The House today passed two bills. SB26-002 would standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. SB26-003 would improve responsible electric vehicle battery recycling, disposal and storage. < Back May 12, 2026 Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Utilities, Promote EV Recycling Clear House DENVER, CO — The House today passed two bills. SB26-002 would standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. SB26-003 would improve responsible electric vehicle battery recycling, disposal and storage. “No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and going to the doctor,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB26-002. “By standardizing utility assistance, ratepayers can easily find and apply for these essential programs. We’re taking steps t o make Colorado a more affordable place to call home, and this bill streamlines energy assistance programs so those who qualify can receive it.” “The application for energy assistance programs needs to be accessible, simple and standardized to save Coloradans time and money,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of SB26-002. “Coloradans who qualify for energy assistance programs should be able to take advantage of these programs without unnecessary barriers. The demand for energy assistance programs hasn’t dropped, and our bill makes necessary modifications to energy assistance programs to save Coloradans money on utility bills.” SB26-002 passed the House by a vote of 40-23. It would require all investor-owned gas and electric utilities in Colorado to have a standardized framework for energy assistance programs known as Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). Specifically, this bill would require utilities to clearly post information about eligibility criteria and enrollment processes for the PIPP program on their websites and would standardize the name of PIPP programs across all investor-owned utilities to reduce confusion for customers. Under this bill, customers would also be allowed to apply directly with their utility for the program, rather than having to first enroll in another assistance program. Utilities would determine an annual bill credit for the customer delivered either as an up-front annual credit or a monthly credit on their utility bill. To improve and expedite the application experience, utilities must inform applicants within 30 days whether they have been approved or denied for PIPP and the reason why. “Colorado is an early adopter of EVs, and Colorado should also lead in a circular economy for still useful EV batteries,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB26-003. “Our bill establishes an important policy framework to help re-use EV batteries that otherwise would be sent to the landfill. Our bill helps reduce reliance on newly mined minerals and improve the sustainability of electric vehicles.” “EVs are popular in Colorado, but we need clear rules that specify who is responsible for the battery at the end of a vehicle’s life,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB26-003. “If not handled properly, EV batteries can be a fire hazard and this bill protects Coloradans by creating pathways for EV batteries to be recycled or reused. EVs are a critical tool to addressing air pollution and meeting our climate goals, and this bill encourages a circular economy and reusing critical materials when possible.” SB26-003 passed the House by a vote of 49-16 and improves end-of-life management for EV, plug-in hybrid EV and hybrid batteries. Specifically, the bill would require EV manufacturers to collect and responsibly handle unwanted batteries, promoting the reuse or repurposing of viable batteries and ensuring responsible end-of-life management. Starting in 2030, manufacturers would also be required to submit regular safety plans on EV battery management to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Hazardous Waste Division. Additionally, SB26-003 would put in place new environmental and safety guidelines and minimum mineral recovery rates for battery recycling, ensuring the use of best practices, reducing environmental impact from mining and smelting, and supporting Colorado’s manufacturing economy. Previous Next

Bipartisan school funding updates drive more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts < Back April 30, 2024 House Advances New School Finance Formula to Increase Equity in School Funding, Support Rural Districts DENVER, CO – The House today advanced a bipartisan bill on a preliminary vote to support Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students. “This bill is a monumental step forward for public education in Colorado. The new, student-focused public school finance formula will increase funding for K-12 education and drive more resources to at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education, and rural school districts,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “For far too long, our school finance formula has not invested in the students with the greatest needs, underfunding rural districts and those serving more children in poverty; now is the time to get this right and drive equity into how we fund our schools. Every student deserves a world class education no matter where they live, and with this bill, we will live up to our promise to set all Colorado students on a pathway to thrive.” “With our historic buy-down of the budget stabilization factor, this is the time to update Colorado’s 30 year-old inequitable school finance formula because every student in every community deserves our investment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “When it comes to public education in Colorado, we have not been meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students, including our at-risk, English Language Learners, and special education students. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to direct additional dollars to the districts and classrooms serving students the greatest needs. When we invest in high-quality education, we’re investing in our future, and I’m beyond proud to be championing a bill that prioritizes student outcomes and opportunity for every child in our state.” HB24-1448 is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. It would update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education. State data shows that at-risk students, English Language Learners, and special education students are not achieving at the same levels compared to their peers, demonstrating that the current school funding formula from 1994 does not address and meet the needs of these students This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most, specifically at-risk students, special education students and English Language Learners. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students and English Language Learners. When fully implemented, there will be $866 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor. At-risk, English Language Learner, and special education weights will all be set at 25 percent, an increase from the current 12 percent weight for at-risk, 8 percent weight for English Language Learners, and no weight for special education in the formula. Smaller districts with a concentration of 70% or higher at-risk students would receive an extra 7 percent, to total 32 percent, ensuring their high concentration of at-risk students get the additional funds they need. Funding for every district would increase by at least .5 percent. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to protect Coloradans from wildfires. < Back February 15, 2024 Bill to Keep Coloradans Safe During Wildfire Evacuations Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect Coloradans from wildfires. HB24-1033, sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Elizabeth Velasco, would encourage locally created emergency evacuation plans for Coloradans with pets during wildfires or other emergencies. HB24-1033 passed by a vote of 48 to 12. “As wildfires become more destructive and frequent, emergency evacuation plans are important to keep everyone safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This bill encourages local communities to create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets so that they have evacuation options in the wake of disaster. From expanded mitigation efforts to community education, the safety of our neighborhoods depends on emergency planning.” “Rural and mountain communities like mine face frequent wildfire risks,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “To better protect our community members during a wildfire, this legislation would help develop emergency plans for Coloradans with pets, including transportation and other logistics. Our furry friends and pets are valued members of our families, and this legislation helps communities create a plan to keep everyone safe during wildfire evacuations.” HB24-1033 would encourage local emergency management agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during wildfires or other emergencies. This would include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets, including service animals. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. This bill was created during the interim by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee and is designed to keep communities and Coloradans safer in the wake of destructive wildfires. Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2021 HISTORIC DAY FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN COLORADO AS HOUSE ADVANCES THREE LIFESAVING BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today advanced three bold new gun violence prevention measures, all of which will help to curb the epidemic of gun violence and save lives. Two bills, focused on expanding and improving our background check system and creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention advanced on Second Reading, while a bill to strengthen enforcement of laws that keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers passed on Third Reading. “When Boulder was devastated by yet another mass shooting last month, my community was left reeling and asking for change,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Today, we moved to create an office dedicated to gun violence prevention, expand background checks to prevent people like the Boulder shooter from buying a firearm, and strengthened the process that prevents domestic abusers from accessing them as well. As a staunch mental health advocate, I’m also proud that we are working to pass bills to get Coloradans the support they need to address their mental health. All of these efforts will help us prevent tragedies and save lives.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of people with violent criminal pasts is a common sense way to curb the gun violence epidemic that has taken far too many lives in our state, and it’s no surprise that a majority of Coloradans support it,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Colorado is demonstrating that it is possible to take bold, substantive action to curb gun violence. I hope Congress is taking notes.” HB21-1298 , sponsored by Reps. Woodrow and Amabile, prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole”, which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill avoids that by creating a state requirement for a firearms dealer to receive approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to transferring a firearm. “Today is a groundbreaking and hopeful day in the history of the Colorado House,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “In a single day, the House advanced three bills that will help us get to the root causes of gun violence and make our state a safer place to live. As we take these lifesaving steps, I’m particularly excited about the creation of the Office of Gun Violence prevention, which will ensure our gun violence prevention efforts are centralized and working as efficiently as possible.” “Coloradans have become intimately acquainted with the horrors of gun violence, whether they manifest in mass shootings, suicides, or the everyday community and domestic violence that takes loved ones from families across the state far too often,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will channel our efforts to promote safety and mental health resources into one place while also funding the type of innovative community-driven violence interruption programs that will help us end this public health epidemic.” HB21-1299 , sponsored by Reps. Bacon and Sullivan, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. HB21-1255 , sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Matt Gray, would strengthen and streamline procedures for the relinquishment of firearms by someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them. Current law already requires domestic violence offenders who are subject to a protection order stemming from an act of domestic or intimate partner violence to forfeit their firearms and refrain from possessing or purchasing firearms for the duration of the order. This bill simply clarifies the way in which defendants must comply with this requirement, and establishes requirements for courts. The bill passed the House on Third Reading by a vote of 39-23. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REDUCE SUICIDE DEATHS DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Janice Rich to reduce suicide deaths in Colorado. “Far too many Coloradans have felt the gut-wrenching sadness and heartbreak of a suicide attempt,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today, we’re taking action to ensure that Colorado has a comprehensive approach to stopping suicide deaths. The bill expands a critical grant program so that more students and teachers are trained to support youth in crisis. Importantly, by focusing on the aftermath of a suicide attempt, the bill ensures individuals and communities have the support they need to prevent future tragedies.” HB21-1119 expands the Crisis and Suicide Training Grant Program to include “‘train-the-trainer” programs at public schools and funds peer-to-peer specialist programs that help students support their classmates. The bill incorporates postvention and follow-up care into the state’s comprehensive suicide prevention approach to support individuals and communities in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Importantly, CDPHE will update the department’s suicide prevention resources to include region-specific information for primary care providers on how to recognize and respond to suicidal patients, including information that can be shared with patients and information for health facilities to share upon a patient’s release. Research shows that people who have known someone who died by suicide were 1.6 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, 2.9 times more likely to have a plan for suicide themselves, and 3.7 times more likely to have attempted suicide. Suicide has become a far more common cause of death among peace officers, medical professionals, and school-aged children. Children or adolescents who know about a friend’s suicide attempt are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide themselves. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 ON EARTH DAY, COMMITTEE PUTS THE EARTH FIRST; ADVANCES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPOSALS The Energy and Environment Committee today advanced two bills to advance renewable energy development and ensure the state’s environmental efforts consider the needs of disproportionately impacted communities DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a Colorado Comeback stimulus proposal to fund clean energy infrastructure projects at the local level and a separate bill to ensure the state’s environmental efforts consider the needs of disproportionately impacted communities. “The Colorado Comeback plan is about stimulating our economy today and helping to lay the groundwork to ensure a sustainable and thriving economy tomorrow,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “I can think of no better way to achieve these goals than to invest directly into local economies transitioning towards renewable energy. This bill helps us to build back stronger by creating jobs and investing in Colorado’s green energy infrastructure.” “As market forces, consumer choices, and environmental consciousness move our state’s economy toward a clean energy future, we need to make investments to ensure our local economies can capitalize on the changing market,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “The grants that will be funded as a result of this bill will create jobs across the state and ensure that we build back a cleaner, greener energy economy for Colorado.” HB21-1253 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Meg Froelich, would invest $5 million into local government grants for shovel-ready, job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. The grants would be distributed by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are intended to be allocated by August 15, 2021. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 6-5. “Colorado’s climate policies must be as intersectional as the crisis we’re seeking to solve,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill will ensure that our state’s environmental response takes into account the unique and critical needs of disproportionately impacted communities. Environmental justice means giving a leg up to communities of color, low income communities, and others who are most impacted by the largest contributors of pollution and bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change. We cannot afford to wait..” HB21-1266 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, is designed to ensure Colorado’s climate policies put environmental justice at the forefront. The bill would create an Environmental Justice Action Task Force within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), to take community input and develop an agency-wide environmental justice strategy. It would also create a definition for the terms “environmental justice” and “disproportionately impacted community” in the context of climate policy, ensuring that communities of color, low-income communities, and others who are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change are considered in the state’s climate response efforts. The bill passed by a vote of 8-5. Previous Next

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits < Back April 30, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two bills to save Coloradans money on health care. SB25-296 would ensure patients receive free breast cancer screenings. SB25-118 would save families money on prenatal visits. “From preventive to prenatal care, we are focused on saving you money on health care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of SB25-296 and SB25-118. “Patients can already receive no-cost preventive screenings for breast cancer, however, follow-up visits are often not covered by insurance. SB25-296 would extend coverage to include diagnostic exams so patients can receive the care they need. Another bill I’m sponsoring will save parents money on three prenatal visits. Coloradans deserve access to high-quality, affordable health care, and these bills will save families money on the health care they need.” “While breast cancer screenings are available to patients at no cost, follow-up visits and additional diagnostics are often not,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB25-296. “This bill extends preventive care options for breast cancer to save Coloradans money on health care and treatment.” In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296 would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. SB25-296 passed commitee passed by a vote of 12-0. “Expecting parents are often on the hook for many doctor's visits and prenatal care, which can really add up,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill ensures that families will not need to pay deductibles or co-pays for three office visits – saving them money.” SB25-118 would save expecting parents money on prenatal care. This bill would ensure that state-regulated insurance plans cover three prenatal care office visits. To save patients money, this bill would prohibit state-regulated insurance plans, except for individual and small group plans offered through Colorado Option, from imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, on the first three prenatal visits. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect for plans issued or renewed after January 1st, 2027. Prenatal care is an important step in expanding access to health care, and helps support mothers who might experience pregnancy-related complications and can prevent emergencies. SB25-118 passed commitee by a vote of 11-1. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2019 HOUSE DEMS DELIVER ON AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE HIGHER-ED College Kickstarter and student loan borrower bills signed into law (May 13) – Gov. Polis signed a pair of bills sponsored by House Democrats at the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. First up was SB19-002, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Dominique Jackson, to help protect student loan borrowers. “This new law will help student loan borrowers and ensure they are not victims of scams or deception,” s aid Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “This is a pressing issue for young people who are demanding that their elected officials take action. This is a crucial step that we are taking to help Coloradans pay off their loans as soon as possible.” Student debt in Colorado has skyrocketed from $19 billion to over $27 billion in just three years. This new law will would include student loan servicers in the Uniform Consumer Credit Code to establish licensing requirements for these service providers. It also empowers the Colorado Attorney General’s office to field, review and help resolve any complaints by borrowers against service providers. “I put myself through undergraduate school and a very expensive graduate program. I took out a lot of student loans,” Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora said during debate on the bill. “It’s not just my colleagues’ generation, it’s mine too. I don’t get to retire because I have this debt and I feel like I will die with this student loan debt.” In 2017, Coloradans issued over 1,000 complaints against loan service providers, a 78 percent increase compared to previous years, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Children with college savings accounts are twice as likely to go to college. That’s why House Democrats passed HB19-1280, a program will be created to help and encourage Colorado parents to open a College Savings Account (CSA) for their children. The bill was also signed into law today. “I am so excited about this new law! Colorado will now help to “kickstart” college savings for every baby born or adopted in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Studies show that savings can help address the economic and racial barriers to building wealth in our country by incentivizing savings and encouraging families to invest in education at zero cost to the taxpayers.” Beginning in 2020, $100 of seed money will be contributed to the CSA if an account is opened within the first five years of the child’s life. “The College Kickstarter program will create funding for a college savings account for every child born or adopted in Colorado,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “This will help give our kiddos a running start and have a strong impact on our state’s future.” Watch the bill signing ceremony here . Previous Next

Trump tariffs and budget bill lead to higher costs, inflation and economic turbulence < Back June 18, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Trump Policies Increase Economic and Consumer Uncertainty DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts. “This forecast paints a picture of uncertainty, even as Colorado’s economy remains strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “In Colorado, teacher pay is on the rise and inflation is still below the national average. I am deeply concerned that Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are pursuing policies like tariffs and Medicaid cuts that will increase costs on families, hurt consumers and small businesses, and raise prices for everyone on everything from food and basic necessities to health care.” “The chaos and uncertainty caused by Washington looms large over today’s economic forecast,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “From unpredictable tariffs raising prices to the decimation of the federal workforce, these actions are elevating our risk of recession and they threaten to have a disastrous impact on Colorado’s economy. Despite this uncertainty, the forecast also shows the resilience of Colorado businesses and workers who continue to show up and move our economy forward. We’re no stranger to tough budgets. We will continue to make thoughtful and strategic decisions to minimize harm while investing in Colorado's future.” “This forecast shows that policies coming from Washington Republicans are harming consumers, increasing costs, and hurting our economy,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “In a tight budget year, we protected the key services and programs Coloradans and their families rely on, but Colorado can simply not absorb the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The economic forecasts, which have some good news when it comes to housing costs and Colorado's new tax credits for working families, also show that what’s happening in Washington will have a direct impact on our economy, our budget, and the safety net services Coloradans rely on.” “Today’s forecast shows that Colorado has tough budget decisions ahead, made worse by a federal administration whose erratic economic policies continue to do real harm to our country and state,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “With no regard to the damage that they’ve already caused, Congressional Republicans continue to push the budget reconciliation bill forward to make devastating funding cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs and further throw the economy into chaos. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on bringing down costs for Colorado families and providing high-quality health care and education, and we will be ready to navigate the impacts of damaging federal policies to the best of our ability.” Despite economic uncertainty caused by federal policy changes, Colorado’s economy remains strong. Until the recent tariffs, inflation had been slowing nationally, and Colorado’s inflation is still lower than the national average. This is largely driven by slower rent increases. New tariff policies on imported goods from Canada, Mexico, China, and other major trading partners have caused business volatility and will likely raise prices, including tariffs on Canadian oil that will increase gas prices. Tariff policies are also hurting consumer confidence. In May, consumer inflation expectations were the highest they have been in 44 years. The trade war is also negatively impacting one of Colorado’s top exports, beef. Federal policies may slow job growth and lift unemployment rates. Mass federal layoffs are having ripple effects through Colorado’s leisure, hospitality and tourism industries and are increasing unemployment rates. The OSPB forecast estimates that two new tax credits – the Earned Income Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit – will be fully implemented in the 2025 tax year, meaning low-and-middle income families will be able to keep more of their money. Nearly all of the downside risks to the LCS forecast are due to policy decisions in Washington, which have caused slower hiring and caution among consumers and businesses. According to LCS, “Consumers and businesses are struggling to navigate the impact of current and potential federal policy shifts on prices, investment, markets, and monetary policy. Further strain on international relationships, backlash from international travelers, students, and other consumers, and retaliatory trade policy present additional downside risks. Along with trade policy, the Trump administration has made rapid changes regarding federal employment, contracts, and spending, indicating willingness to unwind various industry supports previously in place. In addition, proposed tax legislation currently making its way through Congress has raised bond market concerns about U.S. debt levels, placing upward pressure on interest rates and contributing to financial market turmoil. Consumers remain sensitive to price levels and sentiment has recently plummeted, signaling elevated uncertainty for the future.” With lower-than-expected General Fund revenue, Colorado is at risk of falling below the Referendum C cap (TABOR cap). The LCS forecast estimates that the highest risk is in FY 2025-26 where revenue above the cap is only 0.4 percent above the cap. Under the LCS forecast, revenues above the TABOR cap are expected to be $142.2 million in FY 2024-2025, $83.3 million in FY 2025-2026 and $535.5 million in FY 2026-2027. Under the OSPB forecast, revenues above the TABOR cap are expected to be $224 million in FY 2024-2025, $289 million in FY 2025-2026 and $536.4 million in FY 2026-2027. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.57 billion in FY 2025-2026, adding to an opening balance of $2.35 billion in reserves, for a 3.2 percent reduction in total funds available from 2024-2025. They forecast revenue growing by 4.0 percent to $18.27 billion in FY in 2026-2027. As costs and caseloads increase faster than the TABOR cap, LCS estimates the state will face a budget shortfall of $698 million in FY 2026-27. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.1 billion for FY 2024-2025 and $17.8 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $114 million decrease for FY 2024-2025 and a $178 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the March revenue forecast. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations to make our schools safer. < Back May 15, 2023 New Bipartisan Law Expands School Access to Life-Saving Stop the Bleed Kits EVANS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations to make our schools safer. “The more teachers and staff we can prepare for emergency situations, the more likely we are to save a life,” said School Psychologist Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “ Time is precious in any emergency. This bipartisan law ensures teachers, staff and older students have the proper “Stop the Bleed” training and materials they need to respond effectively and efficiently to save lives.” “As a father and a nurse, I know the seconds matter when somebody is bleeding,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Stop the Bleed is an important program to save lives in our schools and raise awareness about this easy to learn, life-saving technique.” HB23-1213 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield and Senator Kyle Mullica requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. This law aims to better prepare educators and staff for emergency situations by providing life-saving materials accompanied by training to help keep people alive. “Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward, standardized set of training materials and recommendations for everyday people caring for someone experiencing excessive bleeding through applying pressure to the wound and tying tourniquets for those trained to act quickly in emergency situations. Previous Next

Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed bipartisan legislation to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers, such as community land trusts, to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back May 25, 2023 SIGNED! New Law Expands Property Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed bipartisan legislation to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers, such as community land trusts, to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. “Expensive land costs make it difficult for affordable housing developers to buy land to build housing opportunities that work for every budget,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our bipartisan law expands on existing property tax exemptions for nonprofits to incentivize building more affordable homes, saving educators, first responders, and child care workers money on housing.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home.” HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing. It also extends the exemption period from 5 to 10 years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The bill creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. The National Low Income Housing Coalition ranked Colorado as the 8th least affordable state in 2022 and stated that the average renter needed to work 2.3 full-time jobs at minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom rental. Data from the American Community Survey demonstrates the racial inequality when it comes to homeownership with 71 percent of non-Hispanic White Coloradans owning their home compared to only 51 percent of Hispanic and 43 percent of Black Coloradans. Previous Next

HB26-1345 would make updates to the performance model funding to capture Colorado’s entire student body, including part-time and transfer students < Back April 23, 2026 Bill to Modernize, Improve Higher Education Funding Formula Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The House Education Committee today passed legislation modernizing Colorado’s higher education funding model to meet the needs of Colorado students, especially those from diverse and underserved backgrounds and non-traditional students. “When we equip our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, they can land good-paying jobs after graduation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “ This bill modernizes the higher education funding formula so it better meets the needs of diverse, underserved and non-traditional students based on the recommendations from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education working group. Additionally, our legislation would expand qualified transfers to include more students and prioritize part-time students to better represent Colorado’s entire student body.” “Updating the higher education funding formula shows our commitment to improving student success, especially as their needs evolve,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Part-time students account for more than half of the students enrolled in higher education institutions, but they’re not accurately accounted for in the funding model. This bill modernizes and improves Colorado’s higher education funding model to better represent Colorado’s student body and drive funding to the students who need it the most.” HB26-1345 implements changes and modifications to higher education funding as recommended by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s 2025 Report on the Higher Education Funding Allocation Formula . This bill aims to streamline and modernize higher education data systems and definitions to better meet the needs of Colorado’s student body, including part-time and transfer students. HB26-1345 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. One component of higher education funding relies on a results-informed funding model, and beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028, HB26-1345 would make modifications to this model by: Expanding qualified transfers: The current formula does not recognize four-year transfers as a successful touchpoint, despite 45-percent of Colorado students transferring between schools at least one time. This bill expands qualifying transfers to include those from four-year institutions who immediately transfer to another higher education institution with at least 18-credits earned at the previous institution. Without this modification, only students who earn 18-credits and transfer out of a community college would be counted in the credential completion weights. Prioritizing part-time students: 55-percent of Colorado’s higher education students attend part-time, but they are not included in any outcome measure rate. This bill would create an inclusive retention rate that measures the year-to-year prevalence of both part-time and full-time students. Modernizing graduation calculations: Collaborative programs, including the Bridge and Partnership programs, allow students to complete their degree in a field of study that is not offered by their home institution. However, this can skew the graduation calculations at their home campus. This bill would exclude students who are enrolled in a co-located degree partnership to ensure this population does not negatively impact the graduation calculations of their home campus. Streamlines formula definitions and data sources: This bill cleans up language and definitions in the current formula to make it more streamlined and clear for higher education institutions and policymakers. Specifically, HB26-1345 would make formula “levers” consistent, predictable, and focused on student-centered performance. Additionally, this bill standardizes data sources by transitioning the calculation of retention and graduation rates to the Department of Higher Education’s data system. To respond to shifts at the federal level, this bill also changes the definition of “Pell-eligible” student to “Pell-recipient” to ensure that this metric remains consistent. Previous Next