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< Back February 22, 2023 Ricks Bill to Protect Patients from Credit Report Impacts of Medical Debt Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today unanimously passed legislation to prohibit medical debt from being included in a credit report or credit score, protecting Coloradans from facing additional financial barriers due to outstanding medical expenses. “One in eight Coloradans have medical debt that impacts their credit score, making it harder for people to qualify for housing, employment, and lower interest rates,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D- Aurora. “One in five Coloradans of color have medical debt, and other marginalized groups like lower-income, people with disabilities, rural, uninsured, and LGBTQ+ communities also disproportionately suffer from poor credit scores due to systemic inequities. This bill removes barriers so Coloradans don’t have to choose between their financial stability and their health and well-being.” Often medical expenses come as a surprise to many patients, leaving people unable to plan for expensive bills. Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores that are often used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies. Medical debt lowers the consumer’s credit score, creating a barrier to accessing necessities like housing, utilities, and loans. Lower credit scores also increase interest rates on loans, taking more money out of Coloradans’ pockets. Medical debt affects people of all ages and incomes, but it disproportionately impacts those with a chronic illness or medical condition who relies on continual medical assistance to maintain their quality of life. HB23-1126 adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. < Back February 18, 2025 Committee Passes Bill Combat Predatory Vehicle Booting, Boost Consumer Protections DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB25-1117 passed committee by a vote of 8-5. “While vehicle immobilization serves as a tool for property owners to manage parking, it’s essential that these practices are conducted fairly and transparently,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “HB25-1117 aims to protect consumers by regulating vehicle immobilization companies, ensuring they operate under strict guidelines that prevent predatory practices. This bill empowers the Public Utilities Commission to hold companies accountable, mandates clear documentation before immobilization, and enhances industry transparency. By setting these standards, we support legitimate business operations while safeguarding Coloradans from unjust vehicle immobilization.” “Right now, vehicle booting companies are taking advantage of a lack of regulations to immobilize Coloradans’ vehicles for profit,” s aid Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “While we’ve made good headway to protect Coloradans from predatory towing practices, little has been done to protect vehicle owners from unfair booting practices. Our bill cracks down on booting companies that patrol parking lots and authorize their own booting practices that typically end up costing Coloradans money and time. Many Coloradans use their vehicles every day and an unexpected boot can cause financial and logistical headaches. To improve transparency and strengthen consumer protections, booting companies would be required to give consumers a fair warning and place a written notice on vehicles at least 24 hours before immobilizing them.” HB25-1117 aims to improve oversight, transparency and fairness surrounding vehicle immobilization, including booting. Specifically, this bill would give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) additional oversight to deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to review a permit to a vehicle booting company if the company is violating specific guidelines. The goal of HB25-1117 is to establish new requirements for vehicle booting companies and prevent companies from patrolling parking lots. Under the bill, vehicle booting companies would be required to: Document a vehicle’s condition and the reason for immobilization before they immobilize it Display the name of the company, the permit number and a phone number of the company on each company vehicle used for immobilization Not charge more than once for the removal of more than one immobilization device Additionally, vehicle booting companies must refrain from immobilizing a vehicle if: It has already been immobilized by another company It is on private property, unless given appropriate permission It is in a parking space or common parking area until it places a detailed written notice on the windshield of a vehicle at least 24 hours before immobilizing There is inadequate signage posted by the property owner In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation to protect consumers against predatory towing practices, including HB21-1283 , HB22-1314 , and HB24-1051. Previous Next

The bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills, including bills to streamline local permitting, improve the wireless emergency alert system, and create a cell phone infrastructure grant program. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Committee Advances Three Bills DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills, including bills to streamline local permitting, improve the wireless emergency alert system, and create a cell phone infrastructure grant program. “Cell phone connectivity is really about safety and security; and this bipartisan committee has been working diligently over the interim to forge legislative solutions to the parts of our state that are experiencing poor cell phone coverage,” said Chair Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of Bill 1, 2, 3. “The bills we advanced today will improve emergency alert systems, expand grant opportunities for rural and underserved communities. Staying connected is important, and our legislation brings us closer to a future where every person in our state can rely on their cell phone in an emergency.” “No matter where you live in Colorado, you deserve affordable and reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bills 2 and 3. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will help communities, particularly those with limited connectivity, build cell phone infrastructure. Additionally, I’ll be sponsoring legislation to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure projects to make sure we’re able to quickly respond to communities’ cell phone and telecommunication needs and bridge communication gaps.” “Over the course of the interim, we engaged with industry experts to uncover ways we can improve cell phone connectivity in rural and underserved communities in our state,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 3 . “Legislation we advanced today will improve local permitting for cell phone infrastructure projects so Coloradans can get connected sooner. From calling emergency services or loading directions – reliable cell phone coverage improves the health, safety and well-being of our communities.” “Our rural and mountainous communities face unique challenges when it comes to reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3. “Whether you need to call for emergency support or just stay in touch with family and work, cell service is a vital tool that keeps us connected to our communities. Coverage decisions are largely left to the market, which can underserve areas like my district; this legislation will ensure the state government is a strong partner in coordinating and supporting affordable, complete cell service in Colorado. These bills will also improve the wireless emergency alert systems that Coloradans rely on and expedite permitting of cell phone infrastructure projects.” Bill 1 sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, would designate the Colorado Broadband Office as a central policy coordination entity for cell service in the state. It would also streamline and improve wireless emergency alert systems. Specifically, the bill would require the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop a single point of contact to improve statewide coverage. Bill 1 would also help integrate public alert and warning systems for emergency alerts, provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and offer recommendations to improve wireless alert systems. Bill 2 , sponsored by Rep. Soper, Rep. Lukens, and Sen. Hinrichsen, would create a grant program to help communities build more cell phone infrastructure. Bill 2 would establish a wireless telephone infrastructure grant program similar to the broadband deployment grant program. Grants would be awarded to communities and neighborhoods with limited cell phone connectivity. Bill 3 , sponsored by Rep. Lukens, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, Sen. Roberts and Sen. Hinrichsen, would improve local permitting for cell phone and telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would require applications for cell phone infrastructure projects submitted to a local government to be approved within specified timetables if necessary conditions are met. The goal of Bill 3 is to provide efficiency and consistency for wireless carriers seeking to expand cell phone connectivity and bridge connection gaps for Coloradans living across the state, especially in rural and underserved communities. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next

< Back July 7, 2021 CRIMINAL JUSTICE, LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed six bills into law to improve our pre-trial detention systems, implement recommended misdemeanor reforms, improve existing police accountability laws, and ensure Coloradans involved in the criminal justice system have the right to a second chance. “My colleagues and I made improving our criminal justice and law enforcement systems a top priority this session, and the incredible lineup of bills signed today shows it has paid off,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1250 and 1280 as well as SB21-271. “The laws we created will help us improve police-community relations and ensure our misdemeanor sentencing and pre-trial detention systems are more efficient and more fair for Coloradans. I’m proud of the work we did to advance the cause of justice.” “Last year, Colorado set a powerful example by passing a bold police accountability reform bill that now serves as a model for the rest of the nation,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1250, 1314 and 1315. “This year, we set out to make necessary adjustments to the law to ensure it meets our goals of protecting our communities and holding our law enforcement to the highest standards. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to make our law enforcement and criminal legal systems more just. The two new laws signed today to reduce burdensome court fees and prevent the suspension of driver’s licenses for reasons that are unrelated to dangerous driving are an important part of this effort.” “Colorado’s pre-trial systems, particularly when and how bond is set, have been in dire need of reform for a long time, and today we took a major step toward fixing them,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1280. “The law created this afternoon will ensure that Coloradans no longer languish in our jails for long periods of time while awaiting trial on a minor offense. Colorado is on track to create a more efficient and more just system for individuals awaiting trial.” HB21-1250 makes changes to the provisions of law enacted by SB20-217 to provide clarity and strengthen the progress made to date on its implementation. The bipartisan bill clarifies requirements related to the instances when body-worn cameras must be operating to include welfare checks. It directs the Division of Criminal Justice to create a single form to streamline the reporting requirements for peace officers, which will now include whether an ambulance was called to the scene of an incident, whether there was a forcible entry into a residence, and the number of officer-involved civilian deaths. Among other provisions, HB21-1250 explicitly outlines a peace officer’s due process rights and allows an administrative law judge to participate in an internal affairs investigation. The bill defines what it means for a peace officer to be exonerated from a charge of misconduct. It extends the elimination of qualified immunity to the Colorado State Patrol and it prohibits employers from preemptively determining whether a peace officer acted in good faith before such action in question even occurred, closing a loophole in SB20-217 that was taken advantage of by the city of Greenwood Village last year. HB21-1280 requires courts to hold an initial bond hearing with an arrested individual within 48 hours of arrival at a detention facility and changes statute to allow these hearings to be conducted online or over the phone. Some counties throughout the state already hold bond hearings six or seven days a week. For rural and under-resourced jurisdictions, this bill creates and funds a statewide bond hearing officer to better allow hearings to be held on weekends and holidays. The law also makes several changes to the monetary bond process. It requires that a defendant who has posted bond be released no later than six hours later, allows bonds to be paid by cash, money order, or cashier’s check, ensures that a defendant receives receipt of the payment of their bond, and prohibits officers from requirings bonds to be paid in the defendant’s name. Lastly, it requires each jail to establish a way to pay bond online by January 1, 2022. SB21-271 , also sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, implements misdemeanor and petty offense sentencing reforms recommended by the Sentencing Reform Task Force of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Under current law, there are three classifications for misdemeanors and two classifications for petty offenses. This law reduces the number of misdemeanor classifications to two classifications, reduces the number of petty offenses to one classification, and creates a new civil infraction classification. “Punishments in the criminal justice system aren’t designed to be permanent, but under our current system the consequences of a small mistake can follow you for a lifetime,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB21-1214. “This new law will allow Coloradans who’ve committed lower level offenses to leave their past behind and access housing, employment and other necessities without fear of being turned away because of their records.” “Nearly half of Black men and almost 40 percent of white males are arrested by the time they are 23 years old,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1214. “An arrest record, even in instances when a charge was never brought, can hamper a person in devastating ways for the rest of their lives. The new law signed today gives Coloradans a second chance and ensures people aren’t forever defined by their worst mistakes.” Two years ago the legislature passed HB19-1275, a bill that created a process for people convicted of low level offenses to petition the court to have their record sealed, by a vote of 91-6 across both chambers. Under HB21-1214 , certain records for low-level drug offenses will be automatically sealed. The bill does not change the non-drug offenses eligible to be considered by a court for discretionary sealing and will still not apply to violent offenses, child abuse, or driving under the influence, among other exceptions in current law. It requires waiting periods of up to ten years depending on the offenses being considered by a court for sealing. The new law shifts the onus of responsibility onto the court system, while still allowing records to be easily unsealed if there is an intervening factor, for example if the person who committed the offense is running for public office. Furthermore, comprehensive arrest data is collected under SB20-217 regarding the race, ethnicity and gender of every person arrested in Colorado in order to reveal patterns of discriminatory law enforcement practices. “Taking away a driver’s license from someone who can’t afford to pay a fine is counterproductive and plain wrong,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB21-1314. “I’m proud that we were able to get this new law across the finish line this year, ensuring that our approaches to public safety are fair and just.” HB21-1314 will limit the circumstances when driver’s licenses and learners permits can be revoked to only those where public safety requires it. It prohibits the suspension or revocation of licenses for failure to appear in court or failure to pay, but does nothing to impact revocation for driving under the influence or other offenses that reflect dangerous driving. Over 100,000 Coloradans have their licenses suspended for failure to appear in court or failure to pay. This is a counterproductive punishment that makes it harder for Coloradans to pay back their debts and restricts their mobility, impacting their ability to get to work, appear in court, and care for their families. HB21-1315 , sponsored by Representative Leslie Herod, eliminates certain fees levied on individuals and families in the juvenile justice system. The average fees per case total about $300 in Colorado, and it is estimated that the state spends about 75% of juvenile fee revenue on collection. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 TELEHEALTH EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD Legislation would enable community health centers to deploy telehealth and clinical pharmacy services for Colorado Medicaid members DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representative Yadira Caraveo’s bipartisan bill to allow the state to reimburse federally qualified community health centers for telehealth and clinical pharmacy services provided to Medicaid recipients. “Community health centers offer vital services to some of our state’s most vulnerable populations, but right now they can’t offer telemedicine or clinical pharmacy services to Medicaid recipients because the state won’t pay for it,” said Rep. Caraveo (D-Thornton). “Telemedicine has created an incredible opportunity to provide affordable health care services to Coloradans in rural areas and to those who find it challenging to leave their homes. This bill will improve access to care and lower costs by facilitating greater use of telemedicine and clinical pharmacy services.” Telehealth connects patients to providers through live video and audio, which allows patients to get the care they need without traveling. Telehealth can lead to cost savings by improving access to primary care and by helping to avoid unnecessary trips to the ER. Clinical pharmacy services help patients manage chronic conditions that require medication, often several different drugs. Clinical pharmacists have proven effective at controlling chronic health conditions, improving outcomes, and reducing health care costs. Under current law, Medicaid will not reimburse federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs), commonly known as community health centers, for telehealth services unless both the patient and the provider are physically located in the same facility. Medicaid also will not reimburse for clinical pharmacy services. HB20-1092 , which is also sponsored by Representative Perry will, would allow the state to reimburse community health centers for both telehealth services and clinical pharmacy services. Community Health Centers offer high-quality and low-cost primary health care services to more than one in seven Coloradans. There are over 208 FQHC clinics in 42 counties across the state. These facilities provide care on a sliding fee scale regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They serve 27 percent of the state’s Medicaid members and 25 percent of the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollees. In Colorado, these centers provide health care for 35,000 people experiencing homelessness and over 9,000 veterans. Because FQHCs use an integrated health care model, they often provide high quality care at a much lower cost, saving the state money. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today passed two Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives and by improving our state parks. HB21-1330 , which is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and passed by a vote of 44-19, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is a proven program that helps students and workers enter into and successfully complete postsecondary degree or certified skills training programs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With this bill, we are going to invest $50 million into the COSI program so that more workers and students can learn the skill and tools they’ll need to fill good jobs, build thriving careers, and boost our state’s economy.” HB21-1326 , which is sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-10, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. “Coloradans love our state parks, and both residents and folks from out of state are visiting and recreating in our parks more and more every year,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “The growth in visitors has led to environmental and conservation issues, as well as strain on park infrastructure. This funding will both repair and maintain existing parks while also making necessary improvements to support the growth we have experienced and expect to continue.” Previous Next

The Rural Opportunity Office is charged with boosting economic development in rural communities across the state < Back May 20, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Create the Rural Opportunity Office RIFLE, CO – Today, Governor Polis signed Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Representative Barbara McLachlan’s, D-Durango, bipartisan bill to foster economic development in rural communities. SB23-006 , also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, formally creates the Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. ROO is charged with serving as the central coordinator of rural economic development for the state, supporting communities transitioning away from coal-based economies, and making recommendations to help inform economic development policy impacting rural communities. “Rural communities like those I represent are crucial to Colorado’s economy and character. To ensure we’re building a Colorado where everyone can thrive, we must be proactive in our work to support rural economic development,” Roberts said. “By creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for our small towns in the Rural Opportunity Office, we’re providing the expertise to meet our rural economies’ unique needs and helping communities take advantage of state, federal, and nonprofit opportunities to promote, diversify, and expand economic opportunity. From Craig to Granby, Sterling to Cortez, and everywhere in between, the Rural Opportunity Office will be a vital resource for rural Colorado.” “As a rural Coloradan, I know how crucial our rural communities and agricultural industries are in maintaining Colorado’s economy and way of life,” said McLachlan. “Our new bipartisan law will create the Rural Opportunity Office to uplift rural communities throughout the state by connecting them with resources and opportunities that will boost our local economies and create more good paying jobs.” The Rural Opportunity Office began its work to boost rural economies through supportive development strategies in 2019. In the years since, the ROO has expanded services to assist Colorado’s Tribal nations in their economic development through grant writing support, education campaigns, and technical assistance. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 LOWER DRUG COSTS, NOW; HOUSE ADVANCES PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD PROPOSAL Prescription Drug Affordability Board proposal passes House on Second Reading DENVER– The House advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo, a physician, and Chris Kennedy to reduce the cost of life-saving prescription drugs. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “Bringing down the soaring costs of prescription drugs is one of the most pressing and critical issues we can take on as a legislature,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “It’s time for Colorado to stand up to Big Pharma on behalf of our constituents and work to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. No Coloradan should have to decide between putting food on the table and paying for the life-saving medicine they need to stay healthy.” “The treatment plans I lay out won’t be effective if my patients can’t afford the drugs I prescribe or are forced to ration them due to the cost,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “Reining in the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is an economic issue, a public health issue, and a moral issue that should concern us all. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board will set guardrails to help Coloradans afford life-saving drugs and will help us get to the bottom of spikes in the cost of these drugs.” Nearly one-in-three Coloradans struggle to afford the cost of prescription drugs. As established in SB21-175 , the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug cost increases, and set guardrails on cost increases for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state. The affordability board would set upper payment limits for prescription drugs that meet certain cost increase thresholds. These payment limits would apply to all purchasers in the state, but will only be placed on the highest cost drugs. The board will collect and evaluate the data necessary to review the affordability of prescription drugs and make policy recommendations to legislators. The board will be made up of nonpartisan, unpaid, highly qualified experts who are free from conflicts of interest. A recent poll from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative found that 77% of Coloradans supported the idea of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to analyze and act to lower the cost of certain prescription drugs — and this bill seeks to answer their call. Previous Next

HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act < Back July 23, 2025 Law to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Goes Into Effect HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act DENVER, CO - On August 6, legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie, Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Mike Weissman to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws goes into effect. “Under threat from the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When someone is wronged, we have a duty to create a pathway to justice. With this new law going into effect, we’re upholding our shared values of fairness, dignity, and equality under Colorado law and better protecting Coloradans who experience discrimination.” “People with disabilities should have the same rights to seek damages after experiencing discrimination as any other protected group,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This lawbill ensures that people with disabilities can be compensated for attorney fees, emotional distress, and other noneconomic harms if they experience discrimination or violation of their civil rights.” “This law remedies unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “From housing discrimination to inaccessible building entrances, Coloradans with disabilities have faced barriers to access for far too long. This law provides crucial recourse to people with disabilities and other victims of discrimination to ensure they can receive the justice they deserve.” “The cost of hiring an attorney prevents many Coloradans from pursuing justice after facing discrimination,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “People with disabilities who are denied housing or turned away from public spaces deserve a clear path to hold wrongdoers accountable and access the support they need to move forward.” HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. This law stems from a task force established by the legislature in 2023 to study the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and make recommendations. HB25-1239 is the largest expansion of CADA enforcement rights since CADA was passed nearly 70 years ago. This new law will allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the law, victims will be able to recover attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury will be limited to $50,000. A defendant will be entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days of the complaint and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the violation. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO EXTEND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor advanced Representatives Daneya Esgar and Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to support businesses coming to Colorado and incentivize economic growth by extending the successful Transferable Tax Credit program for three years. “I fought hard to create this critical tool for businesses three years ago, and with it we were able to deliver results for Pueblo and keep jobs in our town,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Now we’re ensuring that this successful business development program will continue to keep and create jobs for Colorado for years to come.” “The Transferable Tax Credit program has a track record of success, and I’m proud that we voted to extend it today,” said Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair Rep. Kraft-Tharp. “We need to do everything we can to bring more jobs to Colorado and keep our state’s economy strong. This program will continue to do exactly that.” HB20-1298 would extend the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) performance-based Transferable Tax Credit (TTC) program for three years. The TTC program allows companies that make major capital investments in Colorado of at least $100 million to transfer certain OEDIT tax credits that they would not be able to use otherwise. These are tax credits that are earned in the course of making that investment and they include Colorado’s Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and the Enterprise Zone (EZ) investment tax, EZ new employee credit, and EZ R&D credit. Since inception, the Transferable Tax Credit program has only been used in two extremely unique economic development opportunities that created and kept well-paying jobs in Colorado and will benefit our economy for decades. The first was the retention of EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo, where the company plans to spend more than $400M to build a steel mill that will be the center of a local manufacturing ecosystem. The second was the relocation of VF Corp’s headquarters from North Carolina to Denver, which will create an estimated 800 new jobs in the Denver area. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2023 House Advances Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “No one should have to put off life-saving, reproductive health care because they can’t afford it,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “We’re one step closer to securing expanded access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was able to pay for my own abortion, but not everyone can access or afford the care they need. Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full range of reproductive health care services.” “Accessing the health care you need shouldn’t rely upon how much money you have or if you can find a provider in your community,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our legislation works to break down accessibility barriers to receiving reproductive health care, which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments. We are committed to securing reproductive justice for all and breaking down the systematic barriers that keep our neighbors from accessing care.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, STI and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. ### Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2020 PAY FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES IS ABOUT TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE The House today passed legislation to allow collegiate athletes to be compensated for the use of their image and likeness. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and James Coleman, passed the House by a vote of 55-9 and now moves on to the Governor’s desk for final approval. “This bill sends a message to colleges across the country: student athletes have the right to share in the wealth that their presences bring into institutions of higher education,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “Student athletes should be able to profit off of the brand they work so hard to create and cultivate. With the boom of the social media influencer profession, it’s more important than ever to give student athletes to earn from their likeness.” “This bill will give College athletes the opportunity to earn while they learn,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “This is a huge win and we hope that the bill will bring equity to the world of collegiate sports and allow more student athletes to stay in school without fear of financial instability.” Last October, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Board of Governors announced their intention to permit student athletes to profit from the use of their likeness. Prior to the NCAA announcement, California passed a bill that banned in-state schools from preventing athletes from accepting compensation from advertisers. It also allows them to hire agents. Illinois , New York , Florida and now Colorado have introduced bills to allow for athletes to profit from their likeness. SB20-123 would prevent higher education institutions in Colorado from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of the institution from earning compensation from the use of the athlete’s name, image or likeness. The bill would also prevent collegiate institutions from providing prospective athletes with compensation prior to their signing. Additionally, athletes will be able to secure athletic and legal representation, and any compensation the athlete receives cannot affect their eligibility to participate in collegiate sports. Athletes who decide to enter into an endorsement deal would have to let the athletic directors of their institutions know 72 hours after the contract is signed. Previous Next