Colorado, despite the fact that we have an effective drug that can reverse overdoses and save lives,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn . “As a nurse, I know how important it is that we educate the public, especially individuals taking high doses of opioids, about the lifesaving potential of naloxone. I’m proud that this bill moved forward today and look forward to it becoming law. We have no time to waste.” SB21-011 would require pharmacists to offer an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone or Naltrexone, when filling a high-dose opioid prescription or an opioid prescription alongside another medication that could place the patient at risk of an overdose. This will ensure that people have life-saving medicine on hand in case of an overdose or when experiencing symptoms of an opioid addiction. The bill would also ensure that patients have the information they need to protect themselves and stay safe. Previous Next

HB26-1084 will share important fiscal information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot measures < Back June 4, 2026 ICYMI: Signed! Bill to Provide Additional Information on Ballot DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed a bill into law administratively to share additional information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot measures. “We’re taking steps to provide voters with additional information on ballot measures to better describe the costs and fiscal impacts of a proposed ballot measure,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “Colorado values the initiative process, and this law provides more information about initiatives that require state expenditures. The law empowers voters by sharing essential information to help them make informed decisions.” “Coloradans deserve to know how a proposed ballot measure could impact K-12 education and health care, and this law shares necessary information with Colorado voters,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “We’re strengthening transparency in elections by making sure voters have the resources available to them about the budgetary trade-offs of citizen-initiated ballot measures. Colorado’s elections are the gold standard, and this new law will help voters make well-informed decisions when they cast their ballot.” HB26-1084 will help share information with voters about how much proposed ballot initiatives could cost the state and taxpayers, as well as the impacts on essential state services. Specifically, this law provides more information to voters about citizen-initiated ballot measures that would likely increase state expenditures. This only applies to referred ballot measures that do not describe a measure’s likely effect on sufficient revenue sources or specific state-run programs and services to be reduced to pay for the cost of the measure. Under HB26-1084, a ballot measure that increases state expenditures must include language describing a measure’s likely effect on the three largest state programs and services by name that could be reduced if the ballot measure passes. This could include K-12 education, health care and the Department of Corrections. This language will be added to the title of the measure and to the Ballot Information Booklet, also known as the Blue Book. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have worked to safeguard and strengthen Colorado’s election system. In 2021, Colorado Democrats championed a law to inform voters of the core programs and services that would be impacted by citizen-initiated ballot measures that reduce taxes. Last year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Voting Rights Act to codify stronger voter protections and expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities. Under this law, even if federal voting protections are rolled back, Colorado will still prohibit discriminatory election practices. Previous Next

< Back January 11, 2023 SPEAKER MCCLUSKIE MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made additional committee appointments for the 74th General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Rep. Adrienne Benavidez. “I'm excited to make these new committee assignments and kick off our work to help more people in our state live their Colorado dream,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Each and every lawmaker in their respective committees will help us achieve our legislative priorities of building a Colorado everyone can afford, protecting our air and water, investing in education, improving public safety and protecting our freedoms. Now, let’s get to work!” Majority Committee Assignments for the 74th General Assembly. Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BILL PASSES FIRST HOUSE HURDLE DENVER, CO – The House Committee on Finance today passed Representative Leslie Herod and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability of Colorado’s law enforcement, and to finally make justice possible for victims of police brutality. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Today we’re honoring the memories of victims of police brutality in Colorado and around the country with decisive action,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “This bill will make a real difference in our state and will set an example for the rest of the country. I want Black Lives Matter protestors here in Colorado and across the country to see this as a clear example of how much can get done when you make your voice heard. This bill is about accountability, integrity, transparency and justice, and I’m proud to see it move forward today.” “This bill represents a historic step forward for Colorado, and I couldn’t be prouder to sponsor it,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Ending qualified immunity, reining in the use of force, and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in our law enforcement will go a long way towards ensuring true justice for all. Black and brown Coloradans deserve to feel safe in their communities and truly protected by their law enforcement. There’s nothing new about this effort: SB20-217 represents a bold step forward in a generations-long fight against injustice in Colorado.” SB20-217 , the Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, would enact several provisions to prevent police brutality and increase transparency and accountability in our law enforcement. Among these provisions are the following: Mandate body cameras. The bill requires officers to wear body cameras and record interactions with members of the public with potential for enforcement, and for footage of an incident of misconduct to be released to the public within 21 days. The bill includes privacy provisions for victims, witnesses, and juveniles, or when footage contains highly personal circumstances such as nudity, and it ensures the victim of the officer misconduct and the victim’s family receive the footage 24 hours prior to public release. Require public reporting on policing. All law enforcement agencies would be required to track and publicly report data for any contacts they initiate for law enforcement purposes. That data would include any use of force (both the type and severity), civilian searches, forced entries into homes, the unholstering and discharge of a firearm, and demographic information on race, ethnicity, sex and age of the person contacted. Rein in use of deadly force by officers. It would bring Colorado law in line with Supreme Court precedent holding that an officer may only use deadly force, including on people who are fleeing the police, when there is an imminent risk of danger to human life. It also repeals an officer’s authority to use dangerous tactics like the chokehold. Prevent the rehiring of bad actors. If an officer is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, any inappropriate use of physical force, their POST certification would be revoked. Officers who are found untruthful, terminated for cause, or decertified would be listed in a public database to prevent them from moving from one agency to another. Hold individual officers liable for their actions. It would allow victims of police misconduct to bring a lawsuit for the violation of their constitutional rights within a two-year statute of limitations, and officers convicted of misconduct would no longer be shielded by the doctrine of qualified immunity. It would also hold officers accountable for failing to intervene during another officer’s inappropriate use of physical force. Restricts the use of chemical agents and projectiles. In light of incidents at recent protests, this bill would prohibit law enforcement officers from using tear gas without first verbalizing orders to disperse a crowd and allowing individuals adequate time to comply. The bill prohibits officers from targeting rubber bullets at someone’s head, torso, or back. Previous Next

Legislation would apply to key locations consistent with SCOTUS rulings < Back April 17, 2024 Bill to Protect Coloradans, Prohibit Firearms in Sensitive Spaces Passes Committee Legislation would apply to key locations consistent with SCOTUS rulings DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Mandy Lindsay that would protect communities from gun violence and create safer public spaces by prohibiting the carrying of firearms in certain locations. SB24-131 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Too many Coloradans have been impacted by gun violence, and this bill would keep these dangerous weapons out of certain sensitive spaces,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “From preschools to polling places to the Colorado Capitol, there are places where guns pose a serious threat to Coloradans’ safety and can be used to intimidate people from their constitutional rights to free speech and to vote. Coloradans deserve to feel safe, and I am proud to sponsor this commonsense gun violence prevention bill.” “Colorado Democrats are dedicated to addressing gun violence in our communities, which is why we’re bringing this bill to keep vulnerable Coloradans safe,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Our legislation follows the guidance from U.S. Supreme Court rulings to prohibit guns from certain sensitive spaces, like government buildings and polling centers. This gun violence prevention policy will save lives and make Coloradans feel more confident that they will not be endangered or intimidated by firearms in specific places.” SB24-131 would restrict the presence of firearms in certain locations where children and families may be present. The bill would prohibit carrying a firearm - openly or concealed - in the following locations and their parking areas: government buildings where legislative meetings and offices are located; courthouses; preschools, K-12 schools, and colleges; and polling locations. The bill includes exemptions for peace officers, members of the US Armed Forces performing official duties, working student resource officers, and more. Many states protect sensitive places from gun violence. Arizona, Florida, Texas, Georgia and Louisiana prohibit open and concealed carry at voting locations. The locations protected under this bill have been deemed sensitive spaces in recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2020 GA DEMS UNVEIL COLORADO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTION DENVER, CO– Today, Representative Dylan Roberts, Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Chris Kennedy unveiled innovative, first-in-the-nation legislation to lower the cost of health care and increase consumer choice by creating the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. “Today, we have introduced a bill that will give Coloradans relief they deserve: lower insurance premiums and real choice on the individual health insurance market,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “After several years of work with our constituents, consumers, hospitals, insurers, and many others, we are excited to introduce this bold step forward for our state. The Colorado Option will provide choice and competition for Colorado families, and the status quo of being forced to pay outrageous premiums because it’s the only option will be over.” “The health care industry isn’t working for Coloradans. Everywhere I go I hear people struggling with not being able to access or afford the care they need,” said Sen. Donovan. “The Colorado Affordable Health Care Option is a unique, balanced solution that works to address the high cost of healthcare by asking big hospitals to be part of the solution to increase choice and lower costs. I came to Denver with the promise to put my constituents first and that is what I am doing with this bill.” “Colorado families are struggling to afford the cost of health care and are working harder and harder to get ahead as hospital corporations make record profits,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By creating the Colorado Option, we’re giving consumers a new choice for insurance that will cover the services they need at a lower cost.” From fostering health care cooperatives to ending surprise medical billing, House and Senate Democrats have passed innovative legislation that has saved consumers money. However, despite these gains, Colorado families still pay too much for health insurance, and 22 out of 64 counties have only one health insurance carrier. Furthermore, research shows that one-fifth of Coloradans do not seek care because of affordability concerns. To lower the cost of health care and increase competition, this bill creates the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. As a public-private partnership, this health insurance plan would be available to Coloradans who purchase their coverage on the individual market. The Colorado Option will offer a similar benefit design and structure to existing plans offered on the exchange. The plan works to reduce premiums by seven to 20 percent, depending on the region, by holding down the state’s near highest-in-the nation profit margins at the largest hospitals. The plan will be widely available across the state– increasing competition, options, and access to affordable health care. Previous Next

< Back February 12, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES HANSEN BILL TO HELP CONSUMERS & ENERGY COMMUNITIES Bill could help lower energy bills and ensure Colorado leads on climate action (Feb. 11) – The House Energy and Environment committee gave approval to Rep. Chris Hansen and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo’s bill to help lower the cost of energy bills and transition toward renewable energy today. As a result of market forces, Colorado workers and communities are being negatively affected by the closure of aging power plants. “We have a moral imperative to act on climate and ensure our state transitions to renewable energy sources in a responsible manner. This bill will help lower energy costs for consumers, invest in low-cost renewable energy, and provide direct assistance to communities impacted by the retirement of a fading power plant,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. The Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Act would offer job training and financial support to communities impacted by the decommissioning of power plants. “Coloradans are currently on the hook for the outstanding debt on aging power plants. This legislation would allow the state to refinance that debt at a much lower interest rate by authorizing ratepayer-backed bonds. The bill will help hardworking families save money on their energy bills and ensure a soft landing for when an aging power plant inevitably shuts down because of market forces,” Rep. Hansen added. The bill would have no impact on the state budget. As utilities retire facilities, workers and communities where the plants are located can face economic challenges, and this bill creates a means of mitigating those challenges. HB19-1037 creates the opportunity for Colorado to take advantage of low-cost ratepayer-backed bonds. Bonds can be used if an electric-generating facility is being closed. From a portion of bond proceeds, the bill also creates and funds the Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Authority, which acts to mitigate impacts of plant closures on affected Colorado workers and communities. Twenty-one other states have laws in place allowing ratepayer-backed bonds to be used but this would be the first time in U.S. history that savings from the bonds would help workers and communities transition and cost tax-payers zero dollars in the process. HB19-1037 was approved by a vote of 7-4. The bill now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

The House today unanimously passed legislation by a vote of 64-0 to reduce language barriers for special education learning plans. < Back April 14, 2023 Garcia, Young Bill to Improve Student Outcomes Clears House DENVER, CO - The House today unanimously passed legislation by a vote of 64-0 to reduce language barriers for special education learning plans. “Currently, drafts of an individualized learning plan for a special education student are not provided in any language but English, making it difficult for families that do not speak English in their home to understand the details of their child’s learning plan,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Families want to be involved in this drafting process and have important insight to offer in crafting a learning plan that is catered to their child’s development. By passing this bill, schools will have the resources needed to provide this necessary service so families and teachers can create the best learning plan for the student.” “Parents and special education teachers need to collaborate to find the best learning plan that works for their children,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Language barriers can stand in the way of meaningful discussions between families, teachers, and other school support team members, making it difficult to find a plan that best encourages educational improvement. Passing this legislation means that schools will have access to translation resources to reduce language barriers and enable teamwork.” Under current Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 would require the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. Previous Next