The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support safety net health care providers and lower health care costs for Coloradans. < Back February 26, 2025 Bill to Protect Safety Net Providers, Save People Money on Health Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support safety net health care providers and lower health care costs for Coloradans. HB25-1174 passed by a vote of 8-4. “We’re building upon our progress to save you money on health care by reigning in high hospital prices while protecting the safety net providers Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This bill saves small businesses money on health care coverage for their employees and supports our local safety net providers that serve our vulnerable community members. We’re focused on improving access to the high-quality health care Coloradans need, and that requires us to improve the financial health of our safety net providers.” “While we’ve worked hard to drive down the cost of health care, there is more that can be done to improve access and save Coloradans money on health care,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “For example, Coloradans with commercial health insurance pay nearly three times what Medicare reimburses hospitals for the same care. Our legislation supports Colorado’s safety net providers, including community clinics, that often serve our seniors and hardworking families. This bill saves the state and small businesses money while boosting access to high-quality health care.” HB25-1174 will support safety net providers and reduce costs for small businesses by: Establishing reimbursement maximums for in-network (165% of Medicare) and out-of-network (150% of Medicare) on prices paid to certain hospitals through the state employee health plan and the small group market. Creating a feasibility study is required to explore the option for local governments and school districts to participate in a similar reimbursement limit. Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado – like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. This bill will support safety net providers by redirecting funds to critical community health centers and providers that serve Coloradans where and when they need care. HB25-1174 will also protect the state budget as tens of millions of dollars are expected to be diverted to the health care safety net and to help state employees with minimal impact on hospital margins. Similar policies in states like Oregon and Montana have proven effective, saving state employees money while relieving budget pressures. Colorado is poised to join these states in leading the charge for equitable and sustainable health care reform. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2022 GOV. POLIS SIGNS ROBERTS’ FUNERAL HOME INSPECTION BILL INTO LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed into law today a bipartisan bill that will expand the authority of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to inspect and investigate funeral homes and crematories for malpractice based on complaints. "This law is for my constituents, some of whom were terribly harmed, by making sure DORA has the power to investigate and prevent funeral home malpractice and atrocities,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “I wish we did not have to pass bills like this but I am thankful we got this done and passed in a bipartisan way. The horrendous incidents in Gypsum, Leadville, Montrose and elsewhere made this necessary. This law will make it easier for state agencies to identify negligence in funeral homes and crematories so no more families in Colorado will have to endure the heartbreak caused by the Kent Funeral Homes and others in our state.” HB22-1073 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Matt Soper, will allow DORA to conduct inspections and investigations of funeral homes and crematories. Prior to this law, DORA had no authority to inspect funeral homes or crematories without the consent of the business owner and other high legal thresholds. This law is a direct response to instances of funeral home malpractice in multiple Western Slope funeral homes, including Kent Funeral Homes in Leadville and Gypsum , and will go into effect in August 2022. Previous Next

Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. < Back March 21, 2023 Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds Third Meeting, Seeks Solutions to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. “We’ve been investigating the reasons behind Coloradans’ record high energy bills, and now we’re looking to take the next step in order to better understand what exactly we here in the legislature can do about it,” said Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “We heard a lot of good ideas today such as looking at how we evaluate new infrastructure investments that will take decades to repay, and exploring ways we can address volatility so consumers aren’t stuck shouldering the majority of the burden when prices spike. One thing is clear: Coloradans are fed up with bearing the brunt of inflated energy bills. Now, after weeks of information gathering, the committee is ready to turn its attention to providing better protections for consumers, and eventually delivering lower energy bills for Colorado families.” "The Joint Select Committee has heard from industry experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to develop a better understanding of what is leading to record utility costs," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Coloradans are facing higher-than-normal energy bills, and it is our responsibility to make sure utility companies aren’t passing along unnecessary costs onto their ratepayers. This committee has been presented with many innovative ideas to balance risks and rewards as we move closer to identifying long-term, cost-saving solutions." "As a Joint Select Committee, we've been asking the tough questions and having important conversations surrounding skyrocketing utility rates," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "During this process, first-hand accounts from Coloradans as well as testimony from utility company representatives and policy experts have helped us better understand the need to balance out the risks of market volatility so ratepayers aren’t carrying all the burden. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues on policy that will better protect Coloradans from avoidable utility price hikes." “Over the past few weeks, it's been fascinating to take a deep dive into the factors driving Colorado’s rising utility rates, as we've heard from utility company representatives, advocates, and Colorado’s energy specialists,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “With that grounding, we've now begun to hear from experts about potential solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure our utilities are better planning for future needs and infrastructure, protect consumers from questionable pass through costs and ultimately save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” The Committee heard testimony from Meera Fickling of Western Resource Advocates , David Pomerantz of the Energy & Policy Institute , Albert Lin of the Pearl Street Station Finance Lab , Ron Lehr, former Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner, and Michelle Brandt King , a local attorney with Holland and Hart that represents large power users. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place in the coming weeks. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Protect Educators DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. “As a teacher, I know how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school – and this law is a big step forward toward creating a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Educator safety should be a top priority, and unfortunately, Colorado educators have reported an increase in targeted violence. Ensuring our educators feel safe and comfortable in the classroom will help recruit, retain and strengthen our educator workforce for years to come.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “By creating a task force to study this issue, we can examine the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Feeling safe in school is essential to fostering a positive educational environment that is more equitable.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Members of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing ratios, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. The 2023-2024 State of Education report conducted by the Colorado Education Association found that nearly a third of respondents, 32 percent, experienced physical abuse by a student in the two years prior to taking the survey . Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. HEROD’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REINSTATE VOTING RIGHTS FOR PAROLEES Colorado would join 14 other states in allowing those on parole to vote (Apr. 10) — The House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, with bipartisan support, that would reinstate the voting rights of individuals on parole. “Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to voter turnout and voter enfranchisement. We should be very proud of that fact,” said Rep. Herod. “Today we took another step towards expanding access to the ballot box. Parolees are hardworking individuals who pay taxes, take care of their families, contribute to their communities, and it’s past time we allow them to fully participate in our democracy.” HB19-1266 clarifies that people who are on parole have completed their “full term of imprisonment” upon release from prison, thereby restoring their right to vote. The bill would restore voting rights to approximately 10,000 Coloradans who are now disenfranchised. Parolees are denied the ability to vote because current law defines the “full term of imprisonment” to include the period of parole. The Colorado Supreme Court has stated that the state legislature has the authority to redefine the “full term of imprisonment.” The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 45-19 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. SIROTA: LIMIT CONTRIBUTIONS IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES DENVER, CO– The House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs today advanced Rep. Emily Sirota’s bill to set a maximum contribution limit of $2,500 in school board elections by a vote of 7-2. “Money is corrupting our political system, and we need to address it at every level, especially when it’s taking direct aim at our children’s education,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “Spending in school board races is out of control and getting larger each year. It’s time to put limits on contributions in school board races to curb the influence of high-dollar donors in our democracy.” Unlike federal elections, Colorado House and Senate elections and county elections, there are currently no limits on campaign contributions in school board races. Spending in school board races in Colorado is growing rapidly, and donors, sometimes from out of state, are contributing tens of thousands of dollars to individual candidates, amounts substantially above federal and state contribution limits in other races. HB20-1066 would set contribution limits in school director elections at $2,500 per individual donor. These limits would be adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill subjects school board candidates to existing disclosure laws, including requiring school board candidates to file contribution reports in a similar manner to state House and Senate candidates. Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2021 GOV SIGNS BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY BILLS DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed two bills into law, which will increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality and encourage the use of more renewable energy. “Going green, whether through renewable energy or energy efficient technology, is great for our environment and can save individuals and businesses money in the process – what’s not to love?” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-246 and SB21-261. “This was a banner year for clean energy, and the two laws signed by Governor Polis today prove it. Both laws will go a long way toward meeting our climate goals while creating jobs and investing in long-term sustainability.” “New advances in energy efficient technology mean we can save money while saving the planet,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB21-246 . “The new law signed today will help Coloradans embrace energy efficient technologies like electric water heaters and furnaces, helping us to meet our climate goals, create jobs and improve both our indoor and outdoor air quality.” SB21-246 directs the Public Utilities Commission to set longer-term energy savings targets for utility beneficial electrification programs and approve plans from investor-owned utilities that would use incentives to promote the use and installation of energy efficient electric equipment. Transitioning to clean electric homes and businesses will improve public health, save energy, create jobs, and help Colorado meet its climate goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Under the bill, utilities will develop plans to help their customers replace costly natural gas and propane fueled appliances with high efficiency electric equipment, and utilities must include programs targeted to lower-income households in their plans. Clean heat from appliances such as electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves will help Colorado reduce greenhouse gas pollution and has potential to help improve indoor air quality and health and safety in buildings. Improving indoor air quality is especially beneficial to families with children, older Coloradans, or who have household members with respiratory issues. Businesses that sell and install energy efficient technologies will see increased demand and growth through greater adoption of more efficient equipment. “If we’re serious about meeting the ambitious greenhouse gas emission goals we set for ourselves, we can’t be limited by arbitrary caps on the amount of clean energy we can produce,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-261. “The new law signed today does away with unnecessary barriers to allow Coloradans to lean into renewable energy and more adequately store and produce clean energy.” Currently, homeowners with rooftop solar panels have been limited in the amount of solar energy they can produce to 120% of the previous year. SB21-261 removes limitations on rooftop solar, modernizes net metering, reduces the costs of solar installation, and advances adoption of battery storage technology with the goal of helping Colorado meet our climate goals of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 BILL TO MAKE CHILD CARE MORE AFFORDABLE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill to save families money on child care. SB22-213 invests $50 million of federal pandemic relief dollars toward increasing child care capacity and boosting the professional child care workforce. “The pandemic has made it even more difficult for families to find affordable, high-quality childcare and as a result, many parents, especially moms, are leaving the workforce to care for their kids,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood . “We’re investing $50 million toward expanding Colorado’s child care facilities and training more professionals to bring down the cost of child care. This bill will help us provide critical support for working families who’ve been stretched thin to ensure their children have a safe place to learn and thrive during the workday.” “Colorado’s child care system has been stretched thin for years, so we’re taking the initiative to fill funding gaps and make child care more affordable and accessible,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Our bill invests federal pandemic relief dollars toward training more child care professionals and expanding our state’s child care capacity so families can more easily access quality care.” Child Care Support Programs: SB22-213 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Alex Valdez passed the House by a vote of 41 to 22. This bill aims to boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care by increasing capacity across the state and better developing the workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care. This bill utilizes $50 million of federal pandemic relief dollars to boost child care capacity by providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work. SB22-213 also adds $15 million to the successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 HOUSE PASSES FY20-21 LONG BILL DENVER, CO — Joint Budget Committee Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today released the following statements after the House passed the FY20-21 Long Bill ( HB20-1360 ) by a vote of 41-23. Lawmakers have spent the last six weeks working to responsibly balance the budget and prioritize funding for education and critical health and safety services. “This was a really difficult budget, and we had to make a lot of painful decisions,” said JBC Chair Esgar, D-Pueblo. “It’s not easy to govern and craft a balanced budget in these economically dire times. I’m proud of the way we came together to govern responsibly and protect our most vulnerable Coloradans as we prioritized funding for education and critical health and safety services. I am grateful for the tireless work of our nonpartisan staff, my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee, and my colleagues in the House Democratic caucus that dug in to help find compassionate and responsible solutions to help our state overcome this crisis.” “We had to make painful decisions on proposals for heartbreaking cuts to responsibly craft a budget that serves our most vulnerable and protects as much money as possible for K-12 education,” said JBC Member Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We rejected cuts that would devastate Coloradans with intellectual or developmental disabilities and kick children off their health insurance. It isn’t the budget we wanted to pass, but I’m proud of the work the JBC did to meet the needs of vulnerable Coloradans during this unprecedented and dire budget crisis.” The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a $3.3 billion budget shortfall. With Congress’s failure to provide additional relief to states, lawmakers were forced to cut over 20 percent of the budget that the legislature controls, which covers core state priorities such as K-12 education, higher education and critical health and safety services. The House also passed HB20-1366 , which makes significant reforms to the higher education funding formula. The product of months of stakeholding, the new formula focuses on student outcomes, helps secure the long-term sustainability of rural institutions and protects the rural economies that rely on public colleges and universities. Previous Next

SB26-011 will ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants < Back March 30, 2026 Legislation to Protect Children Online, Improve Public Safety Signed Into Law SB26-011 will ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to improve warrant response timelines for online platforms and keep communities safe was signed into law today. SB26-011 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, establishes precise requirements for how large online social media platforms must receive, acknowledge, and respond to search warrants issued by Colorado courts. “As a former Deputy District Attorney, I saw firsthand how critical digital evidence can be in serious criminal investigations,” said Roberts. “Increasingly, warrants are being disregarded or not treated with the seriousness they deserve by social media platforms, and delays in accessing evidence can have real consequences. SB26-011 helps ensure that court-approved warrants are respected so investigators can move quickly and responsibly.” “Our legislation is about making sure families who have been harmed aren’t left waiting for justice,” said Boesenecker. “When a judge authorizes a lawful search warrant, law enforcement deserves timely access to evidence, whether it exists in a filing cabinet or with a social media platform. By requiring social media companies to respond to search warrants in a timely manner, we can improve pathways to justice and protect our communities from further harm.” Also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, the bill covers social media websites, online services, or mobile applications that have at least one million monthly users, allow users to create profiles, and allow users to create or share content. Under the bill, these platforms must have a clear process for communication with law enforcement, provide a staffed hotline available to law enforcement 24/7, provide status updates on warrant compliance, and prominently post contact information for search warrant compliance on their homepage. They must also acknowledge receipt of a search warrant within eight hours and comply within 72 hours in most cases. These requirements will be enforced by the Attorney General or local district attorneys. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to extend worker protections to public sector employees and support Coloradans living with a disability. < Back April 29, 2023 Legislation to Support Workers and Coloradans Living with a Disability Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to extend worker protections to public sector employees and support Coloradans living with a disability. SB23-111, sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Brianna Titone, passed the House by a vote of 43 to 19. HB23-1296, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed the House by a vote of 48 to 14. “Colorado’s public employees keep our communities safe and thriving, and they deserve the same workplace protections as their private sector counterparts,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-111. “With this legislation, public workers will be free to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization, and participate in our political process without fear of retribution. No one should be retaliated against for exercising their First Amendment rights, and I’m grateful we were able to get this done for Colorado’s public workers.” “Our first responders, teachers, public defenders and other public workers deserve the same workplace protections and rights already guaranteed to private sector workers,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB23-111 . “This legislation stands up for public workers and allows them to exercise their rights without employer retaliation. Colorado’s public workers are valued members of our community, and this bill allows them to make their voice heard.” SB23-111 aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. “Colorado needs to step up and do more to improve basic access for those living with a disability,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and this legislation brings us closer to achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan. Through a diverse taskforce, we can bring forward meaningful ways to improve accessibility to employment, government services, housing and the outdoors for the twenty-percent of Coloradans who live with a disability.” “Coloradans living with a disability face significant barriers to securing housing, participating in the public process of government, and enjoying our great outdoors, ” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296. “From employment to housing and the great outdoors, our legislation creates a taskforce to examine accessibility barriers and uncover solutions to enable all Coloradans to thrive. If we can work toward securing basic access for Coloradans living with a disability, we can strengthen our communities.” HB23-1296 , would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, housing, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding necessary data to provide basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. < Back September 26, 2024 RELEASE: Rep. Hamrick Tours South Metro Fire Rescue CENTENNIAL, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. ‘Thank you to the South Metro Fire Rescue for hosting me today – your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe means so much to us all,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “At the legislature, we’ve worked to pass legislation that encourages wildfire mitigation efforts and improves the safety of our communities. SMFR serves and protects nearly 600,00 community members, and as wildfires become more destructive, I’m glad to have them in our corner.” Rep. Hamrick learned more about SMFR which serves 564,000 residents, and nearly 35,000 people who enter the district for work. Rep. Hamrick also learned more about SMFR’s 2021-2035 strategic planning process , which works to protect property, businesses and people living in parts of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. SMFR’s coverage area includes Bow Mar, Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Pines, Village Highlands Ranch and Louviers in addition to the Centennial Airport, the Denver Tech Center, Inverness and Meridian Office Park. In 2024, Rep. Hamrick supported legislation to expand local outreach efforts and educate those living in the wildland-urban interface about how they can stop the spread of wildfires. In 2023, she also supported a bipartisan law to supply the state with a second Firehawk helicopter for wildfire suppression efforts. Previous Next