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Legislation requires HOAs to provide homeowners with a slate of water-wise landscape designs for lawn replacement < Back May 17, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Water Efficient Landscaping Legislation requires HOAs to provide homeowners with a slate of water-wise landscape designs for lawn replacement BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Polis signed into law Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Mandy Lindsay’s, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to reduce barriers for Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping. Also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-178 promotes water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystems while requiring little or no irrigation. Many homeowners in HOAs want to replace their lawn and save water, but are deterred by obscure HOA approval processes. The bill streamlines this by requiring HOAs to select and pre-approve water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from, as an alternative to getting HOA permission for their own design. “Colorado, like many states in the West, is experiencing prolonged drought. Combined with chronic water overuse, the American West is running out of water,” Jaquez Lewis said. “By making it easier for Colorado homeowners to replace their water-guzzling lawns with water-wise landscapes, we can drastically cut down on our overall water usage while maintaining beautiful, unique yards natural to Colorado's climate.” “As Colorado combats historic drought conditions, water-wise landscaping is a great place to cut back our freshwater usage,” said McCormick. “This law allows almost 3 million Coloradans living in HOAs to have drought-tolerant landscaping options for their lawns, which saves them money and conserves our most precious resource. Beautiful yards don’t have to be water-intensive lawns, and this law reduces barriers to having landscaping that’s eco-conscious, sustainable and biodiverse.” “There are many homeowners who are interested in replacing their water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping, but until now it didn’t align with their HOA regulations,” said Lindsay. “Under our new law, homeowners living in HOAs can install and enjoy water-wise yards that require less maintenance than traditional turf lawns and utilize native plants to contribute to our state’s beauty. As we face drought head on, cutting back on our freshwater usage is good for the planet and our wallets.” The bill also prevents an HOA from requiring hardscape on more than 20 percent of a landscape area, and prevents an HOA from prohibiting vegetable gardens in a homeowner’s yard. About half of the water used in single-family homes in Denver goes toward “outdoor use,” according to Denver Water . Last year, the legislature passed legislation to create the Turf Replacement Program , which provides financial incentives for voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. SB23-178 complements that initiative by helping homeowners who may not need financial incentives but are hindered by other barriers. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2024 Majority Leader Duran, Rep. Froelich Release Statements on Proposition KK DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich today released the following statement on the passage of Proposition KK. HB24-1349 referred a measure to that ballot that will place 6.5-percent excise tax on firearms to support Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services: Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “Tonight really is a full circle moment for me; without the support from crime victim services as a young single mother trapped in an abusive relationship, there is no way I’d be here today celebrating the passage of Prop KK. I’d like to thank our volunteers, advocates and non-profit organizations who helped get the word out about this modest, 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms. As federal dollars dwindle, Coloradans made the right choice this evening to step up and help fill the funding gaps in crime victim services. From navigating the challenging judicial system to helping secure child care, crime victim services play a major role in uplifting survivors by providing them the resources they need to start anew. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support of Prop KK.” Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood: “I’m beyond proud of the passage of Prop KK, and I’d like to personally thank each and every volunteer and advocate who made this possible. We know survivors of domestic abuse often face an uphill battle when navigating the judicial system, securing housing and obtaining financial security and crime victim services often play a vital role in connecting survivors to resources they need. Prop KK’s modest excise tax will go directly to Colorado’s crime victim services, which will help offset drastic cuts in federal funding for life-saving services. Tonight, Coloradans stepped up to support survivors and their children, and I couldn’t be more proud.” ### Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2022 RECORD INVESTMENTS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee passed a bill to create a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. SB22-193 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 4. “Prioritizing clean air improves our health and builds a pathway toward a healthier future for every Coloradan,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This transformational investment tackles air pollution from multiple angles, including improving air monitoring, electrifying school buses and cutting back on industrial emissions. Together, we’re investing in a cleaner future for ourselves and generations to come.” “Too often, disadvantaged communities and low-income Coloradans are exposed to higher rates of air pollutants and toxic emissions,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “We have a plan to invest in clean air solutions, including electrifying school buses so our youngest Coloradans can breathe cleaner, healthier air. These record investments will work to clean up Colorado’s air and cut back on industrial emissions.” SB22-193 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring and incentives. SB22-193 will invest $109 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. This includes: $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses. $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships finance projects to reduce industrial emissions through different technologies such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture. $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs. $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying and localized monitoring to help identify leaks at oil and gas facilities. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE RESCINDS REQUESTS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS DENVER, CO– Through a resolution sponsored by Judiciary Chair Mike Weissman, the House today rescinded all previous requests by either chamber of the General Assembly to call for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. “Colorado has not made a request for a constitutional convention in over 25 years,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “In that time, our population has nearly doubled, and our state has changed drastically. Passing this resolution today gives Colorado a clean slate and ensures our state has no part in prompting a massive, wide-open revamp of the US Constitution. This is about ensuring that we maintain a high standard for amending our country’s foundational document and protecting the rights and liberties we hold dear.” “Amending our Constitution should be no easy feat,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “While the Constitution is certainly a living document, we cannot allow it to be put on the operating table and left to be tinkered with. There’s a reason we haven’t had a constitutional convention since 1787; it could threaten the core rights and freedoms that are foundational to our democracy. If changes need to be made, the framers gave us another, more targeted mechanism through Congress and the state legislatures that has been used successfully many times to ensure our Constitution meets the needs of the times.” HJR 21-1006 establishes “that all resolutions, memorials, or other enactments previously passed by the Colorado General Assembly or either house thereof petitioning Congress for a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution shall be rescinded, cancelled, voided, nullified, and superseded upon passage of this resolution.” Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE Legislation would boost hospital transparency and improve protections from surprise medical bills DENVER, CO – The House passed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar that will increase hospital billing transparency and save Coloradans money on health care. HB22-1285 passed the House today by a vote of 63 to 1 and would increase hospital pricing transparency practices. HB22-1284 passed the House yesterday by a vote of 63 to 0 and will improve surprise medical billing protections in Colorado. “These bills work to save Coloradans money on health care by improving hospital price transparency and protecting patients from surprise billing,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hospitals are required to be open and honest about what they’re changing patients, and our bill not only ensures transparency but limits the hospital’s ability to collect medical debt if they’re not in compliance. Coloradans deserve to know what they’re getting when it comes to health care, and our legislation protects them against surprise medical bills that are often outrageously expensive.” HB22-1285 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Patrick Neville, would save Coloradans money on their health care costs by increasing hospital transparency and prohibiting hospitals that are out of compliance with federal price transparency laws from referring medical debt to collections. In July 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop detailed rules to increase hospital billing transparency. Hospitals must now publicly post their “standard charges,” which are the gross charges, discounted cash prizes, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for health care services. Under the bill, hospitals that are not in compliance with federal hospital price transparency regulations will be prohibited from referring, assigning or selling medical debt to collectors, and they will be prohibited from using the courts to obtain a judgment for an outstanding medical debt. The bill would award damages to patients if the courts find that the hospital has violated the provisions of the bill. HB22-1284 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Marc Catlin, would improve Colorado’s surprise medical billing protections by aligning them with recently passed federal legislation. The bill provides clarity to consumers, providers and insurance carriers about how to move forward with surprise billing protections. It adds balance billing protections for post-stabilization services to ensure that patients are protected from surprise bills until they can consent and be safely transferred to an in-network facility. It mirrors the federal law’s notice and consent requirements to ensure that out-of-network providers and facilities provide notice to a consumer before a scheduled service, including an estimate of the total charges the consumer will be responsible for. Finally, it updates Colorado laws to allow for a 90-day period of continued coverage at in-network rates for transitional care. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL Wildfires continue to threaten homes across Colorado (May 31) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. “We’re quickly approaching wildfire season and this new law will help small businesses, homes and hardworking people who depend on having healthy forests,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “ It’s critically important to fight wildfires and this law will help mitigate the scope and severity of wildfires.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan is a member of the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. HB19-1006 creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). Colorado has the third highest percentage of households deemed high or extreme risk from wildfires in the entire country. Previous Next

Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships < Back May 20, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Accelerate Affordable Workforce Housing Projects Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships DOWDS JUNCTION, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a bill to encourage innovative, affordable workforce housing projects through public-private partnerships. SB23-001 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, provides $13 million in funding to help develop affordable workforce housing on state-owned land so that Colorado workers like teachers, nurses, and everyone in between can find housing that fits their budget. “Across Colorado, local communities are exploring innovative projects to ensure everyone can have access to an affordable place to call home near where they work,” Roberts said. “This bill will help catalyze many projects across the state by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to affordable housing development: the cost of land. By allowing public-private partnerships access to underused state land, we can expect hundreds of new affordable housing units across the state in the coming years, including 80 units in my home of Eagle County. I am thrilled this bill is being signed after moving forward with bipartisan support.” “We need to utilize every tool we have to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and by allowing public-private partnerships with this new law, we can increase housing opportunities while also creating more well-paying construction jobs,” said Bird. “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans of any budget or zip code to find an affordable place to call home.” “The housing crisis is a top concern for the people of Colorado and the legislature alike,” said Zenzinger. “Constructing workforce housing was a key part of this year’s comprehensive work to address housing availability and affordability. Teachers, nurses, and everyone who helps keep our state running deserve to have an affordable place they can call home. Senate Bill 1 will be incredibly helpful in our efforts to ensure Coloradans can afford to live where they work.” “Rural towns like mine are struggling to keep up with housing demands, which is displacing essential workers that are necessary to maintain the health of our communities,” said Lukens. “Land is a significant cost when it comes to building housing, so we’re allowing for public-private partnerships using state-owned land to make it easier to build housing that Coloradans can afford, helping us retain our workforce and boosting local economies.” SB23-001 builds on work from previous sessions, HB21-1274 and SB22-130 , regarding the inventory of underutilized properties and state-owned land. Of the total funding, $2 million will go towards the Dowd Junction project to facilitate development of 80 two-bedroom units, and $11 million will fund similar projects across the state. Previous Next

The legislation would create a commission to identify long-term solutions to rising property taxes < Back November 18, 2023 House Passes Snyder Bill to Jumpstart Long-Term Property Tax Solutions DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Marc Snyder’s legislation to create a commission to develop long-term solutions to rising property taxes in Colorado. HB23B-1003 , passed by a vote of 39-21 and would create a task force to outline plans for short-term and long-term property tax relief. “Combatting our state’s affordability crisis requires us to think broadly about ways to provide both short-term and long-term property tax relief for hard working Coloradans while protecting funding for schools, fire districts and the critical services Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “My legislation would convene a task force, made up of both local and statewide leaders, to develop solutions to rising property taxes. Colorado Democrats are committed to making our state a more affordable place for everyone, and this legislation continues our ongoing efforts to provide property tax relief to Coloradans in all four corners of our state.” HB23B-1003 , would create the Commission on Property Tax task force to outline plans for long and short term property tax relief. The task force members would include legislators, a property tax administrator and different local government and community leaders. The goal of HB23B-1003 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 task force would convene by the week of November 27, 2023, and deliver a report to the Legislative Council by March 1, 2024. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications.  < Back February 12, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Support Children, Modernize Health Care Communications DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications. “There is a need to update Colorado’s child support guidelines to better align them with the economic realities of raising a child in 2025,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB25-1159. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission, our bill modernizes some of the requirements for child support, including monthly income eligibility. Our goal is to ensure Colorado’s child support formulas are equitable, fair and meet the needs of children in our state.” “No child should go hungry or lack the support they need just because their family situation has changed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1159 . “I’ve met parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids, but the outdated child support guidelines make it harder for them to make ends meet. This bill updates income eligibility and simplifies the process, ensuring that children have the stability and resources they need to grow and succeed—no matter what challenges their families face. We’re making sure Colorado’s child support system is fairer, more effective, and truly centered on the well-being of our kids.” HB25-1159 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill ai ms to update and clarify Colorado's child support guidelines. HB25-1159 implements recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission , specifically to the monthly income eligibility and medical needs of children. Under the bill, new guidelines would be set to adjust the amount of child support divorced or separated parents are required to pay based on their income. The bill would also define certain medical determinations and guidelines for children with ongoing medical needs. Some examples include physical therapy, behavioral health treatment or orthodontics. The goal of the bill is to update the child support guidelines to reflect today’s economic realities and ensure children receive the financial support they need. “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks and utility companies, why not make it more widespread for health insurance communications,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-010. “This bill provides Coloradans with real-time health insurance information online while keeping their sensitive data safe and protected. This bill would cut down on health care administrative costs, reduce waste and improve access for consumers.” SB25-010 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with more than $60 million in annual tax credits and exemptions to businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments < Back April 6, 2023 Clean Energy Tax Incentives Win Committee Approval HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with more than $60 million in annual tax credits and exemptions to businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans’ and businesses money by expanding tax incentives for clean transportation, heat pumps, geothermal energy, and industrial emissions reductions. This bill is part of a broader legislative package to incentivize the advancement and adoption of clean energy technologies that build upon federal initiatives to maximize Colorado’s ability to benefit from federal funds, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. “This monumental legislation is pivotal in helping Colorado reach its climate goals while significantly lowering energy costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “From e-bikes and electric vehicles, to geothermal heating and cooling systems, this bill shepherds clean energy tax incentives to improve our air quality and save Coloradans money. We’re committed to investing in innovative clean energy sources to power our economy and heat our buildings, and this bill builds upon federal investments to help Colorado utilize the latest technology to meet our climate goals and transition to more sustainable energy sources .” “Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans to implement some of the impressive clean energy tools and technologies that not only save them money, but bring us closer to reaching Colorado’s climate goals,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill offers consumers significant tax credits to reduce the cost of electric vehicles, prioritizes incentives for clean energy sources, and will attract new businesses to create good-paying jobs. This bill is good for consumers, businesses, the economy and our planet.” Tax Incentives to Advance Decarbonization : HB23-1272 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would reduce the costs of clean energy technologies for residents and businesses across Colorado through tax incentives. This includes incentives for investments in geothermal electricity development and high-efficiency heat pumps, and for measures to reduce industrial pollution. It would also extend and expand tax credits for electric trucks and passenger vehicles and discounts on electric bikes to help increase adoption of cleaner transportation methods. Specifically, this bill builds upon the federal incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts to help Colorado maximize the impact of federal dollars. Tax incentives in HB23-1272 are expected to exceed $60 million with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies. The bill: Extends and expands the innovative motor vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for certain electric passenger vehicles. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the truck’s weight until 2032. Creates a refundable income tax credit for the sale of qualifying e-bikes if the retailer offers a $700 discount to the customer. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits will vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Establishes the refundable industrial clean energy tax credit to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions at qualifying large facilities. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-5 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 BILL TO BOOST COLORADO WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by breaking down barriers for Coloradans with a criminal history to obtain licensure, certification or registration for many professions and occupations today passed the House unanimously. HB22-1098, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Jennifer Bacon, would make it easier for Coloradans with unrelated criminal charges to obtain the credentials they need to enter a profession. “This bill will boost our workforce by breaking down unnecessary barriers that prevent people from entering a profession and building a new life,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Under the bill, the Department of Regulatory Affairs will create a standard for Coloradans with criminal records to apply for jobs to make it easier for qualified individuals to pursue careers in critical fields.” “We are excluding too many people from thriving in professions they are qualified for,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This disproportionately prevents Black and Brown Coloradans from building a better life and entering professions regulated by the state. This bill will begin to open new opportunities for Coloradans who have been involved in the criminal justice system, which will boost our workforce, create jobs and help employers across the state.” HB22-1098 would make it so applicants may only be denied a credential based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. Additionally, the bill allows regulators to issue a conditional credential to a potential applicant with certain guardrails in place. Nearly one in three Coloradans have a criminal record that hinders them from applying for state regulated jobs, including K-12 teaching, child care, health care and other high-demand sectors in Colorado facing workforce shortages. HB22-1098 would make it easier for qualified Coloradans to apply for these jobs if their criminal record does not hinder their ability to do the job safely. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO INCREASE HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN SCHOOLS (Mar 5) – The House Education committee gave approval today to a bill sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to hire more school nurses in schools across Colorado, especially schools in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. “ This bill is critical because it ensures our children have access to professional health care professionals in their schools. School nurses don’t just handle putting a bandaid on kids, they provide a diverse array of health care services to our children while also handling medical emergencies that occur during the school day,” said Rep. Mullica. “As a nurse, I see this first hand. We have a real issue when untrained school staff are administering medication to students with chronic illnesses. That’s dangerous for the staff and that’s especially dangerous for the students.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. HB19-1203 would provide grants to improve the ratio of school nurses to students while also prioritizing nurses in rural areas and lower-income communities. This bill also allows school nurses to partner with local public health agencies so that nurse practitioners can also serve in schools. Currently, there are 632 nurses that serve 910,000 school-aged students. That’s roughly one nurse for every 1500 to 1700 students. HB19-1203 passed the House Education committee with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next