< Back May 12, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FUNDS WEATHERIZATION GRANTS Reps. Weissman and Hooton’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards the Weatherization Assistance Program DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed a bill to put $3 million of state stimulus funds toward the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides grants to help qualified Coloradans save money, increase comfort, and better their homes and environment through proven energy conservation solutions. This 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 by a vote of . “The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income families across Colorado lower heating costs, become more efficient energy consumers, and increase safety in their homes,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “Hundreds of thousands of Colorado homes are currently eligible for this program, and these state stimulus funds will help us ensure that a few more low income families can reap the benefits.” “Today we voted to invest in a proven and badly needed program that is already helping thousands of Coloradans every year,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Ensuring that more low income families can access the support that the Weatherization Assistance Program provides will help lower costs, and ensure more homes are as energy efficient as possible. It’s win-win.” The Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers free weatherization support for Colorado’s low-income residents. WAP works to maximize energy cost savings for each client by providing them with cost-effective energy efficiency services. The program’s services focus on the home as a system and include a variety of measures that improve the home’s energy efficiency. These cost-effective services reduce wasted energy and lower heating bill costs, while improving the overall comfort and safety of a home year-round, they include things like air sealing, furnace safety testing, LED light bulb retrofits, and more. SB21-231 provides $3 million in additional funding to supplement the program’s $20 million budget. Under its current budget, the program only serves about 2,000 homes per year, although about 500,000 Colorado households could qualify. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2024 SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! House Advances Transit-Oriented Housing, ADUs Bills would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options, increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills on preliminary votes to save Coloradans money on housing. HB24-1313 encourages more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community. It would also provide financial support to cities, counties, and municipalities that meet their housing goals. HB24-1152 would create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “Colorado’s housing crisis is making it nearly impossible for Coloradans to buy their first home, which is why we have to prioritize building denser housing near transit and job centers so we can reduce the cost of housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1313. “Our bill encourages local governments to build transit-oriented housing by offering a menu of options to choose from and incentives to meet their housing goals. By legalizing smart and attainable housing development, we can make it easier for our community members to afford housing.” “The vast majority of Coloradans support legislation that makes it easier to build housing near jobs and transit hubs and saves people money,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1313. “Our bill seeks to make housing more affordable near jobs and transit centers, protect vulnerable communities from displacement, reduce water use and traffic, and build the homes Coloradans want. Coloradans need us to act now so we can address our housing and climate crises.” HB24-1313 would increase affordable housing options and help prevent Coloradans from being displaced from their communities by encouraging strategic housing development near transit and job centers. The bill empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve our natural resources and improve our air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. Of the approximately 30 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor. The bill would establish Housing Opportunity Goals in areas close to transit services where qualifying cities and counties could build more housing. Subject jurisdictions would have the flexibility to decide where it makes sense to build more housing to ensure they are meeting the diverse needs of their communities. Jurisdictions could meet the Housing Opportunity Goals a number of different ways including increasing the maximum building height in multi-family and mixed-use zones, or allowing multi-family residences in commercial-only or single-family zones. Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from a new Transit-Oriented Communities Tax Credit and the Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their efforts in increasing housing opportunities near public transit, employment centers, safe biking and walking corridors. A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects. HB24-1152 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would allow homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs. “Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this bill gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan bill that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.” The bill would provide local governments with access to grants to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate and the construction of accessible ADUs. Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. ### Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 GARNETT, HEROD, LOOK BACK ON THE YEAR SINCE GEORGE FLOYD’S MURDER Speaker Alec Garnett and Black Caucus Chair Leslie Herod release statements on the one year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett and Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado Chair Leslie Herod today released the following statements marking the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “George Floyd didn’t ask to become a martyr. He should still be alive today, enjoying a quiet life in anonymity,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “But in the year since his violent murder, a movement was reinvigorated, a fire was sparked, and here in Colorado, we fought for and won a change. Today we mark the anniversary of this tragedy as a reminder to not let our guard down, to not allow the flame of our movement to wane. The work of protecting Black lives, holding law enforcement accountable, and improving police-community relationships is not a one-and-done affair. That’s why I’m so proud that this year we’re working to build on the progress we made with SB 217. On we press.” “This time last year, as we rose to the moment to pass necessary COVID relief bills to get Colorado through the worst of the pandemic, the killing of George Floyd brought Denver out into the streets to demand change,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Led by the phenomenal and tireless work of our Black and Latinx caucuses, we passed a bold, sweeping, police accountability reform bill that was the first of its kind in the nation and is now being used as a model for the ongoing federal policy discussions in Washington. George Floyd’s death was tragic and enraging, but it will live on in American history as a breaking point that opened the eyes of many. May he rest in peace.” Previous Next

The House today unanimously passed legislation to require licensed healthcare facilities to obtain a patient-signed consent form before health care professionals, medical residents, trainees and students perform intimate examinations. It passed by a vote of 60-0. < Back March 13, 2023 House Passes Patient Consent Protections for Intimate Exams DENVER, CO - The House today unanimously passed legislation to require licensed healthcare facilities to obtain a patient-signed consent form before health care professionals, medical residents, trainees and students perform intimate examinations. It passed by a vote of 60-0. “Some patients have woken up from sedation to learn that a non-consensual pelvic, prostate, rectal, or breast exam was performed on them to train medical students,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “We’re putting Colorado patients in the driver's seat, giving them control over what intimate exams can be conducted on them.” “Learning of a non consensual intimate exam can force patients to relive some of the worst moments of their life,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “This bill requires a patient's consent before medical professionals perform intimate exams, protecting patients when they undergo a medical procedure.” HB23-1077 passed committee unanimously and would require health care professionals, students, medical residents and trainees to obtain informed consent from sedated or unconscious patients before performing intimate examinations, unless in emergency situations. In addition to consent, health care professionals would only be able to perform intimate examinations if it is pertinent to the planned procedure. Across the country, medical students and residents are performing unauthorized intimate exams , including pelvic exams for educational purposes, on patients under medical sedation for unrelated surgeries. Patients are not able to consent to these procedures and can experience extreme physical and behavioral responses from the trauma of learning about this exam after it has happened. This bill would create a process for obtaining patient consent and non-compliant medical and health care professionals would be subject to disciplinary action by their regulators or the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Previous Next

DENVER, CO – Today, Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court released their decision upholding the principle of birthright citizenship. < Back June 30, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats on Today's SCOTUS Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship DENVER, CO – Today, Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court released their decision upholding the principle of birthright citizenship. “Today, we breathe a sigh of relief that the Supreme Court upheld one of the foundational principles of our country: that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen. This decision affirms a core promise of our democracy that anyone born here has the right to pursue the American Dream, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This principle has defined the United States for over 150 years. “At the same time, we cannot ignore decisions announced last week that restrict access to asylum and endanger Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Trump Administration continues its broad assault on immigration, narrowing legal pathways for people who come to the United States in search of safety and opportunity – many fleeing war, violence, natural disasters, and persecution. Their choice is often one between life and death. “Just a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to question the legality of birthright citizenship. While today’s decision reaffirms common sense and the fundamental promise of our democracy, it is a sobering reminder of how this administration is willing to undermine our rights, restrict our constitutional freedoms, and divide our communities for political gain.” Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2023 House Advances Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “No one should have to put off life-saving, reproductive health care because they can’t afford it,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “We’re one step closer to securing expanded access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was able to pay for my own abortion, but not everyone can access or afford the care they need. Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full range of reproductive health care services.” “Accessing the health care you need shouldn’t rely upon how much money you have or if you can find a provider in your community,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our legislation works to break down accessibility barriers to receiving reproductive health care, which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments. We are committed to securing reproductive justice for all and breaking down the systematic barriers that keep our neighbors from accessing care.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, STI and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. ### Previous Next

Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Reduce Child Hunger, Support Working Families DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Lorena Garcia’s, D-Unincorporated Adams County, legislation to take advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and provide students with nutrition assistance during summer break. Under SB23B-002 – which passed with bipartisan support – Colorado children will receive an estimated $35 million to help their families purchase groceries while school is out for summer – a time when child hunger typically spikes. The Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food from SNAP retailers. Families will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. “In Colorado, far too many children, through no fault of their own, face nutritional challenges—a problem that becomes exacerbated in the summer when they are not in school and they don’t have access to free and reduced meals,” said Zenzinger. “I’m proud of our bipartisan work to deliver these federal funds, making Colorado a national leader on this issue.” “Today, we’re taking an important step to combat childhood hunger,” said Bird. “This law utilizes federal funds to feed more children during the summer months when child hunger rises. We’re working to make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to make ends meet and feed their children.” “Ensuring kids have access to meals all year round is a great thing, full stop,” said Bridges. “Passing this legislation now means more than 300,000 Colorado kids will get meals for next summer, when they’re not receiving meals at school. Our bipartisan bill means Colorado will be a national leader in utilizing the federal funding available to us, and I’m proud to see it get signed into law.” “No child in Colorado should go hungry, and we’re taking significant steps to combat child hunger during the summer,” said Garcia. “This law will help feed more children and provide some much needed breathing room in the grocery budgets of thousands of families. Taking advantage of federal funding to feed our kids during the summer upholds the dignity of families and protects the health of the over 300,000 children in Colorado." The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 , with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. After California, Colorado is the next state to opt into the program for the 2024 year. Sixteen other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2022 HOUSES PASSES BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY AT THE PUMP DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on gasoline by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated statewide road usage fee. HB22-1351 invests one-time dollars to provide Coloradans relief now and keep transportation projects on pace. The bill passed 38-25, with all House Republicans voting against lowering vehicle registration fees. “In the last few months, gas prices have been driven up by national and global influences, so at a state level, we have a responsibility to adapt and do whatever we can to save Coloradans money at the pump,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “A lot has changed with global events, supply chain challenges and the war In Ukraine driving up the cost of gas. This bill will help Coloradans keep some money in their pockets when they register their cars and fill up their tanks all while keeping our state on track to fix our roads and create jobs.” “Coloradans are feeling the impacts of pandemic-induced inflation and supply chain challenges that are driving up the cost of gas, so we are providing immediate relief by lowering the cost of registering your vehicle and saving you money when you fill up at the pump,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will provide relief to Coloradans when they need it most while keeping critical infrastructure projects on schedule.” HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan will save Coloradans money by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated road usage fees, a two-cent per gallon gasoline fee slated to go into effect in July. This bill invests one-time recovery funds to save Coloradans nearly $80 million on transportation costs. Specifically, this bill will save Coloradans $45 million at the gas pump and nearly $34 million in vehicle registration costs. This bill considers the effects that global factors, including pandemic recovery and the war in Ukraine, have had on the rising cost of gasoline. An amendment adopted by the committee extends the break on road usage fees by an additional three months, allowing the next General Assembly to look at economic conditions at that point in time to determine if a further suspension is necessary. Previous Next

New legislation to prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in Colorado goes into effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Junie Joseph and Senators Lisa Cutter and Nick Hinrichsen, will encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that can fuel destructive wildfires. < Back July 25, 2025 Law to Combat Wildfire Goes Into Effect into effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Junie Joseph and Senators Lisa Cutter and Nick Hinrichsen, will encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that can fuel destructive wildfires. “Taking steps now to mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires will keep our homes and businesses safer,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This new law encourages home owners to reduce dead vegetation around their property, which can often accelerate wildfires. Wildfire season in Colorado is now year-round, and property owners play an important role in limiting the risk of wildfire destruction.” “Climate change is driving more frequent and intense wildfires, so we must use all the tools at our disposal to protect our communities,” Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “Mitigation is an important tactic, and this law will empower property owners and their local governments to remove dead vegetation that often serve as fuel for wildfires.” “Our law takes a proactive approach to combat destructive wildfires and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “We know that wildfires can spread quickly, and this law empowers local communities to reduce dead vegetation that can act as an accelerator to wildfires. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and this legislation proactively mitigates wildfire risks to protect our neighbors.” “With this new law taking effect, we’re adding another tool to our wildfire prevention and mitigation toolbox,” said Senate Majority Whip Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “HB25-1009 empowers local governments to take proactive steps to protect homes, families, and neighborhoods – helping build safer, more resilient communities in the face of growing wildfire threats.” Beginning on August 6, fire protection and metropolitan districts will have more tools to mitigate fire risks locally and improve community safety. Specifically, the law encourages local governments to create programs that assist property owners in reducing dead vegetation around their property. Dead plant materials, such as leaves, grass, shrubs, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles, can accelerate wildfires. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 DEMOCRATS VOTE TO PROTECT NET NEUTRALITY Herod-Hansen bill would protect an open and free Internet and protect tax-payer dollars (Apr. 5) – Yesterday, House Democrats voted in favor of a bill today to protect a free and open internet in Colorado. The bill to protect net neutrality and safeguard taxpayer money is sponsored by Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The internet is an indispensable part of our lives and it’s time that we step up to protect it,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “I thank my colleagues for their support and we will continue working to ensure the internet remains open and accessible for all.” The Trump administration recently rolled back Obama-era rules ensuring a free and open internet. Washington, Montana and Oregon have passed legislation or taken other steps to protect net neutrality. “Republicans in Congress are blocking net neutrality protections, so it’s on states like Colorado to act. This bill is a critical tool that can ensure the internet remains open for innovators, consumers and small businesses,” Rep. Hansen said. “Our bill is about protecting taxpayer dollars from being used to support throttled or blocked internet service.” SB19-078 would ensure that: · companies that receive assistance to expand rural broadband provide net-neutral service. · state contracting gives preference to internet service providers that deliver net neutrality. · consumers know how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to allege that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) has interfered with the open internet. SB19-078 passed with a vote of 41-22. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Not a single House or Senate Republican voted to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect net neutrality. The House passed a similar bill last session only to have it blocked by the previously GOP controlled state Senate. Previous Next

< Back Rep. McLachlan: 30 bills sponsored, signed in 2024 Aug 1, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Durango Herald here . Recently I wrote about what we in the state Legislature did for Colorado this year; I am proud to have been a part of that team effort. This month, I present the 30 bills I sponsored and the governor signed in 2024: 1. HB24-1009 Requires childcare licensing to be offered in the prevalent language of an area. This helps more children get an early start, and more parents find good jobs. 2. HB24-1003 Trains educators and students in harm reduction for drugs through Naloxone; an Animas and Durango High School bill. 3. SB24-013 Fairly compensates district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, especially in rural areas. 4. SB24-005 Conserves water by prohibiting certain nonessential turf landscape practices. 5. HB24-1446 Improves training resources for science educators. 6. HB24-1444 Expands the American Indian boarding school research program for three more years. 7. HB24-1441 Clarifies the number of members on the state board of nursing. 8. HB24-1257 Continues and expands the Colorado Natural Areas Council, showcasing our extraordinary vistas. 9. HB24-1222 Clarifies terminology referring to the entities administering human services programs. 10. HB24-1154 Codifies the potential financial relationship between traditional and charter schools. 11. SB24-128 Edits an obsolete provision in a Colorado Department of Transportation requirement. 12. SB24-105 Clarifies fuel product fees imposed by Department of Revenue. 13. SB24-103 Adds technical changes to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment statutes. 14. SB24-099 Permits rural school administrators to return to work after retiring with PERA benefits. 15. SB24-078 Adds a licensure opportunity for outdoor nature-based preschool programs. 16. SB24-070 Allows online education programs to offer remote state assessment testing. 17. SB24-031 Permits local authorities to control the spread of noxious weeds. 18. SB24-026 Requires the State Agricultural Commission and the Colorado Water Conservation Board to hold regularly scheduled public meetings. 19. SB24-017 Helps K-12 schools budget by regularly distributing their property tax and state payments over a year. 20. SB24-014 Authorizes a Seal of Climate Literacy high school diploma endorsement, an Animas and Durango High School bill. 21. SB24-204 Makes technical revisions to the procurement code. 22. SB24-194 Adds fire and ambulance districts to the list of districts permitted to impose impact fees. 23. SB24-188 Eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor for Colorado public schools, raising the per-pupil spending and giving a one-time stipend to rural schools. 24. HB24-176 Updates terminology for individuals enrolled in the state medical assistance programs. 25. SB24-175 Adds doulas to health insurance programs to help improve perinatal health outcomes for the most susceptible. 26. SB24-172 Clarifies language concerning hemp in statutes regulating marijuana. 27. SB24-171 Authorizes the restoration of wolverines in Colorado’s mountains, to take place after about four more years of study. 28. SB243-170 Helps fund the America 250 – Colorado 150 program for a statewide celebration of the two birthdays. 29. SB24-148 Allows certain facilities to practice precipitation harvesting for water conservation. 30. SB24-132 Extends confidential evaluation protections for all educators. As I end my tenure, I finished my sixth year as chair of the House Education Committee, and first year as chair of the House Services Committee and vice chair of the Statutory Revision Committee. I am also vice chair of the Sportsmen Caucus and member of the Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee, and the Interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. I was also filled in as the vice chair of the House Finance Committee for 30 minutes during our special session last year. I suppose that will look good on a resume somewhere. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, is serving her fourth term representing La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta and San Juan counties. She has been a journalist and teacher. Previous Next

< Back Javier Mabrey Chair of the Judiciary Committee Representative Javier Mabrey was elected to the Colorado State House of Representatives for his first term in office on November 8, 2022. He is the representative for Colorado House District 1, which encompasses Denver’s southwestern neighborhoods. He serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee during the legislative session, and the Committee on Legal Services year round. Javier's mother raised Javier and his brother Thomas on her own in south Denver, and her only source of income was her social security disability check. Javier and his family know what it means to struggle, to rely on food banks, and eventually face homelessness. Javier dropped out of high school after his family dealt with housing instability and homelessness. He went back to school to become an advocate for families like his. He worked his way through community college washing dishes and delivering pizzas before going to Berkeley Law School to pursue a career representing tenants facing eviction. After law school, Javier helped found a non-profit focused on keeping Coloradans in their homes. Since 2020, Javier's organization has represented thousands of Coloradans facing eviction and successfully advocated for significant policy changes to help renters in Colorado. He now works as an eviction defense attorney and community organizer. Rep. Mabrey has continued his work to address Colorado’s housing crisis by carrying legislation that increases habitability requirements for rental properties to protect tenants from living in a housing unit that may cause negative impacts to their health. He has also successfully passed policy to address gun violence and the rising cost of health care by passing legislation that caps the price of a 2-pack of EpiPens at $60 and allows gun violence victims to seek accountability in court.