< 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.

< Back Gretchen Rydin Representative Gretchen Rydin is a social worker, therapist, former Littleton city council member, musician, and advocate working to build a stronger, more inclusive Colorado. She brings a unique blend of expertise in social work, mental health, and public service. Her background as a social worker has equipped her with a deep understanding of community needs, especially in serving vulnerable populations. As a therapist, she has consistently advocated for accessible and comprehensive care, recognizing how essential mental well-being is for both individuals and the community. As a council member, she has experience navigating the complexities of local government and working collaboratively to create policies that improve the lives of our residents, which she will continue in the legislature. As a social worker, Rep. Rydin sees firsthand the outsize impact felt by underserved communities, and wants to bring the thoughtful, data-driven approach learned in her social worker training to the state legislature to make sure no Coloradans get left behind as our state grows. She is a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor and the Health & Human Services committees and represents HD-38.

< Back November 19, 2021 AURORA DELEGATION STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT HINKLEY HIGH SCHOOL DENVER, CO – Members of the Aurora delegation in the Colorado state legislature, including Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner as well as Representatives Mike Weissman, Dominique Jackson, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, today released the following joint statement on the shooting at Hinkley High School in Aurora: “We are devastated. Three times this week, young people have been shot in their own communities and around their own schools. As we await further details from today’s act of violence at Hinkley High School, our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all the students in Aurora schools. Our community is in pain and our kids are scared. “Too many of our children have experienced gun violence. Too many parents have had to pick up their kids early, and too many teachers have had to put their classrooms into lockdown. We cannot become numb to this tragic reality. So far in 2021, there have been at least 138 incidents of gunfire on school grounds across the country. We need to treat gun violence like the epidemic it is.” Previous Next

On August 6, legislation goes into effect to bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. Another law also goes into effect to expand the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. < Back July 24, 2025 Democrats Save Coloradans Money with New Laws to Crack Down on Price Gouging, Expand Paid Family Leave DENVER, CO - On August 6, legislation goes into effect to bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. Another law also goes into effect to expand the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I sponsored this law that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1010 and SB25-144. “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. With this law going into effect today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “This law is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1010. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.” “With corporate bad actors driving up prices on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1010. “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. While Republicans in the legislature sided with wealthy corporations, our majority passed this law to help tackle the rising cost of living, put an end to corporate price gouging and make Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 prohibits price gouging of goods or services during a declared emergency. In this law, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, like groceries and toiletries. 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 and Sen. Weissman, 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 price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. SB25-144 allows parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks while the child is receiving care. “When I was forced to juggle work to pay the bills and spend time with my newborn, who was receiving life-saving care, I knew we needed to reform Colorado’s paid family leave,” continued Zokaie. “Every parent should be able to be fully present with their child during life’s most difficult moments. By expanding FAMLI leave by up to twelve additional weeks, we ensure Coloradans no longer have to choose between a paycheck and their family." “I know firsthand how terrifying and consuming it can be for a parent of a newborn in intensive care,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB25-144. “It is so important for a child's development to be with their parents in those first few months of life. We need to make it easier for parents with kids in the NICU to have access to that quality time, which is why we’re expanding FAMLI in a way that doesn’t raise premiums for employees or employers..” “This law will support families so they have the time they need to prioritize their newborns who need extra care to ensure they have a long, healthy life,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-144. “As a NICU baby myself, I want to ensure that families have the opportunity to be present with their newborn, something that is proven to have positive impacts on child development. By expanding the voter-approved FAMLI program, we’re being responsive to the needs of Colorado parents while also supporting Colorado businesses.” “We know that children are more likely to come home faster from the NICU if their parents can be with them,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of SB25-144. “Because of the good work and the existing resources of the FAMLI Insurance program, expanding benefits for additional time allows the state to provide additional help to families going through incredibly taxing times.” The law also modifies the premiums for the FAMLI program to reduce the current rate of 0.9 percent of wages per employee to 0.88 percent for the next calendar year. For each subsequent year, the FAMLI division director is required to set the premium rate to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. Under the new premium amounts, the law will save Colorado businesses and employees nearly $17 million in FY2025-26 and over $35 million in FY2026-27. Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in the November 2020 election, creating the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative to provide Colorado families 12 weeks of paid leave. Some families are allowed up to 16 weeks of leave in certain cases. To date, the FAMLI program has paid out an average weekly benefit payment of $915 to cover 155,000 Coloradans for medical leave, parental leave, caretaking, safe leave for survivors of domestic violence and military family leave. The average leave duration is over 51 days. A 2019 report found that parent presence in the NICU decreases stress and pain, strengthens parent-child attachment and improves brain development. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2020 CO SUPREME COURT RULES GA CAN PAUSE DURING EMERGENCY, RESUME LATER Court rules in favor of the GA’s position that during a public health emergency declaration, legislative days do not have to be counted consecutively DENVER, CO — House Democratic Leadership today released the following statements after the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of the General Assembly’s position on the question submitted in the in the interrogatory : “I’m happy to see the court affirm our position today,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “From the beginning, our priority has been to protect the health and safety of all who work, visit, and frequent the Capitol. This is an unprecedented time that calls for thoughtful action. We will continue looking at the data and talking to public health experts to determine when it is safe to come back to the Capitol. Once we do return, we’ll need everyone at the table to solve our most difficult challenges.” “I’m glad the Court allowed the General Assembly some flexibility during this unprecedented time. This means that when it’s safe to do so, we will come back and continue the people’s work,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “It’s still too early to know when we will be able to reconvene the session, but when we do, we’re committed to listening to legislators from all parties, businesses, communities and Coloradans from across the state on how we can get our economy back on its feet.” With this ruling, the General Assembly will be able to count only “working calendar days” toward the 120-day limit, in the context of this public health disaster emergency. The legislature was faced with the difficult decision to protect public health and potentially fail to meet the people’s need for legislation, or meet the public’s interests by continuing to work on legislation while ignoring the danger to the public. To resolve this question, the General Assembly asked the Supreme Court if legislative days must be counted consecutively during a public health emergency, as determined by the governor, or whether the legislature can suspend operations to be resumed at a later date where they left off. The Interrogatory, posed by HJR20-1006, asked the court to determine if the General Assembly should be forced to either reduce the length of the session and thereby fail to meet its responsibility to serve the citizens of the state by passing legislation in the public interest, or jeopardize the constitutionality of that legislation, including the state’s annual budget. Three additional briefs were filed in support of the General Assembly’s position: A combined brief from the Governor and Attorney General; a second brief from the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO); and a third combined brief from the ACLU of Colorado, Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio (in his individual capacity), AFT Colorado, Bell Policy Center, City of Aurora, City of Northglenn, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Club 20, Democrats for Education Reform, Denver District Attorney, Good Business Colorado Association, Interfaith Alliance Colorado, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Metro Mayors Caucus, SEIU, Sixth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Towards Justice, and Women’s Lobby of Colorado. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2021 VETERAN’S SPECIALTY COURTS BILL PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative David Ortiz’s bipartisan bill to provide veterans in the justice system greater access to a veteran’s specialty court on third reading and final passage. The vote was 60-5. “Far too often, combat veterans who end up in legal trouble are there as a result of untreated and even undiagnosed behavioral health issues that result from their service,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Colorado’s veteran’s courts are designed to take into account the unique needs and circumstances of veterans, and I’m proud that we were able to ensure more of my brother and sister veterans can take advantage of a restorative justice program with a strong track record of success.” Veteran’s specialty courts, also known as veterans treatment courts, are intended to serve current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have behavioral health issues like substance use disorder or trauma spectrum disorder. In certain instances, these courts can offer veterans the possibility of replacing jail time and strict punishments with supervision, treatment, and accountability programs to help them better reintegrate into society. The first veterans court program opened in 2009 in El Paso county, the 4th judicial district, and since then five more have been created. Under current law, courts are required to ask about a defendant’s veterans status and, in the event that they are in a jurisdiction with a veteran’s specialty court, inform them that they may be entitled to receive services from this court. HB21-1016 would allow veterans suffering from a mental health condition related to their military service, whose trial occurred in a jurisdiction without a specialty court, to petition to transfer to a jurisdiction with a specialty court to complete their sentence or probation supervision and receive their post-conviction treatment. The bill also stipulates that veterans in all jurisdictions must be informed of these new rights. Previous Next