The House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday passed legislation to expand Colorado’s existing “Red Flag” law to proactively combat gun violence and save lives. < Back March 3, 2026 ICYMI: CO Dems Vote to Expand Red Flag Law, Reject Republican Bill to Repeal It DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday passed legislation to expand Colorado’s existing “Red Flag” law to proactively combat gun violence and save lives. The committee also passed a bill to improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies to quickly identify firearms and generate leads for gun-related crimes. “As Republicans try to repeal Colorado’s life-saving Red Flag law, Colorado Democrats are expanding its impact to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB26-004. “Under this bill, educational institutions, in consultation with teachers and co-responders, would now be able to initiate the ERPO process if they believe someone is a risk to themselves or others. This bill would help protect our communities from gun violence.” “Colorado’s Red Flag law is one of the most effective tools that we have to prevent gun violence, which is why we passed our bill to make it more effective and voted down the House GOP’s effort to completely eliminate it,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB26-004. “Red Flag laws allow certain professionals to file a petition if they believe someone poses a serious threat to our communities. Our bill adds to the list of qualified people who can try to intervene to prevent senseless gun violence and save Colorado lives.” SB26-004 would expand the list of community members eligible to petition for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) and create a new category of institutional petitioners. The bill would add co-responders and health care professionals employed by health care facilities to the list of community members who may petition the court for an ERPO. SB26-004 would also add health care facilities, behavioral health treatment facilities, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions as institutional petitioners that may petition a court for an ERPO. SB26-004 passed committee by a vote of 8-3. Passed in 2019, Colorado Democrats’ original ERPO legislation allows qualified individuals to petition a judge to temporarily remove a firearm from a potentially dangerous individual and interrupt gun violence before it has a chance to occur. In 2023, lawmakers passed legislation to expand the list of qualified individuals eligible to petition for an ERPO to include DAs and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care professionals, educators, and mental health professionals. The committee also voted down a dangerous bill, sponsored by Representative Scott Slaugh, R-Berthoud. HB26-1072 would have repealed Colorado’s Red Flag law and all subsequent changes to the law, like the addition of an ERPO hotline and expansions of qualified individuals who can file an ERPO. By September 1, 2026, HB26-1265 would require each law enforcement agency in Colorado to register with eTrace and opt in to eTrace’s feature that allows for collaboration. HB26-1265 passed committee by a vote of 7-3. "With Trump gutting crucial gun violence prevention tools, Colorado has to step up to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB26-1265. “eTrace helps law enforcement agencies identify the last known owner of a gun to identify gun traffickers, stolen firearms and other dangerous crimes. Collaboration across law enforcement jurisdictions, like eTrace, can save lives.” “Effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies is essential to solving gun-related crimes and protecting our communities,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB26-1265. “This bill expands access to the ATF's eTrace system by requiring all Colorado law enforcement agencies to register, submit data on recovered or confiscated firearms, and share tracing information with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. By doing so, we equip officers with critical tools to trace firearms used in crimes, disrupt illegal trafficking, and enhance public safety across the state.” Law enforcement agencies would be required to record information into eTrace when they: Recover or confiscate firearms in connection with a criminal investigation, Seize or forfeit firearms in connection with domestic violence crimes, and Obtain an abandoned or discarded firearm. eTrace, a bilingual service, allows for collaboration among all participating law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement can submit trace requests through eTrace to quickly determine the firearm’s origin, helping identify potential firearms traffickers and suspects in criminal investigations. Nearly 640,000 firearm trace requests were completed in fiscal year 2024. Last year, the Trump Administration revoked a policy that prevented gun dealers from selling guns to criminals. Trump also proposed a $400 million cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, leaving more pressure on states to address firearm trafficking. The committee also passed HB26-1126 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Steven Woodrow, to better enforce Colorado’s permit to sell law. The bill would expand opportunities for firearm dealers to comply with state law without compromising Coloradans’ safety. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. “The Economic Development Rate allows utilities to offer competitive electric rates to large customers and can be a powerful tool to help drive business to Colorado and create more jobs, but the current qualification requirements severely limit eligible projects,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill expands eligible project size and reduces application review timelines to increase the number of projects that can benefit from these lower rates. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses, and generate more economic growth in our state.” HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would make adjustments to the economic development rate (EDR) tariff by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses would have to undergo the societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community, as well as an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, allowing regulated electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back January 27, 2020 REP. ROBERTS’ RURAL JUMP-START EXPANSION BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would allow more businesses to access the benefits of the Rural Jump-Start Program DENVER, CO — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich that would improve and expand eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program today advanced from the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee. The legislation passed 10-0. “The Rural Jump-Start Program is already giving businesses in rural Colorado the support they need to create and keep jobs here in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts (D-Avon). “The bill we moved forward today will ensure that more businesses can take advantage of the program’s benefits and will extend it for more years to come. I look forward to seeing this legislation continue to advance and am grateful for the support that it has received on both sides of the aisle.” HB20-1003 would eliminate provisions that limit eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program in order to enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. HB20-1003 also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. Representative Janice Rich (R-Grand Junction) is a co-prime sponsor of the legislation. The Rural Jump-Start Program incentivizes businesses to create and maintain jobs in rural parts of Colorado by providing tax relief both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. These businesses must be located in designated economically distressed areas of Colorado known as Rural Jump-Start Zones. Previous Next

Today, legislation to improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and improve access to publicly funded vaccines was signed into law by Governor Polis. < Back May 10, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, Bring Down Costs for Medication & Vaccines AURORA, CO - Today, legislation to improve the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and improve access to publicly funded vaccines was signed into law by Governor Polis. HB23-1225 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, increases the effectiveness of PDAB to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. The bill allows PDAB to increase the limit on setting Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) to 18 per year if the board reaches the current annual cap of 12 UPLs and demonstrates a need for additional UPLs. Additionally, the bill improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. “Over the past few years we have worked hard to save Coloradans money on life-saving prescription drugs,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Still, too many families’ budgets are squeezed by high costs of medication. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an essential tool to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable, and these changes will make the Board even more effective at saving families money on their life-saving medications.” “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board was created in 2021 to review prescription drug costs and set upper price limits to prevent price gouging of essential medication,” said deGruy Kennedy. “This year, we’re increasing the number of prescription drugs that the PDAB can create upper price limits for so more Coloradans can benefit from the cost saving measures we’ve enacted.” “House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” Buckner said. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.” “The legislature created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, but current law restricts the Board's ability to function,” Dickson said. “This new law extends the Board's lifespan and expands the number of prescriptions it can review, so Coloradans can better access affordable, quality health care.” Governor Polis also signed into law SB23-260 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. The bill allows practitioners to ask individuals who seek to receive a publicly funded vaccine to provide proof of health insurance or a government-issued identification card, but does not limit an individual from receiving a publicly funded vaccine if they don’t have those items. The bill clarifies that independent pharmacies may charge vaccine administration fees and not provide publicly funded vaccines to individuals who are unable to pay. However, those pharmacies must provide individuals who are unable to pay with a list of practitioners who will provide the publicly funded vaccine regardless of payment ability. Previous Next

< Back July 2, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT AT-RISK CHILDREN & HELP VULNERABLE FAMILIES SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will improve the child welfare system, protect essential benefits for Coloradans who need them, and provide a one-time payment of $500 to the state’s most vulnerable families to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic. SB20-162 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Kim Ransom, makes a number of changes to the child welfare system to better protect vulnerable youth and connect them with the services they need. The new law aims to lower the rate of foster care and group home placement by allowing the state to use federal Family First funding to deliver supportive services in a family’s home, keeping families together whenever safely possible and consistent with the goals for the child or youth. “I’ve worked in the child and youth welfare system, and I’ve seen how important it is to keep children and youth in their homes and help families stay together,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This bipartisan new law allows our state to use federal funding to deliver evidence-based services in the most appropriate setting. It will help our state keep up with best practices, protect our most vulnerable children and youth, keep children and youth in their communities, and most importantly, reduce placements in group homes and residential facilities.” Currently, when a person is found to have intentionally committed a violation in seeking access to a public assistance program, that person is then barred from accessing any public benefits. SB20-206 , sponsored by Representatives Jonathan Singer and Lois Landgraf, clarifies that recipients are only disqualified from participating in the program in which they were found to have committed the violation. “Everyone deserves a fair shot; we shouldn’t bar our most vulnerable from assistance without due process,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “We have to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now more Coloradans will be able to keep a roof over their heads and food on their family’s table when they’re in crisis.” The governor also signed SB20-029 , sponsored by Representatives James Coleman and Monica Duran, which provides a one-time assistance of $500 to participants in Colorado Works, the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The program connects clients with job and training opportunities, providing support that helps participants become self-sufficient. Colorado Works assistance has not been adjusted for inflation since it was created in 1996, while the cost of living in Colorado has grown significantly since then. In 2019, approximately 35,000 Coloradans received TANF benefits each month, but that figure has likely grown due to the pandemic. “We are in an unprecedented economic and public health crisis, and Colorado families experiencing poverty need immediate help to afford basic needs,” said Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. “This one-time payment will help vulnerable families make ends meet as our state works to recover from the pandemic.” “Hardworking families across our state are struggling right now to pay their rent or mortgage or to put food on the table,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We can’t let Coloradans who are experiencing hard times fall further behind during this pandemic and into greater economic hardship or homelessness.” Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP CONDUCT BUSINESS ELECTRONICALLY PASSESS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Matt Soper that would make it easier for entities to conduct business electronically. “With so much in our lives being conducted online at the moment, it just makes sense to give businesses the tools they need to conduct their affairs remotely,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Building back a stronger Colorado means supporting small businesses in every area we can- big and small. Today we made strides towards bringing Colorado’s corporate and business law into the modern digital age, and I’m proud to have played a part.” HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR KIDS More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 25) – The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would increase access to mental health services for children. Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill would create a pilot program that provides a social worker in participating schools to follow kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. “We know that services provided sooner rather than later have greater results. Imagine a situation where the social worker engages with the family and identifies safety net insecurities and follows up with wrap-around services,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “The social workers can check-in and prevent an emotional cycle that may go out of control. Support is provided sooner rather than later, and no child slips through the cracks.” HB19-1017 asks the Department of Education to find a pilot district that meets the characteristics including high poverty, ethnic diversity, and a large concentration of students in the foster care system. Within that district, one social worker for every 250 students in the school will be readily available to those students throughout their elementary period. The bill passed on a voice-vote and will receive a final vote at a later date. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 31, 2026 Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 11-0. “Colorado funeral homes have unfortunately been in the headlines for tragic abuses, and Colorado Democrats are taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “If a county coroner has financial ties to a death care business, it is important that that interest is disclosed to help with potential investigations and improve transparency. Everyone deserves fair treatment, even in death, and this bill is another step that Colorado Democrats are taking to make sure that our funeral homes are following the law.” “Coloradans deserve dignity in death,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “With the recent news of numerous Colorado death care businesses mishandling bodies, we’re requiring county coroners in Colorado to disclose financial ties to these businesses. We’re building on the work that we’ve already done to ensure Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories are following proper protocol by creating another tool to improve oversight of the death care industry.” SB26-105 would require a county coroner to disclose if they own, work for, manage, contract with, or otherwise have a financial interest in a death care business. Under the bill, county coroners would post a notice on the coroner’s website and would be prohibited from taking an official action that would impact that business. The bill also changes the county population threshold for the certification requirements for coroners from at least 150,000 to at least 300,000 people, alleviating problems for smaller counties where there may not be enough residents eligible to serve as a coroner according to current law. In 2022, the Colorado General Assembly passed a law directing the state to inspect and investigate funeral homes and crematories for malpractice based on complaints. A 2024 law requires regular inspections of Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories. When the state conducted an annual inspection at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo in August 2025, it found several mishandled bodies , some of which had been decomposing for over 15 years. The mortuary was owned by then-Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter, who is alleged to have used his position to direct deceased people without next-of-kin to his mortuary. The investigation is ongoing. Previous Next

The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. < Back October 25, 2023 Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety DENVER, CO - The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. “In order to effectively understand and utilize data on recidivism, we have to start on the same page,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “The legislation we’re advancing today will ensure agencies operate with the same definition and understanding of ‘recidivism’, and that the legislature has a comprehensive knowledge of the way Coloradans move through our criminal justice system. With these updates to help us better understand our criminal justice system, we’ll be able to develop more effective legislation that results in just outcomes for Coloradans and safer communities for all.” “Agencies throughout Colorado use varying definitions for ‘recidivism’, making it more difficult to use as a data point when drafting legislation to address public safety concerns,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bill 1 and 3. “We’re streamlining the definition across Colorado agencies to make ‘recidivism’ a useful tool in policy-making and continued evaluation of our justice system to create a safer Colorado.” Currently, the definition of “recidivism” fluctuates greatly between the Division of Youth Services, Department of Corrections, community corrections, and other agencies. Bill 1 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Judy Amabile and Matthew Martinez, would require the Division of Criminal Justice to create a working group with the purpose of establishing a definition of “recidivism” that can be used by all state entities, making it easier to use data to understand the efficacy of current procedures and legislative or policy changes. “Understanding recidivism rates is a useful tool in measuring successful strategies to decrease future criminal activity, and with this legislation, we are considering additional metrics to create meaningful and effective policy,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 1 and 2. “Factors like housing status, education, mental health, and social considerations can contribute to the likelihood of someone committing a crime. By expanding our scope and using a consistent definition of ‘recidivism’, we can identify what factors have a positive influence on individuals so we can reduce crime and slow the revolving door of people in and out of prison.” “Time and time again, data has shown us that the most successful strategies to decrease crime are comprehensive approaches,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “Our new legislation will bring in diverse voices and provide the necessary resources to take a close look at the efficiency of Colorado’s criminal justice system and, going forward, will help us determine more holistic methods to decrease crime and help Coloradans successfully reintegrate into their communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Judy Amabile, would create the Alternative Metrics to Measure Criminal Justice System Performance Working Group to study metrics and methods other than recidivism. These alternative metrics and methods, used in addition to recidivism data, would measure risk-reduction outcomes and life factors that influence successful outcomes, and more effectively determine the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The working group would be required to submit a report to the House Health and Insurance, House Judiciary, Senate Health and Human Services, and Senate Judiciary committees by July 1, 2025 with a summary of their work and any recommendations. The committee also voted to advance Bill 3 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Matthew Martinez, requiring the Division of Criminal Justice (division) to conduct a study to examine how individuals proceed through the stages of criminal and juvenile justice proceedings, including sentences and alternative sentencing programs, and make recommendations for creating a more efficient system. The division must submit a report of its findings by June 30, 2025. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back October 10, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE: FAMILIES IN THE MOUNTAINS WILL SAVE OVER $10,000 ON HEALTH CARE NEXT YEAR Savings are largely attributable to Rep. McCluskie’s reinsurance legislation, premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide DENVER, CO– Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today released the following statement after Governor Polis announced that the final health insurance rates for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent and that families living in the mountains and some rural areas will save over $10,000: “This is big news. Health insurance rates sold on the individual market will be falling dramatically, and the typical family of four living in the mountains and some rural areas of our state will see a savings of over $10,000 next year. Every Coloradan deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care services close to home, and the General Assembly worked tirelessly this past year to deliver on this basic human right. From colorado hospitals and insurance carriers, to the lawmakers who cosponsored this legislation, I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of all the partners and stakeholders who helped secure this reduction in health care costs.” Rep. McCluskie was the prime sponsor of HB19-1168, State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program, which was signed by Governor Polis last May. The bipartisan legislation establishes a state reinsurance program, which has successfully lowered health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market. Rep. McCluskie and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, were also the co-prime sponsors of SB19-004, a bill that facilitated the establishment of the Peak Health Alliance, a health care cooperative that aims to lower costs in rural parts of the state. After starting successfully in Summit County, Peak Health is now expanding into several other counties, including Grand, Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties. In the announcement today, Governor Polis said that the typical family of four living in the mountains who purchase their insurance on the individual market will see a yearly savings of $10,302, and that health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 BIPARTISAN AGRICULTURE STIMULUS BILLS ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support the agriculture industry, invest in sustainability and drought resiliency that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed unanimously. “Colorado’s agriculture industry is what has allowed our state to grow and prosper, but the industry needs our help to continue to be a major economic driver,” said Committee Chair Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-248 and SB21-235 . “The Agriculture Future Loan Program will provide new and existing agriculture operations with crucial funding that will help create jobs and provide a boost to this critical industry. At the same time, by investing in the ACRE3 program, we’re investing in the long-term sustainability of the industry by encouraging more energy efficient agriculture operations to ensure that Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can continue to contribute so much to our state.” SB21-248 , also sponsored by Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would create the Colorado Agriculture Future Loan Program and direct $30 million of state stimulus funds into it. The Program is designed to provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers and farm-to-market infrastructure loans and grants for businesses. Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado, and this program is intended to ensure that the industry has a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Supporting our agriculture industry and protecting the environment are not at odds – this bill is proof that we can do both at the same time,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-235. “Investing in the ACRE3 program will help Colorado’s agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency and cutting costs. In fact solar panels and crops have a symbiotic relationship that means more efficient panels, better crop yields, and increased water retention. I’m proud of the work we did today to ensure Colorado’s agricultural comeback is sustainable.” SB21-235 , sponsored by Ag Committee Chair Karen McCormick and Representative Tracey Bernett, allocates $5 million to the Department of Agriculture, with at least $3 million going to the ACRE3 energy efficiency program and at least $2 million going to conservation districts to implement voluntary soil health programs. ACRE3 is Colorado’s premier state-level program for agricultural energy management and provides financial aid, technical assistance, and education to help the agriculture industry cut energy costs and develop their own energy resources. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Every single county in Colorado experienced drought last year, and we need to be doing more to ensure our state is prepared to anticipate and respond,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of SB21-234. “As climate change worsens, the effects of drought on our agriculture industry will only become more and more severe, and we have to make sure we’re providing this critical industry with the support it needs.” SB21-234 , sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, provides $3 million to the Department of Agriculture to ensure the state is better prepared to anticipate, mitigate, or respond to droughts. Colorado’s drought was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a severe economic toll on the agriculture industry. This bill will help the state plan for and mitigate future droughts and climate disturbances. SB21-234 passed through the Senate with unanimous support. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. The House Finance committee also passed SB21-229 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, which invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. < Back April 21, 2023 Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. HB23-1210 is part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step toward combating climate change and boosting our state’s economy," said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “This legislation helps us develop a strategic plan surrounding the emerging technologies for carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage. We are strategically positioning Colorado to be a national leader in carbon management, attracting new companies and innovative solutions to save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” HB23-1210 would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. Using public input, the roadmap will also identify early investment opportunities to minimize community risks associated with projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next