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The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. < Back March 6, 2024 Judiciary Committee Passes Bills to Boost Legal Aid Funding, Expand Diversion Program Eligibility DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. “As a family law attorney who does pro bono work, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for hardworking Coloradans to access affordable legal representation,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Economic status should never dictate justice. By creating the Equal Justice Fund Authority, we can ensure that hardworking Coloradans have equitable access to the legal resources they need to get the outcomes they deserve.” “Lack of access to resources while navigating the legal system can have devastating legal and economic consequences,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Our legislation would boost funding for organizations that provide lower-income Coloradans with legal resources and representation, giving them the tools to best represent their needs in the criminal justice system. Everyone deserves a fair fight, regardless of their income.” HB24-1286 would create the Equal Justice Fund Authority and the Equal Justice Fund to provide financial support to numerous organizations that provide pro bono or low-cost legal services to low-income Coloradans. The bill would add a $20 fee to appeal and civil court filings to fund the Equal Justice Fund Authority. This bill would increase funding for the Equal Justice Fund by $1.1 million in FY 2024-2025 and $2.2 million every year after. The bill passed by a vote of 6-5. Currently, district attorneys can use an assessment tool to identify individuals who are eligible to be diverted away from the juvenile or criminal justice system and into appropriate services. SB24-006 expands eligibility and diversion services for individuals to include juveniles and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with behavioral health issues. SB24-006, also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, passed by a vote of 10-0. “People with behavioral health issues and intellectual disabilities often become involved in the criminal justice system, and they deserve to be considered for diversion programs that foster rehabilitation outside of jails and prisons,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB24-006. “Our legislation would prohibit district attorneys from denying participation in a diversion program based on mental health, behavioral health, or disability, creating a more fair criminal justice system.” Previous Next

< Back February 23, 2022 RURAL ED BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE DENVER, CO – Two bills that would address the rural educator shortage and improve access to early childhood education in rural areas today advanced on Second Reading in the House. “We’re serious about addressing the teacher workforce shortage in rural Colorado,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation will boost the rural education workforce by simplifying the path for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other retired staff to return to rural school districts. This will help prepare students for success by making sure they have enough talented, qualified teachers and educators in their schools.” HB22-1101 , sponsored by Representatives McLachlan and Catlin, would make it easier for rural school districts to address the rural educator shortage. It would make permanent a program that is currently scheduled to expire that allows retired public employees to return to full-time work in a rural school district without an impact on their retirement benefits. It also expands the program to include school nurses and paraprofessionals. “This session, we’re making every effort to improve access to early childhood education and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Between pandemic induced-learning loss and educator workforce shortages, this has been a challenging year for parents and students. This bill would make it easier to access quality, community-driven early learning and care solutions which saves parents money and sets our youngest learners up for success.” HB22-1070 , sponsored by Representative McCluskie, would make it easier to form an early childhood development service district. Under current law, a service district must include all of the territory of a political subdivision. For example, a service district established in a municipality or county, would need to include all of that county or municipality. The bill allows a service district to include only a portion of a special district, municipality, county or other existing taxing entity. This bill would also allow for early childhood districts to receive gifts, grants and donations to provide early learning opportunities to students. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2021 SPEAKER GARNETT: WE NEED TO BUILD BACK STRONGER; LET’S GET TO WORK House Convenes for First Session of 73rd General Assembly DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, today delivered his Opening Day Speech and outlined his vision for the 2021 legislative session and how the House can help Colorado rebuild and recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying: “Just getting back to normal won’t be enough. We need to build back stronger for ourselves and the people of Colorado. To build back a life that offers true economic opportunity and leaves no one behind. A life that affords us all a little more time to enjoy the things we love, because now, with a year under our belt, and a lifetime worth of empathy, we can all reflect on the things that matter most to us all: Food. Shelter. Safety. Justice. Equality. Prosperity.” In his speech, Speaker Garnett stressed the importance of cooperation and bipartisanship, saying in part: “My door is always open- to all of you. Good ideas have no party affiliation. I want to encourage and challenge all of you to put aside any cynicism you have faced, any fear that you can’t make a difference, any belief that our tools are too limited, too short-lived, too temperamental, and instead to step up.” Speaker Garnett identified the complex economic issues facing Colorado in the wake of the pandemic and outlined his vision for a stimulus package that invests in our state: “I am so determined to build on the progress we made last year and craft additional economic stimulus that is thoughtful, precise and that boosts our economy under the complex conditions we face.” The Speaker said that the legislature’s work would extend beyond COVID recovery work, and touched on a variety of policy areas, including housing, health care, transportation, protecting the environment, veterans issues and education, among several others. He closed by evoking the spirit of Colorado, instilling determination in his colleagues: “Some of our communities may feel battered today, but we are far, far from broken. Colorado is a state of upstarts and underdogs. Of fearless fighters and success stories. In this state, we climb soaring mountains, tame harsh winters and turn arid lands into fields of plenty. The uphill recovery and the many daunting tasks before us may be mighty, but if we keep our hand steady on the tiller, they are no match for us. With urgency and resolve, let’s recommit ourselves to doing the people’s business. Let’s get to work.” Tomorrow, the House and Senate will meet in a joint session to hear the governor’s State of the State address. Thursday, the chambers will convene again to receive the State of the Judiciary from the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court. ### The speaker’s full opening day remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: Good morning and welcome to your State Capitol. It’s my pleasure to welcome the public, our families, and each of you here in the chamber to the grand opening of the Seventy Third General Assembly. I know this year is different. I know we all feel pressure to lead our State through an unparalleled crisis. I suspect much of the pressure you feel, like the pressure I feel, comes from our own experiences this past year. Like all Coloradans, we have watched friends and family struggle and face severe economic pain. We have seen businesses in our communities close — some temporarily and some for good. Some of our loved ones have faced health challenges. I know I’m not alone in having an immediate family member contract COVID. That was scary. And while hopefully like me, your loved ones have recovered, I know this is not the case for everyone. Even those who did, may be facing long-haul symptoms. Others may be struggling to pay back expenses. Before I go any further, I’d ask you to join me in holding a moment of silence to honor the thousands of Coloradans and hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Thank you. I also want to take this moment to immediately thank Rep. Caraveo and Rep. Mullica for their service to those directly impacted by COVID. You all put yourselves directly on the front lines. And in a building full of ambition, we are all grateful for your willingness to put others ahead of yourselves in a real, life-risking way. In the last year, we’ve seen countless unsung heroes in every corner of our state step up to protect their communities. Every nurse, administrator, doctor or other health care hero in Colorado deserves every ounce of our gratitude, admiration, and respect. While these heroes have been at the forefront, we’ve all felt the effects of COVID-19, whether physically, financially or let’s face it, emotionally. COVID can be lonely. COVID can be cruel. It does not discriminate based on how good of a person you are – how much karma you’ve built up in your life. For all of us, COVID has taken away the day to day joys we all now so greatly appreciate and miss. There are the daily reminders of things we have had to leave behind. For some that may have been a morning routine at a local coffee shop or gym. For others still, it may have been giving up Sunday worship with our community or a weekly visit to our grandparents. I can’t speak to each of these sacrifices and losses, but I do know that we all want to get back to life as it was as quickly as possible. But just getting back to normal won’t be enough. We need to build back stronger for ourselves and the people of Colorado. To build back a life that offers true economic opportunity and leaves no one behind. A life that affords us all a little more time to enjoy the things we love, because now, with a year under our belt, and a lifetime worth of empathy, we can all reflect on the things that matter most to us all: Food. Shelter. Safety. Justice. Equality. Prosperity. Each of us — collectively — has an opportunity to be a part of something meaningful here. Of creating a new status quo where these values are a reality. But we won’t get far if we go at it alone, if we fixate on the differences between us instead of focusing on all the things that bring us together. Let me say off the bat, I am SO inspired and excited to work with each of you. I truly believe each of us has a unique role to play this session. Because as much as today’s speech is a reflection of the priorities I see for our body, it’s also an invitation to each of you to shape those priorities, to be part of those discussions, and help build back a stronger Colorado, together. My door is always open- to all of you. Good ideas have no party affiliation. I want to encourage and challenge all of you to put aside any cynicism you have faced, any fear that you can’t make a difference, any belief that our tools are too limited, too short-lived, too temperamental, and instead to step up. The question isn’t if we can make a difference. We absolutely can. The question is how we make a difference, and I turn that question to each of you. To think about the difference you want to make this year. And how I, as Speaker, can help you accomplish your goals. For me, the formula for creating lasting change in this building has been the ability to listen to others. Within my party, across the aisle, and with any stakeholder I sat down with. Listening is the most successful trait in almost any relationship, especially legislative ones. You may have heard me say this before, but some of my best friends are in this building. Many of these great friends oppose basically every policy position I have. And I oppose theirs. But that doesn’t mean we can’t work together respectfully. It doesn’t mean there aren’t moments where we can get big things done for the people of Colorado. In fact, learning to appreciate the difference between the politician and the personis what has allowed me to prioritize respecting others over taking policy disagreements personally. We have to make the effort to truly befriend each other and put our trust in our colleagues, even when we don’t see eye to eye on every policy proposal. It’s the only way we’ll conquer the enormous task ahead of us this year. I remember not too long ago, on a pre-COVID trip with a bipartisan group of colleagues, how a moment of exhaustion and vulnerability led to the group sharing things about ourselves, about our beliefs, our personal history, or faith. Representatives Neville, Esgar, and McKean were there, among others. On the first night of our trip, my wife, Emily, decided to share with the group that she was 6-weeks pregnant. This moment of trust brought us all instantly closer and made us not only better friends, but better colleagues as well. Well, sometimes life offers us a sweet chance at poetic repetition. So today in a bid to recreate some of the sense of family we created on that fateful trip, I want to share with you all, for the first time, that Emily is pregnant with our third. My central point is that we can find ways to build lifelong relationships with people in this building. Don’t be afraid to bring them in. To trust. To truly listen. Coloradans expect it, as they should. This session, our top priority will be to see our state out of the public health crisis and to work to usher in a swift economic recovery for Colorado’s hardworking families and small businesses. It’s our job to mend the damage done by COVID – 19 and the economic downturn it caused, but Coloradans rightfully expect us to do much more. Our job as legislators this year is to level the playing field and give Coloradans the tools and resources they need to forge this recovery on their own. To do so, we’ll need to help create a just and inclusive post-pandemic economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. In order to ensure that we guide Colorado towards an economic recovery that is swift, precise and equitable we need to have a detailed understanding of the problem facing our state. And like so much else about 2020, the devastating economic downturn caused by COVID-19 was completely unprecedented . The impacts of this downturn have had disparate effects on individual business sectors and communities. Whereas industries like hospitality and retail were forced to conduct massive layoffs and continue to see their profit margins shrink, other sectors have bounced back much faster, and some even saw their businesses grow as COVID-19 changed the way consumers behave. The recession was different at an individual level too. While many were able to continue their work from home, unprecedented numbers of Coloradans lost their jobs and are still unemployed. Communities of color and low wage workers have been disproportionately impacted by the health effects, as well as the economic effects of this pandemic. People living in multigenerational households, many of whom are Black and Latinx, have had to face the impossible choice between keeping the jobs that help support their families or giving them up because of the health risk. Rural areas and urban centers were not affected in the same way. The Eastern Plains and the Western Slope were not affected in the same way. Fort Collins and Pueblo were not affected in the same way. And it’s our job to make right by every one of these communities. Let’s get to work. Of course, we are limited in our capacity to provide relief. So while we can’t fill every hole, we can certainly aim to provide support that is meaningful and helps hardworking Coloradans and businesses thrive yet again. That’s why I am so determined to build on the progress we made last year and craft additional economic stimulus that is thoughtful, precise and that boosts our economy under the complex conditions we face. I have reached out to all of you, Republicans and Democrats alike, and asked for your input on how we can best help our state build back stronger by investing in job creation, small business assistance, housing, rural economic development, child care, and other areas where equitable relief is badly needed. Thank you for the thought you put into these proposals. Now it’s time to turn common sense ideas into real, tangible change for hardworking families across the state. Today I call on each and every one of us to again put our differences aside and get economic stimulus to the finish line and out to Coloradans as soon as we can. If Representatives Sandridge and Herod can come together to cosponsor a minority business relief bill twice , AND speak kindly and personally about each other here at the well, then I’m confident we can literally do anything together. It feels almost impossible to think back so far in time, but let’s remember that before the pandemic, Colorado’s economy was thriving. New businesses were popping up across the state, big companies were relocating their workforces to our downtowns, and individuals from across the country set their sights on Colorado as a perfect place to live and work. However, our great success was not evenly shared among Coloradans. The economic scramble created by this devastating pandemic has given us a once in a generation opportunity to forge a just and inclusive economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot. But it’s up to us to harness the opportunity and make this equitable economy a reality for all. So building back stronger will mean finding compassionate and measured housing policies that put the interests of renters and working families at the forefront without upending our economy. With the federal eviction moratorium expiring soon, building back stronger will mean striking a compromise and finding a solution that avoids mass evictions, and allows time for the federal assistance to flow into the state to achieve a goal we all share – for people to keep a roof over their heads. We have to step up. To all the parents out there, to all the educators out there, thank you. This year has put teachers, students and parents through the ringer in a way we’ve never seen before. To the countless parents who balanced working remotely full time while also caring for young kiddos or overseeing remote learning, we celebrate you. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old at home and this year has me thinking that it’s probably easier to run a State Legislature than it is to run a childcare center. Although I bet there are quite a few similarities. Our greatest success in education policy has come when we’ve struck a balance between respecting the needs and interests of local school districts while setting the necessary statewide expectations to narrow the achievement gap, eliminate the COVID gap, and keep all of our students on the same page. This year, let’s listen to our teachers and commit together to restoring the cuts from last year’s budget, which will take a sizable bite out of the budget stabilization factor. And while we’re on the topic of education, it’s time we supported the next generation of Coloradans by making needed investments in higher education. We need to grow our talented workforce by training Coloradans for the jobs of the future instead of importing talent from other states. We need to step up and ensure the colleges and universities who serve our Latinx, Native American, and Black students are equitably funded. It’s long overdue. Building back a stronger Colorado will also mean being thoughtful and conscious about how we grow as a state. We need to make sure our infrastructure is ready to handle the growing crowds trying to make it to work on weekdays and out to the mountains on weekends. That’s why I’m committed to making this the year that we strike a meaningful deal on transportation and make the bold investment that is needed to future proof Colorado’s transportation future. I’m not the first Speaker in recent memory to stand here and say this will be the year we get transportation done, but with your help and hard work, I’m determined to be the last. At least for a while. In order to make sure our transportation deal is a lasting one, we need to invest in our local governments’ multimodal needs, fund CDOT’s ten year plan and get serious about actually repairing roads in our rural communities. At the same time, we’ll have to ensure that the electrification infrastructure is in place for the market based shift quickly moving us towards electric vehicles– we have no time to waste. It’s not only the inequalities in our economy that were brought to the forefront during this pandemic. COVID-19 has also highlighted and heightened the massive disparities created by our health care system. Our complex health care system creates corporations that win and patients that lose. While we have some of the finest physicians and hospitals in the world here in Colorado, far too many families are prevented from accessing this care because of the cost, even when it could save their lives. No parent should have to think about the balance of her bank account before taking her desperately sick child to the emergency room. No small business should face double digit small group cost increases year after year. And no oneshould put their health at risk by rationing prescription drugs because of the cost. The status quo is not working. At a time when a whopping 77% of Coloradans support us taking bold action to lower the cost of prescription drugs, inaction is not an option. That’s why this year we’ll make drug affordability a top priority and why we’ll work to improve our health care system and make quality health care accessible and affordable for all. The effects of a changing climate are no longer a hypothetical threat. They’re a devastating reality. Last year’s fire season consumed more than 625,000 acres of land, destroyed countless homes, threatened our rural communities, and cost the taxpayers upwards of $200 million in fire suppression. This year, we must prioritize funding for wildfire mitigation and prevention, and continue our creative bipartisan work on this issue. The cost of inaction on climate change is far greater than the cost of facing the problem head-on and making lasting change. That’s why I’m determined to build on our progress and continue working towards a clean energy economy that provides opportunities for workers and hope for our children’s future. Climate change is an urgent threat, and we need to treat it like one. And while we’re fighting the growing threat of climate change, let’s make a commitment to look after those who protect us against all other threats: our service members and veterans. Colorado has long been a destination and a haven for members of the armed services, veterans and military families. We have a culture of service here in Colorado, we have state of the art military bases and we have the Colorado quality of life that is so enticing to all. I’m determined to keep Colorado a great place for service members and veterans to live, and to make sure that we look after those who have sacrificed and risked their all to look after us. In the past few years, we’ve passed important, common sense gun safety measures that have no doubt saved lives in our state. In its first year, the Extreme Risk Protection Order law that was endlessly fear mongered has been working just as we intended. Reports show that a majority of the protection orders were filed by law enforcement, that groundless claims were rejected, and that countless Colorado lives were saved because of it. But the epidemic of gun violence persists, so our work must go on. This year, we’ll continue our efforts to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent tragedies and atrocities before they happen in the first place. Let’s get to work. Last year, we led the nation and passed a sweeping, bipartisan police accountability reform bill that is already making an impact across the state and setting an example for the rest of the nation. I’m committed to monitoring the progress of this new law and filling gaps where needed. Building back stronger means advancing justice in our communities through reforms that will ensure integrity and fairness in our criminal justice system, increase opportunity in Black and brown communities, and save lives. I’m proud to say Black Lives Matter. But it has to be more than a slogan, let’s make it a policy priority. The task ahead won’t be easy, but Coloradans still embody the pioneering spirit of the generations that came before us. My family were miners and farmers who moved to Colorado after the Civil War. My great grandfather graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1912 and mined in Eagle County. The other side were farmers in Brush, Colorado. My great uncle used to tell stories about why Coloradans on the eastern plains had front yards. “It wasn’t to have green grass or to keep up with the Jones. It was to make sure there weren’t rattle snakes within striking distance of the children.” My family, like all of your families, were tough, resilient, never backed down from a challenge and loved Colorado more than any other place in the Union. The challenges Colorado faces are daunting. There’s no denying that. In fact, this may be the most consequential year for this General Assembly in recent memory. But as I look out onto this body and at each of you here today, I’m confident that we’re the right bunch to get it done. This body is diverse in our backgrounds, our characters, our experiences, and our visions for the future of this state. I have always believed that our strength comes from this diversity. To overcome the great obstacles we face, we’ll need the perspectives and experience of rural cattle ranchers like Rep. Holtorf alongside urban entrepreneurs like Rep. Alex Valdez. We’ll need the grit and tenacity of the Pride of Pueblo, Daneya Esgar just like we’ll need the soft spoken Quaker wisdom of Loveland’s own Hugh McKean. And this year, we’re lucky enough to have in our midst certain backgrounds and perspectives that are gracing the Golden Dome for the very first time. Here with us today is Representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim lawmaker in Colorado. Representative Naquetta Ricks is here, proudly representing HD40 as the first African Immigrant in the legislature. And of course, Representative David Ortiz, a proud veteran and the first lawmaker in a wheelchair, has already brought change to the legislature, just with his very presence and representation. Last year, as we wrapped up what became known as the ‘COVID Session’ in June, I stood in the well and told you that sometimes we make history and sometimes history makes us. We did what we could to minimize the damage and get relief out the door quickly. History made us. Today, we have a greater understanding of this virus and how to handle it. Coloradans are being vaccinated as we speak and the end of this pandemic is finally in sight. Now, it’s our turn: we have a chance to make history by guiding Colorado towards a more prosperous, more just, and more equitable future. Some of our communities may feel battered today, but we are far, far from broken. Colorado is a state of upstarts and underdogs. Of fearless fighters and success stories. In this state, we climb soaring mountains, tame harsh winters and turn arid lands into fields of plenty. The uphill recovery and the many daunting tasks before us may be mighty, but if we keep our hand steady on the tiller, they are no match for us. With urgency and resolve, let’s recommit ourselves to doing the people’s business. Let’s get to work. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE CLEARS MCLACHLAN BILL TO ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE Judiciary Also Approves McLachlan Sponsored Human Trafficking-related training bill (Jan. 17) – The House Education Committee approved Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to create a pilot program that provides professional development training for school principals to build strong leadership in our education system and provide better support for teachers and students. “Ensuring our educators have the leadership support they need to be at their best will ultimately help our students get the best education,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We need to make sure teachers in our state, especially in our rural districts, stay in the classroom.” Rep. McLachlan is the chair of the House Education Committee and is a former public school teacher in Durango. HB19-1002 represents the latest effort by Colorado lawmakers to implement the state’s blueprint to reducing Colorado’s teacher shortage. It builds upon a McLachlan led bill, HB17-1003, which required the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Education (DOE) to put forth relevant policy recommendations to address the teacher shortage. The pilot program will provide preliminary analysis on the efficacy of providing professional leadership and development training to Colorado principals, an effort supported by strong academic and statistical research. Because it is a pilot program, lawmakers in both chambers will have the opportunity to review the pilot’s results and make a decision for how to move forward following its conclusion. “As a teacher, I think one of the best figures was my very first principal who fostered my development as a teacher, who ensured I could be the absolute best I can be,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, who is Vice-chair of the House Education Committee. “This bill is going to do a lot to make sure there are more of those types of principals.” The bill passed 11-1. It now heads to the Appropriations Committee. In other committee action today, the bipartisan HB19-1051 which is sponsored by Rep. McLachlan was approved by the Judiciary committee 11-0. The bill would require the Division of Criminal Justice to provide human trafficking training to law enforcement agencies. It now goes to the Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

For Cause Eviction legislation would prevent arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions by setting standards into law < Back Majority Leader Duran: Coloradans need greater protection from evictions, and our legislation will help protect renters Mar 8, 2024 See more As a state legislator, I work to improve the quality of life for all Coloradans. This year, I’m advocating for a cause that resonates deeply with my personal journey — one marked by challenges, sacrifices, and housing instability. Having experienced homelessness due to an unnecessary eviction with my son, I understand the toll that housing instability can take on women and children. After passing the House in late February, I am excited to see HB24-1098 move forward in the legislative process. This is a bill to keep Coloradans housed and prevent evictions without cause. I’m joined by my Democratic colleagues Rep. Javier Mabrey and Sens. Julie Gonzales and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen to sponsor this bill. Dozens of state labor, grassroots and housing organizations back our legislation. It’s also a priority bill for Democratic House leadership, and we’re grateful for Speaker Julie McCluskie’s support. Coloradans are currently facing an affordable housing, eviction and homelessness crisis. We’ve seen some of the country’s highest rent increases in the past few years. The Denver metro area has the second highest annual rent inflation nationally. In January, Denver saw 1,548 eviction filings , the second-highest monthly total in years. Last year, according to state court data, Colorado saw over 52,000 eviction filings — a historic number for our state. A recent point-in-time (PIT) count conducted by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative found that the number one self-reported cause of homelessness in Denver is an inability to pay rent. The number two cause is eviction. These experiences of being rent-burdened, evicted and homeless have devastating consequences. As someone who has grappled with the fear of losing a roof over my head, I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial burdens that accompany housing insecurity. Having an eviction on your record can make it nearly impossible to find stable housing. According to research from The Eviction Lab , hundreds of thousands of families in the United States are evicted every year. Women, families with children, Black families, families with low incomes and families living in urban areas are more likely to be evicted than their counterparts — households with children between ages 0 and 5 face the highest risk of eviction. Our For Cause Eviction legislation will prevent arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions by clearly defining in state law when a landlord may evict a tenant, including nonpayment of rent, property damage or violation of the lease agreement. Our bill will also ensure tenants have more protections when a landlord doesn’t renew their lease at the end of the lease term. This framework strikes a delicate balance, protecting the rights of tenants and property owners, and will help keep more Coloradans housed. It is not an attack on the free market but rather a sensible approach to safeguarding a fundamental human right — the right to a stable and secure home. My journey fuels my passion for championing this bill. I vividly recall the sleepless nights spent worrying about eviction notices and the constant fear of uprooting my child from school and close friends. No mother and child should repeatedly endure this kind of anxiety and stress. Our For Cause Eviction legislation sends a powerful message about our commitment to the well-being of our communities. By enacting these protections, we affirm our dedication to fostering a state where families can flourish, children can learn without disruption, and households experience more stability. The bill passed the House by a vote of 38 to 19 with no support from my colleagues across the aisle. We’ve made it clear — this bill will keep Coloradans housed and does not prohibit landlords from being able to evict unlawful and disruptive tenants, especially if they do not pay their rent. The bill will now go through the legislative process in the Senate, and I’m calling on the state legislature to join us in enacting For Cause Eviction legislation to bring systemic change to our housing landscape and protect our communities. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, represents District 23 in the state House of Representatives, where she is majority leader. Previous Next

< Back Rep McLachlan: ‘When we take the “I” out of legislating, using “we” instead, we proved we can get a lot done’ May 28, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Durango Herald. You can view the story here . We accomplished a lot this year – our bipartisan success happened because we communicated, compromised and collectively decided how to best address our problems. Affordable and attainable housing, one of Colorado’s most urgent issues, made headway. We ran several bills protecting our existing supply of homes, while also protecting renters. We asked some local governments to allow granny flats on personal property. We addressed urban density issues: One bill encourages local governments to build housing near transit centers so people can easily get to work. Another limited the number of parking spots each building needs, leaving room for more housing. The long-awaited property tax bill passed with little trouble, with both Republican and Democrat prime sponsors. It caps future spikes, and cuts rates for both commercial and residential properties. Some sponsors demanded the tax cuts could not affect schools, and others required Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds could not be touched. Both sides got their way. Our public schools did very well this year. One bill paid off the budget stabilization factor, raising the per-pupil dollars and giving a one-time stipend to rural schools. The best news is that it ended reliance on an antiquated and outdated 30-year formula; the second bill created a new formula. This time, money goes to identified student populations, such as English language learners, and low income, special education and rural students. Colorado will pay districts a base salary, then add to it according to the student population, not according to the district itself. Rural schools will now be getting extra funding on top of that, every year, meaning we will be able to hire more teachers and pay them better. Rural schools have been left out of the budget process for 30 years; we are now finally fully involved. In other education news, some low-income families will get free college tuition for two years of school, giving students the boost they need to pursue careers and future education. We did a lot for water in our state, funding dozens of conservation and storage projects, banning nonessential public turf to save both money and water and passing a huge bill addressing the U.S. Supreme Court ruling removing protection for some Colorado waters. We created a permitting program for the dredge and fill activities impacting those waters. And, we referred a ballot measure allowing revenue from sports betting above the $29 million cap to be used for the Colorado Water Project. You will vote on that. Another bill passed that will cut child poverty in half by offering refundable tax credits to low-income families with children under 5. This helps take care of our youngest residents, giving their parents the breathing room to work full time. Environmental advocates joined forces with the oil and gas industry advocates to address air quality and safety; it is the first time in many years both sides sat down together to make decisions for our future. We voted yes. Transportation was a popular topic this session, and commuter rail along the front range and into some mountain areas drew interest. Getting people off the roads will be efficient and clean. Bipartisan work was key to our success. We didn’t always agree, but we tried to compromise as often as possible. When we take the “I” out of legislating, using “we” instead, we proved we can get a lot done. Not everyone joined in, and not everyone was happy, but we are headed in the right direction. I am proud of our success. We did it. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, is serving her fourth and last term in the Legislature, representing House District 59. Previous Next

Latest press releases and op-eds from Colorado House Democrats. NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Kyle Brown to the Joint Budget Committee November 3, 2025 The appointment comes as Rep. Shannon Bird steps down from the Joint Budget Committee after three years of service, including one year as Chair Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Kyle Brown to the Joint Budget Committee Jackson Highlights Success of Treatment Interim Committee October 31, 2025 Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. Jackson Highlights Success of Treatment Interim Committee JOINT RELEASE: JBC Members Swiftly Approve Emergency Funding to Boost Food Banks and Pantries During GOP Government Shutdown October 30, 2025 Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee today approved two budget requests from Governor Jared Polis to fund critical food access programs during Republicans’ federal government shutdown. JOINT RELEASE: JBC Members Swiftly Approve Emergency Funding to Boost Food Banks and Pantries During GOP Government Shutdown

< Back April 22, 2023 Bill to Save People Money and Expand Clean Energy Moves Forward HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $60 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to save Coloradans and businesses money by expanding tax incentives for clean transportation, heat pumps, geothermal energy, and industrial emissions reductions. HB23-1272 is part of a package of legislation that will incentivize the advancement and adoption of clean energy technologies and build upon federal initiatives to save Coloradan’s money, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. “This bill will significantly lower energy costs for families, save consumers money on electric vehicles, and help Colorado meet our climate goals and improve our air quality,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “From e-bikes to heat pumps, we’re committed to increasing access to affordable clean energy sources to power our economy and save Coloradans money. Reducing carbon emissions will take time, but with smart investments and strong clean technology adoption, we can move Colorado forward, reduce costs for consumers and protect our environment.” “I’m proud that with this legislation, Colorado will lead the way by lowering the cost of clean energy technologies in our homes, businesses and across the state,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill saves consumers money on clean technology and will attract new businesses and jobs to Colorado while improving our air quality and protecting our Colorado way of life. Soon, consumers and businesses will see increased tax credits that will save them money on heat pumps, electric vehicles and energy efficiency upgrades.” Tax Incentives to Advance Decarbonization: HB23-1272 would work to reduce the costs of adopting clean energy technologies for residents and businesses across Colorado through tax incentives. This includes incentives for investments in geothermal electricity development and high-efficiency heat pumps, and for measures to reduce industrial pollution. It would also extend and expand tax credits for electric trucks and passenger vehicles and provide discounts on electric bikes to help increase uptake of cleaner transportation methods. Specifically, this bill builds upon the federal incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts to help Colorado maximize the impact of federal dollars. Tax incentives in HB23-1272 are expected to average $60 million each year with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. The bill: Extends and expands the innovative motor vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for certain electric passenger vehicles. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the truck’s weight starting in 2024. Creates a $500 refundable income tax credit for bicycle retailers for the sale of qualifying e-bikes so that retailers can offer immediate price reductions to purchasers.. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits will vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Establishes the refundable industrial clean energy tax credit to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions at qualifying large facilities that can be hard to decarbonize. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-3 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. Previous Next

New bill would provide up to $40,000 in tax credits to those who donate a life-saving organ to a stranger < Back Rutinel: There is an urgent need to address Colorado's organ donation barriers Feb 19, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Colorado Sun here . New bill would provide up to $40,000 in tax credits to those who donate a life-saving organ to a stranger Imagine being stuck to a dialysis machine for over 12 hours a week. Imagine praying each day that an organ becomes available so you can live to see your son’s high school graduation or your daughter’s wedding. Imagine your child is waiting for an organ, uncertain if they will ever make their high school graduation or wedding. Tragically, far too many Coloradans die waiting for an organ each year — over 200 in 2021 . Those who died were healthy enough to receive a transplant when they were initially wait-listed. They died because of a policy failure. Colorado’s organ donation waitlist is not just a compilation of names; it is a ledger of lives suspended in limbo, families living in fear and individuals grappling with the daily struggles of disease while hoping for a second chance at life. Today, nearly 2,000 Coloradans are on this waitlist, each representing a person facing the excruciating anxiety of awaiting a life-saving call . For far too many of our neighbors, the call never comes. The toll on those on the waitlist is immeasurable. The wait for a kidney transplant, for instance, can span several agonizing years, during which patients may endure the grueling ordeal of dialysis treatments three times a week for four hours each time. For too many, the wait is an ongoing battle with life-threatening conditions, resulting in a diminished quality of life, a constant stream of hospital visits, and the fear of not surviving until that life-saving organ becomes available. Beyond the emotional and physical suffering, there is also a tremendous economic strain on individuals, families and communities. The exorbitant cost of medical care for those awaiting transplants places an immense burden on them, potentially leading to financial hardship or even bankruptcy. Moreover, the ripple effects of organ shortages are felt throughout our health care system, resulting in longer wait times, poorer health outcomes and rising medical costs for the entire community. Fortunately, the solution is straightforward: The Colorado legislature can remove the barriers to becoming a living organ donor. A large portion of Coloradans are healthy enough to donate an organ. And while hundreds of Coloradans donate an organ to a loved one or a stranger each year, many barriers remain, including significant financial burdens associated with lost wages, child and elder care, travel, and other costs. A recent study found that the financial cost of becoming a living kidney organ donor is approximately $40,000 . But the benefits to society are exponentially higher. These are problems that we can and must address. We are honored to bring bipartisan legislation to address this urgent issue: the Comprehensive Assistance, Recognition, and Empowerment (CARE) for Living Organ Donors Act ( House Bill 1132 ). If passed, the CARE Act would remove the financial barriers to living organ donation by providing up to a $40,000 tax credit to individuals who donate a life-saving organ to a stranger. Because not everyone is a perfect organ match with their loved one, organ donors who donate to a stranger can create a chain reaction of agreed-upon organ donations, with some organ chains extending beyond 60 organ exchanges . Picture this scenario: A daughter discovers she is not a match to donate her kidney to her father, but she is the perfect candidate for another person in need. She agrees to give her kidney to this other person if her father receives a kidney from someone else. Thus, when a stranger donates to the father, this donation sets off an organ donation chain reaction that can save dozens of lives. Beyond removing financial barriers to living organ donation, the CARE for Living Organ Donors Act will also provide workforce discrimination protections and a special license plate available to living donors. Further, donors will be able to safeguard their loved ones by adding their names to a voucher list. In the event a named individual ever needs a kidney, they would be prioritized to receive one. Organ failure is a crisis that affects thousands of Coloradans with real faces, real families and real suffering. We must address this issue head-on, and the CARE for Living Organ Donors Act is our answer to the growing need for action. So call and email your state legislator to tell them to support this legislation. The lives of thousands of Coloradans depend on it. Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BILL PASSES FIRST HOUSE HURDLE DENVER, CO – The House Committee on Finance 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 by a vote of 7-4. “Today we’re honoring the memories of victims of police brutality in Colorado and around the country with decisive action,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “This bill will make a real difference in our state and will set an example for the rest of the country. I want Black Lives Matter protestors here in Colorado and across the country to see this as a clear example of how much can get done when you make your voice heard. This bill is about accountability, integrity, transparency and justice, and I’m proud to see it move forward today.” “This bill represents a historic step forward for Colorado, and I couldn’t be prouder to sponsor it,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Ending qualified immunity, reining in the use of force, and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in our law enforcement will go a long way towards ensuring true justice for all. Black and brown Coloradans deserve to feel safe in their communities and truly protected by their law enforcement. There’s nothing new about this effort: SB20-217 represents a bold step forward in a generations-long fight against injustice in Colorado.” 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 with 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 people who are fleeing the police, when there is an imminent risk of danger to human life. It also repeals an officer’s authority to 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 also hold officers accountable for failing to intervene during another officer’s inappropriate use of physical force. 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

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 22, 2024 Story, Parenti Bill to Strengthen Government Ethics Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Government ethics rules are critical in preventing corruption in our government and ensuring the public’s trust while holding elected government officials accountable when they violate Colorado’s ethical standards,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We have established ethical codes of conduct that local government officials and employees are expected to abide by. Our legislation would specify that school districts and special districts are also held to this code of conduct so the Independent Ethics Commission can investigate complaints made by Coloradans and hold bad actors accountable.” “The people of Colorado expect government officials at all levels to behave ethically and act in the best interest of the people of our state, but inconsistencies in Colorado law prevent investigation and enforcement of ethical standards,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “School and special districts operate in every part of our state, employ thousands of people and control billions of dollars of taxpayer revenues. This bill is an important step in reminding all of us, at all levels of government, that we are first and foremost servant leaders and we must all be held to account when we betray the public trust or use our positions for personal gain." The Independent Ethics Commission was created in 2006 to investigate complaints and enforce rules of conduct for public officials and employees. HB24-1073 would expand the authority of the Independent Ethics Commission to include school district and special district officials and employees who report directly to them, such as school superintendents. This bill would allow the Independent Ethics Commission to investigate and enforce complaints of ethics violations by public officials and employees in these districts, improving accountability. Previous Next

< Back Javier Mabrey Chair of Judiciary Representative Javier Mabrey was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives for his first term in office on November 8, 2022. He is the representative for Colorado House District 1, which encompasses Denver’s southwestern neighborhoods. He serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee during the legislative session, and the Committee on Legal Services year round. Javier's mother raised Javier and his brother Thomas on her own in south Denver, and her only source of income was her social security disability check. Javier and his family know what it means to struggle, to rely on food banks, and eventually face homelessness. Javier dropped out of high school after his family dealt with housing instability and homelessness. He went back to school to become an advocate for families like his. He worked his way through community college washing dishes and delivering pizzas before going to Berkeley Law School to pursue a career representing tenants facing eviction. After law school, Javier helped found a non-profit focused on keeping Coloradans in their homes. Since 2020, Javier's organization has represented thousands of Coloradans facing eviction and successfully advocated for significant policy changes to help renters in Colorado. He now works as an eviction defense attorney and community organizer. Rep. Mabrey has continued his work to address Colorado’s housing crisis by carrying legislation that increases habitability requirements for rental properties to protect tenants from living in a housing unit that may cause negative impacts to their health. He has also successfully passed policy to address gun violence and the rising cost of health care by passing legislation that caps the price of a 2-pack of EpiPens at $60 and allows gun violence victims to seek accountability in court.