Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services.  < Back February 2, 2026 Colorado Democrats To Safeguard Constitutional Rights DENVER, CO – Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services. Two new bills will be introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives in the coming weeks and SB26-005 will be heard in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon. SJR26-006 , the Immigrants’ Rights Resolution, was heard on the Colorado Senate floor this morning and passed on a party-line vote of 20 to 12. “Federal law enforcement is engaging in dangerous, unlawful immigration enforcement tactics that are perpetuating fear in our communities and, in some cases, even death. Enough is enough,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Across the country, U.S. citizens are being detained and children are being used as bait to lure parents into detention centers, all while federal law enforcement completely disregards our constitutional rights. In Colorado, we’ll defend and uphold your constitutional rights with new legislation aimed at shoring up privacy protections and law enforcement transparency.” “People have long come to our country for the promise of a better life and the guarantee of equal treatment under the law,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB26-005, SJR26-006, and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation to protect our constitutional rights, create legal remedies when those rights are violated, and publicly affirm our commitment to Colorado’s immigrant communities. In particular, Senate Bill 5 stands for the basic principles that government agents must follow the law like everyone else and that there should be legal remedies when constitutional rights are violated. This legislation reaffirms the civil rights of all Coloradans.” Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. Forthcoming legislation sponsored by Representatives Velasco and García and Senators Jodeh and Weissman would build upon legislative efforts by: Increasing accountability and transparency by enforcing violations when personal information is shared unlawfully and informing individuals whose information has been shared with federal officials; Requiring reporting on demographic populations in immigration detention centers and regular environmental and health inspections of centers; Establishing protections from deportation when an individual is in transit to or from a health care facility, school, child care center, court or place of worship. “Over the past few months, ICE activity has left many Coloradans living in fear,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006 and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Our entire community is harmed when fear replaces trust. As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure that Coloradans of all backgrounds feel safe. This legislation is about leading with compassion, protecting our constitutional rights, and ensuring Colorado is a place where every family can live with dignity and safety.” “Immigrants and U.S. citizens who look like me are being met with violence from federal law enforcement, and they’re skipping work, school and medical appointments because they’re afraid of being detained,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “In Colorado, we won’t stand idly by while the federal government disregards our constitutional rights. Soon, we’re unveiling new legislation to strengthen protections and push back against the egregious federal overreach we’re witnessing across the country.” “Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing the conflation of immigration status, dissent, and criminality,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. “Our government is telling us not to believe what we see with our own eyes. It is up to us to act boldly and bravely, create pathways of real accountability for those who violate our fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect in Colorado.” “We are a nation of immigrants, and at a moment when fear and division are being weaponized, Colorado must stand firmly for civil liberties and human dignity, " said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. "When federal immigration agents violate someone’s Fourth Amendment rights, as we've witnessed in Minnesota, there must be accountability. The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and this bill creates a clear cause of action so that no agency, no matter how powerful, is above the law." SB26-005 , sponsored by Senators Weissman and Gonzales and Representatives Mabrey and Zokaie, would uphold constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an immigration enforcement encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-005 establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable. “What we’re witnessing across America at the hands of federal agents is a blatant disregard for our rights,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB26-005 and forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “Children as young as five years old are being detained and separated from their families, and the inhumane tactics of federal law enforcement are causing serious harm, injury, and in some cases even death. In Colorado, we will safeguard our rights and work in partnership with law enforcement to ensure accountability. We must stand now to protect our communities from the erosion of civil liberties levied by the federal government. “Alex Pretti and Renee Good were U.S. citizens killed by federal law enforcement while engaging in constitutionally protected activity,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “We should not have to weigh our lives to protest our government in the United States of America. Law enforcement works for the people, and new legislation we’re carrying this session will help foster stronger public trust in those who swore an oath to protect us.” Forthcoming legislation, sponsored by Representatives Froelich and Zokaie and Senators Jodeh and Weissman, would encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. Under the bill, any law enforcement officer working on behalf of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies must wear identification and would be prohibited from covering their face. This includes the agency name or initials and their identification number on the outermost layer of clothing. If law enforcement officers refuse or fail to properly identify themselves, they could be held liable for impersonating a peace officer. The bill also requires law enforcement to receive training on Colorado’s immigration laws to ensure they enforce state laws properly. “America was founded on the shared beliefs of freedom and fairness, and that must never be taken for granted,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SJR26-006. “As federal agents attack peaceful protesters, unlawfully detain U.S. citizens and deport people without due process, we must stand now to defend our constitutional rights.” “The harsh enforcement tactics of federal agents put local law enforcement and our community members exercising their constitutional rights at risk,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006. “This resolution calls on our federal government to uphold our civil rights and constitutional protections.” The Immigrants' Rights Resolution, sponsored by Senator Jodeh and Weissman and Representatives Joseph and Ricks, calls on the federal government to reaffirm its obligation to uphold civil rights and constitutional protections. The resolution demands the federal government reaffirm civil rights for all, end anonymous enforcement tactics, and protect access to education, health care, and civic participation. SJR26-006 advocates for modernized, humane federal immigration reform and supports state-level measures that safeguard constitutional rights. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). < Back May 13, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! Gov Signs Bill to Legalize ADUs DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this law gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan law that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.” “Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1152. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.” “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home. HB24-1152 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, allows homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and creates a new $5 million state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs. The grant program would enable local governments to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate, and the construction of accessible ADUs. Finally, HB24-1152 provides $8 million in funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners in ADU-supportive jurisdictions build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. HB25-1239 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 25, 2025 Legislation to Strengthen Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. HB25-1239 passed by a vote of 7-4. “With anti-discrimination safeguards and federal programs for vulnerable communities under attack from the current federal administration, Coloradans are counting on us to secure protections against discrimination,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Our legislation works to improve protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, including expanding the deadline to file a discrimination complaint to one year and allowing members of a protected class to receive monetary compensation for discriminatory acts. This is crucial to protecting our most vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities, so they can seek appropriate compensation for the harm they experience to ensure equal access to justice.” “From housing to employment, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act has been a critical piece of the puzzle for Coloradans to pursue justice for discrimination, and this legislation builds on this work to expand protections to ensure victims can receive the justice they deserve,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “People with disabilities, small businesses, and other victims of discrimination would greatly benefit from this legislation that expands avenues to justice by providing access to legal support and effective recourse for Coloradans who experience discrimination.” HB25-1239 expands protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. The bill would better allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the bill, victims would be able to pursue attorney’s fees and costs, actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, and fines of $5,000 per violation. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury are limited to $50,000, and small businesses are entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 120 days after the complaint is filed and did not knowingly or intentionally make or cause the violation. The bill would also extend the deadline to file a discrimination complaint related to public accommodations from 60 days to one year. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS AND BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP COLORADANS FIND HOUSING AND JOBS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect whistleblowers and help Coloradans with low-level criminal records find secure jobs or housing. In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez and Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, makes these protections permanent. “With the passage of HB 20-1415 we gave workers the protection to speak out about health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation only during public health emergencies,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Essential workers will still be essential after the pandemic, which is why I am proud to champion this new lawl that will extend these protections permanently and help keep workers and the public safe.” “Extending whistleblower protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This law permanently extends protections for workers put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. All Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or the people around them.” “Coloradans shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job or having their hours slashed for reporting unsafe working conditions. These whistleblower protections prioritize the health and safety of our essential workers,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “When the pandemic began, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new law extends those reporting protections for workers regardless of a public health emergency, so they can always feel safe to report dangerous conditions.” SB22-097 protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill, including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. “The pandemic highlighted the need to improve how we take care of our community, and we worked hard this session to help give working folks better protections and opportunities,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “These news laws will ensure that no worker will have to worry about losing their job or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions that threaten them and their colleagues, and allow Coloradans who have paid their debt to society to access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.” Currently, criminal records are a substantial obstacle for people in search of jobs or housing, which punishes Coloradans after they have served their time and exacerbates the state’s workforce shortage. SB22-099 , sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Kerry Tipper and Colin Larson, extends automatic record sealing to all eligible offenses, removing this obstacle to housing and employment for many Coloradans. “This bipartisan law will help Coloradans who are already eligible for record sealing by automatically sealing their records, making it easier for people to find jobs and housing opportunities,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This new law will boost our workforce, increase job opportunities for Coloradans and reduce recidivism by helping people get back on their feet.” The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees and for Coloradans to find adequate housing. Under the law, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. Previous Next

SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back May 29, 2025 ICYMI: Legislation to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Signed Into Law SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill to ensure safe housing and strengthen renter protections by expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to enforce landlord-tenant laws. SB25-020 is sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. It allows the Colorado Attorney General to seek any penalties or use any enforcement mechanisms available under landlord-tenant laws to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, as well as documentation requirements for housing agreements, and extends protections regarding bed bug infestations in residential homes. The bill gives counties and municipalities the ability to enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. “In recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen renters’ protections and level the playing field between tenants and landlords,” said Gonzales. “When apartment buildings fall into disrepair because of neglect and mismanagement, it throws tenants’ lives into chaos, jeopardizes safe living conditions, and disrupts their ability to simply get through their day. This new law empowers local governments and the Attorney General to enforce the laws we already have on the books by holding neglectful management companies who have a pattern and practice of disregarding our safe housing laws to account, with the goal of ensuring that all Coloradans can live in safe and healthy housing.” “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Lindsay. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This law builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by empowering counties and municipalities to enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this law will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “For too long, bad actors in property management have ignored tenant complaints, neglected basic repairs, and left communities in crisis. This must end,” said Weissman. “Recent events in Aurora and Denver highlight the urgent need for stronger tools to protect renters. Violations of our state’s safe housing laws cannot be ignored – especially in a housing crisis where every rental unit matters. SB20 is narrowly focused on tackling cases of chronic neglect where tenants have been left without options for far too long.” “This law will hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Mabrey. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters will 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 also establishes a process where, only in severe cases with a pattern of neglect, 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 law outlines the process for receivership cases, including providing proper notice to parties, defining powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and establishing the process for ending receiverships. Previous Next

Youth mental health services program was set to expire this month < Back June 4, 2024 Bill to Extend I Matter Youth Mental Health Program Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to continue the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. I Matter connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program was set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. Sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, SB24-001 continues the I Matter program for another ten years, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no cost to them or their families. “The success of I Matter has been huge for Colorado students, and for the first time in a decade, youth suicide rates have declined - but we must do more to address the mental health crisis gripping our kids,” said Michaelson Jenet. “That is why making the I Matter program permanent is so important. This critical tool is a game changer, and I am thrilled to see this bill get signed into law so we can ensure Colorado students can access the free mental health care they need to thrive.” “With the signing of this bill, we’re ensuring our youth can continue to have access to no-cost therapy when they need it through the landmark I Matter Program,” said Brown . “Over the years, the I Matter Program has connected over 11,000 kids to therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. Programs like I Matter remove barriers to access and help our youth receive the behavioral and mental care they need.” “Far too many Colorado kids struggle with their mental health, and I Matter has been hugely beneficial in helping support them,” Cutter said. “By extending this successful program , we are doubling down on our commitment to addressing those needs, and ensuring that all of our kids get the mental health care they deserve, at no cost to them or their families.” “A child's access to mental health services shouldn't depend on their parent's income. By extending the I Matter Program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure our youth can receive the behavioral and mental health care they need,” said Rutinel. “No-cost therapy breaks down access barriers for youth and their families. Since its introduction, the I Matter Program has provided more than 50,000 essential therapy sessions – this law continues this successful, important program to ensure we’re addressing the needs of our youth.” Launched after the pandemic by then-Representative Michaelson Jenet, I Matter has served 7,933 young people since 2021, and 5,024 have received three or more sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report , youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back May 20, 2024 Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Signed Into Law PAONIA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m proud to carry this law to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” “Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource, because it powers everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, which is why I am fighting tooth and nail to secure our state’s water future,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Now, we’re giving Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state. I am proud of this bipartisan effort that will help protect our precious water resources and our Colorado way of life.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Current law requires any additional revenue above $29 million to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts also sponsored legislation this session to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid the opioid crisis (May 2) – The House approved Rep. Bri Buentello and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s bill to require certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibits a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This is an important bill that will help us address the opioid crisis that is devastating parts of Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “ This bill will help our neighbors, our friends and any Coloradan who is struggling with addiction get the treatment they need.” SB19-228 requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders and improves youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorder prevention. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont. “This bill will ensure local community agencies and medical professionals can help divert Coloradans from addiction before it starts.” The bill was approved on a bipartisan vote of 43-20. The bill goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! CLEAN WATER FOR SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to build a healthier Colorado by eliminating lead from drinking water in schools and childcare centers. “Clean, lead-free drinking water in schools and childcare centers cuts down the risk of dangerous, lifelong impacts to children’s health and well-being,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our law takes bold action to test for lead, replace fixtures and install updated equipment to ensure the drinking water consumed by kids in school or childcare centers is clean. Colorado’s youngest learners deserve clean water, and this law ensures facilities that care for children have appropriate and updated water filtration systems.” “In far too many communities in Colorado, lead in drinking water at our schools is a problem, especially in disadvantaged regions of the state,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “No matter where you live, you should have clean water to drink. This law will equip us with better tools to detect unsafe drinking water in schools and daycare centers so that our kids know the water they drink is safe and healthy.” “Every child should have clean water to drink, period,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “Unfortunately, far too many students face the threat of drinking water at school contaminated with lead, and that is simply unacceptable. This law takes important steps to ensure drinking water at schools is safe and clean, which will ultimately help improve health and educational outcomes for Colorado’s future leaders.” HB22-1358 , sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Senators Faith Winter and Rhonda Fields, would provide resources to school districts and childcare centers to install filters and clean water devices to eliminate lead children’s drinking water. The law provides school districts and child care centers $18 million to test for the presence of lead, and install clean sources of drinking water, such as faucet filters or bottle filling stations. Many Colorado schools do not test for lead and do not know if their water is contaminated. Samples that have been taken have found elevated levels of lead in the drinking in Colorado schools. Elevated levels of lead in children’s blood leads to life-long damage, including memory loss, fatigue and learning challenges. Previous Next

HB25-1222 and SB25-069 will improve health and safety in Colorado’s mountain and rural communities < Back July 25, 2025 Pair of Bills to Support Rural Coloradans Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two bills championed by Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to bolster public health and safety in rural Colorado communities will go into effect on August 6. HB25-1222 , cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, preserves access to rural health care by: Enabling the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities, Clarifying fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close, Allowing remote supervision for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans, and Beginning on January 1, 2026, ensuring fair reimbursement rates for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these modifications maintain access to vital prescriptions and healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. The implementation of HB25-1222 serves as a lifeline for rural pharmacies in the wake of Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill , which experts warn puts rural health care facilities at an increased risk of cuts and closure . “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan bill would ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline to our communities. This bipartisan law aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates and permitting telehealth for our local pharmacies.” SB25-069 , sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens, and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, allows the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles. “Preventing avoidable crashes, spinouts, and delays on I-70 and highways across the state is crucial for public safety and saving Coloradans time and money,” continued Roberts. “This bipartisan bill will authorize a proven chain-assist program for commercial trucks that is working in other states as well as close a loophole that will ensure passenger vehicles have proper tires. It is another significant step we are taking to prevent crashes and reduce unnecessary delays on our roads during the winter.” “Western Slope highways can be treacherous in the winter, and this law makes our roads safer by expanding access to winter driving tools, including tire chains, that are proven to help prevent accidents,” continued Lukens. “Communities in my district, like Vail and Avon, are home to world-class skiing resorts that attract visitors from across the globe who might not have experience in driving in mountainous, snowy conditions. This law will improve road safety by creating a controlled environment for drivers to receive assistance installing or removing tire chains and other traction devices.” “Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers,” said Velasco. “Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. With this law going into effect soon, we can keep Coloradans safer on our roads.” The law, cosponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, includes procedures and guardrails for issuing a permit to vendors and a requirement that those installing tire chains or traction devices wear reflective clothing and use traffic control devices. The law also requires that, between September 1 and May 31, rental car companies notify their renters of Colorado’s traction laws and the penalties for any violation of the law. Previous Next

Legislation would ban weapons of war to save lives in Colorado < Back March 20, 2024 Assault Weapon Ban Passes House Committee Legislation would ban weapons of war to save lives in Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elisabeth Epps to prohibit the manufacture, import, purchase, or sale of assault weapons and rapid-fire trigger activators. HB24-1292 passed by a vote of 7-3. “The vast majority of Americans and over 80% of Democrats support an assault weapons ban and are fed up with weapons of war in our communities,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “My entire childhood, I was afraid to die in school because adults wouldn’t be bold enough on guns, and those fears only grew when I became a teacher and I saw my students struggle with those same anxieties. We must take action to protect our communities, especially our students, from the death and destruction assault weapons inflict on so many innocent people.” "HB24-1292 will stem the proliferation of firearms most commonly used in public mass shootings, and takes a powerful step to interrupt the uniquely American epidemic of gun violence," said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. "Colorado is home to too many now infamous sites - schools, theaters, nightclubs, clinics, grocery stores - places now forever associated with mass shootings. Prohibiting assault weapon sales is a necessary step to prevent more tragedies; lessening the spread of these weapons is overdue policy change, not just more thoughts and prayers." Beginning July 1, 2024, HB24-1292 would prohibit the manufacture, import, purchase, or sale of assault weapons and rapid-fire trigger activators. A violation would be a petty offense. Exceptions include: U.S. military members, peace officers, or other government officers or agents, The manufacture, sale, or transfer of an assault weapon from a licensed firearms manufacturer to the U.S. military or entity that employs peace officers, Transfer of an assault weapon to a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for temporary maintenance, repair, modification, storage, or permanent disposal. Any federal, state, or local historical society, museum, or institutional collection that is open to the public, as long as the assault weapon is securely housed and unloaded A forensic laboratory or an agent or employee of the laboratory while on duty Armored vehicle entities and their employees, or A licensed gun dealer who has a remaining inventory of assault weapons as of August 1, 2024, and sells or transfers the remaining inventory only to a non-Colorado resident and the sale or transfer takes place out of the state. A study found that over 60 percent of Americans support an assault weapons ban. From 2010-2019, assault weapons were used in 34 percent of mass public shootings. Since 2020, that number has increased to 60 percent . Assault weapons have been used in numerous mass shootings including the Uvalde shooting, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, and the Pulse nightclub shooting. The gunman in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, had multiple guns in his hotel room, including semi-automatic firearms with bump stocks that converted the weapon into a fully automatic firearm. He was able to fire between 400-800 rounds per minute , killing 59 people and wounding hundreds. An AR-15 assault rifle was used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, killing 20 students and six staff members. There, the shooter fired 154 bullets in less than four minutes . In the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, a semi-automatic rifle was used to kill five people and injure 19 others. If signed into law, Colorado will join California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington in passing an assault weapons ban. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2021 DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REDUCE COSTS AND INCREASE AFFORDABILITY OF LIFE-SAVING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS DENVER – This afternoon, Senators Jaquez Lewis and Gonzales, along with Representatives Caraveo and Kennedy, in partnership with Governor Polis, announced the introduction of SB21-175, a bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. “Prescription drugs cost too much and Coloradans are sick and tired of being ripped off. This bill is an important step toward our goal of saving people money on health care,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I want to thank the bill sponsors for their efforts to ensure that hardworking Coloradans can get the medicine they need for themselves and their families without worrying about astronomical costs.” “As prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket, people are forced to make impossible choices,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, a pharmacist and prime sponsor of the legislation. “This proposal–this group of non-partisan experts–has the potential to save Coloradans as much as 75% on the most unaffordable drugs. We have no choice but to address this issue–we absolutely must get this under control so we can build a healthy Colorado for all!” “The painful and heartbreaking accounts of Coloradans who are forced to choose between filling prescriptions, skipping doses or paying for basic necessities are far too common,” said bill sponsor Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is hurting families, and it’s hurting our economic recovery. Coming out of this pandemic, we must build back stronger, and that means making common sense reforms to lower the costs of the drugs that are eating away at the bottom line of so many hardworking Coloradans.” Too many Coloradans skip doses, stretch the length of their prescriptions, or delay filling prescriptions because they simply cannot afford them. As established in the bill, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug cost increases, and set guardrails on cost increases for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state. The affordability board would set upper payment limits for prescription drugs that meet certain cost increase thresholds. These payment limits would apply to all purchasers in the state, but will only be placed on the highest cost drugs, with purchasers continuing to be able to negotiate rates for the vast majority of drugs. The board will collect and evaluate the data necessary to review the affordability of prescription drugs and make policy recommendations to legislators. The board will be made up of nonpartisan, unpaid experts who are free from conflicts of interest. “Even prior to the pandemic, nearly 1 in 3 Coloradans struggled to afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy, forcing families to choose between buying their prescriptions or paying rent and buying groceries,” said bill sponsor Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans are struggling with the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should ensure that all Coloradans – particularly in communities of color – have access to affordable health care.” “Prescription drugs are essential to managing, preventing, and curing diseases, but not every Coloradan can access them because cost is a barrier when it shouldn’t even be a consideration,” said bill sponsor Rep Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “Coloradans need us to act now. Colorado families are struggling with unfair and unaffordable drug costs. The affordability board will reign in the highest cost drugs and stop the out of control increases that are reaching deeper and deeper into Coloradans pockets and driving up the cost of healthcare for everyone.” A recent poll from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative found that 77% of Coloradans supported the idea of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to analyze and act to lower the cost of certain prescription drugs — and this bill seeks to answer their call. To read the full text of the bill and track it through the legislative process, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-175 Previous Next