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

< Back April 12, 2022 BILL TO CONTINUE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan to continue critical whistleblower protections regarding workers’ health and safety. “Extending protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill will permanently extend the worker reporting protections we put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation. Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or their colleagues and this bill prioritizes their protection.” “Essential workers shouldn’t be worried about losing their job or having their wages slashed for reporting unsafe or unhygienic working conditions,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “During the 2020 statewide public health emergencies, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new bill extends those reporting protections for workers so they can feel safe on the job whether we’re experiencing a pandemic or not.” In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 would make these protections permanent. The bill protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 8 to 4. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2020 MCLACHLAN’S RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT IMPROVEMENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today unanimously voted to approve Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bill to strengthen the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant program. The REDI program provides grants that strengthen and diversify rural economies and create new jobs. The bill has already passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote. “This bill gives a leg up to rural economies in communities like mine across the state,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “There is a clear need for the rural economic development funds this bill will continue to provide: since the program began, requests for grants from the REDI program have regularly exceeded the amount of funding available. I’m proud to be ensuring that these funds make it to the communities that need them most.” SB20-002 would codify and strengthen a successful existing program, REDI, in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), to be administered in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The bill will ensure that the program continues to work and that certain improvements are made in order to ensure that rural economies are more successfully bolstered. In addition to formalizing the program in statute, SB20-002 would require that DOLA adopt rules for application procedures and timelines, criteria for a matching funds requirement, and performance and reporting requirements related to REDI. The bill would also require that DOLA report on the use of the REDI funds. ### Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 KIPP BILL EXPANDS ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION The House Committee on Education today passed Representative Cathy Kipp’s legislation to improve and expand the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). The vote passed by unanimously. “Over the last six years, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative has helped 75,000 Coloradans access and be successful in their pursuit of higher education,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “With this bill, the program can adopt best practices in higher education attainment, help more students be successful and provide additional and improved support services which will improve on an already extremely impressive success rate.” The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative seeks to address two primary challenges: the accessibility and affordability of higher education. It increases accessibility by funding programs that help prepare students for postsecondary education and which support them throughout their education. It increases affordability by providing tuition support for community scholarships so that tuition costs aren’t a barrier to attending a postsecondary institution. As of 2017 , $27.6 million in state funds has leveraged $28 million in local, private, philanthropic funds to support more than 75,000 Colorado students. Additionally, over 30 student support programs serve COSI students and more than 6,000 students received scholarship assistance. According to the program , 89 percent of students who receive COSI scholarships continue their education to the second and third years, which is 25 percent higher than their peers who have not received any support. Current statute limits COSI’s ability to adapt to best practices. SB20-006 , which is also sponsored by Representative Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, would give the COSI Advisory Board the flexibility needed to support students and institutions so that every COSI scholar has the guidance and aid to persist and complete their education. Specifically, the bill would: Replace the definition of tuition assistance with financial assistance so that it is tied to the cost of attendance. Remove the 10 percent funding restriction for state agencies and nonprofits to provide student success support services so that more students can access these critical wraparound services Allows more government agencies to receive funding such as colleges and universities, and school districts, in addition to community organizations and related foundations. The bill passed the Senate on February 13 by a vote of 32-0. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. < Back April 8, 2024 McCluskie, McCormick Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. “This bill outlines a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands so we can sustain our water quality and ensure future generations enjoy all the activities that make Colorado unique,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “ After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we’re taking steps now to secure our state’s water future. We know fresh, clean water is necessary for everything from brewing beer and maintaining our world class ski resorts to keeping up with increased household demands and sustaining our agriculture industry. This bill protects our water now and into the future.” “We’re stepping up to protect our vital freshwater resources to ensure that for future generations, Coloradans will have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our important legislation creates regulatory certainty for our businesses and landowners when it comes to Colorado’s water – this means we can effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. From agriculture and tourism to everyday families living in the four corners of our state, Colorado’s water is a steady and essential resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come.” The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. HB24-1379 , passed by a vote of 9-4 and works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The bill would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, and erosion control practices would not require a permit. Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA , the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. The legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources. Previous Next

Fully funding Colorado schools for the first time since 2009, fulfilling promise to voters while supporting Colorado students and teachers < Back February 29, 2024 Governor Polis, State Legislators & Educators Celebrate Historic Education Funding DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate President Steve Fenberg, Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Barbara McLachlan, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Janet Buckner, joined educators and students to celebrate this year’s historic proposal to fully fund Colorado schools and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor. In November 2023, Governor Polis unveiled a budget that fully funds Colorado schools for the first time since 2009, providing teachers with the resources they need to ensure student success. “Supporting students by ensuring educators have the resources they need to succeed in helping every child get a world-class education strengthens Colorado’s future and creates more economic opportunities for all Coloradans. This year's historic education funding marks the beginning of a new era of education funding in Colorado and I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in this important effort. I am proud to deliver for our students and our educators,” said Governor Polis. The Governor’s budget proposal, currently before the Joint Budget Committee for approval, fully funds the school finance formula through a K-12 program increase of $520.7 Million dollars, an average of $729 more per student or $16,000 for a classroom of 22 kids. This funding builds on the previous year's budget increase of $1,073 per student, totaling $11,399 per student for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. "I am proud to witness Colorado take this most vital step forward towards fully funding public education in our state,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and President of the Colorado Education Association. “This crucial investment is a step toward ensuring our educators have the resources and supports they need to provide students with the high-quality public education they deserve.” “Today is an extraordinary milestone for Colorado’s public schools; we’re paying off the budget stabilization factor!,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This massive accomplishment is a direct result of years of strategic, thoughtful governing and our unwavering commitment to fully funding our K-12 public schools. Paying off the budget stabilization factor means school districts across Colorado can continue to boost teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and address the unique needs of our rural schools.” "For too many years we have been shortchanging our kids and our schools, which is why I am thrilled to be a part of the team that is finally going to eliminate the BS factor once and for all," President Fenberg said. "Fully funding Colorado's schools will put us on a path towards paying teachers what their profession deserves, and will allow us to provide the much-needed classroom resources our students need to thrive." “The students hit hardest by budget stabilization factor underfunding have been students of color and students in the districts that serve greater numbers of vulnerable students,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, D-Denver. “Throughout my legislative career, we’ve taken significant steps to pay off large portions of the budget stabilization factor, and now it is time to fully pay it off. While this is a monumental accomplishment, we’re also laying the groundwork now to drive funding toward our schools so that every student has the support, education and resources they need to thrive.” “Buying down the budget stabilization factor honors our financial commitment to schools, teachers and students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “While there is still progress that must be made to address the unique educational challenges of our K-12 public schools; buying down the budget stabilization factor is a huge accomplishment. We’re committed to championing future legislation that will continue to support our schools.” "Fully funding our schools and eliminating the BS factor is one of the main reasons I chose to run for the state senate, and every year I’ve been here I’ve fought tooth and nail to make it happen," Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said. "But I think we all know that today is really just the start. We’ve got so much more to do to truly fully fund our schools–not just meeting the bare minimum, but exceeding it, so we can invest more critical resources that will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth." “As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.” “Our teachers and students today, including my own child, only know underfunded schools; and one of the main reasons I ran for office was my passion for eliminating the budget stabilization factor in Colorado,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This monumental achievement brings us up-to-date with our constitutional requirements for school funding, and sets us on a path forward to help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and support our students with diverse needs.” Governor Polis and the General Assembly have consistently worked together to increase funding and expand access to educational opportunities. From increasing per-pupil funding by $3,276 per student since Governor Polis took office to providing free full-day kindergarten and free Universal Preschool, Governor Polis and the General Assembly have saved Colorado families money while giving Colorado’s students and teachers the tools and resources they need to thrive. Previous Next

< Back October 23, 2020 MICHAELSON JENET NAMED CBHC’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHAMPION Denver, CO– On Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 PM, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet will be presented with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council and Aurora Mental Health Center’s 2020 Behavioral Health Champion Award during a virtual town hall . Rep. Michaelson Jenet will be recognized for her ongoing work “addressing mental health and substance use disorder services and trainings in the state of Colorado.” A full list of her accomplishments cited by the organizations is included at the end of this press release. In advance of receiving this award, Rep. Michaelson Jenet released the following statement: “Behavioral health has been one of my top priorities since I decided to run for office, and receiving this award is honoring and humbling,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Now more than ever, we need to consider the behavioral health impacts of all of our policy decisions, and we need to take behavioral health concerns as seriously as we take physical health. Although this year posed a series of unique challenges, I’m proud of the work we did in the legislature for the people of Colorado. From channelling federal funds towards mental and substance use treatments to working to reduce stigma by ensuring Colorado’s kids can take mental health days, I’m humbled to have played a part in working to improve the behavioral health of all Coloradans. I look forward to continuing to work with organizations like CBHC and the Aurora Mental Health Center to build on this progress.” From the CBHC Press Release: In 2020 alone, [Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s] accomplishments included: Relentless advocate for mental health substance use disorder (SUD) services, suicide prevention services for youth, Mental Health First Aid champion, and parity. Vice-Chair for the House Committee on Health & Human Services House co-prime sponsor for HB20-1411: Concerning the Allocation of Money the State Received from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund for Behavioral Health Services House co-prime sponsor for HB20-1206: Sunset Mental Health Professionals House prime sponsor for HB20-1086: Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam House prime sponsor for HB20-1312: Behavioral Health Training Requirements Educator License Chair of the Interim Committee on School Safety focused on mental health and emotional wellness supports House co-sponsor of SB20-001: Expand Behavioral Health Training For K-12 Educators House sponsor of SB20-014: Excused Absences In Public Schools For Behavioral Health Past Notable Efforts/Achievements: 2019 House prime sponsor of HB19-1129: Prohibit Conversion Therapy for a Minor 2019 House prime sponsor of HB19-1120: Youth Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention 2018 House prime sponsor of HB18-1357: Behavioral Health Care Ombudsperson Parity Reports Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Regina English and Junie Joseph that would make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. The bill passed by a vote of 62-2. < Back March 4, 2024 Legal Representation Equity Bill Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Regina English and Junie Joseph that would make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. The bill passed by a vote of 62-2. “Legal services like legal separations can be costly, especially when attorney fees get added to the bill,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. "Our legislation would codify into Colorado law that licensed legal paraprofessionals can perform certain civil services, making legal access more equitable for low-income Coloradans, seniors, people with disabilities, and other communities that can’t easily afford these services.” “Money should not stand in the way of someone accessing the legal services they need to move forward in life,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. "By allowing licensed legal paraprofessionals to practice a limited scope of law, our legislation ensures that more Coloradans, regardless of their economic status, can access legal representation for important life-changing matters.” In March 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court adopted a rule change that would allow legal paraprofessionals to apply for a license enabling them to represent clients in some civil matters. HB24-1291 would codify the regulation of licensed legal paraprofessionals into Colorado law. Under the bill, a licensed legal paraprofessional would be able to represent a client in: A legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of marriage or civil union, A matter involving the establishment or modification of child support or maintenance, Seeking, modifying, or terminating a civil protection order, A name change, and A request to amend a birth certificate to change the sex designation of an adult. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES, CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR ASSAULT SURVIVORS DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that will improve statewide protections for Coloradans with disabilities and create new rights for sexual assault survivors to have access to rape kit evidence. HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would update Colorado’s disability laws to ensure they are as protective as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It would ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have equal access to all government services, including government-managed webpages. It would also prohibit state agencies from promulgating rules that are less protective than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It passed 11-0. “While the federal ADA was a critical start to equity in basic human rights and accessibility in Colorado, there’s more we can do to align our state’s anti-discrimination laws with federal protections for people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, the first Coloradan to serve in the General Assembly who uses a wheelchair. “Government websites are major access points for critical state services, and we know that Coloradans with significant disabilities are more likely to need these services. This bill will require government websites to be ADA-accessible because we know too many Coloradans have found it difficult to access state services online.” HB21-1143 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Matt Soper, creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. The bill passed 10-0. “No survivor should ever have to find out that their case has been closed and the rape kit evidence destroyed without their input,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The bill we advanced today will create important new rights for sexual assault survivors to preserve invaluable evidence, prevent lost rape kit evidence and advance justice.” Previous Next