Search Results

< Back July 2, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — During a virtual bill signing ceremony today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law three bills to hold corporate polluters accountable, enhance public notification requirements when toxic chemicals are emitted by polluters, and improve the energy efficiency of new public school constructions. HB20-1265 , sponsored by Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Valdez, will inform Colorado communities when toxic chemicals are emitted from many refineries, factories, coal plants and other facilities. These air toxins heavily impact the communities that live close by and can cause a number of health complications. This new law requires facilities to conduct outreach in English and Spanish and notify the surrounding communities when they release toxic levels of benzene, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide into the air. The requirement applies to both anticipated or unanticipated incidents, including as a result of a malfunction, start-up, shutdown, upset or emergency. “The new law signed today will protect the rights of all Coloradans to breathe clean air and ensure they are empowered with clear information about the activities of their industrial neighbors,” said Rep. Benavidez, D-Adams County. “The often low-income, often non-English speaking communities that are directly affected by toxic emissions have a right to know when polluters release deadly chemicals into the air their children breathe. This common sense new law requires notification and will help ensure Coloradans have the information they need.” “This new law came about through the power of an organized community demanding change,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “Notifying communities when dangerous levels of toxins have been emitted is a reasonable requirement for industry, but it will go a long way towards empowering our neighborhoods, our families, and our state with crucial information. I’m proud of the work we’ve done here.” The second bill signed into law, HB20-1143 , sponsored by Reps. Dominique Jackson and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would hold polluters accountable by increasing criminal penalties for the pollution of state waters and raising the maximum daily fine for civil air and water quality violations. The bill would also give the Attorney General and District Attorneys jurisdiction over water quality violations. “By increasing the consequences for polluters, today we took an important step towards ensuring corporate accountability and protecting our environment,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “All Coloradans have the right to clean air and water, and this will go a long way to guarantee that the bad actors infringing on this right are held accountable.” “Far too many people of color and low-income Coloradans deal with the health impacts of air and water pollution in their communities every day,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This new law provides more tools to crack down on polluters and encourage them to take community health and safety more seriously. There is no excuse for polluting the air our communities breathe and the water our children drink.” Finally, Governor Polis signed SB20-124 , Representative Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to help Colorado’s public schools become more energy efficient. Under current law, the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program uses a specific set of guidelines when reviewing applications for grant funding for capital repairs or improvements. This new law will add a guideline for the BEST program to consider when looking at grant applications that they consult with the local electric utility on energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, and distributed generation opportunities. “As a teacher, I know firsthand how much Colorado’s schools need the type of support provided by BEST grants,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “In addition to considering things like health and safety issues and broadband connectivity, the BEST program will now take into account the energy efficiency of schools applying for grant funding. Helping our schools become energy efficient will save school districts crucial funds and go a long way towards protecting the environment that Colorado’s children will grow up with.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect Consumers, Improve EV Charging Oversight DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. HB25-1267 passed by a vote of 40-23. “EVs are incredibly popular in Colorado, and our EV charging stations need to be reliable and accurate,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “Consumer protections are already in place for Coloradans who drive gas-powered vehicles to ensure they’re getting what they pay for at the pump; this bill extends similar protections to EV drivers. The demand for EVs is only growing in Colorado, and this bill ensures divers receive the electricity they pay for.” “We’re taking steps now to make sure Colorado’s charging station infrastructure can meet the growing demand for EVs and help us reach our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Colorado’s EV market share is number one in the country, and this bill makes sure EV charging stations are reliable and accurate. Gas pumps are regularly inspected to ensure drivers get what they pay for, and this bill does the same for EV drivers.” HB25-1267 aims to improve oversight of retail EV charging stations to ensure consumers receive the energy they pay for. To accomplish this, the bill creates a new statewide retail EV charging station oversight program to establish and oversee minimum standards for charging stations. The state already monitors gas pumps to ensure consumers receive the amount of gas they are paying for; this bill extends the same consumer protection protocols for EV drivers The popularity of EVs in Colorado continues to grow. Colorado recently became number one in the country regarding market share of new EVs, surpassing California. This legislation also aims to help Colorado meet current and future EV infrastructure demand by modifying the EV grant fund. This includes updated policies, procedures and utility oversight of public charging stations. In 2023, Colorado Democrats championed an expansive tax credit package that included incentives for EV buyers to reach our state’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado , commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “It’s time we make Juneteenth a state holiday in Colorado,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “This significant Emancipation Day has been celebrated by the Black community for generations and deserves statewide recognition, celebration and reflection. I’m proud to champion this important legislation that not only educates Coloradans on the atrocities of slavery, but makes way for voices of the Black community. The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.” SB22-139 passed commitee by a vote of 10 to 1 and would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker on a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. < Back March 27, 2025 Legislation to Strengthen Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker on a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. “Under threat of the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When someone is wronged, we have a duty to create a pathway to justice. I’m sponsoring this legislation to uphold our shared values of fairness, dignity, and equality under Colorado law and better protect Coloradans who experience discrimination.” “This bill addresses unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “From housing discrimination to inaccessible building entrances, Coloradans with disabilities have faced barriers to access for far too long. This legislation provides crucial recourse to people with disabilities and other victims of discrimination to ensure they can receive the justice they deserve.” HB25-1239 expands protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. This bill would allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the bill, victims would be able to pursue attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury are limited to $50,000, and a defendant is entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days after the complaint is filed and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly made or caused the violation. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE Bill goes to Gov for signature (May 1) – The House sent a bill sponsored by Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, to the Governor. The bill will take action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water, and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. “We can address climate change, create clean energy jobs, reduce carbon pollution and help our economy all at once,” s aid Speaker Becker. “I thank my colleagues for taking action to address this challenge and we look forward to the Governor signing it into law. Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries and in Colorado we take pride in the fact that we are doing our part to address the impacts of climate change. This bill sets goals to reduce carbon pollution and some utilities have already set carbon-free goals.” “We too frequently see the smog, and the hazy, bad air quality impacting the air we all breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” said Rep. Jackson when the bill passed the House in April. “We’ve all heard the stories about elderly individuals who have been physically harmed because they couldn’t cool their home. Our seniors, low income people and especially communities of color are more likely to bear the impacts of climate change. Let’s preserve our Colorado way of life today.” Rep. Jackson is Chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. Establishing science-based goals & taking action to meet them are critical to Colorado’s future. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. The House re-passed the bill after the Senate added amendments on a vote 39-24. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back March 31, 2025 House Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. “People of color and low-income communities are disproportionately more likely to be involved in the justice system, and excessive fees make it increasingly difficult for them to break cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Eliminating administrative fees helps make Colorado’s juvenile justice system more equitable so we can set up Colorado youth for success.” “This legislation helps reduce youth recidivism and financial burdens on Colorado families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our bill builds off a bipartisan law to eliminate certain court fees that can be debilitating for justice-involved youth and their families. This is one step we can take to create a more equitable justice system and make our communities safer for all.” The Colorado General Assembly passed a 2021 law to ban certain court fees and fines for juveniles who are in the juvenile justice system and their families. It also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. The law is set to be repealed on June 30, 2025. HB25-1294 makes this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees. The bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service. Previous Next

On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1444 will implement History Colorado recommendations to support healing generational trauma in tribal communities, capture oral histories and dive deeper into long-standing inequities faced by tribal communities. SB24-053 will examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. < Back July 29, 2024 Laws to Extend Federal Indian Boarding School Research Program, Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1444 will implement History Colorado recommendations to support healing generational trauma in tribal communities, capture oral histories and dive deeper into long-standing inequities faced by tribal communities. SB24-053 will examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. “History Colorado’s research about the dark history of federal Indian boarding schools left us with a choice on how to right these wrongs and better support our tribal communities today,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, sponsor of HB24-1444. “This law extends this important research for another three years, acknowledging the abuse and forced assimilation that occurred, and addressing some of the longstanding inequities still faced by our tribal communities.” “I was proud to join this bipartisan effort to acknowledge and address the injustices faced by American Indian communities in Colorado,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1444. “By extending the federal Indian boarding school research program until 2027 and providing new funding, we are helping ensure that the voices and experiences of tribal communities are heard and respected.” “We cannot erase the horrors of the past, but we must face them,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1444. “This new law directs the state of Colorado to continue to expose the truth about the American Indian boarding schools.” HB24-1444 , in consultation with tribes, extends the federal Indian boarding school research program within History Colorado until 2027. Enacted in 2022 through HB22-1327 , this research program was tasked with researching the victimization that occurred at American Indian boarding schools in Colorado. History Colorado released the findings from their report and recommendations in October 2023, which revealed that nine institutions in the state attempted to assimilate American Indian students. HB24-1444 invests $1 million to continue the program in consultation with different tribes, putting forward recommendations to work toward social, educational and economic equity for tribal communities. “Systemic racism has impacted Black Coloradans in every facet of our lives, leading to negative impacts like poorer health outcomes and less likelihood of accumulating generational wealth,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver , sponsor of SB24-053 . “While one law can’t make up for the impacts that Black Coloradans have endured, this legislation will help us identify the impacts that racial inequalities have had on our Black community so we can take intentional and effective action.” “Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-053. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and will give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.” “Racial equity studies can be a useful tool to address racial inequity by compiling data of the long-term impacts that systematic racism has had on Black communities,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora , sponsor of SB24-053 . “Our legislation directs History Colorado to look further into how racial inequalities have impacted the success of Black Coloradans so we can develop meaningful policy that will make a real difference for our future.” SB24-053 creates the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations on the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. History Colorado will conduct research across areas such as economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in this law, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study also includes an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Previous Next

< Back November 20, 2023 Democrats Reduce Property Taxes, Increase Support for Renters and Working People DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, today released the following statements upon conclusion of the 2023 Extraordinary Session of the 74th General Assembly: “I’m proud that Colorado Democrats stepped up to meet this moment and provide urgent property tax cuts, relief for working families and support for renters,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans all across the state are going to save money on their property taxes next year while schools continue to receive the increased funding they desperately need. This responsible package delivers for the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our affordability crisis and returns more money to the people who need it the most by boosting the incomes of hardworking families and making Colorado more affordable.” “Over the past few days, Democrats were laser-focused on providing short-term relief to those most vulnerable to the rising cost of living – which means working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes – while protecting our schools and fire districts,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The legislation we passed provides responsible, much-needed relief to Coloradans who need it the most, while leaving room for more robust discussion on what a long-term fix looks like. I’m proud that we rose to meet the moment and passed legislation that will make our state more affordable and provide responsible relief to the folks who need it most.” “With rising property taxes threatening to upend the lifelong investments seniors, veterans and people on fixed incomes have made in their homes and their American dream, we did everything we could to responsibly lower property taxes while protecting our schools and fire districts,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a Latina, it was deeply important to me that all Coloradans, and especially lower-income people and people of color see relief from the rising cost of living in our state, and they will. There’s more work to do starting in January, but Coloradans can be sure that we hear them and are taking action to deliver real results.” “Democrats worked hard to pass legislation to make our state more affordable and deliver targeted relief to some of our most vulnerable Coloradans, ” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “The call for this special session gave us a clear directive for the past few days, but the policies we passed mark the start – not the finish line – for the progress we’ll make next session. In just a few short weeks we’ll be back at the Capitol to build on this work and continue taking bold action to improve the lives of all Coloradans.” SB23B-001 , sponsored by President Fenberg, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, Speaker McCluskie, and Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, provides over $430 million in property tax relief by increasing the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $55,000 and decreasing the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for locals services, like schools, fire districts and libraries. HB23B-1001 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, boosts statewide rental assistance to a total of $65 million, securing an additional $30 million on top of the $35 million from federal funds already allocated. The bill provides financial assistance for rent owed and other related costs for Colorado tenants making at or below 80 percent of the area median income. SB23B-002 , sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Lorena Garcia, D-unincorporated Adams County, allocates an estimated $35 million in federal funds to expand Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) benefits, which will help families purchase groceries from SNAP retailers during the summer months when child hunger is most severe. Families with children eligible for the national free and reduced-price school meals program will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024. HB23B-1002 , sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglen, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, expands the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average tax credit is $521. By increasing the EITC to 50 percent, families will see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. SB23B-003 , sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, adjusts the TABOR refund mechanism for the 2023 tax year to provide an equal refund of $800 for all taxpayers, increasing TABOR refunds for the majority of filers and by hundreds of dollars for lower-income people. HB23B-1003 , sponsored by Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, President Fenberg, and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, creates the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax to provide recommendations for long and short term property tax relief and evaluate the impact of property tax related ballot measures filed at the title board this year. The goal of HB23B-1003 is to gather leaders from across the state and key constituencies impacted by property taxes to map out potential long-term solutions to property taxes that have been rising since Coloradans voted to repeal the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCES “PLAN OF ACTION” IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 On Thursday afternoon, leadership of all four legislative caucuses in the Colorado General Assembly agreed on the following “Plan of Action” over the coming days in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak: Step One: House Bill 20-1359 was introduced this afternoon and has passed the House Judiciary Committee and Second Reading in the House of Representatives. This bill will move swiftly through the General Assembly with the goal of being delivered to Governor Jared Polis by Saturday, March 14. This legislation, drafted with the leadership of all caucuses and with the support of both the Colorado Democratic Party and the Colorado Republican Party, will give county political parties more control regarding where their assemblies are to be conducted and what procedures they must follow. This includes allowing for changes in location and allowance of electronic means of participation for delegates and candidates if such means can be secured by those entities. Step Two: A Joint Resolution will be introduced in the House of Representatives to ask the Colorado Supreme Court – via an interrogatory – to clarify the General Assembly’s ability to count legislative days non-consecutively. The State Constitution limits the General Assembly’s session to “no more than 120 calendar days,” but does not clearly define whether that means consecutive days; and a Joint Rule provides for the ability to meet non-consecutively when a public health-related emergency has been declared by the Governor. Clarification from the Supreme Court would avoid the potential risk of litigation over ambiguity regarding the counting of those 120 days. Step Three: A Joint Resolution is currently being drafted that would allow both the Senate and the House to adjourn temporarily. As of now, there is no plan on when that Resolution would be introduced or for what period of time the General Assembly might be adjourned. This is being drafted as a precaution so that we are prepared in the event that the General Assembly decides it is in the best interest of staff, legislators, lobbyists, and the public at large to temporarily adjourn for some length of time. Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) released the following statement: “Protecting the health and safety of state employees as well as the public, is our top priority right now. We are currently navigating all of our options and will continue to do our due diligence in determining how to proceed in the coming weeks. By taking these next steps, we are laying the groundwork to act quickly if necessary, while allowing essential tenets of democracy to continue. In moments like this, Coloradans need unity, and I applaud my colleagues in both chambers in working together during this difficult time.” Speaker of the House K.C. Becker (D-Boulder) released the following statement: “The health and safety of all Coloradans is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and are in close contact with state agencies, public health experts and the governor. Any decision we make will be informed by public health experts and our State’s Constitution. Today we are taking steps to prepare the General Assembly for actions we may need to take to protect the public, and I am grateful for the willingness of leaders in both parties and in both chambers to work together during this public health emergency.” Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County) released the following statement: “Unlike a sports league, an amusement park, or a parade, the General Assembly is obligated to follow the Colorado Constitution. We are determined to prioritize the health and safety of all who work in – or visit – the Colorado State Capitol, and that means taking these steps to ensure we remain constitutionally compliant in every action we take. I am thankful for Democrat and Republican leadership in both chambers for working collaboratively. This is truly a Colorado effort.” House Minority Leader Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock) released the following statement: “As a legislature, we need to ensure the safety of not only this body, but more importantly the public. The Capitol sees hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors a day and we have a duty to protect them. That being said, we, as legislators, are unable to perform our duties without public input. I cannot represent the people of Colorado if they are shut out of the building. If we go into recess, we have to make certain that no legislative business is done without the participation of the people. As many of my colleagues know, public testimony can make or break a bill.” Previous Next

New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price < Back May 28, 2025 Signed! New Law Will Reduce Property Insurance Costs New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price LOUISVILLE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they can take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about what they can do to reduce their risk and save money. This law promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “I frequently hear from constituents that they are being denied insurance or their premiums have increased dramatically. It has always concerned me that we incentivize and encourage mitigation, but there’s no way to tie these efforts directly to insurance," said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This new law addresses that, requiring insurers to consider mitigation efforts, provide transparency to homeowners on the wildfire risk models they use, and give them the opportunity to appeal directly.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation efforts help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this law helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This new law will improve transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 , also sponsored by Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, requires insurance companies that use risk management models to assess price according to risk of wildfires and other catastrophic events to provide thorough information about how the models impact an individual’s insurance policy with policyholders and the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Insurance companies must also accurately consider mitigation efforts from policyholders when assessing risk, implement and publicize discounts and rewards programs for mitigating risk, and clear a path for policyholders to appeal their risk classification data if they believe it’s inaccurate. Insurers are required to respond to an appeal with a decision within 30 calendar days. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2021 MULLICA BILLS SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH SEIZURE DISORDERS, END LEGACY ADMISSIONS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed two bills sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica that would end legacy college admissions and ensure that K-12 teachers are properly trained to respond to students with a seizure disorder. “Today, we took action to better serve students who are experiencing a seizure at school,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “By passing ‘Joey’s Law’, parents won’t have to fear that the school their student attends is unprepared to respond when their child is experiencing a seizure. Finally, I’m pleased that we’re now one step closer to ending legacy admissions at public colleges and universities. As the first person in my family to graduate from an institution of higher education, I know firsthand that students should be judged by their own merits and achievements, not those of their relatives who happen to be alumni of that institution.” “I’m so proud that we advanced Joey’s law today,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Seizures can be scary if you’ve never witnessed one, and students with seizure disorders should always have the comfort of knowing that their teachers are ready to respond when they need them.” HB21-1133 , which is known as “Joey’s Law” and is also sponsored by Representative Iman Jodeh, would require public schools where a student has a known seizure disorder to designate at least one educator to get trained in seizure response. It would also encourage parents with students who have a seizure disorder to submit a seizure action plan to the school. A seizure action plan provides detailed information on a student’s seizure disorder and guidelines on how to respond if the student is experiencing a seizure. According to the CDC, approximately 7,800 Coloradans under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The bill passed 9-0. HB21-1173 , sponsored by Representative Mullica, would end legacy admissions at Colorado public institutions of higher education. Currently, higher education institutions may consider legacy preferences and family relationships to alumni of the institution as a criteria for admission standards. The bill passed 8-1. The committee also passed SB21-056 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Kevin Van Winkle, which would require school districts to implement policies and procedures to administer medical cannabis to students for whom a physician has prescribed it. Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, especially in children, and is often prescribed for seizure disorders. The bill passed 9-0. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES EDUCATION BILLS TO HELP KIDS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO COLLEGE (Ap. 18) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that would help teachers drowning in student loan debt and encourage young girls to go into the STEM field. “In Colorado we have 3,000 educator positions going unfilled. This bill will help us address the educator shortage crisis impacting classrooms in our rural, urban and suburban schools,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango, a former teacher and chair of the House Education committee. SB19-003 is a bipartisan bill that would award up to $5,000 of qualified educational loans for up to five years for teachers and educators employed in qualified positions under the program and targets teachers and rural or other hard to fill locations or content areas. The bill also alters the teacher loan forgiveness program, renaming it the educator loan forgiveness program and revises the eligibility criteria for the program. Contributing to a dire shortage of educators in many Colorado communities are a lack of access to affordable housing in rural communities, salaries that are below state or national averages, coupled with sky-rocketing student loan debt and fewer people choosing to enter the profession. SB19-003 passed in the House by a voice-vote. A final vote will be completed at a later date. The House also gave preliminary approval to a bill would get more young women and underrepresented groups more involved in STEM. “We are getting these kids ready for jobs that haven’t even been imagined yet. Right now, we can’t see the full extent of the gender gap in computer science classrooms because Colorado doesn’t gather that information,” said Rep. Esgar. “If we start gathering this information, we can better come up with solutions to solve this problem.” HB19-1277 also provides computer science classroom participation data to understand the extend the gender gap in Colorado. “I am so excited to be sponsoring a bill like this. We need to encourage our students, especially our young girls and underrepresented students to get involved in tech and science, which offer high paying jobs,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “This is a responsible investment in the future of our children and the future of our state.” The bill would provide $250,000 per year to grant funding for three schools and districts who want to offer computer science courses and afterschool programs with an emphasis on participation by underrepresented groups, such as women. HB19-1277 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will be given at a later date. Previous Next