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< Back Andrew Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Andy was elected via a vacancy committee to represent House District 53 in April of 2021. He was re-elected in November of 2022 and 2024 and is serving in his third term as the State Representative from House District 53. In addition to serving as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House, he also serves on the following committees: Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee Appropriations Committee Audit Committee Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee Wildfire Matters Review Committee In his time in the legislature, Andy has prioritized legislation that reflects the values and concerns of our community. He has championed bills that address affordable housing, climate change, gun violence prevention, healthcare, transportation, public education, and more. In 2023, Andy was recognized by the Colorado Center on Law and Policy as the Legislative Champion of Economic Justice and Equity. Voces Unidas honored Andy with their 2023 Community Ally award, and Health Care for All Colorado recognized him as the 2023 Legislator of the Year. Andy also received the Community Investment Alliance's 2023 Political Impact Award and was recently honored as a Legislative Champion by Young Invincibles. Andy earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University in 2001 and a Master of Divinity Degree from the Iliff School of Theology in 2013. A former public school teacher in a Title I school, Andy has also worked in the non-profit sector. He was previously ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and worked to advance LGBTQ+ rights within the church. He lives in West Fort Collins with his spouse, Stacey, and their three children.

< Back Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Junie Joseph is serving her second term as the State Representative for House District 10, which includes most of the City of Boulder and a small part of Gunbarrel. She is also a member of the House Finance Committee, the Energy & Environment Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. Rep. Joseph has a passion for human and civil rights. She has worked in the human rights and development field where she offered her expertise on transitional justice issues in South Africa while working for a non-governmental organization as part of an academic research placement. She supported the mandate of the United Nations as an intern by providing both research and organizational assistance to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. She has also served as a global law and development fellow on a USAID project in Côte D’Ivoire, West Africa, promoting the rights of persons with disabilities to access the Ivorian Judicial system. Most recently, she worked as a Human Rights Officer within the United Nations Mission to the Central African Republic, serving internally displaced persons in the region of Bria. After returning from the Central African Republic, Junie moved to Colorado to study law. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Colorado Law. In addition to her law degree, Rep. Joseph holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Applied Human Rights from the University of York in England. Rep. Joseph is committed to equity and justice in her work. In her first session as a legislator, she passed gun violence prevention legislation, fought for criminal justice reform, and allocated funds to help Coloradans build wildfire-resilient homes.

< Back May 3, 2019 COLORADO’S LARGEST INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 3) — A pair of bills that will make large investments in Colorado’s affordable housing crisis are now heading to the Governor’s desk. HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, passed by a bipartisan vote of 37-27. This bill would contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This bill is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “I am thrilled this bill has now passed both chambers with bipartisan support. This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them and get support for important projects from the state,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” Both bills head to Governor’s Polis’ office. Previous Next

I want people to know they are not alone in this battle < Back MONICA DURAN: Domestic violence awareness more important now than ever Oct 31, 2023 See more This op-ed was published in the Aurora Sentinel on Oct 30, 2023 I want people to know they are not alone in this battle Hidden behind closed doors and hushed about in dark hallways is the growing epidemic of domestic violence. Nationally, domestic violence is on the rise , and troubling data from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board reveals Colorado is not immune to this trend. Economic uncertainty, isolation and lack of child care, all exacerbated by the pandemic, have created more dangerous conditions for many in our state. Throughout October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are tasked to spread awareness about this epidemic and connect those fleeing abusers with crucial services. The trauma, hardship and pain are very real for me, and a constant reminder of why this work is important. At just nineteen, I found myself in an abusive home situation that left me in fear for my life. Domestic abuse is difficult to talk about, let alone escape with a young son. It took me years to muster up the courage to leave my abuser, reclaim my life, and breakthrough stigmas to make my voice heard. Throughout those trying years, I navigated a challenging court system, limited survivor resources, financial uncertainty and ultimately homelessness. Today, I have my life. But we must remind ourselves that for every person who escapes, there are many more who are still living in dangerous and terrifying situations. After all this time, sharing my story still isn’t easy. As we face more domestic violence deaths than ever recorded before in Colorado, I want people to know they are not alone in this battle. I am fighting for you at the Capitol and working to break down the wall of silence surrounding domestic violence. Since the end of the last legislative session in May, I have been busy collaborating with local leaders, survivors, and advocates to help shape policy that supports domestic violence survivors. One of the persistent issues survivors face is the lack of resources to help them start anew. That daunting list of tasks can include arranging child care, hunting for a new apartment, seeking health care treatment and attending court dates. As I plan for the 2024 legislative session that begins in January, securing more funding for crime survivors, making survival resources more readily available and cutting red tape with criminal filings are at the top of my priority list. Our work this session will build on important legislation I helped pass that combats the domestic violence epidemic and protects survivors. In 2021, we passed HB21-1255 , which allows for the removal of firearms from someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them, and HB21-1165 , bipartisan legislation to make criminal investigations more seamless for victims of strangulation. To improve the court system experience for survivors, we passed HB23-1222 , which establishes standards for domestic violence cases tried in municipalities, strengthens oversight, and increases data sharing. These pivotal pieces of legislation, along with many others, make our communities safer and protect Coloradans. While it is humbling to see my own personal history shape statewide policy and to be awarded the Domestic Abuse Survivor Award by the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abuse non-profit and the Aquamarine Award for being a champion in our fight against domestic violence from Violence Free Colorado, our work is never done. We must continue to spread awareness of domestic violence and work toward a future where we can all live violence-free. October is the time to be extra aware of the lingering and growing dangers of domestic violence. Identify warning signs of abuse as a partner tries to gain or maintain power and control over you and your household. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Those living in Jefferson County can call Porch Light, a Family Justice Center, at (720) 853-8850 to seek help. Majority Leader state Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, represents House District 23 which includes Lakewood, Lakeside, Applewood, and Mountain View Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 SWEEPING POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM PASSES THE HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Leslie Herod and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability of Colorado’s law enforcement, and to finally make justice possible for victims of police brutality. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 52-13. “This historic bill stands as a testament to the tireless work that advocates, protestors, and justice-seeking Coloradans have done for generations,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “We’ve come a long way and we still have a long way to go. But today I’m proud to say that my co-sponsor Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez and I took action to enact sweeping reform and correct the injustices that Black and Brown communities have suffered at the hands of law enforcement for far too long.” “It’s not every day we have the opportunity to vote on a true life or death issue in the legislature, but that’s exactly what we did today,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “The bill we passed today will make lasting, overdue change to our law enforcement system and will hopefully prevent the deaths of Black and Brown people at the hands of police in Colorado. I am honored to have accomplished this work with another woman of color, Representative Herod. This long-fought struggle for true justice has been going on for generations, and although this is a great victory for the movement, our work is nowhere near done.” SB20-217 , the Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, would enact several provisions to prevent police brutality and increase transparency and accountability in our law enforcement. Among these provisions are the following: Mandate body cameras. The bill requires officers to wear body cameras and record interactions with members of the public that have potential for enforcement, and for footage of an incident of misconduct to be released to the public within 21 days. The bill includes privacy provisions for victims, witnesses, and juveniles, or when footage contains highly personal circumstances such as nudity, and it ensures the victim of the officer misconduct and the victim’s family receive the footage 24 hours prior to public release. Require public reporting on policing. All law enforcement agencies would be required to track and publicly report data for any contacts they initiate for law enforcement purposes. That data would include any use of force (both the type and severity), civilian searches, forced entries into homes, the unholstering and discharge of a firearm, and demographic information on race, ethnicity, sex and age of the person contacted. Rein in use of deadly force by officers. It would bring Colorado law in line with Supreme Court precedent holding that an officer may only use deadly force, including on someone who is fleeing the police, when there is an imminent risk of danger to human life if their apprehension is delayed. It also repeals an officer’s authority to ever use dangerous tactics like the chokehold. Prevent the rehiring of bad actors. If an officer is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, any inappropriate use of physical force, their POST certification would be revoked. Officers who are found untruthful, terminated for cause, or decertified would be listed in a public database to prevent them from moving from one agency to another. Hold individual officers liable for their actions. It would allow victims of police misconduct to bring a lawsuit for the violation of their constitutional rights within a two-year statute of limitations, and officers convicted of misconduct would no longer be shielded by the doctrine of qualified immunity. It would make the failure to intervene during another officer’s inappropriate use of physical force a class 1 misdemeanor Restricts the use of chemical agents and projectiles. In light of incidents at recent protests, this bill would prohibit law enforcement officers from using tear gas without first verbalizing orders to disperse a crowd and allowing individuals adequate time to comply. The bill prohibits officers from targeting rubber bullets at someone’s head, torso, or back. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 BILL TO REDUCE YOUTH RECIDIVISM, PREVENT CRIME PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on Third Reading and Final Passage that would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement. HB22-1003 passed by a vote of 41 to 22 and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ first ten bills . “When it comes to public safety, we need to invest in communities first,” said Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “This bill will provide funding for support and intervention programs to prevent youth recidivism and build a safer Colorado for everyone. This is a modern approach to public safety that will help us build safer communities and prevent more youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.” “We’re taking a multi-layered approach to public safety and that includes making smart investments to reduce recidivism,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill invests in collaborative, community-based programs that give youth the support and services they need. We’re meeting Colorado’s youth where they are, making investments to reduce crime and delinquency and moving Colorado forward.” HB22-1003 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2024 House Approves Bill to Identify Suspicious Purchases to Reduce Gun Violence Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns, helping to prevent gun violence DENVER, CO - The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Javier Mabrey to help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our bill would expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our legislation is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Firearms are uniquely exempted from having a merchant code. Almost every other product has one of these codes and this bill removes that exemption. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. A report found this legislation could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. ### Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES WIN COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation will invest nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve access to behavioral health resources in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services and House Judiciary Committees gave approval to four bills to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and invests nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “Together, we’re making a $72 million investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address staffing shortages, get patients access to the care they need and build a healthier Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-181 . “To meet the behavioral health needs of Coloradans, we are devoting the resources necessary to recruit, train and support psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other behavioral health care workers in every community in our state.” Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 2. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “Accessing behavioral health care services in Colorado shouldn’t be a challenge, but often people seeking care have trouble navigating the system,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-177 . “Our bipartisan bill invests more than $12 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients can receive quality care faster. The behavioral health care system should not be a barrier for Coloradans seeking services, and our bill makes accessing services easier.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “Accessing treatment, recovery and behavioral health care services can be more difficult for those experiencing homelessness,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-211 . “We are utilizing federal pandemic relief dollars to create a space where Coloradans experiencing homelessness can access all types of health care, including behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment as well as transitional housing This approach will help us meet our neighbors where they are and build stronger Colorado communities.” Repurpose The Ridge View Campus: SB22-211 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would invest $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness access services for physical and mental health and substance use disorder treatment along with transitional housing. “Too many Coloradans struggling with substance use disorder and serious mental health issues are spending time behind bars when they should be receiving treatment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill invests millions to divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them to critical services which will reduce recidivism and make it easier for Coloradans to receive the treatment they need.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is alarming and we need to invest in resources that get people the treatment, services and care they need,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill approaches behavioral health intervention by diverting Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment. Behind bars, Coloradans’ behavioral health can worsen–let’s get them the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program: SB22-196 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would invest $62 million to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system and instead, redirect individuals into appropriate treatment. Previous Next

Two bills to support veterans passes committee < Back March 16, 2023 Bills to Save Veterans Money and Improve Veteran Services Passes Committee Two bills to support veterans passes committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers to the property tax exemptions that veterans with a disability are owed,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-036 . “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to come home from war and have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the benefits and services that were promised. Our bill streamlines the application process for veterans with a disability to more easily receive property tax exemptions that save them money on housing.” This bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, streamlines the property tax exemption application process for veterans with a disability. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently created the Summary of Benefits letter, a question-and-answer form that gathers key details of a veteran’s personal information to determine service eligibility. Under SB23-036 , veterans will only need to send the Summary of Benefits letter to the Colorado Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DMVA) instead of both the DMVA and their county government, expediting the process to receive property tax exemptions. Veterans who have received this exemption before January 2024 will not be required to reapply to continue receiving this benefit. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 9-0. “The Western Regional One Source is a vital resource to our veterans, military members and their families on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-154 . “In collaboration with community partners, they're providing a wide range of services from mental and behavioral health, to housing, transportation and more. I'm proud to support my fellow veterans by continuing the Western Region One Source making it easier for all Colorado veterans to access the services they need." SB23-154 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, is a bipartisan bill that continues the Western Region One Source, a one-stop center based in Grand Junction for veterans services. The center opened in 2019 to host various veterans services under one roof, making it easier for veterans in rural areas to be connected to resources like health benefits, employment opportunities, housing, transportation, and more. This bill extends the program to keep the center running until 2030. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2022 BILL TO END TRANSCRIPT WITHHOLDING MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Naquetta Ricks to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution passed the House today on Second Reading. “With this bill, we’re working to dismantle a debt collection tool that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “When post-secondary institutions withhold transcripts because of unpaid parking tickets, library fines or some other fees, students have a harder time entering the workforce or transferring schools. Holding the credits a student earned for ransom prohibits talented graduates from enlisting in the military, enrolling in nursing courses or applying for their dream job. This legislation will prepare our students for success and ensure Colorado’s workforce is stronger and more talented than ever.” “Transcript withholding is an unnecessary barrier for graduates entering the workforce,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill would prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas from students with unpaid debts. Graduates have done the work and earned the credits, now let’s make it easier for them to prove it to future employers. Whether our students are applying for their first post-college job or enrolling in a new program, this bill prepares our students for success and moves Colorado forward.” HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. Debts protected by the bill range from unpaid fees to parking tickets, library fees and other minor costs students may not realize they owe. The bill also protects students with debt from tuition, financial aid funds, and room and board fees from having their transcript withheld when they apply for a job, credit transfer or financial aid. It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions. Across the country, students owe approximately $15 million in unpaid balances, impacting over 6.6 million students. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044, sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. < Back July 1, 2024 Hamrick, Hansen Bipartisan Law to Boost Educator Workforce Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044 , sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. “Colorado’s educator shortage is dire and our students deserve quality education,” said Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “To address our educator shortage, we need to use every tool available to us. With our new law going into effect, more retired educators and staff are able to return to the schools, without the risk of losing their PERA retirement benefits. This will encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom and help our schools and most importantly – our students.” “Colorado schools are facing a critical shortage of teachers, which results in larger class sizes and fewer students getting the individualized attention they need,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Allowing more retirees to return to the classroom without jeopardizing their hard-earned PERA benefits will get more qualified teachers and staff into our schools and help more students get the quality education they deserve.” HB24-1044, also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, expands the number of service retirees that school districts may hire while still being eligible for PERA benefits. Specifically, school districts can exceed the current 10 retiree cap by 1 retiree for every 1,000 students above 10,000 students. Under current law, school districts may only hire retirees when a “critical shortage of qualified instructors” is established. This law aims to streamline placing educators in classrooms by instead allowing school districts to hire up to 10 retirees if the district identifies a “need” for additional instructors. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will improve wildfire mitigation. HB24-1006 will make it easier for rural communities to locate and apply for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. HB24-1024 will expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. < Back May 20, 2024 Bills to Improve Wildfire Mitigation in Rural Communities, Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness Signed Into Law NEW CASTLE, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will improve wildfire mitigation. HB24-1006 will make it easier for rural communities to locate and apply for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. HB24-1024 will expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. “Rural communities like mine are often most at risk for wildfire-related damage and displacement,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024 . “HB24-1006 will connect rural communities to state and federal wildfire mitigation grants and assist with the application process so they can prevent wildfire devastation and keep their homes and businesses safe. I’m also proud that HB24-1024 is now law, extending the Colorado State Forest Service wildfire outreach campaign so we can continue efforts that will make our communities more wildfire-resilient.” “We must use every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for the increased number and intensity of wildfires,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024. “These new laws will help get these tools and valuable information into communities under threat of wildfire, including those in under-resourced rural communities.” “Rural communities often have fewer resources to mitigate destructive wildfires, which can leave communities in disarray,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006. “This law makes it easier for our rural communities to find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. From wildfire prevention tactics to increased emergency response efforts, there are many wildfire mitigation efforts that can keep our communities safe and better prepared.” HB24-1006 will he lp rural communities find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. Specifically, this law establishes a rural grant navigator program within the Colorado State Forest Service to aid rural communities in locating and applying for wildfire mitigation grants. Grants can help communities obtain the resources they need to combat wildfires through prevention tactics, response efforts, and risk management. HB24-1024 requires the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. “Many Colorado communities are in wildfire-prone areas, but the Marshall Fire tragedy taught us that we must be prepared for the worst as wildfires can quickly spread into our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of HB24-1024. “This new law will expand on the great work that the Colorado State Forest Service has done to educate Coloradans on wildfire risk and mitigation strategies so we can continue to protect our communities from wildfires.” This legislation builds on a 2022 law , also sponsored by Representative Story, that directed CSFS to create a working group and implement an enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaign for 2023 and 2024. Previous Next