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Legislation would strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to ensure responsible gun ownership < Back February 14, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Strengthen Firearm Training, Promote Responsible Gun Ownership Legislation would strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to ensure responsible gun ownership DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to promote responsible firearm ownership and protect Colorado communities from gun violence. HB24-1174 passed by a vote of 8-3. “As a gun owner and a concealed carry permit holder, I’ve seen the gaps in Colorado’s firearm training and testing protocols that can lead to unsafe situations," said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Our policy is crucial in ensuring our concealed carry permits come with robust firearm knowledge, including instruction on federal and state gun laws, the use of deadly force for self defense, in-person gun handling, and safe storage and use of firearms to prevent accidental deaths. I’ve worked tirelessly during my time as a public servant on this bill, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve the safety of our communities and save Colorado lives.” “Current Colorado law does not require in-person, live fire training before you can receive a concealed carry permit, putting guns into the hands of people who may have never touched a gun before in their life," said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. "This is a commonsense gun violence prevention bill that will ensure Coloradans have in-person training, protecting our communities and preventing accidental firearm deaths.” In Colorado, a person can be issued a concealed carry permit if they complete a handgun training class by a verified firearms safety instructor, pass a background check, and demonstrate competence with a handgun. HB24-1174 would require handgun training classes to be held in-person and include training on safe handling of firearms and ammunition, safe storage of firearms and child safety, safe firearms shooting fundamentals, federal and state firearm laws, state laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense, and techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force. Under the bill, the handgun training class would include at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam that the student must receive passing scores on. The eight hour requirement may take place over multiple days. The bill would also require a concealed handgun refresher class (refresher class) to be completed in order to renew a concealed carry permit. This refresher class must be at least two hours, including a passing score on both the live-fire exercise and written exam. The refresher class must also include instruction on changes to federal or state firearm laws. HB24-1174 prohibits a person from being issued a permit if they have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submitting a concealed carry permit application. The bill also makes it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim to be a verified firearms safety instructor unless they have been verified by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Majority Leader Duran sponsored a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by ensuring that gun owners properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next

Today, legislation to improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and improve access to publicly funded vaccines was signed into law by Governor Polis. < Back May 10, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, Bring Down Costs for Medication & Vaccines AURORA, CO - Today, legislation to improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and improve access to publicly funded vaccines was signed into law by Governor Polis. HB23-1225 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, increases the effectiveness of PDAB to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. The bill allows PDAB to increase the limit on setting Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) to 18 per year if the board reaches the current annual cap of 12 UPLs and demonstrates a need for additional UPLs. Additionally, the bill improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. “Over the past few years we have worked hard to save Coloradans money on life-saving prescription drugs,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Still, too many families’ budgets are squeezed by high costs of medication. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an essential tool to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable, and these changes will make the Board even more effective at saving families money on their life-saving medications.” “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board was created in 2021 to review prescription drug costs and set upper price limits to prevent price gouging of essential medication,” said deGruy Kennedy. “This year, we’re increasing the number of prescription drugs that the PDAB can create upper price limits for so more Coloradans can benefit from the cost saving measures we’ve enacted.” “House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” Buckner said. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.” “The legislature created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, but current law restricts the Board's ability to function,” Dickson said. “This new law extends the Board's lifespan and expands the number of prescriptions it can review, so Coloradans can better access affordable, quality health care.” Governor Polis also signed into law SB23-260 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. The bill allows practitioners to ask individuals who seek to receive a publicly funded vaccine to provide proof of health insurance or a government-issued identification card, but does not limit an individual from receiving a publicly funded vaccine if they don’t have those items. The bill clarifies that independent pharmacies may charge vaccine administration fees and not provide publicly funded vaccines to individuals who are unable to pay. However, those pharmacies must provide individuals who are unable to pay with a list of practitioners who will provide the publicly funded vaccine regardless of payment ability. Previous Next

Legislation would require jails to follow standards adopted by the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards < Back November 28, 2023 Interim Committee Approves Bill to Implement Statewide Jail Standards Legislation would require jails to follow standards adopted by the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards DENVER, CO – Today, the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards (Committee) voted to advance a bill that would help ensure individuals housed in jails across the state have a basic set of rights. Sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, Bill 1 would require jails to follow standards adopted today by the Committee that address and improve the rights of people incarcerated in jails, including access to health care, visitation, housing, discipline, and more. “In order to reduce recidivism and improve safety in our communities, certain quality standards must be met in Colorado’s jails,” said Fields. “With this bill, we are taking the first step towards implementing statewide jail standards and bolstering access to services that can better outcomes for incarcerated individuals. By involving a broad coalition on the Jail Standards Advisory Committee, we will develop a rounded approach to the continued improvement of incarcerated Coloradans’ rights.” “The conditions that incarcerated Coloradans experience in jail play a role in reducing recidivism and our overall public safety,” said Amabile. “Our 2022 legislation created an oversight committee to study possible changes we could make to standards in Colorado jails. The bill we advanced today extends the oversight committee’s role in continuing to revise jail standards and involving behavioral health professionals, law enforcement agencies, and county representatives to implement these new standards.” “Too often differences in Colorado jail standards result in a lack of appropriate care,” said Coleman. “By requiring jails to comply with statewide standards established by the Legislative Oversight Committee, we can better ensure that individuals' needs are being met and we can improve outcomes for those incarcerated in Colorado jails. I look forward to the work ahead to implement statewide standards and build on our progress of creating a more just criminal justice system.” “Coloradans who are in custody should not be subject to unsafe conditions,” said Garcia. “The Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards recommends new jail standards based on data and insight from criminal justice professionals to ensure that basic needs are met and dignity preserved. Our bill facilitates the implementation of these changes, creating a safer environment in jails and better outcomes for incarcerated Coloradans that reduce recidivism and cycles of incarceration.” The bill creates a Jail Standards Advisory Committee composed of sheriffs, county commissioners, the state public defender, and advocates. The Advisory Committee would be charged with conducting jail assessments to ensure compliance with the standards, establishing assessment standards and procedures, and submitting an annual report and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee. The Attorney General’s office would conduct jail assessments in partnership with the Advisory Committee, and could conduct investigations regarding potential violations of the standards. Under the bill, the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety is required to create a list of funding assistance and resources for jails to offset the costs of complying with the new standards. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. < Back February 20, 2025 House Committee Passes Two Bills to Protect Colorado Water DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. HB25-1115 would expand the duties of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and HB25-1113 would eliminate non-functional turf around certain multi-family housing. “Water is a part of our Western identity, and we must take steps now to preserve and protect the water resources we have,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB25-1115. “To effectively manage Colorado's water supply, we need all the research and data available to inform our decisions. This bipartisan bill empowers the Colorado Water Conservation Board to expand their research, specifically around water supply measurement and snowpack, so we can better protect the freshwater Coloradans rely on for agriculture, household use, recreation and everything in between.” “Smart landscaping choices play a big role in conserving our precious water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB25-1113. “This bill builds upon our efforts to cut back on unnecessary water usage that maintains non-functional turf or invasive plant species. As our state experiences increased climate threats and extreme droughts, we must work to effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.” “When we cut back on the amount of non-functional turf or invasive grasses in our state, we preserve water while embracing our state’s native plants and species,” said Rep. Leslie Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1113. “Our bill encourages water-wise landscaping on multifamily housing, like apartments and condominiums. As we navigate a drier, hotter climate in Colorado we need to take steps now to conserve our precious water resources.” HB25-1115 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would help protect and preserve Colorado’s fresh water resources in the face of uncertain water conditions ahead. HB25-1115 would expand the power and responsibilities of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to oversee a statewide water supply measurement and a forecasting program. The bill would expand the CWCB’s water supply measurement program to: Collect and disseminate data on snowpack levels. Investigate the latest technological advances in snowpack measurement and water supply forecasting. Collect other data to assist in snowpack measurement, water supply forecasting, or flood hazard mapping. Colorado currently relies on a patchwork of smaller entities, like nonprofits and municipalities, to measure and map the state’s water resources. This bill would redirect funding already set aside from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Cash Fund to permanently support a statewide program, ensuring equitable support across the state. HB25-1113 , passed committee by a vote of 9-3. This bill aims to promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation or planting of non-functional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on multi-family housing properties, specifically condominiums or apartment complexes with twelve or more units. Colorado lawmakers have championed multiple laws to ramp up water conservation in the state, including turf replacement and the reduction of non-functional turf on state and commercial properties. HB25-1113 builds off of SB24-005 by limiting the installation of high water-use, non-native plants on property owned and operated multi-family properties, including apartments or condominiums. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: ARPA TASK FORCES UNVEIL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY ON HOUSING Recommendations aim to increase affordable housing stock and access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Denver, CO – The Behavioral Health and Affordable Housing Transformational Task Forces today released final reports on their recommendations for using $850 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and make housing more affordable. “Far too many families like mine know firsthand how difficult getting treatment for behavioral health care can be here in Colorado,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “That’s why the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force has been working tirelessly to improve access to vital services and create an accessible and equitable behavioral health care system that supports effective, data-driven and evidence-based treatment methods. I’m proud of the work this Task Force has done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the care and support they deserve.” “Making housing more affordable will be a main focus of our work this year at the Capitol, and with these recommendations, Colorado has the opportunity to create transformational change on affordable housing,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “From more affordable and attainable workforce housing across the state to new factory-built homes and the jobs that come with them, and much more, our investments will mean many more Coloradans have access to an affordable home to own or rent. I am immensely proud of the hundreds of hours of work our task force and subpanel members put in to craft these transformational recommendations that will drive down the cost of housing in our state and look forward to moving these proposals through the legislature so we can start helping Coloradans as soon as possible.” “The lack of affordable housing here in Colorado is nothing short of a crisis, and our Task Force has been working tirelessly to find solutions so that more Coloradans have a safe, affordable place to live,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the root causes of our affordable housing issues. It’s going to take time, but I am proud of the work we are doing to forge a future where every Colorado family has a place to call home.” “Building healthier, safer communities through greater access to behavioral health services will give more Coloradans the supports they so desperately need right now,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “We know the pressures of the pandemic have exacerbated the behavioral health crisis in Colorado. These task force recommendations and historic investments will significantly improve access to mental health and substance use treatment in every community across Colorado. Importantly, improving access to these services is a powerful step toward our goal of preventing crime before it happens and making our communities safer and healthier.” “I thank state lawmakers for their work to make transformational change and am glad they were able to find bipartisan consensus on how to reduce housing costs and improve mental health support across Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Our administration looks forward to working with state legislators to turn this hard work into action and help save people money.” To better provide vital care to Coloradans in crisis, the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommended measures that will make transformational changes to the state’s behavioral health care system and improve access to services to ensure every Coloradan is able to get the help they need. Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Investing in increased adult residential care and improving access to residential care, community services and school-based care for children, youth and families; Addressing the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes; Integrating primary care with behavioral health care and investing in better care coordination to help ensure people are connected to the services they need; Funding for emergency, life-saving interventions like purchasing bulk opioid antagonists and increasing support for survivors of domestic violence; Providing grants to local governments and community-based organizations to help fill regional gaps in the continuum of care; Diverting Coloradans with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs; and Expanding and supporting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce. The Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force also delivered recommendations to the legislature, with measures aimed at addressing Colorado’s affordable housing crisis, reducing homelessness and making sure that every Colorado family has a safe, affordable place to call home. Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Recommendations include: Establishing a revolving loan fund that will improve Colorado’s ability to build and develop new housing, help preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing, incentivize property conversion and increase non-traditional housing capacity such as supportive and transitional housing; Providing grant funding to nonprofits and local governments that are doing the work on the ground to add more units of affordable housing by changing zoning laws and developing supportive, rental and for-sale housing; Directing grants or low-interest loans to support and maintain affordable housing and future development opportunities through land-banking, land trusts and community-owned land opportunities. This would also make investments in resident-owned community infrastructure to help residents purchase property such as mobile home parks; and Directing funding to support construction of prefabricated, modular, manufactured and other sources of factory-built housing. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO LOWER RECIDIVISM, SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL RE-ENTRY PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House Today passed Representative Kerry Tipper and David Ortiz’s bipartisan bill to support individuals leaving the criminal justice system with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other documents necessary to obtain state-issued identification. The bill passed by a vote of 50-13. “We can’t expect recently incarcerated people to seamlessly reintegrate into their communities if we don’t provide them with basic, necessary support,” said Representative Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “In this day and age, an ID is an absolute necessity for accessing education, employment, housing and much more. Simply by helping people leaving prisons obtain identification documents, we’re taking an important step toward lowering recidivism and building stronger communities.” “Finding stable housing, a good job, and decent health care after a prison sentence is hard enough on its own. Without an ID, it’s nearly impossible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m proud that we were able to pass this bill today, and I hope it sends a clear message: that we are committed to helping people finishing their prison sentences avoid the mistakes of their past and chart a new path forward.” SB21-153 requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to operate a program to assist people finishing their prison sentences with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other identification documents, such as a replacement social security card or birth certificate, that are necessary to obtain state-issued identification. This assistance includes determining eligibility, navigating online forms, and providing transportation to and from a facility that issues IDs. Previous Next

< Back July 10, 2020 GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS TO SUPPORT RESTAURANTS, BARS, SMALL BUSINESSES DURING COVID Gov signs two bills to provide greater flexibility to brewpubs and restaurants, bars, hotels or other establishments selling alcoholic beverages. Denver, CO — Today, at the Englewood Grand bar, Governor Jared Polis signed two bipartisan bills to continue to allow establishments to deliver and offer takeout of alcoholic beverages and provide brewpubs with greater flexibility in selling the beer and malt liquor they produce at separate locations. SB20-213 , sponsored by Reps. Dylan Roberts and Colin Larson, allows licensed alcohol dealers to deliver alcohol or to provide it as takeout for their customers. Consumers must be at least 21 years old when they pick up alcohol from a licensed establishment. The order cannot have more than 750ML of spirits and no more than 72 fluid ounces of malt liquors, including hard cider. Deliveries must be made by a person who is 21 or older. “The restaurant and service industry has been hit harder by the pandemic than almost any other industry in our state,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “Having the flexibility to sell alcohol for delivery and to-go has been a lifesaver for many restaurants in my district and across the state – for many, it was the sole reason they were able to stay in business. I am thankful that the governor signed my bill into law today because this will provide restaurants continued flexibility and revenue as we continue through these turbulent times.” SB20-194 , sponsored by Reps. Matt Gray and Kevin Van Winkle, will allow owners of more than one brewpub to sell beer manufactured at one brewpub at a different brewpub under their ownership. This only applies to sales of beer to be consumed off premises. As of March 2020, there are 180 licensed brewpubs in Colorado. This new law will provide them with greater flexibility as they navigate the new reality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coloradans love their craft beer, and takeout from our brewpubs has fortunately continued throughout the pandemic,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. This bill removes an arbitrary restriction from state law to give people more choice and brewers more opportunity. It’s a win-win, and I’m grateful to the Governor for signing it.” Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2021 BILL TO IMPROVE COLORADO ELECTIONS MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today advanced legislation to improve Colorado’s gold standard elections system. “Colorado leads the nation when it comes to ballot access and election security,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “One of the hallmarks of our system is that we are always looking at how we can make it better. While Republicans in the legislature have made multiple attempts this year to dismantle Colorado’s vote-by-mail system and restrict access to voting, Democrats have steadfastly protected Colorado’s gold standard election system, and now we’re making it better.” “The bill we passed today will improve Colorado’s election system by implementing the recommendations and findings of a group of bipartisan, statewide election officials,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “It improves drop boxes and voter services and prohibits disruptive electioneering tactics near polling locations. Importantly, the bill increases transparency in recall efforts and makes it easier for Coloradans to complete their voter registration online using the last four digits of their social security number if they don’t have a driver’s license.” SB21-250, sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Yadira Caraveo, stems from the recommendations and findings of Colorado’s sixty-four county clerks, the Secretary of State, and other stakeholders. It makes clarifications, adjustments, and improvements to ensure Colorado’s election system remains the gold standard. The bill will improve access to drop boxes and Voter Service and Polling Centers, streamline Colorado’s voter registration system, and increase transparency in recall elections. Additionally, it clarifies and expands prohibitions on electioneering within 100 feet of a polling place in order to protect against partisan election interference. Specifically, the bill ensures that voters who are in dropbox lines at 7:00 PM are allowed to drop off their ballots, the same way voters who are in line by 7 PM at a voter service and polling center are able to cast a ballot. It also allows greater public input into the location of drop boxes. The bill clarifies what constitutes “electioneering” and ensures that voters may not be challenged for frivolous reasons unrelated to their eligibility. The bill modernizes the voter registration system to create a process for voters to register online with the last four digits of their social security numbers should they not have a driver’s license, requiring that information be matched and checked against the social security database in real time before proceeding to register the voter. The bill also requires institutions of higher education to provide information to enrolled students on their eligibility to vote and how to register to vote or update their address during the first full week of fall semester and the last full week of spring semester. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 NO MORE SURPRISES: HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN BILL TO END OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLING (Mar. 22) – A bipartisan bill to address the out of control practice of sending consumers out-of-network bills, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was approved today by the House. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” s aid Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I am responding to to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise and often expensive bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” HB19-1174 prohibits out-of-network billing by providers when the patient unknowingly received the care from an out-of-network provider or facility. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out of network costs when they intentionally go out of network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than thirty times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The House approved the bipartisan bill on a vote of 60-4. The bill now goes to the Senate. The bill also has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate by Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs. Previous Next

< Back October 17, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER: URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS HEALTH IMPACTS FROM OIL AND GAS BOULDER, CO — Colorado House Speaker KC Becker today released the following statement after the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a study indicating health impacts of emissions from oil and gas operations within 2,000 feet of homes and occupied buildings: “In passing SB19-181, we created a new approach to oil and gas regulation that prioritizes public health and safety and empowers regulators to more closely review permits and establish rules for reducing emissions and improving leak detection. Today’s report highlights the immediate need for the state to address air quality by increasing monitoring, expediting rulemaking, and conducting a robust health impact study to fully understand how oil and gas operations are affecting public health. I am encouraged by the steps announced today to advance additional public health protections as the COGCC continues working to implement SB19-181, and call on them to continue taking urgent action to address air quality and health impacts of oil and gas operations.” Last session, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation to overhaul the state’s oil and gas regulations to prioritize public health. SB19-181, sponsored by Speaker Becker and Rep. Caraveo (D-Thornton), allows local governments a say in regulating oil and gas operations. It also directs the state’s Air Quality Control Commission to reduce emissions and increase air monitoring. The rulemaking process for these new regulations is currently underway. Previous Next

< Back February 2, 2023 House Committee Passes Bill to Improve Free Transit Program DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed a bill to improve the grant program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season. HB23-1101 supports the continuation of last year’s successful Ozone Season Transit Grant Program. “The numbers are in; Coloradans took advantage of free public transit last August, and our bill improves this successful program for the coming years,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We were excited to see significant ridership increases across the state, and strengthening this program will further reduce passenger car trips, cut down on harmful emissions and support communities by saving passengers money on fares.” “In Colorado Springs alone, public transit ridership during August increased by more than 60 percent, and our bill builds upon this success to improve our air quality and cut down on harmful ground-level ozone,” said Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs . “Recognizing regional differences in peak ozone seasons, this legislation provides additional flexibility to transit agencies to improve and expand the free rides program this year.” HB32-1101 passed committee by a vote of 8-3 and improves the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program, which provides funding to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and transit associations throughout Colorado to offer free rides during ozone season. Last year, Colorado Democrats championed SB22-180 which allocated $28 million toward free transit during ozone season to improve Colorado’s air quality. HB23-1101 utilizes funding from this initial investment to enhance the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program for the next three years. This year’s bill also would allow transit agencies to use grant funding during different months of the ozone season, rollover leftover funding to make an impact in future years and use the funding for outreach and education. RTD released final August 2022 ridership numbers in the fall. Data revealed a significant increase in services, particularly buses within the district, during RTD’s 30-day Zero Fare for Better Air program. RTD also experienced a 36 percent ridership increase between August 2021 and August 2022 as well as a 21 percent ridership increase between July 2022 and August 2022. There were also significant increases in ridership in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and mountain communities. Previous Next

On October 1, legislation goes into effect to strengthen safeguards for homeowners with HOAs to help them retain the equity they built in their property and avoid HOA foreclosures. < Back September 30, 2025 Law Takes Effect to Protect Homeowners in HOA Communities DENVER, CO - On October 1, legislation goes into effect to strengthen safeguards for homeowners with HOAs to help them retain the equity they built in their property and avoid HOA foreclosures. “Homeownership is an important way to build generational wealth, but our current laws allow HOAs to strip away everything Coloradans worked hard for, which threatens the stability of hardworking families,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “If a homeowner suffers from a medical emergency, loses their job, or experiences other financial hardships that impact their HOA payments, their home can be foreclosed and sold for just cents on the dollar, and the owner’s hard-earned equity disappears instantly. This law helps create critical safeguards to ensure better notice, transparency, and accountability around HOA foreclosures so Coloradans can stay safely housed and protect their equity.” “Homeowners deserve the certainty and stability of knowing that their home will not be sold out from under them without an opportunity to retain their equity - regardless of whether or not they have an HOA,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Becoming a homeowner is a way to build generational wealth and secure housing stability for the long haul. By adding measures to increase transparency, strengthen homeowner protections, and prevent hasty enforcement and foreclosure actions from an HOA, we can keep Colorado families in their homes.” “Colorado HOA homeowners, especially in my district, have had their largest asset taken from them and sold at an auction for a fraction of its worth over sometimes very small amounts owed to the HOA,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It can be difficult to recover after a foreclosure, especially with high housing costs and no equity to fall back on from the foreclosed property. With this law going into effect, we’re helping hardworking Coloradans from being senselessly displaced and ensuring that homeowners can recover some equity from the house they paid for.” In cases where an HOA pursues a foreclosure against a unit owner, HB25-1043 allows an owner to file a motion with the court to delay the sale of their home at auction for up to nine months, during which time the owner could sell the home at market price. Currently, an HOA may sell the unit at auction for only the cost of unpaid assessments and attorneys’ fees, leaving the homeowner with little to no equity from the sale. Before taking legal action or referring an HOA homeowner to a collection agency, the law strengthens the requirement that an HOA have a written policy of sending a unit owner the HOA’s ledger verifying the amount owed within seven business days after a homeowner requests it. Under HB25-1043, an HOA must also provide information from the HOA Information and Resource Center about its ability to foreclose and force a sale of a unit before taking legal action against a unit owner. The law also requires an HOA to provide homeowners with a notice regarding the right to participate in credit counseling at least 30 days before initiating a foreclosure. HOAs are now required to include additional information for the previous year when submitting their annual registration with the Department of Regulatory Affairs. This includes the number of unit owners who were late on payments of assessments, judgments obtained against unit owners, payment plans entered into with unit owners, and foreclosure actions filed by the HOA. Reps. Ricks and Bacon have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, including protections to prevent HOAs from quickly foreclosing on homeowners because of late or unpaid HOA fines and fees. Rep. Bacon and Sen. Exum also passed a law to create safeguards against foreclosure and protect HOA residents from having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions. Homeowners in Colorado Springs are currently protesting an unexpected $20,000 special assessment fee from their HOA. Under HB25-1043, these homeowners would have additional protections if their HOA pursues foreclosure for nonpayment of the special assessment fee. Previous Next