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HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 school year < Back May 23, 2025 SIGNED! 2025 School Finance Act HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 school year WESTMINSTER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to implement the new school funding formula and sustainably drive more funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. “It’s a great day for students, teachers and schools in Colorado! The bipartisan 2025 School Finance Act boosts funding by $256 million and turns on the new school finance formula that will drive more resources to the students who need them the most,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Despite nearly universal declining enrollment, the 2025 School Finance Act ensures that no district drops below the funding amount they received this school year. We’re deeply committed to investing in our K-12 public schools, and this year’s School Finance Act supports rural schools and our most vulnerable students while creating a sustainable pathway to significantly increase school funding.” “This is the first time since the 1990s that we’ve instituted a new funding formula for our schools,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “From boosting per-pupil funding to supporting underserved districts and at-risk students who need a helping hand, this year’s School Finance Act is good for families, teachers, and most importantly, students. It’s a strong investment in Colorado’s kids and public schools and ultimately, a strong investment in Colorado’s future.” “As a teacher, I know how important adequate funding is to create an environment where students can succeed,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The 2025 School Finance Act invests $256 million more in our public schools this year, meaning funding will rise by over $410 per student on average. The law implements the new school funding formula to better support every student in our public schools. Our law drives funding to our K-12 schools equitably and sustainably, so our students can maximize their learning potential.” Colorado lawmakers have worked diligently to drive record-breaking funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Since 2019, when voters gave Democrats the trifecta, total funding for schools has increased by over $3 billion, while Colorado schools have lost tens of thousands of students. Since the 2018-2019 school year, average per-pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. The 2025 School Finance Act will drive $256.7 million more to Colorado’s public schools than last school year, bringing the 2025-2026 school funding total to a record $10.035 billion despite Colorado facing a declining student enrollment environment. Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB25-1320 acknowledges unique challenges for rural and remote districts, increases education funding to keep up with inflation, and prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come. In last year’s School Finance Act, lawmakers delivered on their promise to pay off the Budget Stabilization Factor. At the same time, HB24-1448 modernized the school funding formula used to determine the total program funding for Colorado’s K-12 public school districts for the first time in 30 years. This legislation created a more student-centered formula designed to drive more resources to rural and underserved districts, as well as students living with a disability, at-risk students and English Language Learners. For the 2025-2026 school year, HB25-1320 will: Provide $83.2 million more for public schools next year than the old school finance formula Increase average per-pupil funding by $412, bringing the total per-pupil funding to $11,863, and Ensure that 157 of 178 districts will see an average 2.9 percent increase in funding, while the remaining 21 districts with significantly declining enrollment are held harmless. HB25-1320 implements the new school funding formula at 15 percent per year for six years, and then 10 percent for the final seventh year of implementation, while still maintaining the four-year averaging model for the 2025-26 school year. This new law also creates the “Kids Matter Fund” within the State Education Fund. Beginning July 1, 2026, the state treasurer will be required to transfer into the account 0.00065 percent of existing state revenue collected from federal taxable income each year. For the 2026-2027 school year, revenue will amount to an estimated $230 million for schools. The account will be used to protect per pupil funding and funding for programs, including special education. HB25-1320 is designed to give the legislature the flexibility to continue increasing school funding while adapting to changing budget realities. To maintain the financial health of the State Education Fund (SEF), HB25-1320 provides the flexibility to adjust the percentage of the formula implemented each year or the averaging components of the formula to ensure a healthy reserve in the fund’s balance. Previous Next

Today, Governor Polis signed into law landmark legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. < Back May 11, 2023 Signed! Landmark Legislation to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Becomes Law BOULDER, CO – Today, Governor Polis signed into law landmark legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. SB23-291, sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. The bill rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. SB23-291 limits utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which are more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It also creates a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allows the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Fenberg said. “The legislation signed by Governor Polis today improves transparency and holds utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see many months of work result in policy that will help save Coloradans money on their energy bills and make much needed improvements to the way utilities are regulated in Colorado.” “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair deGruy Kennedy. “This important law sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates was hard at work this session searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” “With this law, Colorado’s ratepayers are now front and center as we implement new ways to improve utility company transparency and accountability,” said Martinez. “For months, we’ve listened to consumer advocates, policy experts, utility companies and everyday Coloradans as we worked to find solutions to high, unpredictable utility bills that left many families struggling to heat their homes. I am proud to say this important law provides cost-saving solutions and protects Colordans from future drastic price hikes.” Additionally, the bill requires utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Convened in response to recent spikes in energy prices by Senate President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. < Back February 7, 2025 Zokaie, Brown Bill Passes Committee to Crack Down on Price Gouging, Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. “While parents are skipping meals to provide for their children and aging Coloradans are increasingly forced to choose between buying groceries and paying their rent, corporations are jacking up prices for food and other necessities to pad their pockets,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Inflation and supply chain disruptions have contributed to price increases, but reports suggest that bad actors use these factors as an excuse to further increase prices. As a mom to three boys, I am proud to sponsor this legislation to show Coloradans that their ability to afford everyday necessities is a far higher priority than corporate profits. With the threat of tariffs that would drastically drive up the cost of living, it is especially pressing that we pass this measure to protect consumers." “Despite inflation rates leveling out and the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, Coloradans continue to see price increases for food, toiletries, and other everyday necessities that their families need,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Hardworking Coloradans are already struggling to juggle rising costs, yet bad actors conveniently hide behind market conditions and inflation to increase their profits. We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, which is why we’re bringing this bill to protect families from bad behavior.” HB25-1010 , which passed by a vote of 7-6, would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries during an abnormal market disruption. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase by 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good within 90 days. The Colorado Attorney General or district attorneys would be able to hold violators accountable for price gouging. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley that would make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions today advanced from the House Education Committee. The legislation passed unanimously. “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can get happens outside of the classroom,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way. As Colorado employers continue to struggle to fill jobs that require a post-secondary credential, it is critical that we do everything we can to help students get the skills they need to compete in a 21st century economy. This bill would have a lasting and important impact on non-traditional students in my district and across the state, and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 REP. HEROD STATEMENT ON JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON’S SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION DENVER, CO – Representative Leslie Herod D-Denver, chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado today released the following statement on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court is a joyful, historic moment. Judge Brown Jackson’s qualifications, experience and perspective have prepared her for the profound honor of serving on our highest court and I couldn’t be more proud that the United States Senate confirmed her appointment today. Whether it’s at the legislature or on the Supreme Court, representation matters. I stand in awe of Judge Brown Jackson’s ability to stare adversity in the face and rise above with grace to achieve this historic milestone. While today is an important day in Black history, it is also an important day in American history. Today, America confirmed our 116th Supreme Court Justice, and she is a Black woman.” Previous Next

The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. < Back April 9, 2025 House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. “We’re not happy about the cuts we had to make, but these strategic reductions protect essential services like health care and K-12 education,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “From protecting Medicaid coverage to capping college tuition, this budget supports popular services that boost public health and safety and foster opportunity for all. As our bipartisan budget moves closer to the finish line, I am proud of our efforts to preserve investments in the critical services Coloradans depend on.” “Despite having to make painful decisions over many months to balance our budget, we have fought to preserve essential services that families and vulnerable community members need,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “While making these cuts doesn’t feel good, TABOR requires difficult tradeoffs in order to protect funding for essential services like K-12 education and Medicaid. I remain deeply concerned by federal policies that could harm our economy, increase costs, and freeze funding Coloradans expect and deserve. However, I’m proud of the careful decisions we made to soften the impact of resolving our $1.2 billion gap and continue investing in child care, food assistance, and our environment.” The state’s $43.9 billion budget contains $16.7 billion in general fund expenditures. This year’s Long Bill, SB25-206 , is accompanied by 63 “orbital bills,” which move through the legislative process alongside the budget and make the statutory changes needed to balance the budget. Protecting Investments in K-12 and Higher Education Protecting K-12 Funding: In just the last few years, Colorado Democrats have increased total funding for our schools by nearly $3 billion. Since the 2018-19 school year, per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. Despite a declining enrollment environment, this year’s budget builds on steady progress to increase the resources going to our classrooms by directing an additional $150 million more from the General Fund into schools as compared to the FY24-25 budget. Ultimately, total K-12 school funding will increase by over $250 million next year through HB25-1320 , the 2025 School Finance Act. Capping Tuition Rates for Higher Education: In recent years, Colorado Democrats have fought to increase college access by limiting tuition increases and boosting funding for financial aid. This year’s budget includes a 3.5 percent cap on tuition increases for in-state students. Continuing Medicaid Services for Vulnerable Coloradans Protecting Medicaid Services that Coloradans Rely On: This year, Colorado Democrats rejected proposed reductions to provider rates and instead secured a moderate 1.6 percent increase and protected Medicaid eligibility, avoiding dire impacts to Coloradans who rely on Medicaid services. However, this progress remains under threat by federal government actions to potentially cut Medicaid. Continuing Dental Services Provided Through Medicaid: This year’s budget protects funding for Coloradans on Medicaid to receive dental care. Supporting Colorado Kids and Families Bolstering Child Care Assistance: The budget invests $15 million in FY24-25 and $10 million in FY25-26 to increase support for the child care assistance program, a vital resource for low-income families to ensure access to quality child care providers which have seen long waitlists and frozen enrollment in many counties due to funding restrictions. Early Intervention Support for Colorado Children: The budget increases support for early intervention services that help bridge developmental gaps for infants and toddlers who were born premature or with other special needs. This year, Colorado Democrats acted swiftly to plug an unexpected gap in funding in FY24-25 by providing $4 million to halt proposed service reductions, and are investing an additional $16.5 million to sustain the program in FY25-26. Healthy School Meals for All: This budget fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year, preserving what voters previously approved at the ballot. If HB25-1274 passes, a referred ballot measure in November will ask voters to weigh in on whether to continue the program or scale it back. Anti-Poverty Programs Administered by Local Governments: This year’s budget protects programs like TANF and SNAP administered by local governments to serve the most vulnerable communities. Preserving Colorado’s Public Lands and Natural Resources Investing in State Parks: This budget preserves and improves Colorado’s state parks, including $52 million in investments to protect critical habitats, maintain park facilities, and reinforce parks infrastructure. Promoting Water Conservation: This year’s budget protects funding for water conservation and resource management projects to ensure access to clean water for generations of Coloradans to come. Safeguarding Colorado's Civil Liberties Maintaining Election Security: The Trump administration abruptly halted federal support for election security, including from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This budget keeps Colorado’s elections safe and secure by providing $410,000 for robust security assessments and critical technology for all local elections systems. Defending Against Unlawful Federal Actions: Amidst ongoing uncertainty from the Trump administration, the budget allocates an additional $604,000 for increased support in the Attorney General’s Office to fight reckless, unlawful federal actions and protect federal funding that Coloradans rely on. This year’s budget also sets aside $4 million via SB25-269 and HB25-1321 to protect Colorado from the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal grants or undermine Colorado’s sovereignty. Previous Next

LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM AGE TO PURCHASE A FIREARM TO 21 BECOMES LAW LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO DENVER, CO – Legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 was signed into law today.Under current federal law individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Minority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21 with limited exceptions. “Gun deaths in Colorado climb higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.” “Gun violence is traumatic for anyone to experience, let alone for a child or young adult,” Duran said. “As a survivor of domestic violence and gun intimidation at a young age, I know firsthand how critical it is to prevent our youth from being put in a life or death situation because a firearm was too easily accessible. By increasing the minimum age to purchase a gun, we can prevent suicides and gun violence and keep our Colorado kids and communities safer.” “Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “There is an urgent need to do more to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and I am proud to champion this legislation that does just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.” “Having been a teacher for over 30 years, so many of my students have grown up fearing the constant threat of gun violence – sadly, they are known as the lockdown generation,” Hamrick said. “From countless active shooter events to losing peers to suicide, Colorado youth are forced to grapple with gun violence from a very young age. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to implement this commonsense gun violence prevention policy into Colorado law to keep firearms away from our youth and our children, making our schools and communities safer.” According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. < Back June 5, 2024 ICYMI: JOINT RELEASE: New Protections for Delivery Drivers Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This new law will improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” “For delivery drivers working for companies like UberEats or GrubHub, details about fares and earnings are shrouded in mystery,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This creates uncertainty about their take home wages and can make it difficult to budget for their family. This important law increases protections for delivery drivers and holds DNCs accountable to fair wages and employment practices, just like every other industry.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. This law will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” “This year, we made major strides to guarantee delivery drivers transparency around their wages and work,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Providing clear information about how much a company is making and how much a driver is taking home creates a better understanding of delivery processes for drivers and consumers alike. I’m proud to champion this law and Senate Bill 75, both of which ensure all app-based drivers receive the essential details about their work that they deserve.” HB24-1129 , sponsored by Representatives Vigil and Mabrey, and Senators Hinrichsen and Priola, aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. It also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration, and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that brings down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. < Back May 9, 2025 Democrats Save Coloradans Money with New Law that Cracks Down on Price Gouging DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that brings down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I sponsored this law that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent, and as a mom to three young children, I have personally felt the pressure facing so many of our Colorado families. With this bill being signed into law today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “This bill is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.” “With corporate bad actors driving prices higher on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “While the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues have impacted prices, bad-acting corporations have taken advantage of these factors to jack up prices just to increase their profits. While Republicans in the legislature sided with wealthy corporations, our majority passed this law to help tackle the rising cost of living, put an end to corporate price gouging and make Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 prohibits price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries, during a declared emergency. In this law, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, like groceries and toiletries. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown and Sen. Weissman, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit Big Pharma price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next

HB24-1051 would prohibit towing companies from patrolling parking residential lots < Back February 6, 2024 Legislation to Combat Predatory Towing, Ramp Up Consumer Protections Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory towing, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB24-1051 passed by a vote of 7 to 3. “Imagine waking up to find, through no fault of your own, that your car has been towed – this is an expensive and devastating reality for thousands of Coloradans across our state,” said Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “While the Towing Bill of Rights laid a strong foundation to protect vehicle owners, we’re doing more to improve transparency within the towing industry and prohibiting predatory towing companies from patrolling parking lots to look for vehicles to profit on. This important legislation puts consumers first by requiring property owners to authorize residential non-consensual tows and gives the Public Utilities Commission new tools to hold bad actors accountable.” “Towing companies have a massive advantage over everyday Coloradans, and we need to do more to level the playing field,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our legislation works to dismantle financial incentives for predatory towing practices, specifically patrolling parking lots, and drastically improves consumer protections. Under this bill, if a vehicle is illegally towed, the towing company would have to make it right by returning the vehicle within 48 hours at no cost to the owner. This legislation also institutes new towing transparency and oversight measures so we can prioritize consumers.” HB24-1051 would improve oversight, transparency and fairness in the towing industry in Colorado. Specifically, this bill would direct the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to promulgate new rules for towing carriers, including requiring carriers to disclose additional information necessary for effective oversight and meaningful reporting. It would also end the practice of towing carriers patrolling, monitoring or policing properties to enforce parking restrictions on behalf of property owners. Importantly, HB24-1051 changes the incentive structure for towing companies and property owners by requiring the property owner, not the vehicle owner, to authorize and pay for non-consensual tows in certain circumstances. Unauthorized vehicles would still be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. Another portion of the bill aims to ramp up consumer protections by requiring companies to return a wrongfully towed vehicle to the original location within 48 hours and at no charge, and improving parking lot signage to explain towing regulations clearly in both English and Spanish. In an effort to improve long-term transparency in the towing industry, HB24-1051 would allow the Public Utilities Commission to suspend or revoke a towing carrier permit in certain circumstances and the bill would address conflicts of interest for members of the Towing Task Force . Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES RENEWABLE ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION BILLS (Jan. 17) – The House Energy and Environment Committee approved two renewable energy and water conservation related bills today, the first step in the House Democrats’ commitment to protecting our unique quality of life. “Deploying more renewable energy in Colorado is good for our economy and good for our planet,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “It will put more money back into the pockets of Coloradans and ensure we protect our unique environment and quality of life.” HB19-1003 will expand access to renewable energy for communities and individuals across Colorado. It will update Colorado’s community solar statute to allow customers to benefit from clean, low-cost energy even if they don’t have a rooftop solar option. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 7-3 and now heads to Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved Rep. Brianna Titone’s first bill this session on water conservation. HB19-1050 will help promote water-efficient landscaping on property subject to management by local supervisory entities. “In many homeowners associations, water is about a third of their budget,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “It is very important that we are being responsible with the usage of our water, especially on the Front Range and in our rural communities who have been hit hard by the ongoing drought.” Even as Colorado and other western states suffer from drought and severe water shortages, members of homeowners associations as well as residents of some metropolitan special districts often pay exorbitant water bills to satisfy requirements in their by-laws. By-laws can be written in a way that makes changing them time-consuming, burdensome, and cost prohibitive for an association or district. Allowing homeowner associations and special district boards to modify their master landscaping plans, will save water and lower costs. HB19-1050 passed by a bipartisan vote of 8-2. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. Previous Next