< Back April 4, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! HISTORIC REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT BECOMES LAW IN COLORADO Colorado will become the 16th state to enshrine the fundamental right to abortion into law DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor Jared Polis today signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) into law to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion. Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, RHEA updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. “Across the country, and here in Colorado, abortion rights are under attack from GOP politicians who want to ban abortion in all cases – here in our state, we won’t let that happen,” said Rep. Froelich. “Coloradans have made it clear that they want to keep abortion legal in our state. I’m proud Governor Polis has signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act into law to safeguard reproductive rights in Colorado.” “With reproductive freedom under attack at the federal level, we’re taking historic action today to ensure Colorado remains a safe haven for folks in need of reproductive health care,” said Sen. Gonzales. “Until today, Colorado law didn’t expressly protect the right to abortion care. We’re changing that because all Coloradans should have the freedom to make decisions about their lives and their futures. This landmark bill enshrines the fundamental right to abortion into Colorado law, and we sincerely hope other states choose to follow our lead. The health and well-being of millions of Americans depends on it.” “Enshrining the right to choose when it comes to reproductive health care, including the right to abortion, shows we trust Coloradans to make their own medical decisions,” said Majority Leader Esgar. “Politicians shouldn’t get to decide whether or not someone is ready to start a family. With the passage of this law and the governor’s signature today, we’ve taken a giant step forward to protect fundamental reproductive rights and abortion access in Colorado, and I couldn't be more proud.” The new law also ensures that every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception. RHEA comes as attacks on access to abortion have proliferated across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn decades of precedent this spring, and at least 519 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center . Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including: · HB22-1079 , which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. · HB22-1047 , which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected abortion providers to imprisonment. · HB22-1075 , which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

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

GOP bill would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013 including universal background checks, Colorado’s Red Flag law and laws that prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from possessing a firearm < Back February 17, 2026 Colorado Democrats Defeat Dangerous GOP Gun Bill GOP bill would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013 including universal background checks, Colorado’s Red Flag law and laws that prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from possessing a firearm DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today defeated a Republican bill that would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013. The bill would have repealed laws that save Colorado lives, like universal background checks, Colorado’s “red flag” laws, high-capacity magazine limits and safe storage requirements. “As Colorado Democrats build on our efforts to prevent gun violence and keep Coloradans safe, House Republicans just tried to throw out every single gun violence prevention law we have passed in recent years, including our red flag law,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “We have made a lot of progress in Colorado, passing data-driven policies like universal background checks and Extreme Risk Protection Orders that protect people from senseless gun violence. This bill would have repealed every tool that we have to prevent dangerous people from accessing firearms. Colorado Democrats remain committed to improving public safety and saving countless lives.” “Colorado Democrats have passed gun violence prevention laws to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and dangerous individuals, and this bill would have undone all of that work and put our communities at risk,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “As a law enforcement officer, I’ve seen how Colorado’s gun laws equip law enforcement agencies with important tools to prevent and reduce gun violence. This bill would have completely overhauled Colorado’s laws that keep Coloradans safe, which is why Colorado Democrats defeated this bill in committee so we can continue to prevent gun-related deaths and protect Colorado communities in every corner of our state.” HB26-1021 , sponsored by Representatives Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, and Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, would have repealed gun violence prevention laws, including universal background checks, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, limits on high-capacity magazines, safe storage in homes and vehicles, waiting periods and gun show regulations. The bill would have repealed the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, shutting down a grant program that uses evidence-informed strategies to reduce gun violence in communities across Colorado. The 2021 legislative session was one of the most productive for gun reform in Colorado history. The legislature passed six gun violence prevention laws to strengthen the background check system, further restrict those with violent records from accessing any firearms, mandate safe storage requirements, and remove the statewide preemption so that local governments could pass their own gun violence prevention ordinances. In 2023, Colorado Democrats built on this progress by expanding Colorado’s “Red Flag” law, raising the minimum age to purchase a long gun to 21 years old, establishing waiting periods and removing Colorado’s overly-broad firearms industry immunity protections so survivors of gun violence can better seek accountability and justice through civil court. Last year, the legislature passed historic legislation to enforce Colorado’s high-capacity magazine ban. The legislature also passed laws to create safeguards on ammunition purchases, improve security at gun shows, increase penalties for firearm theft and prevent suicides by allowing people to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm when in a state of mental or emotional distress. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2022 SAFER STREETS ACT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Safer Streets Act, a bill that would utilize $10.3 million to assist local governments in making critical improvements that will prevent crime and improve public safety in Colorado. SB22-001 passed the House by a vote of 40 to 22. “With proven crime prevention and reduction strategies, we can create safer Colorado neighborhoods,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Our bill will give local governments the resources they need to maintain and improve public spaces so everyone can enjoy a safer community. I’m proud to champion this evidence-based legislation that will cut down on crime and create more beautiful neighborhoods in the process.” “No matter your zip code, you deserve to feel safe,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood “The Safer Streets Act is an evidence-based bill that will foster the development of safer neighborhoods so we can reduce crime and boost community pride. Thanks to important community input and smart investments in crime prevention tactics such as good lighting and well-maintained public spaces, we can create a safer Colorado for everyone. ” The Safer Streets Act , sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Kerry Tipper, creates a $10.3 million grant program for local governments to make critical, evidence-based improvements that will cut down on crime. Local governments and community non-profit organizations partnering with local governments can apply for grants that make physical improvements to the built environment that increase visibility through improved lighting, direct foot traffic and improve aesthetics through graffiti and trash removal. The bill utilizes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, an effective tool for reducing crime. Research and case studies have proven that the safe design of the physical environment can result in a lower incidence of crime, increased safety, and an overall increase in quality of life. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 19, 2025 ‘Junk Fees’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. “It’s becoming increasingly common for Coloradans to see undisclosed fees tacked onto their final bill when they’re checking out or making their first rental payments, and these ‘junk fees’ sometimes add hundreds of dollars to the final cost,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This isn’t fair to consumers who are trying to accurately budget or to honest businesses who are upfront about their prices. I’m bringing this bill to make pricing more transparent, saving Coloradans money and allowing them to make more informed financial decisions.” “Too often, bad-acting businesses use ‘junk fees’ to discretely jack up their prices at the last minute, blindsiding consumers and competitively pushing honest business owners out of the market,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “These costs can add up quickly and are difficult and costly to back out of when the ‘junk fees’ are attached to one’s monthly rent. I’m proud to continue the work to crack down on ‘junk fees’ to save hardworking Coloradans money and make honest business owners more competitive.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of the nature or purpose of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS WINS PRELIMINARY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act. HB20-1153 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus, would allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and terms of employment. “This bill would enshrine in our laws the Colorado value of empowering workers to fight for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, the prime sponsor of HB20-1153. “Across Colorado, our dedicated state employees serve our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water, but their pay and benefits haven’t kept pace. It’s time to rewrite the rules so that our state workers can innovate on the job to improve state services and negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It would foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Under the bill, the state is required to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. Membership in the union would be completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. For more than a decade, WINS has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2020 COMMITTEE APPROVES PROPOSAL TO STUDY ORGANIC WASTE AND INCENTIVIZE COMPOSTING DENVER, CO — Reps. Lisa Cutter and Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill, HB20-1047 , today was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee. The bill was approved by the bipartisan Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee in October and would call for the creation of a statewide organics management plan. The bill passed committee 7-2 and now moves onto the Appropriations Committee. “Composting is a win-win-win — it prevents landfill overuse, improves soil health, and boosts the carbon storage ability of our agricultural lands,” said Rep Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “Caring for our environment and protecting the Colorado Way of Life require us to take a serious look at waste and how it is disposed of. The study put forth by this bill would give our state the crucial information we need to get even closer to our zero waste goal.” “Increasing compost use in agriculture and other sectors is a wonderful way to pull carbon from the atmosphere using natural processes,” said Rep. Froelich (D-Englewood). “This bipartisan bill, which is the result of months of work and stakeholding in the Zero Waste Interim Committee, will give us the information we need to continue our multifaceted approach to tackling climate change. I’m proud to see it move forward today and will continue to work to see it enacted.” As mentioned, HB20-1047 would establish a statewide organics management plan to study the way Colorado disposes of organic waste and encourage the use of composting as a means of carbon storage. In addition to the environmental benefits, compost use could help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production. If this bill is enacted, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) would consult with a diverse set of stakeholders and submit their management plan by February 1, 2023 to the House Energy and Environment Committee, House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. Previous Next

Two bills to support veterans passes committee < Back March 16, 2023 Bills to Save Veterans Money and Improve Veteran Services Passes Committee Two bills to support veterans passes committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers to the property tax exemptions that veterans with a disability are owed,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-036 . “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to come home from war and have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the benefits and services that were promised. Our bill streamlines the application process for veterans with a disability to more easily receive property tax exemptions that save them money on housing.” This bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, streamlines the property tax exemption application process for veterans with a disability. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently created the Summary of Benefits letter, a question-and-answer form that gathers key details of a veteran’s personal information to determine service eligibility. Under SB23-036 , veterans will only need to send the Summary of Benefits letter to the Colorado Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DMVA) instead of both the DMVA and their county government, expediting the process to receive property tax exemptions. Veterans who have received this exemption before January 2024 will not be required to reapply to continue receiving this benefit. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 9-0. “The Western Regional One Source is a vital resource to our veterans, military members and their families on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-154 . “In collaboration with community partners, they're providing a wide range of services from mental and behavioral health, to housing, transportation and more. I'm proud to support my fellow veterans by continuing the Western Region One Source making it easier for all Colorado veterans to access the services they need." SB23-154 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, is a bipartisan bill that continues the Western Region One Source, a one-stop center based in Grand Junction for veterans services. The center opened in 2019 to host various veterans services under one roof, making it easier for veterans in rural areas to be connected to resources like health benefits, employment opportunities, housing, transportation, and more. This bill extends the program to keep the center running until 2030. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO INCREASE AND STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING (Apr. 22) — The House approved three bills today that would increase access to affordable housing across the state. HB19-1309 creates a low cost and effective Mobile Home Park Act Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program within the Department of Local Affairs Housing Division. It also provides counties the same permissive authority that home-rule municipalities have to enact and enforce regulations. “Colorado mobile home owners have been raising serious concerns for years about mistreatment from park owners. There are more than 900 mobile parks in Colorado and the lack of enforcement of existing laws is troubling,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “ This bill will protect Coloradans who are being exploited by relatively loose regulatory structures.” In addition, HB19-1309 extends the time a homeowner has to sell or move from their home after an eviction from 48 hours to 30 days, and extends the time to cure a late payment from five days to ten days. The bill would help provide protections for mobile home park residents. “In rural communities, affordable housing is at a premium and mobile home parks are an essential part of the solution to our housing crisis,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “However, there are many concerns about how residents are being treated in parks. This bill will create a process for effectively resolving conflicts so mobile home parks can remain a strong housing option for Coloradans.” The bill passed on a final vote of 41-23. The House also passed HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman. This bill would contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This bill is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. HB19-1245 passed by a final vote of 36-28. It now heads to the Senate. Finally, the House approved a bipartisan bill, HB19-1319 sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, that would creates incentives to assist land developers in providing affordable housing statewide, and also identify undeveloped land owned by the state that could be developed for affordable housing purposes. “Too many hardworking Coloradans are not able to afford a place to live,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “This is a problem in urban, suburban and rural communities. So many people and communities are counting on us to address this challenge and to make meaningful change. This bill will help our state make use of un-utilized property and remove obsolete regulatory hurdles that stand in the way of funding affordable housing.” HB19-1319 passed with a bipartisan vote of 63-1. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

The bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills. < Back September 26, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: American Indian Affairs Interim Committee Advances Three Bills DENVER, CO – The bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills. This includes bills to extend the interim committee for an additional five years, reclassify bison as big game and recognize Tribal legal authority in arrest warrants and civil commitments. “When we formed this interim committee, we affirmed our commitment to working alongside the sovereign Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and community partners to create stronger government-to-government relationships,” said Chair Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of Bill 1. “One of the bills we advanced today will extend this interim committee for another five years so we can continue to keep an open line of communication between American Indian Tribal Nations and the state of Colorado. Lasting, impactful policy is formed when everyone has a seat at the table, and I’m proud to support these bills that will continue to build trust and support.” “The General Assembly has worked intentionally over the past few years to meaningfully integrate Tribal Nations into decision-making at the Capitol but this dedicated committee was an especially important process,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of Bill 5. “The American Indian Affairs Interim Committee has been a productive opportunity to work hand-in-hand on the issues and goals of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and all native people living in Colorado. The legislation I’m sponsoring will ensure the state recognizes decisions by Tribal courts, helping to honor the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and improving public safety.” “The Native Ute people were here long before Colorado was a state, and this interim committee is another avenue to build and strengthen our inter-governmental relationship,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 3 and 5. “The bills advanced today, specifically our legislation to protect bison and recognize an arrest warrant issued by a Tribal court, will help us bridge the communications gap between governments while honoring the sovereignty of the Tribal Nations.” “It is my honor to work alongside leaders of the Native American community. The interim committee moved three good policies forward today,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of Bills 1, 3, and 5. “There is still more work to do, and I am committed to these efforts – beyond this interim committee and into the years to come.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Committee Chair Majority Leader Duran, Vice Chair Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, Sen. Danielson, and Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, extends the American Indian Affairs Interim Committee for an additional five years. Under this bill, after five years this committee will be re-evaluated by the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council members. The extension of this six-member committee would entail a new progress reporting process to continue to examine issues and challenges that impact American Indian Tribal Nations. Bill 3 , sponsored by Sen. Danielson and Rep. Joseph, would reclassify bison as “wildlife” and “big game” unless the bison are owned as livestock. Classifying bison as wildlife would mean that hunting or poaching the animal is illegal unless authorized by rule of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). CPW would manage the bison in order to help maintain the health of the population and provide compensation for farmers and ranchers if damage to property occurs. Under this bill, bison would join classification with other big game, such as elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose and bighorn sheep. Bison are sacred animals to the Tribal community and this bill would help prevent illegal hunting and poaching. Bill 5 , sponsored by Sens. Roberts and Danielson and Reps. Weinberg and Joseph, would change Colorado state law to recognize an arrest warrant issued by a federally recognized Tribe with a reservation within the exterior boundaries of the state. This bill also requires that any commitment order issued by a Tribal court is recognized to the same extent as a commitment order entered by a state court, which includes orders from law enforcement agencies, behavioral health facilities and health care providers. This bill would ensure that a state court shall give full faith and credit to an arrest warrant and civil commitment issued by a Tribal court. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Today’s meeting also included presentations from the Office of the Liaison for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Director Melody Delmar, the Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety, Director Dr. Matt Lunn, and the Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP CONDEMNS ATTACK ON AMERICAN DEMOCRACY DENVER – Senate President Leroy Garcia, House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following joint statement condemning the violent assault on the US Capitol and attack on American Democracy: “American democracy is under attack. Nothing short of a siege is raining down on Congress, incited by a president who has refused to give up power after a free and fair election and enabled by those willing to turn a blind eye as our foundational principles are trampled. Our democracy is precious and requires constant vigilance and protection. Today was a harrowing reminder that it can crumble without the efforts of everyday Americans working to keep it strong. “Now is the time for every patriotic leader in our nation, regardless of party, to call for peace and an immediate halt to this violent attack. Our country has a rich history of bipartisan cooperation and common sense. We must work together to ensure that these values prevail again and encourage the public to remain peaceful and solemn in the face of those who wish to divide us.” Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. < Back March 9, 2026 Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Outdoor Recreation Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. HB26-1008 passed the House by a vote of 47-17. “In communities like mine, outdoor recreation drives the economy, bolsters our workforce and supports local businesses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “With the passage of this bill, we’re taking steps now to balance outdoor recreation, wildlife and our natural resources so that future generations can enjoy them as we do. This bill improves collaboration among key conservation efforts, agriculture, private landowners and other public land users to maximize the outdoor recreation potential of Colorado and protect our open spaces.” HB26-1008 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. Colorado’s lands support a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and this bill directs stewards of our lands to collaborate with stakeholders from all different land-use backgrounds, from wildlife and natural resource advocates to agricultural communities and private landowners. Specifically, this bill formalizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) role in leading Colorado’s outdoors strategy to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience in the state. As the lead coordinator, CPW will ensure outdoor recreation needs are well-represented in its leadership and increase coordination to anticipate and respond to potential conflicts. The strategy prioritizes integrating data and metrics from existing efforts, partnering with local and federal agencies, and shoring up state capacity in this area. The goal of HB26-1008 is to proactively streamline planning and management so that the state can continue to provide high-quality experiences to all outdoor users. CPW manages 43 state parks and over 350 wildlife areas, covering roughly 900,000 acres in Colorado. Previous Next