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The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 6, 2024 Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this bill will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency to consumers so they know what their money is paying for.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 would address a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and how much of that the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The bill aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings, and customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, the bill would protect drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH BILL ADVANCES Legislation would increase the availability of mental health consultants DENVER, CO — Representatives Julie McCluskie and Emily Sirota’s bill to improve statewide mental health services for children through age eight today advanced from the House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services. The legislation passed 8-4. HB 20-1006 would create a statewide voluntary program of early childhood mental health consultants to increase the number of qualified consultants and improve access to these critical services. Mental health consultants are mental health professionals with experience working with young children and their families in a diversity of early childhood settings. “It’s no secret that Coloradans, especially in rural areas, don’t always have access to the quality mental health care they need,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillion). “We want to invest in the health of future generations by making early childhood mental health services more available and convenient for parents and expectant parents to access, and that’s what this bill would do.” “As a social worker I have seen firsthand the need for mental health care across Colorado,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “This bill would greatly improve services for children and their families, improving the health and wellbeing of young children across our state. As a mother of two young children, I understand the importance of these critical services.” The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants bill would address the need for additional, trained mental health consultants focused on infants’ and young childrens’ mental health across the state. It would also create a standardized model for the program in consultation with key Colorado local community-based stakeholders and the National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Under the bill, early childhood mental health specialists would be available for on-site consultations at preschool and elementary schools, in public health and health care settings and other culturally and regionally appropriate early childhood settings. The visits would include support and appropriate methods for caregivers to implement tested, practical mental health care strategies for long-term success. As a part of the program, the standardized model would include job qualifications and expectations of mental health consultants, expected outcomes of the program and appropriate ratios of consultants for the communities that they support. The program will support the ongoing professional development of mental health specialists in the state to increase access to these critical services. Professional development plans for consultants and a certification process will ensure that mental health consultants are appropriately trained as well as well versed in the expectations of the program. Previous Next

< Back February 17, 2022 BILL TO BOOST COLORADO WORKFORCE PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – Legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by breaking down barriers for Coloradans with a criminal history to obtain licensure, certification or registration for many professions and occupations passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee unanimously. HB22-1098, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Jennifer Bacon, would make it easier for Coloradans with unrelated criminal charges to obtain the credentials they need to enter a profession. “Access to opportunity is the key to a fulfilling life. We must not allow our laws and regulations to stand in the way of a person’s right to get a job and provide for themselves,” said Rep. Shannon Bird D-Westminster. “This legislation levels the playing field for those involved with the justice system by requiring DORA to evaluate barriers to entering a profession and to also create a standard for Coloradans with criminal records to apply for jobs. We’re working hard to boost Colorado’s workforce by making it easier for qualified, talented individuals to pursue careers in health care, professional trades work and other high-demand jobs." “This session, we’re continuing our work to break down barriers to employment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon D-Denver. “Right now, many individuals with a criminal record of any kind are barred from applying for certain jobs that are regulated by the state. In the U.S., one in three Americans have a record and communities of color are disproportionately represented. This bill would open up new opportunities for qualified Coloradans who have been involved with the criminal justice system to apply for jobs, begin new careers and boost our workforce.” If passed, HB22-1098 would make it so applicants may only be denied a credential based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. Additionally, the bill allows regulators to issue a conditional credential to a potential applicant with certain guardrails in place. Nearly one in three Coloradans have a criminal record that hinders them from applying for state regulated jobs, including K-12 teaching, child care, health care and other high-demand sectors in Colorado facing workforce shortages. HB22-1098 would make it easier for qualified Coloradans to apply for these jobs if their criminal record does not hinder their ability to do the job safely. Previous Next

< Back January 23, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BUCKNER BILL TO CREATE TAX CREDIT FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS Buckner’s Bill to Require Surgical Smoke Protection Policies Also Clears Committee (Jan. 22) – The House Education committee approved Representative Janet Buckner’s bipartisan bill to provide an income tax credit for early childhood educators. This tax credit will help build economic self-sufficiency among the early childhood workforce and the child care industry. This tax credit was endorsed by the Colorado’s Teacher Shortage Report and would encourage child care professionals to improve their skills as educators to better support the development of young students. “This bill will address two major challenges facing hardworking families and early childhood educators: quality and stability.” said Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora. “Our educators need to be paid more and that includes those who care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.” Childcare workers earn half as much as kindergarten teachers, and about a third as much as nurses. Fifty-three percent of childcare workers nationwide are on some type of public assistance. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 9-3 and now heads to the Finance Committee. The House Education Committee also approved a bill led by Committee Chair Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins to add nationally certified school psychologists from across the state as school professionals eligible for annual stipends awarded by the department of education. HB19-1036 passed by a vote of 10-2 and now goes to the House floor. Rep. Buckner’s bill, HB19-1041, was also approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee earlier today by a vote of 11-0. The bill will help protect medical teams and patients from toxic surgical smoke. Surgical smoke is a gaseous by-product produced by energy-generating surgical medical devices. It now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE CONSUMERS AND STATE GOV $$ ON RX DRUGS DENVER, CO– The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11 “By creating a competitive marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers, we can reduce prescription drug costs for Coloradans and save our state money on the prescription drug plans it purchases,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This innovative policy is saving other states and consumers millions while increasing transparency. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance a top priority, and we’re committed to continuing this progress and saving consumers money on their health care.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2021 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE BILLS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bills on third reading and final passage which would create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and allow small businesses that go over the 100 employee cap for small group market plans to remain on their insurance plans. “The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration will bring major reforms to improve access to mental health care and ensure that more Coloradans can get the care they need,” s aid Rep. Young D-Greeley. “Even before the pandemic, we were looking at innovative ways to connect Coloradans with behavioral health services. Creating this new Behavioral Health Administration will help our state build back stronger by bolstering mental health care in Colorado.” HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, passed by a vote of 52-8 and would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. “Small businesses shouldn’t be punished by having to find a new health plan just because they hire a few more employees,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “ By fixing this problem, small businesses can create jobs and keep their health insurance plans. This easy and simple bipartisan solution will support small businesses and increase access to affordable health care.” Under SB21-090 , which passed by a vote of 60-0 and is sponsored by Representative Edie Hooton, small businesses participating in small group insurance plans may renew these plans even if they exceed the 100 employee cap on small business plans. This would allow a growing small business to hire new employees without risking the health insurance of all their employees. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. < Back February 27, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect HOA Homeowner Equity, Keep Coloradans Safely Housed DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. “Homeownership is an important way to build generational wealth, but our current laws allow HOAs to strip away everything Coloradans worked hard for, which threatens the stability of hardworking families,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “If a homeowner suffers from a medical emergency, loses their job, or experiences other financial hardships that impact their HOA payments, their home can be foreclosed and sold for just cents on the dollar, and the owner’s hard-earned equity disappears instantly. This bill helps create critical safeguards to ensure better notice, transparency, and accountability around HOA foreclosures so Coloradans can stay safely housed and protect their equity.” “Colorado HOA homeowners, especially in my district, have had their biggest asset taken from them and sold at an auction for a fraction of its worth over sometimes very small amounts owed to the HOA,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It can be difficult to recover after a foreclosure, especially with high housing costs and no equity to fall back on from the foreclosed property. This bill would help prevent hardworking Coloradans from being senselessly displaced and ensure that homeowners can recover some equity from the house they paid for.” In cases where an HOA pursues a foreclosure against a unit owner, HB25-1043 would allow an owner to file a motion with the court to stay the sale of their home at auction for up to nine months, during which time an owner could sell their own home. Currently, an HOA may sell the unit at auction for only the cost of unpaid assessments and attorneys’ fees. Before taking legal action or referring an HOA homeowner to a collection agency, the bill would strengthen the requirement that an HOA have a written policy of sending a unit owner the HOA’s ledger verifying the amount owed within seven business days after a homeowner requests it. Under the bill, an HOA must also provide information about its ability to foreclose and force a sale of a unit through the HOA information and resource center before taking legal action against a unit owner. The bill also requires an HOA to provide homeowners with a notice regarding the right to participate in credit counseling at least 30 days before initiating a foreclosure. HOAs would be required to include additional information for the previous year when submitting their annual registration with the Department of Regulatory Affairs. This would include the number of unit owners who were late on payments of assessments, judgments obtained against unit owners, payment plans entered into with unit owners, and foreclosure actions filed by the HOA. Reps. Ricks and Bacon have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, including protections to prevent HOAs from easily foreclosing on homeowners because of late or unpaid HOA fines and fees and creating safeguards against foreclosure and protecting HOA residents from having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions. Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2021 HOUSE DEMOCRATS MARK NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WEEK DENVER- Today, members of the House Democratic Caucus, led by their colleague Rep. Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial), released the following statement commemorating National Gun Violence Survivor’s week: “This week, from Monday February 1st through Sunday the 7th, is National Gun Violence Survivors Week. “The week was first commemorated in 2019 as part of an effort to amplify the stories and voices of gun violence survivors who live with the traumatic impacts of gun violence every day. Given our country’s tragically high gun death rate as compared to the rest of the world, early February marks the average point at which more people are killed with firearms in the U.S. than are killed with firearms in our peer countries in a whole year . These harrowing numbers include the number of deaths by suicide in which a gun is used, which claim the lives of 23,000 Americans every year . “When mass shootings occur, media reports are quick to quote the number of lives senselessly lost. It is much more difficult, and much more daunting, to calculate the number of lives affected. Nearly 60% of adults in our country can be considered survivors of gun violence, meaning they have either experienced gun violence themselves or have a close friend or family member who has directly experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. The number of individuals who have been impacted is even higher in Black and Latinx communities. “House and Senate Democrats are no strangers to gun violence. Several of us have lost loved ones to this epidemic, a few of us are among the countless Americans who have survived gun violence personally, and all of us are determined to take action to curb gun violence in our communities and across our state. “Colorado has experienced a series of tragic and high profile mass shootings, and everyday acts of gun violence, including deaths by suicide, continue to plague our society. Acknowledging the damaging and pervasive impact that gun violence can have long after a shooting has occurred is more important than ever, as we continue to lose loved ones and while certain dark corners of society deny the truth of tragic mass shootings in our children’s schools. This week, as we uplift the voices and stories of those who live with the impacts of this epidemic within our caucus and across the state of Colorado, we pledge to continue our work to stem this violent tide.” Signed, Representatives Susan Lontine, Alec Garnett, Meg Froelich, Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Alex Valdez, Steve Woodrow, Jennifer Bacon, Leslie Herod, Emily Sirota, Edie Hooton, Karen McCormick, Tracey Bernett, Judy Amabile, Tony Exum, Sr., Marc Snyder, Chris Kennedy, Monica Duran, Lisa Cutter, Dylan Roberts, Brianna Titone, Kerry Tipper, Lindsey Daugherty, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Yadira Caraveo, Adrienne Benavidez, Kyle Mullica, Shannon Bird, Mike Weissman, Tom Sullivan, David Ortiz, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, Dominique Jackson, Daneya Esgar, Mary Young, Cathy Kipp, Barbara McLachlan, Julie McCluskie and Donald Valdez. Previous Next

< Back March 7, 2022 BILL TO FOSTER CIVIC-MINDED BUSINESSES PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – A bill to foster civic-minded businesses and innovators passed the House on Third and Final Reading today by a vote of 41 to 20. Modifications To Colorado Public Benefit Corporation Act, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Senator Pete Lee would make it easier to start businesses that positively impact communities and a healthy environment across Colorado. This bill now heads to the Governor's office. “The passage of this bill means we’re one step closer to making Colorado the best place for civic-minded business leaders to set up shop,” said Rep. Shannon Bird D-Westminster. “Coloradans feel connected to their neighborhoods and businesses play a special role in fostering that sense of community. Our legislation will make it easier for arts, culture, environmental and other community-focused businesses to open in communities across the state. We’re pleased to move Colorado forward with legislation that attracts businesses to communities where they can have a positive impact.” SB22-045 would break down barriers for corporations to register as public benefit corporations. Specifically, this bill would modify the “Public Benefit Corporation Act of Colorado” to simplify the conversion procedures for forming a public benefit corporation (PBC). PBCs are businesses that have a positive effect on a community’s art, charity, culture, economy, education, environment, literature, medicine, religion, science or technology scene. PBCs are becoming more popular with both consumers and employees that believe corporations should contribute more to the community they reside in and make conscious efforts to reduce their negative environmental impact. The changes in this bill are necessary for Colorado to remain a competitive place for business leaders to form PBCs as other states, including Delaware, reform their laws in a similar way. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to improve conservation and stewardship of public lands. < Back May 13, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: New Law Will Protect Colorado’s Public Lands LONGMONT, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to improve conservation and stewardship of public lands. "This new law will help Colorado protect its iconic landscapes, encourage outdoor recreation, and ensure that farming and ranching continue to thrive on state trust lands,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “Balancing these priorities is essential for the future health of our communities and our environment." “This bill is a critical step in preserving Colorado’s natural beauty while also recognizing the importance of traditional State Land Board land uses,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “By integrating conservation, recreation, and agriculture, we’re ensuring that future generations of Coloradans can continue to enjoy our land while supporting the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers.” “As Colorado prepares to celebrate its 150th birthday, now is a great time to take a comprehensive look at our state trust lands,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. "This work group will make recommendations to ensure that the State Land Board modernizes its priorities to promote conservation but also other benefits our state trust lands can provide, including agriculture, outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and more - all while maintaining the mission of generating funds for our public schools. I am glad to see this bipartisan bill signed into law and look forward to following the work group's efforts closely." Currently, the Colorado State Land Board (SLB) oversees most of Colorado’s trust lands, including state parks. HB25-1332 establishes a formal working group process to identify opportunities to improve and enhance conservation, agricultural operations, and outdoor recreation on state trust lands. There are more than 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million subsurface acres, such as lakes, caves and rivers, overseen by the Colorado SLB. Next year is the 150th anniversary of Colorado and the SLB. This law helps uncover challenges and opportunities to advance conservation, agricultural leasing programs, wildlife habitat, climate resiliency and low-conflict recreation while still driving funding to Colorado’s public K-12 schools. HB25-1332 requires the working group to include participation from Colorado’s Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes, rural schools, and renewable energy organizations, among others. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens today presented the Walking Mountain Science Center with a Colorado Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Pipeline Grant at Red Sandstone Elementary. < Back October 23, 2024 Rep. Lukens Presents STEM Grant to Walking Mountain Science Center VAIL, CO – Representative Meghan Lukens last week presented the Walking Mountain Science Center with a Colorado Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Pipeline Grant at Red Sandstone Elementary. The grant, supported by We Work For Health , aims to boost student access to science and technology across Colorado. “How exciting is it to present a Colorado STEM Pipeline Grant to the Walking Mountain Science Center, congratulations to all!,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “I’m thrilled the Walking Mountain Science Center will soon have more resources to boost environmental science in the classroom – further encouraging our students to explore their passions for STEM education. Recent laws we passed will help drive more funding to rural and underserved school districts and support our students in achieving their dreams. Together, we’re building a stronger educational foundation for students in Vail Valley and beyond.” At the state house, Rep. Lukens supported HB24-1446 , a bipartisan law to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. She also proudly supported groundbreaking education legislation including HB24-1448 , the new public school finance formula, and SB24-188 , the 2024 School Finance Act, which eliminates the budget stabilization factor (BSF). In addition to HB24-1448 and SB24-188, Rep. Lukens was the prime sponsor of education legislation to bring more school psychologists to Colorado and establish an Educator Safety Task Force . Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM MOVES FORWARD Bill would build safer communities by enhancing security at institutions facing increasing threats DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Iman Jodeh to help nonprofits like synagogues and mosques pay for enhanced security passed the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 9-2. “We’ve seen an alarming increase in violent threats against religious and nonprofit organizations, and it’s clear they need additional resources to enhance security measures in places of worship, schools and community centers,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “I am scared for our communities. The pandemic has led to increased anti-semitism, violence and threats. This funding will make Colorado safer for everyone by providing nonprofit institutions the resources they need to protect their communities.” “This bill will make our communities safer by providing additional resources to nonprofit organizations for security upgrades in the wake of increasing threats of violence targeting minority communities,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Everyone should feel safe in their houses of worship, community centers, schools and community spaces, and that’s what this bill will do. There’s a clear need for additional funding, and I’m proud our state is stepping up to fill this gap and provide these critical resources.” HB22-1077 would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. As drafted, the bill would provide $1.5 million for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000, allowing nearly30 additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next