< Back August 6, 2019 COLORADO ERPO SPONSORS RESPOND TO TRUMP’S CALL FOR RED FLAG LAWS “There is much more they must do to protect our communities” (August 6) – In response to President Trump’s call for red flag laws in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, the sponsors of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law, Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan, issued the following statement: “Colorado is grieving with El Paso and Dayton after the tragedies this weekend. Colorado knows far too well the pain of mass shootings and the trauma that they inflict on victims and communities. It is time to take action to stop these senseless, deadly attacks. “We are glad to hear that there is increasing bipartisan support at the federal level for red flag laws. Here in Colorado we passed an Extreme Risk Protection Order law, a commonsense approach that is shown to save lives and prevent tragedies. We encourage other states to look to Colorado’s legislation as a model that increases public safety while protecting due process rights. The federal proposal is a good step but there is much more they must do to protect our communities from the scourge of gun violence.” Rep. Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Rep. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. The state’s Extreme Risk Protection law, also known as the Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Protection Act, was signed by Gov. Polis on April 12 of this year and will provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The legislation has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Through HB19-1177, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is a significant risk to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for an ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter and testified in support of the legislation. Members of law enforcement, gun owners, and survivors of gun violence testified for hours during House and Senate committee hearings in support of the bill. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have enacted ERPO laws. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back April 19, 2024 Bipartisan McCluskie Bill to Boost Water Conservation Funding Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. HB24-1436 passed by a vote of 59 to 1. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m honored to bring forward this legislation to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Any additional revenue above $29 million is required to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This cash fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie is also sponsoring legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. < Back June 5, 2024 ICYMI: JOINT RELEASE: New Protections for Delivery Drivers Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This new law will improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” “For delivery drivers working for companies like UberEats or GrubHub, details about fares and earnings are shrouded in mystery,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This creates uncertainty about their take home wages and can make it difficult to budget for their family. This important law increases protections for delivery drivers and holds DNCs accountable to fair wages and employment practices, just like every other industry.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. This law will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” “This year, we made major strides to guarantee delivery drivers transparency around their wages and work,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Providing clear information about how much a company is making and how much a driver is taking home creates a better understanding of delivery processes for drivers and consumers alike. I’m proud to champion this law and Senate Bill 75, both of which ensure all app-based drivers receive the essential details about their work that they deserve.” HB24-1129 , sponsored by Representatives Vigil and Mabrey, and Senators Hinrichsen and Priola, aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. It also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration, and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, released the following statement today after the federal government released $40 million to the Colorado River District for the purchase and protection of Shoshone Water Rights: < Back May 22, 2026 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate $40M Award for Shoshone Water Rights Preservation DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, released the following statement today after the federal government released $40 million to the Colorado River District for the purchase and protection of Shoshone Water Rights: “Acquiring the Shoshone Water Rights has been a long-term, bipartisan priority for Western Slope lawmakers, and we are ecstatic that the federal government has finally released the $40 million in funding to the Colorado River District to complete this purchase. Securing this water right is not only crucial for preserving the future of water security on the Western Slope, but also supporting Colorado farms, ranches, local economies, outdoor recreation and Western Slope communities. We are grateful for the advocacy of Congressman Jeff Hurd, Senator Michael Bennet, Congressman Joe Neguse and the rest of the Colorado federal delegation, local leaders, and especially Western Slope communities who have never stopped fighting to secure this funding and protect Colorado’s waterways.” In 2024, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This was in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, a combination of local leaders and governments. In August 2025, state legislators sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior, urging them to release the $40 million in funding that the federal government committed to in January 2025. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to improve health outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. < Back May 3, 2024 Bill to Support Coloradans with Sickle Cell Disease Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve health outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. 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. “This bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “ Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and can cause joint pain, prolonged fatigue and reduce oxygen flow. With this bill, we can make it easier for people to access critical health care as we work toward closing the gap to accessing health care experienced by marginalized communities.” “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. “Our bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect Coloradans living with sickle cell disease with health care resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, impacting Black communities at a higher rate with prolonged fatigue and pain. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator and one of my predecessors in the House, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the health care gap, especially for those who have been underserved for far too long.” SB24-042 , passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3, 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

< Back June 27, 2025 Leadership Condemns SCOTUS Attack on Constitutional Protections and Birthright Citizenship DENVER, CO – President James Coleman, Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statements on the US Supreme Court’s ruling lifting a national injunction that had blocked President Trump’s unlawful birthright citizenship order. All children born in Colorado will continue to be citizens under this ruling. Statement from President James Coleman, D-Denver, Chair of the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus: “Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our diverse democracy and a settled Constitutional right. It’s foundational to our American identity and ensures that we all receive equal treatment under the law. Allowing Trump’s executive order to move forward in any capacity is dangerous, an escalation of anti-immigrant rhetoric, and a direct attack on the Constitution itself. Here in Colorado, we will continue to forcefully oppose efforts to chip away at our constitutional rights that define us as a nation.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus: “I am the daughter of a first-generation Mexican American who marched for farmworkers’ rights alongside Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, and my grandparents were migrant farmworkers who came to this country with calloused hands and hopeful hearts. They believed in the promise that if you worked hard, you could build a better life for your children and the powerful idea that if you are born here, you belong here. “Birthright citizenship isn’t just a policy or a line in the Constitution, it is the assurance that every child born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ status or origin, has a rightful place here. It’s what allowed my family to dream beyond the fields to classrooms, careers and eventually the halls of the State Capitol. I refuse to let anyone erase our belonging, our dignity, and our contribution. “I know what it means to feel invisible, to be homeless, to be a survivor, to fight your way through systems that were never built with you in mind. And I also know the fierce pride that comes with rising from those challenges and using your voice to speak for those who are still fighting. We are the fabric of this country. And we’re not going anywhere.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus: “Today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court is a dangerous attack on our Constitutional rights and will undoubtedly create a confusing, patchwork set of laws from state to state. It both weakens our Constitution and undermines public trust in our institutions. We have worked hard to shore up the rights of Coloradans regardless of what chaos comes down from DC, and we will not shy away from doing so moving forward. We will do everything we can to protect our freedoms and ensure that Coloradans continue to live in a state that values fairness and equal protection under the law.” Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “This dangerous ruling weakens Constitutional protections across the board for everyone in our country and creates a patchwork of citizenship rules that are unconstitutional, unworkable and a direct assault on the rule of law. No matter where we come from, all Coloradans want the same things: to put a roof over our family’s heads, put food on the table, and pursue the American Dream. Immigrants strengthen our communities and power our economy. In Colorado, we work to safeguard the Constitutional rights of all people, and we will continue to protect our rights, our liberties and the Colorado way of life.” Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2020 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES PUBLIC SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS Committee approves bills to allow behavioral analysts in public schools and excuse absences for behavioral health issues DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Education today considered a pair of bills, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, and Lisa Cutter, to address behavioral health in public schools and support students with behavioral health issues. HB20-1058 , sponsored by Rep. Froelich, would require local school boards and other education service providers to adopt a policy that will allow behavior health analysts to provide medically necessary services to students in public schools by July, 2021. “Parents have long advocated for policies that allow their children to get the necessary behavioral services they need in public schools,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill gives parents a path forward and aims to improve educational and behavioral health outcomes for all of Colorado’s students.” SB20-014 , Sponsored by Reps. Michaelson Jenet and Cutter, would require schools to excuse absences for behavioral health concerns in their attendance policies. This bill came out of the School Safety Interim Committee and already passed the Senate unanimously. “Faced with a mental health crisis, we need to finally acknowledge that behavioral health concerns can be just as serious as physical health concerns,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Ensuring that public schools allow excused behavioral health absences is an important step forward.” “With Colorado’s youth suicide rate soaring, we need to explore every option available to get our kids the behavioral health support they need,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Allowing Colorado’s students to take the time off they need to seek care for or heal from behavioral health issues will help destigmatize mental health and move us forward.” Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2024 House Passes Bills to Increase Access to Health Care DENVER, CO – The House today passed three pieces of legislation to improve health care access in Colorado. SB24-110 sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Emily Siorta, would save Coloradans money on prescription drugs. SB24-034, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Lorena Garcia, would expand the existing School-Based Health Center Grant Program to include telehealth services and mobile health units. SB24-116, sponsored by Representative Iman Jodeh, would expand health care coverage for low-income patients. “Authorization requirements for antipsychotic medications are forcing patients to ration their prescription or skip doses entirely, which can be challenging for their recovery,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill importantly removes unnecessary authorization requirements for some antipsychotic medications so Coloradans with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health disorders can receive their medications when they need them.” “Coloradans with a serious mental health condition don’t have access to the prescription medication they need when they need it due to prior authorization requirements,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver. “This bill removes access barriers so Coloradans can receive their antipsychotic prescription on time.” SB24-110 , passed the House by a vote of 57 to 5, and would make it easier for patients to access antipsychotic prescription drugs used to treat a mental illness or disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder without needing prior authorization from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “The School-Based Health Center Grant Program will help provide quality health care services to our youth to meet the needs of students in our state,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora . “Our bill extends this important program to also include telehealth services so every student seeking care receives it in a convenient way that works for them.” “Expanding access to health care is critical, especially for our students and youth,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “This bill expands the School-Based Health Center Grant Program so our students, regardless of their zip code, can receive the medical, behavioral, oral and preventative health care they need.” SB24-034 would expand the successful School-Based Health Center Grant Program to include telehealth services and mobile health units and passed the House by a vote of 45 to 17. School-based health centers are located in schools throughout Colorado and provide primary medical and behavioral health care to children and young adults. Under current law, the School-Based Health Center Grant Program supports the establishment, expansion, and ongoing operations of school-based health centers. If passed, SB24-034 would allow this program to work alongside other school-linked programs, such as telehealth and mobile health units. “We need to ensure every Coloradan has access to the health care they need, when they need it,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “This bill would expand health care coverage for low-income Coloradans by allowing hospitals to make presumptive eligibility determinations. This will help ensure low-income patients can receive the care they need without having to jump through unnecessary hoops.” SB24-116 , sponsored by Representative Jodeh, passed by a vote of 46-16 and would expand health care coverage for low-income Coloradans. Specifically, this bill would modify requirements for the presumptive eligibility program and for indigent patients, receiving discounted care under the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). HCPF and Denver Health are currently the only institutions that can make a presumptive eligibility determination. The bill allows hospitals to make these determinations. Additionally, the bill makes changes to the requirements for indigent patients receiving health care discounts on services not reimbursed through the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) including: requiring a patient to attest to residing in Colorado; placing a price cap on comprehensive bills that aligns with the current caps on individualizes bills; authorizing health-care facilities to deny discounted care to a patient if, during the initial screening, the patient is determined to be presumptively eligible for Medicaid; clarifying that the health professional who provides services is responsible for billing the patient for those services, unless the services are billed on a comprehensive bill; excluding primary care provided in clinics in rural or frontier counties that offer a sliding-fee scale from receiving discounted care. Previous Next

HB23-1167 would expand Good Samaritan immunity to those acting in good faith to save someone from an overdose < Back March 2, 2023 Overdose Prevention Bill Moves Forward HB23-1167 would expand Good Samaritan immunity to those acting in good faith to save someone from an overdose DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill on a preliminary vote today that would help prevent fatal overdoses by restoring the Good Samaritan immunity to those taking action to save someone from a fatal overdose. “We have heard countless stories of people who were too scared to call law enforcement to report an overdose, even when doing so might have saved a life,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “We’re sponsoring this bill to lift the veil of fear and make clear that the only thing Coloradans should be worrying about is how they can save the life of the person overdosing. This bill strikes the right balance by allowing law enforcement to continue to crack down on serious drug dealers while having compassion for people struggling with their own addiction.” “Coloradans are dying from preventable drug overdoses, we need to do everything in our power to ensure people will call emergency services to save lives,” said Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Brighton . “When someone is experiencing an overdose, the number one priority should be getting them the medical attention needed to save their life. This bill is rooted in harm reduction and makes our existing Good Samaritan law work as intended.” HB23-1167 would expand the bipartisan, 2012 Good Samaritan law by restoring immunity for all drug possession charges and expanding immunity to people sharing small amounts of drugs among friends if they call 911, stay on the scene, and fully cooperate with law enforcement to try to save a life. This bill is rooted in harm reduction. Right now, Coloradans are refraining from contacting emergency services when someone is overdosing because they are worried about facing criminal charges if they shared or purchased the controlled substance with the person who is overdosing. In addition, HB23-1167 grants affirmative defense to the prosecution for an individual at the scene responsible for manufacturing or selling the deadly substances. Across Colorado, five people die each day from preventable overdoses. This bill would encourage Coloradans on the scene to do everything in their power to help someone experiencing an overdose without letting serious drug dealers off the hook. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2022 BILLS TO PREVENT DOXXING OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to strengthen services provided to older Coloradans and to prevent the doxxing of health care workers today passed the House on Third Reading and final passage. “As Colorado’s older population grows, we’re working hard to rethink the type of programs and supportive services they need to live productive lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set defined goals that will guide our state to strengthen services for older Coloradans. This bill aims to provide social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy programs and much more to make it easier for older Coloradans to lead impactful lives.” HB22-1035 , which passed by a vote of 53-9, updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. “No one should feel unsafe when they’re just doing their job, but we’ve seen a significant increase in atrocious threats to health care workers and their families,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Ft. Collins . “This bill would protect our essential workers from doxxing by allowing them to remove their name and address from public databases.” HB22-1041 , which passed by a vote of 52-10, would protect code enforcement officers from doxxing, a practice of sharing someone’s sensitive information online with malicious intent. This bill would also add health care workers, animal control officers, code enforcement officers and more to the list of protected persons whose personal information may be withheld from the public if they receive a threat. HB22-1041 would create a new process for workers to redact their full name and address from online records. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2019 GOV SIGNS DEM-LED BILLS ADDRESSING OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid crisis (May 23) – Today, Gov. Polis signed a package of bills that are part of House Democrats’ efforts to combat the opioid crisis. First, Gov. Polis signed HB19-1009 sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “This law is focused on people who are going through substance use recovery and are at the end of that spectrum,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Through this bill, we are trying to reintegrate these folks back into the community and break down the barriers they face, like access to housing.” “The majority of people with a substance use disorder are currently in recovery today. Supporting recovery is the right thing to do, costing the state far less in the long run,” said Rep. Singer, when the bill passed the House. “This will play a huge role in ending the opioid crisis.” The new law improves support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders by expanding housing assistance for people transitioning out of treatment, increasing oversight of recovery residences to ensure high quality care and investing in recovery services for people who have sought care and treatment. Gov. Polis then signed SB19-008, Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s common sense bill that examines alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of sitting in jail for drug-related offenses. SB19-008 is a product of the opioid interim committee and also looks to provide medication-assistance treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “We need to think collaboratively and strategically in order to address this crisis” said Rep. Kennedy. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that people struggling with addiction released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to our community once again.” “Coloradans are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This law will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers. I’m thankful to the counselors, law enforcement, my colleagues and people across the state who came to support this bill.” Gov. Polis then signed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. This bill authorizes schools to obtain a supply of opiate antagonists, specifies that a licensed or certified hospital may be used as a clean syringe exchange site, creates the opiate antagonist purchase fund and expands the household medication take-back program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. “Addiction is a public health issue and harm reduction is an important and vital step to combating this epidemic in our communities. This new law will save lives and expand treatment and recovery options across Colorado,” said Rep. Herod. Finally, Gov. Polis signed SB19-228, Rep. Bri Buentello’s bill requiring certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibiting a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This new law will give Southern Colorado more of the tools we need to address the opioid crisis, prevent addiction and give people more access to treatment and recovery” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. SB19-228 also requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders; improves youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorders prevention. The Governor also signed HB19-1193 sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod to provide behavioral health support for high-risk families. “We can’t incarcerate our way out of this crisis,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that moms struggling with addiction will be able to rebuild their lives and take care of their children in a healthy and loving way.” HB19-1193 expands existing programs that provide access to substance use disorder treatment to pregnant and parenting women. This bill creates a child care pilot program for parenting women engaged in substance use disorder treatment. All of these bills were signed at the Sobriety House in Denver. Previous Next