< Back June 7, 2021 HOTELS, MOTELS, AND HOUSING SUPPORT House passes innovative proposal to convert underutilized motels and hotels into affordable housing units DENVER– The House today passed Representatives Gonzales Gutierrez and Woodrow’s bill to invest $30 million of federal funds into a grant program that will allow local governments to convert underutilized properties into shelters or affordable housing units. The bill passed by a vote of 42-22. “Colorado’s housing crisis demands action, and today we empowered local governments to take immediate steps to help keep people housed,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242 and SB21-027. “Revitalizing hotels and motels to meet housing needs is an innovative and commonsense way to tackle one of Colorado’s most persistent issues.” “Working to help families keep a roof over their heads isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a matter of investing in Colorado’s economy and improving public health,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242. “By converting underutilized hotels and motels, we’re leveraging existing assets to provide shelter and housing to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.” SB21-242 provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients, local governments and nonprofits are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. The legislation also provides direct assistance to workers who were unable to receive prior federal and state relief. Previous Next

< Back January 7, 2019 CATHY KIPP JOINS HOUSE DEMOCRATS (Jan. 7) – Cathy Kipp, a former Poudre School District board member, was sworn in today at the state capitol as the next representative for House District 52 in Fort Collins. A vacancy committee selected Rep. Kipp last week to replace state Senator Joann Ginal in the House. “I’m honored the group in HD-52 selected me and look forward to hitting the ground running,” Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins said. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at the legislature to invest in education and address the threat of climate change, among other issues.” “Representative Kipp brings a deep knowledge of policy and grassroots experience to the capitol and we all look forward to working with her to craft bipartisan solutions to the problems facing Coloradans,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. For the past seven years she sat on the Poudre School District Board of Education. Rep. Kipp is well-known in Colorado for her public education advocacy efforts. “I look forward to working with all of you, I am a very boots on the ground kind of person,” Kipp told the House upon being sworn in. Rep. Kipp lives in Fort Collins with her husband Don. They have two sons, Nick and Arthur. Previous Next

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar. < Back October 7, 2025 Titone, Michaelson Jenet Release Statements on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Hearing DENVER, CO – Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar . Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City: “In 2019, after years of work and repeated legislative attempts, I sponsored and successfully passed a law to prohibit the life-threatening and inhumane practice of conversion therapy. While writing the bill and fighting for its passage, my co-sponsors and I had meetings with parents, children, child psychology experts, and doctors. We heard gut-wrenching personal testimony, research and data about the lifelong consequences of conversion therapy, and even stories of suicide. The evidence was overwhelming: conversion therapy is deeply and often permanently harmful to youth. “Now, the Supreme Court is taking up a case that challenges these fundamental protections in yet another attack against the LGBTQ+ community. No matter what happens in this case, I will always fight for Colorado youth to grow up happy, healthy, and with the freedom to be themselves.” Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada: “In Colorado, we trust the science and medical professionals. Conversion therapy is harmful and ostracizes our LGBTQ+ youth. The research is clear: conversion therapy does not work, and it leads to negative outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth that put their lives at risk. This SCOTUS case is another attempt by MAGA loyalists to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and harm LGBTQ+ youth. We strongly urge the Court to uphold this law and protect children across the country. ” In 2019, Colorado Democrats sponsored legislation to ban conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy is a debunked treatment intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity through harmful interventions. The vast majority of medical and mental health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are opposed to conversion therapy. In 2009, a task force at the American Psychological Association published a report conducting a systematic review of conversion therapy and concluded that “...efforts to change sexual orientation are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm, contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates.” More than 20 states , including Colorado, New York and Utah, have banned conversion therapy for minors. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back March 20, 2025 House Passes Bill to Reduce Property Insurance Costs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 45-18. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about the policy decisions their insurers make. This bill promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation laws help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this bill helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This legislation helps provide transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 would require an insurer to provide a written notice to each policyholder at the time of application, renewal, or nonrenewal. The notice would include plain-language explanations of the wildfire risk score or other classifications, a range of possible scores a property could be assigned, and the impact each mitigation action could have on a risk score or classification. Policyholders and applicants can appeal their wildfire risk model score, wildfire risk classification, or applicable mitigation discount if they believe it is inaccurate and can provide evidence of the mitigation efforts that should be considered. The insurer would notify the policyholder or applicant in writing of the right to appeal and acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 10 calendar days. They would be required to respond to the appeal with a reconsideration and decision within 30 calendar days. If an appeal is denied, the Commissioner can request a copy of the appeal and the insurer’s response. HB25-1182 would require insurers that consider parcel level and community wide mitigation efforts in their models to ensure that risk scores reflect actual resilience. An insurer that uses these models would be required to ensure property-specific mitigation actions and community-level mitigation activities or designations are accounted for in underwriting and pricing. If an insurer doesn’t incorporate these actions into their models, they shall provide discounts to policyholders who demonstrate these property or community-level mitigation actions. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to support children and youth in the foster care system who have complex behavioral health care needs. < Back June 7, 2024 ICYMI: Bipartisan Rep. Young Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Care Access for Foster Youth Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to support children and youth in the foster care system who have complex behavioral health care needs. “The need for more residential treatment centers and beds is clear, especially for our foster children and youth with complex behavioral health care needs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our bipartisan legislation is a product of the child welfare interim committee and works to strengthen the system of care specifically by increasing the availability of residential care and investing in more treatment beds. We’re also taking steps to reduce bed reliance by increasing treatment options for foster care youth and assuring staff have the training they need. This law works to boost Colorado’s behavioral health care resources and streamline care to our foster children and youth who need it the most.” HB24-1038 , also sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children with complex behavioral health needs who are in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement. Specifically, it requires state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, increased supportive services and expanded access to treatment in foster care. The law aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the law creates a training academy to develop high-quality residential child care providers who will ensure effective, safe, and responsible care. The legislation requires the state to monitor quality standards for residential child care providers at all levels of care. This law originated from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee , chaired by Rep. Young, and was unanimously approved by the committee in October 2023. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2023 First Five Bills Introduced to Save Coloradans Money, Invest in Education and Meet Climate Goals DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today introduced the first five House bills of the 2023 legislative session, which highlight key agenda priorities of the House Democrats: building a Colorado everyone can afford, investing in schools and students, meeting our climate goals and protecting our water and air. “From making housing more affordable to reducing the cost of health care and child care, Colorado Democrats have governed responsibly for the people of Colorado – and we’re ready to continue to build upon that great progress,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This session, we’ll pass legislation to protect our water and air, invest in our schools, improve public safety, and make our state more affordable. Our first five bills are just the beginning, and we’re excited to get to work building a Colorado where everyone can thrive.” “The first bills introduced this session highlight our commitment to making Colorado more affordable for everyone,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “While we’ve made great progress, Coloradans continue to struggle with the high cost of living in our state. Our legislative priorities this year continue our efforts to prioritize students and teachers, save Coloradans money on everything from housing to health care, fund crime victim services and reduce gun violence. We’re ready to step up and serve the great people of Colorado.” Saving educators money ( HB23-1001 ) Representatives Cathy Kipp, Barbara McLachlan and Senator Rachel Zenzinger This bill builds upon last year’s work to save student educators money by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. This bill aims to address Colorado’s teacher shortage, retention and workforce challenges to ensure every student can thrive. Saving Coloradans money on health care ( HB23-1002 ) Representative Javier Mabrey and Senator Dylan Roberts This bill creates an epi-pen affordability program that will provide low-cost epi-pens to Colorado residents with a prescription and who are not enrolled in health care coverage. This bill aims to save Coloradans’ money on life-saving prescription medication by making itmore accessible to those without health insurance. This bill requires insurance carriers that provide coverage for epi-pens to cap the out-of-pocket cost to $60 for a 2-pack. Prioritizing youth mental health ( HB23-1003 ) Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Senator Lisa Cutter This bill creates a Mental Health Assessment Program for Colorado students in grades sixth through twelfth. If schools opt-in to this new program, it will help identify student mental health concerns early and provide additional services or referrals for students, including to the successful iMatter program. This bill aims to prioritize student behavioral health in schools and connect students with the help they need. Promoting language access and equity for Colorado consumers ( HB23-1004 ) Representative Elizabeth Velasco and Senator Julie Gonzales This bill protects Colorado consumers by requiring insurance providers that issue auto, home, and renters insurance to offer the policy, policy application and related documents in the same language they use in advertisements for the policy. The bill allows Coloradans’ to select their preferred language for all insurance documents and ensures policy documents are translated by a professional, so Coloradans understand the coverage they’re entitled to in their first language. Improving Colorado’s energy and water efficiency ( HB23-1005 ) Representatives Jenny Willford, Brianna Titone and Senator Jaquez Lewis This bill protects our environment and water resources by improving Colorado’s water and energy efficiency in commercial properties. Specifically, it makes improvements to the successful C-PACE financing program by enabling certain property owners to more effectively invest in water efficiency and resiliency upgrades. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2020 NEW HOUSE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TEAM ELECTED Garnett elected to serve as Speaker, Esgar as Majority Leader DENVER, CO — Colorado House Democrats today elected Rep. Alec Garnett, D-Denver, to serve as Speaker of the Colorado House; Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, to serve as Majority Leader; Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, to serve as Assistant Majority Leader; Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Chairs, and Reps. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Whips. With 41 members, the caucus will continue to hold the largest Democratic majority since 1965. Speaker-designee Garnett served as the House Majority Leader in the 72nd General Assembly in which Democrats passed historic and ambitious legislation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our environment and lower the cost of health care. He represents HD-02, which includes parts of Denver and is the youngest House district in the state. His election will be official when the House convenes for the first day of the 2021 legislative session in January. “In this election, Coloradans continued to place their trust in Democratic leadership, and it is a privilege to lead our state forward to help Colorado build back stronger,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “House Democrats are committed to forging an economic recovery where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. We will put students and teachers first and protect the Colorado we love by preserving our clean air and water. With a diverse caucus that is 68 percent women, we will fight for all our communities, regardless of party, and advance justice for those who too often have seen it denied.” House Democrats elected Rep. Esgar to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Esgar is the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and represents HD-46, which includes parts of Pueblo County. She led the JBC as it responsibly crafted a balanced state budget during the worst economic and public health crisis in a generation and has been a strong voice for Southern Colorado at the state capitol. She is a founding member and former chair of the Colorado LGBTQ legislative caucus. “We have a lot of hard work ahead, and I am humbled Coloradans have overwhelmingly chosen Democrats to continue leading in the House.” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and bring my Southern Colorado values to the leadership table and to continue fighting for our essential and hardworking state employees. I’m excited to get to work for families and for Coloradans across our state to lower the cost of health care, build an economy that works for all, and always prioritize our students and teachers.” Rounding out the leadership team are: Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, as Assistant Majority Leader: Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, as Caucus Co-Chairs: Representatives Monica Duran, D-Wheat-Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, as Caucus Co-Whips: Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. < Back March 7, 2025 Zokaie, Brown Bill to Crack Down on Price Gouging, Save Coloradans Money Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. “When college students are struggling to pay rent and parents are skipping meals to feed their kids, we can’t allow corporate greed to drive prices even higher,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “We know that food, diapers, and toilet paper aren’t optional, so Colorado Democrats are cracking down on price-gouging tactics that increase profits off the backs of hardworking Coloradans. This bill would help level the playing field for honest businesses and reduce the costs of everyday items, making our state more affordable." “This bill will limit price gouging to save Coloradans money on everyday necessities like groceries and reduce the cost of living in our state,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Corporations are taking advantage of inflation and market conditions to raise prices and boost their profits. While House Republicans side with wealthy corporations, Colorado Democrats are addressing price gouging so hardworking Coloradans can hold on to more of their hard-earned money. HB25-1010 would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries during a market disruption. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good within 90 days. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit Big Pharma price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. < Back May 24, 2024 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers Becomes Law ALAMOSA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. “With the help of this law, we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.” “As Colorado continues to face drought, we must ensure we’re balancing the needs of our agricultural industry with stewardship practices that benefit the environment,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law creates tax credits that will help improve soil health and water efficiency while supporting Colorado’s family farms and ranches. I’m proud to see this bipartisan policy – one of many we passed this year to support rural Colorado and our agriculture industry – signed into law today.” HB24-1249 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, creates a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch. Under this law, farmers and ranchers are eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are: Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000, Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill that would expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. < Back March 26, 2025 Lindsay, Zokaie Bill to Protect Renters Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill that would expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. “This bill will make the housing search process more affordable for Colorado renters,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting renters and making Colorado a more affordable place to live. This legislation saves renters money on rental application fees and helps low-income renters find safe and stable housing.” “This bill supports people of color, women, and low-income Coloradans who have no credit score or a weakened credit history by helping them secure safe and affordable housing,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Searching for housing shouldn't be expensive, but currently Coloradans are paying duplicative fees just to have their same personal information collected and shared with potential landlords. With this legislation, we’re allowing tenants to receive and share their own screening reports and expanding protections for Coloradans on housing subsidies." HB25-1236 specifies that a prospective renter who receives a housing subsidy cannot be required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event in their tenant screening reports. The bill also expands the definition of an “adverse credit event” to include past late rent payments and collections. The bill would remove a requirement that reports received by landlords from tenants be made directly available by reporting agencies, creating more options for providing this information. It would also expand the number of days that a prospective renter can reuse a rental application from 30 days to 60 days, reducing the number of times that this report must be purchased throughout a person’s housing search. Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2023 that allows prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. Additionally, the law minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Previous Next

The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. < Back April 9, 2025 House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. “We’re not happy about the cuts we had to make, but these strategic reductions protect essential services like health care and K-12 education,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “From protecting Medicaid coverage to capping college tuition, this budget supports popular services that boost public health and safety and foster opportunity for all. As our bipartisan budget moves closer to the finish line, I am proud of our efforts to preserve investments in the critical services Coloradans depend on.” “Despite having to make painful decisions over many months to balance our budget, we have fought to preserve essential services that families and vulnerable community members need,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “While making these cuts doesn’t feel good, TABOR requires difficult tradeoffs in order to protect funding for essential services like K-12 education and Medicaid. I remain deeply concerned by federal policies that could harm our economy, increase costs, and freeze funding Coloradans expect and deserve. However, I’m proud of the careful decisions we made to soften the impact of resolving our $1.2 billion gap and continue investing in child care, food assistance, and our environment.” The state’s $43.9 billion budget contains $16.7 billion in general fund expenditures. This year’s Long Bill, SB25-206 , is accompanied by 63 “orbital bills,” which move through the legislative process alongside the budget and make the statutory changes needed to balance the budget. Protecting Investments in K-12 and Higher Education Protecting K-12 Funding: In just the last few years, Colorado Democrats have increased total funding for our schools by nearly $3 billion. Since the 2018-19 school year, per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. Despite a declining enrollment environment, this year’s budget builds on steady progress to increase the resources going to our classrooms by directing an additional $150 million more from the General Fund into schools as compared to the FY24-25 budget. Ultimately, total K-12 school funding will increase by over $250 million next year through HB25-1320 , the 2025 School Finance Act. Capping Tuition Rates for Higher Education: In recent years, Colorado Democrats have fought to increase college access by limiting tuition increases and boosting funding for financial aid. This year’s budget includes a 3.5 percent cap on tuition increases for in-state students. Continuing Medicaid Services for Vulnerable Coloradans Protecting Medicaid Services that Coloradans Rely On: This year, Colorado Democrats rejected proposed reductions to provider rates and instead secured a moderate 1.6 percent increase and protected Medicaid eligibility, avoiding dire impacts to Coloradans who rely on Medicaid services. However, this progress remains under threat by federal government actions to potentially cut Medicaid. Continuing Dental Services Provided Through Medicaid: This year’s budget protects funding for Coloradans on Medicaid to receive dental care. Supporting Colorado Kids and Families Bolstering Child Care Assistance: The budget invests $15 million in FY24-25 and $10 million in FY25-26 to increase support for the child care assistance program, a vital resource for low-income families to ensure access to quality child care providers which have seen long waitlists and frozen enrollment in many counties due to funding restrictions. Early Intervention Support for Colorado Children: The budget increases support for early intervention services that help bridge developmental gaps for infants and toddlers who were born premature or with other special needs. This year, Colorado Democrats acted swiftly to plug an unexpected gap in funding in FY24-25 by providing $4 million to halt proposed service reductions, and are investing an additional $16.5 million to sustain the program in FY25-26. Healthy School Meals for All: This budget fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year, preserving what voters previously approved at the ballot. If HB25-1274 passes, a referred ballot measure in November will ask voters to weigh in on whether to continue the program or scale it back. Anti-Poverty Programs Administered by Local Governments: This year’s budget protects programs like TANF and SNAP administered by local governments to serve the most vulnerable communities. Preserving Colorado’s Public Lands and Natural Resources Investing in State Parks: This budget preserves and improves Colorado’s state parks, including $52 million in investments to protect critical habitats, maintain park facilities, and reinforce parks infrastructure. Promoting Water Conservation: This year’s budget protects funding for water conservation and resource management projects to ensure access to clean water for generations of Coloradans to come. Safeguarding Colorado's Civil Liberties Maintaining Election Security: The Trump administration abruptly halted federal support for election security, including from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This budget keeps Colorado’s elections safe and secure by providing $410,000 for robust security assessments and critical technology for all local elections systems. Defending Against Unlawful Federal Actions: Amidst ongoing uncertainty from the Trump administration, the budget allocates an additional $604,000 for increased support in the Attorney General’s Office to fight reckless, unlawful federal actions and protect federal funding that Coloradans rely on. This year’s budget also sets aside $4 million via SB25-269 and HB25-1321 to protect Colorado from the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal grants or undermine Colorado’s sovereignty. Previous Next

On August 12, a trio of laws to strengthen and support agriculture in Colorado will go into effect. HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry from imposter products. HB26-1067 saves farmers money and prevents the spread of livestock disease, and SB26-064 expands opportunities for first-time farmers and ranchers while protecting vital land and water resources. < Back July 28, 2026 Three Laws to Protect Colorado-Grown Produce, Save Farmers and Ranchers Money Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 12, a trio of laws to strengthen and support agriculture in Colorado will go into effect. HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry from imposter products. HB26-1067 saves farmers money and prevents the spread of livestock disease, and SB26-064 expands opportunities for first-time farmers and ranchers while protecting vital land and water resources. “This time of year, roadside stands and farmers markets are overflowing with produce, but not every product that says Colorado-grown is actually Colorado-grown,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1031. “This new law ensures that vendors who falsely label their produce as Colorado-grown can be held accountable for deceiving consumers and harming Colorado producers. Pueblo green chile and San Luis Valley potatoes are iconic Colorado agricultural products, and no one should be able to slap a ‘Colorado-grown’ label on out-of-state goods. Our law protects local farmers and gives consumers peace of mind.” “Colorado farmers and ranchers power our economy. These three new laws do the critical work of strengthening and protecting Colorado agriculture,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB26-1031, HB26-1067, and SB26-064. “By cracking down on counterfeit out-of-state produce, preventing the spread of livestock disease, and prioritizing startup funds for the next generation of farmers and ranchers, we’re stepping up to ensure our agricultural producers remain the best in the nation for generations to come.” HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado-made products and ensures Colorado producers are not undercut by mislabeled products imported from out of state. The law prohibits identifying fruits and vegetables as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. Also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, the law helps ensure fairness for local producers by cracking down on deceptive trade practices that allow out-of-state products to carry Colorado-made labeling and ensures consumers get what they pay for. “In Colorado, we’re working hard for our farmers and ranchers and saving them money,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB26-1067 and SB26-064 . “Two new, ag-specific laws going into effect next month will extend flexibility in the livestock disease management fund and make it easier for first-time farmers to secure loans. Colorado’s ag industry drives our economy, and these laws will make getting started easier for our farmers and ranchers.” HB26-1067 saves farmers money and helps prevent the spread of livestock diseases by authorizing the state to fund livestock disease prevention and response measures. Under current law, the fund can only be used to reimburse a farmer or rancher if they are forced to euthanize their livestock after exposure to an infectious or contagious disease. This law adds flexibility to the use of the fund for proactive measures to treat or prevent disease before it damages the herd. Also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad and Senator Bryon Pelton, R-Sterling, renames the fund to the "livestock health preparedness, response, and diseased livestock indemnity" fund to reflect its new role in preventive action and in protecting healthy herds. SB26-064 will support the new generation of farmers by creating opportunities for them to finance their startup costs. This law will also expand loan eligibility for the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program to include water conservation, water, sanitation and irrigation districts, and ditch and reservoir companies. This expansion would make it easier for land stewards to protect vital resources, including water. This law, also sponsored by Representative Soper and Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, allows farmers and ranchers to use a financing tool to purchase at-risk farmland and protect it. This would help ensure the long-term protection and preservation of farmland. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado is experiencing a nation-leading loss of agricultural land, with 1.6 million acres taken out of production in the last five years. This law aims to protect Colorado’s farmland by making it easier for farmers and ranchers to secure financing. Previous Next