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Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back April 25, 2025 Bill to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Passes Legislation would ensure compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation expanding the Attorney General and local governments’ authority to initiate and enforce landlord-tenant laws, ensuring safe housing and strengthening renter protections. SB25-020, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 40-23. “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This legislation builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by helping counties and municipalities enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this bill will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “This legislation would hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters would have more advocates in their corner to fight for safe housing. Colorado Democrats are committed to not only making housing more affordable, but also ensuring that these affordable housing options are a safe and healthy place to live.” SB25-020 would give the Colorado Attorney General authority to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, documentation requirements for housing agreements, and protections regarding bed bugs in residential homes. The bill would give counties and municipalities the ability to initiate and enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. The bill would establish a process where, only in severe cases, residential housing may be placed into receivership - a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The bill outlines the process for receivership cases, including proper notice to parties, powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and the process for ending receiverships. Reps. Lindsay and Mabrey have championed numerous tenant protection laws, including legislation to prevent unnecessary and arbitrary evictions and strengthen residential lease agreements to protect renters from signing leases with harmful hidden language. They have also bolstered Colorado’s warrant of habitability law to ensure tenants have access to timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise and adding damage due to an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES INTERIM COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS May 31) – Speaker KC Becker appointed the chairs, vice chairs and other Democratic members of the 2019 interim committees. Earlier this month, House and Senate Leadership announced the formation of a new interim committee focused on studying school safety in Colorado. “We made historic investments in K-12 and higher-ed and took action on climate, health care and economic security. House Democrats have more work to do this interim to prepare for the next legislative session in order to solve problems for hardworking Coloradans, and Coloradans can be confident in the members appointed to these committees who will drive that work forward,” said Speaker Becker. School Safety Interim Committee Rep. Dafna Michaelson-Jenet, D-Commerce City (Chair) Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Energy Legislation Review Interim Study Committee: Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver (Chair) Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Sonya Jacquez-Lewis, D-Longmont Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee: Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Investor-owned Utility Review Interim Study Committee: Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance: Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon (Chair) Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Tax Expenditure Evaluation Interim Study Committee: Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County (Chair) Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Colorado Springs Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Study Committee: Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango (Vice Chair) Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee: Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Evergreen (Chair) Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE AND CHILD CARE ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed two bills that will save Coloradans money on health care and child care. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: SB22-200, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Matt Soper, creates a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals to increase access to health care and save Coloradans money. The bill will provide millions to improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. The bill passed 10-1. “This legislation will save Coloradans in rural areas money on health care and make it easier to access the services that people need and rely on,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “SB22-200 will direct $10 million in federal economic relief funds to expand the availability of primary and behavioral health care services, telemedicine, and make it easier for Coloradans living in rural areas to access the life saving health care they need to thrive.” The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management, telemedicine, and the expansion of in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and behavioral healthcare. Saving Coloradans Money on Child Care: SB22-213 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Alex Valdez, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care and for parents to get back to work. It will increase capacity across the state and better develop the child care workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care. The bill passed 9-3. “By expanding child care options, we’ll save families money and help parents get back to work,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The high cost of child care is eating into families’ budgets and can leave parents juggling to find someone to care for their children so they can go to work. We’re investing over $50 million to make child care more affordable, support child care providers and save families money.” “Child care is essential for our economic recovery, and increasing funding for providers will expand child care options, keep providers in business, help parents get back to work and save families money,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “With child care costing many hardworking families more than their monthly mortgage payment, we have to act now to help every family afford quality child care.” This bill will help boost child care capacity by providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work. SB22-213 also adds $15 million to a successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program, and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities. Previous Next

< Back May 30, 2019 BECKER-HANSEN BILL TO MODERNIZE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SIGNED INTO LAW PUC modernized to maximize benefits for ratepayers in the clean energy transition (May 30) – A bill sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Hansen to renew the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the next seven years, help address the threat of climate change, and hold utility companies more accountable was signed into law today by Gov. Polis. The PUC provides regulatory oversight of public utilities in Colorado. “This modernization will strengthen protections for consumers, prioritize safety, cut emissions, and improve efficiency and reliability while exploring various forms of grid interconnection ,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “The new law requires utilities to account for the social cost of carbon in their electricity resource planning and to do a review of workforce transition plans when the closure of coal plants is accelerated in order to ensure workers and communities are supported.” “This is a historic step forward. This law modernizes the PUC and ensures it’s prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the thriving clean energy economy. This law is a big step forward for Colorado,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “The Commission plays a pivotal environmental role and must be ready to serve all Coloradans as the market moves toward cleaner and cheaper renewable energy sources.” The PUC is responsible for providing oversight of Colorado’s utilities and protecting Coloradans from high utility costs. In seeking to address climate change, SB19-236 will direct the PUC to consider the costs of pollution and a workforce transition plan during the utility planning process. The bill also directs the PUC to implement rules ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable services that satisfy customers’ changing expectations, and take advantage of technological advancements that benefit customers. The landmark law specifies a minimum value for the cost of carbon pollution. Currently, nine other states employ a cost of carbon as an element of utility regulation including Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, California, Nevada, New Jersey and New York. The bill was signed at Sunshare’s JeffCo Community Solar Garden this morning. ### Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments < Back March 16, 2023 Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance. “This legislation will help Colorado achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040 by making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Streamlining the local government approval process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using this clean and renewable power source for their homes. This bill saves local governments time and money, cuts bureaucratic red tape and speeds up clean energy projects – it’s a win-win-win.” HB23-1234 passed committee unanimously and would establish the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This software would help local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy. This legislation is part of a broader energy bill package unveiled by Colorado Democrats last week to accelerate the clean energy transition and make Colorado a leader in budding clean energy technologies. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2021 TAX RELIEF EXTENSION FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND OTHER FOOD VENDORS GETS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO– The House Finance Committee today advanced Representative Kyle Mullica’s bill to allow restaurants, bars, and mobile food vendors to continue to claim a temporary net sales tax reduction for a few more months. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 11-0. “It’s no secret that restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, and we’re committed to doing what we can to lend them a hand,” said Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “The temporary sales tax relief we’re extending today eased burdens on beloved restaurants and bars across the state throughout the winter months. As the end of this pandemic nears and patrons start to safely return to these establishments, it just makes sense to continue allowing restaurants to take full advantage of this relief during their peak season.” HB21-1265 , also sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. Previous Next

Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC < Back April 19, 2023 Joint Select Committee Democrats Introduce Bill to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates yesterday introduced legislation that would improve transparency and accountability for utilities and save people money on their energy bills. SB23-291 presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances what kinds of expenses are paid by utility shareholders vs. ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel cost control, and levels the playing field at PUC proceedings, where infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a mechanism to incentivize utilities to save money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce this legislation that will improve transparency and hold utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve. Senate Bill 291 will help to align utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service, while helping save Coloradans money on their energy bills ” "Coloradans are counting on us to address skyrocketing utility costs, and as a Joint Select Committee, we’ve taken their concerns seriously as we worked to uncover the root causes of rising rates,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “After months of information gathering, we’re introducing legislation to change the incentive structure for utilities that will better protect ratepayers from sudden price hikes and ensure a more transparent PUC process for consumer interests.” “Our committee has been hard at work the past few months searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” "As a Joint Select Committee, we’ve been working diligently with policy experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to uncover what is leading to rising utility rates that are impacting our neighbors,” said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our new legislation will create a pathway toward long-term, cost-saving solutions that will increase rate transparency and provide additional tools and tactics to limit price hikes that stick Coloradans with high, unpredictable utility bills.” Further, the bill would level the playing field at the PUC by requiring utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ use of expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. SB23-291 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. You can track the bill’s progress HERE . Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Democratic lawmakers today unveiled three bills that would drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. < Back January 21, 2026 Gov. Polis and Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Reduce Housing Costs DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Democratic lawmakers today unveiled three bills that would drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. These bills would streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to be part of the housing solution by building housing on their land (HOME Act), fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing (Transit/Housing Investment Zones) and expand tax exemptions to include non-profit housing developers that build affordable rental properties. “This session, Colorado Democrats are focused on lowering costs, and these three bills will spur more housing now that Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB26-1065. “We’re looking to create an innovative funding mechanism for affordable housing near transit hubs, remove barriers to building housing on underutilized land, and encourage more affordable rental housing. These bills will help drive down housing prices, especially in communities like mine in the high country, and bolster Colorado’s transit infrastructure. I’m especially excited that we will be creating housing and transit investment zones that will help local communities finance more housing for every budget.” “Housing costs are one of the biggest pain points for Coloradans and we are doing everything possible to drive down costs. Everyone deserves to find a home that fits their budget. From the HOME Act, to TIF and lifting up our community land trusts, these efforts will build on our work from years past, and I appreciate the legislators for their work to lead on this important issue,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We’re taking a big swing at Colorado’s housing shortage to drive down the cost of housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1001. “The HOME Act would remove barriers for public schools, non-profits with a history of building affordable housing, public housing authorities and transit agencies that are willing to build housing on their underutilized land. This bill is one of many that Colorado Democrats are bringing forward this year to save Coloradans money on housing." “Too many Coloradans are priced out of their homes and communities because of outdated housing restrictions,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “The HOME act allows schools, organizations, and local governments to use land that they already own to build the housing our communities need. These groups know what works and should have the freedom to put their land to good use.” “Colorado Democrats are making it easier to build more housing now to reduce housing costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “In Denver, we’re already seeing rent rates drop due to an increase in the housing supply. Our bill would give communities throughout Colorado another tool to get affordable housing projects approved and built and deliver more affordable housing.” Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 would streamline the process for building affordable housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges or universities and transit districts to build housing and other community services on their land. Under the bill, local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent . Lawmakers also unveiled new legislation that will be introduced later today to improve transportation infrastructure, increase transit-oriented housing options that hardworking Coloradans can afford and expand property tax exemptions to include affordable housing non-profits. "The mountain and rural communities that I represent have some of the most severe affordable housing shortages in the state, and so I’m proud to be sponsoring multiple pieces of legislation this session that will help finance and build housing developments that working families need and can afford,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of HB26-1065 and SB26-001. “The bills we’re highlighting today will unlock doors for local governments to create new transit infrastructure and housing options, and engage with their communities to invest in innovative housing solutions.” “Colorado is making great progress on our housing, transit and environmental goals, and this bill combines all of these priorities into one effort to save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1065. “Coloradans want transit options where they actually live. This bill would unlock new tools for communities to harmonize affordable housing and mass transit ridership goals to keep hardworking Coloradans from being priced out of the place they call home.” “I’m proud to sponsor two bills to tackle the most common concern I hear from my constituents: the cost of housing,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB26-1001 and HB26-1065 . “By making it possible to build more homes near reliable transit and make better use of underutilized land, we are taking action to address Colorado’s housing shortage. At the end of the day, these bills are about making sure the kids who grow up in Colorado can afford to stay here, that seniors can age in place, and that working families are not forced to leave the communities they love.” HB26-1065 , The Transit Investment Area Act, would create a new financing tool to improve transportation infrastructure and establish a tax credit to build more transit-oriented affordable housing. The bill would use tax-increment financing to allow local governments to invest state sales tax revenue into transportation infrastructure. Local governments, in partnership with transit agencies, would be able to apply to create a transit and housing investment zone to fund transportation infrastructure projects, like safety improvements and centering transit stops within the community to increase ridership. The bill would allow up to three transit investment projects to be approved in a calendar year, with no more than six projects funded through the bill in total. HB26-1065 would also create the Colorado Affordable Housing in Transit Investment Zones Tax Credit. This tax credit is reserved for projects that serve low- and middle-income housing within transit and housing zones. The bill would allow up to $50 million in these tax credits per calendar year from 2027 to 2033. HB26-1066 would expand property tax exemptions for affordable housing developers to include non-profit organizations that build affordable rental properties. “Colorado Democrats are here to deliver housing options that Coloradans can afford, which is why we’re bringing this bill to create more affordable rental opportunities,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB26-1066. “The Community Land Trust and other nonprofit housing developers have been important partners in building more homes that Coloradans can afford, and now it will be easier and less expensive for them to develop properties for rent. Our legislation would provide a tax break to non-profits that build affordable rental properties so we can provide more low-cost housing options to hardworking Coloradans.” “From my district in the heart of Denver to the furthest corners of our state, Colorado faces a massive crisis in our lack of affordable housing,” said Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1066. “In this environment, every dollar allocated for affordable housing should go to building affordable housing, not paying taxes on vacant land. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation that will reduce cost burdens on everyday Coloradans and the organizations that build necessary affordable housing.” “This bill would save Colorado renters money by removing barriers to affordable rental housing development,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB26-1066. “Land is expensive in my corner of Colorado, and it is stifling rental opportunities that hardworking people can actually afford. With our legislation being introduced today, we’re one step closer to opening up more opportunities for Coloradans to afford rental housing, especially in expensive mountain communities on the Western Slope.” In 2023, Colorado Democrats passed a law to expand property tax exemptions to include more non-profit organizations that build and sell affordable housing. The law also extended the exemption period from 5 to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. It also created a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other non-profit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. HB26-1066 would expand this exemption to include affordable rental properties as well as for-sale homes. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, BOOST RURAL HOSPITALS, AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE DENVER, CO – The House today passed four bipartisan bills that increase access to behavioral health care, support rural hospitals, boost Colorado’s health care workforce, and save people money on health care. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: SB22-200 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Matt Soper, passed by a vote of 53-12. It creates a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals to increase access to health care and save Coloradans money. “Rural hospitals and clinics face unique challenges and serve people who often have to travel long distances to get the care they need,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The legislation we passed today will help these rural facilities and clinics reduce costs, stay in business and provide more services, including additional telehealth options, which will expand access to care and save people money in rural communities in our state.” SB22-200 will improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management that offer both urgent and emergency care, telemedicine, and the expansion of in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and behavioral healthcare. Expanding the Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber, passed the House by a vote of 46-19. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “A lack of providers is one of the most significant barriers to expanding behavioral health care in Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “By investing $72 million to increase the number of behavioral health care providers in Colorado, we’ll make it easier and cheaper for people to access the care they need. This bill will encourage more providers to enter behavioral health care and reduce administrative burdens to help us increase capacity and serve more people.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House by a vote of 52-13. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. “This bill will make it easier to navigate and access behavioral health care services in Colorado by improving our statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients and providers can save time and money,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The system that delivers care should not be a barrier to accessing care. This bill will ensure patients receive care faster and helps providers cut through red tape.” The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. Previous Next

The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to facilitate the removal of harmful mining waste, protect fish and wildlife habitats, and explore a sustainable funding plan for future water projects. < Back September 18, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Water and Agriculture Review Committee Advances Bills to Remove Mining Waste, Protect Habitats, and Plan for Future Water Projects DENVER, CO – The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to facilitate the removal of harmful mining waste, protect fish and wildlife habitats, and explore a sustainable funding plan for future water projects. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, would create a new permit process in the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to facilitate the removal of mining waste piles and refuse, both of which have significant negative impacts on the environment. The new reclamation-only permit would lower barriers to cleanup efforts to reduce the backlog of over 20,000 abandoned mines in Colorado. Also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bipartisan bill would enter Colorado into the Interstate Mining Compact. States in the compact agree to establish a program for the conservation and use of mined lands, including the conduct of mining and handling of waste. “Waste and runoff from mine tailings can have detrimental impacts on downstream waters,” said Bridges, sponsor of Bill 4. “The bill we advanced today will promote the cleanup of pollution-causing tailings while expanding economic opportunities for the companies that do these cleanups. By making a simple change to permitting processes and entering Colorado into the Interstate Mining Compact, we can expedite mining reclamation and ensure our environment remains clean and safe for generations to come.” “Colorado’s outdoors is part of our identity, and without resources for our water and agricultural lands, our identity and way of life is threatened,” said Chair McCormick, sponsor of Bills 4 and 12. “One of our new bills will add Colorado as a member of the Interstate Mining Compact and will incentivize the cleanup of abandoned mines to improve and protect our precious waters. We also moved forward with legislation that would create the Future of Severance Taxes and Water Funding Task Force to help secure water funding.” “From agricultural needs to recreational use, access to clean water is crucial for Southwest Colorado,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bills 4, 12, and 13. “As a member of the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, I’ve heard from organizations and community members throughout the state about concerns and requests for policy solutions that can help support Colorado’s agricultural sector. Today, we advanced legislation that will improve water quality, identify possible funding sources to support important water projects, and continue funding for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program to support rural Colorado.” The committee also advanced Bill 12 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Senator Simpson, and Representatives McCormick and Martinez, which would create the Future of Severance Taxes and Water Funding Task Force in the DNR. The nine-member task force created by the bill would hire a contractor to conduct a study and develop recommendations to present to the legislature. The contractor would explore options to continue funding water needs for the state while severance tax revenue is expected to decrease. “Protecting Colorado’s vital resources and habitats is one of my top priorities,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bills 12 and 13. “The legislation we’re advancing today will explore how we can future-proof funding sources for critical water projects and make permanent our financial support for fish and wildlife habitats throughout the state. Colorado’s natural resources power everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, and I’m excited about the potential of these new bipartisan bills to secure funding and support critical preservation projects.” Sponsored by Roberts, Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Martinez and Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, Bill 13 would make permanent the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. The program provides funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts to work with private landowners, local governments, and conservation organizations to protect fish and wildlife habitats. Funding comes from the CPW’s habitat stamp sales, which must be purchased in order to buy a hunting or fishing license. The Committee is charged with reviewing relevant habitat projects and making recommendations to the CPW. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program is a great tool to raise funding for critical habitat conservation projects,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bill 13. “This program and its accompanying committee have had proven success in past years, which is why I’m excited that we’re now bringing forward legislation to make them permanent. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation is an important way for us to invest in Colorado's future and ensure our natural spaces remain natural.” The committee also approved five additional bills. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 BILL TO ABOLISH COLUMBUS DAY MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Adrienne Benavidez’s bill to replace Columbus Day with another holiday was approved by the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. As currently amended, the bill would abolish Columbus Day and replace it with a holiday celebrating Frances Xavier Cabrini on the first Monday in October in recognition of her service and dedication to the wellbeing of children and the Italian American community in Colorado and across the country. The bill passed 6-2. “The memory and legacy of Christopher Columbus are a painful reminder of injustice in the minds of indigenous people across our state,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “Having a day set aside every year to celebrate the life of a rapist and known perpetrator of genocide is cruel and unacceptable. Coloradans deserve a holiday that celebrates someone who shares their values, and Frances Xavier Cabrini fits the bill perfectly.” “We cannot continue to present a revisionist and inaccurate version of history by celebrating Columbus and his ‘discovery’ of America,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood), who chairs the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “Holidays in our state should celebrate individuals who contributed to the progress and wellbeing of our nation and its people — not genocidal colonialists. It is time to end the pain and suffering that this holiday causes and replace it with a holiday celebrating someone worthy of the honor.” As currently amended, HB20-1031 would establish Cabrini Day as a state holiday in place of Columbus Day in recognition of her humanitarian values and lifelong dedication to service, especially to the Italian American immigrant community, who faced untold discrimination and difficulty as they migrated to America. She worked tirelessly to support the Italian-American community in the United States, including through several projects in Colorado. In 1904, Cabrini established Denver’s Queen of Heaven Orphanage for girls. In 1910, she founded a summer camp for the orphanage’s residents in Golden, Colorado. Currently, a shrine stands in her honor in the original location of the summer camp in Golden. The shrine includes the “Stone House”, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BILL ADVANCES Legislation would give more parents resources to support their children with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young to expand eligibility for a program to support children or youth with severe intellectual disabilities today advanced the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. The legislation passed 13-0. “Parents should never be faced with the prospect of having to give up their child with severe intellectual disabilities to the state in order to ensure that child gets the best possible care for their condition,” said Rep. Young, (D-Greeley). “As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find their kids the help they need. I’m grateful and pleased that we have taken this important step forward today.” HB20-1012 expands eligibility and improves the scope of an existing program for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current law only allows for a county department of human or social services to submit applications to the program on behalf of a child or youth. Rep. Young’s bill extends this option to the parent or guardian of the child or youth, meaning that for the first time children who have not been surrendered to the Department of Human Services will be able to access the program’s benefits. The bill also asks the Department of Human Services to promulgate rules related to the expansion of the program. These rules include planning for services for children and youth who become 18 years of age while in the program; access to behavioral health services; waitlist management; process for a child or youth who is at risk for out-of-home placement; and program evaluation. Previous Next