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On August 7, a bipartisan law goes into effect to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, creates a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. SB24-104 will seamlessly connect apprenticeship programs with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and high school and career technical education (CTE) programs. < Back July 29, 2024 New Laws Go Into Effect to Make College Free for First Two Years, Bolster Colorado’s Workforce by Connecting Apprenticeships with Education System DENVER, CO - On August 7, a bipartisan law goes into effect to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, creates a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. SB24-104 will seamlessly connect apprenticeship programs with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and high school and career technical education (CTE) programs. “As one of the first members of my family to go to college, I want to make it possible for every aspiring student to afford higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1340. “By creating the Colorado Promise, we will make higher education nearly free for two years for every family making under $90,000 per year. With this law going into effect, more students will be able to complete their degree and afford the cost of college, which for too many middle-income families is unaffordable.” “In my legislative career, improving education and creating opportunities for all of Colorado’s students has been a top priority,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1340. “The Colorado Promise is a historic opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students whose families make under $90,000 a year. I’m so proud to see this bipartisan legislation take effect. We’re one step closer to making affordable degrees a reality.” HB24-1340 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, supports two years of in-state college for students in families earning less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families. Specifically, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit for Colorado students in their first two years of attendance (based on credit hours accumulated) at any public Colorado institution of higher education. The credit provides reimbursement for the full amount of tuition and fees paid after accounting for any scholarships or grants the student received. The credit can be claimed by a parent or other taxpayer if the student is their dependent, and is available for the 2024-25 school year through 2031-32. SB24-104 will require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the CCCS to align high school CTE programs with registered apprenticeships, which includes things like working with apprenticeship sponsors on including credit for CTE programs completed. There are currently over 300,000 high school and community college students enrolled in CTE programs, and this will help more students progress into paid apprenticeships with concrete career pathways. These registered apprenticeship programs will focus on areas of workforce shortages, such as infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, or health care. “Currently, there is a gap between technical education and apprentice programs across the state,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB24-104. “This new law bridges that gap by connecting students with quality apprenticeships that will give them the opportunity to earn as they learn.” “Colorado has amazing opportunities available for students who are interested in trade work, but the disconnect between their education and existing apprenticeship program requirements make it more difficult for them to complete their training,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB24-104. “With our new law going into effect, we can better ensure that students are going through training that aligns with apprenticeship requirements so they can get into the workforce quicker and build a strong career in their trade of choice.” While Colorado has made progress in advancing registered apprenticeships over the last several years, according to CDLE, apprenticeships make up only 0.1 percent of the state’s workforce. Reports show that students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, leading to higher grades, greater engagement, and stronger career-readiness. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 HOUSE PASSES SCHOOL FINANCE ACT, ADJUSTS FORMULA TO BETTER SERVE AT-RISK STUDENTS DENVER, CO– The House today passed the 2021 School Finance Act, annual legislation that sets funding levels for all of Colorado’s school districts and charter schools, by a vote of 60-5. “This year’s school finance act puts students and teachers first by significantly increasing funding for K-12 education,” said Education Committee Chair Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, a former teacher. “Everyone in the education community has been through so much the last year. I’m proud that we were able to come together to support our students, provide districts with the resources they need, and strengthen our school finance formula.” “Last year was difficult for students, teachers, and parents alike, but we’re turning the corner and making significant investments in K-12 education that will help Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Grant programs, such as dropout prevention or literacy attainment initiatives, that we had to suspend last year are going to get the funding they need once again. We’re also making monumental changes to the school finance formula so that schools that enroll higher numbers of at-risk students and English language learners will receive more funding, making our school finance system more equitable and student-focused.” “I’m excited to see our years of work to make the school finance formula more equitable reflected in this year’s school funding bill,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’re making important changes that will make school funding more equitable and student-focused. We have to do more to support the schools who are serving our most vulnerable students, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. By focusing on equity and directing additional resources to districts that serve more at-risk students, we can provide more children in Colorado access to the education they need to thrive.” SB21-268 makes changes to the school finance formula to direct additional resources to schools that serve higher populations of at-risk students and English language learners. It restores reductions to K-12 funding that the legislature made last year in the wake of dire budget forecasts that predicted significant revenue declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to actual funding levels in the current school year, the bill increases total program funding by $750.8 million. With the permanent changes to the school finance formula, total program funding will increase by another $623.8 million in the 2022-23 school year. Lawmakers last year were forced to increase the Budget Stabilization Factor due to pandemic-related revenue losses. Some of the impact of these reductions was blunted by the distribution of federal stimulus resources directly to school districts. This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive. The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support. SB21-268 also incorporates bipartisan adjustments to the school finance formula initially proposed in HB21-1325. The updated formula would include a factor for English Language Learners (ELL) to provide additional resources to schools that have a higher ELL enrollment. It adjusts the definition of “at-risk pupils” to include students eligible to receive reduced-price lunch. HB21-1325, sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Herod, also advanced today on a preliminary vote. The bill as amended establishes a bipartisan interim committee process to recommend additional changes to the school finance formula. Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 BILL TO GUARANTEE MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS CHECKS BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would reinforce Colorado as a national leader in mental health parity DENVER, CO– HB20-1086, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Colin Larson, today passed the House Committee on Health and Insurance unanimously. By guaranteeing insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams, the legislation would cement Colorado as a national leader in mental health parity laws. “I’m excited that Colorado is now a big step closer to making annual mental health wellness exams accessible to all,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City) . “Too often, our state’s behavioral health system provides care in crisis situations after a mental health condition has gone untreated. This bill would prioritize preventative mental health care, just like we do for physical health care, so that Coloradans can get the care they need before they face a crisis.” HB20-1086 would require health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness examination as a part of their coverage for preventative health care services. The coverage must be comparable to the coverage for a physical examination, comply with federal mental health parity laws, and not require any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. The legislation aims to further break down barriers to mental health care. Our current system often treats mental health on an expensive crisis-by-crisis basis. By enhancing access to preventative care, the bill would help provide treatment for mental health conditions before someone is faced with a crisis. It would also reduce the stigma around mental health by ensuring we value preventative mental health care in the same way we currently value physical health care. Colorado is experiencing a persistent and rising suicide rate while far too many residents report barriers to accessing the behavioral health care they need. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Colorado. In 2019, 769,301 Coloradans were unable to get mental health services when needed, and 68 percent reported that cost and insurance coverage were barriers, according to the Colorado Health Access Survey. The legislation is supported by Mental Health Colorado, the Colorado AFL-CIO, the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, the Colorado Association for School Based Health Care, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back April 3, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Wildlife and Property Owners Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program has been pivotal in helping property owners protect wildlife and outdoor recreation on their properties, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation to make the program permanent,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Colorado’s natural beauty is one of our biggest draws, and property owners want to do their part in protecting our environment. We’re helping rural Coloradans, like my district in Southern Colorado, be good stewards of their land and protect Colorado for future generations to enjoy.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners who want to protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 would continue the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. SB25-049, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, passed by a vote of 13-0. The committee also passed SB25-176 , also sponsored by Rep. Matthew Martinez and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, to extend the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act until 2032 to continue the regulation of commodity and farm products. The bill would also increase the limit on the amount of farm products or commodities that a person could buy from $20,000 to $45,000 and allow the amount to be adjusted periodically. SB25-176 passed by a vote of 13-0. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 DEMS DEFEAT CONTROVERSIAL GOP CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFFS BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee today defeated clearly unconstitutional legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Luck that would impede federal investigations and law enforcement actions by subjecting them to review and approval by local sheriffs before federal agencies can act. "This legislation is plainly unconstitutional, and it would undermine federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill purports to allow county sheriffs to block federal law enforcement actions, such as investigations into serious crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking, to the detriment of everyone in Colorado." HB22-1147 , which is unconstitutional according to analysis prepared by nonpartisan staff, would require federal law enforcement departments to seek approval and notify county sheriffs before engaging in a law enforcement operation within their regions or jurisdictions. This would impede and jeopardize critical federal law enforcement investigations. The legislation is inspired by the Constitutional Sheriff Movement, which argues that county sheriffs should have supremacy over federal law enforcement. They have been labeled an extremist group by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL states that, “the central tenet of CSPOA [The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association], borrowed from the anti-government extremist sovereign citizen movement, is that the county sheriff is the ultimate authority in the county, able to halt enforcement of any federal or state law or measure they deem unconstitutional.” The bill was defeated by a vote of 8-3. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2023 Bills to Advance Climate Goals Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee passed two bills to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition and save consumers money on their energy bills. HB23-1161 and HB23-1210 are part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “Colorado is leading the way on clean energy as we develop new tools to reduce our emissions and save families money,” said Chair of the Energy & Environment committee, Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill updates Colorado’s energy and water efficiency standards for household fixtures so Coloradans have access to the cleanest, greenest devices that reduce their utility bills, save water and improve indoor air quality. Our legislation is part of a broader package to meet our state’s climate goals, reduce harmful emissions and invest in renewable energy sources that create jobs and lower costs for Coloradans.” “Coloradans are invested in our state’s transition to clean energy, and this bill makes it easier for them to obtain high-efficiency and cost-effective household appliances,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill ensures we are stretching our precious energy and water resources as far as they can go by updating standards so consumers benefit from the latest technology. Through this and other bills moving through the legislature, Colorado Democrats are committed to putting forward smart policies that are good for the planet and our wallets.” HB23-1161 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update energy and water efficiency and emissions standards for appliances and fixtures. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access the cleanest high-performance models of appliances, including heating and plumbing fixtures. “This bill will create funding and develop a strategic plan to manage one of the biggest climate change culprits – carbon dioxide,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1210 . “Colorado has many innovative thinkers and emerging technologies surrounding carbon capture, removal, use, and storage. This bill strategically positions our state to be a global leader in carbon management. We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step to combat climate change and boost the economy." HB23-1210 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The bill will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

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

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO REFORM AND IMPROVE PRE TRIAL DETENTION DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representatives Steven Woodrow and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to reform pre-trial court processes for bond hearings and strengthen due process by ensuring timely access to justice under the law. The bill passed on second reading. “Too often, Coloradans languish in our jails for excessive periods of time while awaiting trial for minor offenses,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver . “One of the foundational values of this country is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This reform of our pre trial and bonding processes will ensure a more timely, more efficient and more just system for those awaiting a trial in Colorado.” “Improving the manner in which our courts hold bond hearings and handle monetary bonds will keep our jails from overcrowding and will further the cause of justice for individuals who have yet to have their case heard in court,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Holding an individual behind bars for days before a bond hearing or for hours and hours after bail has been posted is not justice. I’m proud of the work we did today.” HB21-1280 requires courts to hold an initial bond hearing with an arrested individual within 48 hours of arrival at a detention facility and changes statute to allow these hearings to be conducted online or over the phone. Some counties throughout the state already hold bond hearings six or seven days a week. For rural and under-resourced jurisdictions, this bill creates and funds a statewide bond hearing officer to better allow hearings to be held on weekends and holidays. The bill also makes several changes to the monetary bond process. It requires that a defendant who has posted bond be released no later than six hours later, allows bonds to be paid by cash, money order, or cashier’s check, ensures that a defendant receives receipt of the payment of their bond, and prohibits officers from requirings bonds to be paid in the defendant’s name. Lastly, it requires each jail to establish a way to pay bond online by January 1, 2022. Previous Next

Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. < Back April 22, 2024 Lt. Governor Signs Bipartisan Bill To Save Lives, Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths DENVER, CO – Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “I’m so proud to have worked closely with the students from both Durango and Animas High Schools to create this life-saving law,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Too often, Colorado youth have seen their classmates suffer from the current opioid crisis, which is why our new law will increase availability and training for the administration of opiate antagonists. The advocacy from these students on this topic who have seen the challenges their peers face will make a significant impact throughout our state and save countless lives.” “Our young people have not escaped being harmed by the opioid crisis that is impacting every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, said. “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted directly by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more badly-needed tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.” “As a school psychologist, I understand how serious and common overdoses can be in our schools, and this new law will make it easier for schools to prevent these overdoses from becoming fatal,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Research shows that overdose education for students, teachers, staff, and families leads to increased involvement in treatment and this legislation empowers students, educators, and other school personnel to know how to respond to an overdose. This student-initiated law gives schools life-saving harm reduction tools to decrease the number of student overdoses across Colorado.” HB24-1003 , will allow trained bus drivers and other employees present on buses to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators and staff receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill permits school districts to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 will allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 MULLICA’S BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill, sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, that would invest more than $60 million of federal pandemic relief dollars toward boosting Colorado’s health care workforce. “Boosting our health care workforce will expand access to care and reduce costs, which will save Coloradans money on health care,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton “SB22-226 directs $61 million to help Colorado attract the providers we need to meet the demand for services we’re seeing in our communities. This bill will save consumers money and it will save nursing students and future providers money as they complete their training and get to work serving communities in Colorado.” Boosting the Health Care Workforce : SB22-226 passed the House by a vote of 46 to 19. This bill would address the shortage of health care workers by providing over $60 million to cover the cost of tuition for entry level positions and create in-demand practice-based training programs to encourage more people to enter critical professions in the healthcare field. Additionally, the bill would create a program to improve the well-being and retention of health care workers and expand the School Nurse Grant Program. Training programs require clinical hours at health facilities, currently a major limiting factor in how many students schools can accept. To address this, the bill would also provide funding for health care facilities to increase training slots to build long-term capacity to train new and existing employees. Additionally, the bill would create a program to improve the well-being and retention of health care workers. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 PFAS BILL MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan legislation ensures that PFAS-based firefighting foam won’t pollute groundwater when tested and puts tough restrictions on future use of PFAS firefighting foam DENVER, CO– Representative Tony Exum’s legislation to protect communities and firefighters from PFAS contamination today passed the House Committee on Energy and Environment by a vote of 11-0. “PFAS is a dangerous chemical that is harming our communities and firefighters across the state,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill will help us identify all the facilities that use PFAS substances. It will prevent more of these chemicals from entering our groundwater by placing strict limits on their use and by ensuring that when they are used, they are collected and disposed of property.” 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. 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 provides the state with information about where PFAS is being used and stored across the state to mitigate and prevent future contamination. To obtain a certification, a facility must prove that it follows the standards for the capture and disposal of PFAS substances. Training and testing with AFFF fire fighting foam is one of the leading causes of PFAS contamination and exposure. Elevated levels of PFAS contamination have been found on and near US military bases across the country due to decades of lax testing and training standards for disposing and handling of AFFF fire fighting foam on installations. While the military and private companies are working to create a fire firefighting foam that does not contain PFAS, AFFF is still the only product available that can efficiently and effectively combat jet fuel and other extreme, or high intensity fires. Airports and other facilities that use jet fuel, or other highly combustible materials, need to test their fire suppression systems, and at times, train with AFFF. The bill ensures that when they do, the AFFF doesn’t end up in the state’s ground water. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2019 COLORADO HOUSE PASSES TWO HOUSING BILLS (Apr. 25) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that would expand the supply of affordable housing and hold landlords accountable. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved Rep. Leslie Herod’s bill that establishes duties for landlords and tenants in addressing the presence of bed bugs. “Bed bugs are harmful. They disrupt our lives in profound ways, threatening the health and well-being of our families,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will ensure that landlords inspect and treat bed bug infestations quickly, so that people can resume their lives.” Under HB19-1328, tenants must promptly notify their landlord when they know or reasonably suspect the presence of bed bugs. Not more than 96 hours after receiving notice, a landlord must obtain an inspection by a qualified inspector and treat the bed bugs in that unit and any adjacent units also affected. The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next