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< Back June 7, 2020 EDUCATION COMMITTEE PASSES SCHOOL FINANCE ACT AND BILL TO TEMPORARILY WAIVE STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Education today passed HB20-1418 , the School Finance Act, sponsored by Speaker KC Becker. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 9-4. “This is not the School Finance Act that I wish I could sponsor,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “In one of the most dire budget years in our state’s history, we did what we could to prioritize K-12 amidst major cuts across the rest of the budget, as well as reprioritizing various grant programs towards core education funding and using federal dollars to help schools with costs due to the pandemic. But we are still facing major shortfalls in education funding. We will need to use every tool in the toolbox to protect K-12 this year and next.” HB20-1418 is the annual School Finance Act, which sets funding levels for all of Colorado’s school districts and charter schools. This year’s proposal shields K-12 from the worst of budget cuts, reducing funding for all districts by $378.6 million from the prior year amidst a $3 billion revenue shortfall. However, with $510 million in federal CARES Act funding and $37 million in additional federal funding for at-risk students intended to help address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, total school funding increases by at least $168 million overall. While the federal funds are not an offset for cuts due to the revenue shortfall, they go a long way to help schools minimize impacts during this unprecedented situation. The School Finance Act pulls funds from marijuana taxes, school capital construction, and various grant programs and cash funds in order to put dollars where they are most needed – core education funding. The bill also makes various changes to reflect COVID-19’s impacts to the school system. It delays the timeline for school districts to adopt their budgets, since the Long Bill was delayed. It also codifies the suspension of various accountability-related provisions to reflect the Governor’s executive orders and directs the Department of Education to convene a stakeholder group to assess the impact of the COVID pandemic on the 19-20 school year and whether additional changes to accountability systems are needed for the 20-21 school year. Another major provision in this year’s School Finance Act corrects an issue with how local school funding levels are set, which has contributed to the underfunding of our schools over the last 25 years. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled in Mesa v. State that local school funding is set incorrectly in many districts and violates our own statutes, due to districts lowering their mill levies contrary to voter approval. This School Finance Act corrects this violation without impacting anyone’s property taxes by restoring the mill levy in each district to the rate that was adopted by voters or up to a certain limit, and requires credits to offset any increases to property owners. The committee also passed Rep. Cathy Kipp’s bill, HB20-1407 , which would respond to the challenges presented by COVID19 by temporarily giving publicly funded colleges and universities the option to waive standardized testing as a requirement for admission for high school students graduating in 2021. The bill passed the committee unanimously. “COVID19 has presented unique and complex challenges to our students and educational institutions,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Many Colorado students lost the opportunity to take their standardized tests as scheduled during the height of the pandemic. This bill will level the playing field for them by allowing publicly funded institutions of higher education to consider their other academic credentials, like GPA and leadership positions, when making admissions decisions. This is a win-win for students and universities alike.” Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY SAFETY INVESTMENT ACT AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR PEACE OFFICERS DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills that will improve public safety and prevent crime. “This bipartisan legislation focuses on proven strategies such as co-responder models and violence interruption programs to prevent crime before it happens and reduce recidivism,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “With crime rising across the nation as a result of the pandemic and the economic disruptions that followed, we’re taking action to support our law enforcement departments and help them recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve.” SB22-145 , the Community Safety Investment Act, is sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-13. The bill will establish critical crime prevention programs and address workforce shortages in law enforcement. Research shows that crime prevention strategies that include collaboration between communities and local law enforcement are most effective. The bill will create three grant programs within the Department of Public Safety: The first grant program will provide $7.5 million over two years to community-based organizations and local law enforcement agencies to implement collaborative, data-driven intervention strategies such as co-responder programs, violence interrupter programs, early intervention teams, and restorative justice services in identified high-crime areas. The second grant program will provide law enforcement agencies with $3.75 million over two years to help recruit and retain staff, as well as improve training curriculums, including mental health training. The third grant program – the State’s Mission for Assistance in Recruitment and Training (SMART) policing grant – will provide $3.75 million over two years to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and train officers that better represent the communities they serve. The bill also establishes a statewide crime prevention forum, and provides funding for oversight and administration within the Colorado Department of Public Safety which will administer the grant programs. Previous Next

< Back June 14, 2021 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO CREATE JOBS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that will invest nearly $50 million to create jobs in the renewable energy sector and save consumers money on their utility bills. The new laws are part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. HB21-1253 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Matt Gray , invests $5 million in grants to local governments for job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. The grants would be distributed by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are intended to be awarded by August 15, 2021. When awarding grants, DOLA will prioritize communities in which renewable and clean energy infrastructure is sparse and consider geographical diversity. “This bill helps our local governments save money on energy as we meet Colorado’s climate goals,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The bills Governor Polis signed today will help Colorado build back stronger, stimulate our economy and create jobs in communities across our state by constructing new renewable energy projects.” “By providing local governments, especially in rural areas, additional resources to develop and construct renewable energy projects, we can create jobs, build renewable energy infrastructure and extend clean, reliable and efficient power to more communities across Colorado,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. SB21-231 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Edie Hooton, provides $3 million in additional funding to supplement the Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which offers free weatherization support for Colorado’s low-income residents. WAP works to maximize energy cost savings for each client by providing them with cost-effective energy efficiency services for their homes, reducing wasted energy and lowering heating bill costs while improving the overall comfort and safety of a home year-round. Services include solutions like air sealing, furnace safety testing, LED light bulb retrofits and more. Under its current $20 million budget, the program only serves about 2,000 homes per year, although about 500,000 Colorado households could qualify. “Colorado’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps thousands of lower-income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes each year,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Weatherization saves consumers money, reduces energy use and creates jobs in the energy retrofit industry. The bill Governor Polis signed today will provide a $3 million boost to this program so that more Coloradans can access assistance to undertake energy efficiency projects that will lower their utility costs and save energy.” “By fostering more energy efficient homes, we can create jobs, reduce our energy use, create healthier and more comfortable living spaces and protect our air and water from emissions that cause climate change,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “This funding will help Colorado recover faster by putting people to work on home energy efficiency projects and save consumers money on their utility bills.” Sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Tracey Bernett, SB21-230 invests $40 million in clean energy finance initiatives through the Colorado Energy Office. The majority of the funds will go to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which uses the “green bank” model already in operation in over a dozen states to finance clean energy projects and bridge the gaps between businesses and private capital providers. By leveraging limited public funds, the CCEF can draw over $120 million of total investment and create over 2,000 jobs in Colorado communities most impacted by climate change. The remaining funds will be allocated to proven programs within the Colorado Energy Office that support clean energy retrofits, energy-efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state. “The $40 million we’re investing today will create thousands of jobs in Colorado and help our state meet our climate goals by constructing critical renewable energy projects in communities all across our state,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “These funds will be leveraged to draw down significant private capital and bridge the gap between businesses and lenders to get major projects off the ground.” “Green banks, like the one we’re supporting in Colorado, leverage their resources to draw down five to ten times as much in private capital to finance job-creating renewable energy projects that are better for our environment and power our communities,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont. “I’m proud Governor Polis signed my legislation into law that will help Colorado consumers save money on clean energy retrofits, improve access to electric vehicle charging stations and generate more renewable energy.” Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to eliminate “swipe fees” to save small businesses money. SB26-134, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran, passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back May 5, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Save Small Businesses Money on Swipe Fees DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to eliminate “swipe fees” to save small businesses money. SB26-134, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran, passed by a vote of 7-4. “This legislation will save small businesses and restaurants thousands of dollars per year,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Right now, the most profitable credit card companies are charging small businesses a fee on the sales tax these businesses are required to collect. These ‘swipe fees’ add up quickly, costing small businesses tens of thousands of dollars a year while ongoing global instability, rising fuel prices and costly tariffs have created additional pressures. Prohibiting ‘swipe fees’ will protect jobs, boost workers’ incomes and save small businesses money to help build an economy where everyone has a fair shot to thrive.” “Colorado Democrats are committed to creating a more affordable Colorado, and this bill could save small businesses thousands of dollars on swipe fees,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Swipe fees disproportionately hurt small businesses. Our bill would stop credit card companies with $60 billion or more in assets from charging businesses swipe fees and ensure that those savings are dedicated to reducing prices for Coloradans and boosting employee pay. This would support minority-owned small businesses and support entrepreneurs who are finding creative ways to bring in money for their families.” Currently, credit card companies charge businesses a ‘swipe fee’ for electronic payments and card-based transactions. This fee includes both the transaction total and the sales tax that businesses must collect on behalf of the state and local governments. SB26-134 would prohibit large credit card companies from implementing this fee on the sales tax component of every transaction. The bill applies to credit card companies with assets over $60 billion. Businesses with over 500 employees must use any savings under this bill to reduce prices for customers or increase employee wages or benefits. Swipe fees can range from 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent of a transaction. In 2024, swipe fees on sales tax cost businesses over $217 million in Colorado. A 2026 Colorado Restaurant Association report found that SB26-134 could save Colorado restaurants over $26,000 a year. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 BIPARTISAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILL BOUNDS FORWARD Committee advances Rep. Mary Young’s proposal to create a comprehensive behavioral health crisis response training DENVER, CO– The House Public Health and Insurance Committee today advanced Representative Mary Young’s bipartisan proposal to develop a comprehensive care coordination and treatment training model for people who work with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. The bill passed unanimously “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face enormous obstacles accessing the unique behavioral health care they need,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Far too often, people with disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs end up in mental health institutions, emergency rooms, and even prisons because of the lack of adequate care. Our bill will ensure that providers across the state are aptly trained in crisis response and comprehensive behavioral health care treatment for this population. Conducting the training remotely and prioritizing underserved areas will ensure that we provide training where it’s needed most.” HB21-1166 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will (R-Garfield County), would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to locate and contract a vendor to provide virtual training on a comprehensive care coordination and treatment model for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs. Once the vendor is secured and the training is set up, the bill would require behavioral health service providers including case management agencies, mental health centers, and other approved service agencies to nominate one provider to be trained in the model. Up to 20 providers may be selected for training on a regional basis, and an additional 10 providers from underserved areas will be selected by HCPF with coordination from case management agencies. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2020 MULTILINGUAL BALLOT ACCESS BILL PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today voted to pass HB20-1081 , Representative Yadira Caraveo’s bill to allow multilingual ballot access, by a vote of 41-20. The bill would ensure that counties with significant minority language speakers provide voters in these communities with ballots in their own languages. “A strong democracy depends on well-informed voters, and this bill will ensure that all Coloradans can fully understand their ballots,” said Rep. Caraveo (D- Thornton). “Improving ballot access and bringing more people into the democratic process while placing minimal responsibilities on our local governments is a resounding win for Colorado.” The bill establishes a hotline run by the Secretary of State’s office to provide access to ballot translation and requires the Secretary of State’s office to have the hotline available for the November 2022 election and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. County clerks are to make available minority language sample ballots when a language is spoken by at least 2,000 or 2.5 percent citizens of voting age who speak English “less than very well” in a county. These sample ballots would be available in-person beginning in November 2022 and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. There are over 80,000 Colorado voters who speak English “less than very well.”. Ballots are often difficult for minority language speakers to comprehend, even if they do speak and read some English. The United States has no official language. The federal Voting Rights Act only requires the counties of Conejos, Costilla, Denver, and Saguache provide election materials in both English and Spanish, limiting ballot access for Coloradans who are eligible to vote across the state who speak English “less than very well.” Previous Next

SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing < Back April 8, 2025 Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to make it easier to build more affordable housing across Colorado. SB25-002, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesensecker and Representative Rebekah Stewart, passed by a vote of 10-3. “Modular homes have proven to lower housing construction costs by up to 21 percent, especially in Colorado’s rural resort communities where nurses, teachers and firefighters are struggling to afford housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “This legislation would help streamline the permitting and approval process to increase affordable housing stock while ensuring all proper health and safety standards are met. Colorado is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and this legislation helps create affordable pathways to homeownership.” “SB25-002 aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape to building modular homes, tiny homes and other affordable housing options to create a more affordable Colorado,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill would create more business for Colorado modular housing builders, like those in Aurora and Buena Vista, while providing quickly built, cost-saving housing options for Colorado communities. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to tackle the housing affordability crisis in Colorado, which is why I’m sponsoring this legislation to improve the coordination between state and local governments to create more housing that works for every budget.” SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. The General Assembly passed a bipartisan law in 2022 to create the Innovative Housing Incentive Program to invest in companies pursuing innovative construction methods such as modular housing to create more affordable housing options. So far, the program has invested over $10.5 million with 13 businesses that are contracted to produce over 2,500 units and $20 million in loans to four businesses that will create over 3,300 units per year once their factories are up and running. In 2024, the town of Breckenridge built a 54-unit modular housing project. They saved 13-percent and completed the project six months faster when compared to quotes for traditional housing construction. The bids for a 37-unit affordable housing project in the town of Granby were 21-percent cheaper than stick-built homes and allowed for the construction to be completed within the seasonal six-month building window. Previous Next

Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand < Back January 30, 2024 State Legislators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand DENVER, CO - State legislators today unveiled bipartisan legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “We need an all-hands approach to tackle Colorado’s housing crisis, and that includes allowing homeowners to have Accessory Dwelling Units on their properties,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “ADUs are typically a more affordable option for renters, and they give homeowners the freedom to use their property to house a family member or earn some extra income. By allowing ADUs to be built and offering financing to lower- and middle-income Coloradans, we can make it easier for Coloradans to afford to stay in the communities where they live and work.” “Colorado families and communities are begging for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities..” "The people of the state, as well as local governments, have been pleading with the legislature to address and provide solutions to the housing affordability crisis," said Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. "I am strongly of the belief that this bill, while not being the complete solution, will provide relief to the citizens of Colorado and justify why we have been chosen to legislate." “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” said Sen. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home.” HB24-1152 would allow homeowners in high-density areas to build an ADU and creates a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote the construction of ADU’s. The bill would provide eligible local governments with access to grants that support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate or ADUs intended to serve demonstrated housing needs in the community. The bill also provides grants to increase housing accessibility and availability for Coloradans with disabilities. Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners with down payment assistance or to buy down interest rates on loans connected with ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single family home properties. Previous Next

Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. < Back July 16, 2024 Rep. Story Highlights Capital Development Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. This joint legislative committee reviews funding requests for capital projects from all state agencies. Vice Chair Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer: “From higher education and youth services within the Department of Corrections to behavioral health facilities and state parks, the Capital Development Committee works to effectively support the capital construction needs of the state so services are delivered more effectively to communities. As a member of this committee since 2019, I know that when we support our neighbors, invest in education and prioritize accessible health care and behavioral health — Coloradans thrive. “On the higher education front, this committee has championed support for Colorado's public universities and colleges in all areas of the state: in the Four Corners area, the San Luis Valley, the Front Range, the western slope and the eastern plains, and everywhere in between. In recent years , the CDC has also invested in various improvements to better serve our at-risk, highest-need youth at the Mount View and Lookout Mountain youth services centers. “Our meeting today allowed us to tour current projects underway in the Capitol complex. Next month, we will tour the southwest quadrant to dive deeper and work towards an effective plan that will form the basis of our recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee.” Previous Next

The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to save Coloradans money on rental applications and bolster residential renter rights. < Back February 25, 2023 Bills to Save Renters Money, Strengthen Renter Rights Advance DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to save Coloradans money on rental applications and bolster residential renter rights. “As a renter, I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly fees can add up when someone applies to various housing opportunities,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1099 . “Rental application fees are around $40 per adult on average, and rental applicants pay this fee at every stop, just to turn up the same information. This bill will allow rental applicants to pay that fee once and then share that report with multiple landlords, saving Coloradans potentially hundreds of dollars in repetitive fees.” “Renters often apply to multiple housing opportunities when their lease ends,” said Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1099 . “Lower-income Coloradans are often forced to choose between spending money on necessities and covering these application fees. Allowing renters to reuse these documents means that they can save more money that could otherwise go toward rent, food, and utilities.” HB23-1099 builds off the Rental Application Fairness Act that was passed by Colorado Democrats in 2019 by allowing prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. It also minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Under this bill, a landlord must return an application to a potential tenant to reuse if the application is denied and provide a notice of the applicant’s right to dispute the accuracy of the report. Rental and credit history reports and criminal record documents must come from verified consumer reporting agencies to be eligible for reuse. “Renters unknowingly sign away key rights when they secure housing,” said Rep. Stephen Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1095. “Rental agreements often exceed 50 pages of dense text littered with hidden fees, legal traps and waivers of key rights like the right to a jury or to participate in a class action. Renters shouldn’t have to be experts in tenant law just to keep from being exploited.” “Many Coloradans are facing the very real threat of housing insecurity and often have to choose between homelessness and rental opportunities that strip away the rights they’re entitled to by Colorado law,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1095. “We created renter protection laws to ensure renters aren’t taken advantage of, but some landlords are writing leases that carve out these important protections. This bill prevents landlords from creating lease agreements that infringe on the rights of renters.” HB23-1095 prohibits most rental agreements from including: Any waiver of the right to quiet enjoyment of the property Any waiver of the right to a jury trial, unless all parties agree to waive a jury trial in a hearing to determine occupancy, Any waiver of the right to participate in a class action, Penalties or charges if a renter does not provide notice of non-renewal unless the landlord incurred actual losses as a result, or The landlord’s ability to charge renters for both third party services like pest control and valet trash that is in excess of 2% of the actual charge and a monthly administrative fee of $10 to cover these services Landlords often profit from renters by including inflated third party charges like pest control and valet trash services in administrative fees. Under this bill, landlords would not be allied to charge renters more than the actual cost for services, limiting excessive profiting off of tenants. The right to enjoyment protects renters from landlords entering the property without notice and their right to have peace and quiet in their home, as landlords often include clauses that waive these rights. Large rental companies often use a class action waiver to protect themselves from lawsuits by preventing renters from collectively pursuing legal action. Individual renters usually can’t afford a legal fight against a large rental company, which allows rental companies to get away with violations. ### Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would create jobs and boost rural economies. HB24-1001 passed by a vote of 59-5. < Back April 29, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bills to Boost Rural Economies, Support Farmers and Ranchers DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would create jobs and boost rural economies. HB24-1001 passed by a vote of 59-5. The House also passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would create a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment like improving soil health and water efficiency. HB24-1249 passed by a vote of 57-7. “The Rural Jump-Start Program has supported numerous small businesses and created new jobs for rural Coloradans in communities like mine,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “With this bipartisan legislation, more small business owners can continue to receive grants and tax credits through the Rural Jump-Start Program to grow, support, and retain employees. We’re boosting Colorado’s mountain and rural resort towns and helping rural businesses thrive.” HB24-1001 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, aims to extend income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees that participate in the Colorado Rural Jump-start Zone Program and Grant Program. Under this bill, the Grant Program would extend through June 2026 and the Jump-start Zone Program, which includes the business tax incentives, would extend through 2031. These successful programs are designed to reduce the costs of starting a new business or hiring new employees in rural economic jump-start zones . HB24-1001 would play a crucial role in boosting rural economies, supporting small businesses, and creating new jobs in all four corners of the state. HB24-1249 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would create a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch. “With the help of this bill, we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.” Under this bill, farmers and ranchers would be eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are: Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000, Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent wildlife collisions and improve road safety. The Wildlife Collision Prevention Act, also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed by a vote of 8-2. < Back April 20, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Improve Road Safety, Reduce Costs and Fund Wildlife Crossings DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent wildlife collisions and improve road safety. The Wildlife Collision Prevention Act, also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed by a vote of 8-2. “The success of the Kremmling wildlife crossing has made it clear that wildlife crossings help prevent dangerous accidents,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Wildlife collisions are common on the Western Slope, which not only makes road travel risky, but also drives up car insurance costs and impacts Colorado’s ecosystem. Our bipartisan bill would create more opportunities to build wildlife crossings, saving lives and protecting Colorado wildlife.” SB26-141 would create an optional $5 collision prevention fee during annual vehicle registration, creating reliable and dedicated funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure. The bill aims to dramatically reduce motor vehicle crashes with wildlife by authorizing an optional $5 fee that will be collected during annual vehicle registration beginning in 2027. The fund would be used to construct wildlife collision prevention infrastructure, including overpasses, underpasses, jump-outs, and fencing, and would also allow Colorado to leverage federal matching funds for these projects. A portion of the funds would also benefit the Wildlife Cash Fund, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to conserve habitat on either side of the crossings. Collisions with wildlife can be fatal, damage property, and create financial burdens. In 2024, at least 3,500 crashes with animals occurred on Colorado roads. From 2010-2025, these tragic accidents resulted in 52 motorist fatalities and over 400 serious injuries. The total estimated annual cost of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado is over $300 million . Wildlife crossings have been shown to reduce these collisions by more than 90 percent . Previous Next