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The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. < Back February 20, 2025 House Committee Passes Two Bills to Protect Colorado Water DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed two bills to protect Colorado’s fresh water resources. HB25-1115 would expand the duties of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and HB25-1113 would eliminate non-functional turf around certain multi-family housing. “Water is a part of our Western identity, and we must take steps now to preserve and protect the water resources we have,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB25-1115. “To effectively manage Colorado's water supply, we need all the research and data available to inform our decisions. This bipartisan bill empowers the Colorado Water Conservation Board to expand their research, specifically around water supply measurement and snowpack, so we can better protect the freshwater Coloradans rely on for agriculture, household use, recreation and everything in between.” “Smart landscaping choices play a big role in conserving our precious water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB25-1113. “This bill builds upon our efforts to cut back on unnecessary water usage that maintains non-functional turf or invasive plant species. As our state experiences increased climate threats and extreme droughts, we must work to effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.” “When we cut back on the amount of non-functional turf or invasive grasses in our state, we preserve water while embracing our state’s native plants and species,” said Rep. Leslie Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1113. “Our bill encourages water-wise landscaping on multifamily housing, like apartments and condominiums. As we navigate a drier, hotter climate in Colorado we need to take steps now to conserve our precious water resources.” HB25-1115 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would help protect and preserve Colorado’s fresh water resources in the face of uncertain water conditions ahead. HB25-1115 would expand the power and responsibilities of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to oversee a statewide water supply measurement and a forecasting program. The bill would expand the CWCB’s water supply measurement program to: Collect and disseminate data on snowpack levels. Investigate the latest technological advances in snowpack measurement and water supply forecasting. Collect other data to assist in snowpack measurement, water supply forecasting, or flood hazard mapping. Colorado currently relies on a patchwork of smaller entities, like nonprofits and municipalities, to measure and map the state’s water resources. This bill would redirect funding already set aside from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Cash Fund to permanently support a statewide program, ensuring equitable support across the state. HB25-1113 , passed committee by a vote of 9-3. This bill aims to promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation or planting of non-functional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on multi-family housing properties, specifically condominiums or apartment complexes with twelve or more units. Colorado lawmakers have championed multiple laws to ramp up water conservation in the state, including turf replacement and the reduction of non-functional turf on state and commercial properties. HB25-1113 builds off of SB24-005 by limiting the installation of high water-use, non-native plants on property owned and operated multi-family properties, including apartments or condominiums. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2023 House Dems Pass Bills to Reduce Premiums and Lower Drug Costs DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation that will save Coloradans money on health insurance premiums for Colorado Option plans and make prescription drugs more affordable. “We’re building on the success of the Colorado Option to continue to drive down health care premiums and make it easier to find high value plans on the exchange,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1224 .” The Colorado Option is helping Colorado families and businesses keep more of their hard-earned money and has increased access to high quality health care, especially for lower income people who have disproportionately faced barriers to getting the care they need.” “We’ve made bold progress to drive down the cost of health care and create new options for consumers,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1224 . “The legislation we passed today ensures that excessive profits and administrative costs won’t be passed down to consumers while also improving the rate review process to ensure that these plans actually reduce premiums for consumers.” HB23-1224 , which passed by a vote of 8-1, will lower insurance premiums and make it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The updates to the Colorado Option strengthen the Division of Insurance’s (DOI) ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI to: Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses; Structure the public hearings process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate; Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs. “Colorado is leading the nation with innovative ways to save people money on prescription drugs and lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "We established the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2021 to ensure that consumers can afford the highest cost drugs. Now, we’re expanding these cost saving measures to reduce out-of-pocket prices for more medications by increasing the board’s efficacy and saving Coloradans more money on their essential prescriptions.” “Coloradans should never have to ration life-saving prescription drugs due to price gouging from big pharmaceutical companies,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “This legislation will limit out-of-pocket costs for more life-saving prescriptions and help more Coloradans avoid the difficult decision of paying for the medication they need and other necessities.” HB23-1225 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation introduced today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It removes the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back June 27, 2019 MARY YOUNG SWORN IN AS NEW GREELEY REPRESENTATIVE (June 27) – Mary Young, a school psychologist, was sworn in today at the state capitol as the next representative for Colorado House District 50 in Greeley, Evans and Garden City. A vacancy committee selected Rep. Young earlier this month. “I am honored and excited to represent the hardworking people and families of HD 50,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “I look forward to working on the core issues impacting our community, and to bring my experience to the table to improve mental health and K-12 education and expand access to services for individuals with disabilities.” “Representative Young brings a deep knowledge to the legislature with her experience as a school psychologist and a special education teacher,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We are all proud to have her joining the team as we work towards bipartisan solutions for the problems facing Coloradans across the state.” Rep. Young has worked for years as a school psychologist and special education teacher. She holds a doctorate in school psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a master’s degree in teaching from Duke University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s of Notre Dame. Previous Next

Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX < Back May 6, 2024 Bills to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related Crimes, Discrimination in School Passes House Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189, which passed by a vote of 45-17, would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The House also passed legislation that would better protect students by developing best practices for public schools to effectively respond to reports of harassment or discrimination. SB24-162 passed by a vote of 44-18. "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-189. "This legislation bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also updates the definition of "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. SB24-162 would require the Department of Education to partner with an organization to develop best practices and training related to discrimination and harassment in public schools, including protocols relating to notifying students and parents about school policies and procedures, and implementing trauma-informed responses. Additionally, the department would provide harassment and discrimination training program materials for schools. “Our educators know that creating a safe place to learn is important for the education of our students, but they need professional training to provide effective, trauma-informed responses,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Per the request of our schools and educators, we’re building upon our work last year to ensure schools and educators have the professional resources they need to support our youth against harassment and discrimination.” “Too many students have experienced harassment, racism, and sexism in school, and we must ensure that their classrooms are a safe and accepting learning environment,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Last year, we passed SB23-296 to clearly define what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. This new legislation aims to build on this law to create a stronger framework for harassment and discrimination policies to better protect students in every corner of our state.” Signed into law in 2023 and sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Leslie Herod, SB23-296 provides clear definitions for harassment and discrimination in K-12 public schools and requires schools to post notices describing how a student can report harassment or discrimination to the school. The law further requires schools to adopt procedures for investigating reports of harassment or discrimination and to grant an excused absence to a student for certain out-of-school appointments related to the student experiencing harassment or discrimination. Previous Next

HB24-1456 works in tandem with the statewide public health order to combat congenital syphilis and SB24-042 creates more resources for those living sickle cell disease < Back April 23, 2024 Bills to Prevent Syphilis, Improve Support for Coloradans with Sickle Cell Disease Pass Committee HB24-1456 works in tandem with the statewide public health order to combat congenital syphilis and SB24-042 creates more resources for those living sickle cell disease DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two pieces of legislation to improve health outcomes for pregnant people, infants and those living with sickle cell disease. HB24-1456 , sponsored by Representative Julia Marvin and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, would direct the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis to keep pregnant people and infants safe. SB24-042 , sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. “The increase of congenital syphilis in Colorado is alarming, and we’re working together as a state to tackle this public health crisis that’s affecting our communities, especially our infants,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works with the state to improve syphilis testing during pregnancy, so health care providers can catch infections early and administer simple, effective treatment. Additionally, this bill would offer flexibility to the State Board of Health to monitor and adjust congenital syphilis protocols to ensure our pregnant people are receiving the care and treatment they need. If left untreated, congenital syphilis can cause birth defects or even infant death – this bill expands screenings and bolsters public health measures to ensure every child has a healthy start in life.” “Congenital syphilis can cause birth defects and unfortunately, even death. As a state, we’re stepping up to address this public health crisis,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works in tandem with Colorado’s public health order to ramp up syphilis screening for pregnant people throughout their pregnancy. Congenital syphilis can be treated simply, and encouraging screening is an important step forward in combating this public health crisis that’s affecting many of our communities. Our goal is to stop the rise in congenital syphilis and create a safer, healthier Colorado for all.” HB24-1456 , passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill aims to detect and combat congenital syphilis, or syphilis transmitted from the pregnant person to the fetus during pregnancy by directing the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis.. On April 19, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Governor Polis, declared a statewide public health order to address the congenital syphilis epidemic. If passed, this bill would ensure pregnant people receive frequent prenatal testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, based on public health standards. Congenital syphilis is easily treatable, but if left unchecked can cause severe fetus infections of the brain, eyes, and other body organs. It can also cause miscarriages, stillbirths and other birth defects. CDC data reveals that congenital syphilis has more than tripled in recent years and is the highest it's been nationwide since 1992. In Colorado, cases are also rising at a drastic rate with a 900 percent case increase since 2017 (5 cases in 2017 and 50 cases in 2023). “Sickle cell disease can cause blockages in a person’s small blood vessels and be incredibly painful if left untreated,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill would establish the new, Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and this new outreach program will help bridge the gap between health care and access experienced by marginalized communities. I am proud to carry this legislation forward because it will improve health outcomes for so many in our state.” “Long-standing inequities in our health care system have left many Black Coloradans without access to the care they need, let alone specialized care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect people living with sickle cell disease with resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, and unfortunately, the rates have been much higher among Black communities. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the gap in health care access. By prioritizing the health care of all Coloradans – especially those who have been marginalized and underserved for too long – we can create a healthier state for us all.” SB24-042 , passed committee by a vote of 13-0 and would work to improve health outcomes for Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. This bill would create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services would be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE. Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sickle cell disease occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births and occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Previous Next

More Housing Now Bill Backed by Broad Colorado Coalition, Study Shows Improvements in Affordability, Water Conservation, Equity & Access to Opportunity < Back March 31, 2023 Increasing Access to Housing & Cutting Red Tape: Colorado Energy Office Releases Analysis Showing Major Savings from More Housing Now Bill Package More Housing Now Bill Backed by Broad Colorado Coalition, Study Shows Improvements in Affordability, Water Conservation, Equity & Access to Opportunity DENVER - One week ago, Gov. Polis, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, Representative Steven Woodrow, Representative Iman Jodeh, environmental leaders, local government officials, and housing, business, and labor leaders announced a comprehensive plan to help create more housing for every Colorado budget. The More Housing Now plan takes action to cut red tape and incentivize building more affordable and efficient housing options that meet the needs of local communities. Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) released interim results from a new study analyzing four key components of SB23-213 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and "middle housing" (duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) in more residential areas, and multi-family housing near transit, commercial, and institutional zones. “ Coloradans are demanding real solutions to our housing crisis, and it is clear that these common sense policies will mean more housing now for every Colorado budget. This transformative legislative package supported by the business community, unions, and environmental advocates was created following years of research on what works, hundreds of meetings, and with input from hundreds of local leaders and key Colorado community leaders. The consequences of inaction are too great,” said Gov. Polis. “Every Coloradan deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this new data makes clear that our proposal to create a smart, holistic approach that will expand the menu of housing options families and communities are able to choose from is what Colorado needs,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Working Coloradans are tired of being priced out of where they live, which is why I am proud to champion this bill that will cut red tape and expand our housing supply to make sure more Colorado families have a place to call home.” “Colorado urgently needs to address our housing shortage,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Our plan will build more homes now that all Coloradans can afford. By allowing property owners to build ADUs and other more affordable homes, we will substantially increase our housing stock, create jobs, improve our air and lower costs for families. That’s why this plan is supported by local elected officials, economic development organizations, housing advocates, workers, and climate champions. We’re addressing the housing crisis now by driving down the cost of housing and helping more Coloradans become homeowners in the communities they love.” “Too many Coloradans are getting pushed out of the community they grew up in because of the rising cost of housing, leading to longer commutes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “That’s why we’re cutting red tape to build more housing around transit hubs, which will reduce air pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and allow Coloradans to spend more time doing the things they love instead of sitting in their cars. The data shows this plan will increase equity in housing, create jobs, and make it easier for Coloradans of all incomes to find an affordable place to live.” The study, conducted on behalf of CEO in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) by ECONorthwest and MapCraft Labs, demonstrated a substantial increase in the potential to build new housing in climate-friendly areas, high opportunity areas, and with more efficient home types that use less water and energy. In assessing the potential impact of four policies in the legislative package on housing, the analysis considered construction costs, market demand, financing, land use policies, and individual parcel characteristics. Housing experts have used this model to analyze policy changes in similar markets. Not all new housing development opportunities identified in the analysis will necessarily be built, but the results are an indication of how much the proposed plan would increase the opportunity to build more housing and help improve housing affordability across Colorado. “From a climate perspective, this is one of the most important bills the Colorado legislature has ever considered,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “Housing policy is key to reducing greenhouse gas pollution from transportation and buildings, and this analysis demonstrates why. Making it possible to build housing that uses less water and energy, in locations where residents can drive less, is critical for reaching our climate goals.” The study analyzed jurisdictions in three of the state’s metro areas: DRCOG (Denver Metro), North Front Range, and the Grand Valley, as well as jurisdictions in the Roaring Fork Valley. As in SB23-213 , the policies were only applied within Census urbanized areas, and outside of undeveloped natural and agricultural lands. Within these case study jurisdictions, compared to a baseline of existing land use policies, the analysis found the policies: Improve housing availability and lower housing costs: A 65% increase in new housing development opportunities while protecting agricultural lands and natural open spaces. Additionally, a major increase in opportunities to build attached housing (duplexes and townhomes) and multifamily housing, which is up to 43% less expensive than detached homes in today's housing stock. Colorado's housing supply has not kept pace with population growth, and the state's housing is currently among the most expensive in the nation. Researchers have identified local land use regulations as a key driver of high housing costs, and that increasing housing supply moderates price increases and improves housing affordability. Increase affordable housing: A 30% increase in new opportunities to build inclusionary affordable housing units in municipalities with existing inclusionary housing ordinances. As communities adopt affordability strategies from the plans outlined in the bill, this could increase as high as 62%. Increase climate and water-efficient housing: A 54% increase in new housing development opportunities that are within walking distance to high quality transit services. The plans outlined in the bill would also substantially increase housing development opportunities for attached housing and multi-family homes, which typically use 22-86% less water than a detached home. Improve equity and access to opportunity: A 77% increase in new housing development opportunities in high-resource communities with better access to jobs and economic mobility, compared to a 10% increase in new housing development opportunities in disadvantaged areas. This data suggests the bill package can improve equity by leveling the playing field and requiring all jurisdictions, and especially jurisdictions with significant amounts of jobs, transit, and resources, to plan for housing for all income levels. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 MCCLUSKIE BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS AND SAVE FAMILIES MONEY ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bills sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie that will prepare students for success and save families and students money on their higher education degrees. “The legislation we passed today will save students and families money on higher education tuition and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado are significant, and this bill opens the door for all Colorado high school graduates to gain the education they need to secure better paying jobs and address workforce shortages. With these bills, we’re working to create new pathways for students to earn postsecondary degrees in less time with fewer costs and increase the resources we dedicate to K-12 education.” HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Perry Will, would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families. Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bill 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 passed 5-3. HB22-1146 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Colin Larson, creates a working group to determine how the state can improve earnings on funds invested in the State Public School Fund. The fund invests money from the State School Land Trust to support K-12 education. The bill passed 9-0. Previous Next

< Back September 1, 2021 MAJORITY LEADER ESGAR STATEMENT ON TEXAS ABORTION BAN DENVER, CO — Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statement after the US Supreme Court declined to block a Texas law that will ban abortions as soon as six weeks–before many women know they are pregnant. “I am outraged by SB8, the Texas law that almost entirely bans abortions before most women even know they are pregnant and which gives complete strangers the right to sue someone over their private medical decisions. The Supreme Court’s failure to block this full on assault on patients and health care providers imperils the health of Texans at a time when states’ attacks on abortion rights are at an all-time high. What we are seeing is an unprecedented erosion of our constitutional rights that threatens abortion access across the country, making abortion access in states like Colorado critical to protect. We will continue to defend our Colorado values and fiercely protect abortion rights in our state from dangerous Republican proposals that seek to criminalize and ban abortion or create a state abortion registry.” Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2021 OH SNAP! STIMULUS PROPOSAL TO INVEST IN JOBS AND SKILLS TRAINING PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today advanced Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to invest state stimulus funds and draw down millions of federal funds for jobs and skills training through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-2. “The pandemic has left more Coloradans than ever relying on state support to make ends meet and put food on the table,” said Representative Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Understanding that most Coloradans are eager and ready to get back to work, our bill channels state and federal dollars towards a proven program that will help build Colorado back stronger by preparing people to re-enter the workforce and get back on their feet.” “The savvy proposal we advanced today makes a state investment to leverage federal funds for a grand total of six million dollars going toward getting Colorado back to work,” said Representative Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First program, we’re ensuring that the Colorado Comeback provides training and skill building opportunities for Coloradans who were hit hard by the pandemic.” The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. < Back April 25, 2023 Bills to Combat Workplace Discrimination, Improve Crime Victim Notifications Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. SB23-172, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon passed committee by a vote of 8 to 5. “Workplace discrimination and harassment must not be tolerated, and we need to modernize Colorado’s outdated laws to protect workers, hold harassers accountable and create safer workspaces,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Aurora . “Power and protection need to be on the side of the worker – and the POWR Act improves accountability so the state can hold harassers in the workplace for their actions. Survivors’ voices and concerns need to be taken seriously, which is why I’m also proud to champion legislation to prioritize survivors of crime by improving notifications regarding release from parole." “Harassment and discrimination persist every day in Colorado workplaces, which is why modernizing our laws to protect workers is long overdue,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Denver. “We need to do everything we can to make it possible for Coloradans to earn a living and pursue careers without being harassed. The POWR Act improves accountability measures and works to create safer, more equitable workspaces. This bill will hold bad actors accountable so workers can thrive in the workplace free from harassment and discrimination.” SB23-172 , the Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act, would update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The bill also deters future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class. Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive'' hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and will allow survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice. The POWR Act also removes the language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) that permits employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job.” Additionally, the bill establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program, taking prompt action in response to a complaint, and keeping records of any complaints. The House Judiciary Committee also passed SB23-193 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, unanimously. SB23-193 aims to prioritize survivors by setting the offender’s release date for parole 15 days after providing notice to the victim. This bill would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) and any other state or local government agency, to provide survivor notifications in easy-to-understand language, using recommendations from victim advocates. If the victim chose to receive notifications, SB23-193 would work to improve communications between the DOC and survivors by giving them advanced notice of their offender’s parole release, in addition to their offender's discharge, transfer, escape, abscondence, unauthorized absence, or parole proceeding. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2020 BLACK DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS AND COLORADO LATINO DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS JOINT STATEMENT ON THE POLICE KILLING OF GEORGE FLOYD For generations, Black Americans are harassed and killed by racist police officers and vigilantes, and every year communities cry out and voice concerns about the unjust treatment of people of color. When it comes to seeking justice, the motives of Black people are questioned, even during simple activities like taking a jog, watching TV in their own homes, or picking up trash around their front yard. Our criminal justice system gives the benefit of the doubt to those who have committed hate crimes, stolen lives and robbed families of their children, spouses, parents, and loved ones. The lack of accountability for the vast majority of perpetrators is rooted in the racist history of our country, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, and the suppression of voting and other civil rights. This legacy has had lingering and devastating impacts on Black communities and continues to cast Black individuals as not worthy of justice, of full protection by the law, or of basic civil rights. This has been seen once again in our nation through the brutal killing of George Floyd by an officer of the Minneapolis Police Department that knelt on his neck while Mr. Floyd gasps that he could not breathe. Witnesses called for the Officer to stop, but the officer ignored their pleas. The officer was then able to walk about freely and live his life for four days before he was charged and arrested. This is not what justice looks like. We the members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado and the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus jointly condemn the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement, and the slow response for justice in the arrest of the officer that took his life. This is a continuation of the systematic racism that has plagued our nation since its inception. This must come to an end. We continue to commit ourselves towards working together on solutions that bring equality and stops the fear, hurt, pain, and loss of life that minorities experience everyday because of the color of their skin. While this took place hundreds of miles away in another state, we recognize that hate takes place here too. In the most recent hate crimes report of statistics released by the FBI, there were “123 reported hate crimes in Colorado [in 2018] compared to 106 in 2017. Of those 123 incidents, 78 were based on race, ethnicity or national origin” ( Westword ). And with hate crimes on the rise, we also mourn all of the deaths of minority Coloradoans who lost their lives from the inexcusable actions of law enforcement like Elijah McClain, Marvin Booker, Michael Marshall, Jessie Hernandez, and De’Von Bailey to name a few. Our respective caucuses are deeply concerned by the increase in bigotry and racism not only across our country, but across Colorado. Just as Latinos and immigrants ask for support from all Coloradans against an increase in xenophobic and racist hate crimes, as the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus, we call on Latinos and allies to show collective support and solidarity for the survivors of hate crimes and of police brutality. We mourn the senseless deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless other Black individuals who do not feel safe simply being Black in public or at home. We applaud the recent arrests and investigations of alleged perpetrators of these hateful acts, but rue the fact that arrests and investigations only take place after gruesome video footage is released. A person’s murder should not have to be broadcast in order to achieve some semblance of justice. Furthermore we the members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado call on the support of African Americans throughout Colorado to stand together for the multitude of families of those that have lost loved ones due to police brutality and hate crimes across this nation. They are our sons and daughters, they are brothers and sisters. Our lives and our liberties must not be stolen from us. We will not accept a double standard. We demand justice and equality. And in our call for justice we remind those that demonstrate their grief to do so in a manner that uplifts our united cause peacefully; our demands for justice must be justifiable in their own right. Our caucuses together ask that all Coloradans stand up against racism, speak up and report hate crimes in your communities, and support each other as neighbors, as communities, and as Coloradans to build a brighter, less fearful Colorado for our increasingly diverse children and future generations. Join us in putting in the effort to make Colorado more inclusive and welcoming for all people: the effort we put in today will save lives tomorrow. Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod State Senator Rhonda Fields State Representative Janet Buckner State Representative James Coleman State Representative Tony Exum State Representative Dominique Jackson State Representative Jovan Melton State Senator Angela Williams Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus State Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez State Representative Monica Duran State Representative Adrienne Benavidez State Representative Alex Valdez State Representative Bri Buentello State Representative Yadira Caraveo State Representative Sonya Jaquez Lewis State Representative Donald Valdez State Representative Kerry Tipper State Senator Robert Rodriguez State Senator Julie Gonzales State Senator Leroy Garcia State Senator Dominick Moreno Previous Next

The House today introduced two bills that will reduce the cost of prescription drugs. < Back March 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs Introduced DENVER, CO - The House today introduced two bills that will reduce the cost of prescription drugs. HB23-1225 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ruby Dickson and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. “Colorado Democrats have made substantial progress lowering the cost of prescription drugs and saving Coloradans money on their health care,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Big pharmaceutical companies shouldn’t be able to rake in record profits as hardworking Coloradans struggle to afford the medications they need. With this legislation, we’re extending the effective cost saving measures established with the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to more drugs in order to save Coloradans money on their prescriptions." “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is that Coloradans are able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an essential tool to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable, and these changes will make the Board even more effective at saving families money on their life saving medications.” “Every day, Coloradans across the state are having to choose between filling their life-saving prescriptions, buying groceries or paying rent,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “This new legislation builds on our work to lower prescription drug costs by improving how the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will work. By limiting out-of-pocket costs for more life-saving drugs, this legislation will ensure that more Coloradans can access essential medications at a cost they can afford.” In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation introduced today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It removes the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. “Pharmacy Benefit Managers can be a big part of our efforts to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs, but they have to follow the rules,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We’ve passed legislation to save consumers money on healthcare costs, but PBMs are coming in between consumers, health insurance plans, pharmacies and manufactures while making large profits. This bill will protect consumers and employers and save Coloradans money by making sure that PBMs follow the rules.” “Our bill strengthens consumer protections and holds pharmacy benefit managers accountable to ensure that Coloradans save money on prescription drugs,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’ve made incredible progress toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs. This legislation will allow the Commissioner of Insurance to investigate, hold hearings, issue cease-and-desist orders, and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with cost saving measures and consumer protections.” HB23-1227 , sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and David Ortiz and Senator Perry Will, will ensure that Pharmacy Benefit Managers follow through on critical cost savings reforms. The legislature has passed reforms to ensure that PBMs save consumers money, and this bill would ensure that PBMs follow through. This bill will provide the Division of Insurance with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that that Division has the ability to enforce those reforms. Specifically, this bill would allow the commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM affiliated pharmacies. Last week, the House also introduced HB23-1201 , sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty and Matt Soper. Currently PBMs can charge employers one price, but reimburse pharmacies less and keep the difference, a practice known as price spreading. This bill makes it an unfair business practice for PBMs to charge employers more for a drug than what they pay pharmacies for the same drug and increase transparency for employers into PBM and carrier behavior that impacts their costs. Previous Next