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< Back April 6, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to boost Colorado’s workforce by making it even easier for a professional to transfer their credentials to the state of Colorado. “Colorado is open for business and we’re making it easier for qualified candidates to work in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the credentials transfer process so Colorado businesses and companies can attract highly-qualified professionals. We’re breaking down unnecessary barriers to employment to fill Colorado’s growing workforce with professionals in high-demand industries.” SB22-116 , passed out of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee unanimously and would strengthen Colorado’s workforce by further increasing the efficiency of the existing credential portability program. Examples of transferable professional credentials include various health care professionals, veterinarians and certified public accountants, among others. The bill would also add a military occupational specialty, allowing those having served in certain military roles to qualify for a credential through the program. The bill expands on the progress of HB20-1326 , which created the occupational credential portability program within the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The program was created to enable regulators to more quickly and easily approve credentials for qualified individuals. Previous Next

SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable < Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “The last thing on anyone’s mind when receiving life-saving care, including an abortion, should be – can I afford this? However, financial barriers keep that question top of mind for too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill will increase access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but you shouldn’t have to be in my shoes to receive the health care you need. Our bill ensures that all Coloradans, regardless of income level or zip code, are supported in accessing reproductive health care and STI treatments.” “Inequity in health care access is a systemic problem, which is why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and making it possible for all Coloradans to receive the reproductive health care they need,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our bill makes accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatment, more equitable and affordable. To achieve reproductive freedom for all, we need to prioritize health care access for underserved communities and communities of color, and uproot the barriers that hold people back from receiving the care they need.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. Previous Next

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services today passed legislation to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. SB25-196 passed by a vote of 9 to 4, all four House Republicans voted against the measure. “A routine cancer screening can save a life; we can’t jeopardize Coloradans' access to this essential preventive health care,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “In the wake of federal threats to cut fundamental health care coverage, we’re stepping up to protect preventive health care in Colorado. Preventive care today means avoiding costly emergency events in the future.” “Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes for patients and save money on health care,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Despite the resounding benefits of preventive health care, recent federal attempts to strip away preventive health care coverage means Coloradans could lose coverage if we don’t act now. This bill steps up to protect health care coverage in Colorado so everyone can lead longer, healthier lives.” SB25-196 would give state insurance agencies the authority to reinstate guidelines on preventive care from federal agencies that existed in January 2025 or comply with recommendations by the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care (NPATCH). This includes the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner of Insurance to consult the NPATCH in developing their recommendations about updates and modifications to the current list of preventive coverage. Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut $250 million from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has laid a strong foundation to a healthier future for Americans by making health care coverage more affordable and prioritizing no-cost clinical preventive services. The ACA covers more than 100 preventive health care services, annual check ups, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and some cancers. More than 44 million Americans rely on ACA health care coverage, including nearly 300,000 Coloradans . Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2022 ANTI-VAXX BILLS DEFEATED Legislation will invest $84.2 million to expand behavioral health care workforce, better connect Coloradans with the care they need DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the Colorado Senate introduced a pair of bills aimed at improving access to Colorado’s behavioral health care and increasing the state’s health care workforce. The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . SB22-181 : Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development Sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), Reps. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) and Tonya Van Beber (R-Weld County) This bill directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop plans to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. “If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said Sen. Bridges. “With this bill, we’re going to make a significant investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.” “As we invest $450 million to improve access to behavioral health in Colorado, we’re taking aggressive action to attract, train and retain the providers we need to provide that quality care,” said Rep. Cutter. “There is a significant shortage of behavioral health care providers in Colorado, and this bill will start to address this challenge by taking a multi-pronged approach that focuses on recruitment, training and collaborative partnerships. A large portion of the funding will go toward scholarships and loan forgiveness for behavioral health care students and training programs to prepare young people for a career in behavioral health care.” The bill will invest a total of $72 million, including: $10 million to improve recruiting and retaining providers who better represent the communities they serve. $6 million to help Colorado colleges and universities promote the behavioral health field and to allow students to participate in activities like job shadowing and internships that expose them to the behavioral health field and create a level playing field so students of all backgrounds can explore a career in behavioral health. $20 million for the Colorado Health Service Corps, an existing program that allows care providers working in designated health professional shortage areas to apply for funding to repay qualifying educational loans. $20 million to create a behavioral health care training curriculum administered by the Colorado Community College System. $6 million to expand the number of peer support specialists in Colorado. Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience who can help others going through similar experiences, and are a critical component of the behavioral health workforce. $5 million to offer professional development opportunities that improve skills for behavioral health care professionals to better serve people in the criminal justice system, improve cultural competency and expand professional development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed workforce. $5 million to further leverage existing workforce development programs, establish standards to ensure a quality workforce, and reduce administrative burden so that providers can spend more time focusing on patient care. SB22-177 : Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure Sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale) and Reps. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) and Mary Bradfield (R-Colorado Springs) This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available behavioral health safety net system services and delivery, and on ways to better connect individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “While there will always be more work to do to expand and improve our behavioral health care system, we need to make sure Coloradans can fully utilize already existing behavioral health services,” said Sen. Pettersen. “With this new infusion of funds, we can more quickly and efficiently connect Coloradans with care they need. Behavioral health care navigators will be well equipped to help Coloradans navigate these complex systems to deliver quality, accessible services to those that need the most support." “It can be far too difficult to navigate Colorado’s behavioral health care system, so a crucial part of our efforts will be to improve care coordination to help people cut through the red tape that can be a barrier accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Titone. “With this bill, behavioral health care providers will have better tools to connect patients with providers and other specialists who can help them access the care they need, when they need it.” Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2025 House Advances SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “The gun violence epidemic requires meaningful action, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to protect all Coloradans from gun violence,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado has a tragic history of mass shootings and our state's high-capacity magazine ban needs to be enforced to save lives. This legislation will help ensure these deadly weapons won’t get into the wrong hands.” “Preventing gun violence is one of the most effective ways that we can make our communities safer and save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines are uniquely lethal and dangerous. This bill is a commonsense solution to ensure that people receive effective training and meet the requirements under state and federal firearm laws before purchasing the most lethal weapons on the market. From background checks and waiting periods to limits on high-capacity magazines, Colorado Democrats have enacted multiple laws to protect Coloradans from future gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, individuals seeking to bypass existing law can legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. ### Previous Next

< Back December 1, 2023 House Leadership Statements on Resignation of Rep. Dickson DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following statements on the resignation of Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial: Statement from Speaker McCluskie: “Representative Dickson is a brilliant champion for working families and has passed landmark legislation to make Colorado more affordable, support our workforce, create jobs and protect our environment. From eliminating arbitrary restrictions on building new homes to expanding cost saving measures for prescription drugs, she has worked tirelessly to address the rising cost of living in our state and deliver real results for hardworking Coloradans. I know Rep. Dickson will continue to drive positive change in her community and throughout Colorado.” Statement from Majority Leader Duran: “It has been an honor to serve alongside Representative Dickson and see firsthand her dedication to making Colorado a better place to live. Her efforts will lead to more housing for every Coloradan’s budget, lower prescription drug costs, and safer, lead-free environments for children. From reducing carbon pollution to creating jobs in emerging industries, Rep. Dickson’s legislation will move Colorado forward, help lift families out of poverty and create an economy that works for all. I wish her well in all of her endeavors.” Previous Next

< Back August 23, 2025 Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Passes House The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to the federal GOP tax bill. HB25B-1006 passed by a vote of 40-22. “This legislation will blunt Congressional Republicans’ nearly 30 percent increase in health care premium hikes and prevent 20,000 Coloradans from losing their health care coverage,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “If we don’t act now, Republicans’ failure to extend tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance will lead to over 100,000 Coloradans losing coverage next year and increased costs for businesses and families.” “Only Congress can fully prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing health care next year and stop these outrageous premium increases, but we are doing what we can for one year in Colorado to protect care for as many people as we can,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When people don’t have health insurance, they either aren’t able to see a doctor, or when they do, everyone else has to pay for that care. This drives up costs for everyone and leads to worse health outcomes. Congress must act now to prevent massive price hikes for health insurance.” “The reinsurance program has saved Coloradans billions on health insurance, especially on the Western Slope where Congressional Republicans’ inaction will leave us facing nearly 40 percent increases in insurance premiums,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill will help us avoid even higher price hikes and preserve coverage for Coloradans who will lose access to health care if we do not act now. Congress has failed our state, and I urge Jeff Hurd, Gabe Evans and the Republicans in our delegation to act now to prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing access to health care and to stop the 40 percent premium increases on the individual market that are coming next year as a result of their budget.” If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 would make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by: Loaning $100 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund (UPTF) to the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund for the 2026 plan year, Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to use up to $5 million of the UPTF and up to $20 million of the residual HIAE reserves on HIAE programs, Allowing the Board and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics and authorizing the State Auditor to audit the programs. The bill would invest up to $50M to help the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans choosing not to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance is projected to keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. Connect for Health Colorado estimates that Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits could lead to 112,000 Coloradans losing coverage. HB25B-1006 would invest up to $50 million in the premium wrap program to reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage by 20,000. Eighty-percent of individuals who get their coverage through this program can expect to see their premiums increase 175-percent. OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are not eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly all of them will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: < Back August 19, 2024 ICYMI: Mauro, Vigil Statements on Transportation Legislation Review Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: Statement from Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo: “From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving our air quality to ensuring Coloradans can get to work and school without access to a car, it is important that the legislature takes steps to create transportation systems that all Coloradans can rely on. The Transportation Legislation Review Committee heard from many transportation organizations and departments, giving us a better picture of what issues need to be addressed to improve our transportation and transit systems. I’m excited to continue these policy discussions so we can better support an efficient and equitable transportation system.” Statement from Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs: “As a multi-modal resident, I understand all too well how important transportation choice is to our communities. Whether we drive, take transit, or cycle, the built environment needs to work for all Coloradans, and allow us all to have safe, affordable, convenient travel. From the high cost of vehicle ownership to reducing carbon emissions, there are plenty of reasons why Coloradans want more transportation choices. After hearing from transit agencies, environmental organizations, and other important voices in our communities, we have a better idea of how to meet the transportation needs of all Coloradans.” Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2023 Dems Defeat Dangerous GOP Gun Bills Similar legislation in Missouri criticized for hampering law enforcement investigations DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated two Republican bills that would have interfered with critical law enforcement actions and investigations and made Coloradans less safe. “As Colorado Democrats work to reduce gun violence and protect our communities, Republicans in the legislature are sponsoring bills that would disrupt critical public safety efforts, hamper law enforcement investigations and make us less safe,” said State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The dangerous legislation we defeated today would have prevented local law enforcement from partnering with federal departments to solve firearm-related crimes, risked compromising ongoing investigations, and jeopardized security at our airports. But that is only half the problem. I must admit I’m disappointed in my GOP colleagues who antagonized several of the student witnesses who came to share their concerns that this legislation would lead to even more violence. We should be encouraging young people to participate in the process, not grilling them on ideological grounds.” “Across the country, sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs have raised concerns that this type of legislation will make it harder for them to protect their communities,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, a member of the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. “As a responsible gun owner, I know there’s more we can do to prevent gun violence, and House Democrats are committed to this goal. That’s why we took decisive action today to defeat legislation that would have far-reaching and dangerous consequences for the safety of our communities.” HB23-1044, sponsored by Representative Ken deGraaf, would have prohibited the state of Colorado or any political subdivision from enforcing or attempting to enforce any federal laws or regulations on the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of a firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition. It would have prevented law enforcement from seeking federal assistance for firearms tracing and other support for solving crimes– efforts that are especially critical for solving violent crimes. The bill would have prevented local law enforcement from cooperating with FBI or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigations or enforcement of federal prohibitions on bump stocks or ghost guns. The bill would have also prohibited local police departments from working with federal prosecutors to bring weapons possession charges for violations of federal law, such as possession of a weapon by a prior offender for a drug-related offense. In Missouri, where a similar law passed in 2021 , sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs have decried the law’s impact on their ability to partner with federal agencies to hold people who break the law accountable. By opening up local law enforcement departments to lawsuits, HB23-1044 could have had a chilling effect on police and sheriffs’ willingness to work with federal agencies to solve firearm-related crimes. Under the bill, any state employee, including those who operate Colorado’s airports and other secure facilities, would have been prohibited from offering any material support, including the use of facilities or communications equipment, to federal personnel who enforce federal firearm restrictions, including at those secure facilities that regulate the use of firearms at those locations. In the Department of Justice lawsuit against HB85, Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act, the department noted how the bill would nullify firearm restrictions at airports. HB23-1050, sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, would create a Colorado Shoot First law for business owners. Research repeatedly shows that these laws increase homicides and accidental firearm deaths while doing nothing to reduce crime. In states with Shoot First laws, homicides where the victim is Black and the shooter is white are deemed justified five times more frequently than when the shooter is Black and the victim is white. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills that will improve air quality and increase access to alternative modes of transportation. Air Quality Improvements: SB22-193 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring and incentives. The bill passed 41-24. “Poor air quality along the Front Range has become intolerable, and it’s leading to negative health outcomes, especially for children,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This legislature is making the single largest investment in our state’s history to improve our air quality, reduce harmful emissions and build a healthier Colorado.” “We’ve made addressing poor air quality one of our top priorities this session, and I’m proud to see the House pass this robust package of bills that will help make it easier for Coloradans to breathe all along the front range,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This $111 million investment will create cleaner commuting options and help private entities and local governments finance projects that reduce industrial emissions.” SB22-193 will invest $111.25 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. This includes: $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses. $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships finance projects to reduce industrial emissions through different technologies such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture. $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs. $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying and localized monitoring to help identify leaks at oil and gas facilities. $1.5 million for financing and incentives for cannabis producers to reduce their energy and water use. $750,000 for increasing access to transit for state employees. Protecting Communities from Contamination from Orphan Wells: SB22-198 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Perry Will, aims to reduce methane emissions from abandoned, unmaintained oil and gas wells by creating a sustainable funding mechanism to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphan wells. The bill passed 45-20. “Oil and gas wells that have been abandoned are a significant contributor to harmful methane emissions and are a liability for taxpayers,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bipartisan bill will address environmental and public health concerns from orphaned oil and gas wells and ensure that operators pay their fair share to clean up abandoned wells so taxpayers aren’t left on the hook to deal with them or the health impacts they cause.” Colorado has more than 200 orphaned wells and 500 orphaned sites, which leak methane and contribute to climate change. If passed, SB22-198 would create an enterprise within the Department of Natural Resources to fund, through annual per well fees paid by operators, the proper plugging and remediation of orphaned or abandoned wells. This bill works to complement the recent financial assurances rulemaking required in SB19-181. Saving Consumers Money on Energy Efficiency Devices: SB22-051 , sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota, would exempt certain decarbonizing building materials from state sales and use tax and allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the costs of installing energy efficient heat pump water or air cooling or heating systems. The bill passed 40-25. “Energy efficiency devices like heat pumps reduce our use of dirty fuels and lower emissions, which will improve air quality and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This bill will save families and businesses money when they install energy efficient heating and cooling systems, which in turn will also save them money on energy costs.” Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2022 BILL TO SAVE SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS MONEY ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The House moved forward a bill today that would reduce several business filing fees. HB22-1001, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan, advanced on a preliminary vote and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ first ten bills . “We’re using every tool at our disposal to save small business owners and entrepreneurs money,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “For more than two years, Colorado small business community has felt the squeeze from pandemic pressures. This bill will reduce filing fees and costs associated with opening a business to just $1, putting more money back in the pockets of small business owners. Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this bill saves them money.” “We’re serious about saving Coloradans money, and this bill is specifically focused on the business community,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton . “As a small business owner, I know how tough it can be to start a new business from the ground up. By reducing filing fees, we’re cutting red tape and making it easier for small businesses to open their doors. Colorado is an entrepreneurial state and our small businesses are vital to our economic recovery.” HB22-1001 would reduce several business filing fees and other costs associated with operating a business to $1 through a credit program administered by the Secretary of State’s Office. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals and other fees typically paid to the Secretary of State’s Office. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year. Previous Next