< Back May 8, 2019 STATEMENT FROM HOUSE SPEAKER KC BECKER AND MAJORITY LEADER ALEC GARNETT ON THE HIGHLANDS RANCH SCHOOL SHOOTING (May 8) – House Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Alec Garnett issue a statement on the Highlands Ranch School Shooting: “Our hearts break for the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch and their families. We are thankful to our first responders but tragically, a life was lost and the lives of many of these children – some as young as five or six – will never be the same. We are still learning more about this situation but what we do know is that Coloradans should not be forced to live with this reality. Students should be concentrating on their education – not active shooter drills. Like many parents, we are deeply concerned about the lasting effects these violent and tragic events will have on our children, their classmates and our communities. And like many parents, we are heartbroken by once again having to talk to our children about mass shootings. Coloradans must refuse to live with the status quo. The state legislature has pursued solutions to gun violence and mental health and will continue to do so to address this crisis, but Washington must also step up to do its job to keep our communities safe.” Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO HELP PEOPLE SAVE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE (Apr. 12) – The House approved a set of bills that looks to curb the cost of insulin, invest more in primary care and decrease the maternal mortality rate. Rep. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Yadira Caraveo sponsored a bill to reduce the price of life-saving insulin for people with diabetes in Colorado. Over 420,000 Coloradans have diabetes and an additional 20,000 Coloradans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. “A small vial of medicine has such a large impact on someone’s life. For people with Type 1 Diabetes, insulin is the same as oxygen, you need it to survive,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “This is a life-saving and life-sustaining drug but the skyrocketing cost of insulin is outrageous and it is literally putting people’s lives at risk.” HB19-1216 caps the total co-pay that patients will pay for insulin to $100 per one-month supply, regardless of how much insulin is being dispensed. This is down from an average out-of-pocket cost of $600-900 per month that Coloradans currently face. “ Colorado’s kids are paying for this with their fingers, toes, kidneys, hearts and with their lives,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, who is the only medical doctor in the legislature. “The game is rigged against consumers, patients and parents. This bill will put tools in place to investigate the high cost of this life-saving drug.” The bill also directs the Colorado Attorney General’s office to investigate business practices, organization, pricing and data of pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance carriers and any other entity that influences insulin costs. It also directs the office to create a report that explores possible legislative solutions. The report will be submitted to the governor, the commissioner of insurance, and the House and Senate judiciary committees in 2020. The cost of insulin rose by 45 percent between 2014 and 2017 and by over 700 percent over the last 20 years while the actual product of insulin has not changed in any significant way since 1996. One-in-four type-1 diabetics report rationing their insulin due to the high cost of the drug. A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, also passed that looks to address the increasing rate of maternal deaths. This bill will allow the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) to review cases of maternal deaths in a timely manner to then work on ways to lower these deaths. “Colorado’s maternal mortality has increased at an alarming rate – it’s doubled since 2008. Eighty percent of these maternal deaths could have been avoided,” said Rep. Buckner. “ It is past time that we work together to stop what is preventable and save lives.” HB19-1122 also imposes diversity requirements for the committee as the maternal mortality rate is higher among African-American women and women in urban areas. The House also gave approval to a bipartisan bill with Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, to lower health care costs and improve the quality of care that Coloradans receive. “Lowering the cost of health care for hardworking families is a top priority for us at the legislature,” said Rep. Froelich. “Robust primary care practices produce better health outcomes and reduce costs.” Colorado only invests roughly seven to ten percent of its health care dollars on primary care. HB19-1233 establishes a primary care payment reform collaborative in the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. It also requires the commissioner of insurance to establish affordability standards for premiums, including adding targets for carrier investments in primary care. Finally, it requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and carriers who offer health benefit plans to state employees to set targets for investment in primary care. The goal of primary care is to achieve better health outcomes by improving the quality and consistency of care so that both patients and the health care system can see a reduction in costs. Primary care visits comprise 53 percent of all health care appointments. All bills were approved on a voice-vote. A will be done at a later date. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to bring down costs and improve price transparency for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. < Back April 21, 2025 Signed! New Law Cracks Down on ‘Junk Fees’ to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to bring down costs and improve price transparency for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. “Hidden ‘junk fees’ often add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses for Coloradans, and this new law cracks down on these surprise costs to save people money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re putting an end to junk fees so Coloradans know the upfront cost of products, goods and services.” “Unexpected, undisclosed fees cost consumers hundreds of dollars every month,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “These ‘junk fees’ can make informed budgeting decisions feel impossible for consumers. Our legislation will increase transparency for consumers, helping them make informed purchase decisions and ultimately save more of their hard earned money.” “It is estimated that ‘junk fees’ add up to $90 billion per year in our country, costing households more than $650 annually that could be better spent on groceries, health care, and child care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Junk fees are often not disclosed until a consumer is ready to check out or after they’ve paid a non-refundable security deposit, which means Coloradans end up paying higher prices than they are expecting. Addressing junk fees in our state has been one of my biggest priorities, and I’m proud of this new law to ensure honest pricing so Coloradans can make buying decisions that fit their budget.” “Opaque or dishonest fees cost Americans up to $90 billion per year, taking an average of $650 annually out of the pockets of working families that could be better spent on household essentials like health care and child care,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Honest, upfront business owners deserve a fair playing field and consumers deserve price transparency in order to make informed financial decisions.” HB25-1090 standardizes transparent prices upfront, in many cases prohibiting pricing information from being offered or advertised unless the final total price is disclosed. Additionally, the law prohibits the misrepresentation of pricing information, requires the purpose of a fee that is not part of the total price to be disclosed, and restricts the fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services to ensure tenants are not charged additional fees. The law includes specific exemptions for these requirements for certain industries and scenarios. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, which works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2021 TAX RELIEF EXTENSION FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND OTHER FOOD VENDORS GETS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO– The House Finance Committee today advanced Representative Kyle Mullica’s bill to allow restaurants, bars, and mobile food vendors to continue to claim a temporary net sales tax reduction for a few more months. The bill is 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 bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 11-0. “It’s no secret that restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, and we’re committed to doing what we can to lend them a hand,” said Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “The temporary sales tax relief we’re extending today eased burdens on beloved restaurants and bars across the state throughout the winter months. As the end of this pandemic nears and patrons start to safely return to these establishments, it just makes sense to continue allowing restaurants to take full advantage of this relief during their peak season.” HB21-1265 , also sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the savings from the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences for the next two years. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 60-3. < Back May 8, 2024 Lieder, Young Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money, Make Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption Savings Portable Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the savings from the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences for the next two years. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 60-3. “The Senior Homestead Exemption helps seniors, Gold Star families, and veterans afford housing on their fixed income, and our legislation would expand eligibility so more people save money,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “We’re making the savings from this exemption portable so seniors have the freedom to move or downsize without losing this important cost-saving benefit, making larger homes available for new families. This bill is a major priority of mine and I am proud to carry this bill that will help address the housing affordability crisis.” “Seniors increasingly want to age in place, and moving may allow them to be closer to family and benefit from downsizing,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This is a straightforward, commonsense bill that makes this senior tax exemption portable, giving seniors the freedom to move closer to family or downsize and preventing seniors who want to move from losing eligibility for tax relief.” SB24-111 would create a new subclass of property called "qualified-senior primary residence real property" for an individual who has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption. For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the relief provided under the current senior homestead exemption. Under this bill, eligible seniors will benefit from this relief during the 2025 and 2206 property tax years. This bill helps provide financial sustainability and housing security to seniors who no longer qualify for the senior homestead exemption because they moved residences. In a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless report, Colorado was ranked first for housing instability for older adults. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES VALDEZ BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 11) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. After hearing testimony in support from farmers the bill will directly impact, HB19-1114 unanimously passed the committee 11-0 and now heads to House floor. Previous Next

< Back May 7, 2022 ESGAR’S MONUMENTAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EXPANSION BILL MOVES FORWARD Legislation would expand collective bargaining rights to more than 36,000 public service workers and builds upon the 2020 state workers bill DENVER, CO – The House today on a preliminary vote passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s monumental collective bargaining bill. SB22-230 would expand collective bargaining rights to more than 36,000 county workers, more than doubling the number of public workers in Colorado entitled to negotiate for better pay, benefits and working conditions. SB22-230 ensures that county workers would receive recognized collective bargaining rights that private-sector and state employees in Colorado already have. “This bill stands up for the thousands of county workers who carried us through the pandemic by providing critical services that kept our communities safe,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Extending collective bargaining rights to nearly 40,000 public service workers across the state means hardworking Coloradans will have the right to join together to improve their workplace conditions, negotiate for better benefits and have the choice to form a union. This bill is about making sure the workers who serve the public have a seat at the table to discuss decisions that directly impact their lives and the lives of their families.” SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 , also sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar. This bill extends collective bargaining rights to county workers, more than doubling the current number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights in Colorado. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, high turnover, and improving public services. This bill is a historic step forward in Colorado’s labor and workers’ rights movement. Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize their workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee Colorado statutory county workers in counties with over 5,000 residents the ability to organize and form a union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services if they so choose. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back March 28, 2025 Election Intimidation Protections, Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Advance DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, Trump’s reaction to losing the 2020 election has had a long-term impact on the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “While Republicans defend Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used as a voter suppression tactic to intimidate Coloradans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this bill, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as an election worker, and campaign without fear.” “The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This legislation protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. SB25-059 would direct the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The bill would also define “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. “Mass shootings like Columbine have impacted our communities for decades, and victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This bill would direct the state to seek funding for victims of mass shooting attacks so we can better provide the support they need.” “It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this bill is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-059. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m committed to passing legislation that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to establish the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day” in Colorado. < Back March 10, 2025 House Passes Bill to Establish Colorado American Indian Recognition Day DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. HB25-1266 would create a new observed holiday to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Ute Tribes in Colorado. “Celebrating and recognizing the historic contributions of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and all American Indian nations with ties to Colorado is incredibly important – this holiday helps accomplish that,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “We must acknowledge the tragedies of the past while honoring the sovereignty of the Ute Tribes in Colorado and this bill recognizes the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe called Colorado home long before it was a state – this bill helps acknowledge their many contributions,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “The Ute Tribes have provided significant cultural, social and economic contributions to the state and their histories are integral to Colorado’s identity. With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to establishing the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day”. HB25-1266 , passed the House by a vote of 50-10. This bill establishes the second Monday in October as “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day,” an observed state holiday. Nationally, the second Monday in October is recognized as "Indigenous People’s Day” but is not observed at the state level in Colorado. If signed into law, this bill would create “Colorado American Indian Recognition Day,” as an observed, but not a legal, state holiday on the same day. The goal of HB25-1266 is to celebrate and honor the histories, culture and contributions of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and all American Indian nations with historic ties to Colorado. Colorado replaced “Columbus Day” in 2020 with “Frances Xavier Cabrini Day”, which is observed on the first Monday in October and is a legal state holiday with paid-time off for state employees. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The law: Requires the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. Expands enforcement actions and develops new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. Establishes additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions. Codifies the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030, which will be achieved through methods established in Air Quality Control Commission rules promulgated by August 31, 2026. Provides additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This law is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids." “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” Bacon said. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After years of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – our plan will improve air quality by having stricter permitting guidelines, increased accountability for bad emitters, plugging wells, and investing in transportation efficiencies.” “Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark policy,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This law is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all." “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” Willford said. “This landmark law enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this law helps us get there.” Governor Polis also signed SB24-230 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, which generates significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. "Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes these new laws all the more exciting," said Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of policy we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these laws will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come." “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” McCluskie said. “I’d like to thank the Governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These laws give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” Velasco said. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this law is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” The law creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including the Northwest and North rail lines. To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on supporting native biodiversity impacted by oil and gas operations. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES HOSPITAL TRANSPARENCY & ER LICENSING BILLS State Ships Nearly $3 billion in State & Federal Dollars to Hospitals Every Year (Jan. 16) – The House Health and Insurance Committee approved two bills to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals and improve safety at emergency room departments. “This bill is focused on ensuring transparency for consumers and for policymakers when it comes to hospital costs,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will ensure our continued support for rural hospitals and to prepare hospitals for the future in which they are reimbursed for value, not volume.” HB19-1001 will increase transparency in hospital billing and spending practices across Colorado. At a time when health care costs are out of control – especially in rural communities – it is important to identify inefficiencies and wasteful spending in our health care system and address them accordingly. This bill also requires hospitals to share more of their financial information with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). The bill passed on a vote of 8-2. HB19-1001 goes to the House floor. The committee also approved Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan Freestanding Emergency Departments Licensure bill. “This bipartisan bill will ensure patients receive care in a safe manner and that emergency departments in rural, urban and suburban communities offer the best services available,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. Rep. Mullica is an emergency room nurse by trade. House Democrats have a number of health care workers in their ranks this session. This bill will bring freestanding emergency departments under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional hospital emergency rooms to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. This will ultimately improve the quality of care for patients and increase health care affordability. HB 19-1010 creates a new license for Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It also requires FSEDs to medically screen every patient seeking care as well as prohibit them from delaying a medical examination in order to inquire about the patient’s ability to pay for the care or their insurance status. HB19-1010 passed by a vote of 10-0. The bill goes to the Finance Committee. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 SIGNED! BILL TO INVITE COLORADO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS TO ADDRESS GENERAL ASSEMBLY DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed a bill today that invites Tribal governments from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to address a joint session of the Colorado general assembly on an annual basis. “Representation matters and this law makes space for leaders of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to share their priorities and voices in the Colorado general assembly,” said Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado is the home to generations of native Ute people, many of whom led and represented the people long before the legislature we know today existed. This law expands our state’s governmental inclusion and equity to ensure we’re listening to and representing all Coloradans.” SB22-105 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Senator Kerry Donovan, invites representatives from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to give an address to a joint session of the general assembly on an annual basis. This important law makes space for the Tribal governments of Colorado to share their priorities and voices with the general assembly. Previous Next