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< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE DEMS APPLAUD GOV POLIS’ EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES (Jan. 17) – House Democrats applauded Governor Jared Polis’ executive order in support of Colorado’s transition to zero emission vehicles (EV). Coloradans refuse to stand idly by while the federal government in Washington and special interests attempt to put our nation in reverse, jeopardizing public health and clean air in the process. “I was glad to join Governor Polis this morning as he signed an executive order to expedite the process of getting more electric vehicles on the road in our state,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Electric vehicles save consumers money and can improve air quality while reducing carbon pollution emissions.” Rep. Gray is chair of the House Transportation and Local Government Committee. “I thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue, and it’s critical that we at the legislature continue our commitment to clean air, climate action, consumer choice, and a robust economy,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “I’m proud to carry legislation this session to support EV charging infrastructure and support the transition to zero emission vehicles.” Rep. Hansen is a co-prime sponsor of SB19-077. Read more about that bill here . In recent years, House Democrats successfully passed a law promoting electric vehicles that has made Colorado one of the best states in the country to purchase one. They have also pushed back on federal attempts to undermine Obama-era fuel economy standards. Read the Governor’s executive order here . Previous Next

Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies < Back May 1, 2024 House Passes Bill to License Funeral Industry Workers Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. SB24-173, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone, would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists and embalmers. “We’re the only state in the nation that does not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – it’s time to fix that to ensure our funeral homes and crematories are safe and operating legally,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would help ensure Colorado funeral homes and crematories have proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has been at the center of many egregious and heartbreaking instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Colorado’s public health and safety depends upon our action which will ensure every funeral home and crematory in our state is operated by a licensed professional.” SB24-173 would establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Currently, Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. This bill passed the House by a vote of 59 to 3. This bill would require an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2027. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. Those currently working in the industry can obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check, and after two years will qualify for full licensure. In addition to SB24-173, another bill moving through the legislature ( HB24-1335 ) would require recurring inspections of state-operated funeral homes and crematories. In recent years, several funeral homes and operators in Colorado have been at the root of disturbing instances of mishandling human remains and bodies. These bills aim to add consistent regulation of Colorado’s funeral home industry to ensure public health and safety. Previous Next

< Back October 15, 2019 REP. TRACY KRAFT THARP WINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lawmaker was recognized for her efforts to foster economic development and promote small business growth DENVER, CO– Representative Tracy Kraft Tharp last Thursday received the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts to simplify tax rules for businesses and promote economic development. “Driving economic growth in our communities has been one of my top priorities, and I’m honored to have received this lifetime achievement award,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada). “From simplifying our tax code to creating and bolstering tax credits that drive investment, the laws we’ve passed have had tremendous and positive impacts on Colorado businesses. I am grateful to the Economic Development Council of Colorado and proud of the accomplishments that we’ve secured. Just like a rising tide lifts all ships, a growing economy has improved the of Coloradans across the state. Let’s keep it that way.” Kraft Tharp Receives 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Economic Development Council of Colorado “The Economic Development Council of Colorado is proud to honor Representative Kraft-Tharp for this special recognition,” said Tammy Fields, Board Chair, Economic Development Council of Colorado. “Colorado is privileged to have legislators that demonstrate collaboration and strong leadership by advocating for important public policy which supports industry and economic development initiatives that strengthen Colorado’s economy.” Kraft Tharp was nominated for her work on several Colorado laws that simplified tax rules and promoted economic development and innovation. She was the prime sponsor of legislation to promote investment in advanced manufacturing companies, extend the state’s economic development commission and improve state sales and use tax rules. She also passed legislation to create a sales and use tax refund for clean technology and medical device firms with 35 employees or less (HB15-1180). In 2018, she sponsored and helped pass HB18-1350 , which expanded the state sales and use tax exemption to include products derived from scrap metal or end-of-life-cycle materials for remanufacturing or recycling into new metal stock. In 2017, Kraft Tharp sponsored HB17-1090 , which extended the Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit, which allows a qualified investor to claim an income tax credit for investments in companies in the advanced manufacturing industry. In that same year, she sponsored legislation, HB17-1270 , which now allows state agencies additional discretion when imposing fines for minor violations on small businesses to take into account efforts they may have undertaken to cure the violation. With the Economic Development Commission set to expire, Kraft Tharp sponsored SB17-280 , which extended the commission until 2025 and provided $5 million for the Colorado office of economic development. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 HOUSE PASSES RESOLUTION TO ALLOW REMOTE VOTING DENVER, CO — The House today passed a resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Reps. Adrienne Benavidez and Brianna Titone, to allow the Speaker to change House rules to allow for remote participation in the House during a declared public health disaster emergency. The measure would allow Representatives who are at high-risk of severe complications from COVID-19 to represent their constituents without risking their lives. The resolution passed by a vote of 38-24. “As we return to the legislature, House Democrats are focused on taking responsible steps to get our state and our economy back on track,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This resolution will allow members who have serious public health concerns to perform the duties of their office without putting their lives at risk, and I’m proud to see it pass today.” “Democracy can not be put on hold, even during a pandemic,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Brighton. “The voters knew what they were doing when they chose their Representatives, and their decision must be respected by this chamber by allowing them to participate without risking their lives. This resolution will allow for exactly that.” “Unprecedented times call for innovative solutions, and that’s exactly what this resolution represents,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Remote participation will allow lawmakers to represent their communities without risking their lives so we can responsibly pass legislation that helps Coloradans get back to work safely, supports hardworking families and small businesses, and protects our communities.” HR20-1002 authorizes the Speaker of the House to promulgate regulations to allow members of the House to participate remotely in the legislative proceedings of the House in the event of a declared public health emergency. It does not allow for a rule change that would enable participation in committees. Under this resolution, members participating remotely would be counted as being physically present during House proceedings and any action taken by a member participating remotely has the same legal effect as if the member were physically present. At least 15 other states have passed resolutions allowing for remote legislative participation, and several more have authorized changes in legislative proceedings in response to COVID-19. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATION Bills invests $35 million to integrate physical and behavioral health care DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation that will make transformational investments to increase access to behavioral health care by better integrating primary care and behavioral health care. “This session, we’re directing $450 million in federal funds to increase access to and save people money on behavioral health care,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we advanced today will invest $35 million to integrate behavioral health care into primary care so that Coloradans can access both at the same location at the same time. This will save Coloradans money when they seek behavioral health care or substance use disorder treatment and make critical care more available throughout the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.” Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO ENSURE CULTURALLY COMPETENT HISTORY IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS (Mar. 18) – The House approved a bill by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, and Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to ensure the inclusion of American-Indians, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans in social studies courses in Colorado’s classrooms. “Our state and our country are comprised of the diverse individuals and communities that have moved or immigrated here and those that have been here for many centuries. That is what makes us strong but for too long, these communities have been excluded from our teaching of history,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “With an increase in division among some of our communities, it would be beneficial for all children and youth to learn about each other’s background and to be able to see themselves in the history books.” This bill would establish a sixteen member commission to provide recommendations to the Department of Education so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions, and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and reflecting them accurately and inclusively. “Teaching inclusive curriculum boosts test scores and student engagement,” said Rep. Buentello. “I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that the history taught in our state is truly inclusive and tells our country’s full story.” Parents, teachers, administrators and school board members testified in support of the bill at a hearing this month. HB19-1192 passed on a vote of 40-24. The bill now goes to the Senate. 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

HB25-1135 will address student cell phone use in classrooms < Back February 19, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Create Healthier Learning Environments for Students Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to reduce student distraction caused by cell phones and foster a healthier learning environment. “Limiting classroom distractions helps create a learning environment where students are engaged, asking questions and focused on the material,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As a teacher, I’ve experienced firsthand the distractions caused by student cell phone use in the classroom. Our bipartisan bill will help address cell phone distractions in our schools so students can focus on learning.” HB25-1135 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill aims to reduce cell phone-related distractions in classroom settings while promoting mental health among Colorado students. HB25-1135 encourages local control by allowing districts to consider their own guidelines when creating their district level policy. This bill would not impose a statewide ban on student cell phone use in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. Under this bill, school districts would create their own policy for student cell phone use in a K-12 setting. Policies must accommodate students with disabilities, and those who rely on those who rely on phones for healthcare needs or learning purposes. Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that prohibit or limit the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice. 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 State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 8-3, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back April 22, 2025 Bill to Identify Stolen Firearms and Illegal Sellers Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 8-3, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “Firearm dealers can come across thousands of firearms in their career, and their partnership in running serial numbers not only keeps our communities safe but also prevents them from unknowingly selling a stolen firearm,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “By creating a clear procedure, firearm dealers can help identify individuals who may have stolen a firearm or been involved in a crime. This is an additional approach Colorado Democrats are taking to protect our communities from gun violence.” “This bill adds to the work that Colorado Democrats have done to prevent lost, stolen, or illegally handmade firearms from getting into the wrong hands,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Our legislation would add extra safety measures to help solve crimes, return firearms to their rightful owners and protect Coloradans.” SB25-205 would establish a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the bill, local county sheriff’s offices would have to complete the serial number check within 72 hours of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they would be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours.Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2021 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCE BILLS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bills on third reading and final passage which would create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and allow small businesses that go over the 100 employee cap for small group market plans to remain on their insurance plans. “The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration will bring major reforms to improve access to mental health care and ensure that more Coloradans can get the care they need,” s aid Rep. Young D-Greeley. “Even before the pandemic, we were looking at innovative ways to connect Coloradans with behavioral health services. Creating this new Behavioral Health Administration will help our state build back stronger by bolstering mental health care in Colorado.” HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, passed by a vote of 52-8 and would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. “Small businesses shouldn’t be punished by having to find a new health plan just because they hire a few more employees,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “ By fixing this problem, small businesses can create jobs and keep their health insurance plans. This easy and simple bipartisan solution will support small businesses and increase access to affordable health care.” Under SB21-090 , which passed by a vote of 60-0 and is sponsored by Representative Edie Hooton, small businesses participating in small group insurance plans may renew these plans even if they exceed the 100 employee cap on small business plans. This would allow a growing small business to hire new employees without risking the health insurance of all their employees. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: < Back August 19, 2024 ICYMI: Mauro, Vigil Statements on Transportation Legislation Review Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the Transportation Legislation Review Committee meeting on Friday: Statement from Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo: “From reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving our air quality to ensuring Coloradans can get to work and school without access to a car, it is important that the legislature takes steps to create transportation systems that all Coloradans can rely on. The Transportation Legislation Review Committee heard from many transportation organizations and departments, giving us a better picture of what issues need to be addressed to improve our transportation and transit systems. I’m excited to continue these policy discussions so we can better support an efficient and equitable transportation system.” Statement from Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs: “As a multi-modal resident, I understand all too well how important transportation choice is to our communities. Whether we drive, take transit, or cycle, the built environment needs to work for all Coloradans, and allow us all to have safe, affordable, convenient travel. From the high cost of vehicle ownership to reducing carbon emissions, there are plenty of reasons why Coloradans want more transportation choices. After hearing from transit agencies, environmental organizations, and other important voices in our communities, we have a better idea of how to meet the transportation needs of all Coloradans.” Previous Next