The House Education Committee last evening passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. < Back March 7, 2025 Legislation to Improve Public Safety, Reduce Youth Violence Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee last evening passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. HB25-1250 aims to keep Colorado youth and our communities safe . “As a long-time educator and an advocate for gun violence prevention under the gold dome, I know that parents and legal guardians want access to tools that help mitigate youth violence and senseless gun deaths,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “We know that increasing awareness within our communities makes parents and guardians better equipped to seek prevention or intervention services, and to communicate with their child about this topic. This bill takes a public health approach, coupled with our previous gun violence prevention efforts, to help connect our communities with the resources they need to create a safer, more supportive Colorado for all youth.” HB25-1250 passed by a vote of 7-5. The bill would increase education on gun violence prevention and public safety efforts by requiring the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to accessibly list gun violence prevention materials on their website. Specifically, these materials would be posted or linked online so school districts, charter schools, facility schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind could distribute these materials at the beginning of each school year to each parent, guardian, and legal custodian of an enrolled student. Under the bill, materials could be provided in written or electronic format, and local education providers would be required to also post the materials to their websites. Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors ,intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence. In 2023, Rep. Hamrick also sponsored a law to combat youth gun violence by raising the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21. That same year, a bipartisan group of legislators created the Office of School Safety which provides rapid response grants to support safety efforts in public schools, public charter schools, community-based organizations, and cities and counties. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HANSEN, DAUGHERTY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP COLORADO FAMILIES SAVE MONEY ON TAX FILINGS SB22-182 would invest $4 million to create the Economic Mobility Program and put more money in families’ wallets DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ ongoing work to save people money, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Rep. Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help families save money on their tax filings. Cosponsored by Sen. Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will help educate eligible Coloradans on how to file for and receive tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. “Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” Sen. Hansen said. “This legislation will help families better understand and file for the tax credits they are eligible for, allowing them to keep even more of their hard-earned paycheck and get some money back on their tax returns.” “In the last two years, we’ve significantly increased tax credits for hardworking families that are boosting their incomes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year,” said Rep. Daugherty . “The bill we’re introducing today will provide families with free tax filing assistance to claim the tax credits they’re owed so that no one leaves money on the table that is needed to pay their rent or feed their families.” The bill will aim specifically to help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families. It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support. In 2020, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to increase the state earned income tax credit (EITC) from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal EITC. In 2021, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to further increase Colorado’s EITC to 25 percent of the federal EITC and fund Colorado’s child tax credit for the first time, boosting the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans. SB22-182 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE . Previous Next

Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs < Back January 22, 2024 Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education Celebrate First Graduates of CORE Initiative Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and The Colorado Department of Higher Education celebrated the first 300 graduates who received diplomas through the Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative on December 5, 2023. Created on June 29, 2021, when Governor Polis signed bipartisan House Bill 21-1330, High Education Student Success , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, and Naquetta Ricks, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Barbara Kirkmeyer, CORE enables four-year higher education institutions in Colorado to award associate degrees to students who stepped away before earning a bachelor’s degree after earning at least 70 credit hours. “CORE is a great opportunity for Coloradans to get a degree and advance their careers. So many Coloradans who are forced by their circumstances to step away from education, have invested so much time and money, yet don't have the degree to reflect their hard work. I am proud that Colorado is providing students and institutions with the tools they need to help Coloradans get degrees and fill in-demand, good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis. CORE applies to students who left their degree up to 10 years before the current semester. To support four-year institutions in implementing CORE, Governor Polis and the Colorado legislature appropriated $1 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). “It is vital that students get credit for the work they have done post-high school,” said CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione. “Each degree and certificate are a stepping stone to a better career, a better future, and a better life. We’re thankful to the legislature, governor, and our participating colleges and universities for helping these individuals reach their goals.” More than 25,000 Coloradans may currently be eligible for an associate degree under CORE, with several thousand more becoming eligible each year. By offering qualifying students an earned associate degree for credits already completed, institutions participating in CORE can: Enable degree recipients to obtain higher-paying jobs and more secure employment, which improves economic prospects for these former students and their communities. Increase the number of Coloradans with academic credentials and degrees, which strengthens the state’s workforce and supports the economic recovery of the business community. Better position degree recipients to return to higher education to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are currently seven institutions participating in the CORE Initiative: Colorado State University-Fort Collins Colorado State University-Pueblo Fort Lewis College Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Northern Colorado University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Colorado Denver Western Colorado University, joining in 2024 "Sometimes life gets in the way of education plans, but students who have earned their academic credits should be recognized with a degree that will advance their careers," said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of the legislation . "I congratulate the first round of graduates to receive their degree through the CORE initiative. They are now one step closer to a stronger future for themselves and their families. Through legislation we passed, we're making it possible for Coloradans to earn their higher education degrees and get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams." "The COVID-19 pandemic altered lives in all four corners of the state. This is in part why it was so critical to create a program where Coloradans may be awarded a postsecondary credential for the credits they already earned,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, sponsor of the legislation. “In receiving their degrees, we hope these individuals will have the confidence and skills to fill Colorado's in-demand jobs, earn a livable wage, and realize their career and educational goals.” “I am thrilled to see that students are already benefiting from the CORE program and receiving formal recognition for work they have invested,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, sponsor of the legislation. “The COVID pandemic devastated Colorado; but we derived a sliver of good in the form of associate degrees for people who would otherwise have nothing.” “Nearly 75% of jobs in Colorado require some sort of postsecondary credential or degree, making the passage of this bill a key step in increasing Coloradans' earning potential,” said Representative Naquetta Ricks, sponsor of the legislation. “Our hope is that earning one encourages not only upwards economic mobility for these individuals, but also, gives them further motivation to earn a bachelor's and continue pursuing their postsecondary goals.” On December 5, 2023, the University of Colorado Denver held an inaugural convocation ceremony to award the first associate degrees in the state under CORE. Chancellor Michelle Marks and CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione presented degrees to graduates. Of the 147 eligible students, 69 opted in to receive an associate of general studies degree in fall 2023. Ayiela, a UCD student receiving an associate degree on Dec. 5 said, “It was mentioned at the ceremony that other colleges may follow our lead with this initiative. I 1000% agree that they should and believe that sharing my voice will help make that happen. This ceremony wasn't just about getting a degree, it was about healing, self-love and triumph over hardship.” "The initiative is doing what it was designed to do. It's putting credentials in the hands of former students,” said Shaun Schafer, associate vice president of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development and professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “We’ve had many students asking about returning to the university and a handful of other former students checking to see if they are eligible." “Receiving the earned associate of general studies degree is a major milestone for our former CU Denver students who stopped out of college due to life circumstances without completing the bachelor’s degree they were pursuing,” said Beth Myers, associate vice chancellor for Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at the University of Colorado Denver. “I heard one graduate tell her mother, that her coursework wasn’t for nothing; it was worth the investment. We look forward to seeing how the acknowledgment of their learning impacts their longer-term career opportunities.” For more information on the CORE Initiative visit the CDHE website. About the Colorado Department of Higher Education Working with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, we support students, advocate and develop policies to maximize higher education opportunities for all. The Department believes every Coloradan should have an education beyond high school to pursue their dreams and improve our communities. Read the strategic plan , Building Skills in an Evolving Economy . Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES WIN COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation will invest nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve access to behavioral health resources in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services and House Judiciary Committees gave approval to four bills to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and invests nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “Together, we’re making a $72 million investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address staffing shortages, get patients access to the care they need and build a healthier Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-181 . “To meet the behavioral health needs of Coloradans, we are devoting the resources necessary to recruit, train and support psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other behavioral health care workers in every community in our state.” Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 2. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “Accessing behavioral health care services in Colorado shouldn’t be a challenge, but often people seeking care have trouble navigating the system,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-177 . “Our bipartisan bill invests more than $12 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients can receive quality care faster. The behavioral health care system should not be a barrier for Coloradans seeking services, and our bill makes accessing services easier.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “Accessing treatment, recovery and behavioral health care services can be more difficult for those experiencing homelessness,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-211 . “We are utilizing federal pandemic relief dollars to create a space where Coloradans experiencing homelessness can access all types of health care, including behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment as well as transitional housing This approach will help us meet our neighbors where they are and build stronger Colorado communities.” Repurpose The Ridge View Campus: SB22-211 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would invest $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness access services for physical and mental health and substance use disorder treatment along with transitional housing. “Too many Coloradans struggling with substance use disorder and serious mental health issues are spending time behind bars when they should be receiving treatment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill invests millions to divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them to critical services which will reduce recidivism and make it easier for Coloradans to receive the treatment they need.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is alarming and we need to invest in resources that get people the treatment, services and care they need,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill approaches behavioral health intervention by diverting Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment. Behind bars, Coloradans’ behavioral health can worsen–let’s get them the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program: SB22-196 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would invest $62 million to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system and instead, redirect individuals into appropriate treatment. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO CURB YOUTH ACCESS TO HIGH-POTENCY THC Legislation would advance research, address diversion, and educate consumers DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Yadira Caraveo, a pediatrician, on a preliminary vote that would address youth access to high-potency cannabis products. “Colorado is going to lead the way on addressing youth access to high-potency cannabis,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “ We are going to be at the forefront of looking at the science and the relationship between high-potency concentrates and the developing brain, taking on a role the federal government should have played years ago. This bill takes a measured, innovative approach to prevent Coloradans age 18-20 from purchasing massive quantities of concentrates and then diverting those products into the gray and black markets where our youth are buying them.” “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen first hand how young Coloradans have experienced significant health issues after using high-potency products,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a pediatrician. “We have to take a look at how we can keep high-potency cannabis away from our youth who aren’t supposed to have access to it. This bill will make a big difference by strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and better educating consumers on high-potency products while ensuring we protect patients’ access to medical marijuana.” The bill would advance research into the impact of high potency marijuana on the developing brain, address diversion of cannabis concentrates purchased in the medical marijuana marketplace, and educate consumers about concentrates through visual representations of a recommended serving size and public awareness campaigns. Advances Research: The bill funds and advances critical research into the impact of high-potency cannabis concentrate products on the developing brain and on physical and mental health. It requires the Colorado School of Public Health to conduct a systematic review of the current scientific research into the effects of high-potency THC marijuana and concentrates and identify gaps in order to conduct new research. Under the bill, a new scientific review council of doctors and experts will review the report and make recommendations to the General Assembly on appropriate evidence-based regulatory changes and the funding of additional necessary evidence-based research. Addresses Diversion of High-Potency Products: The bill cracks down on “looping” and diversion by reducing the amount of medical concentrates someone can purchase in a day and requiring the Marijuana Enforcement Division’s seed-to-sale tracking database, METRC, to update at the point of sale, instead of at the end of each business day. Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationship: The bill adjusts medical marijuana recommending practices by requiring doctors to specify a daily quantity authorization and to consider a patient’s mental health history when making a cannabis recommendation. For patients ages 18-20, the bill requires two physicians from different medical practices to diagnose the patient as having a debilitating or disabling medical condition after an in-person consultation, and the patient must attend a follow-up appointment every six months after the initial visit unless that patient is homebound. Real-Time Medical Marijuana Purchase Reporting: Through a practice known as “looping,” consumers can purchase the daily limit at multiple dispensaries, circumventing the limits and increasing youth access to high-potency cannabis products. The bill would crack down on “looping” in the medical marketplace by requiring medical marijuana stores to immediately record transactions in the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system. This would allow the system to identify discrepancies with daily purchase limits, access and retrieve real-time sales data, and alert medical mariuana stores if a sale to a patient has exceeded their daily purchase limit for that business day. Reduced Daily Purchase Amounts: The bill would limit daily medical marijuana concentrate purchases to eight grams for patients 21 years and older and to two grams for patients between the age of 18 and 20. Patients who had a medical marijuana card before the age of 18, patients who are homebound, for whom a physician has recommended a higher daily authorization, or for patients for whom going to a medical marijuana store on a daily basis presents significant physical or geographical hardship are exempt from these new limits. Consumer Education and Protection: The bill would better educate consumers about high-potency THC marijuana and concentrates by tasking the Colorado School of Public Health with developing a public education campaign, requiring MED to create a tangible education resource on the potential risks of concentrates and that shows visual representations of a recommended serving size be included with every sale, and by prohibiting advertisements targeted toward Colorado youth. Previous Next

State departments detail newly updated impacts of the federal budget bill passed by the GOP-led Congress, including increases in health care and energy costs for Coloradans and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that cause Coloradans to lose access to critical safety net programs < Back July 30, 2025 GOP’s Federal Budget Blows Billion Dollar Hole in State Budget, Slashes Medicaid and Raises Costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO – Today, the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council, comprised of the top legislative leadership of the General Assembly, met to understand the impacts of Congressional Republicans' federal budget bill on Colorado’s state budget. State economists anticipate an over $1 billion hole in the state budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1. H.R.1 will mean severe cuts to core services and key priorities for Coloradans. “By pushing through H.R.1, Republicans in Washington recklessly slashed programs that Colorado families count on like Medicaid, food assistance, and children’s health care, and they punted the tough decisions to the states,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “With this irresponsible bill, they dealt a billion-dollar blow to our state budget. We have difficult decisions ahead and will do everything we can to minimize the harm, but there’s no avoiding the fact that these cuts will hurt Colorado families.” “When the General Assembly adjourned three months ago we had a balanced state budget, and now we don't,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Republicans' federal budget has blown a billion dollar hole in our state finances and increased health insurance premiums by nearly 40 percent on the Western Slope. Coloradans are now the collateral damage of the GOP's cruel bill, which could have been stopped by just a single Republican in Congress. The consequences for our state are devastating, and Republicans can’t hide the damage their party has caused.” “Coloradans didn’t choose this. Congressional Republicans - including Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd, and Gabe Evans – chose tax giveaways for billionaires and blind loyalty to President Trump over the needs of their own constituents,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “In addition to cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, their bill will make life more expensive for all Coloradans, increasing utility bills and health insurance costs and killing jobs. They knew the damage this bill would cause and voted for it anyway, leaving us to deal with the consequences.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans cannot afford the GOP's budget," said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Due to the Congressional Republicans’ reckless slashing of core services like Medicaid and SNAP, Colorado is in a far worse budget situation than we were when we adjourned session three months ago. As a result, hardworking families, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and others who rely on critical services might be forced to do without. We'll work hard to minimize the fallout in our communities, but this new $1 billion hole in our state budget will require difficult decisions." H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget Preliminary estimates from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) indicate a revenue reduction of $1.2 billion this fiscal year, FY26, and a reduction of $679 million in FY27 and future years. Forecasts estimate the state will be $914 million below the TABOR cap in this fiscal year (FY26), meaning that taxpayers will not receive TABOR refunds and there will not be surplus revenue available to pay for the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, creating additional pressures on the state General Fund. Lawmakers already had to address a $1.2 billion deficit this year, and now face an additional $1.2 Billion hole from H.R.1. The GOP budget additionally shifts $170M in food assistance costs from the federal government onto Colorado, along with hundreds of millions in Medicaid costs as restrictions on provider fee financing phase in. Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Kicks Coloradans Off Health Insurance, and Raises Premiums Under H.R.1, up to 193,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid health insurance coverage, and many more on the individual market will face higher premiums. Eventually, 377,000 Coloradans will be at risk of disenrollment. The federal budget slashes provider payments and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, programs for Coloradans with Disabilities, and CHP+ coverage for children and pregnant women. It also reduces reimbursements to Colorado hospitals. These cuts are expected to cost the state Medicaid program $2.5 billion by 2032. Due to H.R.1 and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, premiums for private health insurance are forecasted to go up an average of 28 percent with parts of Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, which will see premium increases of 38 percent. Colorado’s successful, bipartisan reinsurance program will be significantly reduced and as a result, every Coloradan will pay more for their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado estimates these changes could cost Colorado consumers $620 million from reduced tax credits and lead to a loss of coverage for 112,000 Coloradans. H.R.1’s Impacts Turn Off EITC and FATC for the Next Two Tax Years Reduced revenue means that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be turned off for the next two tax years, increasing taxes for working people and families and taking money away from some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With the EITC expansion and the FATC in effect, an average family with two children under six-years-old and an earned income of $50,000 would have received approximately $4,870 in tax credits. With the programs turned off, Colorado workers and families will receive $0. Changes to SNAP Will Affect 600,000 Coloradans Who Rely on Food Assistance H.R.1 includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts the burden to states. Colorado expects to see $170 million in cuts to SNAP, affecting the more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. Many participants will lose food assistance or be forced to overcome new administrative hurdles to demonstrate that they meet narrow work requirements. Rollback of Clean Energy Will Result in Higher Costs and Job Losses H.R.1 rolls back, modifies or completely eliminates tax credits for energy-efficient new homes, residential clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). An analysis of the final language estimates these policies will result in 1,950 jobs lost and a household income loss of $190 in Colorado, as well as increased energy costs for consumers. According to the Colorado Energy Office, H.R.1 is projected to increase residential gas prices in Colorado by 3.4 percent by 2029 and electricity prices by up to 10 percent by 2035. Colorado households could see a $500 increase in annual energy costs by 2035. Tomorrow, Senate and House Democrats will hear from providers and organizations about the impact that Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 will have on their ability to provide core services to Coloradans. Previous Next

Investments to fill in-demand jobs part of Governor Polis’s budget request as Polis administration in partnership with the legislature continues to boost Colorado’s robust workforce < Back March 14, 2023 Boosting Colorado’s Workforce & Economy: Governor Polis, Bipartisan Legislators Announce Bold Workforce Investments to Save People Money & Open the Door to High-Demand, Good-Paying Jobs DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, joined by bipartisan lawmakers including House Speaker Julie McCluskie, State Representatives Matthew Martinez, Rose Pugliese, Don Wilson, State Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, members of the Governor’s cabinet, Colorado Community College System chancellor Joe Garcia, community members, and students, announced legislation to connect hardworking Coloradans with the skills and training they need to thrive, saving people money on advanced training and education and filling Colorado’s in-demand jobs. Through flexible scholarship support to save students money on postsecondary education and training and zero-cost credential programs for in-demand jobs, this legislation paves the way for Coloradans to pursue good-paying careers while meeting the needs of Colorado’s robust workforce. “We are saving people money on training and education, making it easier for Coloradans to get the skills they need to fill critical jobs and build careers they love. Today, Colorado has two open jobs for every unemployed person, which is why we are taking bold action now to make sure employers find the talent they need, and breaking down barriers for Coloradans to achieve their dreams,” said Gov. Polis. The zero-cost credentials initiative, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, State Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, builds upon the success of Care Forward Colorado , which has already trained more than 1,000 students since launching in the Fall of 2022. The legislation announced today would provide aspiring professionals in high-demand fields with free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates at public community colleges, local district colleges, or area technical colleges. Eligible industries include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing, and construction trades. “Whether you’re headed back to college or switching careers entirely, zero-cost credentials open the door to new, high-demand careers across Colorado,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our bill makes it easier for aspiring professionals seeking careers as firefighters, nurses and early childhood educators to upskill and reskill through free training, certification and advanced education courses. These new, free pathways will boost our workforce and help fill open positions in critical jobs so more Coloradans can start the professions of their dreams and serve their communities.” “Colorado continues to struggle with workforce shortages in careers ranging from early childhood education to nursing and fire fighting,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Since 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program has made great progress in connecting students with high demand career pathways, but there is much more we can do. With this important bill, we’re further expanding opportunities for Coloradans to get involved in critical career fields and lowering the barriers to entry for training and education programs.” “Colorado's rural communities need skilled workers to fill jobs across industries, which is why we are making sure Coloradans can get the training they need to fill the in-demand jobs that power our communities,” said Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle. The scholarship initiative, sponsored by State Senator Jeff Bridges, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, and State Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, expands access and reduces financial barriers to postsecondary education and training opportunities, making sure the workforce of tomorrow receives the tools and training they need to thrive today. The scholarships will provide each student with a $1,500 scholarship to take to any approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeship and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, and colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the Class of 2024, more than 25% of all high school graduates statewide. “This bill is a win-win for Coloradans looking for good-paying jobs and Colorado businesses trying to hire for those jobs,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “We have hundreds of thousands of open jobs in this state that require some kind of education beyond high school. With this bill we’re creating the opportunity for people across Colorado to get trained, get hired, and earn a good life.” "We are providing Coloradans with resources and flexibility to get the training and education they need to fill jobs across the state. This support for Colorado workers supports our economy, our workers, and our businesses," said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R- Monument. “Many Colorado students want to pursue higher education or technical jobs, but financial barriers often stand in the way of their dreams,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bold legislation expands access to post-secondary education and professional career training by offering more versatile scholarships to high school seniors. There are many high-demand jobs in Colorado going left unfilled, and this bill helps break down some of the financial barriers faced by students to get them on a strong career path and boost our state’s workforce in the process.” “These investments in Colorado’s workforce help to meet the needs of employers and hardworking Coloradans, filling in-demand jobs and making sure people can get the skills they need,” said Representative Don Wilson - R, Monument, District 20. In his State of the State address to the General Assembly, Governor Polis highlighted that Colorado currently has two available jobs for every unemployed person. The bipartisan legislation announced today builds upon the Polis administration’s work, in partnership with the legislature, to connect businesses with hardworking Coloradans for in-demand jobs, saving people money and making it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to access advanced training and education. Previous Next

Yesterday, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional. < Back June 4, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Establish Guardrails for AI in Healthcare Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional. “No AI-generated algorithm can replace the expertise, nuance, and connection that human healthcare professionals utilize to treat their patients,” Mullica said. “With this new law, we’re establishing necessary guardrails to ensure proper access to quality care for those who need it most.” “Without input or oversight from a licensed professional, AI chatbots can be mistaken for legitimate therapy. This practice is dangerous for patients, which is why we passed this law to ensure Coloradans are protected and informed,” said Rydin. “This new law establishes reasonable protective measures on AI-use in mental and behavioral health care, including prohibiting the use of AI to independently provide therapy to a patient. Licensed professionals are still allowed to use AI for administrative purposes, but clinical treatment and psychotherapy must be administered by a licensed provider.” “As policymakers, we cannot let chatbots, several of which are currently facing major lawsuits due to wrongful and horrifying deaths, replace certified mental health providers,” Amabile said. “Some AI models serve as bad actors claiming to offer low-cost care – but this new law puts guardrails in place to ensure patients receive the quality, human care they deserve.” “Colorado patients deserve access to real, human-centered care,” said Mabrey. “This timely law sets up important guardrails for AI use in mental and behavioral health care. AI chatbots are biased, unlicensed tools and they should not be used for therapy and treatment recommendations without oversight and transparency. With this bill now law, we’re protecting patients while still allowing providers to take advantage of AI tools for administrative tasks.” HB26-1195 sets standards in clinical settings, limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative tasks with oversight by a licensed professional. Providers must disclose the use of AI for supplementary support, such as recording or transcribing meetings. To ensure patients receive legitimate behavioral healthcare, this new law makes sure that psychotherapy is human-delivered by a licensed professional, such as a social worker, psychologist or addiction counselor. To protect consumers and ensure access to quality care, this legislation will prohibit AI chatbots from being marketed to patients as equivalent to a licensed psychotherapist or counselor. AI chatbots would also be barred from implying patient input is covered by commonplace confidentiality protections like HIPAA. In 2025, researchers at Stanford University recommended that Large Language Models (LLMs), which power AI chatbots, “should not replace therapists.” Additionally, researchers concluded that “LLMs express stigma toward those with mental health conditions and respond inappropriately to certain common (and critical) conditions.” Top AI companies, including OpenAI , Google , and Character.AI , are all facing lawsuits from families after AI chatbots recommended suicide to a person seeking behavioral health advice or support. Last year, parents of children who died by suicide testified before Congress, stating AI chatbots discouraged their teens from seeking support. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. < Back April 16, 2025 English’s Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. The bill would jumpstart the development and implementation of a standardized Black history curriculum. “Black history is American history, and without a Comprehensive Black history curriculum in our public schools, students aren’t receiving the full scope of achievements and contributions of Black Americans,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “We can help our students achieve a well-rounded education by developing and standardizing a comprehensive Black history curriculum in Colorado’s public schools. From politics to engineering, Black Americans’ contributions to society are vast. This bill helps ensure that students learn about the influential Black leaders who changed the course of history and our nation.” HB25-1149 passed the House by a vote of 45 to 20. This bill would improve the consistency and comprehension of Black American history taught in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Education, with support from a 17-member advisory committee, to develop a standard curriculum for Black History and Cultural Studies in line with the state’s social studies standards. Once implemented by the State Board of Education, public K-12 schools would have to incorporate the new Black history education standards into their curriculum by the 2029-30 school year. The goal of HB24-1149 is to standardize Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools to promote an accurate and inclusive education curriculum. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to create more affordable housing opportunities and address the housing shortage. HB26-1001, the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act, will streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land and SB26-001 gives local governments additional flexibility to address housing shortages. < Back March 25, 2026 Breakthrough Bills Signed Into Law to Build More Housing Now, Make Housing More Affordable DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to create more affordable housing opportunities and address the housing shortage. HB26-1001, the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act, will streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land and SB26-001 gives local governments additional flexibility to address housing shortages. “These laws are some of many breakthrough efforts that Colorado Democrats have passed this year, and in recent legislative sessions, to save Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1001 and SB26-001. “The HOME Act and SB26-001 remove barriers to getting affordable housing built and create more flexibility for local governments and communities to use existing tools to be responsive to the housing needs of their communities. We’re working to create housing options that work for all Coloradans’ budgets. These new laws will help deliver housing that hardworking people can afford.” “Too many families in Colorado Springs are afraid of being priced out of the place they call home,” said Sen. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB26-1001. “If we’re serious about solving the housing crisis in Colorado, we need to open up every available option to get our neighbors secure and affordable housing. The HOME Act will help our communities build the housing that is so desperately needed in our state.” “Colorado Democrats are making it easier to build more housing now to reduce housing costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “In Denver, we’re already seeing rents drop significantly due to an increase in the housing supply. Our new law gives communities throughout Colorado another tool to get affordable housing projects approved and built to deliver more affordable housing.” “Access to affordable and secure housing is the reason I am able to serve my community at all,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “We have a housing crisis in this state, and Coloradans who work multiple jobs to make ends meet still can’t afford to buy a home and plant roots in their communities. This bill will allow community organizations more flexibility to give their neighbors that gift of stable, affordable housing.” Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 will streamline the process for building housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges, Board of Cooperative Educational Services or universities and transit districts to build on their land. Under the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act” (HOME Act), local governments cannot reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories, 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. HB26-1001 applies to land up to five acres. Exemptions include land that is not connected to water and sewage treatment systems, land where state or federal regulations restrict residential housing, conservation easements and municipalities that have already implemented similar process standards. In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 123 to create and fund new housing affordability programs for low- and middle-income Coloradans. This law provides an additional incentive to build affordable housing by counting each unit of affordable housing built on these qualifying properties as 1.1 units, boosting eligibility for Proposition 123 funding. A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent . SB26-001 allows counties to use existing resources to support workforce and affordable housing, removing outdated restrictions that limit their ability to respond to local housing needs. “I’m proud that the first bill introduced in the Senate this year is one to unlock local governments’ ability to meet their own housing needs,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of SB26-001. “This bill will cut red tape and give counties, municipalities, and housing authorities more tools to help them build and maintain housing for more working families and individuals. This means more opportunities for Coloradans to stay in their communities and stable housing for the workers who keep our rural and mountain towns running.” “Local governments know their housing needs, and the state shouldn't artificially limit the tools they can use to ensure their residents have a place they can afford to live,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB26-001. “This bill removes barriers for counties and municipalities to invest in affordable and workforce housing and accelerates development. It’s a commonsense approach that lets local communities address their housing shortages.” Also sponsored by Representative Chris Richardson, R-Elbert County, the law allows local governments to sell, lease, or acquire property for the purpose of workforce or affordable housing and create a tax exemption for construction materials used for workforce housing projects. Additionally, SB26-001 updates Colorado’s Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit to help projects secure financing by allowing the credits to be transferred to individuals, firms, or corporations that do not own a project interest. In 2024, Colorado Democrats created the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation. This pilot program offers tax credits to support affordable rental housing projects for middle-income Coloradans. In 2025, nearly $5 million was allocated to projects in the Denver Metro Area and the Western Slope. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2021 HOUSE APPROVES RANKED CHOICE VOTING FRAMEWORK DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. Chris Kennedy’s bill to create a statewide framework for ranked choice voting in municipal elections. Specifically, the bill allows towns and cities to run ranked-choice elections through a county coordinated election, and would ask the Secretary of State’s office to promulgate statewide rules regarding voting systems and auditing practices for towns or cities that opt in. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Local governments across Colorado are looking to ranked choice voting as an innovative tool to ensure the candidate with the most support wins the election. Today we voted to provide a framework to ensure these elections are working as they should,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Providing guidelines and safeguards for novel ideas meant to increase voter participation and improve our elections is how we ensure Colorado’s electoral system remains the gold standard. Safe and secure elections that expand voter access – that’s the Colorado way.” HB21-1071 allows municipalities located in a single county to use ranked choice voting during coordinated elections starting in 2023, and municipalities located in multiple counties to implement it starting in 2025. The bill calls on the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office to promulgate statewide rules for the implementation and certification of this system, to establish an audit process for it, and to secure a software provider to be available for use by counties. If a municipality that has opted in to the ranked choice voting system is located in more than one county, counties are directed to work together to establish guidelines for the election, including the maximum number of candidates that voters will be allowed to rank on their ballots. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 TELEHEALTH EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD Legislation would enable community health centers to deploy telehealth and clinical pharmacy services for Colorado Medicaid members DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representative Yadira Caraveo’s bipartisan bill to allow the state to reimburse federally qualified community health centers for telehealth and clinical pharmacy services provided to Medicaid recipients. “Community health centers offer vital services to some of our state’s most vulnerable populations, but right now they can’t offer telemedicine or clinical pharmacy services to Medicaid recipients because the state won’t pay for it,” said Rep. Caraveo (D-Thornton). “Telemedicine has created an incredible opportunity to provide affordable health care services to Coloradans in rural areas and to those who find it challenging to leave their homes. This bill will improve access to care and lower costs by facilitating greater use of telemedicine and clinical pharmacy services.” Telehealth connects patients to providers through live video and audio, which allows patients to get the care they need without traveling. Telehealth can lead to cost savings by improving access to primary care and by helping to avoid unnecessary trips to the ER. Clinical pharmacy services help patients manage chronic conditions that require medication, often several different drugs. Clinical pharmacists have proven effective at controlling chronic health conditions, improving outcomes, and reducing health care costs. Under current law, Medicaid will not reimburse federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs), commonly known as community health centers, for telehealth services unless both the patient and the provider are physically located in the same facility. Medicaid also will not reimburse for clinical pharmacy services. HB20-1092 , which is also sponsored by Representative Perry will, would allow the state to reimburse community health centers for both telehealth services and clinical pharmacy services. Community Health Centers offer high-quality and low-cost primary health care services to more than one in seven Coloradans. There are over 208 FQHC clinics in 42 counties across the state. These facilities provide care on a sliding fee scale regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. They serve 27 percent of the state’s Medicaid members and 25 percent of the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollees. In Colorado, these centers provide health care for 35,000 people experiencing homelessness and over 9,000 veterans. Because FQHCs use an integrated health care model, they often provide high quality care at a much lower cost, saving the state money. Previous Next