The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to attract film tourism in Colorado. HB25-1005 creates a tax credit to encourage the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other smaller film festivals, to call Colorado home beginning in 2027. < Back January 29, 2025 Bill to Attract Sundance Film Festival Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to attract film tourism in Colorado. HB25-1005 creates a tax credit to encourage the Sundance Film Festival, as well as other smaller film festivals, to call Colorado home beginning in 2027. “Colorado would be the perfect place for the Sundance Film Festival to call home,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This iconic film festival has a track record of boosting tourism and economic growth. It would also solidify Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts. This bill gives our state an advantage in bringing a world-renowned film festival to Colorado for the next ten years which could also build and boost smaller, local film festivals in Colorado.” “From original films to panel discussions with filmmakers, Sundance is a world-renowned festival that would be right at home in Boulder,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “If Boulder is selected as the next location for the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, we’d see a boost in tourism – which is good for our small businesses, restaurants and hotels. It’s clear Colorado is the right home for this festival, and I’m excited to be joining this effort.” HB25-1005 passed committee by a vote of 12-1. Boulder was recently selected as a top-three finalist to host the iconic Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027 – which will boost economic growth, tourism and Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts. As outlined in the legislation, Colorado would stand up $34 million in tax incentives to a film festival that sells more than 100,000 tickets and attracts more than 20,000 out-of-state attendees. Additionally, the bill will also leverage $500,000 annually to support smaller, existing local film festivals that are part of Colorado’s growing film festival ecosystem. If Boulder is selected, the festival would take place starting in 2027 through 2036. Boulder is in the running to host the film festival starting in 2027 with Cincinnati, Ohio and Park City, Utah being other contestants. Majority Leader Monica Duran will replace Speaker McCluskie, a strong supporter of the Sundance Festival’s relocation, as a co-prime sponsor of the legislation after second reading. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 FISHERS PEAK PARK ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING New laws signed today fund critical water and wildlife conservation projects PUEBLO, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar to create and fund the new Fishers Peak State Park and to make improvements to parks all across the state to accommodate more visitors. The governor also signed legislation sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts to fund Colorado Water Conservation Board projects and support endangered or threatened species conservation programs. “Colorado has some of the best state parks in the country, and soon we’ll add one more, the beautiful Fishers Peak in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our state parks contribute significantly to our communities, and Fishers peak will draw visitors from across the region, boosting our small businesses and Southern Colorado’s economy. Parks like Fishers Peak create the outdoor recreation options that Coloradans love and our state is known for.” SB20-003 , sponsored by Representative Esgar, provides $6 million in funding to the state’s parks to open Fishers peak and to make improvements at parks throughout the state to accommodate additional visitors and upgrade park facilities and infrastructure. “I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to fund the critical water projects that Colorado communities need and rely on, and to protect the wildlife and endangered species that live in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “By investing in our water infrastructure and conservation, we are ensuring that our state is prepared for the future. These important projects are going to put people to work, revitalize environmental habitats, and protect our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1403 , sponsored by Representative Roberts and Marc Catlin, provides funding for Colorado Water Conservation Board projects. These projects support and implement the Colorado Water Plan and are essential for the state’s water supply and the economic activity that relies on it. SB20-201 , which is also sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Catlin, provides funding for programs at the Department of Natural Resources that protect endangered and threatened species and wildlife in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists dozens of endangered or threatened species, including the American Bald Eagle and Lynx. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES ESGAR’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO INVEST IN COAL TRANSITION COMMUNITIES Majority Leader Esgar’s bipartisan bill to support coal workers and communities passes House on Second Reading DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bill to invest millions into helping communities transition. This 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 on Second Reading. “Coal-dependent economies in Pueblo and across the state are going through major growing pains as our economy moves toward renewable energy, and I’m determined to provide workers and their communities with the support they need to transition and thrive,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This major investment in the Office of Just Transition will make a substantial difference for affected workers and communities like mine. I’m proud of the colleagues who have worked with us to support this office and our communities, and I hope others will join us soon.” The Office of Just Transition was created by the legislature in 2019 to support coal workers, employers, and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants and mines upon which their communities depend. As market shifts, consumer choices and environmental policies move our state toward renewable energy, the Office and the Just Transition Action Plan were created to ensure a smooth adjustment for our coal transition communities . HB21-1290 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, would invest $15 million of state stimulus funds into the Office of Just Transition. Of that amount $8 million will go to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the newly created Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program account within the fund. The bill requires the Office of Just Transition to use these funds to implement the Just Transition Action Plan and provide funding for existing programs that make targeted economic development investments in coal transition communities for business retention, creation, expansion and attraction; infrastructure investments; and strategies for attracting increased investment in these communities. In turn, the Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program’s share of the funding will be allocated to programs that directly assist coal transition workers, including apprenticeship programs, financial planning support, tuition reimbursements, job search assistance, on the job training, or other strategies to help workers transition to as prosperous a future as possible. Previous Next

Archived meeting minutes and locations (Aug 8, 2024 and older). ARCHIVED Meeting Notice 8.22.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 8.8.24 Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Agenda 8.8.24 Urban Perspective + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Agenda 8.8.24 Southern Ute Indian Tribe + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Agenda 5.6.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Agenda 5.2.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 5.1.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.30.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.29.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.29.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.25.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4 .26 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 4.24.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.23.24 Joint Democratic Legislative Council Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.21.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.18.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.18.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4 .19 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 4.15.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Agenda CANCELLED: 4.11.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.8.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.4.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 4.3.24 CSI Caucus Briefing, Agenda 4.1.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda UPDATED 3.25.24 Democrats JBC Meeting, Agenda 3.25.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 3 .21 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda UPDATED 3.18.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 3 .15 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 3.14.24 Budget Overview Discussion with House Dems Staff , Agenda UPDATED: 3.11.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 3 .8 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 3 .7 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 3 . 4.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 3.1.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 2.27.24 Language Access & Disability Access in Emergency Alerts, Agenda 2.26.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 2.23 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 2.22.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 2.16.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 2.12.24 House/Senate Democratic Leadership and PWG, Agenda 2.12.24 OFW Server for an Hour, Agenda 2.12.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 2.12.24 Reps. Jodeh and Woodrow Briefing on TOC's , Agenda 2.9.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Agenda 2.8.24 Legislator Briefing: Construction Liability Litigation Reform Bill , Agenda 2.5.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 2.2.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Meeting, Agenda 2.1.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 1.31.24 Aerospace and Defense Caucus Meeting, Agenda 1.29.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 1.26.24 AV Legislator Briefing, Agenda 1.26.24 Women's Caucus Meeting, Agenda 1.24.24 Healthier Colorado Legislative Reception, Agenda 1.25 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda CANCELLED: 1.22.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Agenda 1.18.24 Colorado Fiscal Institute Legislator Briefing Breakfast, Agenda 1.18.24 People & Pollinator Action Network Legislator Briefing at 12:00 PM, Agen da 1.17.24 Colorado Carbon Management Briefing with National Wildlife Federation & Great Plains Inst , Agenda 1.17.24 Sport smen's Caucus Briefing, Agenda 1.17.24 People & Pollinator Action Network Legislator Briefing, Agen da UPDATED : 1.9.24 For Cause Legislator Briefing, Agenda 1.5.24 Rep. Amabile ADU Meeting, Agenda 1.4.24 Wage Theft Accountability, Agenda 1.2.24 House Democrats Caucus Retreat, Agenda 12.15.23 Conservation Colorado Legislator Briefing, Agenda 12.14.23 Conservation Colorado Legislator Briefing, Agenda 12.13.23 Disability Rights Conference, Agenda 12.8.23 Perinatal Health Legislator Briefing, Agenda 11.16.23 House and Senate Leadership Hold Media Availablity, Agenda 11.14.23 at 4:30 PM, Working Group - Property Tax Relief, Agenda 11.14.23 at 4 PM, Working Group - Rental Assistance, Agenda 11.14.23 at 3 PM, Working Group - Summer EBT, Agenda 11.14.23 at 1 PM, Working Group - EITC, Agenda 11.10.23 at 3 PM, Working Group - Summer EBT, Agenda 11.10.23 at 2 PM, Working Group - Rental Assistance. Agenda 11.10.23 at 1 PM, Working Group - Property Tax Relief, Agenda 11.10.23 at 12 PM, Working Group - TABOR Refund Mechanisms, Agenda 11.10.23 at 11 AM, Working Group - EITC, A genda UPDATED : 11.10.23, House Democrats Caucus Call, Agenda CANCELLED : 11.10.23, House Democrats Caucus Retreat, Agenda 10.25.23, Wage Theft Accountability - Legislator Briefing, Agenda 6.12. 23, House Democrats Caucus Meetin g, Agenda Meeting Minutes 8.22.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 8.8.24 Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Minutes 8.8.24 Urban Perspective + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Minutes 8.8.24 Southern Ute Indian Tribe + American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, Minutes 5.6.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Minutes 5.1.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.30.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4 .26 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 4.29.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.29.24 House Democratic Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.25.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.24.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.23.24 Joint Democratic Legislative Council Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.21.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.18.24 House Democrats Appropriations Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.18.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.15.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.8.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.4.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 4.1.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3.25.24 Democrats JBC Meeting, Minutes 3.25.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3 .21 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 3. 21 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3 .22 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 3 .18 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3 .15 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 3.14.24 Budget Overview Discussion with House Dems Staff , Minutes 3 .11 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3 .8 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 3 .7 .24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 3.1.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 3 . 4.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.27.24 Language Access & Disability Access in Emergency Alerts, Minutes 2.26.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.23.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 2.22.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.16.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Weekly Meeting, Minutes 2.12.24 OFW Server for an Hour, Meeting Minutes 2.8.24 Legislator Briefing: Construction Liability Litigation Reform Bill, Minutes 2.12.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.12.24 House/Senate Democratic Leadership and PWG, Minutes 2.12.24 Reps. Jodeh and Woodrow Briefing on TOC's, Minutes 2.9.24 Democratic Women's Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.2 .24 Democratic Women's Caucus Meeting, Minutes 2.5.24 H ouse Democrats Cau cus Meeting, Minutes 2.1.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 1.31.24 Aerospace and Defense Caucus Meeting Minutes 1.29.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeti ng, Minutes 1.24 .24 Healthier CO Legislative Reception, Meeting Minutes 1.26.24 AV Legislator Briefing, Minutes 1.26.24 Women's Caucus Meeting, Minutes 1.25.24 House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes 1.25.24 Colorado Carbon Management Briefing with National Wildlife Federation & Great Plains Inst, Minutes 1.18.24 People & Pollinator Action Network Legislator Briefing, 12 PM Minutes 1.18.24 Jan 18th Sportsmen's Caucus Briefing, Minutes 1.18.24 People & Pollinator Action Netwo rk Legislator Briefing, Minutes 1.10.24 For Cause Legislator Briefing, Minutes 1.9.24 Rep. Amabile ADU Meeting, Minutes 1.5.24 House Democrats Caucus Retreat, Minutes 12.15.23 Conservation Colorado Legislator Briefing, Minutes & Materials 12.14.23 Conservation Colorado Legislator Briefing, Minutes & Materials 12.13.23 Disability Rights Conference, Minutes 12.8.23 Perinatal Health Legislator Briefing, Minutes 11.16.23 House and Senate Leadership Hold Media Availablity, Minutes 11.14.23 Working Group - Property Tax Relief, Minutes 11.14.23 Working Group - Summer EBT, Minutes 11.14.23 Work ing Group - Rental Assistance, Minutes 11.14.23 Working Group - EITC, Minutes 11.10.23 Working Group - Summer EBT, Minutes 11.10.23 Working Group - Rental Assistance, Minutes 11.10.23 Working Group - Property Tax Relief, Minutes 11.10.23 Working Group - TABOR Refund Mechanisms, Minutes 11.10.23 Working Group - EITC , Minutes 11.10.23 House Democrats Caucus Call, Minutes 10.26.23, Wage Theft Accountability - Legislator Briefing, Minutes & Materials 6.12.23 , House Democrats Caucus Meeting, Minutes

House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement ahead of the rally in support of workers being held tomorrow at the State Capitol: < Back May 22, 2024 Duran: When Workers Thrive, Colorado Thrives DENVER, CO – House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement ahead of the rally in support of workers being held tomorrow at the State Capitol: “Colorado’s workers are the backbone of our economy, and when they thrive, our state thrives as well. As the granddaughter of immigrant farmworkers, I stand with the Coloradans who are rallying at the Capitol tomorrow to advocate for economic justice, better wages, fair workplace practices, and an economy that works for all. “The bills I sponsored this session would have protected some of our most vulnerable people from having their hard earned money stolen by unscrupulous contractors, and would have prohibited retaliation against workers who don’t want to participate in required anti-union, political or religious meetings. “These bills were top priorities for labor advocates and would have made a real difference for many workers in Colorado, predominantly people of color. But the fight does not end here. I will continue advocating for working families, and will be back at the table next session to achieve these goals.” Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 WEISSMAN-CUTTER BILL TO INCREASE LOBBY TRANSPARENCY PASSES THROUGH THE HOUSE (Apr. 9) – Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to improve lobbyist transparency is moving through the legislature. The House approved a bill, sponsored by Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, that would increase the reporting requirements for lobbyists. “The Denver Post recently reported that businesses and special interests spent more than $30 million to lobby in Colorado. That’s more money spent to influence lawmakers than was spent to elect lawmakers. The danger of this is that it gives lobbyist access and influence that the general public doesn’t have,” said Rep. Cutter. “So if money equals speech, it is important that we know where that money is coming from.” HB19-1248 requires more frequent reporting of relevant information by professional lobbyists, clarifies that lobbyists that are also attorneys are not privy to attorney-client confidentiality, and it clarifies that a professional lobbyist must disclose who their ultimate client is, i.e., disclose the name of the client who employs or retains the professional services of the lobbyist. “As elected officials, I believe that we should be guardians and protectors of the public trust. There is not a tremendous amount of public trust in political processes right now,” said Rep. Weissman. “I do believe we must do what we can to shore that up. There are few better ways to do that than bring transparency to lobbying practices around this legislature and that’s what this bill does.” The House approved HB19-1248 on a voice vote. It will receive a final vote at a later date. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO CREATE AG DROUGHT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE OFFICE DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1242 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan, on third reading and final passage by a vote of 40-23. The legislation creates the Office of Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience in the Department of Agriculture. “We have to do what we can to mitigate and prepare for the increasingly severe droughts and other devastating climate events that are threatening our agriculture industry and producers,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “This office will help agriculture producers, who are leading the way in climate resilience best practices, to get ready for and respond to the changes that are already impacting the industry and help encourage more producers to implement strategies to minimize the impacts of climate change.” HB21-1242 creates an office in the Department of Agriculture to help the industry respond to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and increasingly severe droughts. Frequent droughts are placing increasing pressure on Colorado’s already strained water supply and ecosystems that drive the agriculture industry. The office would provide voluntary technical assistance and incentives to help the producers prepare for, mitigate, adapt to, and respond to hazardous events related to drought or our changing climate. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law that will create safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to protect Colorado kids. < Back May 29, 2026 Signed! AI Chatbot Protections Bill DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law that will create safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to protect Colorado kids. “The unfortunate reality is that AI chatbots have encouraged suicide attempts and engaged in romantic interactions with minors. Our new law protects users, especially children, from misleading AI chatbot conversations,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “As a parent, it is unsettling to know that unchecked AI chatbots can put children in harm's way, especially when children show signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Our law improves transparency and safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado children from manipulative and dangerous AI technology.” “The cases we’ve seen in recent years where AI chatbots encourage children to commit suicide are horrifying and unnecessary,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We must step up as policymakers to ensure our children, especially those who are struggling, are safe. This new law takes the first step toward establishing commonsense guardrails so that our children are encouraged to turn to trusted adults, not to AI chatbots, in times of need.” “AI chatbots have posed as licensed mental health professionals or as a romantic partner, which has led to emotional dependence and in some cases suicide,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Our phones have become an extension of ourselves, making these AI chatbots available at kids’ fingertips. This new law establishes guidelines to prevent the gamification of chatbots, prevent AI from generating or engaging in sexually-explicit content with children and require AI companies to provide resources to users who express mental health struggles.” Beginning January 1, 2027, HB26-1263 implements safeguards around artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly as they interact with children. The law requires AI developers to provide a clear and visible disclosure to minor users that the AI chatbot is artificially generated and not a human, and prohibit the use of rewards to encourage engagement. Under the law, AI developers are now required to take reasonable steps to prevent AI chatbots from generating sexually explicit content or generating conversations that encourage or engage in sexually explicit interactions with minors. These developers must also prevent AI chatbots from creating an emotional dependence through false claims that the chatbot is human, generating conversations that are romantic or sexual, or role-playing with a minor. The law, which is also sponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, additionally requires AI developers to allow for parental controls if their chatbots are accessible to children under the age of 13.HB26-1263 requires AI chatbots to provide suicide-prevention resources to users who express suicidal thoughts or interest in self-harm, and platforms would be required to file reports on how often a chatbot flags suicidal or self-harm behaviors. The American Psychological Association has warned that, while AI chatbots are low-cost and accessible, they lack necessary regulations to guarantee that they are being used safely. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 BILL TO FOSTER EMPLOYEE-OWNED CORPORATIONS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed HB21-1241 , sponsored by Representatives Daugherty and Lynch, which would improve the state’s program that facilitates business conversions to employee-owned corporations by opening it up to more businesses. The vote was 11-2. “Employee-owned businesses create jobs, boost employees’ wealth, and typically pay higher wages and salaries,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “With this bill, we’re making it easier for businesses that want to convert to employee-owned to do so through taking advantage of Colorado’s Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program. There’s no reason a business should be forced to close when ownership wants to sell and employees are ready and eager to take it over and keep it going.” The Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program provides financial assistance to businesses looking to convert to employee-owned. HB21-1241 extends this program and makes critical changes to ensure more business, and thus their employees, can benefit from the program and follow through on their desire to convert to employee-owned. Employee-owned businesses often grow faster, provide greater job stability, and are better positioned to withstand an economic downturn. The over 50,000 employee-owned businesses in Colorado employ nearly 420,000 people and have retained a greater number of workers during the pandemic. HB21-1241 would allow the Office of Economic and International Trade the flexibility to change eligibility criteria for businesses applying for the Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program to allow more businesses to apply. It would allow businesses to enter into employee-ownership agreements with less than 50 percent of its employees, which is more in line with industry standards. It also allows the funds to go directly toward the purchase of the business by employees, increasing access to capital for employees to start the conversion process. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 2 CRITICAL CHILD CARE BILLS ADVANCE Denver, CO– The Public Health Care and Human Services Committee today advanced two bills that would give Colorado families increased options for child care at a time when it is more crucial than ever. Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill would allow home-based child care in Homeowners’ Association Communities, and Representative Mary Young’s bill would extend the licensure exemption for family child care homes to September 2026. Rep. Roberts’ bill passed 10-0. Rep. Young’s bill passed 12-1. “As we work to get our state’s strong economy back on track, it’s more important than ever to ensure that Colorado families have access to child care,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “This bill would ease the burdens of an extensive licensure process for certain family care homes, and will provide much needed relief as we adjust to a new way of life.” “Your zip code or unnecessary regulations should never be what prevents you from getting the child care your family needs to get to work,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill allows responsible child care providers to safely provide their services in the community that they live in and will incentivize more people to open home child care businesses. We’re working to ensure that Coloradans can get back to work safely, and making child care more accessible and available is an important step in that direction.” SB20-126 would allow a homeowner in a community organized under the “Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act” to operate a licensed family child care home notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the community’s guidelines. Community guidelines on parking, noise, landscaping continue to apply but communities must make reasonable accommodations for fences required by state child care home licensing laws. Licensure requirements for family child care homes are extensive and must include background checks, required training, inspections and more. HB20-1347 would prolong the time period in which certain family child care homes can receive licensure exemptions from the state. Under HB20-1347, family care homes are homes where less than 24-hours of child care is provided. A family care home cannot exceed four children, and no more than two children can be under the age of two. Additionally, the children are not required to be related to the caregiver, but if the caregiver is caring for their own children in addition to non-family members, their own children are included in the four child limit. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2021 PENAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ADVANCES Bill would gather data around penal telecommunications service providers and limit the costs of phone calls for inmates and their families DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Representative Kerry Tipper and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to increase transparency and accountability in telecommunication costs for incarcerated individuals in Colorado. The bill would instruct the Public Utilities Commission to gather and report data on penal telecommunications providers and establish a maximum per-minute rate for phone calls in jails and prisons. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9-2. “Affordable phone calls mean incarcerated people can more easily access the legal resources and support networks they need to serve out their sentences and more smoothly reintegrate into their communities upon release,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Increasing transparency and regulating the exorbitant fees that are wrapped into the prices of these calls will massively improve the wellbeing of both incarcerated individuals and their families on the outside. This bill is a rational, sensible, and humane step forward for Colorado.” “Phone calls are a lifeline for incarcerated individuals, and we shouldn’t be profiting off of their contact with the outside world,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Studies have shown that being in touch with loved ones reduces recidivism. Given Colorado’s high recidivism rate and the Department of Corrections’ stated goal of reducing it, we should be removing barriers to communication, not making it harder for families to stay in touch. This bill would bring much-needed transparency to begin the process of rooting out profits in our criminal justice system.” HB21-1201 would require telecommunications providers that service correctional facilities to track and maintain data related to the services they provide and report it to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC would then be in charge of making the information public and ensuring accountability and transparency surrounding the providers’ practices. Finally, the PUC would also be charged with establishing a maximum per-minute rate for phone calls placed by incarcerated individuals. Previous Next

Legislation would improve transit system to help housing, climate goals < Back April 10, 2024 Democrats Unveil Bill to Improve Transit, Meet Housing and Climate Goals Legislation would improve transit system to help housing, climate goals DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today introduced legislation to better align the Regional Transportation District (RTD) with initiatives to address housing, climate, and workforce issues. The legislation would also increase accountability and improve coordination between transit systems. “We all share the goal of an excellent multi-modal transit system that gets all riders to where they need to go,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The improvements in this bill will help professionalize RTD’s governance, provide more accountability and transparency to taxpayers which will provide the public confidence needed for additional investments, and give transit agencies across our state more tools to deliver more convenient and low cost transit service. I thank the bill sponsors for their work to strengthen transit in our state, meet the needs of Coloradans, and help support more housing near transportation hubs while expanding ridership and improving Colorado’s air quality.” “Colorado Democrats are focused on addressing issues like housing affordability and workforce development, and transit is a critical piece to help make those a reality," said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Policies allowing density and transit-oriented housing are most effective when paired with a strong transit system for commuters and travelers. This bill will improve RTD services and reliability and position the transit system to better meet the needs of our residents by professionalizing the board, increasing accountability and better aligning RTD planning with community needs.” “Coloradans deserve a reliable mass transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “People can’t get to work, find affordable housing, or reduce car miles traveled without a modern and reliable transit system. Our legislation will boost ridership and get Coloradans where they need to go while helping us meet our housing, climate and transit goals.” HB24-1447 requires the RTD board of directors to create a 10-year strategic plan that outlines the RTD's plans to increase ridership, improve transparency, use district-owned land to prioritize the development of affordable housing and mixed-use, walkable developments, and update parking policies. The plan must support the state's climate, housing, and transportation goals and identify potential funding opportunities that would expand transit and improve equity and efficiencies in the transit system. The bill would also require a study to be conducted regarding the most efficient method of delivering service based on the current and future size of the district, including services for transit-reliant riders.. The RTD Board of Directors would be required to consider the study's findings when they develop their 10-year strategic plan. Currently, there are 15 RTD directors who serve 4-year terms. To bring additional expertise and experience to the RTD board, beginning January 1, 2025, this bill would create a new board of directors made up of: Five directors who would be elected by voters of the district, Two directors appointed by the Governor who would represent the district at large, The executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) or the director's designee, who would serve as a non-voting member of the board, and Two additional non-voting directors who would represent the district at large and would be appointed by the Denver Regional Council of Governments. To improve coordination between transit providers and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), the bill requires a transportation provider to: Submit its proposed fixed-route transit service plans to the MPO, Coordinate with the MPO regarding the implementation of these routes, Ensure that the transit provider's service decisions are consistent with the MPO's regional transportation plan, Coordinate transit and land use decisions to ensure that transit services will be provided to new and existing transit-oriented communities, and Acknowledge established transit centers and provide a preference for transit centers when determining transit services and routes. The bill requires CDOT to establish a bus driver training program to support transit systems statewide, ensure transportation safety, and fill workforce shortages that threaten reliability and often force suspensions of service. Under the bill, RTD would be required to create three public accountability dashboards and create, maintain, and regularly update a website containing information about RTD's financial plan. Previous Next