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New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals < Back May 17, 2024 Signed! Legislation to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals. “Colorado has passed nation leading legislation in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “Colorado’s beauty is part of what makes our state so special, and it’s important that we do our part to meet the climate goals we’ve created to protect our environment and our communities,” said Amabile. “With our new law, we’re better aligning sustainability measures across numerous state agencies and higher education institutions to promote more environmentally sustainable practices.” “From my first day as a legislator, I've worked on sustainability issues,” Cutter said. “It is critical that we fully support and employ in state agencies the practices that align with our goals and values as a state. From coordinating efforts on sustainable infrastructure projects to leveraging federal funding available for sustainable practices, the Office of Sustainability will be a critical asset as we continue our work to achieve Colorado’s climate goals.” “Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws in the past few years to help us meet our climate goals, but it can be difficult for all of the agencies and offices that are running sustainability programs to coordinate effectively,” said McCormick. “Our new law creates the Colorado Office of Sustainability to support clean energy technology adoption and boost coordination so we can reach our climate goals in an efficient and impactful way.” SB24-214 creates the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Personnel and Administration to streamline sustainability practices across state agencies. The Office is charged with: Facilitating sustainable infrastructure projects with other state agencies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, and waste diversion; Conserving water, including through xeriscaping and native plant landscaping; Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts; Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies; and Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices. The law also advances a range of other measures to make progress on state climate goals including: Creating the Sustainability Revolving Fund to replace state-owned gas and diesel-powered equipment located in the ozone nonattainment area on the Front Range; Initiating a study to advance the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump technology; and Requiring newly constructed buildings that receive state financial assistance – which is growing due to new investments in affordable housing – to use energy-efficient appliances. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 BILL TO END TRANSCRIPT WITHHOLDING PASSES HOUSE ED COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Naquetta Ricks to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution today passed the House Education Committee by a vote of 6 to 3. “Transcript withholding should never be used as a debt collection tool,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “This tactic disproportionately impacts students of color and those eligible for federal Pell Grants and makes it harder for graduates to use the skills they’ve learned to thrive in the workforce, enlist in the military or enroll in nursing courses. Our legislation would stop post-secondary institutions from using unpaid parking tickets, library fines, and other unpaid debts as a reason to withhold a student’s transcript. We're working hard to break down credit ransom barriers for students so they can succeed after graduation and move Colorado forward." “When a transcript is withheld, it makes it harder for that student to enter the workforce, creating a cycle of unpaid debt that can have lasting impacts on students,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Students trying to move forward with their lives instead face challenging new barriers because of small unpaid debts like late library book fees or unpaid parking tickets. This hurts our economy and our workforce. We aren’t preparing students for success when institutions teach the skills they’ll need but then withhold their transcripts and diplomas.” HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. Debts protected by the bill range from unpaid fees to parking tickets, library fees, and other costs students may not realize they owe. Across the country, students owe approximately $15 million in unpaid balances, impacting over 6.6 million students. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2021 BILL TO FINANCE FOREST HEALTH EFFORTS MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, & Water Committee today passed bipartisan legislation that would allow communities to join together to create special districts in order to help finance forest health projects. HB21-1008, sponsored by Representatives Jeni Arndt and Marc Catlin, passed. “With droughts getting worse and worse each year and temperatures rising to historic levels, our fire seasons have become more dangerous and destructive,” said Rep. Jeni James Arndt, D-Fort Fort Collins. “Building back stronger means providing our communities with the tools they need to protect their property from future disasters. This bill would allow towns, counties, and municipalities to join together to finance forest health projects that can reduce the threat, intensity, and size of wildfires in our state.” HB21-1008 allows local governments to establish special improvement districts that would, with voter or property owner approval, be allowed to levy property taxes to finance forest health projects like removing trees damages from pine beetle or replanting deforested areas. Forest health projects can reduce the intensity and size of wildfires. The bill also empowers counties, municipalities, special districts, water conservancy districts, and forest improvement districts to financially contribute to forest health projects. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2021 TITONE ELECTED AS LGBTQ CAUCUS CHAIR DENVER, CO– The Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus today announced that Rep. Brianna Titone, Colorado’s first openly trans lawmaker, would succeed Rep. Alex Valdez as the new Caucus Chair. “I’m honored to have been chosen as the next LGBTQ Caucus Chair, and am eager to get to work,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, (D-Arvada). “Our caucus has made great strides for LGBTQ Coloradans in the past few years, banning conversion therapy, updating laws so Coloradans can more easily obtain ID that reflects their true selves, and we’ve pushed back against hateful policies that seek to take our community back. As Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, I’ll continue fighting for progress while standing against hatred and bigotry wherever I see it. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support- I won’t let you down.” The Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus includes members of both the House and Senate chambers and works to expand and protect LGBTQ rights. The caucus includes Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County), Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins), and Rep. Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver), Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) and Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON TUITION AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills that will save Coloradans money on higher education tuition and behavioral health services. HB22-1155 passed by a vote of 41-19 and is sponsored by Representatives Perry Will and Julie McCluskie. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families. Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bill changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. “The bill we passed today will save families and students money as they pursue their higher education degrees,” Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1155. “Every Coloradan should have access to higher education opportunities that will set them up to thrive, and our workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado are significant. By reducing the cost of higher education, we’ll prepare more students for success and open the door for more high school graduates to access the education they need to secure better paying jobs and address our workforce shortage.” HB22-1278 passed by a vote of 46-14 and is sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton. The bill will improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services and save Coloradans money. This bipartisan bill is designed to streamline behavioral health care access for Coloradans through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). “This legislation takes the next step to stand up Colorado’s new Behavioral Health Administration, which will work to make mental health care and substance use disorder treatment less expensive and easier to access,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1278. “The pandemic has only exacerbated the long standing challenges Coloradans have faced when trying to access the behavioral health care they need to thrive. This bill will boost access to the care Coloradans need and cut the red tape that prevents too many people from getting the help they need.” The bill would establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services and more. The BHA will reduce bureaucracy by consolidating fragmented behavioral health networks into one behavioral health administrative services organization (BHASO) per region. The push for this legislation stems from patient frustration surrounding disjointed behavioral health care services. With this bill, patients would be able to more easily access behavioral health services in their community. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting and address adolescent substance use disorders. < Back March 15, 2023 Dem Bills Improve Safety and Well-Being of Colorado Kids DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting and address adolescent substance use disorders. “Current Colorado law doesn’t protect kids from being physically disciplined by their teachers at school or caretakers at child care,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1191. “With this bill, we’re creating a safer environment for Colorado children to learn and grow. Parents should be able to send their kids to child care and school without fearing that they face corporal punishment, which many of us thought was something we left behind long ago.” HB23-1191 would prohibit an employee or volunteer in a public school, state-licensed child care center, family child care home, or a specialized group facility from using corporal punishment on a child under their care. Under the bill, corporal punishment would include willfully causing physical pain on a child. The bill passed by a vote of 48-16. “Substance use is an increasing issue for kids all over Colorado, and many of our teens don’t have the tools they need to prevent or stop addictive behavior,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1009. “We’re bringing students, parents, teachers, school administrators, licensed special service providers, and substance use medical professionals together to figure out how we can best address rising drug use in Colorado teens.” HB23-1009 , which passed by a vote of 45-19, would establish the Secondary School Substance Use Committee in the Department of Education to create, identify, or modify a practice for secondary schools to use to address substance use disorders in students. The practice would identify students who need substance use treatment, offer a brief intervention, and refer the student to substance use treatment resources. The committee would consist of students, teachers, licensed special service providers, school administrators, adolescent substance use medical professionals, representatives from state departments, and parents or legal guardians of students. To the extent practical, all of the members will represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the state and will have equal rural and non-rural representation. The Department of Education would be required to put together a report of the Secondary School Substance Use Committee’s findings and distribute it to every secondary school superintendent and chief administrator across the state. Previous Next

Special session legislation puts Colorado’s finances in a better position, while impacts of H.R.1 and tariffs continue to put pressure on state budget and economy < Back September 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Steady Economy with Strong Headwinds and Difficult Choices Ahead Due to Federal Economic Policies, Tariffs and H.R.1 DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. ”We’re no strangers to difficult budget decisions here in Colorado,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Years of thoughtful, bipartisan budgeting puts us on solid financial footing, but with the devastating impacts of H.R.1 along with tariffs continuing to create uncertainty and raise prices for Colorado families, more tough budget decisions are most certainly ahead.” “While we face strong economic headwinds and uncertainty driven by the chaos in Washington, Colorado is now in a better position, in a large part due to our special session efforts to fill a $1 billion gap caused by Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Trump’s tariff taxes are driving up costs for families and businesses, slowing the job market and increasing the risk of a recession. As we look ahead to next year’s budget, I remain steadfast in my commitment to prioritize the programs and services Colorado families, seniors and veterans count on.” “Today’s forecast confirms what we already know: the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration are harming Colorado’s economy and the entire country,” said JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Tariffs are driving up costs in critical industries like housing and increasing costs for consumers, while H.R.1 increased administrative costs and slashed federal assistance for programs like health care and food assistance. Our commitment to serve Colorado families remains steadfast. Presentations like today’s help us be ready for the tough budget conversations that we’ll need to have in the coming months.” “Today’s forecast indicates that closing corporate tax loopholes helped address some of the $1 billion budget shortfall caused by the Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats took a responsible approach to minimize the harm of the Congressional GOP budget to protect our schools, roads, health care and food assistance programs. Health care costs are rising faster than forecasted, which combined with federal cuts to Medicaid, means difficult decisions are ahead. But by closing corporate tax loopholes and putting people over profit, we spared some of the more severe cuts to life-saving community programs.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.17 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $400 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $756 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. In July, Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 created a $1 billion state budget deficit by allowing corporations to dodge taxes owed to Colorado. Following four consecutive years of corporate income tax revenue growth, corporate tax revenue is projected to decline by 30.1 percent, primarily due to H.R.1, which was partially offset by last month’s special session. This forecast shows that laws passed by Democrats during special session to close corporate tax loopholes closed one-third of the deficit, while additional bipartisan legislation closed another one-third of the deficit by using some of the state’s rainy day fund. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs and Colorado’s aging population, are rising at a faster rate than previously forecasted. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the forecast indicates an increase of $350 million in the next year. As Medicaid caseloads continue to increase, H.R.1 will increase administrative costs for state and local governments. H.R.1 drastically cuts Medicaid, including limiting provider fee revenue and state-directed payments, which according to LCS , will result in a reduction of $575 million in provider fee revenue and between $900 million and $2.5 billion in federal funds over a five year period. Additionally, the various provisions of H.R.1 will jeopardize Medicaid coverage for about 377,000 Coloradans. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. According to LCS, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. Additionally, inflation continues to rise, with the U.S. experiencing inflation of 2.9 percent and Denver experiencing 2.1 percent. Slowing price increases in the Denver housing market and lower housing costs are the leading contributors to lower inflation in Denver compared to nationally. During the special session in August, Colorado Republicans sponsored legislation to balance the budget on the backs of working families by reducing a vital tax credit that puts money directly into the pockets of middle and low income families (Family Affordability Tax Credit). Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, LCS anticipates the credit will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. < Back March 12, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Youth on Social Media Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. “Right now, it’s far too easy for youth to purchase illicit substances and illegal firearms on social media sites – we need to do more to protect our kids online,” said Rep. Andy Boesnecker, D-Fort Collins. “This bipartisan bill would require social media companies to ramp up their reporting methods and swiftly remove buyers and sellers who violate the companies’ illegal sales policy and state law. As a state, it’s important we step in when our children are being lured toward illegal drugs, firearms, or sex trafficking on unregulated marketplaces – this bill works to keep our kids and communities safe.” SB25-086 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, passed committee by vote of 11-2. This bill aims to protect youth by requiring social media companies to provide an annual report to the Attorney General’s Office with detailed data about their policies and enforcement, with specific reporting related to illegal activity occurring through their platforms including: Firearms sales in violation of state and federal law Sales of illicit substances Sex trafficking of minors Possession, display, sale, exchange, or creation of sexually exploitative material involving minors Social media companies also must report on how youth are using the platform and interacting with content related to these illegal activities. This bill also intends to speed up the timeline for social media companies to determine if a violation has occurred to 72 hours and 24 hours to remove a proven violator. This bill also aims to improve public safety by creating a hotline for Colorado law enforcement to follow up on warrants submitted to social media companies. This aims to speed up the legal process for Colorado law enforcement, so they can move forward with their cases faster. For example, Facebook has an explicit policy not allowing the sale of firearms or ammunition between private individuals, but buyers and sellers can violate that policy up to ten times before they’re removed from the site. Additionally, social media companies collectively generate nearly $11 billion in advertising revenue from users under 18 yet are often exposed to drugs, firearms, sex trafficking and sextortion of minors on these sites. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Alex Valdez into law that will strengthen consumer protections for ticket sales for activities like concerts and sporting events. < Back June 5, 2024 Stronger Consumer Protections for Event Tickets Becomes Law RED ROCKS, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Alex Valdez into law that will strengthen consumer protections for ticket sales for activities like concerts and sporting events. “Colorado is home to great live music venues and multiple professional sports teams, and this consumer protection law will help prevent Coloradans from being taken advantage of by bad actors,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This law guarantees refunds for canceled events, ensures actual all-in prices are advertised and bans deceptive website sales to clarify consumer rights and protections in the ticket industry. We’re creating a Colorado that better serves our event goers so they can fully enjoy their favorite events, from Nuggets games to Taylor Swift concerts.” “Unfortunately, most Coloradans have had negative experiences with the ticket industry that make it more difficult for them to attend concerts and professional sports games,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “As a resident of downtown Denver, I know how important our local sports teams and big concert events are to local businesses. Our legislation will bolster protections for consumers, making ticket-buying a more secure process so Coloradans can feel better about their purchases.” HB24-1378 requires ticket sellers and resellers to guarantee refunds to ticket buyers and prohibits an operator from denying a ticket buyer access to an event because they purchased the ticket through a reseller. This new law expands what constitutes a deceptive trade, including: Displaying trademarked, copyrighted, or substantially similar web designs, URLs, or other images and symbols with the intent to mislead a purchaser, Selling a ticket to an event without disclosing the total cost of the ticket, or Increasing the price of a ticket after the ticket has been selected for purchase, except for adding delivery fees. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that additional fees on event tickets average 27 to 31 percent of the ticket’s price. Previous Next

Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder < Back February 21, 2024 Removing Bail Eligibility for First-Degree Murder Cases Passes Committee Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to make first-degree murder defendants ineligible for bail. “This constitutional amendment makes it clear that for certain heinous crimes, bail should not be an option,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HCR24-1002 and HB24-1225. “When there is strong evidence that ties someone to a murder, it’s in the best interest of the safety of Coloradans to keep them in custody until their case is adjudicated. If voters support this constitutional amendment, this bill would clarify in statute that people accused of first-degree murder aren’t eligible to be released on bail.” In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in People v. Smith that defendants of capital offenses are eligible to be released on bail per language in Colorado statute. HCR24-1002 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would refer a constitutional amendment to Colorado voters on the November 2024 ballot to exempt the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment by at least 55 percent for it to be adopted into the Colorado Constitution. HCR24-1002 passed by a vote of 8-2. HB24-1225 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would make the conforming changes in Colorado statute if the voters adopt the constitutional amendment, exempting defendants who are charged with first-degree murder from bail eligibility when the proof is evident or presumption is great. HB24-1225 also aligns jury procedures for first-degree murder cases with other capital cases to allow 10 peremptory challenges during jury selection for the first defendant and an additional three for every defendant after. The bill, which also passed by a vote of 8-2, is contingent on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment created by HCR24-1002. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. < Back April 16, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related, Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “The numbers do not lie; the LGBTQ+ community is encountering increased violence and hate crimes,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill modifies Colorado law to include transgender identity as a protected class and works to ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable by our criminal justice system. We know trans, nonbinary and gender-expansive people across the country are combating increased threats and violence, and I’m proud to live in a state that steps up to protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors.” SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 9-1. The bill would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Incarcerated Coloradans to Pursue College Credits DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez to allow incarcerated Coloradans to earn time off their sentence by pursuing higher education. HB23-1037 passed the House with nearly unanimous support by a vote of 61-1. “This bill is about preparing incarcerated Coloradans for success when they’re released from prison by giving them the tools they need to thrive,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez D-Monte Vista. “I’m beyond proud to champion this bipartisan bill that received nearly unanimous support from Republicans and Democrats. This bill will reduce recidivism in Colorado by creating pathways for incarcerated people to earn credits toward degrees and certificates that create opportunities for good paying careers after they have served their time.” HB23-1037 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would allow inmates sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while the inmate is incarcerated in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Specifically, inmates could receive one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 6 months for an earned credential or certificate of 30 credit hours worth, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree. Right now, offenders in the DOC can reduce their sentence through earned time by participating in group living, counseling sessions and through specific work and training. Generally, inmates cannot reduce their sentence by more than 30 percent. This bill would add higher education to the list of ways inmates can reduce their sentence through earned time. HB23-1037 aims to encourage incarcerated Coloradans to pursue higher education and better prepare them for a high-earning career post-sentence. Access to education opportunities while in prison is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools to reduce recidivism. Colorado’s recidivism rate is 50 percent , one of the highest in the nation. A comprehensive, nationwide study showed that the recidivism rate among incarcerated individuals who earn associate's degrees is around 14 percent and just 5.6 percent for those who earn bachelor's degrees. These recidivism rates are significantly lower than interacted individuals who receive no education while in prison. Previous Next