< Back January 18, 2019 JOINT PRESS RELEASE: DEMOCRATIC STATE LAWMAKERS URGE COLORADO’S SENATORS TO PASS LEGISLATION TO RE-OPEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Longest Federal Shutdown in US History Harming Colorado Families & Economy (Jan. 18) – Democratic members of the Colorado General Assembly urged Colorado’s U.S. Senators to push Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the President to re-open the federal government. In a letter addressed to Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, the lawmakers wrote: “The more than 53,000 federal employees who call Colorado home are dedicated public servants who deserve to go back to work and be paid for their hard work. Roughly 15,000 of these federal workers did not receive a paycheck last week. As a result, they are struggling to make rent, mortgage or car loan payments, to pay for utility or medical bills and to keep food on the table.” More than 1,000 federal workers have filed for unemployment assistance because of the financial strains of this shutdown and SNAP recipients are at risk. The lingering effects of the shutdown are taking a toll on Colorado’s businesses, brewers and National Parks. “This shutdown just entered its 28th day and we are concerned about the devastating impacts it will have the longer it goes on.” “We are thankful to the individuals, organizations and responsible businesses who are assisting our fellow Coloradans in this time of trouble and stress.” “We encourage you to use your position in the Senate to advocate for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring up and pass the House-approved legislation that would re-open the federal government. Please do everything in your power to convince the President, the administration and Senate leadership to end this deadlock and work to re-open the federal government,” the letter concluded. The letter can be found here . The letter was signed by House Speaker KC Becker, House Majority Leader Alec Garnett,, House Speaker Pro Tem Janet Bucker, House Assistant . Majority Leader Chris Kennedy, Representative Mike Weissman, Representative Kyle Mullica, Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Representative Meg Froelich, Representative Dominique Jackson, Representative Shannon Bird, Representative Lisa Cutter, Representative Monica Duran, Representative Kerry Tipper, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Representative Brianna Titone, Representative Dylan Roberts, Representative Adrienne Benavidez, Representative Emily Sirota, Representative Barbara McLachlan, Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Susan Lontine, Representative Cathy Kipp, Representative Daneya Esgar, Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Representative Donald Valdez, Representative Alex Valdez, Representative Yadira Caraveo, Representative James Coleman, Representative Chris Hansen, Representative Rochelle Gallindo, Representative Matt Gray, Representative Marc Snyder, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., Representative Julie McCluskie, Representative Tom Sullivan, Representative Bri Buentello, Representative Edie Hooton, Representative Jeni Arndt, Representative Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Representative Jovan Melton, Representative Jonathan Singer Senate President Leroy M. Garcia, Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, Speaker Pro Tem Lois Court, Assistant Majority Leader Rhonda Fields, Senator Kerry Donovan, Senator Pete Lee, Senator Joann Ginal, Senator Tammy Story, Senator Mike Foote, Senator Rachel Zenzinger, Senator Jessie Danielson, Senator Dominick Moreno, Senator Brittany Pettersen, Senator Faith Winter, Senator Jeff Bridges, Senator Nancy Todd, Senator Robert Rodriguez, Senator Angela Williams, and Senator Julie Gonzales. Previous Next

Legislation will insulate nonprofits, shore up protections in education and housing < Back July 30, 2026 New Laws to Protect Coloradans’ Rights Amid Federal Rollbacks Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 12, three new laws to shore up Coloradans’ rights as the federal government rolls back key protections will go into effect. SB26-009 , sponsored by Senators Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, will ensure that nonprofit organizations that have lost their federal tax-exempt status for politically motivated reasons remain exempt from state sales tax. “Nonprofit organizations in our state are cornerstones of their communities, supporting countless Coloradans through difficult times,” Snyder said. “Chaos in the federal government threatens to upend these organizations’ ability to serve their communities. This new law offers much-needed stability and dependability to charitable groups across our state.” “Trump’s politically motivated attacks are threatening the ability of non-profits in Colorado to serve and support their communities,” said McCluskie. “Our new law protects nonprofits, ensuring that they continue to benefit from tax exemptions in our state, no matter what changes at the federal level. From safeguarding reproductive rights to creating affordable housing opportunities, nonprofits in Colorado deeply benefit our communities, and with this law, we have their back.” “H.R. 1 slashed our state budget in favor of corporate tax breaks, which means the services and support nonprofits offer are now more important than ever to our communities,” said Stewart. “Nonprofit organizations are under threat from the federal government, and this law makes sure Colorado’s nonprofits do not lose their tax-exempt status.” “Political retribution from the federal government could throw essential nonprofit organizations and the Colorado families who rely on them into chaos and financial distress,” Lindstedt said. “This legislation will fulfill our state’s responsibility to offer stability to valid charitable organizations amidst federal turbulence.” SB26-009 will ensure that valid 501(c)(3) organizations maintain their state tax exemption if the federal government removes their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. It will also ensure that the state maintains its authority to deny tax exemption for organizations that have lost their federal nonprofit status for legitimate reasons. Since January 2025, Colorado nonprofits have increasingly struggled to navigate frenzied federal actions that call into question their budgetary futures and ability to serve their communities. HB26-1045 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, will protect equal housing opportunity for Coloradans with disabilities. “After the federal government repealed existing protections for Coloradans with disabilities, we’re stepping in to reinstate those protections,” Kipp said. “Tenants who rely on service animals deserve equal access to housing, and this new law ensures that access remains in Colorado.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans with disabilities deserve equal access to housing,” said Clifford. “In contrast to the Trump Administration’s continued attacks, our law protects tenants who rely on service animals by making sure they are not turned away from housing opportunities. Service animals provide life-saving support to Coloradans with disabilities, and this law protects tenants.” “Every Coloradan deserves equal access to housing,” Danielson said. “One of my top priorities during my time in the legislature has been to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities. This new law is a continuation of that work, ensuring that those who depend on service animals do not face discriminatory barriers to housing.” “Colorado Democrats are stepping up to strengthen protections for Coloradans with disabilities from Trump’s continued attacks,” said Zokaie. “Relying on a service animal should not jeopardize your housing, which is why our new law protects Coloradans from certain housing discrimination. Everyone deserves to have a safe, comfortable place to call home and our law protects Coloradans.” HB26-1045 establishes the presumption that live-in service animals are a reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities, and a complete prohibition of live-in service animals by landlords is a discriminatory housing practice. Under the law, landlords will be entitled to an interactive accommodation process to ensure dialogue between tenants and landlords. The law will also define “assistance animal” and “emotional support animal” to provide clarity for housing providers and Coloradans with disabilities and to reduce litigation. In May 2026, the Trump Administration formally narrowed the definition of an “assistance animal” allowed to live with disabled tenants. The defination was effective immediately. Last year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rescinded federal guidelines that outlined the rights that people with disabilities have regarding service animals under the Fair Housing Act. These guidelines also helped landlords, property managers and tenants understand how to distinguish between service animals and Emotional Support Animals. The repeal of these guidelines has created confusion regarding the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and what reasonable accommodations housing providers must provide. HB26-1141 , sponsored by House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, will prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. “In Colorado, we believe that students deserve protections if they experience discrimination based on their skin color, sexual orientation and disability,” said Bacon . “As the Trump Administration slashes funding for the federal Office of Civil Rights, the time is now to strengthen civil rights protections to protect students in Colorado. Our schools should be a safe place for students to learn and grow, and together we’re creating a positive learning environment for all students.” “Colorado students are as diverse as the state itself, and that diversity is a strength that we must protect, especially in the face of ongoing threats to the federal Office of Civil Rights,” said Marchman. “With this new law, we are following through on that commitment by ensuring equal treatment for protected classes – which now includes those who are pregnant, in school and after-school programs.” “Students, faculty, and families deserve to know with complete certainty that if they experience discrimination in public schools, Colorado stands behind them, even if the federal government will not,” said Kolker. “This new law is a part of our holistic, 360-degree approach to supporting students of all backgrounds and ensuring that Colorado is a place where all students can learn and grow in a safe environment.” HB26-1141 prohibits public K-12 schools, higher education institutions and their employees from discriminating based on a protected class, like disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and national origin. The law also adds pregnancy and prenatal status to the definition of “harassment and discrimination" in K-12 public schools. The law outlines discrimination in K-12 schools and higher education institutions as denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a public accommodation when the school: Excludes a student from participating in school programs or activities, Denies educational services, benefits, or opportunities to a student without a legitimate, non-discriminatory basis and treats the student differently than a similar student, and Fails to take prompt and effective steps to address a complaint that they have created a hostile environment based on a protected class. The Colorado Civil Rights Division is able to create rules specifically for how to address these types of complaints. Higher education institutions, including community and technical colleges, will be required to establish a discrimination complaint process. They will also be required to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and Title VI, educate students and employees about the complaint process, manage and respond to grievances and publish data on violations. Since Trump started his second term, he has slashed the US Department of Education’s workforce by nearly 50 percent , including firing half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights and closing seven of the 12 regional offices, costing taxpayers over $28 million . The Office of Civil Rights leads investigations of discrimination at schools and higher education institutions across the country. He also moved oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Senator Marchman previously passed a law that clearly defines what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. They also passed a law in 2024 that ensures that schools and educators have trauma-informed resources to support youth against harassment and discrimination. All three bills join a host of actions Colorado Democrats have taken to protect Coloradans’ way of life amid federal threats. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES PAID FAMILY LEAVE BILL (Apr. 26) –The House Finance committee approved Rep. Matt Gray and Rep. Monica Duran’s bill, SB19-188 Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), that will ensure a seamless implementation of the best possible FAMLI policy for Coloradans. The plan creates an outline and execution schedule that lays the groundwork for the implementation of a strong, robust paid family leave policy for Colorado workers and businesses by 2024. “This has always been about helping hardworking families and individuals and this bill will help us reach that goal,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. “For too many Coloradans, their only option is unpaid leave. It’s past time to provide answers to one of the most critical issue affecting families today.” The implementation plan is comprised of a number of analyses that will ensure the program is administered efficiently, effectively, and fiscally responsibly, including: A family and medical leave implementation task force, which will be appointed by July 1, 2019 . A report prepared for the taskforce with results from a third-party study and recommendations from experts in the field by October 1, 2019 . An independent actuarial analysis completed by December 1, 2019 . The implementation plan also requires an analysis of the feasibility of contracting with a third party to administer parts of the program as an alternative to administration by the state. “I escaped domestic violence to save myself and my son but lost a job, lost a home, and was homeless. In that moment I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in position to make a difference and be a voice for others, I would step up and do it, and this plan is a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “No one should ever be forced to choose between feeding your family, keeping your home or your job.” The plan does not change the timeline for when Coloradans can start receiving benefits from the program. These analyses will assist in the preparation of legislation in the 2020 legislative session establishing paid family leave in Colorado. Following the establishment of the program, education and outreach will begin on January 1, 2022, the funding stream will be established on January 1, 2023, and benefits will be provided beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill does require that the General Assembly grant permission for implementation of the program by legislation. Eighty eight percent of Coloradans do not have access to paid family leave, and even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is inaccessible for 64 percent of working people. That means most Coloradans do not have time off to recover from a serious illness, to care for a sick family member, or to welcome the birth of a child. They are often forced to choose between their jobs or taking care of sick loved one. SB19-188 passed on a vote of 7-3 It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

HB25-1030 requires local governments to ensure building codes incorporate accessibility standards in new and renovated buildings < Back December 15, 2025 Bill to Improve Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities Takes Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve accessibility standards for Coloradans with disabilities sponsored by Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, takes effect on January 1. “Coloradans with disabilities deserve the opportunity to move about freely and fully participate in society,” said Cutter. “They deserve equal access to public buildings and services. This bill moves us closer to making these things a reality, and to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law nearly 35 years ago. It was my honor to carry this legislation alongside Senator Faith Winter, who dedicated her career in public service to ensuring everyone is able to live with dignity and respect.” “The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law for over 30 years, yet gaps in enforcing those accessibility requirements continue to act as a barrier to Coloradans with disabilities,” said Stewart . ”As a former local government official, I know this law will benefit our communities by creating a guideline for local governments to follow when it comes to accessibility updates, mitigating lawsuits and making our communities more accessible for all.” “Coloradans with disabilities rely on certain accessibility features in going about their daily lives, and new and renovated buildings such as schools and health facilities must meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Joseph. “With this law, we’re standing by our commitment to Colorado’s disability community by standardizing accessibility requirements in building codes throughout our state and supporting basic access to public buildings.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 will require local governments to ensure that new or substantially amended building codes meet or exceed national and international accessibility standards. It also requires the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure building codes for public schools and health facilities meet these standards. For hotels, motels and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code, the State Housing Board is responsible for meeting or exceeding these standards. This bill is another in a series of steps Colorado Democrats have taken in recent years to support Colorado’s disability community, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to serve as an official resource for implementing a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration. HB25-1030 was also sponsored by the late Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 GOV POLIS SIGNS BIPARTISAN BUDGET FOR ALL (Apr. 18) – Gov. Jared Polis signed the bipartisan FY19-20 Colorado State Budget, which begins on July 1, 2019. Democrats are putting forth a budget that makes historic investments in education and transportation. This budget responsibly manages taxpayer dollars, increases per-pupil funding by $327, and secures more than $300 million for transportation funding. “I want to thank the members of the JBC for all the work they’ve put into writing this fiscally responsible, forward-thinking budget that delivers on our priorities,” said JBC Chair Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I’m proud that our transparent process and hard work has brought us to this moment and to a budget that will lead us to a strong economic future.” “I’m proud of the bipartisan, responsible budget my colleagues and I presented and worked together to pass. I worked to bring a Southern Colorado perspective – a Pueblo perspective – to the state capitol and this process,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar of Pueblo and vice-chair of the Joint Budget Committee. “This budget reflects Colorado’s values and with it we are supporting hardworking people and giving them the tools they need to get ahead.” “I could not be more proud of the balanced and bipartisan budget that we have laid out for Colorado’s future,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This budget is proof that we can work together to pass a financial blueprint for our state that invests in important priorities like education and transportation while making sure we have the means to afford these investments in the long run.” “Coloradans should all be proud of this carefully balanced and comprehensive budget,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “While some in Washington push divisive and economically destructive trade wars, my colleagues and I put forth a budget that makes historic, bipartisan investments in education, transportation and finally ensures kids and parents have access to full-day kindergarten.” The budget secures $300 million for transportation funding and increases K-12 education funding by $325.9 million dollars, including $175 million dollars to implement full-day kindergarten and an additional $77 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor. The budget also makes critical investments to help lower the cost of healthcare and help Coloradans achieve greater economic security. The budget also invests $10 million in the water plan and $171 million in capital investments. The FY19-20 Colorado State Budget passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 41-to-22 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25-to-7. For more information about the budget, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-207 Previous Next

< Back June 25, 2021 $130M FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND NEW TENANT PROTECTIONS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that will provide nearly $30 million in federal funds to support local government efforts to address homelessness; immediately invest $98.5 million in federal funds to construct nearly 7,000 affordable housing units; deploy $1.5 million in eviction legal defense funding; set aside $415 million in federal funds toward future affordable housing efforts; and provide tenants new protections and rights. “We will not wait any longer to address Colorado’s housing crisis,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This legislature has made historic investments to make housing more affordable and provide shelter for individuals experiencing homlessness. We are immediately investing nearly $100 million to build nearly 7,000 affordable housing units, and we’re providing $30 million to local governments to help them purchase and convert underutilized properties to provide shelter or affordable housing.” “Housing should be a human right in Colorado, but it’s way too hard for low and middle-income families to find an affordable place to live,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “From the cost of rent to the price of buying a house or condo, it’s becoming more expensive to live in Colorado, and wages and salaries aren’t keeping up. Today, we’re giving local governments and legal aid organizations the tools they need to reduce homelessness and to provide due process in eviction court proceedings. We’re also setting up a responsible process for lawmakers to work alongside experts and community leaders to craft policies for the next legislative session that will invest $415 million to increase access to affordable housing across Colorado.” SB21-242 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Steven Woodrow, provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing noncongregate shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. HB21-1329 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Steven Woodrow, channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests $98.5 million of that funding to build nearly 7,000 housing units that will help Coloradans who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic obtain affordable housing. It also invests $1.5 million into the state’s Eviction Legal Defense grant program, doubling the state’s support to this program in order to protect tenants who might be facing eviction as the federal eviction moratorium comes to a close. The bill requires a broad and diverse stakeholder process during the interim that will develop and make recommendations to the General Assembly for how to allocate the remaining $415 million. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs and supportive housing programs. “Today, Colorado’s housing laws are more fair for renters and offer new protections that will help tenants avoid eviction,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “The bill Governor Polis signed today will reduce frequent and astronomical rent increases that force people from their homes and provide renters with more time to avoid an eviction or put their effects in order before being removed from their homes.” “No one should be left with just a few hours to pack all their belongings and move out of their home before law enforcement carries out an eviction,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “This new law offers tenants basic protections to help them avoid eviction or land back on their feet rather than putting them on a potential path to homelessness. The protections are critical for helping our state build back stronger and will help vulnerable people avoid losing the place where they live or be quickly priced out of their residences.” HB21-1121 , sponsored by Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh helps keep Coloradans housed and creates more fairness between landlords and tenants by providing renters with additional time before law enforcement can assist in an eviction. It also prohibits residential landlords from increasing rent more than once in a 12-month period and increases the notification timeline for rent increases when there is not a written lease. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: FIVE NEW COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS INTRODUCED Dozens of bills to stimulate the economy and build back stronger make their way through the legislature DENVER, CO – House and Senate leadership today introduced five state stimulus bills that will boost startup businesses, expand access to broadband, support arts and cultural organizations, and ensure workers and communities in regions transitioning away from coal-based economies have the tools they need to thrive. The bills are part of the legislature’s $800 million Colorado Recovery Plan . “As a leader of a community that is going through an economic transition, I’ve long sought to ensure workers have the tools and support they need as we transition to cleaner energy sources,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “With the bipartisan Colorado Recovery Plan, we’re going to provide $15 million to the Office of Just Transition to create jobs and boost impacted communities like Pueblo and Moffat counties. This package of bills helps solve the problems of today and looks to the future by making historic investments in broadband access and helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow their businesses and succeed.” “As we work to build back a stronger, more resilient Colorado, we must strengthen the sectors of our state that will help stimulate our economy and ensure our communities thrive,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder . “These stimulus bills will bolster our local businesses, support vital community services, and uplift our workforce with the resources they need to succeed – putting Colorado on track to recover faster.” HB21-1285: Supporting Artists, Venues, Film and Cultural Organizations, Sponsored by Representatives Benavidez & Herod and Senators Jaquez Lewis &Buckner: Venues, artists, and so many other culturally vital organizations have struggled to make it through the last year. This bill provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. HB21-1288: Creating Access to Capital for Startups, Sponsored by Representatives Bacon & Duran and Senator Coleman: Business closures have impacted communities across our state, often in different ways, leaving gaps in services and the availability of basic goods. To help fill the need created by COVID-19 related business closures, this bill provides $30 million in lending capital to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional sources of capital and entrepreneurs wishing to restart or reorganize after facing pandemic related financial challenges. HB21-1289: Expanding Access to Broadband, Sponsored by Representatives Kennedy & Baisley and Senator Bridges: Colorado has an opportunity to help bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing broadband access for our students, communities and businesses. This bill provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. It specifically includes $20M for the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. HB21-1290: Funding Just Transition Office, Sponsored by House Majority Leader Esgar & Representative Will and Senate Majority Leader Fenberg & Senator Rankin: In 2019, Democrats in the legislature created the Office of Just Transition to guide communities transitioning from coal toward economic resilience. This bill provides $15 million in funding for workforce programs, local capacity grants, transition-related economic development grants, and critical infrastructure investments to boost economies that have been dependent on coal. SB21-248: Loan Program For Colorado Agriculture , sponsored by Senators Donovan & Simpson and Representatives McCormick & Holtorf: Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado and contributes over $40 million annually to our economy, but the pandemic has dramatically reduced this growth. This bill allocates $30 million to create and implement the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program which will provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers as well as farm-to-market infrastructure loans for businesses – putting Colorado on a pathway toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: NEW LAWS PASSED BY DEMOCRATS TO SAVE PEOPLE MONEY GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO – New laws passed by Democrats in the General Assembly to save people and businesses more than $150 million go into effect today. “With inflation and rising costs squeezing families across the state, we did everything we could to save Coloradans and businesses money this year,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “The legislation going into effect today will save Coloradans and businesses nearly $150 million. From cutting property taxes by $275 on average and creating free universal preschool, to sending every Coloradan an early rebate check of $750 and boosting the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, we’re putting hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars back into Coloradans’ pockets.” “Pandemic-induced inflation is putting folks in a pinch, which is why we fought to pass this slate of fee relief bills that will help save people money,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “From helping local restaurants hold onto thousands of dollars on their sales taxes, to slashing fees at the DMV, to reducing professional licenses for health care providers, we’re helping families and businesses deal with rising costs and putting money directly back into the pockets of hard-working Coloradans.” “The legislation going into effect today will save drivers money as gas prices rise across the globe and put money back into the pockets of health care professionals and small businesses,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Nurses and mental health professionals served on the frontlines during the pandemic, and small businesses have faced the brunt of the pandemic’s economic disruptions. I’m so proud of the legislation we passed to save families and businesses money and help Coloradans hold on to more of their hard earned money.” “We know that working Colorado families need all the help they can get right now, and we delivered with a package of new laws going into effect today that will reduce fees and help folks across the state save money,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “These measures will help alleviate the financial pressure families and businesses have felt over the last two years, giving them some breathing room and helping them make ends meet when they need it most.” Saving Restaurants and Small Businesses Money: HB22-1406 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Leslie Herod and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and James Coleman, will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect and would otherwise remit to the state. HB22-1001 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Chris Kolker, will save businesses over $8 million by making it nearly free to start your own business in Colorado. Putting Money Back Into Driver’s Pockets: HB22-1004 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields, will save drivers nearly $4 million in DMV fees, and HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Nick Hinrichsen, will save drivers over $78 million by reducing the cost of registering a vehicle and delaying the road usage fee Saving Nurses and Mental Health Professionals Money on Their Professional Licenses: Nurses, who served bravely on the frontlines during the pandemic, will save $11.7 million this year when they go to renew their licenses because of HB22-1298 , legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Sonya Jaquez Lewis. Mental health professionals will save $3.7 million when they go to renew their licenses from HB22-1299 , legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields. Previous Next

SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Improve Health Insurance Transparency Becomes Law SB24-080 ensures insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado DENVER, CO – Governor Polis yesterday signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, and Representatives Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, that will enhance transparency in health care coverage. Currently, insurers are required to disclose and post pricing details and submit prescription drug spending information to the federal government. However, this information is not easily accessible to Coloradans. SB24-080 will ensure transparency for consumers so they can make informed decisions about their health care. “Coloradans deserve to have easy access to information on health insurance costs,” said Fields. “Right now, too many health insurance carriers aren’t complying with federal price transparency laws. By addressing the problem at the state level, we can hold these companies accountable and help save Coloradans money on health care.” “We’re committed to saving Coloradans money on their health care, and this legislation ensures that statewide insurance companies are complying with federal price transparency laws,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “To improve health outcomes for every Coloradan, we must make health care more affordable and accessible. This law gives consumers a clear view of their health care costs and ultimately saves them money.” “I’m proud of our work to make health care coverage more affordable for Coloradans. This new law is the next step forward in that process,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Folks would have a digital tool to compare rates, covered items and services, and get real time responses on questions so they can find an option that works best for them and their family.” “To save Coloradans money on health care they need tools at hand to compare the rates of procedures and medical services,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton. “This new law ensures that our health care companies are complying with federal price transparency laws. We’ve made important progress to bring down the cost of health care, and this law makes sure consumers have a better understanding of the cost associated with health care for themselves and their families.” The new law requires carriers to submit information on their negotiated rates and prescription drug trends to the Division of Insurance (DOI) in an easy-to-read, accessible format. DOI will have the ability to ensure compliance from insurers by creating a consumer price comparison tool that insurers use to input data so that Coloradans can easily access cost sharing information on all items and services. Previous Next

SB23-092 expands renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions on Colorado farmland < Back May 18, 2023 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Increase Use of Agrivoltaics SB23-092 expands renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions on Colorado farmland LONGMONT, CO – Today, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representative Karen McCormick’s, D-Longmont, bipartisan bill to support the use of agrivoltaics through grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) was signed by Governor Jared Polis. SB23-092 , cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, expands access to agrivoltaics, a cutting edge method to generate energy using solar panels over agricultural land without sacrificing significant agricultural production. The bill also directs the CDA to study greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities in agriculture. “Agrivoltaics are an effective way to increase the productivity of our farmland,” said Hansen. “With some crops, shade from solar panels can actually improve growing conditions, save water and increase output. We are helping to expand renewable energy options and carbon capture techniques that can benefit our farming community and help us reach our climate goals.” "Cleaning up our air takes a multi-pronged approach, and agrivoltaics prioritize clean, renewable energy sources over fossil fuels across Colorado's farmland," said McCormick. "This law expands the use of this cutting edge method to generate energy using solar panels along farmland and saves water in the process. Agrivoltaics provide economic opportunity for agricultural landowners, making it easier for farmland to be kept in the hands of farmers for generations to come. Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the state, and these innovative techniques bring us closer to reaching our climate goals and reducing our carbon footprint." 32 million acres of land are used for agriculture in Colorado, nearly half of the state’s surface area. Methods for carbon reduction on farmland studied by the bill include dry digesters, greenhouse gas credits, and sequestration efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax exemption for certain qualifying machinery or equipment from property tax if the agricultural equipment is part of a solar energy generating system that is used for agrivoltaics or aquavoltaics. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 REP. DONALD VALDEZ’S AMBER ALERT NOTIFICATION READINESS BILL ADVANCES UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted unanimously to pass Representative Donald Valdez’s bill to ensure Colorado’s AMBER Alert notification system stays up to date with the latest telecommunications technology. The bipartisan bill has already passed the Senate unanimously. “AMBER Alerts help our law enforcement officials protect some of the most vulnerable Coloradans,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “It is critical that our state stays up to date with the latest technology to notify Coloradans during an AMBER Alert emergency, and this bill will do just that.” SB20-079 requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to send AMBER Alerts using technological applications that promote the largest reach of community notifications. While Colorado’s current method of sending AMBER Alerts meets the criteria, this bill will ensure that Colorado’s AMBER Alert system keeps up with technological advances in the future to ensure the widespread receival of these critical alerts of missing children. Previous Next

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters by the passage of Proposition 123 and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. < Back June 5, 2023 SIGNED! New Laws to Improve Housing Affordability and Short-Term Rental Oversight DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters by the passage of Proposition 123 and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. “Communities throughout Colorado are facing a housing affordability crisis, and these new laws will offer local communities the tools they need to make it easier to call Colorado home,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1304 and HB23-1287 . “These laws provide towns and cities, especially those in our rural mountain towns the flexibility they need to implement the affordable housing programs voters created with Proposition 123. We’re also strengthening transparency and compliance with local regulations of short term rentals to help ease some of the impact these properties are having on those living in our rural resort communities year round. I’m proud to deliver legislation that will help alleviate the high cost of housing for Coloradans from the Front Range to the Western Slope.” “Coloradans were clear when they passed Prop 123 that they want more affordable housing options,” said Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1304. “With this bill, we’re making sure that Prop 123 will be implemented effectively, so that every Coloradan can afford to live in the communities where they work. I’m excited to see HB23-1304 signed into law, and look forward to seeing all the affordable housing options that’ll be created for hardworking people across our state.” HB23-1304 ensures the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible. The law ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. Local governments across the state will also be able to partner with neighboring communities to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent. In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness. “Short-term rentals play an important role in rural resort economies by attracting visitors to our communities, but they have had unintended impacts on rental markets and housing costs in the high country and across the state,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “This law will allow counties to partner with digital platforms that host units to remove a listing if the owners’ license is suspended or revoked, protecting owners, renters, and local communities from violations of local rules and regulations.” “Today’s bill signings signal our continued and multi-faceted commitment to making housing more affordable across Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1304 and HB23-1287. "HB23-1304 ensures that the historic funds for affordable housing programs from Proposition 123 are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and delivers increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met. With HB23-1287, we’re also strengthening protections for local residents in rural resort communities to help curb the unintended impacts of short-term rentals on our communities. I’m proud that these important pieces of legislation passed with bipartisan support and have now become law. And I am even more excited to continue our work to ensure every Colorado family has an affordable place to call home." A board of county commissioners already has the authority to regulate units that are rented or used for short-term stays. HB23-1287 clarifies the definition of a short-term rental and provides counties with the authority to work with digital platforms to accurately list compliant short-term rentals. HB23-1287 gives counties the ability to require an owner of a property, or the owner’s agent, to include a rental license or permit in any listing for a short-term rental unit on a digital platform. If a county has regulations on short-term rentals, the county will be able to require a digital platform to remove any rental listing if the owner of the listing: Has their local short-term rental license or permit suspended or revoked, Has received a notice violation, or a similar legal process, for not holding a valid local short-term rental license or permit, or Is not allowed to list their unit as a short-term rental due to county rules. Previous Next