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< Back April 29, 2022 BILL TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS PASSES HOUSE Legislation will invest $50 million in federal pandemic relief funds toward preventing and responding to homelessness in the Denver-Metro DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today to fund a homelessness navigation campus in the Denver-Metro. HB22-1378 passed by a vote of 40 to 22 and is part of the Colorado Democrats’ package of bills to prevent and respond to homelessness. “The pandemic has only accelerated our state’s homelessness crisis and this bill allocates $50 million in federal economic relief funds to provide proven human solutions,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Our legislation meets our neighbors where they are and steps up to offer transitional housing, emergency shelter, medical care and skills training – all in one location. I am proud to sponsor legislation that will foster a navigation campus based on nationally-utilized strategies to prevent and address homelessness in our community.” “We need to diversify our tactics for addressing homelessness in Colorado, and this bill funds a one-stop-shop for our neighbors experiencing homelessness to get the services and resources they need,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “Whether someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, has struggled to keep a stable job, or is at-risk of becoming homeless, they can seek help at the navigation campus funded by this bill. Preventing homelessness starts at the local level and our $50 million investment in federal funds will jumpstart a navigation campus so Coloradans have resources and support right in their own neighborhood.” Denver-Metro Residential Campus : HB22-1378 , sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivan directs $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. < Back April 8, 2024 McCluskie, McCormick Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. “This bill outlines a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands so we can sustain our water quality and ensure future generations enjoy all the activities that make Colorado unique,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “ After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we’re taking steps now to secure our state’s water future. We know fresh, clean water is necessary for everything from brewing beer and maintaining our world class ski resorts to keeping up with increased household demands and sustaining our agriculture industry. This bill protects our water now and into the future.” “We’re stepping up to protect our vital freshwater resources to ensure that for future generations, Coloradans will have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our important legislation creates regulatory certainty for our businesses and landowners when it comes to Colorado’s water – this means we can effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. From agriculture and tourism to everyday families living in the four corners of our state, Colorado’s water is a steady and essential resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come.” The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. HB24-1379 , passed by a vote of 9-4 and works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The bill would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, and erosion control practices would not require a permit. Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA , the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. The legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources. Previous Next

SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Improve Health Insurance Transparency Becomes Law SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado DENVER, CO – Governor Polis yesterday signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, and Representatives Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, that will enhance transparency in health care coverage. Currently, insurers are required to disclose and post pricing details and submit prescription drug spending information to the federal government. However, this information is not easily accessible to Coloradans. SB24-080 will ensure transparency for consumers so they can make informed decisions about their health care. “Coloradans deserve to have easy access to information on health insurance costs,” said Fields. “Right now, too many health insurance carriers aren’t complying with federal price transparency laws. By addressing the problem at the state level, we can hold these companies accountable and help save Coloradans money on health care.” “We’re committed to saving Coloradans money on their health care, and this legislation ensures that statewide insurance companies are complying with federal price transparency laws,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “To improve health outcomes for every Coloradan, we must make health care more affordable and accessible. This law gives consumers a clear view of their health care costs and ultimately saves them money.” “I’m proud of our work to make health care coverage more affordable for Coloradans. This new law is the next step forward in that process,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Folks would have a digital tool to compare rates, covered items and services, and get real time responses on questions so they can find an option that works best for them and their family.” “To save Coloradans money on health care they need tools at hand to compare the rates of procedures and medical services,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton. “This new law ensures that our health care companies are complying with federal price transparency laws. We’ve made important progress to bring down the cost of health care, and this law makes sure consumers have a better understanding of the cost associated with health care for themselves and their families.” The new law requires carriers to submit information on their negotiated rates and prescription drug trends to the Division of Insurance (DOI) in an easy-to-read, accessible format. DOI will have the ability to ensure compliance from insurers by creating a consumer price comparison tool that insurers use to input data so that Coloradans can easily access cost sharing information on all items and services. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to create healthier learning environments by requiring schools to implement policies concerning cell phone use during the school day. < Back May 1, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Require Cell Phone Policies in Schools DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to create healthier learning environments by requiring schools to implement policies concerning cell phone use during the school day. HB25-1135 is sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens, Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County and Senators Janice Marchman and Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. “This law will allow us to create healthier learning environments for our students by limiting distractions caused by cell phones,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “As an educator, I know reducing classroom distractions is essential for fostering a learning environment where students are focused on the material, asking questions and learning alongside their peers in person. This bipartisan law empowers school districts to create their own student cell phone use policy to limit distractions and boost engagement.” “Many teachers already work hard to limit phone use in class, but they need backup,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “This new law gives local schools the support to set clear, consistent policies – so students can focus, learn, and take a real break from the pressures of constant connectivity." HB25-1135 requires school districts and the Charter School Institute schools to adopt policies concerning cell phone use during the school day no later than July 1, 2026. The law does not specify what the policy should say; it must not interfere with disability standards, special education programs, or students’ ability to monitor a medical condition. Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, excessive cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that address the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2019 SOLAR GARDENS GROWING: HOUSE APPROVES HANSEN-VALDEZ COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS BILL (Apr. 1) – The House approved the Community Solar Gardens bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. This bill modifies Colorado’s community solar garden program by increasing the maximum size of these facilities as well as eliminating burdensome regulations restricting their location. “All citizens should have access to, a direct ownership in, and a direct stake in our clean energy future,” said Rep. Hansen. “Only 25 percent of homes in Colorado are able to put solar panels on their roofs. This bill enables more Coloradans to purchase share in a community solar garden, thereby reducing their carbon emissions and pollution and fostering the creation of good paying jobs all across our state, particularly in rural Colorado.” HB19-1003 will take Colorado’s community solar garden program to the next stage of development by increasing the maximum size of a community solar garden from 2 megawatts to 5 megawatts. It also removes the requirement that a community solar gardens subscriber’s identified physical location be in the same county as that solar garden while keeping the requirement that it be within the service territory of the same electric utility. “We must act on climate and do our part to encourage a greater use of creative renewable energy sources like community solar gardens,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bill allows people whose property can’t accommodate the use of solar gardens to still have a hand in our energy future, especially low-and moderate-income Coloradans.” HB19-1003 was approved on a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to boost Colorado’s workforce by making it even easier for a professional to transfer their credentials to the state of Colorado. “Colorado is open for business and we’re making it easier for qualified candidates to work in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the credentials transfer process so Colorado businesses and companies can attract highly-qualified professionals. We’re breaking down unnecessary barriers to employment to fill Colorado’s growing workforce with professionals in high-demand industries.” SB22-116 , passed out of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee unanimously and would strengthen Colorado’s workforce by further increasing the efficiency of the existing credential portability program. Examples of transferable professional credentials include various health care professionals, veterinarians and certified public accountants, among others. The bill would also add a military occupational specialty, allowing those having served in certain military roles to qualify for a credential through the program. The bill expands on the progress of HB20-1326 , which created the occupational credential portability program within the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The program was created to enable regulators to more quickly and easily approve credentials for qualified individuals. Previous Next

SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable < Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “The last thing on anyone’s mind when receiving life-saving care, including an abortion, should be – can I afford this? However, financial barriers keep that question top of mind for too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill will increase access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but you shouldn’t have to be in my shoes to receive the health care you need. Our bill ensures that all Coloradans, regardless of income level or zip code, are supported in accessing reproductive health care and STI treatments.” “Inequity in health care access is a systemic problem, which is why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and making it possible for all Coloradans to receive the reproductive health care they need,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our bill makes accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatment, more equitable and affordable. To achieve reproductive freedom for all, we need to prioritize health care access for underserved communities and communities of color, and uproot the barriers that hold people back from receiving the care they need.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. Previous Next

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services today passed legislation to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. SB25-196 passed by a vote of 9 to 4, all four House Republicans voted against the measure. “A routine cancer screening can save a life; we can’t jeopardize Coloradans' access to this essential preventive health care,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “In the wake of federal threats to cut fundamental health care coverage, we’re stepping up to protect preventive health care in Colorado. Preventive care today means avoiding costly emergency events in the future.” “Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes for patients and save money on health care,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Despite the resounding benefits of preventive health care, recent federal attempts to strip away preventive health care coverage means Coloradans could lose coverage if we don’t act now. This bill steps up to protect health care coverage in Colorado so everyone can lead longer, healthier lives.” SB25-196 would give state insurance agencies the authority to reinstate guidelines on preventive care from federal agencies that existed in January 2025 or comply with recommendations by the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care (NPATCH). This includes the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner of Insurance to consult the NPATCH in developing their recommendations about updates and modifications to the current list of preventive coverage. Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut $250 million from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has laid a strong foundation to a healthier future for Americans by making health care coverage more affordable and prioritizing no-cost clinical preventive services. The ACA covers more than 100 preventive health care services, annual check ups, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and some cancers. More than 44 million Americans rely on ACA health care coverage, including nearly 300,000 Coloradans . Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2022 ANTI-VAXX BILLS DEFEATED Legislation will invest $84.2 million to expand behavioral health care workforce, better connect Coloradans with the care they need DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the Colorado Senate introduced a pair of bills aimed at improving access to Colorado’s behavioral health care and increasing the state’s health care workforce. The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . SB22-181 : Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development Sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), Reps. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) and Tonya Van Beber (R-Weld County) This bill directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop plans to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. “If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said Sen. Bridges. “With this bill, we’re going to make a significant investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.” “As we invest $450 million to improve access to behavioral health in Colorado, we’re taking aggressive action to attract, train and retain the providers we need to provide that quality care,” said Rep. Cutter. “There is a significant shortage of behavioral health care providers in Colorado, and this bill will start to address this challenge by taking a multi-pronged approach that focuses on recruitment, training and collaborative partnerships. A large portion of the funding will go toward scholarships and loan forgiveness for behavioral health care students and training programs to prepare young people for a career in behavioral health care.” The bill will invest a total of $72 million, including: $10 million to improve recruiting and retaining providers who better represent the communities they serve. $6 million to help Colorado colleges and universities promote the behavioral health field and to allow students to participate in activities like job shadowing and internships that expose them to the behavioral health field and create a level playing field so students of all backgrounds can explore a career in behavioral health. $20 million for the Colorado Health Service Corps, an existing program that allows care providers working in designated health professional shortage areas to apply for funding to repay qualifying educational loans. $20 million to create a behavioral health care training curriculum administered by the Colorado Community College System. $6 million to expand the number of peer support specialists in Colorado. Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience who can help others going through similar experiences, and are a critical component of the behavioral health workforce. $5 million to offer professional development opportunities that improve skills for behavioral health care professionals to better serve people in the criminal justice system, improve cultural competency and expand professional development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed workforce. $5 million to further leverage existing workforce development programs, establish standards to ensure a quality workforce, and reduce administrative burden so that providers can spend more time focusing on patient care. SB22-177 : Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure Sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale) and Reps. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) and Mary Bradfield (R-Colorado Springs) This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available behavioral health safety net system services and delivery, and on ways to better connect individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “While there will always be more work to do to expand and improve our behavioral health care system, we need to make sure Coloradans can fully utilize already existing behavioral health services,” said Sen. Pettersen. “With this new infusion of funds, we can more quickly and efficiently connect Coloradans with care they need. Behavioral health care navigators will be well equipped to help Coloradans navigate these complex systems to deliver quality, accessible services to those that need the most support." “It can be far too difficult to navigate Colorado’s behavioral health care system, so a crucial part of our efforts will be to improve care coordination to help people cut through the red tape that can be a barrier accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Titone. “With this bill, behavioral health care providers will have better tools to connect patients with providers and other specialists who can help them access the care they need, when they need it.” Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2025 House Advances SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “The gun violence epidemic requires meaningful action, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to protect all Coloradans from gun violence,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado has a tragic history of mass shootings and our state's high-capacity magazine ban needs to be enforced to save lives. This legislation will help ensure these deadly weapons won’t get into the wrong hands.” “Preventing gun violence is one of the most effective ways that we can make our communities safer and save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines are uniquely lethal and dangerous. This bill is a commonsense solution to ensure that people receive effective training and meet the requirements under state and federal firearm laws before purchasing the most lethal weapons on the market. From background checks and waiting periods to limits on high-capacity magazines, Colorado Democrats have enacted multiple laws to protect Coloradans from future gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, individuals seeking to bypass existing law can legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. ### Previous Next

< Back December 1, 2023 House Leadership Statements on Resignation of Rep. Dickson DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following statements on the resignation of Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial: Statement from Speaker McCluskie: “Representative Dickson is a brilliant champion for working families and has passed landmark legislation to make Colorado more affordable, support our workforce, create jobs and protect our environment. From eliminating arbitrary restrictions on building new homes to expanding cost saving measures for prescription drugs, she has worked tirelessly to address the rising cost of living in our state and deliver real results for hardworking Coloradans. I know Rep. Dickson will continue to drive positive change in her community and throughout Colorado.” Statement from Majority Leader Duran: “It has been an honor to serve alongside Representative Dickson and see firsthand her dedication to making Colorado a better place to live. Her efforts will lead to more housing for every Coloradan’s budget, lower prescription drug costs, and safer, lead-free environments for children. From reducing carbon pollution to creating jobs in emerging industries, Rep. Dickson’s legislation will move Colorado forward, help lift families out of poverty and create an economy that works for all. I wish her well in all of her endeavors.” Previous Next