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Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections < Back April 24, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Support Coloradans with a Disability, Expand Workers Protections Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed legislation to support Coloradans living with a disability and expand worker’s rights and protections. “Twenty-percent of Coloradans live with a disability, yet we’re failing to meet their right to access basic services,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Our legislation creates a diverse taskforce that will bring forward meaningful ways we can improve basic access to housing, employment, governmental services and the outdoors for those living with a disability. Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and we’re working toward achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan.” “When it comes to participating in government, securing housing, starting a new career or getting outside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, Coloradans living with a disability often face significant accessibility barriers,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “From housing to employment, our legislation creates an innovative taskforce to dig into the accessibility issues faced by the disability community and work toward solutions. Securing basic access for those living with a disability is just the beginning, and we’re committed to developing solutions that work for everyone.” HB23-1296 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. “When we passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019, Colorado made significant strides toward equity in the workplace, however, more must be done to ensure women are paid fairly for their work,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105. “We’re working hard to fight inequity, and this legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to further address the wage gap. This legislation combats wage discrimination that keeps our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends from earning less; if men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job, and the wage gaps between Black women and white men are staggering,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105 . “This important legislation would require the state to investigate, take action, and follow up when wage discrimination cases are filed so we can come closer to achieving pay equity. This bill requires that job opportunities and their salaries are posted and shared with employees. Not only does this improve wage transparency, but fosters an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages as we build back from the pandemic to uplift communities hit the hardest. When women succeed, we all succeed, and creating stronger communities begins with equal pay for equal work.” SB23-105 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB230-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. “Plain and simple, public sector employees deserve the same workplace protections already offered to private sector employees,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, Chair of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and sponsor of SB23-111. “Colorado’s public workers – firefighters, teachers, public defenders – keep our communities safe and thriving. Public workers should be allowed to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization and participate in our political process without the fear of losing their job, and this legislation guarantees them that right.” SB23-111 , sponsored by Representative Woodrow, passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. < Back April 29, 2025 Mauro’s Bill to Invest in Jobs and Support Coal-Transitioning Communities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. “As market forces shift communities like mine away from a coal-based economy, we’re stepping up to support our communities and create new jobs,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Colorado has invested millions to boost workers, invest in local economies and develop a workforce for the future. Our bill ensures that rural communities can take advantage of grant opportunities that spur the growth of good-paying jobs in renewable energy and invest in local economies.” SB25-037 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill makes existing funding available for coal transition workforce assistance programs for an additional three years to support communities' transition away from a coal-based economy. The bill directs the Just Transition Office in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to also prioritize investments in tier two communities, which are communities that are indirectly impacted by coal closures. This includes programs and grants that help communities with workforce assistance and the construction or maintenance of libraries, town halls, police and fire stations. SB25-037 aims to more effectively distribute state-supported grants and programs to communities whose economy was once or is partially reliant on coal. Additionally, this bill extends the reporting deadline for the study on advanced energy solutions in rural Colorado. Founded in 2019, the Office of Just Transition was established to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future. Market shifts, consumer choices and the advancement of renewable energy sources have required Colorado to step up and create action plans that allow for a smooth economic adjustment for coal transition communities. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to improve accessibility at Colorado’s airports by increasing the number of accessible restrooms and walkways, including the voices of Coloradans with disabilities when redesigning large hub airports, and requiring reporting for non-compliance. HB24-1452, sponsored by Representative David Ortiz and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, passed by a vote of 43-18. < Back April 24, 2024 House Approves Bill to Improve Airport Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve accessibility at Colorado’s airports by increasing the number of accessible restrooms and walkways, including the voices of Coloradans with disabilities when redesigning large hub airports, and requiring reporting for non-compliance. HB24-1452, sponsored by Representative David Ortiz and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, passed by a vote of 43-18. “Basic access in airports means that Coloradans with disabilities have a right to air travel safely and with dignity, but unfortunately that has not always been the case,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Centennial. “From broken wheelchairs to inaccessible restrooms, the disability community faces many barriers to air travel, which can have negative consequences on our health, economic opportunity, and in some cases cost us our lives. This bill gives community living with a disability a seat at the table to advocate for changes so Colorado can serve as a model for accessibility in airports across the world.” “The federal bipartisan infrastructure law has granted historic funding to improve airport infrastructure, and our bill ensures some of that money is used to meet accessibility standards that are required under the law,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The requests that the disability community has made to our airports are not unreasonable - they are essential for the health and safety of our fellow Coloradans. With this legislation, we’re following through with the rights guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have dignity in air travel.” HB24-1452 would require large hub airports to ensure accessibility for travelers living with disabilities, as well as establish specific duties and deadlines for compliance. The bill requires large hub airports in Colorado to: Establish an advisory committee composed of people with various disabilities to provide input during airport renovations to ensure basic access and equity in air travel; Consult with the disability community and advisory committee during the construction of walkways and other airport facilities; Incorporate wayfinding technology for blind or visually-impaired travelers; Create, maintain, and update a dashboard to report and track basic access shortcomings and violations during the travel process, including a public inquiry form that allows an individual to directly report accessibility issues; Develop and provide comprehensive training programs for direct airport staff on proper handling of equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, medical equipment, and adaptive sports equipment; Provide at least one accessible public restroom per terminal, in addition to companion care changing tables; Use elevators to transport power wheelchairs from the tarmac to the jetway and give elevator priority to these individuals. Additionally, HB24-1452 would create a pathway for civil lawsuits against large hub airports for damages resulting from violations of their legal responsibilities. From complex terminal layouts to long distances between gates, passengers with disabilities face infrastructure, information, and customer service barriers at airports throughout the United States. Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2021 HOUSE BILL WOULD BOOST WILDFIRE AND DISASTER MITIGATION DENVER, CO– The House today advanced HB21-1208 , legislation that would help Colorado communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change and related natural disasters. “As the changing climate threatens structures, livestock, and Coloradans across our state, we have to take action now to help build more resilient communities,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This bill will help local governments and communities draw down significant federal resources to protect against natural disasters like wildfires and droughts that are devastating our state, forcing Coloradans from their homes, and harming industries that create jobs. Our local communities desperately need a consistent, ongoing source of revenue to fund mitigation resources to fund mitigation projects so they can be better prepared to weather increasingly severe droughts, fires, and record temperatures.” “By investing in natural disaster and wildfire mitigation, we can prevent some of the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in damages and losses consumers and property owners face each year in Colorado,” said Rep Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Climate change is making natural disasters worse and worse each year, burning people’s homes and threatening job creating industries that rely on our beautiful environment.” HB21-1208, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Gray, would create a natural disaster enterprise to draw down federal funds to help Colorado communities mitigate the impact and reduce the threat of climate-related natural disasters, such as wildfires. The bill establishes a small $2 per year flat fee on some disaster related insurance policies that will be leveraged for three times as much federal funding. The funding will be used to finance disaster mitigation projects in communities that are actively working to increase their resiliency.. The grant program will also provide technical assistance to local governments to help them address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Previous Next

The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act would allow insurance companies to extend discounts to consumers < Back March 19, 2025 Committee Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Insurance DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on insurance. “We’re working to save Coloradans money on their insurance, and this bill ensures consumers can receive certain no-cost or discounted add-ons offered by insurance companies,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton. “Whether it’s a security camera or flood detection system, there are many no-cost promotions or discounts offered to consumers through their insurance company. This bill updates Colorado’s anti-rebate law to ensure Coloradans can receive promotions, discounts and add-ons that save them money and provide peace of mind.” The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act ( SB25-058 ) passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill aims to save Coloradans money on insurance by allowing insurance companies to extend certain discounts or rebates to consumers. Under current law, discounting the price of insurance below what is stated in the contract is considered a deceptive trade practice. This bill would update the regulatory framework to extend specific discounts while maintaining critical consumer protections. Under the bill, insurance companies would be able to offer discounts or rebates to consumers, if they relate to insurance coverage. In addition, the discounts or rebates must mitigate loss, enhance health or promote financial or wellness literacy. For example, a no-cost or discounted service tacked on to consumer insurance could be an electric system that protects against flood or fire, security cameras and motion detectors. The goal of SB25-058 is to ensure that consumers can benefit from no-cost or discounted insurance add-ons offered by insurance companies that will help keep them safer. Previous Next

Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. < Back December 17, 2025 Trio of Bills to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. HB25-1222 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will preserve rural access to independent pharmacies. “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan new law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens . “From routine prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline for our communities. Our bipartisan law will protect and expand options for pharmacists and patients in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our local pharmacies and expanding telehealth options.” Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1222 will preserve access to rural health care by ensuring fair reimbursement rates that account for inflation for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these updates will help them maintain access to vital healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. HB25-1002 , sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver, will save Coloradans money on behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorders care by ensuring coverage standards are based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. “Health care coverage decisions should be made using the best evidence-based recommendations from health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Brown. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to afford the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral, mental health, and substance use disorder care. Our law, going into effect soon, aligns mental health care coverage with the best evidence so Coloradans can actually access the full spectrum of services they pay for.” “Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and well-being of Colorado families,” said Amabile. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This legislation will help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Gilchrist. “When insurance companies choose to deny coverage, it drives up costs and makes it harder for Coloradans across the state, especially young people, to access critical care. Too many Coloradans still don’t receive affordable care, and we have made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care. This law takes another huge step forward by requiring every health insurance plan to cover medically necessary health care.” HB25-1002, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, will ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This law requires insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services, clarifying state law on mental health parity and limiting gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. SB25-010 , sponsored by Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, will improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications. “There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This new law will provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This legislation is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks, utility companies, and other service providers; this should be an option for health insurance, too,” continued Brown. “This law helps provide timely health insurance information to patients, while keeping their personal data safe and protected. Our goal is to reduce administrative costs and modernize Coloradans' access to their health care information.” SB25-010 mirrors the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation. Under the new law, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals who do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. < Back February 18, 2025 Committee Passes Bill Combat Predatory Vehicle Booting, Boost Consumer Protections DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB25-1117 passed committee by a vote of 8-5. “While vehicle immobilization serves as a tool for property owners to manage parking, it’s essential that these practices are conducted fairly and transparently,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “HB25-1117 aims to protect consumers by regulating vehicle immobilization companies, ensuring they operate under strict guidelines that prevent predatory practices. This bill empowers the Public Utilities Commission to hold companies accountable, mandates clear documentation before immobilization, and enhances industry transparency. By setting these standards, we support legitimate business operations while safeguarding Coloradans from unjust vehicle immobilization.” “Right now, vehicle booting companies are taking advantage of a lack of regulations to immobilize Coloradans’ vehicles for profit,” s aid Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “While we’ve made good headway to protect Coloradans from predatory towing practices, little has been done to protect vehicle owners from unfair booting practices. Our bill cracks down on booting companies that patrol parking lots and authorize their own booting practices that typically end up costing Coloradans money and time. Many Coloradans use their vehicles every day and an unexpected boot can cause financial and logistical headaches. To improve transparency and strengthen consumer protections, booting companies would be required to give consumers a fair warning and place a written notice on vehicles at least 24 hours before immobilizing them.” HB25-1117 aims to improve oversight, transparency and fairness surrounding vehicle immobilization, including booting. Specifically, this bill would give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) additional oversight to deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to review a permit to a vehicle booting company if the company is violating specific guidelines. The goal of HB25-1117 is to establish new requirements for vehicle booting companies and prevent companies from patrolling parking lots. Under the bill, vehicle booting companies would be required to: Document a vehicle’s condition and the reason for immobilization before they immobilize it Display the name of the company, the permit number and a phone number of the company on each company vehicle used for immobilization Not charge more than once for the removal of more than one immobilization device Additionally, vehicle booting companies must refrain from immobilizing a vehicle if: It has already been immobilized by another company It is on private property, unless given appropriate permission It is in a parking space or common parking area until it places a detailed written notice on the windshield of a vehicle at least 24 hours before immobilizing There is inadequate signage posted by the property owner In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation to protect consumers against predatory towing practices, including HB21-1283 , HB22-1314 , and HB24-1051. Previous Next

HB25-1135 will address student cell phone use in classrooms < Back February 19, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Create Healthier Learning Environments for Students Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to reduce student distraction caused by cell phones and foster a healthier learning environment. “Limiting classroom distractions helps create a learning environment where students are engaged, asking questions and focused on the material,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As a teacher, I’ve experienced firsthand the distractions caused by student cell phone use in the classroom. Our bipartisan bill will help address cell phone distractions in our schools so students can focus on learning.” HB25-1135 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill aims to reduce cell phone-related distractions in classroom settings while promoting mental health among Colorado students. HB25-1135 encourages local control by allowing districts to consider their own guidelines when creating their district level policy. This bill would not impose a statewide ban on student cell phone use in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. Under this bill, school districts would create their own policy for student cell phone use in a K-12 setting. Policies must accommodate students with disabilities, and those who rely on those who rely on phones for healthcare needs or learning purposes. 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, 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 prohibit or limit the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice. Previous Next

< Back June 6, 2020 THREE ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS PASS THE HOUSE Denver, CO– The House today passed three bills to increase fines and penalties to corporate polluters accountable, require public notification and direct outreach when toxic chemicals are released, and set stringent guidelines for the testing and use of PFAS-based AFFF firefighting foam in order to protect firefighters and prevent the chemicals from entering Colorado’s groundwater sources. HB20-1265 , Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Valdez’s bill would protect Colorado communities from toxic chemicals that are emitted from many refineries, factories, coal plants and other facilities. These air toxins heavily impact the communities that live close by and can cause a number of documented health complications. This bill would require facilities to conduct outreach in english and spanish and notify the surrounding communities when they release toxic levels of benzene, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide into the air. The requirement applies to anticipated or unanticipated incidents, including as a result of a malfunction, start-up, shutdown, upset or emergency. The bill passed 39-25. “Those who are most directly affected by toxic emissions are often communities of color, low-income communities, and non-English speaking communities,” said Rep. Benavidez, D-Adams County. “They have a right to know when industry releases dangerous toxic and deadly chemicals into the air their children breathe, and this bill will ensure that’s the case. Reverse 911 is simply notification!” “Knowledge is power, and today we voted to empower communities when their air in their neighborhoods has been poisoned with dangerous levels of toxins,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “Today we’re standing up for our neighborhoods, our families, and our state.” HB20-1119 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Lois Landgraf, sets stringent guidelines for the testing and use of PFAS-based AFFF firefighting foam in order to protect firefighters and prevent the chemicals from entering Colorado’s groundwater sources. Training and testing with AFFF fire fighting foam is one of the leading causes of PFAS contamination and exposure. HB20-1119 sets out clear guidelines for when AFFF fire fighting foam (PFAS-based firefighting foam) can be tested, requiring that all AFFF foam be collected and properly disposed of after testing so that it doesn’t enter drinking water sources. The bill also requires the state to certify and register every facility that possesses PFAS fire fighting substances and to create standards for the disposal and capture of these substances when they are used so that they do not contaminate groundwater. The bill passed 61-3. “PFAS chemicals put our firefighters and our communities at risk, and there’s more we can do to ensure that firefighters aren’t exposed to these cancer-causing chemicals and that they don’t end up in our drinking water,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill will help our state identify where PFAS is being tested and ensures that it is collected and disposed of properly so firefighters and our communities aren’t exposed.” Finally, HB20-1143 , sponsored by Reps. Dominique Jackson and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would hold polluters accountable by increasing criminal penalties for the pollution of state waters and raising the maximum daily fine for civil air and water quality violations. The bill would also give the Attorney General jurisdiction over the aforementioned criminal complaints. The bill passed 40-24. “There’s no excuse for polluting the air we breathe and the water our children drink,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Today we took a bold step forward towards holding big, corporate polluters accountable for infringing on the rights of Coloradans to enjoy clean air and water.” “Holding corporate polluters accountable is not just about protecting our environments, it’s about protecting our neighborhoods and our communities,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Increasing civil violation fines and criminal violation penalties will not only ensure that those who pollute our air and water pay the right price, it will prevent future violations from happening in the first place.” Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 PROPERTY TAX BILL IMPROVES ASSESSMENT PROCESS DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Patrick Neville to make the property tax assessment process more transparent and accountable for all property owners. “From sending every taxpayer $400 or $800 early refund checks to reducing property taxes for families and businesses and free universal preschool, we’re making tremendous progress saving people money,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This week, we announced property tax relief that will save homeowners $274 on average. The bill we passed today makes important reforms to improve the transparency and accountability of the property tax assessment process to protect homeowners and businesses from errors that can cost them money.” “This bipartisan legislation will give homeowners and business owners more information about how their property values are assessed and more time to address errors that can increase their tax bills,” said Rep. Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. “This effort will protect taxpayers, increase transparency, and improve how property values are assessed and appealed in Colorado.” HB22-1416 , which passed by a vote of 9-0, reforms the property tax assessment process. The bill would provide taxpayers with more information about their valuations and a longer period of time to appeal their values. Under the bill, the timeline to appeal property values would be extended by one week. It requires county assessors to provide property owners an estimate of their tax liability as well as information about how they can protest their assessed property values. Property owners would have the opportunity to fast track their appeal if the assessor is provided all the necessary information. Additionally, the bill would require property tax administrators to publish the assessors’ handbook, which includes appraisals procedures, and allow for public comment and review on the handbook and proposed changes. For commercial properties, the bill improves transparency in how they are valued by requiring the notice of valuation to notify property owners that they can obtain details from their assessor about how their property was valued. Previous Next

< Back May 7, 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