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HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry, protects Colorado farmers from unfair competition < Back April 8, 2026 SIGNED! Bill to Prevent Out-of-State Farms from Using Pueblo Green Chile, Palisade Peach Labels HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry, protects Colorado farmers from unfair competition DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to support Colorado farmers and agriculture by strengthening consumer protections and safeguarding agricultural products grown in Colorado. “From Trump’s tariffs to imported Argentinian beef, Colorado farmers are already facing considerable headwinds. This new law will help ensure that outsiders who falsely label their produce as Colorado-grown are held accountable for driving business away from hardworking Colorado farmers,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Pueblo green chile and San Luis Valley potatoes are renowned Colorado agricultural products, and it is important that we prevent bad actors from slapping ‘Colorado-grown’ labels on out-of-state goods. Our new bipartisan law makes false use of Colorado-grown marketing a deceptive trade practice to support local farmers and give consumers peace of mind.” “Colorado is known for its delicious and high-quality agricultural products like Palisade peaches, Pueblo green chiles, and San Luis Valley potatoes – to name a few,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Consumers want to purchase made-in-Colorado products and should be able to trust the Colorado Proud label. This new law is about supporting Colorado farmers and businesses who make the real deal, right here at home.” HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado-made products and ensures Colorado producers aren’t undercut by mislabeled products imported from out of state. The law prohibits identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. First approved by the interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, HB26-1031 helps ensure fairness for local producers by cracking down on deceptive trade practices that allow out-of-state products to carry Colorado-made labeling and take market share away from real Colorado-grown foods. Also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, the law boosts consumer protections by reassuring Coloradans that their dollars are getting them the local, premium products they expect. The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. HB26-1031 aims to protect Colorado markets for farmers and ranchers to sell their locally-made products and food. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2020 MORE COMMUNITIES ELIGIBLE FOR WILDFIRE GRANTS UNDER BILL ADVANCED TODAY Legislation would make it easier for projects in lower-income communities to receive grant funding and allow nonprofits and fire districts to also receive grants DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today passed by a vote of 11-0 Representative McCluskie’s bipartisan legislation to make it easier for lower-income communities, nonprofits and fire districts to receive wildfire risk mitigation grants. “With our changing climate, wildfires are growing more common and more intense, and they don’t discriminate based on how much money a community has,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillon). “This bipartisan legislation will allow more communities, especially those with fewer economic resources, to take advantage of wildfire hazard mitigation grants. These grants fund critical projects that reduce the risk that a wildfire will threaten lives and property.” HB20-1057 , which is also sponsored by Representative Terri Carver, would lower the self-finance threshold for the cost of projects from 50 percent to 25 percent in areas with fewer economic resources. Currently, grant applicants must pay for 50 percent of the cost of a project financed by a grant. By lowering the threshold, more lower-income communities will be able to take advantage of wildfire risk mitigation grants. The bill, which advanced from the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, would also allow nonprofits, entities engaged in firefighting, and fire protection districts to apply for the grants. It extends the grant program until September, 2029. Under current law, the program expires in September, 2022. Wildfire risk mitigation grants are used to finance projects that reduce the risk that wildfire will damage property and infrastructure. Projects typically work to reduce the hazardous materials, such as dead trees and brush, that fuel wildfires and threaten people and property in the wildland-urban interface. Grants sizes have ranged from $4,400 to $152,500. Previous Next

HB25-1149 standardizes Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools < Back June 3, 2025 Signed! New Law Establishes Statewide Black History Education Standards DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. HB25-1149 , sponsored by Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, and Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, requires the Colorado Department of Education to develop a standard K-12 curriculum for Black history and cultural studies with support from a 17-member advisory committee. “Black history is American history, and without a Comprehensive Black history curriculum in our public schools, students aren’t receiving the full scope of achievements and contributions of Black Americans,” said English. “We can help our students achieve a well-rounded education by developing and standardizing a comprehensive Black history curriculum in Colorado’s public schools. From politics to engineering, Black Americans’ contributions to society are vast. Our law helps ensure that students learn about the influential Black leaders who changed the course of history and our nation.” “Here in Colorado, we understand the importance of teaching a full, honest history – one that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans,” said Exum. “Implementing a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools ensures that students of all races and backgrounds receive a more complete education that prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens and honors the extensive contributions of Black Americans in shaping our state and nation.” Once approved by the Colorado Board of Education, public K-12 schools will have to adopt the new Black history education standards into their curriculum as part of the state’s social studies standards revision cycle, which concludes in 2028. Previous Next

Based on recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force, the new formula will be more equitable and student-centered to drive more funding for at-risk, special education and English Language Learners < Back April 11, 2024 New School Funding Formula Boosts Support for Colorado Students DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger today introduced legislation that will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula to increase funding for rural schools and at-risk students, special education, and English Language Learners. “Educational opportunities shouldn't depend on a student’s zip code; I’m proud of the broad, bipartisan coalition that has come together to increase funding for students with the greatest needs and provide more resources to rural and remote schools, which have historically been underfunded,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The deeply researched, student-centered updates we’re proposing for 2026 and beyond gained overwhelming consensus in the Public School Finance Task Force. This bipartisan proposal builds on the record funding from eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor to drive more equity into school finance and provide additional resources to rural and smaller districts that do not have the same economies of scale or access to resources as more populated and urban districts. Reforming Colorado's public school financing formula is a huge step toward improving our public schools and ensuring every student in our state receives a high-quality education.” “This change in the school finance formula will help pivot to the critically important effort to make education funding focused on the students,” Senate Minority Leader Lundeen, R-Monument, remarked. “For too long the formula has been about institutions and not about the unique natures of the students we serve. Fully funding K-12 education to our constitutionally mandated responsibility was last year's legislative success. Making the formula about students is this year’s goal.” “Ensuring that every Colorado student and educator has the tools they need for success is important for a stronger future. I applaud Speaker McCluskie and Minority Leader Lundeen for their focus on funding students and achievement rather than empty seats . I look forward to building on the work Colorado has done to improve the classroom experience, strengthen our communities, meet the diverse needs of all learners, and grow Colorado’s economy,” said Governor Jared Polis . “For years, we’ve relied on an inequitable and confusing school funding formula that is no longer responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable students,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We’ve heard from our teachers, families, districts, superintendents and education advocates – it’s time to change the finance formula to improve equity in our public schools by putting students first. This important bill increases the funding weights for at-risk students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs. This formula change will better support the districts with the greatest needs. We’ve taken important steps to increase public education funding to record levels – now is the time to improve the school finance formula to put us on the path to delivering the education every student deserves.” “For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. This year presents an opportunity to update our school funding formula to be reflective of the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. The formula is in urgent need of an update to ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.” Colorado’s school finance formula is outdated, inequitable, and hasn’t been significantly changed in over 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing, overly complex and directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to students who are living in poverty, English Language Learners, or who have special needs. At-risk students, English learners, and special education students are not achieving academically compared to their peers, and yet the current school funding formula from 1993 does not address the needs of those students enough. This legislation ( HB24-1448 ) implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most, specifically at-risk pupils, special education students and English Language Learners. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students and English Language Learners. When fully implemented, there will be $852 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. Remote and rural districts would receive an additional $255 million under this formula, once fully funded. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor. At-risk, English Language Learners, and special education will all be set at a 25-percent weight. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently create cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are extremely challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and a funding floor for all districts that their new funding cannot drop beneath. The legislation is supported by Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), Colorado Succeeds , Stand for Children, The Children’s Campaign, and Ready Colorado. This bill is also supported by the following school districts : Trinidad School District, Weldon Valley School District RE-20J, Lone Star School District. Buffalo School District RE-4J, Platte Valley School District RE-7, Summit School District, Mapleton Public Schools, Haxtun School District RE-J2, Sangre de Cristo School District RE-22J, Colorado Springs Schools D11, Las Animas School District, RE-1, Canon City Schools, Campo School District RE-6, Alamosa School District RE-11J, Weld Re-8 School District, Wiggins School District, Denver Public Schools, Genoa-Hugo School District C-113, Weld County School District 10-J, Briggsdale,Sanford School District, Weld RE-5J School District, Greeley-Evans School District 6, Weld County School District Re-3J, Weld RE-9 School District, Pawnee School District RE-12, Morgan County School District, Sheridan School District 2, Elizabeth School District, Rocky Ford School District, Cheraw School District, Holyoke School District, Westminster Public Schools, Eaton School District, Weld County School District Re-1, Monte Vista School District and Center Consolidated School District 26JT. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2023 House GOP Tax Plan: Make More, or Pay More GOP bill increases taxes on middle class and low-income families to cut taxes for millionaires DENVER, CO– House Democrats on the State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated Republican legislation that would have increased taxes on hardworking Coloradans in order to give thousands of dollars in tax cuts to millionaires. “You shouldn’t have to be a millionaire to benefit from our tax code,’” said State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The message from Republican lawmakers to Coloradans is crystal clear: "trickle down economics works.’ The bill we defeated today would have increased taxes on millions of Coloradans to give millionaires a $24,000 tax cut. With this proposal, a family would need to earn at least $162,000 a year to avoid paying more in taxes.” “Coloradans deserve a tax system that works for hardworking Coloradans, not the wealthiest taxpayers,” said Joint Budget Committee Member Emily Sirota. “We’ve expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit to increase incomes for working families in our state by closing loopholes for the very wealthy and largest corporations. Permanent tax cuts like the one in this bill hurt middle class and lower-income Coloradans in order to cut taxes for the very wealthy. House Democrats will continue advancing legislation to build a fair tax code that works for all Coloradans.” HB23-1063 , sponsored by Representative Scott Bottoms, increases taxes on Coloradans making under $52,000 per year and joint fillers making under $162,000 per year in order to cut taxes for millionaires by tens of thousands of dollars. By reducing state revenues by billions of dollars, the bill would reduce TABOR refunds as a result. For lower-income taxpayers, this reduction would be more than what they would save through the reduced tax rate under the bill. According to research prepared by the nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff (LCS), single filers with incomes below $52,000 will see an $85 benefit from the reduced tax rate while losing $249 of their estimated TABOR refund. Therefore, these filers will “pay a net $164 more in tax under the bill.” Taxpayers making nearly $300,000 per year, however, will see a tax cut of nearly $4,000, and millionaires would see their taxes cut by over $24,000. The table below, prepared by nonpartisan LCS staff, shows the estimated TABOR refunds and taxpayer savings under the legislation for next year. Joint filers need to make over $160,000 to avoid paying more in taxes under this legislation. Previous Next

New laws aim to address Colorado’s housing crisis, save Coloradans money on housing < Back May 30, 2024 Laws to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Plan for Growth Signed Into Law New laws aim to address Colorado’s housing crisis, save Coloradans money on housing ARVADA / BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save Coloradans money by making housing more affordable, identifying state housing needs and strategically planning for future growth in Colorado. HB24-1434 is a bipartisan law that will increase Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC) by $816 million over the next eight years. The state AHTC is paired with federal incentives to create a greater statewide impact. “These impactful bills will help steer Colorado into an environment where people can more easily afford their homes,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1435 and SB24-174. “Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit in its previous form was so successful;, we had three applicants for every one that we could satisfy. So now we are building on that success. Additionally, partnerships between the state and local governments will push communities to identify their unique housing needs and plan for growth in a strategic and inclusive way. Together, these new bipartisan laws will make planning resources available to our communities, spurring long-term, affordable housing growth.” “The Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been the most successful affordable housing program in our state, and I’m proud this bill is now law so we can expand on the relief that this tax credit provides to hardworking Coloradans,” Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1434 and SB24-174. “SB24-174 was also signed into law today, which allows us to leverage Colorado’s resources to work in partnership with local governments to help them build in a smart, strategic way as our population continues to grow. These bipartisan efforts will continue to boost affordable housing projects and provide strategic growth planning resources for our communities so more Coloradans can access housing that works for their budget.” The AHTC Program became permanent in 2014 to support affordable housing developments across the state and has been renewed numerous times since then. From 2015 to 2021, the program aided the development of over 10,700 housing units, supported more than 36,000 jobs, and had an economic impact of $5.5 billion . Also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the law invests $150 million in new tax credits to incentivize the development of affordable housing in transit-oriented communities. This incentive would ensure Colorado communities can plan for the future and increase the housing supply near existing, new, or expanded public transit, jobs and job centers, and safe biking and walking corridors. SB24-174 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, requires the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own local or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs. Under the law, most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents are required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA must conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The law requires new housing assessments to be published every six years. SB24-174 also requires most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter. Additionally, the law: Requires local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication, Requires DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl, Requires county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements that compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development, and Prioritizes state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in this bill. HB24-1316 creates the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation to boost the development of rental housing for middle-income Coloradans. This pilot program would direct the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to award up to $10 million per year in five-year state income tax credits for tax years 2025 through 2029. A total of $200 million in tax credits may be allocated through this program. “Housing affordability is a top priority for Colorado Democrats, and this legislation will increase our housing stock for middle-income Coloradans,” Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB24-1316. “The middle class is not immune to the rising cost of housing. Our new law will save Coloradans money on housing by building more homes for our teachers, first responders, and other essential workers so they can afford to live in the communities where they work.” “Every Coloradan should have the opportunity to live where they work, but our housing market is completely broken,” Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1316, said. “We’ve had low-income housing tax credits for a very long time, but this is the first middle-income housing tax credit in the country. We need this right now because even people with good-paying jobs like nurses, teachers, and firefighters can’t afford to live here. This bill will help to fix that by providing tax credits for housing that’s affordable for folks earning an average wage—80 to 120 AMI in technical terms.” “Colorado Democrats have passed a variety of laws that encourage the development and preservation of affordable housing options, but we also need more housing for middle-income Coloradans that don’t qualify for housing support,” Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1316. “Coloradans need more housing options that work for their budget and allow them to live in the community where they work and raise their kids. With this law, we can add more middle-income housing opportunities throughout Colorado to support our workforce and address the housing crisis.” Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to boost Colorado’s education workforce. < Back February 5, 2024 Hamrick’s Bipartisan Bill to Boost Educator Workforce Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044 , sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick, would allow school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. “To address Colorado’s educator and school staff shortage in Colorado’s districts, we need to use every tool available to us,” said Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This legislation would allow more retired educators to return to the classroom, without the risk of losing their PERA retirement benefits. Success in the classroom begins with a great teacher, and this bill would make it easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom and begin positively impacting students.” HB24-1044 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would expand the number of service retirees that school districts may hire while still being eligible for PERA benefits. HB24-1044 passed committee by a vote 10 to 1. Under current law, school districts may only hire retirees when a “critical shortage of qualified instructors” is established. This bill aims to streamline placing educators in classrooms by instead allowing school districts to hire up to 10 retirees if the district identifies a “need” for additional instructors. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to boost public safety by streamlining the process for properly trained armed forces members to become peace officers. < Back February 12, 2024 Martinez Bill to Boost Public Safety Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to boost public safety by streamlining the process for properly trained armed forces members to become peace officers. HB24-1093 passed by a vote of 59 to 5. “This bipartisan legislation will improve public safety and help our communities fill open positions in law enforcement,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “This bill removes barriers for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Peace officers in the armed forces are trained professionals, and this legislation streamlines the process to becoming a Colorado peace officer and creates a strong career path for those who served our country.” HB24-1093 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would streamline the process for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Under current law, the Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board has the authority to grant a provisional peace officer certification to individuals that were authorized as peace officers in a federal jurisdiction, excluding the armed forces. This bill removes the armed forces exclusion so that members in the armed forces can transition to Colorado peace officers. Previous Next

Two new laws go into effect on August 7. HB24-1267 creates clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1337 protects homeowners’ association (HOA) residents against having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions against unit owners and creates new safeguards against foreclosure. < Back August 1, 2024 New Laws to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts, Prevent HOA Foreclosures Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - Two new laws go into effect on August 7. HB24-1267 creates clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1337 protects homeowners’ association (HOA) residents against having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions against unit owners and creates new safeguards against foreclosure. “Metro districts are a tool used to help keep up with the increasing demand for housing in our communities, and we must ensure that homeowners in these districts are protected from preventable foreclosures and hefty legal fees when conflict arises,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1267 and HB24-1337. “Like HOAs, metro districts may conduct design review and covenant enforcement, unfortunately leading to some homeowners being foreclosed on due to fines and fees over decisions like the material used for their roof. Our new laws will encourage metro districts and homeowners to work together to settle disputes to avoid unnecessary foreclosures and ensure that Coloradans won’t be on the hook for paying exorbitant attorneys fees racked up by HOAs.” “Keeping families housed is a key priority of mine,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1267 and HB24-1337. “A lack of transparency and confusing, hard-to-follow rules in metro districts and HOAs alike can saddle homeowners with large fines and make it hard for folks to stay in their homes. These new laws will give homeowners greater agency and protection from foreclosure to keep more Colorado families housed.” “Housing affordability is a serious issue for Coloradans. Foreclosures due to unreasonable HOA repayment requirements threaten housing security for thousands of families,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1267 and HB24-1337. "Our law will create a right of redemption, allowing Colorado homeowners the right to purchase the property back rather than watching their home and hard-earned equity go to the highest bidder for pennies on the dollar. Another law also goes into effect that will require greater transparency from metro districts when they enforce their policies on residents, preventing homeowners from having their house foreclosed on due to unpaid fines and fees resulting from covenant enforcement, keeping Coloradans housed.” “Metro districts can be an important tool in helping create more badly-needed housing for our communities – but too often homeowners in metro districts face entirely preventable foreclosures,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1267. “By creating more avenues for dispute resolution and creating clearer rules and practices, we can help ensure a fair process for foreclosures and keep more of our neighbors in their homes.” Beginning August 7, 2024, HB24-1267 prohibits a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It will also require metro districts to create rules and guidelines that they must comply with when conducting covenant enforcement and design review, including establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing. HB24-1267 also protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices such as solar panels. Currently, homeowners associations (HOAs) can require a homeowner to reimburse the HOAs for collection costs and attorney fees without starting a legal proceeding. HB24-1337 would limit the reimbursement amount for attorney fees to 50 percent of the underlying payment owed or $5,000, whichever is less. The bill also prohibits foreclosing on a lien if the homeowner is in a bankruptcy civil action or if the homeowner is in compliance with a payment plan to pay off the collection owed. It also requires the HOA to take specific actions before foreclosing on a home, ensuring foreclosure is the last resort. “Home ownership is supposed to create generational wealth, but right now the housing crisis is creating generational debt,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1337. “This law helps ensure HOA foreclosure is a last resort while lowering legal costs and providing Coloradans with the opportunity to buy back their property and stay in their communities. It’s a great step to improving financial and housing stability in Colorado.” The law also creates a right of redemption for properties in an HOA that have been foreclosed on, which would allow unit owners, tenants, nonprofits, community land trusts, and other entities the opportunity to purchase the property before it is transferred, which will help keep wealth in families and communities. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT FOSTER KIDS AND IMPROVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS DENVER, CO– The Transportation and Local Government Committee today advanced two bills to give foster youth the opportunity to obtain drivers licenses and to update the Division of Housing’s responsibilities to better allow the state to tackle the issue of housing in Colorado. HB21-1084 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum, takes several steps to help foster youth in Colorado learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses. It would ensure that counties are reimbursed for the cost of sending foster youth aged 15 to 21 to driver’s ed courses and would remove legal barriers preventing counties and foster youth advocates from teaching foster youth how to drive. Finally, it eases requirements on the types of documentation foster youth must provide when applying for a driver permit or license. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Creating a pathway for foster youth to obtain a driver’s license is about giving hope to kids who have so much more to deal with than the average teen,” said Rep Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs) . “We should strive to guarantee that every child in Colorado has equal opportunity to succeed, and ensuring that foster children are able to learn how to drive goes a long way towards leveling the playing field. From getting to and from work, or to and from school, driving can truly make a lasting and important impact on a teenager’s life.” HB21-1009 , sponsored by Representative Tracey Bernett is a bipartisan measure that makes several updates to the responsibilities of the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing to better provide housing solutions for communities across Colorado. The bill, among other things, improves confidentiality for recipients of housing assistance, helps reduce energy costs, and incentivises housing development in areas where people work, go to school and have access to transportation. The bill passed committee by a vote of 10-1. “This straightforward bill will prepare the Division of Housing to continue working on affordable housing solutions for years to come,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett (D-Longmont) . “By making necessary updates and modifications, this bill will empower local communities across Colorado and allow them to continue thoughtfully increasing the quality and equity of our housing solutions while working towards our climate goals.” Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 NATIONAL TEST SCORE BILL EASES BURDENS ON STUDENTS Bill would remove the requirement that a national assessment test score be used for admissions DENVER, CO– Representative Cathy Kipp and Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to remove the requirement that Colorado colleges and universities require national assessment test scores like the SAT and ACT as an eligibility criterion for admission passed the House on third reading today by a vote of 42-22. “This bill breaks down barriers for students and brings greater equity to our college admissions process,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “As institutions of higher education across the country do away with the national assessment test score requirement, this bill will allow Colorado’s own great colleges and universities to remain competitive in prospective student recruitment. This bill is a win-win for both students and schools.” “ACT and SAT tests often represent an additional barrier for already disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill gives colleges and universities in Colorado the option to do away with standardized test scores as an admissions requirement, allowing them to strengthen, diversify, and enrich their student bodies. There’s plenty in a student’s college application besides a test score to gauge achievement and the potential for success, and I’m glad we’re allowing more students the opportunity to shine.” HB21-1067 stipulates that the governing boards of state institutions of higher education are no longer required to use a national assessment test score as an eligibility criterion for admission. Schools still may choose to use the scores if they so desire, and if a student chooses to submit their test score when it’s not required, the institution must consider it. Under this bill, each institution would report annually on the demographic breakdown of their incoming freshman class to better understand how this policy impacts its diversity. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released a statement urging the U.S. Department of Education to restore federal funding to Fort Lewis College in Durango after it announced funding cuts that will hurt the college. < Back October 6, 2025 Rep. Stewart Urges Department of Education to Restore Funding to Fort Lewis College DURANGO, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released a statement urging the U.S. Department of Education to restore federal funding to Fort Lewis College in Durango after it announced funding cuts that will hurt the college. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “It’s unacceptable that the Department of Education is cutting millions of dollars in funding for Fort Lewis College (FLC). FLC prioritizes local students, sustains good-paying jobs in Southwest Colorado, and serves as a strong economic driver for our community. “As the only Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in our state, FLC plays an important role in Colorado’s higher education system and for tribal members across the nation. Many of FLC’s students are from Southwest Colorado, and 43-percent are first-generation college students. “This action hurts students and our community, and I strongly urge the Department of Education to restore the funding to Fort Lewis College.” Fort Lewis College was designated as one of six Native American-serving, non-tribal colleges by the U.S. Department of Education in 2008. According to reporting by Chalkbeat , the college will be unable “to spend the remaining $2.27 million over the final two years of a five-year grant.” Previous Next