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< Back May 27, 2020 SULLIVAN BILL IMPROVES CO’S NATION-LEADING UNIVERSAL VOTE BY MAIL SYSTEM DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, to improve Colorado’s universal mail system today passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 37-24. “Colorado leads the way when it comes to universal vote by mail. Other states are following us because we’ve shown it is the most secure way to vote and greatly increases participation. Vote by mail strengthens our democracy and the voice of the people,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should have to choose between risking their lives and their constitutional right to participate in our elections. This bill would ensure that all registered voters have the opportunity to vote by mail when unexpected issues come up with their ballots.” Colorado is one of only a handful of states that allows all voters to cast their ballot by mail. It has been recognized across the country as one of the most secure and successful ballot administration systems in the nation. The state’s universal mail ballot system means Colorado is uniquely positioned to safely administer upcoming elections and ensure that Coloradans can vote without risk to their health. HB20-1313 would improve the process for updating registration applications and records to ensure that new ballots are sent within an appropriate timeline. It would also permit a voter to obtain a replacement ballot if their ballot was destroyed, spoiled or not received for any reason. It requires counties to mail replacement ballots to eligible voters who update their address or register to vote after ballots have been mailed. Furthermore, the bill requires counties to mail ballots by First Class Mail if they are sent within 11 days of an election, ensuring they will be delivered on-time. Previous Next

The House advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more accessible to Colorado’s college students. < Back April 24, 2026 House Advances Bill to Expand Access to Abortion Care for College Students DENVER, CO - The House advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more accessible to Colorado’s college students. “Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to outlaw abortion entirely, Colorado remains a beacon for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care,” said Rep. Lorena Garíca D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When voters approved Amendment 79, they enshrined the right to an abortion into the Colorado Constitution, and this bill makes sure college students can easily access their constitutionally-protected right to reproductive health care. For college students, their entire lives center around campus, and this bill makes medication abortion accessible through a student health clinic or pharmacy.” “In a post-Dobbs era where patients and providers navigate a frightening national landscape, Colorado has stepped up to safeguard reproductive health care,” said Rep. Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield . “While abortion is legal, it’s not always accessible, and this bill makes it easier for college students to access abortion medication on campus. College students shouldn’t have to go through hoops to receive their constitutionally-protected right to an abortion. This bill streamlines access to medication abortion so college students can receive life-saving care.” HB26-1335 bill would expand college students’ access to reproductive health care by requiring public and private higher education institutions with student health centers to provide on-site abortion medication services. If the college has an on-campus pharmacy, abortion medication must be available to enrolled students. If the college does not have a pharmacy on campus, health care providers would be required to submit a prescription for abortion medication to a pharmacy or other prescription drug outlet located off campus. The bill also adds privacy protections by requiring institutions to comply with preexisting personally identifying information maintenance and disclosure protections in state law. The bill exempts higher education institutions from the requirement to stock or dispense abortion medication if doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs or practices. Colorado Democrats have championed multiple laws to expand and safeguard abortion access in Colorado. This includes legislation to strengthen Colorado's shield laws , protecting patients and providers from hostile out-of-state actions. Last year, Colorado Democrats implemented the will of the voters by enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution. Previous Next

SB26-009 would allow Colorado nonprofits that have had their federal tax-exempt status revoked for political reasons to maintain their exemption from state sales tax < Back April 2, 2026 Bill to Protect Colorado Nonprofits from Federal Threats Passes SB26-009 would allow Colorado nonprofits that have had their federal tax-exempt status revoked for political reasons to maintain their exemption from state sales tax DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Rebekah Stewart, to protect Colorado nonprofits from hostile federal actions. SB26-009 passed by a vote of 43-21. “We’re protecting Colorado nonprofits that have helped deliver affordable housing, protect Colorado’s open spaces and provide food assistance for working families,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Trump has already targeted Colorado. If he continues to attack community-driven support that goes against his agenda, like Planned Parenthood, family resource centers and immigration advocates, Colorado’s most vulnerable will suffer. Colorado nonprofits have been a lifeline to our communities, and our bill ensures that nonprofits can still qualify for state tax exemptions if they face political attacks from the White House.” “Trump’s H.R. 1 slashed our budget to fund corporate tax breaks, meaning that our communities will soon rely more on support from nonprofits,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “The federal government has threatened to revoke nonprofit status for reasons completely unrelated to compliance with tax law because the White House does not agree with the missions of certain organizations. By defending nonprofits from politically-motivated threats, we will protect over $60 billion a year in support for hardworking Coloradans.” SB26-009 would ensure that valid 501(c)(3) organizations maintain their state tax exemption, even if the federal government removes their federal tax-exempt status for political reasons. It would also ensure that the state maintains its authority to deny tax exemption for organizations that have lost their federal nonprofit status for legitimate reasons. Over the past year, Colorado nonprofits have increasingly struggled to navigate frenzied federal actions so they can continue to serve their communities. SB26-009 is another step Colorado Democrats have taken to protect Coloradans’ way of life amid federal threats. In 2021, Colorado nonprofits generated over $62 billion in total economic output and supported over 262,000 jobs, including 182,000 jobs through direct employment. Previous Next

Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers < Back June 2, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Issue Statement Following Hate Crime Charges in Boulder Attack Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran issued the following statement after federal hate crime charges were filed in the Boulder terror attack on Jewish Coloradans: “Yesterday’s terror attack on Colorado’s Jewish community continues a terrifying rise in antisemitism and threats against Jews, both here and abroad. We stand in solidarity with Jewish Coloradans and Jews around the world who are increasingly living in fear that they will be attacked simply for being Jewish. We agree with our Jewish colleagues that this cannot become normalized. We must commit ourselves to doing more to combat antisemitism and violence against Jews. Now is the time for Coloradans to speak up and say with one clear voice that antisemitism is unacceptable and has no place in our communities." Earlier today, Jewish lawmakers issued a joint statement on the attack. In the statement, the lawmakers wrote, “As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it.” Below is the full statement from Senators Michaelsen Jenet, Weissman, and Ball, and Representatives Sirota, Woodrow, and Weinberg: We are outraged and heartbroken by the vicious attack at the Run for Their Lives walk in Boulder. Innocent people were severely injured for doing nothing more than raising awareness about the 58 remaining hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Boulder community. This attack should not be viewed in isolation. In April, a man broke into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence and set it on fire while his family slept inside. In May, a Coloradan was arrested for trying to burn down the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, and two people were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. It didn’t matter that one of the murder victims had devoted her life to peace through interfaith dialogue, just like it didn’t matter that the victims in Boulder were marching peacefully, calling for the release of hostages and an end to war. What they all had in common was that they were Jewish. We have a name for this: antisemitism. Colorado’s Jewish community is strong and deeply rooted in our state’s history. As members of that community, we know that the attack in Boulder could have happened to any of us—some of us have even participated in Run for Their Lives events in the past. We will continue to live proudly and openly because Colorado must be a place where every Jew feels safe, supported, and free. But we cannot fight antisemitism alone—to stand up to hate, we need Coloradans to stand with us. As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. HB25-1010 passed by a vote of 38-24, with no House Republicans voting in support of the bill. < Back March 10, 2025 House Democrats Save Coloradans Money by Cracking Down on Price Gouging DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. HB25-1010 passed by a vote of 38-24, with no House Republicans voting in support of the bill. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I’m sponsoring this legislation that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent, and as a mom to three young children, I have personally felt the pressure facing so many of our Colorado families. By passing this legislation in the House today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “With corporate greed and profits driving prices higher on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “While the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues have impacted prices, bad acting corporations have taken advantage of these factors to jack up prices just to increase their profits. As Republicans in the legislature side with wealthy corporations, our majority is tackling the rising cost of living, putting an end to corporate price gouging, and making Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries during a market disruption. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good during a declared disaster. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit Big Pharma price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind or vision and print-impaired Coloradans. HB24-1115 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 12, 2024 Prescription Label Accessibility for Blind Coloradans Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind or vision and print-impaired Coloradans. HB24-1115 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “The information on prescription labels provides important details that enable patients to safely and effectively take medication. Vision and print-impaired and blind Coloradans deserve for this information to be shared with them in a way they can understand,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “The inaccessibility of this information can lead to negative health consequences and prevents Coloradans with disabilities from having agency over their health care. With this legislation, we’re ensuring that prescription labels will be accessible to visually and print-impaired and blind Coloradans.” “Current Colorado law does not require prescription label information to be available in a way that is accessible to blind or visually and print-impaired Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “The efficiency of prescription medication depends on the frequency and dosage. This bill will increase reading accessibility of prescription labels so blind and vision and print-impaired Coloradans can access this critical information.” HB24-1115 would require a pharmacy to provide blind or vision and print-impaired Coloradans with access to prescription drug label information by providing: An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device, A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format, Prescription drug label information in braille or large print, or Any other method recommended by the US Access Board. Small pharmacies with less than two pharmacists may request the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy for exemption if they believe it will greatly burden their business. The bill also allows Colorado patients to sue non-compliant pharmacies on the basis of disability discrimination. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2023 Hospital Community-Benefit Bill Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster community-based health care services across the state. “Large non-profit hospital systems must invest in community-based programs to qualify for tax exemptions, but broad guidelines often leave communities without the services they need,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “By strengthening accountability for how hospitals spend resources in the community and requiring them to incorporate more feedback, we can ensure these investments reduce costs for consumers, increase access to critical services and improve public health.” HB23-1243 centers hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending. The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact of the spending has on the health of Coloradans. Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, and others experiencing disproportionate health outcomes are fairly represented in the hospital’s community benefit spending plan. HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. Additionally, the bill enhances existing public meeting requirements and ensures representation from the tribal council and Urban Indian Organization who have hospitals within their communities. Institutions of higher learning will also be represented to help bring meaningful input into discussions on spending. Previous Next

< Back June 25, 2020 AURORA HOUSE DEMOCRATS REACT TO ELIJAH MCCLAIN SPECIAL PROSECUTOR ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Members of the House Aurora Delegation today released the following statement after Governor Polis announced he would direct Attorney General Phil Weiser to act as Special Prosecutor in an investigation into the death of Elijah McClain at the hands of Aurora Police officers: “The death of Elijah McClain at the hands of police is a tragedy, and far too many questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered. We’re heartened and grateful to see Governor Polis exercising his authority to appoint Attorney General Phil Weiser to conduct an investigation. High profile tragedies like this one shed light on the larger, systemic issues of police brutality that the legislature began to address this year by passing SB20-217. It is vitally important – for the McClain family, the Aurora community, and everyone in our state – that law enforcement responses resulting in death or potentially involving excessive use of force are investigated fully and fairly. We are confident that Attorney General Weiser will undertake a rigorous inquiry and are hopeful that the process will provide transparency and justice for the family of Elijah McClain.” The House Aurora Delegation includes Representatives Dominique Jackson, Mike Weissman, Janet Buckner, Jovan Melton, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet. Previous Next

Lawmakers heard expert testimony from Public Utilities Commission, consumer advocates to better understand root causes of rising rates < Back March 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds First Meeting to Investigate High Energy Prices DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates held their first meeting today to explore the underlying causes of recent spikes in energy prices and to begin identifying strategies that can save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Committee members heard testimony and asked questions of panels of experts representing the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, the Colorado Energy Office, and Energy Outreach Colorado to better understand the factors that influence how rates are set and how those mechanisms lead to higher costs for Coloradans. “Recent spikes in energy prices have hit Colorado families hard, and today’s hearing highlighted just how fraught certain aspects of our current regulatory structure are,” Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “We’ve heard loud and clear that Coloradans are looking for relief, which is why we convened this committee so we can better understand the underlying forces behind rising utility rates and begin identifying solutions. I’m excited by the progress we made today, and I look forward to continuing our work so we can better protect consumers, improve our energy stability, and eventually save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” "Expensive utility bills have left many Coloradans struggling to heat their homes, and today's hearing offered insight into some main drivers of pricing instability that are often invisible to customers who are left to foot the bill," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "This hearing was a great first step toward building an in-depth understanding of what's causing high utility prices. High energy prices hit families and low-and middle-income folks the hardest, and it's our responsibility to shed light on how we got here, and to work together towards potential cost-saving solutions." “Skyrocketing utility bills are adding to the stress Coloradans are already feeling as we recover from the economic challenges brought by the pandemic,” Joint Select Committee member Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County said. “Today, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates heard from a number of experts that helped us better understand the energy landscape and factors at play in rate setting. I look forward to continuing our work to shed light on the process and get answers for the people of Colorado." "We heard from Coloradans across the state and the message is clear — high, unpredictable energy costs are taking their toll," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Communities in Southwest Colorado are often left out of the conversation when it comes to rising energy costs, I’m proud to share and voice their concerns on this committee. The Joint Select Committee is committed to uncovering the root causes for high energy costs and hearing from experts helped us gather a stronger understanding of what is driving costs that are passed down to consumers.” The Committee heard testimony from the following experts: Erin O'Neill, Chief Economist for the Public Utilities Commission The Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities, which involves reviewing and approving generation and transmission plans, and the rates charged to pay for them. O’Neill explained how the utility rate setting process works, and addressed the false narrative that the transition to clean energy is what’s driving high utility rates. Joseph Pereira, Deputy Director for the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate The Office of Utility Consumer Advocate represents consumers when utility companies want to raise rates. Pereira spoke about the Office’s work to support pro-consumer policies in utility regulation, highlighting the difficulties of doing this work in an environment of asymmetric information Keith Hay, Senior Director of Policy for the Colorado Energy Office The Colorado Energy Office works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing energy efficiency. Hay discussed his office’s ongoing efforts to mitigate rate increases while advancing Colorado’s use of clean energy. Jennifer Gremmert, CEO and Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado Energy Outreach Colorado is a non-profit that provides utility bill payment assistance for low-income Coloradans. During today’s meeting, Gremmert shared how Energy Outreach Colorado has seen a significant increase in requests in recent months from Coloradans who need help paying their utility bills. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back March 29, 2023 Hospital Community-Benefit Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. “Hospitals can claim state non-profit status, which exempts them from state sales and property taxes, but in return, they must allocate time and money on programs that benefit the community,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This legislation provides some parameters for how that money can be spent to increase access to the services communities need, improve community input in the process, and lower the cost of care. By strengthening guidelines for hospitals’ community benefit spending, Coloradans will receive health care services that better fit the needs of their communities.” HB23-1243 centers hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending. The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact of the spending has on the health of Coloradans. Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, and others are fairly represented in the hospital’s community benefit spending plan. HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. Additionally, the bill enhances existing public meeting requirements and ensures representation from the tribal council and Urban Indian Organization who have hospitals within their communities. Institutions of higher learning will also be represented to help bring meaningful input into discussions on spending. Previous Next

< Back January 23, 2019 GARNETT, LONTINE APPLAUD GOV’S MOVE TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF SAVING PEOPLE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE (Jan. 23) – House Democrats applauded Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order creating the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. The office will be led by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. Majority Leader Alec Garnett will carry legislation related to the office. “I’m excited to sponsor legislation to create this critical office. House Democrats are committed to helping lower health care costs for hardworking Coloradans,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We hear every day from Coloradans in the metro area, Western Slope and eastern plains about how their cost of living keeps going up and how they are sick and tired of being ripped off when it comes to health care and prescription drugs.” “The rising costs of healthcare have affected many families and individuals in our state,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “I am excited to work with Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care up and running.” Rep. Lontine is Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee. In addition to Garnett and Lontine, House Democrats present for the signing of the executive order included Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon, Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. In recent weeks, House Democrats have introduced and passed bills through committee to help lower the cost of health care and improve hospital transparency and more to come. Read more here. Read the elective order here. Previous Next

< Back Regina English State Representative Regina English is serving her first term as the Colorado State Legislator, representing House District 17 in South East Colorado Springs. She serves on the Business Affairs & Labor and Health & Human Services committees. During her first session in the legislature, Rep. English plans to focus on education, housing, mental health, criminal justice, public safety, and reproductive rights, to name a few critical issues vital to her and her community. As a current school board director within the Harrison School District Two, she plans to keep education at the forefront of her legislative mission to ensure all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. The mental health and well-being of the entire family unit will drive the thoughtful decisions she plans to make around ensuring all Coloradans have the opportunity to have a better quality of life through accountable and effective legislation and accountable allocation of state funding. Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, she grew up and was taught the value of hard work by her father, an active union member and foreman, and her mother showed her the importance of consistency and commitment to achieve goals. Regina resides in Colorado Springs with her husband and is the proud mother of five adult children and ten grandchildren. Rep. English is currently on track to complete her doctorate in Organizational Leadership in March 2023.