< Back May 23, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! COLORADO CASHBACK PLAN TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation to expedite Coloradans’ tax refunds and provide relief as soon as possible. Under the Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive early refund checks in September, currently estimated at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for joint filers, or even more. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. SB22-233 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who file their 2021 income tax returns by June 30th, 2022, or who received a tax filing extension and file their return by the extension date, will receive a check by September 30th. “Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation because of the pandemic, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said. “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money back into Coloradans’ wallets as soon as possible, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time.” “Our state’s economic recovery will mean we send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities,” said Exum, Sr. “In September, Coloradans will receive their early tax refund check, putting more money back into people’s pockets when they need it the most.” “We worked hard this session to save Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said. “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.” “From reducing property taxes to free universal preschool, we’ve worked hard this session to put more money back in people’s pockets and this law will expedite tax refunds to provide urgent relief,” said Daugherty. “Coloradans are struggling and this new law delivers relief in a meaningful way when people need it the most.” Colorado Democrats’ state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms, including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2022 LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation today to help prevent catalytic converter theft. HB22-1217, sponsored by Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Rod Bockenfeld, would create a grant program to award grants to increase public awareness around theft and provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. “This session, we’re working to prevent crime before it happens and that starts by changing our current laws to reflect the realities of catalytic converter theft,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Denver. “Catalytic converter theft is costing Coloradans a lot of money, which is why we’re working to pass legislation that will provide assistance to those who’ve experienced this misfortune. This bill would cut down on theft, save Coloradans money, and make our communities safer.” HB22-1217 , which passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3, would create the catalytic converter identification and theft prevention grant program to award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft. This grant program would also provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Part of HB22-1217 works in conjunction with SB22-009 and only takes effect upon SB22-009’s passage. It would require the commodity metals theft task force to audit all dealers related to compliance with selling catalytic converters and report those findings by December 31, 2024. SB22-009 would require dealers to keep books and registrations of catalytic converter transactions in the same manner they already keep for commodity metals. Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values. If passed, HB22-1217 would award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft, catalytic converter theft prevention parts as well as provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 HOUSE LGBTQ CAUCUS CONDEMNS SLATE OF GOP HATE BILLS TO ELIMINATE EQUALITY DENVER, CO– The Colorado House LGBTQ Caucus today released the following statements on the hateful and despicable slate of anti-LGBTQ bills that House Republicans have introduced this session: “This year’s slew of hateful, bigoted anti-LGBTQ bills would harm our youth and eliminate the rights LGBTQ Coloradans to marry who they love,” said LGBTQ Caucus Chair Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We are not going back to when Colorado was known as the ‘hate state.’ Some say it’s not the government’s role to interfere with personal liberty. Some would say this is textbook overreach. I would say it’s time to work on actual issues that improve people’s lives here in Colorado, such as expanding access to life-saving HIV prevention medication.” “The systematic attack on the trans community is being fueled and fanned by the federal government and the Trump administration,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “Their erasure of trans people from websites, documents, and from health insurance coverage was just the beginning. This bill, and other similar legislation being introduced in states around the country, are meant to embolden the dehumanization of the transgender community. By denying appropriate and affirming healthcare, we are setting trans youth up for a more difficult future and the possibility of depression or suicide. We need to value our young people and allow our healthcare professionals to make the decisions, and not be limited by politicians. We won’t be erased.” “These bills would deny LGBTQ couples the fundamental right to marry who they love and start a family, ripping away hard-fought rights that the vast majority of Coloradans support,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I was disappointed to see so many of my colleagues–who say they are my friends–support legislation that would prevent my wife and me from adopting children, if we chose to, or strip away our marriage license. These bills are a disgrace, plain and simple.” “Republicans want to send Colorado back to the dark ages, and we simply won’t allow it,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “These bills are a broad and cruel attack on the entire LGBTQ community in Colorado: trans athletes, loving couples, queer children — no one is spared. I would say my GOP colleagues should be ashamed of themselves, but the fact that they had the gall to draft and introduce these bills shows what types of policies Coloradans would be living under if Republicans controlled our state government. Make no mistake, these bills will die today.” “House Bill 1114 is an affront to health care professionals and health care in Colorado,” said State, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Member Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Lafayette. “It is an attack on trans youth all across the state. This bill says that, as a pharmacist, I could be arrested for filling a life-affirming prescription for one of my patients. This bill says doctors can be jailed for giving medical care to people in need. This is–pure and simple–a horrible bill aimed at our most at-risk citizens. We must stand up against this slate of hateful, discriminatory bills.” While House Democrats stand up for LGBTQ equality and rights, Republican members of the General Assembly, according to Rep. Shane Sandrdige, R-Colorado Springs, are promoting the “heterosexual model with a kid” as the “natural model.” They’re advancing these bills as “a reminder of what we should strive for and what mother nature has already decided,” Sandridge told Colorado Public Radio. In a comment to the Colorado Sun on his bill to strip away marriage license from LGBTQ couples, Rep. Stephen Humphrey, R-Severance, said “I think that each of these bills are focused on an issue that’s problematic.” The House Democratic Caucus disagrees: LGBTQ marriage equality is not problematic; it is a fundamental right guaranteed under the US constitution, and we won’t let Republicans strip it away. Background on GOP anti-LGBTQ legislation: HB20-1272 “Colorado Natural Marriage And Adoption Act” aims to stop marriage licenses from bieng provided to LGBTQ couples. The bill would limit adoption to only prospective parents whose marriage consists of one man and one woman, prohibiting LGBTQ couples from adopting children. HB 20-1114 “Protection of Minors from Mutilation and Sterilization” would imprison doctors and other health care providers for following best practices and existing standards of medical care for transgender patients, standards that are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It makes providing gender-affirming health care for a youth, often lifesaving care, a class three felony, which has a maximum sentence of up to 12 years in prison in Colorado. HB20-1273 “Equality And Fairness In Youth Sports Act ” would prevent transwomen athletes in grades six through 12 from participating on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. It would require invasive questions and medical tests if a student’s sex is in question, requiring the student to prove that she was assigned female at birth based on a signed physician’s statement that would include information about the student’s reproductive anatomy and levels of naturally occurring testosterone. It would also require a chromosome analysis– just for a student to play sports in school. HB20-1033 “Live and Let Live Act” would codify discrimination by allowing any business to deny services based on sexual orientation or gender expression. LGBTQ couples with their children could be turned away from any restaurant or establishment in the state. The bill is a blatant attempt to undermine the state’s ability to adequately protect against discrimination in workplaces, housing and places of accommodation. Previous Next

With updates to zoning laws, Lakewood officials can lead other communities down a path to fixing housing shortages and costs < Back Rep. Rebekah Stewart: Lakewood’s attempt to increase “middle housing” would be big step to address crisis in Colorado Aug 7, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Colorado Sun here . H ousing is personal to me. For most of my childhood, my family lived paycheck to paycheck, often just one emergency or disaster away from homelessness. Today, all too many of our Colorado neighbors experience that same insecurity. Later as a young adult, my husband and I made countless offers on Lakewood starter homes we desperately wanted — only to lose out to buyers able to make all-cash offers, or go far above the asking price. Unfortunately, nothing about what we experienced has changed much for first-time homebuyers since then. In fact, it’s gotten even more challenging. Lakewood and Colorado face a growing housing shortage, driving prices to unsustainable levels. More than half of Lakewood renters are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing. The average Lakewood home price has jumped from $350,000 in 2017 to $590,000 today . Research shows housing shortages drive up prices — and homelessness. In Jefferson County, unsheltered homelessness has more than doubled between 2022 and 2025. Make no mistake: We face a housing shortage. For two decades, Colorado’s population has grown faster than our housing stock. The Denver Regional Council of Governments estimates the metro area needs over 200,000 new homes in the next decade. Lakewood’s share is nearly 10,000 , but at our current pace, we’ll produce less than a fifth of that. Without change, the crisis will only worsen. As a state legislator representing Lakewood and Edgewater in Jefferson County, I’ve made this issue a north star. This past session, I passed bills to stabilize zoning density in urban areas, streamline standards so Colorado can benefit from the cost saving potential that modular housing presents, limit unjustifiably high tap fees , and ease burdensome regulations — concrete steps to make housing more affordable across the Front Range. But local challenges also need local solutions. During my time on Lakewood City Council, we began prioritizing housing with the urgency it demands. Now, I’m proud to see my former colleagues on council continuing that work with a thoughtful, common-sense zoning update that will unlock the potential for affordable, sustainable housing, while protecting what makes Lakewood such a special place to live. Lakewood families need housing options they can actually afford: smaller starter homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units and cottage clusters. According to a recent article in The Colorado Sun , a zoning atlas shows that most of Colorado prohibits these types of “missing middle” homes from being built in areas zoned for residential use. Lakewood’s proposed zoning update includes long-overdue changes to make these options more widely available over time to support affordability, sustainability and walkability. Affordability: The new code loosens overly restrictive rules to allow duplexes and triplexes in more neighborhoods. It’s a strategy shown in other cities to create homes that sell for $300,000 less than the typical single-family home. That price point makes homeownership possible for many more working families. The update also revises outdated minimum lot size rules that have historically excluded lower-income and more diverse residents. These rules often force people to purchase more land than they need, raising costs and harming the environment. Cities that relax these rules show that while changes are gradual , they make more affordable housing possible over time. Sustainability: Lakewood’s proposed code also helps us meet our climate goals. Smaller homes come with smaller carbon footprints . One analysis found that introducing just three “missing middle” homes on a block — a duplex, triplex and fourplex — can reduce its carbon footprint by 20%. Walkability: The update will also make Lakewood more walkable. It encourages building homes closer to workplaces and public transit. It allows for a small amount of neighborhood-serving retail, like a coffee shop, so residents can walk to grab their morning coffee. This approach means more residents can live near jobs, transit and small businesses — walking to work, seeing neighbors and reducing traffic congestion. That’s exactly the direction we need. This proposal won’t transform neighborhoods overnight. We’ve seen from other cities that reforms like these lead to slow, steady and gentle change. But over time, they help make communities more inclusive, sustainable and affordable. None of these ideas are radical or untested. Cities around the country have successfully implemented similar reforms, proving they work and reassuring residents that neighborhood character doesn’t disappear. Middle housing like this was once common, but exclusionary zoning policies sharply curtailed it, leading to a 90% drop in production. Lakewood now has the chance to lead and show we can do better. Later this summer, I’m excited to see Lakewood take a big step forward with zoning reform that delivers more affordability, more sustainability and more walkability. I hope you’ll join me in supporting it. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, represents District 30 in the Colorado House of Representatives. Previous Next

< Back December 1, 2023 House Leadership Statements on Resignation of Rep. Dickson DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following statements on the resignation of Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial: Statement from Speaker McCluskie: “Representative Dickson is a brilliant champion for working families and has passed landmark legislation to make Colorado more affordable, support our workforce, create jobs and protect our environment. From eliminating arbitrary restrictions on building new homes to expanding cost saving measures for prescription drugs, she has worked tirelessly to address the rising cost of living in our state and deliver real results for hardworking Coloradans. I know Rep. Dickson will continue to drive positive change in her community and throughout Colorado.” Statement from Majority Leader Duran: “It has been an honor to serve alongside Representative Dickson and see firsthand her dedication to making Colorado a better place to live. Her efforts will lead to more housing for every Coloradan’s budget, lower prescription drug costs, and safer, lead-free environments for children. From reducing carbon pollution to creating jobs in emerging industries, Rep. Dickson’s legislation will move Colorado forward, help lift families out of poverty and create an economy that works for all. I wish her well in all of her endeavors.” Previous Next

Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services.  < Back February 2, 2026 Colorado Democrats To Safeguard Constitutional Rights DENVER, CO – Colorado Democrats today unveiled a new legislative package to safeguard Coloradans’ constitutional rights, support immigrant communities and build trust in public services. Two new bills will be introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives in the coming weeks and SB26-005 will be heard in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon. SJR26-006 , the Immigrants’ Rights Resolution, was heard on the Colorado Senate floor this morning and passed on a party-line vote of 20 to 12. “Federal law enforcement is engaging in dangerous, unlawful immigration enforcement tactics that are perpetuating fear in our communities and, in some cases, even death. Enough is enough,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Across the country, U.S. citizens are being detained and children are being used as bait to lure parents into detention centers, all while federal law enforcement completely disregards our constitutional rights. In Colorado, we’ll defend and uphold your constitutional rights with new legislation aimed at shoring up privacy protections and law enforcement transparency.” “People have long come to our country for the promise of a better life and the guarantee of equal treatment under the law,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB26-005, SJR26-006, and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation to protect our constitutional rights, create legal remedies when those rights are violated, and publicly affirm our commitment to Colorado’s immigrant communities. In particular, Senate Bill 5 stands for the basic principles that government agents must follow the law like everyone else and that there should be legal remedies when constitutional rights are violated. This legislation reaffirms the civil rights of all Coloradans.” Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. Forthcoming legislation sponsored by Representatives Velasco and García and Senators Jodeh and Weissman would build upon legislative efforts by: Increasing accountability and transparency by enforcing violations when personal information is shared unlawfully and informing individuals whose information has been shared with federal officials; Requiring reporting on demographic populations in immigration detention centers and regular environmental and health inspections of centers; Establishing protections from deportation when an individual is in transit to or from a health care facility, school, child care center, court or place of worship. “Over the past few months, ICE activity has left many Coloradans living in fear,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006 and forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “Our entire community is harmed when fear replaces trust. As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure that Coloradans of all backgrounds feel safe. This legislation is about leading with compassion, protecting our constitutional rights, and ensuring Colorado is a place where every family can live with dignity and safety.” “Immigrants and U.S. citizens who look like me are being met with violence from federal law enforcement, and they’re skipping work, school and medical appointments because they’re afraid of being detained,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to strengthen protections. “In Colorado, we won’t stand idly by while the federal government disregards our constitutional rights. Soon, we’re unveiling new legislation to strengthen protections and push back against the egregious federal overreach we’re witnessing across the country.” “Under the Trump Administration, we are witnessing the conflation of immigration status, dissent, and criminality,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. “Our government is telling us not to believe what we see with our own eyes. It is up to us to act boldly and bravely, create pathways of real accountability for those who violate our fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect in Colorado.” “We are a nation of immigrants, and at a moment when fear and division are being weaponized, Colorado must stand firmly for civil liberties and human dignity, " said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-005. "When federal immigration agents violate someone’s Fourth Amendment rights, as we've witnessed in Minnesota, there must be accountability. The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and this bill creates a clear cause of action so that no agency, no matter how powerful, is above the law." SB26-005 , sponsored by Senators Weissman and Gonzales and Representatives Mabrey and Zokaie, would uphold constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an immigration enforcement encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-005 establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable. “What we’re witnessing across America at the hands of federal agents is a blatant disregard for our rights,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB26-005 and forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “Children as young as five years old are being detained and separated from their families, and the inhumane tactics of federal law enforcement are causing serious harm, injury, and in some cases even death. In Colorado, we will safeguard our rights and work in partnership with law enforcement to ensure accountability. We must stand now to protect our communities from the erosion of civil liberties levied by the federal government. “Alex Pretti and Renee Good were U.S. citizens killed by federal law enforcement while engaging in constitutionally protected activity,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. “We should not have to weigh our lives to protest our government in the United States of America. Law enforcement works for the people, and new legislation we’re carrying this session will help foster stronger public trust in those who swore an oath to protect us.” Forthcoming legislation, sponsored by Representatives Froelich and Zokaie and Senators Jodeh and Weissman, would encourage government accountability and help build public trust in law enforcement. Under the bill, any law enforcement officer working on behalf of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies must wear identification and would be prohibited from covering their face. This includes the agency name or initials and their identification number on the outermost layer of clothing. If law enforcement officers refuse or fail to properly identify themselves, they could be held liable for impersonating a peace officer. The bill also requires law enforcement to receive training on Colorado’s immigration laws to ensure they enforce state laws properly. “America was founded on the shared beliefs of freedom and fairness, and that must never be taken for granted,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SJR26-006. “As federal agents attack peaceful protesters, unlawfully detain U.S. citizens and deport people without due process, we must stand now to defend our constitutional rights.” “The harsh enforcement tactics of federal agents put local law enforcement and our community members exercising their constitutional rights at risk,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of SJR26-006. “This resolution calls on our federal government to uphold our civil rights and constitutional protections.” The Immigrants' Rights Resolution, sponsored by Senator Jodeh and Weissman and Representatives Joseph and Ricks, calls on the federal government to reaffirm its obligation to uphold civil rights and constitutional protections. The resolution demands the federal government reaffirm civil rights for all, end anonymous enforcement tactics, and protect access to education, health care, and civic participation. SJR26-006 advocates for modernized, humane federal immigration reform and supports state-level measures that safeguard constitutional rights. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). < Back May 13, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! Gov Signs Bill to Legalize ADUs DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this law gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan law that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.” “Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1152. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.” “Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home. HB24-1152 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, allows homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and creates a new $5 million state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs. The grant program would enable local governments to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate, and the construction of accessible ADUs. Finally, HB24-1152 provides $8 million in funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners in ADU-supportive jurisdictions build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. HB25-1239 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 25, 2025 Legislation to Strengthen Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. HB25-1239 passed by a vote of 7-4. “With anti-discrimination safeguards and federal programs for vulnerable communities under attack from the current federal administration, Coloradans are counting on us to secure protections against discrimination,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Our legislation works to improve protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, including expanding the deadline to file a discrimination complaint to one year and allowing members of a protected class to receive monetary compensation for discriminatory acts. This is crucial to protecting our most vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities, so they can seek appropriate compensation for the harm they experience to ensure equal access to justice.” “From housing to employment, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act has been a critical piece of the puzzle for Coloradans to pursue justice for discrimination, and this legislation builds on this work to expand protections to ensure victims can receive the justice they deserve,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “People with disabilities, small businesses, and other victims of discrimination would greatly benefit from this legislation that expands avenues to justice by providing access to legal support and effective recourse for Coloradans who experience discrimination.” HB25-1239 expands protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. The bill would better 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, actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, and fines of $5,000 per violation. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury are limited to $50,000, and small businesses are entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 120 days after the complaint is filed and did not knowingly or intentionally make or cause the violation. The bill would also extend the deadline to file a discrimination complaint related to public accommodations from 60 days to one year. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS AND BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP COLORADANS FIND HOUSING AND JOBS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect whistleblowers and help Coloradans with low-level criminal records find secure jobs or housing. In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez and Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, makes these protections permanent. “With the passage of HB 20-1415 we gave workers the protection to speak out about health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation only during public health emergencies,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Essential workers will still be essential after the pandemic, which is why I am proud to champion this new lawl that will extend these protections permanently and help keep workers and the public safe.” “Extending whistleblower protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This law permanently extends protections for workers put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. All Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or the people around them.” “Coloradans shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job or having their hours slashed for reporting unsafe working conditions. These whistleblower protections prioritize the health and safety of our essential workers,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “When the pandemic began, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new law extends those reporting protections for workers regardless of a public health emergency, so they can always feel safe to report dangerous conditions.” SB22-097 protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill, including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. “The pandemic highlighted the need to improve how we take care of our community, and we worked hard this session to help give working folks better protections and opportunities,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “These news laws will ensure that no worker will have to worry about losing their job or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions that threaten them and their colleagues, and allow Coloradans who have paid their debt to society to access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.” Currently, criminal records are a substantial obstacle for people in search of jobs or housing, which punishes Coloradans after they have served their time and exacerbates the state’s workforce shortage. SB22-099 , sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Kerry Tipper and Colin Larson, extends automatic record sealing to all eligible offenses, removing this obstacle to housing and employment for many Coloradans. “This bipartisan law will help Coloradans who are already eligible for record sealing by automatically sealing their records, making it easier for people to find jobs and housing opportunities,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This new law will boost our workforce, increase job opportunities for Coloradans and reduce recidivism by helping people get back on their feet.” The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees and for Coloradans to find adequate housing. Under the law, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. Previous Next

SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back May 29, 2025 ICYMI: Legislation to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Signed Into Law SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill to ensure safe housing and strengthen renter protections by expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to enforce landlord-tenant laws. SB25-020 is sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. It allows the Colorado Attorney General to seek any penalties or use any enforcement mechanisms available under landlord-tenant laws to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, as well as documentation requirements for housing agreements, and extends protections regarding bed bug infestations in residential homes. The bill gives counties and municipalities the ability to enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. “In recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen renters’ protections and level the playing field between tenants and landlords,” said Gonzales. “When apartment buildings fall into disrepair because of neglect and mismanagement, it throws tenants’ lives into chaos, jeopardizes safe living conditions, and disrupts their ability to simply get through their day. This new law empowers local governments and the Attorney General to enforce the laws we already have on the books by holding neglectful management companies who have a pattern and practice of disregarding our safe housing laws to account, with the goal of ensuring that all Coloradans can live in safe and healthy housing.” “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Lindsay. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This law builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by empowering counties and municipalities to enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this law will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “For too long, bad actors in property management have ignored tenant complaints, neglected basic repairs, and left communities in crisis. This must end,” said Weissman. “Recent events in Aurora and Denver highlight the urgent need for stronger tools to protect renters. Violations of our state’s safe housing laws cannot be ignored – especially in a housing crisis where every rental unit matters. SB20 is narrowly focused on tackling cases of chronic neglect where tenants have been left without options for far too long.” “This law will hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Mabrey. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters will have more advocates in their corner to fight for safe housing. Colorado Democrats are committed to not only making housing more affordable, but also ensuring that these affordable housing options are a safe and healthy place to live.” SB25-020 also establishes a process where, only in severe cases with a pattern of neglect, residential housing may be placed into receivership – a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The law outlines the process for receivership cases, including providing proper notice to parties, defining powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and establishing the process for ending receiverships. Previous Next

Youth mental health services program was set to expire this month < Back June 4, 2024 Bill to Extend I Matter Youth Mental Health Program Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to continue the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. I Matter connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program was set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. Sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, SB24-001 continues the I Matter program for another ten years, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no cost to them or their families. “The success of I Matter has been huge for Colorado students, and for the first time in a decade, youth suicide rates have declined - but we must do more to address the mental health crisis gripping our kids,” said Michaelson Jenet. “That is why making the I Matter program permanent is so important. This critical tool is a game changer, and I am thrilled to see this bill get signed into law so we can ensure Colorado students can access the free mental health care they need to thrive.” “With the signing of this bill, we’re ensuring our youth can continue to have access to no-cost therapy when they need it through the landmark I Matter Program,” said Brown . “Over the years, the I Matter Program has connected over 11,000 kids to therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. Programs like I Matter remove barriers to access and help our youth receive the behavioral and mental care they need.” “Far too many Colorado kids struggle with their mental health, and I Matter has been hugely beneficial in helping support them,” Cutter said. “By extending this successful program , we are doubling down on our commitment to addressing those needs, and ensuring that all of our kids get the mental health care they deserve, at no cost to them or their families.” “A child's access to mental health services shouldn't depend on their parent's income. By extending the I Matter Program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure our youth can receive the behavioral and mental health care they need,” said Rutinel. “No-cost therapy breaks down access barriers for youth and their families. Since its introduction, the I Matter Program has provided more than 50,000 essential therapy sessions – this law continues this successful, important program to ensure we’re addressing the needs of our youth.” Launched after the pandemic by then-Representative Michaelson Jenet, I Matter has served 7,933 young people since 2021, and 5,024 have received three or more sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report , youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back May 20, 2024 Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Signed Into Law PAONIA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m proud to carry this law to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” “Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource, because it powers everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, which is why I am fighting tooth and nail to secure our state’s water future,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Now, we’re giving Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state. I am proud of this bipartisan effort that will help protect our precious water resources and our Colorado way of life.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Current law requires any additional revenue above $29 million to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts also sponsored legislation this session to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next