< Back April 21, 2021 VETERINARIAN REP. MCCORMICK TAKES THE REINS OF HOUSE AG COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today appointed Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to chair the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will be the Vice Chair for the 2021 legislative session. “My goal is to support the long-term success and strength of Colorado’s critical agriculture industry and essential water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “It’s an honor to lead this committee, and I’m excited to work alongside Rep. Catlin to continue its bipartisan legacy and to help our agriculture industry and our state build back stronger.” “Representatives McCormick and Catlin bring invaluable experience to the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee, and I’m excited to see them take the reins,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As a veterinarian, Rep. McCormick has decades of experience in animal medicine and has focused her legislative work on issues that are critical to the industry, like soil health, supply chains, and renewable energy projects for agriculture producers and processors to reduce their energy costs.” The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee considers issues and legislation concerning water, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation. It is the committee of reference for and has oversight of the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Representative McCormick, elected in 2020, is a veterinarian with over 33 years of experience treating animals. She has sponsored legislation to promote soil health and expand access to broadband for school districts in underserved areas. In the coming days, she will sponsor a state stimulus bill to establish a $30 million agricultural loan program to help build back Colorado’s agriculture industry even stronger than before. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was appointed as Vice Chair by the Speaker with the support of all members of the committee. “I’ve worked with Representative Catlin for many years on water and agriculture issues,” Speaker Garnett continued. “He’s proven himself to be an honest, bipartisan, and respectful member of the minority party who defends and upholds the dignity and decorum of the chamber. Representative Catlin has repeatedly shown that he respects the institution and embodies the values we need in the legislature. This is what Coloradans want to see– lawmakers coming together to help our state recover faster and build back stronger.” Previous Next

< Back Jacque Phillips Rep. Phillips was a teen mom and a high school dropout. She waited tables while attending Aims Community College and went on to get a doctorate and a law degree. With the help of others and a lot of hard work, she became a special education attorney where she helps vulnerable students. Rep. Phillips remembers what it was like to struggle to make ends meet and will always fight for working families. Her priorities include making housing available as a path out of poverty, preserving our right to choose, ensuring economic and environmental justice for working people, and standing up for marginalized communities. She serves on the House Education and the Transportation, Housing and Local Government committees.

< Back May 31, 2019 HISTORIC MOMENT: GOV SIGNS LAWS BANNING ‘CONVERSION THERAPY’ & TO ALLOW COLORADANS TO BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES Colorado becomes the 18th state to ban dangerous practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people (May 31) – Gov. Polis signed two historic bipartisan bills led by House Democrats Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet to ban the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and to allow Coloradans to update their identity documents to reflect their authentic selves. The first law signed was sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, banning the harmful and widely discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people. The law protects our LGBTQ youth in Colorado from a dangerous and discredited practice that is aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. “This is a historic moment and this law is about allowing Coloradans to be their authentic selves. Today, we’re putting an end to a practice that makes these young people much more likely to have depression or attempt suicide,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “I’m proud of the work that went into this new law and to everyone who joined this effort.” “We’re sending a strong message to Colorado’s LGBTQ youth and standing up for their rights to be their authentic selves. This ‘therapy’ has been proven to be dangerous and harmful. ” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. “I’m thankful to every Coloradan who worked tirelessly to finally get this bill signed into law.” HB19-1129 includes disciplinary actions for any licensees with their licensing board if conversion therapy is practiced on young person. The bill is aimed at state-licensed medical and mental health practitioners who falsely claim that being gay, bisexual or transgender is a mental illness. The American Psychological Association found that the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy on young people makes them three times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, six times more likely to fall into depression, and eight times more likely to attempt suicide. This is the fifth time this bill is being introduced at the legislature and Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s second time bringing it forward. The law makes Colorado the 18th state to ban conversion therapy on minors. The Governor thensigned on the west steps of the state capitol a bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, that will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender on their birth certificate and other official identification documents without undergoing surgery or appearing in front of a judge, also known as “Jude’s Law.” “This new law is about personal freedom. Not having updated ID documents interferes with the ability of transgender Coloradans to live their lives openly and honestly and to be their authentic selves,” said Rep. Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. The bill was also changed to the title Jude’s law, named after Jude, a transgender student who has testified in support of this bill every year for the last five years. This bill was amended and will now be known as “Jude’s Law.” Jude and her mother were on the House Floor when the amendment to change the name of the bill was passed on a bipartisan vote of 46-17. “We named this bill after Jude because she showed strength and courage to come year after year to the capitol to testify in support of this legislation since she was nine years old. My colleagues and I have watched her grow up in front of our eyes. She has been simply asking this legislature to give her the ability to live her most genuine life. Today we’re making that a reality,” Rep. Esgar concluded. Current law requires transgender Coloradans to undergo surgery and then appear in front of a judge to prove the surgical procedure before they can update the gender on their birth certificate. They are then given an amended version of their birth certificate which can sometimes force a transgender person to out themselves when asked why their birth certificate is amended. This law will grant them an entirely new birth certificate, without going through cumbersome and expensive hurdles like surgery or appearing in front of a judge, to have their documents match their gender identity. HB19-1039 will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender designation their birth certificate to male, female or X, to correspond with their gender identity. The X gender marker does not stand for intersex, it means that the individual does not identify as male nor female. Current law also requires a person to file legal notice in a newspaper three times and include their current name and proposed new name before they can change it; this law removes that requirement. 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

The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 years old. < Back March 26, 2023 House Advances Bill to Raise Minimum Purchase Age of Firearms DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 years old. “As someone who has lived under the threat of gun violence, I want to do everything I can to prevent other people from experiencing the trauma that I’ve had to endure,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “By raising the legal age to purchase a firearm to 21, we can save the lives of our children, friends and neighbors from preventable firearm-related injuries or death. This is a crucial step to reduce suicide rates that are far too high and prevent gun violence in our communities.” “As a teacher of over 30 years, I’ve experienced countless lockdowns and wondered how I could protect every single one of my students from an active shooter on my own,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Developing brains are not fully ready to evaluate risks, regulate emotion or implement self-control, which means youth access to firearms is more likely to lead to violence. Our students, educators and school personnel deserve to be safe. While no single piece of legislation will end gun violence, this bill will make our schools and communities safer for us all.” Currently, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169 would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21. The bill includes exceptions for 18-21 year olds to purchase a firearm who are on-duty peace officers or active military members. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next

< Back March 6, 2019 OPEN FOR BUSINESS: HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TAKING THE SQUEEZE OFF OF KIDS LEMONADE STANDS (Mar. 6) – The House Business Affairs and Labor committee approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver, to allow children to operate a temporary business – such as a lemonade stand – without a license. “We need to encourage these kidpreneurs and allow their creativity to flow,” said Rep. Coleman. “This bill started with an incident on Memorial Day involving a lemonade stand. Ultimately, this bill will allow our children to cut through the red tape to build new skills and experiences or to raise money for a good cause.” SB19-103 would allow small, temporary businesses such as lemonade stands, snow removal, and other kid-owned businesses across Colorado to operate without licensing requirements. These businesses must operate for fewer than 84 days each year and be located at a proper distance from other businesses to avoid unfair competition. The bill arose from an incident last Memorial Day with a family with three young boys who tried to have a lemonade stand but were shut down by police due to the lack of a license. The House co-prime sponsor is Terri Carver, R-El Paso. The bill passed unanimously through the Senate with sponsors Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver, and Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial. The bill passed out of the House Business Affairs and Labor committee with unanimous bipartisan support. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

Bills would increase access to care for youth in foster care with complex behavioral health care needs and expand treatment options for Coloradans with substance use disorder (SUD) < Back April 29, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bills to Expand Behavioral Health Care and SUD Treatment DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills from legislative interim committees to support children and youth in the foster care system and expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). “The need for more residential treatment centers and beds is clear, especially for our foster children and youth with complex behavioral health care needs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB24-1038 . “Our bipartisan legislation is a product of the child welfare interim committee and works to strengthen the system of care specifically by increasing the availability of residential care settings and investing in more treatment beds. We’re also taking steps to reduce bed reliance by increasing treatment options for foster care youth and assuring staff have the training they need. This bill works to boost Colorado’s behavioral health care resources and streamline care to ou r foster children and youth who need it the most.” HB24-1038 , also sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children with complex behavioral health needs who are in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement. Specifically, it would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, increased supportive services and expanded access to treatment in foster care. HB24-1038 passed by a vote of 57 to 6. The bill aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill creates a training academy to develop high-quality residential child care providers who will ensure effective, safe, and responsible care. The legislation requires the state to monitor quality standards for residential child care providers at all levels of care.This bill originated from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee and was unanimously approved by the committee in October 2023. “Too many of our neighbors are dying from preventable overdoses, this bill expands treatment options in our state so more people struggling with substance use disorder can receive the care they need,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1045. “During the interim, I worked alongside a bipartisan group of legislators to identify important policy changes that would help us address our state’s growing opioid overdose crisis. As a result, we’ve crafted this bill to streamline treatment for Coloradans who need it the most, including in the rural corners of our state and those in jail or prison. The demand for substance use disorder treatment has outpaced what is available in our state – expanding treatment options will undoubtedly save lives.” HB24-1045 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would expand treatment options for Coloradans with SUD. This bill passed by a vote of 52 to 11. Specifically, this bill would: Direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to apply for federal Medicaid waivers (1115) to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities Reduce insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment Expand the treatment workforce by increasing clinical supervision opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors,licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists Authorize pharmacists to, prescribe medical-assisted treatment (MAT) Create a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober Invest in behavioral health diversion programs to provide adults charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option Continue the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee through the 2025 interim session During the 2023 interim, ten bipartisan lawmakers served on the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee . This interim committee advanced four bills, including HB24-1045, for the general assembly to consider this year. These bills would bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. Previous Next

< Back Rep Joseph: Air Force proposal threatens Colorado’s workforce pipeline Jun 6, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Daily Camera here . Transferring Air National Guard (ANG) space missions from the state level to the U.S. Space Force (USSF) threatens Colorado’s civilian aerospace and defense industry and jeopardizes our state’s security and path to prosperity. In March, the Secretary of the Air Force sent a Legislative Proposal — titled Legislative Proposal 480 (LP 480) — to the Hill for consideration by Congress. LP 480 mandates Congress to strip space units out of the Air National Guard and force them into the U.S. Space Force. Colorado’s National Guard, with its unique and significant space unit footprint, plays a crucial role in our state’s aerospace and defense industry. This role, which is under threat from LP 480, is not just a part of our industry, but a key aspect that if lost could hinder the growth of aerospace companies in Colorado and eliminate the community-based social mobility ladder that ANG space units represent. The Guard has a unique dual mission, with both federal and state responsibilities. During peacetime, the governor commands Guard forces through a state adjutant general and during wartime the Guard is commanded by the President through the Department of Defense. The governor can request Guard action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought and civil disturbances. As such, LP 480 will affect everything from national security, to capability in space, to governor’s and state’s rights. The ANG makes up 30% of the nation’s space capability and has been conducting space operations for over 27 years. To perform these missions, ANG space personnel receive the same training, security clearances and certifications as their active-duty Air Force (and Space Force) counterparts. ANG space operators, who have a unique skill set, often hold full-time jobs in the civilian sector as their primary employment and work part-time within the National Guard. They can convert their training, skills, clearances and certifications into jobs in the civilian aerospace sectors of their local communities. The average Colorado ANG space operator has 10 years of space experience and over 60% work in civilian aerospace and STEM full-time. This interplay between military space experience and the civilian aerospace sector is a testament to their exceptional capabilities and a win-win-win for our nation. Space operators in the ANG also bring the skills they gain and develop in the civilian sector to their military duties and, by extension, the war fight. American civilian aerospace and defense companies are on the cutting edge of space capabilities. The technologies and strategies they develop today are the capabilities of our nation’s military tomorrow. ANG space operators working for companies like Lockheed, Raytheon and Northrup Grumman don’t have to wait until tomorrow to learn these systems second-hand. These individual service members get the best of both worlds. ANG space operators come from every community, socioeconomic class and background. With the only requirements for service being a certain Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score, medical readiness, a high school diploma and a relatively clean criminal background, the ANG represents an unparalleled development pipeline. The ANG takes young Coloradans straight out of high school and, with a six-year contract, provides them the resources and training to become educated, gain leadership experience, obtain a security clearance and purchase a home. This inclusivity and accessibility is a testament to the ANG’s commitment to our people. The ANG in Colorado offers every Coloradan a pathway toward prosperity and a high-paying job. As a state and nation, our people are our greatest asset. The community-based ANG model of space operations is an investment in our people that pays off multiple times over. At a time when military recruitment is struggling, the aerospace and defense industry is facing overwhelming vacancies, and income inequality is growing, why would we cut out a process that addresses all three? In doing so, we risk not just losing a process, but also the opportunities it provides to Coloradans. ongress must vote “no” on Legislative Proposal 480 to protect our aerospace and defense industry, preserve the industry’s career development pipeline, and ultimately safeguard our national security. These threats to our state cannot be taken lightly, and it is our duty to prevent them. Representatives Junie Joseph and Ryan Armagost are the co-chairs of the Aerospace & Defense Caucus. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2021 COLORADO STARTUP LOAN PROGRAM, UTILITY ASSISTANCE BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis signed two bills to create a startup loan program for small businesses and to significantly boost low-income utility bill payment assistance across Colorado. “Small businesses have been the key to Colorado’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB21-1288. “By providing entrepreneurs with access to small business loans, we’re making a direct investment in sustainable economic growth for our state. Lack of access to capital shouldn’t be what stops a promising entrepreneur from turning a great idea into a job-creating business.” “The startup loan program we created will ensure that Colorado’s entrepreneurs have the access to financial products they need to get businesses off the ground, grow sustainably or restructure their existing businesses,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1288. “I’m particularly proud that this program will prioritize entrepreneurs who have faced historic and systemic barriers to accessing capital. This new law will help us create jobs, grow our economy more equitably, and ensure local economies can build back stronger.” To help fill the need created by COVID-19 related business closures, HB21-1288 provides $30 million in ongoing lending capital to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional sources of capital and businesses wishing to restart or reorganize after facing pandemic related financial challenges. People of color have historically faced barriers to accessing the capital necessary to start a new business and have also faced a higher rate of business closures. “Families across Colorado are struggling to keep the lights on, and our current utility assistance system is not funded well enough to help every family in need,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB21-1105. “After today, Colorado will have a sustainable funding source for our direct assistance programs that will ensure the needs of our communities are met. There was a dire need to address this issue well before the pandemic began, and I’m very pleased we were able to take care of it this year.” HB21-1105 creates a sustainable funding source and expands eligibility for low-income assistance programs. The existing funding mechanism for low-income utility assistance is volatile and is not keeping up with the need in Colorado communities for direct assistance. Dozens of counties receive less than 50 percent of their requested energy assistance funds. While exempting low-income customers, the bill directs utilities to collect a $1 fee on electricity customers and a $1 fee on gas customers, which will be used to finance direct utility bill payment assistance and weatherization retrofits to low-income households. The bill also creates a mechanism for cross enrollment with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to maximize the number of eligible Colorado recipients. It also allows water utilities to voluntarily collect a charge to finance direct water utility assistance for low-income customers. Even before the pandemic hit, one in four Colorado households struggled to pay monthly utility bills. In the last year, Energy Outreach Colorado, which has received federal and state stimulus funding through recent legislation, paid $13 million in utility bills for 25,000 households, indicating the need for a sustainable funding source. Among the tens of thousands of recipients the energy assistance nonprofit serves are seniors, Coloradans with disabilities, and essential frontline workers. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO BAN JUVENILE JUSTICE FEES Herod bill to end cycles of poverty for families in the juvenile justice system gets preliminary House approval DENVER, CO– The House today advanced a bill to eliminate court fees for juveniles in the justice system. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “There are thousands of kids in Colorado’s juvenile courts every year. And every year these youth are charged administrative fees that can sabotage their reform and set them up to fail,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Young people will still be held accountable for their crimes, and they’ll still be required to pay restitution to their victims, but the court system will no longer be perpetuating the poverty that often explains why kids get in trouble in the first place. It’s time to take away the obstacles standing in the way of our youth bouncing back and succeeding.” HB21-1315 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Soper, eliminates certain fees levied on individuals and families in the juvenile justice system. The average fees per case total about $300 in Colorado, despite studies showing that about 40% of Americans would be unable to cover a $400 emergency. Further, it is estimated that the state of Colorado spends about 75% of juvenile fee revenue on collection, meaning only 25 cents out of every dollar paid by families ends up contributing to the courts. Previous Next

HB26-1007 would save Coloradans money on their energy bills by expanding access to cost-saving solar < Back February 27, 2026 Bill to Allow Plug-in Solar Panels Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee yesterday passed legislation to remove barriers to plug-in solar panels to save Coloradans money on their utility bills. HB26-1007 would establish safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars and ensure that utilities accommodate their use to help Coloradans take advantage of cost-saving solar. “Plug-in solar is a great tactic for lowering your utility bill by taking advantage of Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine per year,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This groundbreaking bill removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to make plug-in solar a reality for more Coloradans. Many Coloradans are interested in solar, but traditional rooftop panels aren’t an option for most renters. This consumer choice bill makes it easier for all Coloradans to lower their utility bills by generating their own clean, reliable energy.” “Plug-in solar is a safe and affordable renewable energy source, and now we’re making it more accessible for Coloradans," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood . “This bill establishes important safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars, so more Coloradans can take advantage of this renewable energy source, especially those living in apartments or shared spaces. Plug-in solar can lower your utility bill, and this bill makes it easier for Coloradans interested in this renewable energy source to give it a try at an affordable price point and without unnecessary barriers.” HB26-1007 passed committee by a vote of 9-2. This bill expands access to renewable energy technology by making it easier for those living in apartments or shared spaces to benefit from cost-saving solar. HB26-1007 establishes protective guardrails on the types of plug-in solar products that can be used. Under this bill, all plug-in solar must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard. Plug-in solar, also referred to as balcony solar, can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and is more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. It consists of one to four solar panels plus an inverter and optional battery and is designed for simple, self-installation by a homeowner or renter. Plug-in solar can be used to power household appliances and offer Coloradans alternative, reliable energy sources. To streamline solar installation, HB26-1007 encourages the use of meter collars. Meter collars are devices installed between an electric meter socket and a utility billing meter to provide immediate interconnection of customer-owned solar devices to the grid. Meter collars eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, saving Coloradans money and time on solar installation. This bill encourages a safe, consistent and repeatable solar installation process with minimal disruption and short installation times to benefit Coloradans. Plug-in solar is common in Europe. For example, in Germany, approximately 4 million households have installed plug-in solar. If passed, Colorado would join Utah in becoming early adopters of safe, reliable, plug-in solar in the United States. Previous Next

< Back May 6, 2023 House Passes Colorado River Drought Task Force DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. “On the Western Slope, the Colorado River speaks to the very spirit of our Colorado way of life,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This bipartisan legislation brings every voice to the table, uplifts the needs of Coloradans from around the state and ensures collaboration between the state and local voices to find solutions to the devastating impacts of a hotter, drier climate. Troubling drought conditions have put the water we use for agriculture, outdoor recreation and drinking in jeopardy and threatens our economic future. This bill will help us craft a robust plan to ensure our water future.” SB23-295 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, passed the House by a vote of 63 to 2. This bill creates the Colorado River Drought Task Force that would include representatives from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, regional water conservation districts, local governmental officials, agricultural producers, environmental non-profit organizations, and others that have diverse experiences with complex water issues. By December of 2023, after an extensive stakeholding process open to public comment, the task force would make policy recommendations to the General Assembly to: Proactively address the impact of droughts on the Colorado River and its tributaries, Avoid disproportionate economic and environmental impacts to any one region of the state, Ensure that any program related to the acquisition of agricultural water rights is voluntary, temporary, and compensated, Assure meaningful collaboration among the Colorado River District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the State of Colorado in the design and implementation of drought security programs, and Evaluate sources of revenue for the acquisition of program water. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources would also be established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. These recommendations would consider the unique nature of tribal water rights and tribal water use. The Colorado River provides water to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Mexico. Over 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for their water supply, and record-breaking heatwaves and droughts in the Southwestern US have only exacerbated water conservation issues. SB23-295 will rely on water experts and relevant stakeholders to provide effective solutions to the General Assembly so our state can protect the Colorado River and its tributaries through meaningful collaboration with local voices and without disproportionate impacts on certain regions of the state. Previous Next