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The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. < Back April 20, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality, Reduce Harmful Emissions Passes House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the emissions permitting process. SB23-016 would propel Colorado’s clean energy transition by establishing interim greenhouse gas emissions targets and incentivizing investments in electrification. “Coloradans face some of the worst air quality in the nation, and we need to stand firm in our plan to reduce harmful emissions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “High levels of ozone are dangerous for our children and our neighbors to breathe, often leading to significant health issues.This is not just a Denver problem, this is also a Front Range problem that we must address, and our bill is a significant step towards transparency around our air quality problem and potential solutions. This legislation gives impacted communities more of a say in the permitting and enforcement processes and ensures that we will continue working to find meaningful solutions.” “As ozone season approaches, Coloradans across the Front Range will once again battle poor air quality that affects their day-to-day life,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “In Colorado, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce harmful emissions and that includes strengthening our permitting processes. This important legislation gives Coloradans a voice when it comes to reporting poor air quality in their community and works to create a path forward that will not only improve Colorado’s air quality, but aid in our state’s clean energy transition.” HB23-1294 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for air permits in Colorado. The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. This bill works to improve public engagement in permitting processes by giving impacted communities a voice in the enforcement process, and sets clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. To address the poor air quality in the nonattainment area, HB23-1294 would lead to stronger emissions control measures to help the state meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with these federal standards. HB23-1294 would also create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. “From record breaking droughts, destructive wildfire and poor air quality across Colorado – it’s important we implement bold policies that bring us closer to reaching our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation creates targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize the use of clean alternatives in our homes and businesses. We need to ensure Colorado’s on a strong path forward to combat climate change, and this legislation brings us closer to a decarbonized economy.” “Coloradans are demanding action, and we’re committed to doing our part in the fight against climate change to protect our children and neighbors,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver. “This bill sets crucial greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals to improve the air we breathe now and in the years to come. Under this bill, we can mitigate the effects of climate change by encouraging electrification and speeding up our transition to a decarbonized economy. Our important legislation takes action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, prioritize clean energy and protect our families.” SB23-016 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update the state’s emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utilities Commission to prioritize the renovation, rebuilding, and reconditioning of electrical transmission lines, enabling and improving electrification across the state. Permitting for these projects would be expedited and the construction would be subject to the state’s labor standards. To further expedite electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirements of a major local ozone contributor: lawn equipment. Purchasers of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers would qualify for 30 percent off at the point-of-sale and a corresponding tax credit would be provided to the retailer. SB23-016 would also encourage climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey. Finally, the bill would expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the EPA for Class VI injection well primacy. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect gender-affirming health care insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. < Back May 23, 2025 Signed! New Law Protects Gender-Affirming Health Care Coverage DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect gender-affirming health care insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ Coloradans. “While the GOP continues to attack the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado Democrats passed this new law to ensure trans Coloradans have access to gender-affirming care,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This law codifies insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, protecting access to medically necessary and evidence-based health care. We’re creating a Colorado that respects, protects and values the trans community.” “Trans and nonbinary Coloradans deserve access to the evidence-based, lifesaving care they need,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Colorado already requires insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, and this new law strengthens those protections by writing them into law and ensuring they can’t be easily undone. The law also removes testosterone from the prescription drug monitoring program which has been misused in other states to target providers and patients. I’m proud to sponsor this new law that will protect what already works and safeguard our freedoms.” “Now more than ever, it is crucial that we ensure Colorado law protects trans people,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Colorado has become a safe haven for trans Americans who face relentless attacks from their government, which is why I sponsored this law to protect gender-affirming health care coverage. As the first openly trans legislator in Colorado, I am proud to pass this law to ensure our state continues to be a place where trans people can safely live and thrive.” “In Colorado, we believe in bodily autonomy and the freedom to live as our authentic selves,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Everyone has the right to make personal health care decisions without political interference. At a time when the trans community is being targeted across the country, I’m proud to stand up for the individual rights and liberties of all Coloradans.” HB25-1309 codifies into Colorado statute that health care insurance plans cannot deny or limit gender-affirming health care that is determined medically necessary by a health care provider. Gender-affirming care can include hormone therapy, facial reconstruction, hair removal and other treatments or procedures. The law also adds privacy protections for Coloradans who undergo hormone therapy by exempting testosterone from Colorado’s prescription drug use monitoring program tracking requirements. This January, President Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, leading to medical providers across the country ending medically necessary care overnight. Congress is currently considering the Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, which includes a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people on Medicaid and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. This would impact over 270,000 transgender adults throughout the country who receive health care through Medicaid. Currently, 26 states have passed legislation banning gender-affirming care. One report found that 94-percent of trans and non-binary adults feel unsafe due to bans on gender-affirming care. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 NEW RIGHTS FOR RENTERS ADVANCE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced SB21-173 , legislation sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales Gutierrez and Yadira Caraveo that would enhance rights for renters in residential lease agreements. “Coloradans across our state are facing enormous challenges every day to find a place to live or avoid an eviction, which can lead to increased poverty and devastating consequences,” said Rep. Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Unfair late fees, baseless evictions, and punitive fines on renters force people out of their homes and into homlessness. We have a responsibility to build back stronger, and that means making sure that renters in Colorado have basic rights and protections that help them stay in their homes.” “The pandemic has revealed how unfair and predatory fees have forced renters and mobile home park residents to leave their homes,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “There’s no reason a landlord should be able to refuse a late rent payment and instead evict their tenant after just a few days. We can’t allow people to be locked out of their homes without notice or a formal eviction proceeding. These are basic protections and rights that everyone deserves. This bill will stop some of the worst and most predatory tactics that force Coloradans into homelessness, joblessness, and poverty.” SB21-173 would help keep more Coloradans housed by limiting late fees, prohibiting evictions solely for owing late fees, banning lease clauses that incentivise landlords to evict tenants, and by giving renters more time to pay their rent and avoid eviction. It also requires landlords to accept late rent payments at any time until a court has ordered an eviction. It also bolsters procedures and remedies in cases of an alleged breach of warranty of habitability. With regards to late fees, the bill prohibits late fees unless the rent payment is late by at least seven days. A late fee may not exceed $50 or five percent of the amount of the rent that remains past due. Landlords may not assess late fees unless the fee is disclosed in the rental agreement. It would also prohibit landlords from evicting a tenant solely for failure to pay a late fee. Furthermore, it would protect renters from being charged late fees for the rent that subsidy provider, such as a rental assistance program, is responsible for paying. Finally, it would prohibit landlords from charging interest on late payments. A landlord who commits a violation would have to pay a $50 penalty to the tenant for each violation and may also be liable for compensatory damages for injury or loss suffered. Previous Next

Legislation carries out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force < Back May 28, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Address Long-Standing Environmental Injustices in Colorado COMMERCE CITY, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to address some of Colorado’s long-standing environmental injustices that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities. HB24-1338 , sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Elizabeth Velasco, will direct the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to carry out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force, created by HB21-1266 . "Everyone has the right to clean air and environment for themselves and their families. That is why, for nearly a year, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force met with community members and collected data-driven information to create a comprehensive checklist to clean up our air and support communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This new law implements key task force recommendations, including increased oversight of known polluters, like refineries, and better response time to community complaints of air pollution. By diving deeper into the cumulative impacts of environmental injustice, we can create policy that addresses the pollution negatively affecting our neighbors of color and low-income neighbors.” “Poor air quality and other environmental factors can lead to breathing issues, such as asthma,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We owe it to our neighbors to implement the recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force to clean up our air, take air pollution complaints seriously and combat long-standing environmental injustices. Environmental justice is a statewide issue, and we all deserve access to clean air and water. Our new law implements the task force recommendations to help our neighbors most affected by poor air quality lead healthy lives.” HB24-1338 will authorize CDPHE to carry out recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force and address long-standing environmental injustices. Specifically, this law would: Increase oversight of petroleum refineries. The law would fund the hiring of an expert in air pollution control for petroleum refineries. This expert would assess gaps in public health protections and identify the best regulatory tools to fill those gaps. The law would also require refineries to provide near real-time emissions monitoring and compliance data. Improve response to air pollution complaints. The department’s Air Pollution Control Division would house a new rapid response inspection team to support quicker responses to air pollution complaints by impacted communities. Analyze the cumulative impacts of pollution . The law would implement recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force by formally establishing and authorizing the creation of at least two Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analyses to analyze the cumulative air, water, soil, and demographic impacts in specific disproportionately impacted communities. Founded in 2021 through HB21-1266, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force hosted several in-person meetings and gatherings with Coloradans in Commerce City, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo in addition to receiving more than 300 written comments and survey responses. The task force provided its final recommendations to Governor Polis, the legislature and the CDPHE in 2022. Previous Next

< Back June 28, 2021 OVER $100M FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, NEW SUPPORT PROGRAMS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed four bills into law that will infuse $114 million in state and federal funds into the state’s behavioral health system, prevent substance use disorders, create the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline in Colorado and incorporate behavioral health into the state’s response to disasters, such as wildfires, floods or shootings. “As we listened to communities across Colorado about how we could most effectively direct American Rescue Plan Act funds, we consistently heard that we need to fix our state’s behavioral health system,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “SB21-137 sets aside over half a billion dollars to put Colorado on track to make the transformational changes we need to significantly improve access to behavioral health care. At the same time, we’re directing $114 million, right away, to providers, nonprofits and local governments to address Colorado’s behavioral health emergency.” SB21-137 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Chis Kennedy, will immediately deploy $114 million in state and federal stimulus funds to various behavioral health grant programs to assist providers, nonprofits and local governments address substance abuse, maternal and child health, and other behavioral health prevention and treatment programs around the state. To help address Colorado’s youth mental health crisis, the law requires CDHS to develop a program to provide emergency resources to licensed providers who face barriers in providing treatment and services to youth whose behavioral health needs require them to be in a residential facility. The bill creates the behavioral health cash fund and sets aside $450 million to be allocated through an interim process that will gather input from experts and craft recommendations. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated Colorado’s mental health crisis, and we’re seeing far more fatal drug overdoses and significantly increased demand for behavioral health services in our state,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The bills Governor Polis signed today will immediately boost our state’s mental health system, prevent people from developing a substance use disorder and help Colorado build back stronger through historic investments that will substantially expand our mental health treatment capacity.” “Preventing substance use disorders will save lives and help our communities recover from the pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This has been a deadly year for drug overdoses in our state. Coloradans need more options to reduce opioid use when other treatments may help. With the governor signing HB21-1276 today, we’ll continue critical efforts to improve benzodiazepine prescribing practices, and insurance plans will have to cover more options for pain treatment that will reduce opioid use and prevent substance use disorders.” Governor Polis also signed HB21-1276 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Leslie Herod, which seeks to prevent substance use disorder by increasing access to non-opioid and atypical opioid treatments. It also continues prescribing limits on opioids and puts in place a process to lower new prescriptions for benzodiazepine. In 2020, fatal drug overdoses increased by 59 percent in Colorado. “Colorado is seeing a rise in suicide deaths, and some parts of our state have the highest youth suicide rates in the country,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “One of my priorities this session was to improve crisis support services in Colorado. The two laws Governor Polis signed today will ensure people can get the support they need in the aftertermath of a disaster or tragedy or when they are in crisis.” SB21-154 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper, implements the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline network in Colorado. By calling this number, individuals will be provided with crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care that aims to prevent suicide deaths. The law aims to establish the new hotline by July 2022. HB21-1281 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, creates the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The program is intended to enhance, support, and formalize behavioral health disaster preparedness and response activities of community behavioral health organizations. The intent of disaster response is to promote individual, family, and community resilience and it helps affected individuals return to a pre-disaster level of activity as quickly as possible. Disaster response methods include triage, basic support, psychological first aid, and making appropriate professional referrals in the community. Community mental health centers are already operating a number of programs that would fall within the scope of this fund, especially as they relate to COVID-19, but funding for these programs is often fragmented. The bill would provide funding to community behavioral health organizations for the disaster response services they provide. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. SB25-310, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, passed by a vote of 55-9. < Back May 5, 2025 House Passes Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. SB25-310, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, passed by a vote of 55-9. "This legislation honors voter intent when they passed Prop 130 by investing these new resources in public safety,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Last year, Colorado voters approved Prop 130 to better support the recruitment and training of peace officers and ensure that families of first responders can receive death benefits after a tragedy. This solution implements the will of the voters and supports our law enforcement departments and officers while maintaining funding for essential services like K-12 education and health care." SB25-310 , also sponsored by Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct a total of $350 million to keep Coloradans safe and to recruit new peace officers, hire additional peace officers, and provide continuing education and training for peace officers. The bill would implement and create a funding mechanism for the distribution of $350 million for local law enforcement officer recruitment, retention and training. The bill would make a one-time investment of $500 million of the general fund reserve in PERA and reduce future general fund payments to PERA by the amount of interest earned. It would then divert that amount to the new Peace Officer Training and Support fund each year, which will be distributed to local police departments. In addition, the bill would require a transfer of $15 million to the fund from the General Fund in 2026-27, and a minimum of $15 million from the general fund each year regardless of the amount offset by interest earnings. Once the full $350 million is fulfilled or if the general fund reserve falls below $1 billion, the bill would establish mechanisms to effectively return the $500 million invested in PERA to the general fund. The bill would also implement the death benefit required in Proposition 130 of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee of any first responder who died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and create the Death Benefit Fund. The bill would transfer $5 million on July 1, 2025, and a further $5 million on July 1, 2026, to the Death Benefit Fund. Beginning in 2027, the bill would require an annual transfer from the General Fund to the Death Benefit Fund that restores the fund balance to $10 million. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. JACKSON’S FAIRNESS IN EVICTION COURT RECORDS BILL PASSES HOUSE Legislation would protect renters rights and ensure fairness in the renting process DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson to protect renters from being discriminated against for vacated evictions today was approved by the House of Representatives on third reading and sent to the Senate for Consideration. “Today the House moved us one step closer to guaranteeing that people who have an eviction filed against them, but who haven’t actually been evicted, can access the housing they need,” said Rep. Jackson (D-Aurora). “Affordable and accessible housing has long been a top priority of mine, and I’m pleased to see so many of my colleagues join me today in standing up for renters rights.” Currently, when an eviction is filed against a tenant it produces an official court record, regardless of whether the filing was dismissed for being unfounded or retaliatory in nature. This can result in a scarlet letter on one’s rental history and often prevents Coloradans and their families from accessing housing in the future. HB20-1009 would create an automatic suppression of court records while eviction proceedings are ongoing so that they do not become public until after the final court order is entered. It would also remove these court records from public view if an eviction filing is dismissed. Doing so will ensure that Coloradans and their families can access safe, affordable housing. Previous Next

On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws Take Effect to Strengthen Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence DENVER, CO - On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1168. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep survivors safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows survivors to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep survivors housed. This is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking often face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman, sponsor of HB25-1168. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease not to be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector, with exemptions, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. SB25-116 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders. “Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB25-116. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions..” “As a survivor, I am proud that this legislation is now in effect to ensure that courts can make an informed decision and better support survivors who are leaving their abusers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB25-116. “Leaving an abusive partner is one of the most dangerous things a survivor of domestic violence can do, and it is important that the justice system can access the reported history of abuse during divorce and separation proceedings. By increasing the disclosure window and including a variety of abusive actions that must be considered during a case involving spousal support, we can lift up survivors and their stories during the scariest time of their lives.” Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings. Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2023 Daugherty Bill to Lower Health Care Costs Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. “A report released last month found that roughly half of hospitals across the state do not comply with a federal hospital transparency law that provides patients with expected prices for the medical care they are seeking,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This transparency law allows patients to budget for inpatient, outpatient, surgery, and prescription drug costs so they can receive the care they need without being blindsided by an unmanageable hospital bill. We’re building the federal transparency requirement into Colorado law and that will save patients money on health care.” SB23-252 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, passed the House by a vote of 61-3. In 2022, the General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must publicly post standard charges and provide an out-of-pocket cost estimator tool for patients. This bill would build on the federal transparency requirements by having hospitals post their Medicare reimbursement rates and requiring the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to conduct performance assessments on Colorado hospitals to check for compliance. Violations of SB23-252 would be a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act . ### Previous Next

HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-26 school year < Back April 16, 2025 2025 School Finance Act Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed the 2025 School Finance Act on a preliminary vote. This bill will implement the new school funding formula and sustainably drive more funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. “The 2025 School Finance Act delivers for our students and teachers by boosting funding by $256 million and turning on the new school finance formula that will drive more resources to the students who need them the most,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Despite nearly universal declining enrollment, the 2025 School Finance Act ensures that no district drops below the funding amount they received this school year. We’re deeply committed to investing in our K-12 public schools, and this year’s School Finance Act supports rural schools and our most vulnerable students while creating a sustainable pathway to significantly increase school funding.” “As a teacher, I know how important adequate funding is to create an environment where students can succeed,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “The 2025 School Finance Act will invest $256 million more in our public schools this year, meaning funding will rise by over $410 per student on average. The bill implements the new school funding formula to better support every student in our public schools. This bill drives funding to our K-12 schools equitably and sustainably, so our students can maximize their learning potential.” Colorado lawmakers have worked diligently to drive record-breaking funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Since 2019, when voters gave Democrats the trifecta, total funding for schools has increased by over $3 billion, while Colorado schools have lost tens of thousands of students in that time, even after accounting for increased student counts from full-day kindergarten. Since the 2018-2019 school year, average per-pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. The 2025 School Finance Act ( HB25-1320 ) would drive $256.7 million more to Colorado’s public schools than last school year, bringing the 2025-26 school funding total to a record $10.035 billion despite Colorado facing a declining student enrollment environment. HB25-1320 acknowledges unique challenges for rural and remote districts, increases education funding to keep up with inflation and prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come. In last year’s School Finance Act , lawmakers delivered on their promise to pay off the Budget Stabilization Factor. At the same time, HB24-1448 modernized the school funding formula used to determine the total program funding for Colorado’s K-12 public school districts for the first time in 30 years. This legislation created a more student-centered formula designed to drive more resources to rural and underserved districts, as well as students living with a disability, at-risk students and English Language Learners (ELLs). For the 2025-2026 school year, HB25-1320 will: Provide $83.2 million more for public schools next year than the old school finance formula. Increase average per-pupil funding by $412, bringing the total per-pupil funding to $11,863. Ensure that 157 of 178 districts will see an average 2.9 percent increase in funding, while the remaining 21 districts with significantly declining enrollment are held harmless. HB25-1320 will implement the new school funding formula at 15 percent per year for six years, and then 10 percent for the final seventh year of implementation, while still maintaining the four-year averaging model for the 2025-26 school year. To help stabilize school funding in a declining enrollment environment, the bill includes a three-year averaging model in 2026-27 if the new funding formula is implemented at 30 percent, otherwise it will remain at four-years. Given the tight budget conditions, largely driven by increased Medicaid costs, Colorado lawmakers have had to address a $1.2 billion shortfall in the state budget. However, HB25-1320 is designed to give the legislature the flexibility to continue increasing school funding while adapting to changing budget realities. To maintain the financial health of the State Education Fund (SEF), HB25-1320 provides the flexibility to adjust the percentage of the formula implemented each year or the averaging components of the formula to ensure a healthy reserve in the fund’s balance. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts: < Back March 15, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Strong Economy, Constrained State Budget DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts: “Colorado’s growth is an indicator of a strong economy, yet we are cautiously optimistic as we place the final touches on the budget,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m excited that we are in a position to fulfill our promise to students and educators by eliminating the budget stabilization factor. This will put more money into Colorado classrooms further increasing teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. We will soon finalize a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that represents our values, sustains our economic growth, uplifts families and invests in critical services.” “The March economic forecast represents the final set of data before we finalize this year’s budget,” JBC Vice Chair Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said. “Today’s cautiously optimistic outlook reaffirms our budget work thus far: to be bold in supporting critical services by fully funding schools and health care provider rates, but to be responsible and constrain spending so we remain well-prepared for the future. I’m pleased that despite a challenging fiscal landscape, we’re well-positioned to fulfill our obligations to schools and families, close gaps in workforce shortages, and fund critical behavioral and mental health services – all without overextending state resources.” “This economic forecast shows steady economic growth and lays the foundation for us as we craft a budget that invests in Colorado’s families and workers," said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints make it challenging to fund new investments. Our goal this year is to prioritize funding for our public schools and early childhood education, working families and the critical community-based services Coloradans rely upon to keep us safe, protect our health, and thrive.” “Today’s economic forecast tells two stories,” Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “The first story is that Colorado’s economy is strong. Unemployment rates remain low while the number of jobs and income levels are growing. However, the second story tells us that because of TABOR, our state resources remain tight and we must be cautious with this year’s fiscal commitments. I look forward to integrating today’s forecast into the final days of budget drafting to ensure we deliver for hardworking Coloradans and set our state up for success.” Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent and total employment growth clocking in at aroun d 2.5 percent in 2023, adding, in aggregate, 57,600 jobs over the past year. Year-over-year wage gains of 6.2 percent outpaced the average rate of inflation which grew by 3.9 percent. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.6 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.7 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 5.9 percent increase year-over-year. For FY 2024-25, the TABOR surplus is expected to be $1.91 billion; however, budget limitations will continue to constrain investments in state services. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up relative to the December forecast to $17.9 billion in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down to $18.1 billion. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 5.8 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable income and sales revenue growth. The March forecast projects that the economy will realize a soft landing, with no recession anticipated in 2024, and Colorado is expected to modestly outperform the U.S. economy. However, the economy is still susceptible to a downturn if confronted with major shocks. Stronger than expected wage gains could boost sales and income tax collections above the amounts projected in this forecast, which anticipates a continued, slowing economic expansion. Some risk factors that could improve the forecast include a faster resolution to inflationary pressures and more accommodative monetary policy. Some risk factors that could negatively impact the forecast include potential tightening of household finances that could hurt consumption and high borrowing costs that could discourage investment. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2022 BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S EMERGENCY STOCKPILE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today that would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE). HB22-1352 passed by a vote of 42 to 21 and aims to create a healthier, safer Colorado. “We are preparing now so Colorado has the proper supplies and personal protective equipment needed to keep us safe during the next national emergency or pandemic,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. “Boosting Colorado’s stockpile of masks, gloves and other medical grade PPE will ensure our health care professionals have the tools they need to safely care for Coloradans. We are focused on creating a healthier, more prepared state and this bill invests nearly $2 million to stockpile PPE.” HB22-1352 , sponsored by Representative Mullica, would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials and PPE to be available for distribution after the governor has declared a disaster emergency. Facial masks, medical gloves, eye protection and other PPE worn by health care professionals are necessary for treating patients and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. This bill will invest nearly $2 million to stockpile medical-grade PPE in Colorado so hospitals, vaccine clinics and other medical sites can have access to the protective equipment to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE which will be distributed via state agencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was charged with maintaining the state’s emergency stockpile of PPE and associated warehouses. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has since maintained a 60-day stockpile of five key PPE product categories to dispatch to state agencies as needed. This bill ensures Colorado has adequate PPE supplies for the next pandemic or declared national disaster. Previous Next