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< Back January 7, 2019 CATHY KIPP JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS (Jan. 7) – Cathy Kipp, a former Poudre School District board member, was sworn in today at the state capitol as the next representative for House District 52 in Fort Collins. A vacancy committee selected Rep. Kipp last week to replace state Senator Joann Ginal in the House. “I’m honored the group in HD-52 selected me and look forward to hitting the ground running,” Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins said. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at the legislature to invest in education and address the threat of climate change, among other issues.” “Representative Kipp brings a deep knowledge of policy and grassroots experience to the capitol and we all look forward to working with her to craft bipartisan solutions to the problems facing Coloradans,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. For the past seven years she sat on the Poudre School District Board of Education. Rep. Kipp is well-known in Colorado for her public education advocacy efforts. “I look forward to working with all of you, I am a very boots on the ground kind of person,” Kipp told the House upon being sworn in. Rep. Kipp lives in Fort Collins with her husband Don. They have two sons, Nick and Arthur. Previous Next

Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. < Back December 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Fenberg, McCluskie Make Appointments to the Commission on Property Tax DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. The Commission on Property Tax, created through HB23B-1003 , will bring leaders from across the state together to identify long-term property tax solutions. “Property tax spikes have hit Colorado homeowners hard, especially economically vulnerable folks like seniors and those on fixed incomes,” President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That's why we created this important, bipartisan Commission, and I know my appointments will work hard to find long-term, comprehensive solutions to address property taxes in Colorado. I am excited about the possibilities this opportunity presents, and will be closely watching to ensure we find a responsible, long-term solution that will keep Colorado affordable for years to come." “To establish long-term property tax solutions, we need to bring all voices to the table so we can lay the groundwork for our ultimate goal of making Colorado more affordable for everyone,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The appointments I made to the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax bring a wealth of knowledge to this policy space and are well-aligned with the different needs of Coloradans living around the state, including in our mountain towns and low-income communities. Addressing the rising cost of living is a top priority for Colorado Democrats and this commission is an important step toward making it easier to not only live in our beautiful state, but thrive.” President Fenberg’s Appointments: Senator Chris Hansen Commissioner Andy Kerr Kevin Vick Speaker McCluskie’s Appointments: Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue Jonathan Cappelli The Commission on Property Tax was created through HB23B-1003 and will outline plans for long and short-term property tax relief and to evaluate property tax ballot initiatives filings for the 2024 election. The bipartisan Commission includes legislators, county commissioners from across the state, a property tax administrator and different local government, business, and community leaders representing constituencies impacted by property tax revenue. The goal of the Commission on Property Tax is to map out potential long-term solutions to property taxes that have been rising since Coloradans voted to repeal the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. Under HB23B-1003, the Commission will convene by the week of December 18, 2023, and deliver an initial report to the General Assembly and Governor by March 15, 2024. Previous Next

SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health or gender affirming care < Back March 28, 2023 Legislation to Protect Reproductive Health Care Providers and Patients Passes Committee SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health or gender affirming care DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to establish that the state of Colorado will not recognize any criminal prosecutions for those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care. SB23-188 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to protect health care providers and patients from overreaching interstate criminal and civil threats. “When we passed RHEA, we knew the fight to defend our reproductive freedoms wasn’t over,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “This bill codifies important protections to make sure our patients, providers, and helpers are shielded from interstate prosecution threats, retaliation and imprisonment. In Colorado, we respect your bodily autonomy and the right to make your own medical decisions. Our bill makes it clear that Colorado will never extradite a provider or patient to another state, further protecting Coloradans from other states’ attempts to enforce their restrictive abortion laws.” “Across the country and even here in Colorado, our fundamental freedoms are under attack from harmful transphobic rhetoric, anti-trans bills, and egregious attempts to limit who we are,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our legislation protects those seeking gender-affirming and reproductive health care from politically-motivated, legal overreach by other states. For many people, having access to gender-affirming care is not only validating, but life-saving. This bill prioritizes patients and providers, protects our privacy and upholds your fundamental rights to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.” Protections For Accessing Reproductive Health Care: SB23-188 passed committee by a vote of 9 to 4. This bill prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. For 1.2 million people, Colorado is the closest state to receive legal abortion and reproductive health care. In order to protect patients, providers and assistors from anti-abortion lawsuits or legal action, this bill establishes a shield law to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected abortion and gender-affirming health care. This includes protections for out-of-state patients and providers. Across the nation, many states are enacting strict laws to limit access to abortion and gender-affirming care. In both Texas and Oklahoma , anyone providing, assisting, or paying for an abortion that occurs within the state are subject to criminal and civil penalties. Under these laws, residents and non residents of these two states are subject to penalties. During the 2023 legislative session, 431 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country. Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa , Florida and Tennessee have joined, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, in passing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care. The bills included in the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package are part of an effort to make Colorado one of the safest states in the nation to receive reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 GARNETT, HEROD, LOOK BACK ON THE YEAR SINCE GEORGE FLOYD’S MURDER Speaker Alec Garnett and Black Caucus Chair Leslie Herod release statements on the one year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett and Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado Chair Leslie Herod today released the following statements marking the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “George Floyd didn’t ask to become a martyr. He should still be alive today, enjoying a quiet life in anonymity,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “But in the year since his violent murder, a movement was reinvigorated, a fire was sparked, and here in Colorado, we fought for and won a change. Today we mark the anniversary of this tragedy as a reminder to not let our guard down, to not allow the flame of our movement to wane. The work of protecting Black lives, holding law enforcement accountable, and improving police-community relationships is not a one-and-done affair. That’s why I’m so proud that this year we’re working to build on the progress we made with SB 217. On we press.” “This time last year, as we rose to the moment to pass necessary COVID relief bills to get Colorado through the worst of the pandemic, the killing of George Floyd brought Denver out into the streets to demand change,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Led by the phenomenal and tireless work of our Black and Latinx caucuses, we passed a bold, sweeping, police accountability reform bill that was the first of its kind in the nation and is now being used as a model for the ongoing federal policy discussions in Washington. George Floyd’s death was tragic and enraging, but it will live on in American history as a breaking point that opened the eyes of many. May he rest in peace.” Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2024 Gov. Polis Signs Two Bills to Support Students into Law COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two pieces of legislation to support Colorado students. SB24-164 will improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. HB24-1076 will create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families. “Throughout my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it became clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-164. “This new law is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.” “Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we put students first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-164. “This law will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate. It will also ensure that students transferring from a community college to a four year institution receive credits they deserve for the classes they’ve successfully completed.” SB24-164 is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. This law will make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Transparency requirements include: Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education; Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses; Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits. A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 will build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits. “Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This legislation will help students that are part of military families during the transition process so they can focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive at school. I’m proud to sponsor this law that will help military family members get connected to the support and resources they deserve.” “This important law uplifts our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “As the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, the bill getting signed into law today will help ease the school transition for kids in military families, making it easier to call our great state home.” HB24-1076 , also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. The Purple Star School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments. To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must: Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison, Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families, Maintain student-led transition programs, and Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students. Previous Next

< Back August 6, 2019 COLORADO ERPO SPONSORS RESPOND TO TRUMP’S CALL FOR RED FLAG LAWS “There is much more they must do to protect our communities” (August 6) – In response to President Trump’s call for red flag laws in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, the sponsors of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law, Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan, issued the following statement: “Colorado is grieving with El Paso and Dayton after the tragedies this weekend. Colorado knows far too well the pain of mass shootings and the trauma that they inflict on victims and communities. It is time to take action to stop these senseless, deadly attacks. “We are glad to hear that there is increasing bipartisan support at the federal level for red flag laws. Here in Colorado we passed an Extreme Risk Protection Order law, a commonsense approach that is shown to save lives and prevent tragedies. We encourage other states to look to Colorado’s legislation as a model that increases public safety while protecting due process rights. The federal proposal is a good step but there is much more they must do to protect our communities from the scourge of gun violence.” Rep. Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Rep. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. The state’s Extreme Risk Protection law, also known as the Deputy Zackari Parrish III Violence Protection Act, was signed by Gov. Polis on April 12 of this year and will provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The legislation has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Through HB19-1177, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is a significant risk to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for an ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter and testified in support of the legislation. Members of law enforcement, gun owners, and survivors of gun violence testified for hours during House and Senate committee hearings in support of the bill. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have enacted ERPO laws. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2021 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO UPDATE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION STATUES DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Dylan Roberts’ bipartisan bill to ensure Colorado’s prosecutors are better prepared to go after criminals who sexually exploit children. The bill passed unanimously on third reading. “As technology has advanced, so have the perverse tactics criminals use to sexually exploit children,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Our statutes have not kept up with the times on this front and as a prosecutor myself, I know how difficult it can be to hold heinous criminals accountable when our legal tools lag behind. I’m proud of the unanimous bipartisan support we received to protect our children today.” HB21-1069 takes several steps to address child sexual exploitation in Colorado. The bill makes sexual exploitation of a child an extraordinary risk crime, increasing the maximum potential sentence in the presumptive sentencing range in certain circumstances. It also creates a new surcharge for child sexual exploitation offenders, and directs the majority of the funds recouped from these charges toward the Sexual Exploitation of Children Fund, which supports the effective investigation and prosecution of computer-facilitated sexual exploitation of children. Finally, the bill updates statutory definitions to ensure that certain actions, including those used by criminals to sexually exploit children using technology, fit under the definition of sexual exploitation of a child. Previous Next

< Back September 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: Hansen, Cutter Honored as Inaugural “Champions of a Free Press” DENVER, CO – The Colorado Press Association (CPA) recently honored Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, with its inaugural “Champion of a Free Press” award for their work to ensure local news remains a vital part of Colorado’s information and economic ecosystem and that the public has access to the information it needs for civic and daily life. Hansen was honored for collaborating with the CPA on legislation that would have updated components of the Colorado Open Records Act. “Colorado’s open record laws are key to keeping the public informed - but they could be evesn better and need to be modernized,” Hansen said . “I am proud to have partnered with the Colorado Press Association on the important work of making public information more accessible, and I look forward to continuing our fight to make it even easier for Coloradans to stay informed about what all of the branches of government are up to on their behalf.” Cutter was recognized for her work on HB22-1121 , which aimed to increase support for local media by requiring all state departments to spend at least 50 percent of the money they spend on advertising to Colorado residents in a fiscal year on advertising through local newspapers. “Local news is a critical part of a high functioning society,” said Cutter . “I’m proud to be recognized for my work to support local media, which helps keep Coloradans informed, holds elected officials accountable and strengthens our democracy. I will continue to explore ways to support local news in Colorado.” About CPA Founded in 1878, the Colorado Press Association is the champion for Colorado print and online media. CPA is the non-profit trade association representing journalists, investigative reporters and truth seekers throughout the state. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 PASSED! NATURAL DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will that would create the Community Behavioral Health DIsaster Preparedness and Response Program to ensure mental health services are a component of the state’s natural disaster response planning. The vote was 43-20. “As the realities of climate change have worsened, Colorado has had to respond to too many devastating tragedies – wildfires, floods, droughts and mass shootings – that have left our communities reeling and our neighbors in need of immediate physical and mental health care,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “By incorporating behavioral health into our state’s disaster response and preparedness plans, we can offer more of the services Coloradans impacted by disasters need during some of their most difficult moments. Connecting people with the services they need in the aftermath of a disaster can ensure that they have support in the long run to rebuild and recover.” HB21-1281 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, creates the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The program is intended to enhance, support, and formalize behavioral health disaster preparedness and response activities of community behavioral health organizations. Disaster behavioral health response differs from traditional psychotherapeutic interventions. The goal is to support normal behavioral functions and decrease stress, which allows for more normal brain activities, such as decision-making, problem solving, and cognitive processing. The intent of disaster response is to promote individual, family, and community resilience and it helps affected individuals return to a pre-disaster level of activity as quickly as possible. Disaster response methods include triage, basic support, psychological first aid, and making appropriate professional referrals in the community. Community mental health centers are already operating a number of programs that would fall within the scope of this fund, especially as they relate to COVID-19, but funding for these programs is fragmented and much of the federal funding is expected to discontinue. The bill would provide funding to community behavioral health organizations for the disaster response services they provide. Previous Next

On September 1, two new laws go into effect to lower the cost of phone communication between people that are incarcerated and their friends and family and improve accessibility in court proceedings by allowing remote participation. < Back August 31, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Improve Contact with Loved Ones While Incarcerated, Remote Accessibility for Court Proceedings Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On September 1, two new laws go into effect to lower the cost of phone communication between people that are incarcerated and their friends and family and improve accessibility in court proceedings by allowing remote participation. “I've seen firsthand how complicated and expensive it can be to try to communicate with a family member who is serving time in prison,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Too many incarcerated Coloradans have had to limit communication with their parents, spouse, kids, and friends. Our law removes this unnecessary financial barrier to let Colorado families maintain and build their relationships with their loved ones, leading to a more successful transition back into their community and lower rates of recidivism.” “Maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family helps incarcerated people envision a full life outside of the carceral system,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Eliminating the costs of prison phone calls for incarcerated people and their loved ones will help restore hope for those in our corrections system. I am proud to champion this legislation, a low cost effort to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and help people maintain dignity while incarcerated.” “Research shows that people who have more contact with their families while they are incarcerated have lower rates of re-arrest after they return to their community,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Prison can be a very isolating place to be and people in custody deserve the ability to seek comfort and connection with their family and friends that will support them when they are re-integrated into society. With this law going into effect, we’re improving public safety, creating healthier communities, and ensuring that families can stay connected.” “No cost prison phone calls will help incarcerated Coloradans stay connected to resources that can help them succeed outside of prison,” said Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Data shows that people who are able to maintain connections with their support system are more likely to succeed and less likely to return to the prison system. Making prison phone calls free is the right thing to do for incarcerated Coloradans and their families and friends.” Under HB23-1133 , the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) must provide free voice, video, and electronic messaging communication services to people that are incarcerated and in DOC custody in either a correctional facility or a private prison. Starting September 1, the new law reduces the cost of phone calls by 25 percent. These communication services must cover outgoing and incoming attempts. Lowering the cost of prison phone calls has been shown to reduce recidivism and better prepare people who are incarcerated for their release by helping them maintain critical connections. This law develops a plan to cover the full cost of communication services for people in state custody, allowing incarcerated Coloradans to use these services for free starting July 1, 2025. “As someone who has spent thousands of hours observing court across our state, I know how unpredictable and inconsistent court access can be for everyday Coloradans, ” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “Public access to court observation should not require physical presence in court. By requiring criminal courts to offer consistent remote observation in all judicial districts, this legislation helps move us closer to a criminal legal system that is more transparent, equitable, and accountable for all Coloradans.” “The more the public is able to access our courts, the better and more transparent they are,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “This new law will help the public better understand what is happening in our courtrooms, give folks without transportation more options, and help ensure every Coloradan who wants to is able to engage with our court system.” “As a housing and eviction attorney, I’ve seen the strain that mandatory in-person attendance has on people that lack reliable transportation,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “The COVID-19 pandemic required court proceedings to take place virtually, and although they were successful, many courts across Colorado have discontinued remote observation. Because of our new law, Colorado courts must reasonably provide remote access for observers of a criminal court proceeding, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and public discourse within our criminal justice system.” HB23-1182 , also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, requires all Colorado courts to provide a remote access option for the public to observe any criminal court proceeding taking place in an open court, unless a court order prohibits the public from observing the case. Under this law, the court must post links for remote observation on its website to make it easier for the public to access the court proceedings. This law does not require courts to provide remote participation for plaintiffs, defendants, prosecutors, and other judicial personnel. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. < Back April 17, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. HB24-1262 passed the House by a vote of 48 to 12. “Coloradans increasingly want expanded birth options, especially in Black and Latino communities, but existing barriers prevent community birth facilities from providing these services,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Increasing access to maternal care, including midwives, will allow Colorado parents to choose a birth plan that fits their needs. By giving Coloradans more options for maternal health care, we can reduce the impacts of the maternal mortality crisis and save lives.” “The worsening maternal mortality crisis is a growing issue, especially for Black, Indigenous, and rural parents, and our bill seeks to address these preventable deaths,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Maternal health deserts and other barriers to maternal health care access prevent parents from receiving necessary, and sometimes life-saving care. By boosting health care provider options and perinatal resources, we can create a health care system that keeps our parents and newborns safe and healthy.” Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The bill would also: Direct the Civil Rights Commission to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination, Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs, Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Require a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide public notice at least 90 days before the discontinuation of these services, Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study the availability of perinatal health care, facility and practice closures and the impacts on maternal and infant health, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous communities are three times as likely. Previous Next

SB24-184 creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado < Back May 16, 2024 SIGNED! Legislation Aimed at Establishing Passenger Rail for Colorado Becomes Law SB24-184 creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state. SB24-184 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, alongside House Speaker Julie McClusike, D-Dillon, and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, implements a congestion impact fee that will offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion caused by rental vehicles. Revenue generated from the fee will create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide rail, as well as other forms of public transportation. “For years Coloradans have been waiting for the promise of a fast, efficient passenger rail system that makes it easy, safe, and affordable to travel all across our great state,” Fenberg said. “Now, with the availability of critical federal funds through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver on that promise. I am excited to have championed this new law that will secure more efficient transit options while cutting emissions, reducing traffic, and connecting communities across Colorado.” “Once in a generation federal infrastructure funding is giving us the opportunity to build an expanded passenger rail system that will create the transportation options Coloradans have been asking for,” said McCluskie. “In addition to creating transit that reduces traffic and air pollution, passenger rail projects, including Mountain Rail, will create Colorado jobs and boost economies throughout the state. This law is a long time in the making, and I am excited to make significant progress towards passenger rail infrastructure.” “Expanding our transit system and making it easier for folks in my district to travel across our great state is a key priority of mine at the Capitol,” said Marchman. “Expanding passenger rail service will connect communities like mine with the rest of the state and save people both time and money on their commutes, all while emitting less pollution and reducing traffic. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to expand our transit options so that more Coloradans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently." “The Front Range Passenger Rail is a long time in the making, and this law will help us secure federal funding by creating a long-term funding mechanism to make expanded passenger rail a reality across Front Range communities,” said Boesenecker. “From Fort Collins and the Western Slope to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Coloradans have been asking for more transit options. This law will build on existing transit systems and expand transit partnership opportunities to ensure we’re providing transportation services that work for the needs of our communities.” The law encourages RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins. It also directs the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail projects originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus. Finally, SB24-184 requires CTIO to create a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards. Previous Next