The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back March 28, 2025 Election Intimidation Protections, Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Advance DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, Trump’s reaction to losing the 2020 election has had a long-term impact on the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “While Republicans defend Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used as a voter suppression tactic to intimidate Coloradans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this bill, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as an election worker, and campaign without fear.” “The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This legislation protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. SB25-059 would direct the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The bill would also define “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. “Mass shootings like Columbine have impacted our communities for decades, and victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This bill would direct the state to seek funding for victims of mass shooting attacks so we can better provide the support they need.” “It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this bill is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-059. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m committed to passing legislation that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to establish the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day” in Colorado. < Back March 10, 2025 House Passes Bill to Establish Colorado American Indian Recognition Day DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. HB25-1266 would create a new observed holiday to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Ute Tribes in Colorado. “Celebrating and recognizing the historic contributions of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and all American Indian nations with ties to Colorado is incredibly important – this holiday helps accomplish that,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “We must acknowledge the tragedies of the past while honoring the sovereignty of the Ute Tribes in Colorado and this bill recognizes the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe called Colorado home long before it was a state – this bill helps acknowledge their many contributions,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “The Ute Tribes have provided significant cultural, social and economic contributions to the state and their histories are integral to Colorado’s identity. With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to establishing the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. HB25-1266 , passed the House by a vote of 50-10. This bill establishes the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day,” an observed state holiday. Nationally, the second Monday in October is recognized as "Indigenous People’s Day” but is not observed at the state level in Colorado. If signed into law, this bill would create “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day,” as an observed, but not a legal, state holiday on the same day. The goal of HB25-1266 is to celebrate and honor the histories, culture and contributions of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and all American Indian nations with historic ties to Colorado. Colorado replaced “Columbus Day” in 2020 with “Frances Xavier Cabrini Day”, which is observed on the first Monday in October and is a legal state holiday with paid-time off for state employees. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The law: Requires the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. Expands enforcement actions and develops new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. Establishes additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions. Codifies the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030, which will be achieved through methods established in Air Quality Control Commission rules promulgated by August 31, 2026. Provides additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This law is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids." “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” Bacon said. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After years of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – our plan will improve air quality by having stricter permitting guidelines, increased accountability for bad emitters, plugging wells, and investing in transportation efficiencies.” “Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark policy,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This law is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all." “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” Willford said. “This landmark law enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this law helps us get there.” Governor Polis also signed SB24-230 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, which generates significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. "Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes these new laws all the more exciting," said Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of policy we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these laws will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come." “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” McCluskie said. “I’d like to thank the Governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These laws give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” Velasco said. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this law is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” The law creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including the Northwest and North rail lines. To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on supporting native biodiversity impacted by oil and gas operations. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY & ER LICENSING BILLS State Ships Nearly $3 billion in State & Federal Dollars to Hospitals Every Year (Jan. 16) – The House Health and Insurance Committee approved two bills to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals and improve safety at emergency room departments. “This bill is focused on ensuring transparency for consumers and for policymakers when it comes to hospital costs,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will ensure our continued support for rural hospitals and to prepare hospitals for the future in which they are reimbursed for value, not volume.” HB19-1001 will increase transparency in hospital billing and spending practices across Colorado. At a time when health care costs are out of control – especially in rural communities – it is important to identify inefficiencies and wasteful spending in our health care system and address them accordingly. This bill also requires hospitals to share more of their financial information with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). The bill passed on a vote of 8-2. HB19-1001 goes to the House floor. The committee also approved Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan Freestanding Emergency Departments Licensure bill. “This bipartisan bill will ensure patients receive care in a safe manner and that emergency departments in rural, urban and suburban communities offer the best services available,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. Rep. Mullica is an emergency room nurse by trade. House Democrats have a number of health care workers in their ranks this session. This bill will bring freestanding emergency departments under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional hospital emergency rooms to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. This will ultimately improve the quality of care for patients and increase health care affordability. HB 19-1010 creates a new license for Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It also requires FSEDs to medically screen every patient seeking care as well as prohibit them from delaying a medical examination in order to inquire about the patient’s ability to pay for the care or their insurance status. HB19-1010 passed by a vote of 10-0. The bill goes to the Finance Committee. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 SIGNED! BILL TO INVITE COLORADO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS TO ADDRESS GENERAL ASSEMBLY DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed a bill today that invites Tribal governments from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to address a joint session of the Colorado general assembly on an annual basis. “Representation matters and this law makes space for leaders of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to share their priorities and voices in the Colorado general assembly,” said Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado is the home to generations of native Ute people, many of whom led and represented the people long before the legislature we know today existed. This law expands our state’s governmental inclusion and equity to ensure we’re listening to and representing all Coloradans.” SB22-105 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Senator Kerry Donovan, invites representatives from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to give an address to a joint session of the general assembly on an annual basis. This important law makes space for the Tribal governments of Colorado to share their priorities and voices with the general assembly. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL EXTEND TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT 1 WEEK DENVER, CO– Democratic Leadership in the General Assembly today announced that the temporary suspension of the legislature will continue until the week of May 25 to give additional time for preparations including safety protocols, to work through appropriate legislation, and to seek greater clarity on potential Congressional action that could significantly impact our state budget. “When we set out a tentative timeline to reconvene the General Assembly, we did so with the recognition that we faced a lot of uncertainty, and so we built in the flexibility to extend the temporary adjournment if needed,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “As businesses across Colorado also begin the process of reopening, this extension allows the General Assembly additional time to double check our safety protocols, continue conversations on appropriate legislation and seek more information about any Congressional action that may be coming in the weeks ahead. We are hopeful that Congress may provide additional and badly needed aid to help us avoid budget cuts that will devastate our communities.” “Last week our Joint Budget Committee had to begin the heart-wrenching process of rewriting Colorado’s budget after COVID-19 created a more than $3 billion revenue shortfall,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “With so much at risk and our desired return date fast approaching, we determined that it would benefit all Coloradans if we gave our budgetary and legislative process a bit more breathing room. Though facing our dire fiscal situation has been a painful task, we are committed to protecting our most critical institutions and vulnerable populations as best as we possibly can. We look forward to continuing to fight for our communities in the Capitol when we all return on May 26.” Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2019 HOUSE GIVES UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL Wildfires continue to threaten homes across Colorado (Apr. 22) – The House gave unanimous approval to Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. “This bill will help address a need that encompasses our entire state. It’s no longer a question of ‘if’ wildfires will happen, it’s a matter of when they will happen,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We have small businesses, homes and hardworking people who depend on having healthy forests. It’s clearly important to fight wildfires and it is also important to take steps to mitigate the scope and severity of wildfires.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan is Chair of the House Education Committee and is a member of the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. HB19-1006 creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). Colorado has the third highest percentage of households deemed high or extreme risk from wildfires in the entire country. The bill was approved unanimously by the House. It now heads to the Senate. 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

A pair of new laws that will make life safer for Coloradans will go into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 20, 2023 New Laws Making Colorado Safer Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - A pair of new laws that will make life safer for Coloradans will go into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1222 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, creates new requirements for domestic violence cases in municipal courts to provide protections for victims. The law ensures provisions of the Victims’ Rights Act are applied in municipal courts, instructs judges to check a defendant for prior charges before issuing a verdict, and ensures all cases in municipal courts have the same resources and safety precautions available that they would in a county court, among other requirements. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how hard it is to seek accountability in court which is why support and protections for victims is so important,” said Duran. “Holding municipal courts to the same standard for domestic violence cases as county courts ensures that victims receive identical treatment in the court system. With the implementation of our new law, we can create a safer environment for victims to hold their abuser accountable, no matter where they live.” “I was proud to be a part of multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and control for survivors of intimate violence last session,” said Winter. “No survivor should ever have to pay a bill for their forensic exam, or feel unsafe during their court proceedings. This new law signals our commitment to furthering support for survivors of domestic violence in Colorado.” "This law will better support survivors of domestic violence by guaranteeing all Coloradans protections under the Victims Rights Amendment, no matter which court handles their case," said Weissman. "It is crucial for survivors to have support to ensure their well-being and safety. This law requires all courts to provide the same sentencing requirements and victim protections for domestic violence cases so all Coloradans can receive equal treatment." “Keeping Colorado families and communities safe is a top priority of mine,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB23-1222 and HB23-1267. “Previously, county and municipal courts weren’t held to the same procedural standards for domestic violence cases, which is why we passed HB23-1222 to improve the way municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensure survivors are given the protections they deserve. HB23-1267 meanwhile will help improve safety on our roads, especially dangerous mountain routes. These are common sense bills that will create a safer state for us all.” HB23-1267 , sponsored by Roberts and House Speaker Julie McCluske, D-Dillon, will make mountain roadways safer by allowing the Department of Transportation to establish enhanced speeding fines on highways where the downhill grade is 5 percent or greater and where there are safety concerns related to commercial motor vehicle drivers exceeding the posted speed limits. “Our Colorado mountain roads can be dangerous, especially in the I-70 corridor that is frequented by commercial drivers who might not have mountain driving experience,” said McCluskie. “This law doubles speeding fines for trucks driving down steep grades, which will help prevent unnecessary accidents, improve traffic and make our roads safer.” Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. < Back March 27, 2025 Law Enforcement Whistleblower Protection Bill Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. “Whistleblower protections ensure that people can report a violation of law or policy without fear, and this is especially necessary within law enforcement agencies,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “After an Edgewater officer was assaulted by a fellow officer in 2019, it was clear that there were gaps in local law enforcement agencies’ policies regarding workplace issues and protections around retaliation. It is crucial that the people who are supposed to protect us can also protect each other, which is exactly what this bill does.” “This bill is about protecting the people who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “After nearly a year of weekly stakeholder meetings with law enforcement, impacted community members and whistleblower advocates, we’ve crafted this policy to better protect those who raise concerns about wrongdoings. This legislation will improve due process and pathways to justice to protect law enforcement officers from retaliation when they report injustices in their workplace.” HB25-1031 would protect whistleblowers in law enforcement by prohibiting retaliation, including requiring disclosures to be made to external oversight agencies and ensuring confidentiality for the reporting officer. The bill would expand retaliation to include discharging, disciplining, demoting, denying a promotion, transferring or reassigning, discriminating against, harassing, suspending, creating a hostile work environment for, subjecting to corrective action, reprimanding, issuing an employment rating that causes a loss of pay or makes ineligible for a promotion, laying off, reducing work hours, or knowingly providing false information regarding a peace officer to negatively impact future employment opportunities. Additionally, the bill would protect a peace officer who shares information to the relevant supervising authority in good faith regarding a danger to public health or safety or an alleged violation of law committed by a fellow peace officer. If the relevant supervising authority is the individual being accused, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to provide an alternative reporting procedure. The bill also creates a private right of action and establishes penalties for employers who engage in retaliation, allowing peace officers to seek reinstatement, back pay with interest, attorney fees, and other remedies. Lastly, the bill outlines the process and deadlines for filing claims and establishes a reporting system to monitor implementation and consistency with existing whistleblower protection laws. Beginning January 1, 2026, all law enforcement agencies that employ POST-certified peace officers must provide annual training and accessible workplace postings about peace officers’ rights and protections under this bill. Employees hired after this date must provide information regarding this bill during their employee orientation. In 2019, an Edgewater police officer was retaliated against and ultimately forced to resign after she reported multiple assaults by a colleague. The perpetrator ultimately pleaded guilty to the assault and the City of Edgewater settled after the officer sued for discrimination. Colorado Democrats have passed whistleblower protection laws in recent years, including protections for essential workers who raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards during a public health emergency and those who report child labor violations . Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2022 HOUSING PROTECTIONS FOR VETERANS ADVANCE DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Tom Sullivan to establish new housing protections for veterans today passed the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 10-1. “No veteran should ever be denied a place to live because they served our nation,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, “It’s already challenging enough to find an affordable place to live in Colorado, and the last thing someone needs to face is a baseless act of discrimination. With this bill, we’re breaking down barriers by prohibiting discrimination against veterans that has sometimes prevented those who have protected our country from renting or buying a home.” “We make a promise to the men and women who serve our nation, and that means having their backs when they complete their service,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “I’m proud of our work to protect those who have protected us and ensure that no veteran in Colorado is denied a place to live because they put their country first.” Over 400,000 veterans call Colorado home. HB22-1102 prohibits anyone selling or leasing a dwelling from discriminating against an individual based on their veteran or military status. The bill also prohibits someone from refusing to negotiate for housing with a veteran or otherwise denying or withholding housing on the basis of someone’s veterans or military status. The bill would add veteran or military status to Colorado law that currently prohibits housing discrimination because of a person’s disability, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry or familial status. The bill does not extend protections to those who have been dishonorably discharged. Previous Next

< Back April 24, 2019 NEW BILL INTRODUCED TO ASK VOTERS TO RAISE TOBACCO TAX AND PUT FUNDING TOWARD EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE Nicotine smoking costs the state $1.89 billion annually in health care costs (Apr. 24) – Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Gov. Jared Polis joined public health advocates today unveil new legislation that would give voters the choice to raise taxes on tobacco products, including a new tax on liquid nicotine used for vaping. There is currently no excise tax on liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes. If approved by voters, the referred measure would raise more than $300 million, half of which would go toward education and half to health care. “Coloradans value the health of our children but we rank number one in the country for teen vaping,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “As a pediatrician, I understand the negative consequences nicotine has on brain development and the health of our young people. This measure will help decrease smoking and increase funding for early childhood education and health care.” Rep. Caraveo is the only medical doctor in the legislature. Numerous economic studies in peer-reviewed journals have documented that cigarette tax or price increases reduce both adult and underage smoking. In Colorado, 33 percent of students use tobacco products and 26 percent of high school students use e-cigarettes, which is twice the national average for teen vaping. One vaping cartridge contains the nicotine of a pack of cigarettes. Colorado’s current tobacco tax rate on cigarettes is one of the lowest rates in the country. The average state tobacco tax is $1.79 a pack. Colorado’s tax today is 84 cents a pack. “We know that taxing Tobacco products is the number one way to keep kids from smoking,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, the co-prime sponsor. “This legislation will keep our kids healthy while investing the revenue in health and education.” Here is the text of HB19-1333. Previous Next