< Back May 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: FUNDING FOR CRIME VICTIM SERVICES, PROGRAMS TO PREVENT IDENTITY-BASED VIOLENCE SIGNED INTO LAW LAKEWOOD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will provide $48 million to crime victims services programs and create a grant program to prevent and address identity-based violence. SB22-183 , sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Bob Gardner and Representatives Monica Duran and Mike Weissman, provides $48 million to fill a revenue gap in federal funding and expand programs for crime victims to continue providing lifesaving resources for child and adult victims of crime. “During the pandemic we saw an alarming rise in cases of domestic violence,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “With this investment of American Rescue Plan funding, we will better support victims of domestic violence and ensure Coloradans in need never see an interruption in the essential care and services they rely on. I’m pleased to see this bill get signed into law, and I know it will go a long way in providing victims of crime and domestic violence with the services they need.” “The pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence and other crimes, making the services these programs offer more critical than ever,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I’m dedicated to making sure survivors of crime receive the support and resources they need to get back on their feet, and this major $48 million investment will make a huge difference for victims across the state.” “Colorado is stepping up to fund programs that provide critical services to victims of crime so that no one is left behind in the worst moments of their lives,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today will help some of the most vulnerable people in Colorado move forward, and it will fund critical outreach efforts to help survivors get the assistance they need and prevent domestic violence.” The law invests $41 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds into programs assisting crime victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including $6 million according to recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. SB22-183 additionally invests $7 million in General Fund dollars to two programs providing services to crime victims. These investments will ensure essential services for victims can continue for the next four years. HB22-1234 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Senator Robert Rodriguez, creates a grant program in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety to prevent identity-based violence. “Communities of color and religious minorities are far too often the targets of terrorism and violence, and threats are only increasing,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The tragedy in Buffalo shows just how dangerous these racist ideologies are and the pressing need to do more to make our communities safer. This new legislation creates a grant program to help prevent acts of identity-based violence, and will bring people together to protect communities from bias-motivated crimes and build a safer Colorado.” “We’ve seen a growing number of threats and violence targeted at specific communities across our state, and it must come to an end,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “I am proud to have championed this new law that will give communities, nonprofits, and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent these types of crimes, and help ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their community.” “With antisemitism on the rise and identity-motivated crimes increasing, we must redouble our efforts to ensure the safety of every community in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “This new grant program will fund proven strategies and bring people together to prevent and solve the serious crimes that reverberate throughout our communities and disrupt our safety.” The grants will focus on building strong communities and preventing acts of violence that target a specific population of people, and on building awareness of these crimes to prevent them from happening in the first place. The law positions law enforcement to develop the strategies needed to solve serious crimes that have widespread ramifications on a community’s sense of safety. This includes projects that strengthen local collaboration and capabilities to prevent and intervene in identity-based violence. The law is supported by the Department of Public Safety, One Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab, the Center on Colfax, Out Boulder County and other organizations. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2022 BILL TO CONTINUE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan to continue critical whistleblower protections regarding workers’ health and safety. “Extending protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill will permanently extend the worker reporting protections we put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation. Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or their colleagues and this bill prioritizes their protection.” “Essential workers shouldn’t be worried about losing their job or having their wages slashed for reporting unsafe or unhygienic working conditions,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “During the 2020 statewide public health emergencies, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new bill extends those reporting protections for workers so they can feel safe on the job whether we’re experiencing a pandemic or not.” In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 would make these protections permanent. The bill protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 8 to 4. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2020 MCLACHLAN’S RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT IMPROVEMENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today unanimously voted to approve Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bill to strengthen the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant program. The REDI program provides grants that strengthen and diversify rural economies and create new jobs. The bill has already passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote. “This bill gives a leg up to rural economies in communities like mine across the state,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “There is a clear need for the rural economic development funds this bill will continue to provide: since the program began, requests for grants from the REDI program have regularly exceeded the amount of funding available. I’m proud to be ensuring that these funds make it to the communities that need them most.” SB20-002 would codify and strengthen a successful existing program, REDI, in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), to be administered in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The bill will ensure that the program continues to work and that certain improvements are made in order to ensure that rural economies are more successfully bolstered. In addition to formalizing the program in statute, SB20-002 would require that DOLA adopt rules for application procedures and timelines, criteria for a matching funds requirement, and performance and reporting requirements related to REDI. The bill would also require that DOLA report on the use of the REDI funds. ### Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 KIPP BILL EXPANDS ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION The House Committee on Education today passed Representative Cathy Kipp’s legislation to improve and expand the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). The vote passed by unanimously. “Over the last six years, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative has helped 75,000 Coloradans access and be successful in their pursuit of higher education,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “With this bill, the program can adopt best practices in higher education attainment, help more students be successful and provide additional and improved support services which will improve on an already extremely impressive success rate.” The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative seeks to address two primary challenges: the accessibility and affordability of higher education. It increases accessibility by funding programs that help prepare students for postsecondary education and which support them throughout their education. It increases affordability by providing tuition support for community scholarships so that tuition costs aren’t a barrier to attending a postsecondary institution. As of 2017 , $27.6 million in state funds has leveraged $28 million in local, private, philanthropic funds to support more than 75,000 Colorado students. Additionally, over 30 student support programs serve COSI students and more than 6,000 students received scholarship assistance. According to the program , 89 percent of students who receive COSI scholarships continue their education to the second and third years, which is 25 percent higher than their peers who have not received any support. Current statute limits COSI’s ability to adapt to best practices. SB20-006 , which is also sponsored by Representative Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, would give the COSI Advisory Board the flexibility needed to support students and institutions so that every COSI scholar has the guidance and aid to persist and complete their education. Specifically, the bill would: Replace the definition of tuition assistance with financial assistance so that it is tied to the cost of attendance. Remove the 10 percent funding restriction for state agencies and nonprofits to provide student success support services so that more students can access these critical wraparound services Allows more government agencies to receive funding such as colleges and universities, and school districts, in addition to community organizations and related foundations. The bill passed the Senate on February 13 by a vote of 32-0. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. < Back April 8, 2024 McCluskie, McCormick Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. “This bill outlines a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands so we can sustain our water quality and ensure future generations enjoy all the activities that make Colorado unique,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “ After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we’re taking steps now to secure our state’s water future. We know fresh, clean water is necessary for everything from brewing beer and maintaining our world class ski resorts to keeping up with increased household demands and sustaining our agriculture industry. This bill protects our water now and into the future.” “We’re stepping up to protect our vital freshwater resources to ensure that for future generations, Coloradans will have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our important legislation creates regulatory certainty for our businesses and landowners when it comes to Colorado’s water – this means we can effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. From agriculture and tourism to everyday families living in the four corners of our state, Colorado’s water is a steady and essential resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come.” The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. HB24-1379 , passed by a vote of 9-4 and works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The bill would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, and erosion control practices would not require a permit. Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA , the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. The legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources. Previous Next

Fully funding Colorado schools for the first time since 2009, fulfilling promise to voters while supporting Colorado students and teachers < Back February 29, 2024 Governor Polis, State Legislators & Educators Celebrate Historic Education Funding DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate President Steve Fenberg, Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Barbara McLachlan, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Janet Buckner, joined educators and students to celebrate this year’s historic proposal to fully fund Colorado schools and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor. In November 2023, Governor Polis unveiled a budget that fully funds Colorado schools for the first time since 2009, providing teachers with the resources they need to ensure student success. “Supporting students by ensuring educators have the resources they need to succeed in helping every child get a world-class education strengthens Colorado’s future and creates more economic opportunities for all Coloradans. This year's historic education funding marks the beginning of a new era of education funding in Colorado and I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in this important effort. I am proud to deliver for our students and our educators,” said Governor Polis. The Governor’s budget proposal, currently before the Joint Budget Committee for approval, fully funds the school finance formula through a K-12 program increase of $520.7 Million dollars, an average of $729 more per student or $16,000 for a classroom of 22 kids. This funding builds on the previous year's budget increase of $1,073 per student, totaling $11,399 per student for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. "I am proud to witness Colorado take this most vital step forward towards fully funding public education in our state,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and President of the Colorado Education Association. “This crucial investment is a step toward ensuring our educators have the resources and supports they need to provide students with the high-quality public education they deserve.” “Today is an extraordinary milestone for Colorado’s public schools; we’re paying off the budget stabilization factor!,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This massive accomplishment is a direct result of years of strategic, thoughtful governing and our unwavering commitment to fully funding our K-12 public schools. Paying off the budget stabilization factor means school districts across Colorado can continue to boost teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and address the unique needs of our rural schools.” "For too many years we have been shortchanging our kids and our schools, which is why I am thrilled to be a part of the team that is finally going to eliminate the BS factor once and for all," President Fenberg said. "Fully funding Colorado's schools will put us on a path towards paying teachers what their profession deserves, and will allow us to provide the much-needed classroom resources our students need to thrive." “The students hit hardest by budget stabilization factor underfunding have been students of color and students in the districts that serve greater numbers of vulnerable students,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, D-Denver. “Throughout my legislative career, we’ve taken significant steps to pay off large portions of the budget stabilization factor, and now it is time to fully pay it off. While this is a monumental accomplishment, we’re also laying the groundwork now to drive funding toward our schools so that every student has the support, education and resources they need to thrive.” “Buying down the budget stabilization factor honors our financial commitment to schools, teachers and students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “While there is still progress that must be made to address the unique educational challenges of our K-12 public schools; buying down the budget stabilization factor is a huge accomplishment. We’re committed to championing future legislation that will continue to support our schools.” "Fully funding our schools and eliminating the BS factor is one of the main reasons I chose to run for the state senate, and every year I’ve been here I’ve fought tooth and nail to make it happen," Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said. "But I think we all know that today is really just the start. We’ve got so much more to do to truly fully fund our schools–not just meeting the bare minimum, but exceeding it, so we can invest more critical resources that will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth." “As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.” “Our teachers and students today, including my own child, only know underfunded schools; and one of the main reasons I ran for office was my passion for eliminating the budget stabilization factor in Colorado,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This monumental achievement brings us up-to-date with our constitutional requirements for school funding, and sets us on a path forward to help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and support our students with diverse needs.” Governor Polis and the General Assembly have consistently worked together to increase funding and expand access to educational opportunities. From increasing per-pupil funding by $3,276 per student since Governor Polis took office to providing free full-day kindergarten and free Universal Preschool, Governor Polis and the General Assembly have saved Colorado families money while giving Colorado’s students and teachers the tools and resources they need to thrive. Previous Next

< Back October 23, 2020 MICHAELSON JENET NAMED CBHC’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHAMPION Denver, CO– On Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 PM, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet will be presented with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council and Aurora Mental Health Center’s 2020 Behavioral Health Champion Award during a virtual town hall . Rep. Michaelson Jenet will be recognized for her ongoing work “addressing mental health and substance use disorder services and trainings in the state of Colorado.” A full list of her accomplishments cited by the organizations is included at the end of this press release. In advance of receiving this award, Rep. Michaelson Jenet released the following statement: “Behavioral health has been one of my top priorities since I decided to run for office, and receiving this award is honoring and humbling,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Now more than ever, we need to consider the behavioral health impacts of all of our policy decisions, and we need to take behavioral health concerns as seriously as we take physical health. Although this year posed a series of unique challenges, I’m proud of the work we did in the legislature for the people of Colorado. From channelling federal funds towards mental and substance use treatments to working to reduce stigma by ensuring Colorado’s kids can take mental health days, I’m humbled to have played a part in working to improve the behavioral health of all Coloradans. I look forward to continuing to work with organizations like CBHC and the Aurora Mental Health Center to build on this progress.” From the CBHC Press Release: In 2020 alone, [Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s] accomplishments included: Relentless advocate for mental health substance use disorder (SUD) services, suicide prevention services for youth, Mental Health First Aid champion, and parity. Vice-Chair for the House Committee on Health & Human Services House co-prime sponsor for HB20-1411: Concerning the Allocation of Money the State Received from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund for Behavioral Health Services House co-prime sponsor for HB20-1206: Sunset Mental Health Professionals House prime sponsor for HB20-1086: Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam House prime sponsor for HB20-1312: Behavioral Health Training Requirements Educator License Chair of the Interim Committee on School Safety focused on mental health and emotional wellness supports House co-sponsor of SB20-001: Expand Behavioral Health Training For K-12 Educators House sponsor of SB20-014: Excused Absences In Public Schools For Behavioral Health Past Notable Efforts/Achievements: 2019 House prime sponsor of HB19-1129: Prohibit Conversion Therapy for a Minor 2019 House prime sponsor of HB19-1120: Youth Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention 2018 House prime sponsor of HB18-1357: Behavioral Health Care Ombudsperson Parity Reports Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Regina English and Junie Joseph that would make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. The bill passed by a vote of 62-2. < Back March 4, 2024 Legal Representation Equity Bill Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Regina English and Junie Joseph that would make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. The bill passed by a vote of 62-2. “Legal services like legal separations can be costly, especially when attorney fees get added to the bill,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. "Our legislation would codify into Colorado law that licensed legal paraprofessionals can perform certain civil services, making legal access more equitable for low-income Coloradans, seniors, people with disabilities, and other communities that can’t easily afford these services.” “Money should not stand in the way of someone accessing the legal services they need to move forward in life,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. "By allowing licensed legal paraprofessionals to practice a limited scope of law, our legislation ensures that more Coloradans, regardless of their economic status, can access legal representation for important life-changing matters.” In March 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court adopted a rule change that would allow legal paraprofessionals to apply for a license enabling them to represent clients in some civil matters. HB24-1291 would codify the regulation of licensed legal paraprofessionals into Colorado law. Under the bill, a licensed legal paraprofessional would be able to represent a client in: A legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of marriage or civil union, A matter involving the establishment or modification of child support or maintenance, Seeking, modifying, or terminating a civil protection order, A name change, and A request to amend a birth certificate to change the sex designation of an adult. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES, CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR ASSAULT SURVIVORS DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that will improve statewide protections for Coloradans with disabilities and create new rights for sexual assault survivors to have access to rape kit evidence. HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would update Colorado’s disability laws to ensure they are as protective as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It would ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have equal access to all government services, including government-managed webpages. It would also prohibit state agencies from promulgating rules that are less protective than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It passed 11-0. “While the federal ADA was a critical start to equity in basic human rights and accessibility in Colorado, there’s more we can do to align our state’s anti-discrimination laws with federal protections for people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, the first Coloradan to serve in the General Assembly who uses a wheelchair. “Government websites are major access points for critical state services, and we know that Coloradans with significant disabilities are more likely to need these services. This bill will require government websites to be ADA-accessible because we know too many Coloradans have found it difficult to access state services online.” HB21-1143 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Matt Soper, creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. The bill passed 10-0. “No survivor should ever have to find out that their case has been closed and the rape kit evidence destroyed without their input,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The bill we advanced today will create important new rights for sexual assault survivors to preserve invaluable evidence, prevent lost rape kit evidence and advance justice.” Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN BILL TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS Rep. McLachlan is chair of the House Education committee and is a former school teacher (May 10) – Gov. Polis signed a pair of bills today at Overland High School that is lauded as the one of the best school finance acts in recent memory and also provide resources to help with rural teacher retention. “This is one of the best school financing acts the people of our state have seen. It will affect every student in the state’s 178 P-12 school districts,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We worked across the aisle to invest in Colorado’s future this session and that’s what this bill does.” SB19-246 buys down the budget stabilization factorby $100 million, increases average statewide per pupil funding by $357 per pupil; invests an additional $20 million into rural schools, $22 million for special education, $3 million for high-school dropout intervention efforts and $1 million to expand access to physical education courses. The bipartisan bill was also sponsored by Rep. James Wilson, R-Salida, Sen. Paul Lundeen, R-Monument. and Sen. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, and was approved unanimously in the House and Senate. The Governor also signed SB19-190 that will create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. This bill would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. “We can now ensure that all teachers who are trained in Colorado are taught best practices through mentorship. Across the board, every department and every teacher should be taught best practices,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “As teachers, we all know what best practices are for teaching, but it’s often not shared with new, incoming teachers. Through this bill, we can have really a great education for our kids that is consistent across the board no matter which Colorado school you graduate from.” This bipartisan bill was also sponsored by Rep. Wilson, Sen. Todd and Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale. It was approved unanimously in the Senate and with a vote of 49-16 in the House. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs is ready for Governor Polis’ signature. < Back April 14, 2023 Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Heads to Governor’s Desk DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs is ready for Governor Polis’ signature. “Soon farmers and ranchers will have the freedom to fix their own equipment or hire local technicians which saves them money, time, and gets them back to their work faster,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’ve heard countless stories of farmers being forced to spend outrageous amounts on equipment repairs, waiting weeks for a repair technician or opting for dated technology because they can repair it easier. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and I hope that this legislation can be a blueprint for other states across the nation.” “It is an honor to serve my constituents and stand up for the rights of personal property,” said Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. “I am grateful to work with Rep. Titone on passing legislation that benefits our farmers in Colorado.” HB23-1011 , would require agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, agricultural equipment manufacturers would need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Colorado is the first and only state in the nation to secure a law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. Under this bill, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer cannot upcharge for any repair items. This bill aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Last year, Representatives Titone and David Ortiz, D-Littleton, passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB23-1011. Previous Next

< Back June 25, 2021 NEW LAW PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed Representatives Karen McCormick and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to advance the basic rights of Colorado’s agricultural workers and modernize the agriculture industry. “Farmworkers contribute immensely to our agricultural economy and help put Colorado food on tables across the country and the world. It’s due time we support them,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “The fight to win better working conditions for farmworkers in America has always been an uphill struggle, but in the words of bill supporter and labor icon Dolores Huerta, si se puede!, yes we can.” “Every worker in Colorado, regardless of the industry they labor in, should expect humane treatment and a fair wage,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Improving conditions for farmworkers will modernize our state’s agriculture industry and ensure a sustainable future for it in Colorado. As an employer, I know first hand that treating employees fairly and paying well are some of the best investments a business owner can make. Colorado’s agriculture industry has never been afraid to lead the way, and with these new measures Colorado will be a leader in the agricultural labor market.” SB21-087 takes several steps to bring Colorado’s agricultural workers under the same labor standards that other workers in the state have and takes other steps to keep Colorado’s agriculture workforce competitive. Among other provisions, the law would: allow workers to form and join unions to bargain for better pay and increased benefits, remove the exemption that allows certain workers to make less than the minimum wage, provide protections from retaliation and set more humane standards around break times and working in extreme weather conditions. Importantly the new law limits the continuous operation of physically demanding tools that lead to chronic health problems–tools that have been banned in other states for decades. The law also ensures workers are provided transportation to critical services and access to healthcare providers while creating a pathway for aggrieved workers to seek remedies available to workers in other industries. Previous Next