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The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. < Back March 18, 2025 Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. “Land is expensive, and this legislation ensures we are strategic about the space we have available so we can build more housing that saves Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we implement innovative housing strategies, it’s crucial that we continue to protect tenant health and safety. This bill ensures that buildings must fulfill modern and strict safety standards, like smoke control systems, automatic sprinklers, and the use of non-combustible materials, to qualify for this single-stairway design. By modernizing building codes across our state, we can build housing options that hardworking Coloradans can afford.” “With this bill, we’re empowering builders to better utilize the space they have to build more affordable housing units for Colorado workers and families,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Cities that have allowed for single-stairwell apartment buildings have benefited from decreased building costs while continuing to protect the safety of their residents from building fires. Eliminating the extraneous requirement for a second stairwell in smaller apartment complexes allows us to make more room for housing units in price ranges that Coloradans can actually afford.” Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 would require a municipality of 100,000 or more residents to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings to be served by a single exit if the municipality is served by a fire protection district or fire department. Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include: Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor, Safety features throughout the building that satisfy building codes and other relevant codes, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems, Stairways no more than twenty feet away from a door to each dwelling unit or 125 feet from the stairwell to any point in a dwelling unit, and Buildings constructed by non-combustible construction materials. The bill would also require a jurisdiction to notify their local International Association of Fire Fighters affiliate and the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association when they begin the code adoption process. These buildings would also be required to include signage to identify that it is a single stair building and a fire-resistant box that contains keys to the buildings for relevant firefighters to access the building and necessary units. According to a 2025 Pew Study , there has been no evidence of safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments to be built. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by 6 to 13 percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80 percent. Previous Next

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

On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Bolster Tax Credit Awareness and Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can boost workers’ incomes by thousands of dollars, making it easier for them to afford housing costs or everyday necessities, yet many Coloradans don’t know how to file for these tax benefits,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1006. “This law will help connect families with the tax credits they qualify for, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and boosting local economies.” “Colorado working families’ budgets are stretched thin, and they deserve a helping hand – but too many folks aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1006 . “Requiring clear, consistent information on how to access tax credits means Coloradans will be able to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets. I will always fight for Colorado’s working families and I’m proud to see this important bill advance.” “Colorado families will now be informed of the tax credits available to them to make it easier to file for up to thousands of dollars in tax credits,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1006. “Our new law will provide employers with detailed tax credit information that they can easily share with their employees. With the implementation of this law, we’re improving access to critical tax credits to save Colorado families money.” Starting August 8, HB23-1006 instructs employers to provide information about federal and state earned income tax credits and child tax credits to their employees. The notice must be provided at least once a year in English or any other language typically used to communicate with the employee. This bill builds on legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent years to increase the state Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Senator Chris Hansen and Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty previously passed SB22-182 to help Coloradans file for and receive their earned income tax credits and child tax credits. Colorado Democrats passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Representative Mary Young also passed HB23-1112 with Representative Shannon Bird and Senators Hansen and Chris Kolker to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which is expected to return over $170 million more to hardworking families. On August 8, HB23-1008 will go into effect, allocating $250,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. “Your ability to access healthy food should not be based on your income,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. With our new law going into effect, everyday Coloradans across the state will soon have better access to fresh produce and groceries, making it easier for Coloradans to purchase healthy foods closer to home and boosting our agriculture industry.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1008. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” This law builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HANSEN, DAUGHERTY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP COLORADO FAMILIES SAVE MONEY ON TAX FILINGS SB22-182 would invest $4 million to create the Economic Mobility Program and put more money in families’ wallets DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ ongoing work to save people money, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Rep. Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help families save money on their tax filings. Cosponsored by Sen. Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will help educate eligible Coloradans on how to file for and receive tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. “Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” Sen. Hansen said. “This legislation will help families better understand and file for the tax credits they are eligible for, allowing them to keep even more of their hard-earned paycheck and get some money back on their tax returns.” “In the last two years, we’ve significantly increased tax credits for hardworking families that are boosting their incomes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year,” said Rep. Daugherty . “The bill we’re introducing today will provide families with free tax filing assistance to claim the tax credits they’re owed so that no one leaves money on the table that is needed to pay their rent or feed their families.” The bill will aim specifically to help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families. It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support. In 2020, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to increase the state earned income tax credit (EITC) from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal EITC. In 2021, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to further increase Colorado’s EITC to 25 percent of the federal EITC and fund Colorado’s child tax credit for the first time, boosting the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans. SB22-182 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE . Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. < Back March 19, 2025 House Passes Bill to Improve Public Safety, Reduce Youth Violence DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. HB25-1250 aims to keep Colorado youth and our communities safe . “As a gun violence prevention advocate and a former teacher, I know our students are counting on us to boost access to the tools that help mitigate youth violence and senseless gun deaths,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Our student-supported bill works to increase community awareness and provides parents and guardians with the safe storage resources to communicate with their children about gun violence. Together, we’re taking a public health approach to connect our communities with resources to create a safer, more supportive space for our youth.” “Between raising the minimum age to purchase firearms to improve safe storage, we’re taking a multi-prong approach to addressing gun violence in our communities and schools,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill boosts awareness for parents and guardians by providing them with resources, specifically prevention or intervention services, to help them better communicate with their children about gun violence. Building upon my safe storage legislation from 2021, this bill works to spread awareness, making sure firearms are properly stored to keep our communities safe.” HB25-1250 passed the House by a vote of 43 to 21. The bill would increase education on gun violence prevention and public safety efforts by requiring the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to accessibly list gun violence prevention materials on their website. Specifically, these materials would be posted or linked online so school districts, charter schools, facility schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind could distribute these materials at the beginning of each school year to each parent, guardian, and legal custodian of an enrolled student. Under the bill, materials could be provided in written or electronic format, and local education providers would be required to also post the materials to their websites. Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors, intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence. In 2023, Rep. Hamrick also sponsored a law to combat youth gun violence by raising the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21. That same year, a bipartisan group of legislators created the Office of School Safety which provides rapid response grants to support safety efforts in public schools, public charter schools, community-based organizations, and cities and counties. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: HOUSE, SENATE UNVEIL CHILD MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES PROGRAM DENVER, CO – The House introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) to expand evidence-based behavioral health programs for young children experiencing chronic stress or trauma. Co-sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells) and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Logan), this bill invests $2 million of one-time pandemic relief funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our youngest Coloradans. “Stressful and traumatic conditions take a major toll on young children and can negatively impact long-term behavioral health and brain functioning,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “With this once-in-a-generation funding, we’re improving our kids’ behavioral health outcomes by investing in early intervention and home-based prevention tailored towards young children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” “Over the past several years, the pandemic has added new and increased stress to Coloradans’ lives, including young children,” said Sen. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen. “It’s essential that we provide robust behavioral health opportunities for Colorado’s kids. By investing in the mental health and well-being of our youngest Coloradans today, we’re supporting their brighter tomorrows.” HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions in our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children under the age of six-years-old experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. Neurobiological research confirms that stressful experiences early in life can have destructive impacts on the brain, while nurturing relationships between children and caregivers provide a protective buffer from stress. The impacts of the pandemic exacerbated long-standing behavioral health challenges and made everyday life more difficult for Coloradans. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. The new Department of Early Childhood will work with non-profit behavioral health care organizations to implement this program. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT FOSTER KIDS AND IMPROVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS DENVER, CO– The Transportation and Local Government Committee today advanced two bills to give foster youth the opportunity to obtain drivers licenses and to update the Division of Housing’s responsibilities to better allow the state to tackle the issue of housing in Colorado. HB21-1084 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum, takes several steps to help foster youth in Colorado learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses. It would ensure that counties are reimbursed for the cost of sending foster youth aged 15 to 21 to driver’s ed courses and would remove legal barriers preventing counties and foster youth advocates from teaching foster youth how to drive. Finally, it eases requirements on the types of documentation foster youth must provide when applying for a driver permit or license. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Creating a pathway for foster youth to obtain a driver’s license is about giving hope to kids who have so much more to deal with than the average teen,” said Rep Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs) . “We should strive to guarantee that every child in Colorado has equal opportunity to succeed, and ensuring that foster children are able to learn how to drive goes a long way towards leveling the playing field. From getting to and from work, or to and from school, driving can truly make a lasting and important impact on a teenager’s life.” HB21-1009 , sponsored by Representative Tracey Bernett is a bipartisan measure that makes several updates to the responsibilities of the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing to better provide housing solutions for communities across Colorado. The bill, among other things, improves confidentiality for recipients of housing assistance, helps reduce energy costs, and incentivises housing development in areas where people work, go to school and have access to transportation. The bill passed committee by a vote of 10-1. “This straightforward bill will prepare the Division of Housing to continue working on affordable housing solutions for years to come,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett (D-Longmont) . “By making necessary updates and modifications, this bill will empower local communities across Colorado and allow them to continue thoughtfully increasing the quality and equity of our housing solutions while working towards our climate goals.” Previous Next

HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale < Back August 1, 2024 New Law Goes Into Effect to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale DENVER, CO - On August 7, legislation goes into effect to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “With our new law going into effect, local governments will now be able to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. This legislation better allows us to maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.” “Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market and attainable for Coloradans.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.” Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher-priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175 , owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market. For non-subsidized multifamily rental properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This right applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units, and the property must be used as long-term affordable housing. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days of receiving notice of intent to sell from the seller and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 NATIONAL TEST SCORE BILL EASES BURDENS ON STUDENTS Bill would remove the requirement that a national assessment test score be used for admissions DENVER, CO– Representative Cathy Kipp and Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to remove the requirement that Colorado colleges and universities require national assessment test scores like the SAT and ACT as an eligibility criterion for admission passed the House on third reading today by a vote of 42-22. “This bill breaks down barriers for students and brings greater equity to our college admissions process,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “As institutions of higher education across the country do away with the national assessment test score requirement, this bill will allow Colorado’s own great colleges and universities to remain competitive in prospective student recruitment. This bill is a win-win for both students and schools.” “ACT and SAT tests often represent an additional barrier for already disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill gives colleges and universities in Colorado the option to do away with standardized test scores as an admissions requirement, allowing them to strengthen, diversify, and enrich their student bodies. There’s plenty in a student’s college application besides a test score to gauge achievement and the potential for success, and I’m glad we’re allowing more students the opportunity to shine.” HB21-1067 stipulates that the governing boards of state institutions of higher education are no longer required to use a national assessment test score as an eligibility criterion for admission. Schools still may choose to use the scores if they so desire, and if a student chooses to submit their test score when it’s not required, the institution must consider it. Under this bill, each institution would report annually on the demographic breakdown of their incoming freshman class to better understand how this policy impacts its diversity. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BIPARTISAN BILLS TO INVEST IN STUDENT AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS Legislation includes nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs and expand in-state tuition for more students DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to better align postsecondary programs, save students money on higher education tuition and improve educational outcomes for Coloradans. HB22-1350 was crafted based on recommendations from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force . “Every Coloradan should have access to educational opportunities that set them up to thrive, and these new laws prioritize our workforce needs and students’ success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m incredibly proud to stand behind two bills Governor Polis signed into law to address workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado by creating high impact postsecondary credential programs and reducing the cost of higher education for Colorado high school graduates. When given the right tools, our students can grow, achieve and secure better paying jobs, and that’s what this legislation is designed to do.” “Industries across the state continue to face workforce shortages as they recover from the pandemic’s effects on the economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Investing in our workforce will have a transformational effect on workforce shortages today and well into the future. We are delivering Colorado the workforce it needs to continue moving our economy forward.” The Regional Talent Development Grant Program, HB22-1350 , establishes a $91 million grant program to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to fill good jobs in growing industries. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative McCluskie and Senator Bridges, as well as Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, utilizes federal pandemic relief dollars to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The program takes a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will create new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, R-New Castle and Senators Dominick Moreno and Julie Gonzales, to expand access to in-state tuition for Colorado high school students. “The cost of higher education shouldn’t deter Colorado’s students from pursuing a postsecondary degree at one of the excellent colleges and universities in the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By expanding the pool of students who qualify for in-state tuition, we lower the cost of education and empower students to make decisions for their future based on their goals rather than the price tag.” “We know that access to higher education can be transformational for a young person’s life, but during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease in enrollment,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Immigrant Colorado high school graduates should be able to access our public higher education institutions in the same manner as their U.S. citizen friends and neighbors. This is a common sense, bipartisan measure, and it also has the benefit of being good for our economy, particularly in corners of the state that are desperate for young, educated workers. I was honored to work alongside a broad coalition of business groups, higher education institutions, and immigrant rights organizations to get this bill signed into law.” Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bipartisan legislation changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families, saving them money on higher education tuition. Previous Next

The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. < Back February 28, 2023 Prescription Accessibility Bills Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. “Step therapy, also commonly known as “fail first", requires patients to try treatment options preferred by their insurance company before they can receive coverage and access to medication prescribed by their doctor,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “This process can take weeks or months depending on the medication and can worsen symptoms and quality of life, especially for patients with a life-threatening or chronic disease. This bill puts doctors and patients in the driver's seat, encouraging prioritization of evidence-based solutions to medical issues over cost-effective drugs preferred by insurance companies.” “This legislation expands step therapy exemptions to include Medicaid recipients so they can access the same quality health care that Coloradans with private insurance have,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “Last year, we passed legislation to reduce administrative burden, save Coloradans money on unnecessary care, and improve health outcomes. Aligning step therapy protocols will streamline health care, save Coloradans money, and provide quality and immediate patient-focused care.” In 2022, Representatives Iman Jodeh and Emily Sirota passed a bill limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment preferred by their insurance company before they can access the treatment originally recommended by their doctor. HB23-1183 would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to exempt patients with serious or complex medical conditions from the step therapy requirement if the alternative drug would likely cause negative side effects, the alternative drug is unlikely to be effective based on the patient’s history, or if the patient is already using a prescription that has clinical documentation of being effective. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. The bill is accompanied by HB23-1130 , which prohibits state-regulated insurance plans from requiring patients to try more than one alternative drug before the insurance company can cover the originally prescribed medication for certain mental health conditions. The bill was recently passed by the House Health and Insurance Committee and will be heard next in the House Appropriations Committee. “Rural and lower-income communities often live in “pharmacy deserts'' where they have limited access to pharmacies to receive their essential medication,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “Many pharmacies are only open during business hours, making it nearly impossible for working class Coloradans to get their prescription due to their work schedule. This bill would allow for pharmacists to remotely dispense prescriptions from a dispensing machine placed within a health care facility, creating more health care jobs and improving patient accessibility.” HB23-1195 would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication when the in-person pharmacist is off-duty. The machines would be placed only in a health care facility and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would already be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to combat destructive wildfires through strategic prescribed burns. < Back May 6, 2025 Bill to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to combat destructive wildfires through strategic prescribed burns. SB25-007 would encourage wildfire mitigation efforts. “Wildfire season is year-round in Colorado, and our communities need all the wildfire mitigation tools available,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs . “This bill would make it easier for communities to conduct prescribed burns, which are a cost-effective way to reduce the amount of fuel available for a wildfire. Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem, and with the guidance of a certified burn manager, Colorado communities can take steps today to reduce the size and intensity of destructive wildfires in the future.” SB25-007 is also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. Low-intensity fire, applied through prescribed burns overseen by burn managers, can reduce fuel loads and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. SB25-007 would strengthen Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts by encouraging controlled, prescribed burns. To keep communities safe, plans for prescribed burns must be reviewed by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. As recommended by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, this bill would compensate Coloradans if their property is damaged during prescribed burns. It would also address workforce shortages that are a barrier to expanding the use of prescribed fires by allowing interstate reciprocity in the certified burner program, which certifies individuals to conduct prescribed burns. This legislation better allows utility companies to perform wildfire mitigation, broadening access to a financing mechanism that will reduce mitigation costs for utility ratepayers. To ensure state oversight, plans must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Previous Next