< Back February 26, 2019 Colorado ranks poorly when it comes to rights of renters (Feb. 26) – The House gave preliminary approval today to a bill that improves the rights of renters in Colorado. This commonsense bill would allow improve a renter’s rights if their home becomes uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for human habitation. “I believe that having a safe and affordable place to live is a cornerstone to self-sufficiency,” said Rep. Jackson, D-. “This is real life. When Coloradans are paying market rents, they deserve to live in a safe and habitable place. This is a very fair, and very necessary bill.” Under HB19-1170, tenants can notify the landlords of uninhabitable conditions through written notice including through electronic means. The landlord will then have 24-72 hours to begin to address the complaint. If the issues persists, the tenant has a right to withhold an estimate cost of the repairs from their rent payment and they have the right to break a lease if the uninhabitable condition persists. “If you are paying rent you have the right to expect a home that is safe and healthy to live in, with remedies available if it isn’t–especially in a rental market as challenging as ours is right now,” said Rep. Weissman. D-Aurora. HB19-1170, Residential Tenants Health And Safety Act, passed on final reading with a vote of 40-23 and now heads to the Senate.The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver, and Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. House Democrats passed HB19-1106 last week to put in place commonsense limits on the application fees that renters face as they search for their next rental home. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Rep Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood is the Senate sponsor. Previous Next

New laws improve access to insurance plans, address underinsurance, reduce the costs of rebuilding and protect tenants in properties damaged by wildfire < Back May 12, 2023 Polis Signs Laws to Help Victims of Wildfire Rebuild New laws improve access to insurance plans, address underinsurance, reduce the costs of rebuilding and protect tenants in properties damaged by wildfire BOULDER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will protect homeowners’ access to insurance plans, address underinsurance issues that leave property owners without the coverage they need, lower the cost of rebuilding, and ensure tenants aren’t forced to return to unsafe rental properties. HB23-1174 , sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Judy Amabile and Senators Dylan Roberts and Mark Baisley, addresses homeowner underinsurance for damaged homes or structures. It requires home insurance companies to offer a variety of options to cover the costs of repair or replacement for a damaged or destroyed structure. HB23-1288 , sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Amabile, and Senator Roberts creates a nonprofit public entity to guarantee Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones can receive homeowners or commercial insurance if insurance companies do not offer them coverage. This law ensures Coloradans will be able to insure their homes and commercial spaces as wildfires grow in frequency and destruction. “The rising frequency of wildfire disasters is making it harder for property owners to find insurance plans while many homeowners that do have insurance have found their plans won’t cover all their rebuilding costs,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1174 and HB23-1288. “We’re looking ahead to stabilize the insurance industry by creating a plan of last resort in the event a property owner can’t find an insurance company that will offer them coverage. With the laws Governor Polis just signed, property owners will have additional coverage options to ensure their homes are protected when disaster strikes.” “Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and destructive, and that is making it difficult or sometimes impossible for folks who live in rural communities like mine to purchase homeowners insurance that meets their needs,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1174 and HB23-1288. “The bolstered protections offered by HB 1174 and the FAIR Insurance Plan will help protect vulnerable Coloradans and allow people to insure their homes, businesses, and property against potential disasters.” “I’m proud that Governor Polis has signed my bill into law to offer Coloradans additional insurance options that will protect them from the devastating costs of rebuilding after a wildfire,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1174. “After the Marshall Fire, thousands of homeowners faced unanticipated rebuilding costs because their insurance plans didn’t offer enough coverage. Now, Coloradans will be able to purchase coverage that meets their needs and protects them from the increasing risk of more destructive fires.” “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive in Colorado, and we need to ensure our neighbors and communities are protected, ” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1288. “Through this legislation, we’re creating a FAIR insurance plan especially for Coloradans living in wildfire prone areas to insure their homes, businesses and livelihood. Property owners are already struggling to find insurance, and we are hearing from constituents that some may not be able to purchase insurance at all. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help property owners insure their structures as climate change continues to drive increasingly destructive natural disasters.” HB23-1240 , sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Judy Amabile and Senator Fenberg, creates a state sales and use tax exemption for construction and building materials for homeowners looking to rebuild or repair their home that was damaged in a declared wildfire disaster. The exemption for qualified purchases is administered through a refund process, which must be claimed by June 30, 2028, and allows homeowners that have already made purchases to retroactively claim a refund. “Folks recovering from the Marshall Fire have enough to deal with, and shouldn’t be taxed on rebuilding their homes,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This law will make it easier for survivors to put their lives back together and move forward from this disaster.” “The sales tax exemption Governor Polis signed today will save victims of the Marshall fire money as they rebuild their homes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1240. “There’s no reason the government should be bringing in tax revenue that comes as a result of rebuilding from a natural disaster. This law will make it easier for victims of recent fires to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.” “With global inflation increasing the cost of rebuilding homes, it’s been challenging for many families to move back into their residences after the Marshall Fire,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville sponsor of HB23-1240 and HB23-1254. “The bills Governor Polis just signed create new protections for renters so they aren’t forced to live in properties that are uninhabitable, and save Coloradans money as they rebuild their homes.” HB23-1254 , sponsored by Representatives Brown and Javier Mabrey and Senator Lisa Cutter, bolsters renter protections in the state’s warranty of habitability by adding lack of compliance with certain standards following an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. It also adds additional protections for members of a vulnerable population, including allowing such a tenant to terminate their lease if certain conditions are met. “As our climate becomes more unpredictable and weather becomes increasingly severe, the number of homes impacted will continue to grow,” Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “This new law will bolster critical protections for Colorado renters and ensures folks won’t be forced into unsafe living situations if disaster strikes.” “The Marshall Fire displaced many Coloradans and when they were unable to find anything available that was in their budget, many felt pressured to return to the damaged rental property just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1254 . “No one should feel cornered into living in housing that can cause negative short or long-term health effects, which is why we brought this legislation to give both landlords and renters the tools to repair their property to a safe living condition. With this law, we’re streamlining and clarifying the Warranty of Habitability statute to protect renters and help landlords know where the goal post is when it comes to remediating their property.” Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 BILL TO IMPROVE MISSING PERSONS INVESTIGATIONS PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed SB22-095, which would improve missing persons investigations, by a vote of 46-17. “We need to get serious about helping victims and their families get the justice they deserve,” Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez D-Denver . “Improving case filings and communication among departments will cut the red tape associated with missing persons investigations and will fast track the investigation process. For too many, justice and resolution to their cases has taken far too long, especially for Black, Indigenous, and women of color who are missing. This bill will significantly improve missing persons investigations in Colorado.” “Filing a missing persons report needs to be more streamlined so investigations can begin quicker,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Too many missing people, especially people of color, are not getting the justice they deserve because their cases are severely underreported and under investigated. Our bill will ensure that departments across the state are communicating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and accepting reports. Nearly one-third of the missing women and girls in the U.S. are Black. We need to rework the system so we can get justice for these victims.” SB22-095 , sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Bacon, would improve missing persons investigations by clarifying when Colorado law enforcement departments must accept a missing persons report. Under current law, departments are required to accept a report submitted in person if the missing person resides in the agency’s jurisdiction or was last believed to be in the agency’s jurisdiction. The bill expands this requirement to include missing persons who are Colorado residents or were last believed to be in Colorado. It also requires reports to be accepted if they are submitted over the phone or electronically. If the missing person is an adult, the agency must notify the Colorado Bureau of Investigation within eight hours (down from 24 hours), and if the missing person is a child, the agency must notify CBI within 2 hours. Previous Next

The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act aims to reduce the "swipe" fees paid by Colorado businesses to credit card networks < Back March 13, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Save Colorado Small Businesses Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to save small businesses money by cracking down on excessive card transaction fees that inflate prices for Coloradans. The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act prohibits payment card networks from fixing fees with credit card issuers, bans fees on taxes and tips and creates new accountability measures. “Every time you swipe your card at a local restaurant or business, major credit card companies are skimming off the top and passing the cost down to small businesses – this bill establishes reasonable swipe fee guidelines that protects consumers and small businesses,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Major credit card companies are engaged in anticompetitive fee fixing that’s costing Coloradans $2 billion each year. Our bill supports small businesses and restaurants by prohibiting fixed swipe fees, banning swipe fees on taxes and tips and establishing new consumer-focused measures that level the playing field between card companies and small businesses. Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this bipartisan bill is a big step forward to saving them money on credit card transaction fees.” HB25-1282 , The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act , passed committee by a vote of 9-3 and is also sponsored by Representative Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock. The bill would reduce the "swipe" fees paid by Colorado businesses to credit card networks, also known as interchange fees. This bill would: Prohibit Fixing Fees: Payment card networks would not be allowed to fix or conspire to fix interchange fees with credit card issuers. Ban Fees on Taxes and Tips: Interchange fees could not be applied to the portions of a transaction attributable to sales tax or gratuity. This would end the practice of banks unfairly profiting from merchants collecting and remitting taxes to the state. Protect Consumers: Fees related to disputed transactions would not be charged until disputes are resolved. Cap Fees on Charitable Donation: Would limit interchange fees on charitable contributions to 0.2-percent for debit cards and 0.3-percent for credit cards. Crack Down on Bad Actors: Merchants, consumers, or affected entities could sue payment card networks for damages, including treble damages for bad faith conduct. HB25-1282 aims to support Colorado small businesses by lowering transaction fees and expanding opportunities to negotiate with card companies. Fairer fee practices also means consumers benefit from reduced costs on each transaction and card companies cannot charge disputing fees until the dispute is resolved and consumers are notified in writing. Coloradans pay $2 billion annually in swipe fees with no market competition to drive down costs. Additionally, Visa and Mastercard control more than 80-percent of the market for credit cards and debit cards. Price matching or fixed swipe fee rates between major card companies means merchants and consumers are paying more for tax and tip on card transactions. This bill would eliminate swipe fees on taxes and tips, cap swipe fees on charitable contributions, prohibit price fixing by card networks, and deliver much-needed relief to small businesses struggling under excessive fees. Colorado is one of more than seventeen states that are pursuing similar legislation to protect small businesses and fight back against inflated prices. Previous Next

SB26-150 implements recommendations from the 2025 RTD Accountability Committee < Back May 26, 2026 Signed! Bill to Modernize and Improve RTD SB26-150 implements recommendations from the 2025 RTD Accountability Committee DENVER, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, to modernize and improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD) was signed into law. “Millions of Coloradans live on the Front Range, and yet, they are stuck with a transit system that is severely underdeveloped compared to similar districts in other cities,” Ball said. “This critical legislation will help Coloradans to have cleaner and more effective transit options.” “This law is about providing a strong transit system for all parts of the Denver metro area for workers, youth, seniors and people with disabilities,” said Froelich. “RTD has unfortunately not been able to bounce back since the pandemic the way that other transit agencies around the country have, and it is clear that change is needed to deliver reliable transit for Coloradans. Thanks to the work of the RTD Accountability Committee, we are reimagining the Denver Metro Area’s transit system to provide transit that hardworking people can depend on.” “The Denver metro area is a world-class destination boasting world-class offerings, and while public transit helps Coloradans access those big-ticket events, it also supports mobility and accessibility for the 30% of households that don’t have reliable access to a car,” Jodeh said. “When transit doesn’t work, it impacts whether families – especially communities of color, seniors, and people with disabilities – can go to work, school, and connect with their communities. This law is about continuing Colorado’s commitment to those families and sustainable growth for generations to come.” “We’re helping ensure that our regional transit system actually works for the people who rely on it,” said Jackson. “As the metro area expands, it is crucial that we have a transit system that meets the needs of our growing communities. This law implements a long-term plan to improve para-transit services, modernize the RTD board to be more effective and strengthen accountability to rebuild Coloradans’ trust.” SB26-150 makes a number of changes to the RTD board in order to create a governing board that is more functional and well-equipped to develop a world-class transit system. These changes include: Reducing the current 15 member board to nine, bringing it in line with the majority of transit boards in the country; Preserving five seats up for election, ensuring that the majority of the board remains democratically elected; Making the remaining four seats at-large appointments by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring that the board will have expertise in finance, land use, transportation planning, disproportionately impacted communities, and/or labor; Requiring one of the board members to be appointed in consultation with the Denver Regional Council of Governments and at least one board member to be an Amalgamated Transit Union member, guaranteeing that the voices of local governments and labor are represented; Raising board and chairperson salaries to attract high-quality candidates; and Increasing efficiency and clarity for the board by requiring that specific authorities and responsibilities be set for each board member. New RTD districts will be drawn in advance of the 2028 election, creating an entirely new board by January 1, 2029, with plans in place to achieve staggered turnover of the board starting in 2031. Current board members and those elected in the 2026 election will continue to serve until the 2028 election. The law also requires a review of the new RTD board structure after 15 years, guaranteeing analysis of the new structure that will assess its effectiveness over time, including representation, expertise, ridership, and financial performance. Additionally, SB26-150 requires that RTD commission a study and adopt a plan for implementing improved paratransit services by December 31, 2027. The study must include a needs assessment and analysis of current service for riders with disabilities, an assessment of barriers faced by paratransit riders, and measurable performance metrics to measure progress. The RTD Accountability Committee was created by SB25-161 . After studying RTD’s structure and the challenges the agency faces, the Committee delivered its recommendations to the General Assembly earlier this year. Previous Next

New legislation would keep riders and drivers safe by requiring stronger policies and reporting for TNCs < Back April 27, 2026 Colorado Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act Introduced DENVER, CO – Legislation to establish new safety requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs), including Uber and Lyft, was introduced today. The Colorado Rideshare Safety & Accountability Act, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, would require more frequent background checks and crack down on imposter accounts. “I’m far from the only person who’s been sexually assaulted in a rideshare, and that’s why I am running this bill. Rideshare companies have failed to take safety seriously, and Colorado riders and drivers are paying the price,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “The Colorado Rideshare Safety & Accountability Act would establish necessary safety standards for rideshare companies, including background checks every six months, stronger driver vetting and eliminating imposter accounts. TNCs need more accountability, which is why this bill requires them to provide an annual report of all crimes that happen on their watch. This legislation is necessary to ensure TNCs prioritize rider and driver safety.” “Too often, the decision to call a ride on an app requires Coloradans to balance competing safety concerns, and our bill will impose new requirements on rideshare companies to address these very serious issues,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Only about 30-percent of sexual assaults are actually reported, and far fewer cases see the inside of a courtroom. The Colorado Rideshare Safety & Accountability Act requires TNCs to step up and create policies that stop sexual assault by prohibiting account sharing and transporting an unaccompanied minor. Far too many sexual assaults are happening in rideshares, and we need to do more to protect Coloradans. That’s why we are moving forward with this critical bill.” The Colorado Rideshare Safety & Accountability Act ( HB26-1424 ) would establish new safety requirements and policies designed to keep riders and drivers safe. The bill would apply to large-scale rideshare companies with more than 1,500 drivers and does not apply to HopSkipDrive. More frequent background checks TNCs must procure privately administered background checks on drivers every six months after the initial criminal history record check. Crackdown on imposter, shared and rented accounts To help prevent multiple drivers from operating under one account, this bill would require TNCs to develop and enforce a company policy that would flag drivers’ accounts for review. Accounts would be flagged if the driver’s bank account does not match the driver’s name on the platform or when there is a change in a driver’s bank account linked to the platform, name, address, email address or vehicle registration. Stronger driver vetting and clear disqualifications Drivers with a history of convictions for assault, harassment, kidnapping, menacing, stalking, domestic violence or account sharing would be barred from driving with a rideshare company. If a driver is barred by one rideshare company for serious safety concerns, they would be barred from driving for all TNCs operating in Colorado. Audio and video recording Riders and drivers would have the option of opting in to audio and video recording from pick-up to drop-off. Audio and video recording software must be integrated into the TNC platform. No third-party recording devices allowed. Robust complaint procedures and survivor updates If a rider submits a complaint to a TNC about their driver, the TNC must provide up-to-date information to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate complaints. Additionally, the TNC must respond to a complaint-related subpoena or search warrant within 72 hours. Survivors may also opt in to receive updates about their complaint. If a complaint is filed against a driver, the TNC must procure a new background check before the driver can drive again. Improved transparency and accountability If a driver is convicted or enters a plea, they must notify the TNC within 72 hours of the conviction. TNCs must provide annual reports to the PUC, the Attorney General’s Office and every member of the general assembly. These reports must include the number of homicides, assaults, verbal threats, and accidents, as well as any instances of stalking, harassment, theft and discrimination. The PUC may penalize a TNC that violates any provision of HB26-1424 up to $1,500 per violation. Additionally, TNCs would need to establish certain policies that: Prevent sex assault, physical assault and homicide. Prohibit the transportation of unaccompanied minors, unless they are part of an authorized family account. Require food and beverages offered during a ride to be factory-sealed. Educate drivers on new safety policies. Prevent crimes against drivers by riders. Do not allow the collection of any rider or driver biometric data. More than 15,500 Uber and Lyft riders and drivers were sexually assaulted between 2017 and 2022. This number only represents the number of sexual assaults that were reported. On average, only 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported. Countless instances of sexual assault have happened in Ubers and Lyfts in Colorado, including a former Denver Lyft driver sentenced to 290 years in prison last year for charges related to kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault of more than a dozen women over four years. In 2024, an Aurora Lyft driver was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Last week, an Arvada Uber driver was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault against a passenger. Arvada police believe there are likely more victims in this case, as the driver used multiple vehicles over his more than 1,000 rides. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs. < Back May 21, 2024 Polis Signs Bills to Reduce Emissions, Spur Renewable Energy Denver, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs. “New technologies can help Colorado meet our climate goals, improve our air quality, save money on energy, and create jobs,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “The new laws signed today will advance geologic storage to reduce carbon in our atmosphere and make it easier for local communities to approve new renewable energy projects that lower costs for consumers. Together, these laws will deploy new technologies to boost our economy and protect our Colorado way of life.” “Colorado is blazing our own trail to become a national leader on climate policy,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “From providing support to local renewable energy projects to embracing new technologies, these bills are part of a comprehensive climate strategy that will benefit all Coloradans environmentally and financially.” HB24-1346 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Karen McCormick and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, will reduce emissions by establishing a clear regulatory framework for the geologic storage of carbon. It also improves the Energy and Carbon Management Commission’s enforcement procedures. “Carbon sequestration has the potential to create jobs and use our natural resources to reduce carbon pollution that is warming our planet and leading to more devastating climate consequences,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1346. “As a geologist, I know that there are lots of opportunities for this new technology to help us meet our climate goals and support a Just Transition for our workforce. I’m excited Colorado will be at the forefront of developing the safe and responsible use of geologic storage to help address carbon pollution.” SB24-212 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and President Steve Fenberg and Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, will spur the development of renewable energy projects. The new law will make it easier for new projects to be approved by helping local governments develop codes and procedures for approving and reviewing new renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and the supporting energy transmission. “Colorado needs to massively scale up our renewable energy capacity over the next 15 years if we’re serious about meeting our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-212, said. “Development of renewable energy resources will benefit all Coloradans by generating cost savings on electricity bills, providing more stable energy prices, reducing harmful air pollution, and increasing our energy security.”. “Renewable energy creates jobs, reduces costs for consumers and improves our air quality, which is why we are making it easier for these critical projects to get off the ground,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB24-212. “With this new law, local governments will have more tools to support renewable energy projects in Colorado, which will lead to lower energy costs, less reliance on fossil fuels and good paying jobs across our state.” Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2020 PAY FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES IS ABOUT TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE The House today passed legislation to allow collegiate athletes to be compensated for the use of their image and likeness. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and James Coleman, passed the House by a vote of 55-9 and now moves on to the Governor’s desk for final approval. “This bill sends a message to colleges across the country: student athletes have the right to share in the wealth that their presences bring into institutions of higher education,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “Student athletes should be able to profit off of the brand they work so hard to create and cultivate. With the boom of the social media influencer profession, it’s more important than ever to give student athletes to earn from their likeness.” “This bill will give College athletes the opportunity to earn while they learn,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “This is a huge win and we hope that the bill will bring equity to the world of collegiate sports and allow more student athletes to stay in school without fear of financial instability.” Last October, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Board of Governors announced their intention to permit student athletes to profit from the use of their likeness. Prior to the NCAA announcement, California passed a bill that banned in-state schools from preventing athletes from accepting compensation from advertisers. It also allows them to hire agents. Illinois , New York , Florida and now Colorado have introduced bills to allow for athletes to profit from their likeness. SB20-123 would prevent higher education institutions in Colorado from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of the institution from earning compensation from the use of the athlete’s name, image or likeness. The bill would also prevent collegiate institutions from providing prospective athletes with compensation prior to their signing. Additionally, athletes will be able to secure athletic and legal representation, and any compensation the athlete receives cannot affect their eligibility to participate in collegiate sports. Athletes who decide to enter into an endorsement deal would have to let the athletic directors of their institutions know 72 hours after the contract is signed. Previous Next

Today Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, highlighted new legislation to stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market and make property insurance more affordable through the creation of a grant program to fortify roofs against costly wind and hail damage. < Back April 7, 2026 Lawmakers Unveil Legislation to Make Property Insurance More Affordable DENVER, CO – Today Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, highlighted new legislation to stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market and make property insurance more affordable through the creation of a grant program to fortify roofs against costly wind and hail damage. "This bill is about saving Coloradans money and preventing costly hail and wind damage that raises prices for everyone," said Mullica. “Homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, squeezing household budgets and costing families thousands each year. This bill is a commonsense approach to reduce costs and make Colorado homes more resilient and disaster-ready for years to come.” “We’re taking action to lower property insurance premiums and make Colorado more affordable,” said McCluskie. “As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events will make it harder and harder for homeowners to find and afford property insurance coverage. The legislation we’re unveiling today would help homeowners protect their properties from hail damage to lower premiums for everyone, stabilize Colorado’s property insurance market and reduce housing costs for Coloradans. This bill will lower rates across the state, even in High Country communities that do not typically experience hailstorms, to save Coloradans money.” “Hail risk makes up over half of the cost of homeowner premiums in Colorado, which is why we’re introducing legislation to increase fortified roof installations to reduce property damage and lower premiums,” said Brown. “Colorado is one of the most expensive states in the country for home insurance, with premium rates increasing 33 percent last year. This effort will help protect Colorado communities from large-scale natural disasters and lower property insurance costs for homeowners.” “Homeowners have been struggling across Colorado with high homeowners insurance rates over the past several years,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “We know that hail in particular is a huge contributor to rising premiums. This targeted approach of establishing a grant program for fortifying roofs against hail will help mitigate against increasing extreme weather events in our changing climate. This strategy has a proven track record in other states, and it’s time we bring that success to Colorado. I want to thank Senator Mullica and his team for all of the hard work that was put into this bill, and I urge the Colorado General Assembly to support it.” Colorado homeowners insurance rates are some of the highest in the nation and have doubled from 2020 to 2025 . The Division of Insurance recently found that hail damage accounts for an average of 26 percent to 54 percent of an annual homeowners insurance premium and that hail mitigation has the potential to save consumers an average of $82 to $387 per year. The forthcoming legislation would create the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise in the Division of Insurance to implement a grant program to help homeowners fortify their roofs against wind and hailstorms. The Enterprise would collect a fee from insurers that offer multiperil homeowners insurance policies and use the revenue to provide grants to homeowners to retrofit residential properties with resilient roof systems. The Enterprise would be governed by a seven member board that includes the Colorado Insurance Commissioner, experts in home hardening, and members to represent interests of insurers, consumers, and counties. Beginning in 2027, the insurer fee imposed and collected by the Enterprise would be an amount equal to 0.5 percent of the total premium collected by an insurer on multiperil homeowners insurance policies in the preceding calendar year. The insurer may not surcharge the fee amount to policyholders. Under the bill, an insurer offering multiperil homeowners insurance in the state will be required to demonstrate in their rate filings that savings from the installation of resilient roof systems are passed through to homeowners through discounts or reduced premiums on their insurance policies. Additionally, the bill would require the Enterprise and the Division of Insurance to conduct a study to analyze insurance risk in high-risk wildfire areas of the state. The study would include an analysis of market competition in high-risk wildfire areas, the impact of a high-risk program on potential losses, and the availability of homeowners insurance in those areas. Previous Next

SB26-011 would ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants < Back March 13, 2026 Legislation to Protect Children Online, Improve Public Safety Advances SB26-011 would ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants DENVER, CO – The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to improve digital warrant response timelines for online platforms and keep communities safe. “This bill ensures that digital search warrants are taken seriously so families can hold bad actors accountable for dangerous online activity,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Weak requirements around delivering digital evidence make it nearly impossible for victims and their families to seek justice. By requiring social media companies to respond to search warrants in a timely manner, we can improve pathways to justice and protect our communities from further harm.” SB26-011 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, would establish and enforce specific requirements for how large online social media platforms must receive, acknowledge, and respond to search warrants issued by Colorado courts. The bill would cover social media websites, online services, or mobile applications that have at least one million monthly users, allow users to create profiles, and allow users to create or share content. Under the bill, these platforms must have a clear process for communication with law enforcement, provide a staffed hotline available to law enforcement 24/7, provide status updates on warrant compliance, and prominently post contact information for search warrant compliance on their homepage. They must also acknowledge receipt of a search warrant within eight hours and comply within 72 hours in most cases. These requirements would be enforced by the Attorney General or local district attorneys. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2023 Ricks Bill to Protect Patients from Credit Report Impacts of Medical Debt Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today unanimously passed legislation to prohibit medical debt from being included in a credit report or credit score, protecting Coloradans from facing additional financial barriers due to outstanding medical expenses. “One in eight Coloradans have medical debt that impacts their credit score, making it harder for people to qualify for housing, employment, and lower interest rates,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D- Aurora. “One in five Coloradans of color have medical debt, and other marginalized groups like lower-income, people with disabilities, rural, uninsured, and LGBTQ+ communities also disproportionately suffer from poor credit scores due to systemic inequities. This bill removes barriers so Coloradans don’t have to choose between their financial stability and their health and well-being.” Often medical expenses come as a surprise to many patients, leaving people unable to plan for expensive bills. Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores that are often used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies. Medical debt lowers the consumer’s credit score, creating a barrier to accessing necessities like housing, utilities, and loans. Lower credit scores also increase interest rates on loans, taking more money out of Coloradans’ pockets. Medical debt affects people of all ages and incomes, but it disproportionately impacts those with a chronic illness or medical condition who relies on continual medical assistance to maintain their quality of life. HB23-1126 adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY New state agency would increase access to apprenticeship programs in Colorado DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would create a state apprenticeship agency to oversee, promote and ensure the quality of apprenticeship programs in Colorado. “Making sure workers have the tools and skills they need to get back to work will help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Apprenticeship programs are a proven way to help train our workforce and fill positions in growing industries. By creating a state apprenticeship agency, we can help more Coloradans access quality programs, expand their careers, and get back to work.” “This bill will create good paying jobs and help Coloradans get back to work by creating a state apprenticeship agency,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Coloradans across our state would jump at the chance to enter a quality apprenticeship program. These critical training opportunities lead to good jobs and careers, and by creating this agency, we can expand these programs to new and growing industries.” HB21-1007 , sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and David Ortiz, would establish a state apprenticeship agency. The agency will collaborate with the US Department of Labor to register and oversee apprenticeship programs at the state level, determine standards for apprenticeship programs, and ensure these standards are being met. It will work to promote apprenticeship programs so that more Coloradans can access these critical training opportunities, which to-date have jump-started the careers of nearly 2 million Americans in the last decade. Because Colorado does not have a state apprenticeship agency, apprenticeship programs are currently registered with the US Department of Labor. This new state agency would work with businesses and organizations offering apprenticeship programs to provide technical assistance to help them create and meet standards and provide more flexibility to ensure apprentices are learning the skills they need to advance in their trade. Twenty-five other states have state apprenticeship councils. Previous Next