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The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. < Back February 23, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. “Affordable housing is crucial for Coloradans’ success, and creating housing and transit investment zones would help communities across the state build affordable housing near transit centers,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “By creating a funding mechanism to spur affordable housing and connective infrastructure near transit hubs, we’re making transit ridership a more attractive option for travel and encouraging more rental opportunities that Coloradans can afford. Our bill would provide this financial tool to local governments across the state, supporting both Front Range transit hubs and rural projects like mountain passenger rail and commuter routes on the Western Slope. This bill would make it easier to call Colorado home so everyone can enjoy the Colorado Way of Life.” “Colorado Democrats’ top priority is saving Coloradans money, especially when it comes to housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “From encouraging transit-oriented communities to removing parking minimum mandates, the legislature has passed laws to build in a strategic way that reduces our carbon footprint while reducing housing costs. This bill would build on our work to create more eco-friendly transportation options and boost housing that Coloradans can actually afford.” HB26-1065 , The Transit Investment Area Act, would create a new financing tool to improve transportation infrastructure and establish a tax credit to build more transit-oriented affordable housing. The bill would use tax-increment financing to allow local governments to invest state sales tax revenue into transportation infrastructure. Local governments, in partnership with transit agencies, would be able to apply to create a transit and housing investment zone. These zones would fund transportation infrastructure projects within 2 miles of a transportation facility, like safety improvements and centering transit stops within the community to increase ridership. Local governments would be required to suggest an annual limit on the amount of revenue that could be allocated to the transit investment project in the application process. Under the bill, the Colorado Economic Development Commission would also set an annual limit of the amount of revenue that can be allocated for a transit investment project. The bill would allow up to three transit investment projects to be approved in a calendar year, with no more than six projects funded through the bill in total. HB26-1065 would also create the Colorado Affordable Housing in Transit Investment Zones Tax Credit. This tax credit is reserved for projects that serve low- and middle-income housing within newly created transit and housing investment zones. The bill would allow up to $50 million in these tax credits per calendar year from 2027 to 2033 for a total investment of $350 million by 2038. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Feb. 27) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give people time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilize families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted for owing as low as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed committee on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the permitting process. “Whether in Denver or along the Front Range, high levels of ozone are dangerous for our health, and it’s vital we address this problem and center the most impacted communities in our work,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation works to improve transparency around Colorado’s air quality issues and gives Coloradans a stronger voice when sounding the alarm on poor air quality in their communities. This bill is a step forward in our ongoing work to cut back harmful emissions and improve the air we all breathe.” “Ozone season brings poor air quality that makes it difficult for Coloradans to breathe, especially those with underlying health conditions or asthma,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “We’re stepping up to strengthen our permitting and enforcement processes so we can combat harmful emissions and prioritize Coloradans’ health. This legislation works to give Coloradans more input when it comes to the air quality in their own neighborhood through strengthening the public complaint process. We’re committed to helping Colorado reach its climate goals and cleaning up our air.” HB23-1294 works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for emissions permits in Colorado. There are thousands of “minor” sources - including many oil and gas wells - that are significant contributors to Colorado’s ozone problem.The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for ozone. This bill works to improve public engagement in the permit enforcement process by elevating complaints by impacted communities and setting clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. The bill also strengthens consideration of cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations during the permitting process and would create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. ### Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. KENNEDY’S BILL TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE COSTS Bipartisan bill will help lower health care costs (Jan. 31) – The House approved Rep. Chris Kennedy’s bill to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals. “The high cost of health care is impacting consumers and businesses alike. It’s been a real struggle for people to keep up with the rising cost of health care, particularly in rural Colorado where we’re seeing some of the highest premiums in the country,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By requiring hospitals to be transparent about their spending, we can increase competition in a way that will reduce costs for all hard-working Coloradans.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39% of health care spending nationwide. Physician and clinical services account for 26%, and prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products account for 11%. HB19-1001 will require hospitals to disclose more information about spending on patient care, administration, capital construction, and acquisitions of physician groups; and will require hospitals to show how they’re shifting costs onto the backs of families and businesses. By identifying inefficiencies and wasteful spending, businesses and payers will be able to choose more efficient and lower cost hospitals for their networks. In addition, the data provided to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will inform the supplemental payments made to hospitals through the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) to incentivize value, not volume. The bill passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 39-22. HB19-1001 now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

Four bills would close corporate tax loopholes to lower taxes for hardworking people < Back February 17, 2026 Colorado Democrats to Create Tax Code that Puts Hardworking Coloradans First DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today unveiled four new bills to rebalance Colorado’s tax code and put working people first after Congress passed H.R. 1, which granted massive tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy that cut off tax relief for families. The bills would create a new tax credit, modeled after the highly successful Family Affordability Tax Credit, to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families. In recent years, Democrats in Colorado have expanded the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and created the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and lift children out of poverty. A 2026 report found that the EITC, CTC and FATC cut child poverty by 37-percent and family poverty by 32-percent. These tax credits were turned off for the next two tax years due to H.R. 1. “We have a choice– we can give taxpayer-funded handouts to mega-corporations and the Jeff Bezos’ of the world or we can update Colorado’s tax code to benefit the hardworking people of our state,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When the federal GOP passed H.R. 1 last year, most of the tax breaks went to corporations and the ultra-wealthy. This eliminated Colorado’s state tax breaks for working people, which have slashed child poverty by nearly 40-percent. Colorado Democrats are now closing special interest corporate tax breaks and handouts to boost the incomes of hardworking Coloradans.” “Colorado’s tax code should work for the people of Colorado, not provide special treatment for monied interests that aren’t effective in advancing state goals,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Recent tax and other law changes at the federal level have been devastating. We must use this moment as an opportunity to examine our tax code and re-balance the scales toward working people. Cleaning up our tax code is a critical way we can mitigate the harms taking place in Washington and put Coloradans first.” Beginning for 2026 taxes, the three bills that will be introduced today would create a new Family Affordability Credit that could be taken in addition to the CTC, EITC and FATC. The credit is revenue neutral – it will adjust based on available revenue, so that families receive all the benefits from modernizing the tax code. Three bills that will be introduced today will create the new credit. The first bill prioritizes working families and ensures corporations and high-earners pay their fair share by closing tax loopholes that offer deductions for top executives’ salaries. A second bill mitigates the harm of H.R. 1 and would decouple Colorado’s tax code from four new federal tax deductions to rein in these corporate tax breaks, especially for out-of-state investments. A third bill would tax software the same, regardless of how it is acquired. Additionally, a fourth bill will be introduced in the coming days and would modernize and simplify the tax code by repealing ineffective or unnecessary special tax exemptions and deductions to expand and extend tax credits for wildfire and beetle kill mitigation, job creators, and investments in clean energy. Prioritizing Working Families , Reps. Yara Zokaie and Emily Sirota, Sens. Judy Amabile and Katie Wallace: This bill would close a tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct the salaries of their CEO, CFO and the next eight highest-paid executives—up to $1 million each—as ‘operating expenses,’ even if the executive doesn’t reside in Colorado. “We’re closing tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy and corporations so we can create a more fair tax code that puts money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and lifts families out of poverty,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When people are struggling to juggle their rent, groceries and utility bills, Trump’s corporate tax breaks for million-dollar salaries are a slap in the face for hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, Colorado Democrats are cracking down on taxpayer funded corporate giveaways to restore the balance toward middle and lower income people.” “Tax credits for working families and children are a lifeline, and they’re at risk because of the chaos from Washington,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “H.R. 1 devastated our ability to fund tax credits that lift families out of poverty and give Colorado kids a chance to succeed. This bill is about setting Colorado’s tax code on Colorado’s terms, closing corporate tax loopholes, and putting everyday Coloradans first.” “Colorado is at a crossroads– we can build an economy where everyone has a fair shot or we can protect tax breaks for CEO salaries and loopholes that allow the very wealthy to avoid paying their fair share,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The tax credits we created are helping families put food on the table, but if we don’t pass these bills, the largest corporations and wealthiest individuals will see their taxes cut while families pay more. This legislation is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to rebalance Colorado’s tax code toward working people so we can drive down child poverty and put more money back into families’ pockets.” “Just because the federal government sold out working families for huge corporate tax breaks, it doesn’t mean Colorado should do the same,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This legislation closes tax loopholes to balance the scales back toward everyday Coloradans and ensure that corporations pay their fair share in our state. By doing so, we can mitigate the harms caused by H.R. 1 and uplift more of Colorado’s working families.” The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) requires some high-income earners to pay a minimum amount of tax, regardless of how many deductions they are eligible for, but there is a state tax credit that reduces what they are required to pay under the AMT. The bill would repeal this credit, which only exists in three states. The bill would also lower the percentage of net operating loss deductions that corporations can deduct from their Colorado taxable income and shorten the length of time that they can carry those losses forward before claiming them, a technique that corporations use to avoid paying taxes year after year, even while making significant profits. Mitigating the Harm of H.R. 1 , Reps. Lorena García and Karen McCormick and Sen. Cathy Kipp: This bill would de-couple Colorado’s tax code from four business tax breaks created or expanded by H.R. 1, including certain write-offs and deductions for interest expenses on debt, especially for multi-national corporations. “Colorado Democrats are focused on building an economy that rewards hardworking people in Colorado, which is why we’re limiting corporate tax breaks so we can lower taxes for middle and lower income people,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “H.R. 1 has already had devastating impacts on our state, and Colorado Democrats are taking every step we can to undo the harm and put working families first. Our legislation would end corporate handouts paid for by Colorado taxpayers, especially for out-of-state investments, so that our tax code rewards hardworking people and uplifts families, not the largest corporations.” “The Federal H.R. 1 – the big, bad billionaires bill – included tax deductions for corporations that were automatically placed into our state tax code, whether or not they benefit Colorado businesses and workers,” said Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The changes proposed in this bill keep Colorado from spending our tax dollars on development outside of Colorado, instead putting those benefits toward the well-being of families and children in our communities.” Updating and Simplifying the Tax Code , Reps. Lorena García and Kyle Brown and Sen. Weissman: This bill, which will be introduced in the coming days, would repeal ineffective or unnecessary tax exemptions and deductions and modify others to make Colorado’s tax code more consistent and efficient. “We’re updating Colorado’s tax code to prioritize hardworking Coloradans, create jobs and reduce costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “H.R. 1 rigged Colorado’s tax code in favor of corporations and the 1%, leaving us to pick up the pieces to lessen the blow on hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, we’re leaving no stone unturned by closing tax loopholes and eliminating ineffective tax breaks to extend and expand tax credits for small businesses, wildfire mitigation and renewable energy that create jobs, boost incomes and save people money.” The bill would repeal ineffective tax exemptions for metal bullion, coins and purchases regarding space flight. It would also eliminate vendor discounts for cigarettes, nicotine and tobacco products. It also makes changes to existing tax credits, including: Increasing access to the Community Food Access Tax Credit that offers small food retailers and family farms a refundable tax credit; Renewing the Renewable Energy Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit to reward businesses that invest in projects that generate renewable energy; and Expanding the Wildfire Mitigation Tax Credit by making it a refundable tax credit and increasing eligibility to boost wildfire mitigation efforts. Expanding a tax credit for businesses that rehabilitate vacant properties. Downloadable Software , Rep. Steven Woodrow, Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Sen. Matt Ball: This bill would repeal the downloadable software exemption to ensure taxes on these products are consistent, no matter how or where they are purchased. “We’re creating a more equitable tax code for Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This tax exemption on downloadable software has been inconsistently applied, so we’re bringing this legislation to prevent Coloradans from being taxed differently due to the way the product is being delivered. Our legislation equally applies sales tax across the board to modernize Colorado’s tax code and prioritize tax relief for working people.” “After Congress changed our tax code to favor the wealthy, we’re stepping in to support working families with a new Family Affordability Credit,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver. “This legislation will also modernize our tax code to treat downloadable software the same as software you’d purchase in store, which will enable us to put money back into the hands of families who need it.” “Our bill would ensure sales tax on software isn’t being applied arbitrarily,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Whether someone purchases Microsoft Word online or in person, they should not be taxed differently. This bill would ensure that Coloradans could expect to pay the same taxes, no matter what zip code or manner in which they purchase software.” The Colorado Office of the State Auditor reported that the antiquated sales tax exemption for certain downloadable software was being applied unevenly across the state, with 14-percent of vendors not applying the exemption at all. Previous Next

Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. < Back January 17, 2025 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate Federal Investment to Secure Shoshone Water Rights DENVER, CO – Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Water Rights provide an invaluable freshwater resource for Western Slope residents, agriculture, tourism, local economies and the Colorado Way of Life. “Today is an exciting day for Colorado’s water future!,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From agriculture and outdoor recreation to protecting natural habitats and supporting local economies — securing our water future is essential. Last year, we stepped up to allocate $20 million to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure the flow of fresh water in the high country. I’m grateful for the collaboration of local leaders and governments, including the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, Governor Polis and our federal delegation, that helped secure critical funding. This is a historic opportunity to protect Colorado River water, and I applaud the Biden Administration for delivering the final piece of the funding needed for this deal.” “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights is absolutely critical for the future of water security on the Western Slope and for the entire state, and today’s announcement of a $40 million federal investment that will close the financial gap to secure the right is monumental win for Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Last year, the state legislature made a bipartisan $20 million investment in this effort, and our local partners have offered over $56 million. I want to extend my gratitude to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and the Biden administration for their advocacy to get us across the finish line.” "Permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights is a multi-generational investment in our farms and ranches, and our thriving rural economies,” said Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “Today's announcement builds upon decades of work by our predecessors to protect the river as we have known it for more than a century." “One key piece to protecting Colorado’s water future has been the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights and today, the federal government announced they’ll invest $40 million to seal the deal,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Securing one of Colorado’s oldest water rights protects the Colorado way of life on the Western Slope. The Colorado River powers local economies, preserves natural habitats and supports tourism. As a lawmaker from the Western Slope, I’m committed to preserving our freshwater resources that keep our communities powered and thriving.” “The federal government’s investment to secure the Shoshone Water Rights is a huge win for Colorado water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Last year, we worked diligently to allocate $20 million in crucial funding for the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights because we understood the necessity of protecting Colorado’s water future now. I’m thrilled the federal government has decided to fulfill the Colorado River District’s funding request. Securing our water future is essential for everything from agriculture to local development, and I’m proud Colorado will be well-positioned to secure this deal.” “Securing Shoshone’s water rights is critical to farms, ranches, outdoor recreation, and communities that depend on the Colorado River!,” said Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta . “Western Colorado is very thankful for the Federal investment in protecting the largest and most senior water right on the main stem of the Colorado River. These water rights will ensure year-round flows for healthy riparian habitats and good faith in compact compliance.” Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant holds one of Colorado’s oldest Colorado River water rights. The Shoshone ensures a steady flow of fresh water used for electricity, agriculture, recreation and local economies, and reaches as far as Grand Junction and other Western Slope communities in between. Valued at $99 million, securing the Shoshone Water Rights is vital to Colorado’s water future. Last year, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition; a combination of local leaders and governments. In November, the Colorado River District submitted a funding application to the federal government to help bridge a $40 million funding gap to purchase and protect Shoshone Water Rights, and both state and federal leaders pushed for its approval. Today, the federal government has committed to fulfilling the request. With these federal dollars, Colorado can permanently protect the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure fresh water from the Colorado River flows to the high county. Previous Next

< Back June 28, 2021 NEW LAWS DO AWAY WITH RACIST MASCOTS, PROVIDE IN-STATE TUITION FOR COLORADO TRIBES DENVER, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills that will ban American Indian mascots in Colorado public schools and provide in-state tuition to American Indian students who are members of tribes with historical ties to Colorado. “For far too long, Coloradans have had to live with the pain perpetuated by racist mascots in our public schools,“ said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce CIty. “It’s taken years to get to this point, but today we are finally getting rid of hurtful mascots that we know have created hostile environments and have impacted students’ mental health. These two laws will make Colorado a more just and inclusive state by investing in the education and wellbeing of our American Indian students and making our public colleges and universities more accessible to indigenous people with historic ties to this land.” “Today, we took an important step forward in our responsibility to create positive learning environments for all Colorado’s kids,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “My district and our state is enriched by the presence of the Southern Ute. No longer will we make American Indian students feel less than in their own classrooms.” SB21-116 , sponsored by Reps. Benavidez and McLachlan, prohibits the use of American Indian mascots in any public school or institution of higher education, allowing one year to comply with the new law. The law follows on the work of the 2016 Governor’s Commission to Study American Indian Representations in Public Schools which was asked to “facilitate discussion around the use of American Indian imagery and names used by institutions of public education and develop recommendations for the Governor and General Assembly regarding the use of such imagery and names.” The Commission’s number one recommendation was “the elimination of American Indian mascots, imagery, and names, particularly those that are clearly derogatory and offensive, and strongly recommends that communities review their depictions in facilitated public forums.” SB21-116 puts this recommendation into action. SB21-029 , sponsored by Speaker Garnett and Rep. Benavidez, would require that institutions of higher education adopt policies to charge in-state tuition to Native American students whose tribes have historical ties to Colorado. According to the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs and History Colorado, 48 federally recognized American Indian tribes have historical ties to Colorado. Previous Next

< Back October 31, 2022 Rep. Michaelson Jenet Statement Condemning Violence Against Paul Pelosi DENVER, CO – Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a leader in Colorado on addressing hate speech and identity-based violence, today released the following statement condemning the recent acts of violence against Paul Pelosi: "My thoughts and support for a full recovery are with Paul Pelosi and the entire Pelosi family after the brutal attack on his life last Friday. We must stand united in condemning violence and extreme political rhetoric. Free speech is a cherished right in our country, but with freedom comes responsibility. By celebrating, condoning and perpetuating hate speech, under the guise of “freedom,” we contradict the word's very meaning. Hateful and violent rhetoric leads to violence, preventing us all from living in peace and freedoms. We must condemn all violence toward elected officials, their families and loved ones. And we must call for an end to the violent threats that have become far too frequent in our political discourse. The very foundation of democracy depends on it." Previous Next

< Back May 6, 2021 BILL TO LOWER ENERGY COSTS, CREATE JOBS MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan benchmarking proposal would improve energy efficiency of buildings DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment committee today passed legislation to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which will lower energy costs and create jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits. “By passing benchmarking policies like this, we can save consumers and businesses money on their energy bills and lower our energy use,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill asks owners of the largest buildings to report on their energy use and then meet new energy efficiency standards that will save their tenant’s money and reduce energy use. It will help us meet our climate goals while saving Coloradans money at the same time.” “We have to make addressing climate change a top priority, and by reducing how much energy commercial buildings use, we can save consumers money and reduce the emissions that are hurting our environment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Benchmarking is an innovative way to encourage more energy efficient buildings and create good jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits and mechanical system upgrades.” HB21-1286 , which is sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Alex Valdez, would require the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. The proposal, known as benchmarking, asks building owners to measure their energy use in the first year and then continue to monitor and report their performance and meet new energy efficiency standards. The proposal helps tenets and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work, engineering, and recommissioning. In the next eight years, the bill would save consumers $447 million on their energy bills, 3,200 gigawatt-hours of electricity, 7,700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tons. More than one-third of Colorado buildings are already benchmarking, demonstrating that this policy is both widely popular and achievable. Large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for roughly 15 percent of all energy used in Colorado, which means that there is considerable opportunity to reduce electricity used by increasing the energy efficiency of these buildings. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. < Back July 30, 2024 Increased Protections for Human Remains, Coroner Qualifications Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. “When someone is grieving, they deserve to know that their loved one is being treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1254. “Unfortunately, Colorado has made national headlines over the mistreatment in funeral homes, and with this new law going into effect, we will help prevent these occurrences in the future and honor those we have lost.” HB24-1254 continues the regulation of nontransplant tissue banks, updates standards of practice, and prohibits compensating a funeral establishment for human remains. This law expands requirements to disclose that the nontransplant tissue bank may sell all or any portion of the remains and that the donor may choose to limit the sale of the donated remains, including prohibiting sale to a foreign buyer for nonmedical research or military use. “This legislation was long overdue, and will ensure that coroners in large counties have a skill set that matches the critical services those offices provide,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1100. “County coroners' findings have major implications for public health and safety, criminal justice proceedings, and in providing closure for surviving loved ones of the deceased. I'm grateful that El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly brought this bill idea to me, so that we can uphold the integrity of this essential public service." HB24-1100 requires a county coroner in a county with a population over 150,000 to either be a death investigator certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, or be a forensic pathologist certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Pathology. County coroner is an elected position and under current law, county coroners only need to be residents of the county they serve and have a high school diploma or college degree. This law helps ensure that those who run for a county coroner position are properly trained and certified by national organizations. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. < Back May 16, 2023 New Laws Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Create Stronger Pathways for In-Demand Industries CENTENNIAL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1212 improves access to apprenticeships for graduating high schoolers. HB23-1074 identifies strategies to better prepare Colorado workers for industry changes resulting from technology advances and automation. “We’re taking the necessary steps to boost our workforce by connecting graduating high school students to high-demand careers through apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This law is a win-win for aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s future toward a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “Our law saves graduates money on educational training and builds stronger pathways toward high-demand industries. Across Colorado there are many industries searching for skilled workers, and our law helps fill workforce demands and strengthen our economy.” HB23-1212 directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of apprenticeship opportunities in available career planning tools, including individual career and academic plans to better support job preparation for students. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. “As our economy and workforce demands shift, we’re preparing now to ensure Colorado workers are not left behind,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1074 . “This law will identify opportunities for workers to use the skills they already have while transitioning to a more forward-looking economy. We cannot control how innovation and automation will change the labor market, but we can ease the workforce transition so more Coloradans can continue to work and thrive in their own communities.” “Our law creates and preserves jobs for workers in Colorado’s oil and gas industry and other skilled industries as we anticipate future workforce changes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1074. “This workforce study will identify strategies to help workers enter new, up-and-coming career paths as technology-dependent industries adapt and grow with automation. We’re committed to help Coloradans prepare for the career of the future, and this law sets us on a pathway forward.” HB23-1074 creates a workforce study to help better prepare Coloradans for high-demand careers. Through this workforce study, The Office of Future Work (OFW) will partner with research institutions, employers and other stakeholders to explore industry transitions in oil and gas and in industries experiencing disruption due to automation. This law works to ease workforce transitions, identify appropriate interventions and define strategies to help Coloradans prepare and train for careers of the future. Previous Next

HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies < Back April 16, 2026 ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee yesterday passed legislation to prohibit employers from confiscating identification documents. HB26-1238 passed by a vote of 6-5 “We’re taking steps to protect vulnerable workers when they’re on the job,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Without clear legal protections, employees fear retaliation or lack of recourse from their employer, especially if the employer threatens to turn their information over to federal agents. This bill strengthens protections for workers by prohibiting employers from confiscating personal documents and unlawfully sharing them with federal law enforcement agencies.” “From renting an apartment to accessing health care, you need your ID for just about everything,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Employers cannot confiscate employees’ ID indefinitely or for unnecessarily long periods, and this bill establishes important protections for workers. Immigrant workers are often disproportionately impacted by personal document confiscation. No one should experience harassment or threats on the job, and this bill protects workers, especially if their employers threaten to report them to federal authorities.” HB26-1283 would prevent employers from seizing, demanding, confiscating, retaining or otherwise requiring an employee to surrender their government-issued identification card (ID) for more than a short period of time (up to ten hours), and except for lawful purposes like employment verification or when otherwise required by federal law. To enforce these provisions, the bill creates criminal penalties for unlawful confiscation and gives workers the opportunity to pursue civil action if their documents are unlawfully seized. This bill also strengthens protections for employees and protects them if their employer unlawfully turns over their ID to federal immigration enforcement authorities or threatens to do so. If an employer holds an employee’s ID or personal document with the intent of harassing or intimidating the employee, they could be charged with a bias-motivated crime. HB26-1238 helps protect immigrant communities, especially for workers employed in the service industry, hospitality, agriculture and construction. In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans, including SB25-276 , which prohibits public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. Previous Next