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< Back April 15, 2021 HOUSE DEMS ADVANCE BIPARTISAN BUDGET TO HELP COLORADO BUILD BACK STRONGER DENVER, CO– The House today advanced the FY 2021-2022 Long Appropriations Bill (SB21-205) on a preliminary vote. The bipartisan budget, which passed the Senate with near unanimous support, helps Colorado recover faster and build back stronger by restoring cuts to essential services, supporting K-12 and higher education, and setting aside substantial funding for the bipartisan Colorado Recovery Plan. “I’m proud of our bipartisan and balanced state budget, which is designed to jumpstart our economy and help Colorado build back stronger,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan, our bipartisan package of legislation that will create jobs and help Colorado recover faster. We’re providing historic levels of state funding for K-12 education, nearly cutting the budget stabilization factor in half. Coloradans want us to come together to help rebuild our economy, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this bipartisan budget.” “This year’s state budget makes historic investments in education, equity, and the Colorado Comeback,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m especially proud of our efforts to make higher education more equitable and attainable for people of color, and I’m excited that we’ve been able to restore funding for critical services that Coloradans rely on. From supporting workers to addressing health disparities that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities, this bipartisan budget helps Coloradans in every corner of our state get back on their feet.” Colorado’s $35.9 billion budget funds core state services, such as education, corrections, health care, and human services. A significant portion of the state budget comes from federal matching funds, with lawmakers having direct control of the state’s $13.1 billion General Fund. Last year, budget forecasts estimated the state would face a significant revenue decline, leading lawmakers to enact historic reductions while still prioritizing critical services and education. With the economy and state revenues recovering faster than anticipated, the budget returns funding to pre-pandemic levels while responsibly setting aside historic reserves for the future. Putting Students, Teachers, and Parents First Restores K-12 Funding, Cuts Budget Stabilization Factor Nearly in Half: The FY2022 Long Bill brings the budget stabilization factor back to its pre-pandemic level of $572 million by increasing K-12 education funding by over $480 million. Resumes and Accelerates State Support for Institutions of Higher Ed: After being forced to nearly eliminate state support for institutions of higher education, lawmakers boosted funding in this year’s budget by $494 million to restore the prior year’s reduction. The bill also allocates an additional $100 million to be used for recruitment and retention including additional financial support for first generation, underrepresented minority, and pell eligible students. Increased Resources for Students: This budget prioritizes accessible teaching and learning resources for students to succeed including $3 million for state grants to public libraries and over $1 million to CDHE’s Open Educational Resources program which provides grants to institutions to develop educational programs using 100 percent publicly available teaching materials. The budget also appropriates $6.9 million to restore K-12 education grant programs including the behavioral healthcare professionals grant program, the K5 social and emotional grant program, the 9th grade success program, the school leadership success program, and the automatic enrollment in advanced courses program. Invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST Fund) and an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF): After nearly eliminating funding last year for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant initiative, lawmakers this year will invest $160 million to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures. The SEF funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Prioritizes the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program: The JBC set aside $13.4 million for a teacher recruitment toolkit to be established in collaboration with the departments of education and higher education. The set aside includes restorations to CDE’s Quality Teacher Recruitment program and CDHE’s Educator Loan Forgiveness program. In addition, the budget restores CDHE’s teacher mentor grants program and the rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development program. Creating Jobs, Getting Colorado Back on Track, and Building Back Stronger $800 Million State Stimulus: The budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Recovery Plan , which will create jobs and boost the Colorado Comeback. Creating Jobs Through Investing in Capital Construction Projects: The bill tackles a substantial portion of the state’s capital project backlog by nearly doubling the long bill appropriation for capital construction, creating jobs through creating, maintaining and improving capital construction projects. The bill includes $217.4 million for the capital construction fund, initiating shovel-ready projects at institutions of higher education and across state government. Expanding Job and Skills Training Initiatives: The budget prioritizes workforce and training opportunities through a variety of programs including restoring CDHE’s Colorado First Customized Job Training program, DOC’s Transitional Work Opportunity program, and DHS’ Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program. Investing in IT Infrastructure & Transportation: This budget package makes significant investments in IT infrastructure including funding for the Office of eHealth Innovation’s Rural Connectivity project, updates to the states unemployment insurance system, and numerous investments in higher education equipment and technology to support increased virtual learning opportunities. In addition, with $124 million set aside for transportation, the budget sets Colorado on a path to address CDOT’s $9 billion project backlog. Addressing Health Disparities: The budget helps Colorado build back stronger by providing over $5 million to combat racial and income-based health disparities that are hurting Colorado communities. Boosting State’s Wildfire Response: After a historic wildfire season and with another one on the way, the budget appropriates $26.2 million for firefighting contracts, aircraft, personnel and state assistance for local response efforts. Building the Reserve and a New Rainy Day Fund: The budget sets aside historic reserves to mitigate downside risks to the forecast and creates a new rainy day fund to provide an additional safety net should state revenues collapse or should the state see a surge in caseload and demand for services. Supporting the Judicial Branch: Recognizing the rise in court cases once trials resume, the budget responsibly allocates funding to increase staffing within Judicial courts and probation as well as within the offices of the public defender, child protection ombudsman, and the public guardianship. The budget also sets aside funding to expand the Senior Judge program to help address the backlog of cases anticipated. Supporting Colorado’s Most Vulnerable Veterans: The budget provides $500,000 in Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to provide grants to enhance workforce center services for veterans, an increase of $200,000 over last year. The Colorado Recovery Act will provide $30 million for a start up loan fund, which will support veteran-owned small businesses. The budget includes $59.4 million for the veteran community living centers, and $425,000 for National Guard tuition assistance. Supporting Hospitals that Treat Uninsured Patients: The bill provides $48.2 million for hospitals that serve a higher share of low-income or uninsured patients. This funding draws down $27 million in federal funds. The funding supports several rural hospitals. Ensuring Coloradans Have Access to the Care They Need: With access to health care essential for every Coloradan, the budget affirms the state’s commitment to Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. It provides $460.1 million for medical care and long-term services such as nursing homes and community-based services. The funds pay nursing home care, senior dental programs, behavioral health, and vaccine administration. Addressing the IDD Waitlist: The JBC allocated $22 million to protect essential Medicaid benefits including $15.5 million to the Adult Comprehensive Waiver to fund 667 spots on the comprehensive waiver waitlist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 CUTTER-SULLIVAN MENTAL HEALTH BILL HEADED TO GOVERNOR More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 29) – A bill sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter. and Rep. Tom Sullivan that will modernize behavioral health insurance coverage laws to align with federal law and close loopholes to increase access to mental health services for Coloradans is heading to the Governor’s desk. “More than one million Coloradans live with a mental health issue, and over half of them aren’t receiving the help they need,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “It is essential that we begin to treat mental health and substance abuse issues the same way we treat physical health. Our youth suicide rate isn’t going to improve until we do.” HB19-1269: Strengthens prevention and screening laws to shift the current system away from expensive late-stage treatment to early prevention Enforces and makes transparent existing state and federal parity laws and increases consumer protections Eliminates gaps and loopholes in current law to ensure no more Coloradans fall through the cracks “I have been committed to improving mental health before joining the legislature and am glad to be a part of this important legislation,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We can’t wait any longer to get this bill to the Governor. The time for action is now.” Currently, state and federal laws require insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical care. However, many families are being denied coverage or are paying out-of-pocket costs for weeks or months for mental health care services because of loopholes in current law. HB19-1269 passed in the House with a bipartisan vote of 45-19. It passed in the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 30-5. Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the fourth meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee: < Back August 13, 2024 Rep. Mauro Statement on Wildfire Matters Interim Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the fourth meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee : “Conversations around wildfire mitigation, first responder and firefighter workforce issues, and long-term health risks are crucial, especially as many Colorado communities on the Front Range have suffered from multiple wildfires in recent weeks. We have spent the last few months learning from professionals and organizations dedicated to wildfire prevention to determine what potential policy solutions can protect our communities from wildfire damage. Today’s meeting was a great first step in drafting legislation that can make our communities more resilient and mitigate wildfire risks to keep Coloradans safe and protect our firefighters, foresters, and other community first responders.” “These conversations are essential to have, especially as Colorado communities continue to recover after the recent fires in Boulder, Larimer, and Jefferson counties. I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all of our firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who have spent the last few weeks helping those who live in evacuation zones.” Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. < Back April 11, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Parks Access Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. “With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on state park passes, and hunting and fishing licenses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill makes recreational opportunities more accessible for older Coloradans and veterans with disabilities. Colorado’s state parks are teaming with wildlife, outdoor activities and top tier recreation opportunities; this bill helps improve access to our state parks so everyone can enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer.” SB24-161 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 2. This bill would make several changes to certain fees, requirements, and procedures related to licenses and passes issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The goal of SB24-161 is to make hunting, fishing and park passes in Colorado more accessible to those living with a disability and to save older Coloradans money on their passes. Specifically, the bill: lowers the age threshold for senior annual fishing licenses from 65 to 64 years of age; lowers the cost of youth big game and youth small game resident and nonresident hunting licenses by $0.25; Increases eligibility for discounted licenses to veterans with disabilities; allows CPW to establish a harvest permit surcharge of up to $5; and allows revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild pass sales to be used for capital construction costs. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Bob Marshall that would strengthen accountability for public officials and certain employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB25-1079 passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back April 28, 2025 Story, Marshall Bill to Strengthen Government Ethics Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Bob Marshall that would strengthen accountability for public officials and certain employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB25-1079 passed by a vote of 41-23. “This bill would strengthen oversight of elected government officials and their direct hires by creating a pathway for Coloradans to file complaints with an independent entity when serious financial or ethical concerns arise at the local level,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer . “Colorado has established clear ethical codes of conduct for local and state government officials to follow. This legislation would expand the Independent Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate complaints involving school districts and special districts, reinforcing ethics and accountability across all levels of government.” “Elected officials are public servants, and they should be held to high ethical standards,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “Schools and special districts are responsible for managing billions of taxpayer dollars, and it’s crucial that we pass this bill to allow the Independent Ethics Commission to apply to these government officials to strengthen public trust in our government.” The Independent Ethics Commission was created in 2006 to investigate complaints and enforce rules of conduct for public officials and government employees. HB25-1079 would expand the authority of the Independent Ethics Commission to include school district board members, superintendents and administrators, as well as special district board members and employees who report directly to them. This bill would allow the Independent Ethics Commission to investigate complaints of ethics violations by public officials and employees in these districts and impose penalties for violations, improving accountability. Previous Next

BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE COLORADO’S RED FLAG LAW BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law landmark legislation that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law. SB23-170 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur. “Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence, but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” Fenberg said. “This new law will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.” “This expansion of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order will improve one of the best tools we have to help prevent more Coloradans from being a victim of the next gun violence tragedy,” Bacon said. “Now, more qualified individuals will be able to file a petition if they believe someone poses a serious threat to the community. This law brings us one step closer to keeping guns out of the hands of those who would do harm to themselves or others.” “Our Red Flag law has already saved lives in Colorado, and this commonsense law will strengthen it so that it can be even more effective,” Sullivan said. “Expanding and improving our Red Flag law will create more opportunities for qualified individuals to assess the danger and act appropriately to prevent further violence and ultimately save more lives.” “Since Colorado passed the Red Flag law in 2019, it has been an effective yet underutilized tool to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” Weissman said. “Teachers, licensed mental health professionals, district attorneys, and medical professionals throughout our communities often have insight into the potential dangers that someone poses, making them essential in Colorado’s fight against gun violence. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re improving awareness of this tool and expanding eligibility to file a petition so we can reduce deaths by suicide and protect more Coloradans from the threat of gun violence.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve representation in government by ensuring candidates with disabilities have access to the ballot. HB24-1067, championed by Representative David Ortiz, would address barriers those with a disability face when participating in the political process, including lack of virtual options. The bill passed by a vote of 64-0. < Back February 12, 2024 Ballot Accessibility for Candidates with Disabilities Passes the House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve representation in government by ensuring candidates with disabilities have access to the ballot. HB24-1067, championed by Representative David Ortiz, would address barriers those with a disability face when participating in the political process, including lack of virtual options. The bill passed by a vote of 64-0. “There are many future community leaders who are often kept out of the political arena because our political systems are not accessible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This crucial bill works to improve accessibility in all levels of government, specifically through making virtual participation available at caucuses and party assemblies. The very foundations of democracy are dependent upon making sure every voice is heard and represented, and this bill ensures all candidates have an opportunity to participate in Colorado’s political process.” HB24-1067 , also sponsored by Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, would require the continuation of the caucus process to make it more accessible for people with disabilities to run for office. The bill would also require video conferencing participation options for a precinct caucus or a party assembly, unless they do not have access to a broadband network provider. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, in addition to two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. Previous Next

Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado < Back May 12, 2023 Signed! Fenberg & McCluskie Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Essential Wildfire Fighting Aircraft Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado CENTENNIAL, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie’s, D-Dillon, bipartisan bill to require the State Treasurer to finance the purchase of a Firehawk helicopter for wildfire fighting efforts. Cosponsored by House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-161 allows Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, ensuring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has at least one Firehawk available for rapid response at all times. “We no longer have wildfire seasons, we have wildfire years, which is why we are proactively investing in advanced wildfire fighting equipment like the Firehawk to keep our communities safe,” said Fenberg. “Firehawk helicopters are state-of-the-art and built for longevity, making this a smart investment for Colorado’s future. This will help ensure we are able to aggressively respond to and mitigate wildfires with greater speed and increased capacity, and will help us better protect homes, people, and property against increasingly dangerous wildfires.” “When combatting a wildfire, every minute counts for our first responders and our communities,” said McCluskie. “We’re continually working to improve the state’s wildfire response time by investing in the latest technology to protect our homes, businesses and neighborhoods. By providing the funding to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, we are helping ensure that our firefighters can combat and contain wildfires in difficult terrain and keep our communities safe.” In 2021, Fenberg and McCluskie championed legislation to purchase Colorado’s first Firehawk helicopter , which will join Colorado’s fleet of firefighting aircraft later this year. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY AND REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES ADVANCE DENVER, CO – House committees today advanced two bills that will allow restaurants to save money by keeping some of the sales tax they collect and invest in community revitalization projects that create jobs and support local economies. “Despite the end of public health orders, restaurants are still struggling with workforce challenges and increased costs, so we are redoubling our efforts to save them money each month,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This legislation will save almost 9,000 restaurants and retailers close to $40 million this summer, which they can use to cover expenses, expand their business, pay their workers more and reduce costs for consumers.” “Today, House committees passed two of my bills, which will save restaurants and retailers money and revitalize communities in every part of our state,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “HB22-1406 will allow restaurants to keep some of the sales tax they collect to provide them relief from rising costs and workforce challenges. The Community Revitalization Grant Program has funded amazing projects from Ridgway to Denver that have created and sustained jobs and boosted local economies. Because of the success of these grants, we’re dedicating an additional $20 million which will go directly to building vibrant spaces that drive economic opportunity.” “All you have to do is look at the incredible projects that are coming online across the state to see the amazing success of the Community Revitalization Program that we created last year through bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This program has proven so successful that we are dedicating an additional $20 million this year to help jumpstart new projects that will revitalize communities and mainstreets in every part of Colorado.” HB22-1406 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts, passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 9-2. The bill will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million by allowing them to keep some of the sales tax they collect. HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone, passed the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee by a vote of 11-1. The bill directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan. The program provides gap funding for projects in creative districts, historic districts, mainstreets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding can be found here . Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2020 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HIGHER ED INVESTMENT PROTECTIONS Bill would allow prospective students to access information regarding the expected return on investment of a private occupational school degree. DENVER, CO– The House voted 63-0 today to pass Representative Cathy Kipp’s bipartisan bill to collect and distribute information related to the return on investment (ROI) that students can expect from private occupational schools and other institutions of higher education. “An investment in education is one of the most important financial decisions that a young person will make,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill will level the playing field and help us give students looking to earn any type of degree the tools they need to avoid making a bad investment. With many for-profit colleges making promises to prospective students that their degrees can’t keep, this bill is more important than ever.” Currently, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) has the authority to prepare an annual ROI report for undergraduate degree and certificate programs. HB20-1280 would further allow the Department to collect the data necessary to calculate ROI for degree and certificates offered by private occupational schools, seminaries, religious training institutions, as well as by public and private out-of-state higher education institutions. ### Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. < Back May 6, 2025 House Passes Willford, Froelich Bill to Address CBI Backlog DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. "CBI’s backlog exceeding 550 days is unacceptable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “There are over 1,300 survivors waiting for their results, and each number is a real person who is seeking the answers they need to pursue accountability and justice. Survivors deserve better, and this bill demonstrates that Colorado stands with them in their fight.” "The CBI backlog has had devastating consequences on survivors and victims, and this bill would help create a system that puts them at the forefront,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “I have proudly sponsored numerous laws to bolster how Colorado handles and processes sexual assault kits, including allowing victims to track the status of their case. This legislation would improve accountability and address the backlog so survivors can seek the justice they deserve." SB25-304 , titled the “Miranda Gordon Justice For Survivors Act of 2025”, would create the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board, whose mission mirrors that of the existing Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board . The board would review and monitor the effectiveness of current protocols, standards, and training practices in the criminal legal system response to sexual assault. Under the bill, it would be required to make victim-centered recommendations for improvement in accordance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill would: Create a notification requirement under the Victim Rights Act that a law enforcement agency must notify victims at least once every 90 days if they have not received DNA test results for their case, Require that crime labs endeavor to analyze test kits and upload results within 60 days, Instruct CBI to create a public-facing dashboard that provides reports on the forensic medical evidence and DNA evidence backlog within 90 days, and Expand existing reporting rules to require that each member of the General Assembly receives updated information about turn around times and backlog progress twice each year. Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304 and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system. Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs in good-paying, in-demand fields. < Back May 3, 2023 House Passes $1,500 Skills Training Scholarships for High School Students DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs in good-paying, in-demand fields. “This legislation provides a $1,500 scholarship to graduating students for universities and community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training so they can begin their next step after graduation,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “By saving students money as they pursue their degrees, this bill removes the financial barriers that can prevent high school graduates from entering growing industries. This effort will boost our economy, grow our workforce, create affordable pathways to in-demand careers and help students thrive.” Scholarship for High School Seniors: SB23-205 , sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, passed the House by a vote of 59 to 4 and would create a Universal High School Scholarship Program to make it easier and more affordable to access postsecondary education and training opportunities for Colorado students. The program will provide each qualifying applicant with a scholarship up to $1,500 to take to an approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeships and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the class of 2024, more than 25 percent of all high school graduates statewide. Scholarships are available to Colorado residents who graduated from a Colorado high school or earned a high school equivalency credential in the 2023-2024 academic year, completes the state or federal financial aid application, submits the scholarship application, and has not received a grant or other scholarship. Previous Next