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< Back August 23, 2025 Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Passes House The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to the federal GOP tax bill. HB25B-1006 passed by a vote of 40-22. “This legislation will blunt Congressional Republicans’ nearly 30 percent increase in health care premium hikes and prevent 20,000 Coloradans from losing their health care coverage,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “If we don’t act now, Republicans’ failure to extend tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance will lead to over 100,000 Coloradans losing coverage next year and increased costs for businesses and families.” “Only Congress can fully prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing health care next year and stop these outrageous premium increases, but we are doing what we can for one year in Colorado to protect care for as many people as we can,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When people don’t have health insurance, they either aren’t able to see a doctor, or when they do, everyone else has to pay for that care. This drives up costs for everyone and leads to worse health outcomes. Congress must act now to prevent massive price hikes for health insurance.” “The reinsurance program has saved Coloradans billions on health insurance, especially on the Western Slope where Congressional Republicans’ inaction will leave us facing nearly 40 percent increases in insurance premiums,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill will help us avoid even higher price hikes and preserve coverage for Coloradans who will lose access to health care if we do not act now. Congress has failed our state, and I urge Jeff Hurd, Gabe Evans and the Republicans in our delegation to act now to prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing access to health care and to stop the 40 percent premium increases on the individual market that are coming next year as a result of their budget.” If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 would make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by: Loaning $100 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund (UPTF) to the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund for the 2026 plan year, Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to use up to $5 million of the UPTF and up to $20 million of the residual HIAE reserves on HIAE programs, Allowing the Board and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics and authorizing the State Auditor to audit the programs. The bill would invest up to $50M to help the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans choosing not to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance is projected to keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. Connect for Health Colorado estimates that Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits could lead to 112,000 Coloradans losing coverage. HB25B-1006 would invest up to $50 million in the premium wrap program to reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage by 20,000. Eighty-percent of individuals who get their coverage through this program can expect to see their premiums increase 175-percent. OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are not eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly all of them will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: < Back August 19, 2024 ICYMI: Mauro, Vigil Statements on Transportation Legislation Review Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: Statement from Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo: “From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving our air quality to ensuring Coloradans can get to work and school without access to a car, it is important that the legislature takes steps to create transportation systems that all Coloradans can rely on. The Transportation Legislation Review Committee heard from many transportation organizations and departments, giving us a better picture of what issues need to be addressed to improve our transportation and transit systems. I’m excited to continue these policy discussions so we can better support an efficient and equitable transportation system.” Statement from Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs: “As a multi-modal resident, I understand all too well how important transportation choice is to our communities. Whether we drive, take transit, or cycle, the built environment needs to work for all Coloradans, and allow us all to have safe, affordable, convenient travel. From the high cost of vehicle ownership to reducing carbon emissions, there are plenty of reasons why Coloradans want more transportation choices. After hearing from transit agencies, environmental organizations, and other important voices in our communities, we have a better idea of how to meet the transportation needs of all Coloradans.” Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2023 Dems Defeat Dangerous GOP Gun Bills Similar legislation in Missouri criticized for hampering law enforcement investigations DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated two Republican bills that would have interfered with critical law enforcement actions and investigations and made Coloradans less safe. “As Colorado Democrats work to reduce gun violence and protect our communities, Republicans in the legislature are sponsoring bills that would disrupt critical public safety efforts, hamper law enforcement investigations and make us less safe,” said State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The dangerous legislation we defeated today would have prevented local law enforcement from partnering with federal departments to solve firearm-related crimes, risked compromising ongoing investigations, and jeopardized security at our airports. But that is only half the problem. I must admit I’m disappointed in my GOP colleagues who antagonized several of the student witnesses who came to share their concerns that this legislation would lead to even more violence. We should be encouraging young people to participate in the process, not grilling them on ideological grounds.” “Across the country, sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs have raised concerns that this type of legislation will make it harder for them to protect their communities,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, a member of the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. “As a responsible gun owner, I know there’s more we can do to prevent gun violence, and House Democrats are committed to this goal. That’s why we took decisive action today to defeat legislation that would have far-reaching and dangerous consequences for the safety of our communities.” HB23-1044, sponsored by Representative Ken deGraaf, would have prohibited the state of Colorado or any political subdivision from enforcing or attempting to enforce any federal laws or regulations on the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of a firearm, firearm accessory or ammunition. It would have prevented law enforcement from seeking federal assistance for firearms tracing and other support for solving crimes– efforts that are especially critical for solving violent crimes. The bill would have prevented local law enforcement from cooperating with FBI or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigations or enforcement of federal prohibitions on bump stocks or ghost guns. The bill would have also prohibited local police departments from working with federal prosecutors to bring weapons possession charges for violations of federal law, such as possession of a weapon by a prior offender for a drug-related offense. In Missouri, where a similar law passed in 2021 , sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs have decried the law’s impact on their ability to partner with federal agencies to hold people who break the law accountable. By opening up local law enforcement departments to lawsuits, HB23-1044 could have had a chilling effect on police and sheriffs’ willingness to work with federal agencies to solve firearm-related crimes. Under the bill, any state employee, including those who operate Colorado’s airports and other secure facilities, would have been prohibited from offering any material support, including the use of facilities or communications equipment, to federal personnel who enforce federal firearm restrictions, including at those secure facilities that regulate the use of firearms at those locations. In the Department of Justice lawsuit against HB85, Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act, the department noted how the bill would nullify firearm restrictions at airports. HB23-1050, sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, would create a Colorado Shoot First law for business owners. Research repeatedly shows that these laws increase homicides and accidental firearm deaths while doing nothing to reduce crime. In states with Shoot First laws, homicides where the victim is Black and the shooter is white are deemed justified five times more frequently than when the shooter is Black and the victim is white. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills that will improve air quality and increase access to alternative modes of transportation. Air Quality Improvements: SB22-193 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring and incentives. The bill passed 41-24. “Poor air quality along the Front Range has become intolerable, and it’s leading to negative health outcomes, especially for children,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This legislature is making the single largest investment in our state’s history to improve our air quality, reduce harmful emissions and build a healthier Colorado.” “We’ve made addressing poor air quality one of our top priorities this session, and I’m proud to see the House pass this robust package of bills that will help make it easier for Coloradans to breathe all along the front range,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This $111 million investment will create cleaner commuting options and help private entities and local governments finance projects that reduce industrial emissions.” SB22-193 will invest $111.25 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. This includes: $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses. $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships finance projects to reduce industrial emissions through different technologies such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture. $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs. $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying and localized monitoring to help identify leaks at oil and gas facilities. $1.5 million for financing and incentives for cannabis producers to reduce their energy and water use. $750,000 for increasing access to transit for state employees. Protecting Communities from Contamination from Orphan Wells: SB22-198 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Perry Will, aims to reduce methane emissions from abandoned, unmaintained oil and gas wells by creating a sustainable funding mechanism to plug, remediate, and reclaim orphan wells. The bill passed 45-20. “Oil and gas wells that have been abandoned are a significant contributor to harmful methane emissions and are a liability for taxpayers,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bipartisan bill will address environmental and public health concerns from orphaned oil and gas wells and ensure that operators pay their fair share to clean up abandoned wells so taxpayers aren’t left on the hook to deal with them or the health impacts they cause.” Colorado has more than 200 orphaned wells and 500 orphaned sites, which leak methane and contribute to climate change. If passed, SB22-198 would create an enterprise within the Department of Natural Resources to fund, through annual per well fees paid by operators, the proper plugging and remediation of orphaned or abandoned wells. This bill works to complement the recent financial assurances rulemaking required in SB19-181. Saving Consumers Money on Energy Efficiency Devices: SB22-051 , sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota, would exempt certain decarbonizing building materials from state sales and use tax and allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the costs of installing energy efficient heat pump water or air cooling or heating systems. The bill passed 40-25. “Energy efficiency devices like heat pumps reduce our use of dirty fuels and lower emissions, which will improve air quality and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This bill will save families and businesses money when they install energy efficient heating and cooling systems, which in turn will also save them money on energy costs.” Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2022 BILL TO SAVE SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS MONEY ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The House moved forward a bill today that would reduce several business filing fees. HB22-1001, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan, advanced on a preliminary vote and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ first ten bills . “We’re using every tool at our disposal to save small business owners and entrepreneurs money,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “For more than two years, Colorado small business community has felt the squeeze from pandemic pressures. This bill will reduce filing fees and costs associated with opening a business to just $1, putting more money back in the pockets of small business owners. Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this bill saves them money.” “We’re serious about saving Coloradans money, and this bill is specifically focused on the business community,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton . “As a small business owner, I know how tough it can be to start a new business from the ground up. By reducing filing fees, we’re cutting red tape and making it easier for small businesses to open their doors. Colorado is an entrepreneurial state and our small businesses are vital to our economic recovery.” HB22-1001 would reduce several business filing fees and other costs associated with operating a business to $1 through a credit program administered by the Secretary of State’s Office. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals and other fees typically paid to the Secretary of State’s Office. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2022 SCHOOL SAFETY AND STUDENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed four bills to boost school safety and improve student access to behavioral health services. “These bills continue our important work to improve school safety, expand access to behavioral health care for students and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Tony Exum D-Colorado Springs. “This bill gives our public schools the resources they need to make classrooms and school spaces safer by protecting school grounds. It also extends the successful I Matter program, which is currently offering free mental health counseling sessions to Colorado youth across the state.” HB22-1243 , which passed committee unanimously, would invest $14 million toward improving the security and safety of public schools and is part of Colorado Democrat’s Public Safety Package. This bill allocates $6 million to the School Security Disbursement Program over two years, which will be reauthorized by HB22-1120. Based on recommendations of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, it also puts $2 million in ARPA funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and $6 million towards extending the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022. This investment will pave the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. “For years, we’ve been working to take a multi-pronged approach to improve school safety that includes both increased access to behavioral health and critical investments in our schools,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), former chair of the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. “Extending the I Matter program is the right move. Colorado students across the state are taking advantage of free counseling sessions. I’m proud of each and every young person who has bravely participated in the I Matter program, and I hope by extending the program we can reach even more youth statewide.” Three additional school safety bills also passed the House Education Committee unanimously. HB22-1120 , sponsored by Representatives Kevin Van Winkle and Patrick Neville would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for schools to install monitoring equipment and security systems at entrances and exits. Grants can also be used for school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. HB22-1274 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Colin Larson, would continue the Colorado Interagency Working Group on School Safety, a 14-member group dedicated to enhancing school safety through the cost-effective use of public resources, which is currently set to expire on September 1, 2022. If passed, this bill would continue the group’s work indefinitely. HB22-1275 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Colin Larson, would continue the Colorado School Safety Resource Center Advisory Board which helps in providing resources, training and technical assistance to foster safe and secure learning environments as well as early intervention to prevent crisis situations. The board is set for repeal on September 1, 2022. Previous Next

The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. < Back February 2, 2024 Lieder Legislation to Recognize 911 Operators as First Responders Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. “We’re one step closer to securing first responder recognition for our deserving 911 operators,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This important bipartisan legislation would reclassify 911 operators as first responders because of the critical role they play in keeping our communities safe. 911 operators are the first ones to connect with a person in crisis, and this bill recognizes them as skilled first responders who streamline public safety in every community across Colorado.” HB24-1016 , sponsored by Representative Sheila Lieder and Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would define emergency communications specialists as first responders. Specifically, this would include emergency communications specialists who receive, triage, process, transmit or dispatch emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for public safety services. This also includes those emergency communications specialists who provide resources to field responders or emergency medical dispatch. Previous Next

The House today introduced legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Judy Amabile and Senators Tom Sullivan and Chris Hansen to establish a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. < Back February 23, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Democrats Unveil Bill to Establish Waiting Periods for Firearm Purchases DENVER, CO - The House today introduced legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Judy Amabile and Senators Tom Sullivan and Chris Hansen to establish a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. “The research is clear–this legislation will reduce suicide deaths and homicides,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “By delaying access to a firearm, waiting periods create opportunities to intervene and prevent impulsive acts of gun violence. We are committed to advancing commonsense proposals like this bill that will improve public safety and reduce gun violence in our communities.” “Right now, if you want to get your hands on a gun, you can do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.” “When someone is in crisis, readily accessible firearms make it easier for them to attempt self-harm or engage in other violent acts,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Waiting periods limit options to obtain a firearm for someone who may be contemplating suicide or making a quick decision to engage in violence. No single piece of legislation will stop every gun death, but simple and broadly supported solutions, like three-day waiting periods, will save lives, improve public safety, and make a real difference in reducing firearm-related deaths in Colorado.” “A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said . “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am eager to continue to take meaningful steps forward, like implementing a three day waiting period, to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. HB23-1219 establishes a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Current law mandates that a state and federal background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred. Background checks can typically take far less than three days to complete. In the case they take longer, the firearm cannot be transferred until the background check is complete. Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses. The bill would not apply to antique firearms or to sales taking place between an active duty military servicemember who is set to deploy overseas and their family. Previous Next

Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: New Law Raising Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm to 21 To Go Into Effect Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado DENVER, CO – New legislation that raises the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 will go into effect on August 8. SB23-169 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, raises the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21, with limited exceptions. “Gun deaths in Colorado have been climbing higher and higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.” “As a survivor of gun intimidation, I am relieved that Colorado law now requires all gun purchasers to be at least 21 years old, which will help reduce senseless gun violence and make our communities safer,” Duran said. “With this new law going into effect, we can save countless lives from preventable firearm-related injuries or death and improve public safety.” “Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “Democrats are committed to doing everything we can to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and our new law will do just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.” “Having been a teacher for over 30 years, I’ve seen how gun violence can interrupt and devastate our kids’ development and well-being,” Hamrick said. “Colorado kids deserve environments that encourage learning, free from gun violence that is much too common in our schools. As a teacher, parent, legislator, and community member, I am proud that our common sense gun violence prevention laws are going into effect soon to better protect our kids.” 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 April 23, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO PREVENT FENTANYL DEATHS Legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions DENVER, CO – The House today advanced comprehensive legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Rep. Mike Lynch on a preliminary vote to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. “This comprehensive legislation will crack down on fentanyl dealers and deploys a robust public health strategy to get this deadly poison off our streets and save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Far too many Colorado families have experienced the devastating pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl. Under this legislation, people spreading this deadly drug in our communities will have severe consequences, and if someone distributes fentanyl that leads to death, they will face even harsher penalties. This is an aggressive response that acknowledges the deadliness of this drug and invests in proven public health approaches that will expand access to treatment, make Narcan and test strips widely available, and create a robust education and awareness campaign to save lives.” “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths in Colorado. The fentanyl crisis demands an aggressive response that will hold dealers accountable and remove this deadly drug from our streets, and that’s what this comprehensive fentanyl legislation will do,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This solution will save lives by giving prosecutors the tools we need to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. This legislation will allow us to respond aggressively to dealers who take Coloradans’ lives when distributing this drug, and I encourage lawmakers to pass this bill.” “This legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on fentanyl dealers to get this dangerous drug off our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “Fentanyl doesn’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat; people are dying in every community in our state. This bill is a comprehensive solution that will save lives and prevent fentanyl deaths.” HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. HB22-1326 would make it a felony to knowingly possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Additionally, once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill turns on a no tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. The bill was amended in the Appropriations Committee to repeal the new felony on June 30, 2025 and to include what is known as a “wobbler” provision that allows individuals who complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor. Amendments adopted on the floor include creating a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, providing additional funding to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program and crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment in jails . This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal also makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2023 President Fenberg, Speaker McCluskie Convene Joint Select Committee to Investigate Rising Utility Rates Committee will explore causes of price increases, identify potential solutions to save people money on their energy bills DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie announced today that they are forming a Joint Select Committee to investigate the causes of Coloradans’ rising utility rates and explore potential actions to prevent future price hikes, saving Colorado’s working families money on their energy bills.The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will seek expert testimony from utility companies, relevant agency staff, regulators, consumer advocates, and policy experts in order to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. “The recent spikes in energy prices have sent Coloradans’ utility bills through the roof, and it’s costing too many working Colorado families an arm and a leg just to heat their homes,” President Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “Democrats are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, which is why we’re convening this critical committee so we can uncover the root cause behind high prices and hopefully find solutions that will better protect consumers, improve stability, and save people money on their energy bills.” "Shockingly high utility bills have left Coloradans from Denver to Dillon struggling to heat their homes during the coldest time of the year," said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. "We need to get to the bottom of what's sticking hardworking families with unpredictable and far too expensive utility bills. We’re creating a bipartisan committee to dig into utility bill increases and target solutions that make our state more affordable." The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will meet at least three times, and will include lawmakers from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Committee may suggest legislative avenues for the General Assembly to consider. Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. CARAVEO’S MULTILINGUAL BALLOT ACCESS BILL ADVANCES DENVER, CO– HB20-1081, sponsored by Representative Yadira Caraveo, today passed the House Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3. “It’s essential for our democracy that every citizen in our state have the ability to understand their ballots,” said Rep. Caraveo (D- Thornton). “This bill will make ballot access easier for Coloradans across the state while placing only minimal responsibilities on our local governments.” The bill establishes a hotline run by the Secretary of State’s office to provide access to ballot translation and requires the Secretary of State’s office to have the hotline available for the November 2022 election and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. County clerks are to make available minority language sample ballots when a language is spoken by at least 2,000 or 2.5 percent citizens of voting age who speak English “less than very well” in a county. These sample ballots would be available in-person beginning in November 2022 and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. There are over 100,000 Colorado voters who speak English “less than very well,” and over 80,000 of them live in counties where ballots and other election materials are not available in languages other than English. Ballots are often difficult for minority language speakers to comprehend, even if they do speak and read some English. The federal Voting Rights Act only requires the counties of Conejos, Costilla, Denver, and Saguache provide election materials in both English and Spanish, limiting ballot access for Coloradans across the state who speak English “less than very well.” Previous Next