< Back February 6, 2023 Titone’s Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. “The livelihood of our farmers and ranchers are threatened by being forced to wait months and pay outrageous sums for equipment repairs because of our outdated repair laws,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Right to repair gives farmers and ranchers the freedom to fix their own equipment in a timely manner, saving them money and getting them back to work faster. Agricultural equipment manufacturers shouldn’t be allowed to gatekeep parts, tools and information needed to repair farm equipment. This bill puts an end to this predatory practice.” HB23-1011 passed committee by a 9-4 vote and would require agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, agricultural equipment manufacturers would need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Under this bill, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer cannot upcharge for any repair items. This bill aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Last year, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB23-1011. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Tracey Bernett: Building a sustainable, resilient future through better building codes Jul 7, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Daily Camera. This past session, as the clock wound down on our time to pass impactful and progressive legislation for the state of Colorado, one of my last bills still on the table was HB22-1362. Despite significant initial opposition, I worked with my fellow lawmakers in the House and Senate and a broad array of community and industry leaders to ensure it made it to the Governor’s desk. I did this because I know that all Coloradans deserve homes and buildings that are efficient, resilient, healthy and ready for the future. While there has been a lot of press about the end of session and the vote on this bill, I wanted to share what the bill does for our communities. HB22-1362 saves residents and businesses money by building right the first time. A home or commercial building is a huge, long-term investment, and building more energy efficient buildings means residents and businesses save money on utility bills and other associated costs over the lifetime of the building or home. By building right the first time, we avoid expensive retrofits for electric vehicle charging, clean heat and solar energy. Especially now when so many car manufacturers, including Ford, will be phasing out production of gas-powered vehicles over the next decade. The cost savings, especially during a time when the cost of fuel is continuing to rise, can be a huge benefit to homeowners and businesses. In addition to saving consumers time and money, this legislation also protects our environment. Buildings are a significant source of pollution, and increasingly we are learning that indoor air pollution can be significant to residents, especially for lower income communities. Brief exposures to these indoor pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and long-term exposure can contribute to development of sustained asthma. Burning fossil fuels indoors will be the “lead paint in buildings” catastrophe in the years to come. By law, it’s the responsibility of local governments to adopt and enforce building energy codes, but the Colorado legislature has the responsibility to set minimum energy efficiency requirements for the local energy codes that apply statewide. Every few years the legislature examines these statewide codes to ensure they meet the modern standard for building quality homes and businesses. In addition to updating the code, HB22-1362 also provides money and resources for local governments to implement the codes. Finally, owners and occupants of existing homes and buildings are not affected until the home or building undergoes a major renovation or addition. I am so proud that several days ago the Governor signed this bill into law. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about this law, other legislation, or issues you are having in your community. Rep. Tracey Bernett is a Democrat representing District 12, Boulder County Previous Next

< Back November 21, 2019 REP. ALEX VALDEZ ELECTED CHAIR OF LGBTQ CAUCUS Denver, CO— Representative Alex Valdez (D-Denver) today released the following statement after being elected this week to lead the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus: “I am honored to lead the LGBTQ caucus. We made tremendous progress in the last year. We protected our LGBTQ youth by banning the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. We ensured that government identification reflects Coloradans’ true selves. We passed legislation to bring our students a history curriculum that shares the incredible contributions of LGBTQ Americans. We will continue to work hard to make progress on LGBTQ rights and ensure an inclusive Colorado.” The Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus includes members of both chambers and works to expand and protect LGBTQ rights. The caucus includes former Co-Chairs Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) and Rep. Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County), Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) and Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins). Last session, the legislature passed and the governor signed a bill sponsored by Reps. Michaelson Jenet and Esgar to ban conversion therapy (HB19-1129). Colorado also passed Jude’s Law (HB19-1039), sponsored by Rep. Esgar and Sen. Moreno, which now allows residents to obtain identification documents that reflect their identities. To further a more inclusive history curriculum, the legislation passed HB19-1192, sponsored by Reps. Serena Gonzales Gutierrez (D-Denver) and Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), which will ensure more students learn about the contributions of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Previous Next

The House today passed HB26-1006 to support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. < Back March 25, 2026 House Passes Bill to Uplift Students from Diverse Backgrounds DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB26-1006 to support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. “No matter their zip code or background, Colorado students should have access to a world-class education at an institution that strives to meet their needs,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to improving outcomes for students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. This bill supports rural communities with higher education institutions that serve Coloradans from all backgrounds.” “When resources are tailored to the individual needs of our students, they’re better equipped for life after graduation,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “As the federal government actively works to punish minority serving institutions and the communities they serve, we’re boosting Colorado’s higher education landscape and supporting students of different backgrounds and income levels. In Colorado, we celebrate all students, and this bill helps our students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds achieve their dreams.” HB26-1006 passed the House by a vote of 43-22. This bill would establish a thriving designation for post-secondary higher education institutions. This legislation would also boost Colorado’s higher education landscape and support students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. To receive the thriving designation, higher education institutions would need to meet certain criteria, such as aligning with Colorado’s workforce development priorities. A diverse advisory committee would help the Colorado Department of Higher Education determine designations. In September, the Trump Administration cut $350 million in discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI). This cut impacted higher-education institutions across the state, including Morgan Community College, Lamar Community College, Pueblo Community College, and Arapahoe Community College. The goal of HB26-1006 is to create an outcome-based designation at the state level to recognize outstanding institutions that serve diverse student populations and make it easier for them to apply for future funding sources or grants. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2022 POLIS SIGNS ROBERTS’ BILL TO INCENTIVIZE WATER-SAVING TURF REPLACEMENT Law will save property owners money, conserve water, and create jobs DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed Representative Dylan Roberts’ legislation to save property owners money on water-conserving turf replacement. “This new bipartisan law is a win-win: it will save Coloradans money on their water bills and reduce water use in the metro areas, all while promoting the innovative landscaping industry, ” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Water is the most precious resource we have, supporting industries and local economies in every part of our state. As a rural representative, I know that it is not fair to rely solely on the agriculture industry and rural Colorado for our water conservation goals. This turf replacement program is a proactive approach to water conservation that will give property owners new tools to join our efforts to conserve our state’s precious water.” HB22-1151 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin and Senators Jeff Bridges and Cleave Simpson, requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop a statewide program to financially incentivize property owners, including local governments, special districts and nonprofit associations, to voluntarily replace non-essential irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. Water-wise landscaping includes replacement turf and drought-tolerant plants that require less water to grow. This law aims to cut down on the amount of water used to maintain non-native grasses on private and commercial lawns, school fields and other ornamental outdoor spaces like road medians. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations. SB26-137 passed by a vote of 12-0. < Back April 22, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Increase Transparency, Modernize Regulatory Review Processes DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations. SB26-137 passed by a vote of 12-0. “This bipartisan bill would establish a regular overview of government regulations to better understand what’s working and what isn’t so we can improve how we deliver core services for Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our government should be responsive to the needs of our communities. Our bill would require the state to revisit rules and regulations every five years to identify where departments may not be delivering on our goals and how they can improve.” SB26-137 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, would require state departments to review their rules and regulations every five years and would add additional considerations to guide these reviews. Under current law, departments are required to periodically review their rules to determine whether they are still necessary, efficient, and effective. There is no criterion for how regularly this review must happen. SB26-137 would add additional considerations during these reviews, including whether: Redundant rules can be eliminated, A rule is outdated or obsolete, Funding levels are appropriate, and The rule can be made more effective. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2019 GOV. SIGNS HOUSE DEM-LED BILLS TO HELP WORKERS GET AHEAD AND INTO GOOD PAYING JOBS House Democrats stand up for workers (May 28) – Gov. Polis signed a number of bills sponsored by House Democrats to help Colorado workers get ahead and into good paying jobs. First up was a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, that will establish a directory with apprenticeship programs within the Department of Labor with include salary ranges, critical labor force data, licensure requirements, and other information potential enrollees should know before embarking onto a career pathway. Recent reports show that that majority of Coloradans support vocational education. “Every hardworking individual should get a good-paying job no matter their education. There are currently nearly 200 sponsored apprenticeship programs, and that number is constantly evolving and growing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “This directory will serve as a tool to help students and young adults grow in their technical training and enter into career fields that offer salaries without the debt of traditional college.” The Gov. then signed an important new law to create the Just Transition Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood of coal transition workers, their families and their communities, and to help provide these workers access to training and job opportunities. “We must address climate change, but we cannot work towards a clean energy economy without also working on solutions to support workers who are affected by this transition,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Workers and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by shifting economic tides and advancements in technology need support. We can support these communities in this transition and that’s the intention of this new law.” Due to market forces, Colorado’s power sector is transitioning toward renewable energy resources and natural gas. This bill would help ensure communities and workers who are going to be impacted by this market driven transition away from coal won’t be left behind. The bill creates the Just Transition Office which is tasked with drafting and submitting a plan by December 31, 2020 to the Governor on how best to support coal-transition workers and communities based on input from impacted workers and communities. Gov Polis then signed SB19-196, the Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver and Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. This new law will help promote the use of high-quality apprenticeship programs on state public works projects. In 2018, it was estimated that building trades had a shortage of 60,000 workers in Colorado. The state’s construction industry alone will need at least 30,000 new workers to meet demand in the years ahead. The Gov. also signed HB19-1210, to allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage up to more effectively address the local cost of living, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard in a state where local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. The law would allow counties and cities to increase the minimum wage in their localities beyond the state minimum wage, currently set at $11.10 an hour. The new law sponsored by Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, and former Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley. Research shows that wage growth spurs consumer spending and a healthier economy. ### Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION Democrats working to expand voter access (May 1) – The House gave preliminary approval to an automatic voter registration bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Kyle Mullica. This will make Colorado voter rolls more accurate as information is updated. “Colorado already has a leading elections system in the country, however, there are ways we can improve it even more. This bill ensures our voter roles are secure, accurate, up to date and that everyone who is eligible to vote can not only receive their ballot but send and access their ballot,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We need to make sure that anyone who is eligible to vote has no barriers to access the ballot and this bill ensures an accurate and secure way to accomplish this. Democracy works when we all get to participate and that’s what this bill does.” SB19-235 will streamline the voter registration process at the DMV and reduce the opportunity for human error. Data from the DMV will be sent to the Secretary of State’s office to register only eligible voters. Those voters would be sent a postcard informing them that they will be registered if they take no action and gives them the options to decline the registration or affiliate with a political party at that time. Additionally, SB19-235 expands the automated voter registration from the current DMV system to add Medicaid services applicants, while ensuring security and medical privacy issues. This process would add only eligible voters who do not opt out of the registration. Through this process, more voters will get their ballots at the correct address therefore saving counties money from postage wasted on incorrect addresses. “Automatic voter registration will be a good thing for Colorado. Our democracy at its very best when we have the most eligible voters participate in our elections,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “We are doing away with barriers to ensure a more accessible and inclusive election. Through this, we can continue to allow Colorado to take a lead in elections in our nation.” Secretary of State Jena Griswold testified in committee is support of SB19-235. SB19-235 was approved on a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO KEEP VOTERS INFORMED Reps. Kennedy and Weissman’s bill to ensure voters understand the impact of the ballot measures they’re voting on advances DENVER, CO– The House today advanced a bill to give voters more detailed information about the ballot initiatives they are voting on. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “In Colorado, we trust the voters to make the final decision on countless critical matters of state, and it only makes sense to trust them with more robust and detailed information as they do so,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This simple bill will mean better ballots and more informed decision making for the state of Colorado. What’s not to love?” “Colorado’s complex laws mean that voters are often entrusted to make hugely consequential fiscal decisions, and it’s crucial that we provide them with all the necessary information before their votes are cast,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “ Better ballots will soon be on their way.” Under current law dating back to the 1992 TABOR law, ballot measures that would increase taxes are required to outline, in capital letters, how much revenue will be raised from said initiative. This bill would provide voters with even more information about the impact of ballot questions on taxpayers and taxpayer-funded programs. For example, the bill would require that for measures that either increase or decrease the individual income tax rate or the state sales tax rate, ballots show a table indicating the average tax burden change for taxpayers in each income bracket. The bill also requires that for ballot measures that reduce state tax revenue, the blue book sent to every voter shows the top three programs the revenue reduction impacts, as determined by nonpartisan legislative research staff. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Javier Mabrey, that would prohibit corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less. < Back March 12, 2026 Bacon, Mabrey Bill to Lower Costs, Boost Wages Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Javier Mabrey, that would prohibit corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less. “Corporations are keeping tabs on your online habits to determine the absolute highest amount you’re willing to pay for everyday items, like groceries,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “As Trump’s tariffs and budget bill continue to drive up costs for Coloradans, we’re sponsoring legislation to prevent corporations from overcharging consumers and pricing out small businesses. Big corporations are spying on consumers to figure out how to keep wages low and prices high, which makes life more expensive for Coloradans who can least afford it. This legislation helps tackle the affordability crisis by prohibiting this practice to protect consumers from price gouging and boost workers’ wages.” “Our bill is clear - corporations cannot use algorithmic technology with the purpose of wringing every dollar possible from hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Big corporations are rigging the system to pad their pockets. They are collecting our personal data to run an automatic analysis to determine how much they can charge consumers or how little they can pay their workers. Our bill would prohibit this practice, increase incomes, and make life more affordable for hardworking Coloradans.” HB26-1210 would prohibit the use of a price or wage-setting algorithm that uses AI and other data processing techniques to strategically set prices or wages based on an individual’s surveillance data, including browsing and purchase history, financial status, habits and affiliations. HB26-1210 passed by a vote of 7-6. In recent years, corporations have increasingly weaponized price and wage setting to set prices at the highest amount someone is willing to pay and wages at the lowest amount that someone is willing to accept, based on data that is not publicly accessible and often collected without an individual’s knowledge or consent. For example, if someone searches for funeral homes online and then goes to book a plane ticket, an algorithm may judge that they are traveling for a funeral and would be willing to pay more for the flight. Engaging in these price or wage-setting practices would be considered a deceptive trade practice and could result in a civil penalty. A 2025 Federal Trade Commission report found that individualized pricing tools are being used to target specific consumers with artificially-inflated prices for goods and services based on their surveillance data, such as a person’s location or the motion of a computer mouse. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! RURAL ECONOMIES IN COLORADO GET A JUMP-START Denver, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bipartisan bill to expand on the successful Rural Jump-Start program that helps boost economic development in rural Colorado. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich as well as Senators Kerry Donovan and Ray Scott. “I am thrilled to see this bill signed into law today because our economy needs help so that Coloradans can get back to work,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “From Routt County to Mesa County, the Rural Jump-Start Program has been the reason why dozens of businesses were able to open their doors and hire employees in rural Colorado. This law expands this program to more parts of the state and will allow even more small businesses to open and hire employees. As we move to safely reopen, we are glad to have this tool in place to help with the long term economic health of rural Colorado.” “I am incredibly proud to have sponsored this bill and to watch it become law today,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “For the last 5 years the Rural Jump-Start Program has been helping new businesses open in rural Colorado and boost their local economies in the process. Now with the serious economic pains we are experiencing from COVID-19, it is crucial that we expand this program’s success to other small rural communities across the state. Recovery won’t happen overnight, but with the ingenuity of small business start-ups, I am hopeful that Colorado will have the tools in place to begin an economic recovery.” The Rural Jump-Start program encourages businesses to create and maintain jobs in economically distressed rural areas by providing tax incentives both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. HB20-1003 includes key modifications to the Rural Jump-Start program to ensure more rural communities, businesses and their employees can benefit in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. Importantly, it also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. < Back May 19, 2025 SIGNED! Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses and Jobs to Colorado PUEBLO, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. “This law will drive more business to Colorado and create good-paying jobs by lowering electrical utility rates for businesses,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan law allows more businesses to save money with lower rates by increasing the eligible project size and the number of projects that can benefit from the Economic Development Rate. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses and boost local economies.” The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, which allows electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, will make adjustments to the Economic Development Rate ( EDR) Tariff to expand competitive electric rates to businesses by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses will have to undergo a societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community. Additionally, businesses would be required to have an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. Previous Next