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< Back March 4, 2020 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES PUBLIC SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS Committee approves bills to allow behavioral analysts in public schools and excuse absences for behavioral health issues DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Education today considered a pair of bills, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, and Lisa Cutter, to address behavioral health in public schools and support students with behavioral health issues. HB20-1058 , sponsored by Rep. Froelich, would require local school boards and other education service providers to adopt a policy that will allow behavior health analysts to provide medically necessary services to students in public schools by July, 2021. “Parents have long advocated for policies that allow their children to get the necessary behavioral services they need in public schools,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill gives parents a path forward and aims to improve educational and behavioral health outcomes for all of Colorado’s students.” SB20-014 , Sponsored by Reps. Michaelson Jenet and Cutter, would require schools to excuse absences for behavioral health concerns in their attendance policies. This bill came out of the School Safety Interim Committee and already passed the Senate unanimously. “Faced with a mental health crisis, we need to finally acknowledge that behavioral health concerns can be just as serious as physical health concerns,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Ensuring that public schools allow excused behavioral health absences is an important step forward.” “With Colorado’s youth suicide rate soaring, we need to explore every option available to get our kids the behavioral health support they need,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Allowing Colorado’s students to take the time off they need to seek care for or heal from behavioral health issues will help destigmatize mental health and move us forward.” Previous Next

< Back February 6, 2019 HOUSE PASSES TIPPER & KENNEDY’S BILL TO ENSURE LOCAL CONTROL FOR SALE OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS (Feb. 6) – The House passed a bill today sponsored by Representative Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood and Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood to allow local governments to make their own decision regarding the licensing, taxation and assessing of fees for tobacco products. “We should restore local control and give communities the tools they need to address the epidemic of teen vaping head on,” said Rep. Tipper. “Colorado leads the nation in teen vaping. This is the canary in the coal mine. If we don’t do something now, we will have a generation of folks to answer to.” In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado an “F” grade for its low taxes on nicotine products like traditional and e-cigarettes. “The ultimate goal of this bill is to acknowledge the teen vaping epidemic. Twenty-six percent of high school student use e-cigs, which is the highest in nation,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Teens using e-cigs make them six times more likely to smoke actual cigarettes in their lives, which we know is a major health risk.” Colorado tobacco taxes are lower than most other states. The American Lung Association also gave a “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. HB19-1033 passed the House floor by a vote of 38-26. The bill now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2019 COLORADO HOUSE PASSES TWO HOUSING BILLS (Apr. 25) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that would expand the supply of affordable housing and hold landlords accountable. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved Rep. Leslie Herod’s bill that establishes duties for landlords and tenants in addressing the presence of bed bugs. “Bed bugs are harmful. They disrupt our lives in profound ways, threatening the health and well-being of our families,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will ensure that landlords inspect and treat bed bug infestations quickly, so that people can resume their lives.” Under HB19-1328, tenants must promptly notify their landlord when they know or reasonably suspect the presence of bed bugs. Not more than 96 hours after receiving notice, a landlord must obtain an inspection by a qualified inspector and treat the bed bugs in that unit and any adjacent units also affected. The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. < Back September 5, 2024 Rep. Froelich Speaks at Rally to Protect Children, Encourage Family Court Reform DENVER, CO – Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. “Over the years, we’ve passed significant legislation to reform Colorado’s family court system so it prioritizes survivors of domestic violence and child abuse,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Today’s rally serves as a reminder that we have a long way to go to achieve justice for survivors and protect our children. I strongly encourage our justices, judges and magistrates to not only inform themselves on the trauma associated with domestic violence, including the damage done by forced reunification therapy but to put survivors' needs first. We will continue to fight for a future where family court works to protect survivors instead of re-traumatizing them again and again.” “When it comes to Colorado’s family court system, we need to ensure it’s working for the survivors and families – not the abusive parent,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This year we passed a new law that requires child and family investigators and evaluators to serve in the best interest of the child and we will keep working to reform our family court system until it serves survivors first.” This session, Reps. Froelich and Story, sponsored HB24-1350 , which requires child and family investigators and evaluators to provide options that serve the best interest of the child and provides court personnel in domestic violence and child abuse cases with training opportunities to recognizing coercive control. Rep. Story was also in attendance at today’s rally. Rep. Froelich has played an integral role in redefining and updating state laws to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and child abuse in family court. This includes recent legislation to restrict forced reunification therapy, which can re-traumatize children and families who have experienced abuse. Additionally, Rep. Froelich championed HB23-1178 , which created new requirements for family courts to recognize and respond to child abuse and domestic violence as well as make custody decisions that prioritize child safety and HB21-1228 which increased domestic violence training requirements for court personnel regularly involved in cases related to domestic violence. The rally was sparked by a recent family court case in Larimer County. Rep. Froelich and more than a dozen state lawmakers signed on to a letter urging Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez to take action to address some of the flaws in Colorado’s family court system, including protecting children from re-traumatization through reunification when it is not in the best interest of the child. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 PFAS BILL MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan legislation ensures that PFAS-based firefighting foam won’t pollute groundwater when tested and puts tough restrictions on future use of PFAS firefighting foam DENVER, CO– Representative Tony Exum’s legislation to protect communities and firefighters from PFAS contamination today passed the House Committee on Energy and Environment by a vote of 11-0. “PFAS is a dangerous chemical that is harming our communities and firefighters across the state,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill will help us identify all the facilities that use PFAS substances. It will prevent more of these chemicals from entering our groundwater by placing strict limits on their use and by ensuring that when they are used, they are collected and disposed of property.” HB20-1119 sets out clear guidelines for when AFFF fire fighting foam (PFAS-based firefighting foam) can be tested, requiring that all AFFF foam be collected and properly disposed of after testing. The bill also requires the state to certify and register every facility that possesses PFAS fire fighting substances and to create standards for the disposal and capture of these substances when they are used so that they do not contaminate groundwater. The bill provides the state with information about where PFAS is being used and stored across the state to mitigate and prevent future contamination. To obtain a certification, a facility must prove that it follows the standards for the capture and disposal of PFAS substances. Training and testing with AFFF fire fighting foam is one of the leading causes of PFAS contamination and exposure. Elevated levels of PFAS contamination have been found on and near US military bases across the country due to decades of lax testing and training standards for disposing and handling of AFFF fire fighting foam on installations. While the military and private companies are working to create a fire firefighting foam that does not contain PFAS, AFFF is still the only product available that can efficiently and effectively combat jet fuel and other extreme, or high intensity fires. Airports and other facilities that use jet fuel, or other highly combustible materials, need to test their fire suppression systems, and at times, train with AFFF. The bill ensures that when they do, the AFFF doesn’t end up in the state’s ground water. Previous Next

< Back January 27, 2020 LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION ADVANCES Bipartisan interim committee legislation would expand tax deduction for mitigation efforts and raise awareness of mitigation resources available to landowners DENVER, CO– HB 20-1004 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, today passed the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture by a vote of 11-0. The bill would help landowners in wildfire hazard areas protect their homes, by increasing outreach efforts between local experts and residents living in these areas. “We’ve heard from communities and residents that they often don’t know about all the resources available to them to protect their homes and other property from wildfires,” said Rep. Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “This bill would provide information on best practices and resources on wildfire mitigation available for landowners, as well as a tax credit for performing such mitigation on their properties.” Colorado currently offers landowners wildfire mitigation resources, but many residents in high hazard areas are unaware of the available resources and best practices. This bill would create a grant program to conduct outreach to landowners to spread information about the resources available to them and the best practices for wildfire mitigation. Local governments, special districts, tribal agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits would be eligible for the grant funding. Currently, property owners can claim a tax deduction for 50 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation measures up to $2,500. HB20-1004 would create a tax credit of 25 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation efforts up to $2,500. For example, if a property owner spends $2,500 on mitigation efforts, they would receive $625 off their taxes. Previous Next

< Back December 10, 2020 HOOTON AND A. VALDEZ APPOINTED TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced his appointment of Reps. Edie Hooton and Alex Valdez to the Capital Development Committee (CDC). Rep. Hooton will serve as the senior member on the Committee. “Rep. Edie Hooton is a committed lawmaker and consensus builder who I’m sure will take on the work of the CDC with her signature grace and dedication,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “She’ll be joined by returning CDC member Alex Valdez, whose tenacity and private sector experience have made him an invaluable asset to the committee. I’m so proud of these two members and look forward to watching them deliver for the people of Colorado.” “It’s an honor to take on this new and important role,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “The CDC stewards some of Colorado’s most important investments for our institutions of higher education and our state agencies, and I’ll work hard to ensure they are responsibly managed and cared for.” “I’m excited to resume my work on the Capital Development Committee next session,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “A careful and thorough review of our capital projects will allow us to make solid recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee and build back a more just economy for all. Let’s get to work!” The Capital Development Committee (CDC) is a statutory committee responsible for reviewing funding requests for capital projects from all state agencies, and making prioritized recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Hooton will be serving her third term in the state legislature, where she has served as the Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee and on the Transportation and Local Government Committee. She has also served as the Co-Caucus Chair for the House Majority Caucus. Rep. Hooton represents District 10, which includes parts of Boulder County. Rep. Alex Valdez is serving in his second term. In addition to serving on the CDC, Rep. Valdez has also served on the Energy & Environment and Transportation & Local Government committees. He represents House District 5, which includes parts of Denver. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO MODERNIZE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT CLEARS COMMITTEE Teen vaping is an epidemic in Colorado (Feb. 27) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill that modernizes the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City would add hookah smoking, electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited activities in indoor public places and workplaces. “Colorado teens are engaging in e-cigarette and vaping use at an alarming rate. As a parent of teenagers, I share the concern of moms and dads who are worried about this growing public health issue and how it is impacting their children,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “It’s time to show our young people that vaping is harmful for them, their peers and their long term health.” HB19-1076 looks to protect people of all ages against the dangers of secondhand smoking exposure from electronic cigarettes. It will also ensure that existing smoke-free laws are being enforced. In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General called teen vaping an epidemic . In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado a “B” grade for its smoke-free air citing Colorado’s use of electronic smoking devices indoor. The report also suggested strengthening state and local laws around youth access to tobacco products to raise “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. The bill passed the committee 10-1 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

Legislation would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which provides low interest loans to Colorado small businesses < Back April 18, 2024 Ricks’ Bill to Support Small Business, Create Jobs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance today passed legislation to support Colorado small businesses. HB24-1453 would permanently extend the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund to better support small businesses. By the end of 2024, the CLIMBER Program will provide $250 million in loans to Colorado small businesses. “Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone to our thriving, growing economy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill extends the successful small business loan program, CLIMBER, to uplift our small businesses, create jobs and boost local economies. The CLIMBER Program provides low-interest loans up to $500,000 to help Colorado small businesses expand, increase pay for their employees, open up new locations and more. Our small businesses make Colorado unique – and this bill gives our small businesses a leg up as they positively impact our communities.” HB24-1453 , passed by a vote of 11-0. This bill would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which is set to expire later this year. The goal of HB24-1453 is to make the CLIMBER Program permanent and to better support underserved businesses with the resources and expertise needed to secure these favorable loans. The bill would transfer the program from the Colorado Department of Treasury to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, which houses various programs and resources to support and ensure the success of under-capitalized businesses.To extend the CLIMBER Program and keep it operating long-term, this bill would also ensure $35 million in allocated funds stay with the program and allow for the recapture of repaid loans and other funds to be used for future loans to small businesses. Under the program, small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. These loans can be used to hire more employees, start or expand brick-and-mortar storefronts, get new businesses off the ground and more. Of the loans already distributed by the CLIMBER Program, it is estimated to have supported 1,098 jobs and provided capital to create at least 86 positions. Since its creation in 2020, the CLIMBER Program has provided 246 small business loans across 26 counties totaling over $18 million dollars. Previous Next

The House Energy and Environment Committee yesterday passed HB26-1226 to fight back against federal mandates that force coal plants set to retire to stay operational, which will drive up costs to ratepayers and derail Colorado’s clean energy future. < Back February 27, 2026 Bill to Fight Back Against Federal Attempts to Steamroll Colorado’s Energy Future Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee yesterday passed HB26-1226 to fight back against federal mandates that force coal plants set to retire to stay operational, which will drive up costs to ratepayers and derail Colorado’s clean energy future. “Ratepayers shouldn’t bear the brunt of Trump’s politically-motivated attempt to bring inoperable and out-of-service coal plants back online,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “This robust bill pushes back against federal overreach that would derail Colorado’s climate goals and end up costing ratepayers more. Major stakeholders agree – from the Attorney General and environmental groups to the operators of the Craig Unit 1 power plant – forcing coal-plants to stay online will increase utility costs for Coloradans. This bill establishes authority for Colorado to plan our own energy future and help protect ratepayers from price hikes.” “Ratepayers deserve to know how much propping up an aging, broken down coal-fired power plant will cost them on their utility bills,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Trump’s politically-motivated use of an emergency order to keep an aging coal plant online in Northwest Colorado will cost Coloradans money on their utility bills and set back our climate goals. Colorado has made significant progress toward its climate goals, and this bill helps safeguard utilities, ratepayers and regulators so we can plan for our own energy future.” HB26-1226 passed committee by a vote of 9-3. This bill protects Colorado’s utility consumers, air quality and clean energy goals. To safeguard Colorado’s environment, this bill helps to mitigate the impacts of federal interference in Colorado’s energy future, ensures energy reliability, and modernizes standards for coal plant pollution. If a coal-fired plants are permitted to operate past 2030, this bill would: Mandate that consumers and regulators are given information on the costs of keeping coal plants open, and give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) financing tools to manage operating costs, minimizing the impact on ratepayers. Ensure the PUC approves new resources for Colorado’s largest electric utilities to help Colorado reach our climate targets and retire coal plants on schedule. Require that coal plants still in operation use modern pollution controls to reduce emissions and help Colorado reach its climate goals. In addition to informing consumers about the cost impacts of keeping coal plants open past their retirement date, this bill also allows utility companies to use securitization as a financing tool if it lowers costs for ratepayers. This would include refinanced debt or long-term, low-interest bonds on large-scale projects to help lower costs for ratepayers now. To reduce pollution, this bill would require the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to issue a rule to set limits on the emission of NOx and SO2 from coal-fired power plants, unless those plants have retired or converted to burn a fuel other than coal. HB26-1226 would also require operators to submit quarterly emissions reports showing compliance beginning in 2030. Last December, the Trump Administration issued a 202(c) emergency order to keep an aging coal-fired power plant in Craig operating, despite the plant's scheduled retirement in late 2025. This unprecedented order was challenged by the Colorado Attorney General and environmental groups late last month. Additionally, the owners of the coal power plant, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and the Platte River Power Authority filed a formal petition asking the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider to “find a more effective and affordable path forward, one that will not delay retirement of Craig Unit 1.” Previous Next

< Back January 16, 2019 JOINT PRESS RELEASE: JBC DEMS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL (Jan. 16) – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) welcomed Gov. Jared Polis’ first budget proposal this afternoon. In response to the budget proposal, members of the JBC released the following statements: “After meeting with Gov. Polis to learn more about his budget proposal, I believe his ideas are a solid blueprint which we can build upon for our next budget. I look forward to continued conversations between the JBC and the Governor to see how we can best fulfill these requests and fund these programs in the long-term,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I thank the Governor for speaking with us today about his budget proposal,” said JBC vice-chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “As we start the work of building the budget over the coming months, I look forward to working with the Governor to make responsible investments in education and infrastructure, ensure state employees are paid a living wage, and to lower the cost of living in order to meet the needs of Southern Colorado and our entire state.” “I’m glad we had the opportunity to meet with the Governor to discuss his budget proposal, and we are ready to get to work on a budget that will help us enact these bold ideas without compromising fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we begin to hammer out the details, I’m confident that we will find viable paths forward on bold ideas like implementing full-day kindergarten, addressing our teacher shortage, funding special education programs, and other critical issues facing Coloradans.” The Governor’s budget includes shared priorities of both House and Senate Democrats, including legislation to lower the cost of out-of-control prescription drugs and creating a public reinsurance program. “We are ready to work with Gov. Polis and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance our shared policy goals and ensure that we responsibly manage our state budget,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “As we move through this process, that means investing in renewable energy, education, health care and transportation solutions that will lead to continued success for Colorado.” Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to support students, homeowners, renters and create safer communities. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . This session focused on gun violence prevention, protecting reproductive rights, record public school funding, improving air quality and reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs. DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS PARA ESPAÑOL, PRIMA AQUÍ DOWNLOAD REPORT