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< Back April 19, 2021 LIFE SAVING GUN SAFETY BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Two life saving gun safety bills were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis today. The bills seek to prevent suicides, community violence, and tragic accidents by promoting the prompt reporting of lost or stolen firearms and the safe storage of guns when children or other vulnerable populations are present. “There’s no single gun safety policy that can put an end to the epidemic of gun violence in America, but by taking commonsense steps like the two laws signed today, we can start to make a dent and save some lives,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Reporting a missing firearm is a simple measure that will stop firearms from ending up in the wrong hands and give law enforcement more tools to find these weapons before they end up in crime scenes.” “Coloradans are tired of seeing gun violence rip families apart and take precious lives away from us far too soon,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Our bill to require that missing firearms be reported to police is a simple and commonsense request that will hopefully prevent senseless tragedies like the one that took Isabella Joy Thallas’ life. I’m immensely proud that we were able to honor her memory by naming this law after her today.” “Asking all gun owners in Colorado to safely store their firearms the way the majority of responsible gun owners already do is a small measure that can save countless lives,” said Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn . “A simple and affordable lock on a firearm could prevent the type of tragedies and injuries that befall Colorado families every day.” “Responsible gun owners who frequently have children in the home should already be locking their firearms away safely,” said Representative Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “I know that many gun owners, including myself, already take this simple step to prevent tragedies. The bill signed into law by Governor Polis today will get us closer to our goal of ensuring everyone practices safe storage.” SB21-078 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Herod, requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Through an amendment, SB21-078 was renamed the ‘Isabella Joy Thallas Act’, in memory of the young woman who was murdered on June 10, 2020 while she and her boyfriend were walking their dog outside of their apartment in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood. The high-powered semi-automatic rifle used in the killing was stolen. HB21-1106 , sponsored by Representatives Duran and Mullica, will promote responsible gun ownership by creating an educational campaign to encourage gun owners, especially those with children in the home, to properly store their firearms. The bill also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the bill would create the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to expand preventive health care coverage to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD). < Back March 13, 2026 Bill to Expand Preventive Health Care Coverage and Save Lives Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to expand preventive health care coverage to combat chronic kidney disease (CKD). “Early detection of kidney disease can save lives and prevent the need for costly dialysis or transplants,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Millions of patients across the United States have no idea they have chronic kidney disease until the disease advances to the late stages, causing further complications and massive expense to patients. This bill expands preventive health care to save lives and money.” “Preventive care saves lives and helps drive down the cost of health care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Chronic kidney disease disproportionately affects communities of color, and early detection can help Coloradans avoid dialysis or a kidney transplant. Simple, effective kidney screening tests can catch disease early, which saves everyone money and drastically improves health outcomes for everyone.” HB26-1019 would save patients money on health care. This bill would ensure early-stage kidney function screening services, including urine or blood tests, are considered preventive health care by insurance carriers. HB26-1019 would remove out-of-pocket financial barriers for patients and encourage early detection of CKD, especially for high-risk patients with hypertension or diabetes. This bill requires private health insurance companies, including large, small and individual employers, to cover early-stage kidney function screening services without cost-sharing with patients. CDK affects more than 1 in 7 adults, equating to an estimated 35.5 million Americans. Diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney disease can increase risk factors. Despite the prevalence of kidney disease, early-stage kidney disease often has little to no symptoms. 9 in 10 adult s do not know they have CKD until the disease advances into the late stages. The cost of treatment in the late stages of CDK is significantly more expensive than if treated early on, often surprising patients with massive medical costs just as they begin to grapple with symptoms of the disease. In 2024, more than 8,700 Colorado residents were living with kidney failure, according to the American Kidney Fund . Representative Lieder has sponsored other laws to safeguard health care access in Colorado, including SB26-196 , which proactively protected insurance coverage for preventive health care should the existing federal protections be repealed or eliminated. Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2019 REP. ESGAR TAKES HELM OF JBC DENVER, CO– Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today took the gavel of the Joint Budget Committee after serving as the committee’s vice-chair during the last legislative session. The JBC is responsible for authoring the Long Bill, which sets the state’s annual budget and departments’ spending priorities. “I’m honored to have the privilege to lead the Joint Budget Committee as we work to craft a budget that balances our state’s many competing priorities,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo). “I’m committed to working with Governor Polis and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to write a balanced budget that invests in our state’s future, strengthens our economy so that it works for everyone and protects our Colorado way of life.” “Representative Esgar is a respected voice on budget issues in the legislature and is well known in Southern Colorado for fighting for her constituents and standing up for their priorities,” said Colorado House Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder). “She will be an excellent JBC chair this session, and I know she will continue to produce results for Coloradans in all parts of our state.” The JBC is meeting this week to receive testimony on state departments’ budget requests. Tomorrow, Governor Polis will present his budget to the committee. The committee will continue to hold hearings and craft the state’s budget as the legislative session convenes in January. Rep. Esgar represents parts of Pueblo, Pueblo West, Beulah, Rye and Colorado City. The granddaughter of steelworkers, she was born and raised in Pueblo. Rep. Esgar is a graduate of Pueblo City Schools and Colorado State University-Pueblo. She has worked as a television news producer and a community organizer focusing on poverty and communities of color in Pueblo. Rep. Esgar is known for her work on issues of equality, education, justice, and poverty. She lives with her wife, Heather Palm, in Pueblo. Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT WITNESSES, HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT SOLVE CRIMES DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation unanimously by a vote of 64-0 that would help investigators solve crimes and prevent witness intimidation. "No one should get away with intimidating a witness or pressuring someone to withhold critical information from law enforcement,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “We're doing everything we can to protect victims in Colorado, and this bill is a big step in that effort. SB24 bill will give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to stop crimes and hold criminals accountable.” SB22-024 , sponsored by Representative Roberts, would prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the ways that witness intimidation may be committed. Under the bill, witness intimidation would include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. It also allows prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to persuade a witness to withhold information. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back April 19, 2024 Bipartisan McCluskie Bill to Boost Water Conservation Funding Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. HB24-1436 passed by a vote of 59 to 1. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m honored to bring forward this legislation to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Any additional revenue above $29 million is required to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This cash fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie is also sponsoring legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS ADVANCE Budget integrity, workforce development, support for unhoused individuals, state park investments, food bank funding, and economic relief all move forward DENVER, CO– The House today advanced several Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives, improving our state parks, expanding nutrition assistance, and ensuring Colorado’s budget is positioned to support the future growth of the state. SB21-027 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Kerry Tipper, would help new and recent parents care for their children by ensuring that diaper essentials are available to all low-income families in Colorado. The bill provides $4 million for this purpose and asks the Colorado Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers. Despite the high cost of diapers and estimates that show about 1 in 3 U.S. families report needing more diapers, diapers cannot be purchased through public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). The bill was amended to include $5 million in food pantry assistance that will be financed with federal ARPA funds. SB21-242 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Serena Gonzales Gutierrez, provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients, local governments and nonprofits are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. The legislation also provides direct assistance to workers who were unable to receive prior federal and state relief. “Communities across Colorado are struggling to help people who are unhoused to find affordable places to live so they can get back on their feet,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “There are a lot of properties that could easily be converted into stable housing options. The bill we advanced today will channel $30 million in federal resources to provide shelter for Coloradans who need it, and it will provide direct assistance to workers who have been unable to receive pandemic relief in order to help more people avoid homelessness.” HB21-1330 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “As a refugee, I know firsthand that Colorado holds tremendous opportunities for people who work hard to build successful careers and thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “For too many Coloradans, however, the American Dream is becoming harder to achieve, and the pandemic has only set them back. The bill we advanced today will direct $50 million in federal funds to help workers and students complete degree and skills certificate programs so they can learn critical skills, find and fill good jobs, and bounce back stronger.” HB21-1326 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. SB21-288 , sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Alex Valdez, creates the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 Cash Fund to hold the funding the state is receiving from the federal act. It also details how the fund will operate. “The legislature is listening to our communities and charting a responsible course to spend federal stimulus funds in a way that ensures the voices of diverse stakeholders across Colorado are included,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “ This bill ensures we spend these resources consistent with what our communities expressed during the statewide listening tour. Colorado is going to set an example for how to put federal resources to use to make transformational changes that help our state recover faster and build back stronger.” SB21-289 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Shannon Bird, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will hold $1 billion of the federal funds to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado bounces back. The funds will be deployed in future budget years to support critical priorities, such as K-12 education, housing, seniors, state parks and agriculture programs. The funds essentially buy down future obligations now to bolster the long-term health of Colorado’s state budget. “One of the most responsible ways we can use federal stimulus funds is to buy down future budget items now–that way as our state grows, we’ll be able to protect funding for K-12 education, housing, seniors, state parks and critical government services,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “The $1 billion we’re saving now will help Colorado build back stronger over the long-run and ensure we have the resources we need to sustain our recovery.” SB21-291 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic. It allocates $848 million for economic stimulus and relief initiatives that will be recommended through a robust interim committee process involving a diverse set of stakeholders from across the state. Additionally, it directs $40 million to the Strategic Fund in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade in order to incentivise companies to create jobs in Colorado and small businesses to relocate to rural Colorado. “While we are thankful for the significant federal relief that has come to Colorado, we know that many businesses are still struggling to get back to where they were before COVID-19,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This important bill will allow us to take the next six to eight months to see where there are gaps in the existing relief and tailor policies that will help as many businesses and workers as possible.” SB21-243 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, directs $21 million in federal funds toward the state’s emergency public health response. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following joint statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter: < Back November 26, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Statement on Passing of Sen. Faith Winter DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following joint statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter: “Words cannot express how deeply heartbroken we are tonight as Colorado mourns the loss of an exceptional legislator, a champion for working people, and a steadfast defender of our environment and abortion rights. In ways both small and remarkable, she changed Coloradans’ lives for the better with landmark policies like paid family leave, air quality protections and transit reform that have transformed our state. “To us, Faith was our friend and colleague. To many more, she was a trailblazer and a leader who always fought for Colorado’s most vulnerable. Her bravery brought necessary reforms to the Capitol, and her kindness filled the building. We will all miss her dearly. “Our hearts are with Senator Winter’s family and children, our Senate colleagues and former Representative Matt Gray and his children.” Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO PREPARE COLORADO YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY BECOME LAW Legislation aims to reduce youth recidivism, increase access to behavioral health care & improve school security HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that aim to support Colorado youth by using early interventions to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system, improving school safety and supporting students’ behavioral health. HB22-1003 , championed by Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senators Coleman and Hinrichsen, will establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program to help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. “Today, we’re making smart investments to increase community safety and improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This law directs funding toward collaborative, community-based programs that provide young Coloradans with the support and services they need. Community is the cornerstone to crime reduction and our law invests to uplift youth and build stronger neighborhoods.” “Part of preventing crime and creating safer communities involves investing in effective intervention and prevention programs to help stop criminal activity from happening in the first place,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “By investing in our communities, we can keep more youth out of the juvenile justice system and build a safer Colorado for all, while uplifting our youth so they have the support necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives.” “When it comes to public safety, we are investing in communities first,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Our law will provide resources to community organizations that are working to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place. Through targeted intervention and support programs, we can help youth be set up for success and build safer communities in the process.” “As we continue to move Pueblo and Colorado forward, we’re committed to making investments that reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This bill will help local governments support our youth and reduce recidivism rates in our communities, which will ultimately give young people the support and resources they need and create safer communities across the board.” The Governor also signed HB22-1243 , championed by Representatives Exum, Sr. and Van Winkle as well as Senators Kolker and Hinrichsen, which invests $14 million to improve safety and support behavioral health in public schools. “Too many kids don’t know where to turn when they’re in a mental health crisis,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “We’re working hard to break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and making sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.” “Preparing our students for success means improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “This law takes a multi-faceted approach by providing funding to foster and build safer school environments, as well as extending the successful “I Matter” program, which provides free mental health counseling to Colorado’s youth. Together, these programs will foster healthy learning environments and safer schools across Colorado.” “As we work to build a safer and healthier Colorado for all, we need to ensure that our schools are better equipped to keep students safe and connect them to the appropriate behavioral health care they need,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Our students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and this bill will help them feel safer in the classroom while ensuring they have increased access to resources that will help them care for their mental health and well-being.” Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1120 , sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, which would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for local schools to implement school safety strategies, including physical improvements as well as school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill that would create safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado kids. HB26-1263, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 10-3. < Back March 27, 2026 AI Chatbot Protections Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill that would create safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado kids. HB26-1263, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 10-3. “The unfortunate reality is that AI chatbots have encouraged suicides and engaged in romantic interactions with minors. Our bill would protect users, especially children, from misleading AI chatbot conversations,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “As a parent, it is unsettling to know that unchecked AI chatbots can put children in harm's way, especially when children show signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Our legislation improves transparency and safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado children from manipulative and dangerous AI technology.” “AI chatbots have posed as licensed mental health professionals or as a romantic partner, which has led to emotional dependence and even suicide,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Our phones have become an extension of ourselves, making these AI chatbots available at kids’ fingertips. Our bill establishes guidelines to prevent the gamification of chatbots, prohibit AI from generating or engaging in sexually-explicit content and require AI companies to provide resources to users who express mental health struggles.” Beginning January 1, 2027, HB26-1263 implements safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly as they interact with children. The bill would require AI developers to provide a clear and visible disclosure to the minor that the AI chatbot is artificially generated and not human, and prohibit the use of rewards to encourage engagement. AI developers would be required to take reasonable steps to prevent AI chatbots from generating sexually explicit content or generating conversations that encourage or engage in sexually explicit interactions with minors. These developers would also be required to prevent AI chatbots from creating an emotional dependence through false claims that the chatbot is human, generating conversations that are romantic or sexual or role-playing with a minor. The bill also requires AI developers to allow for parental controls if their chatbots are accessible to children under the age of 13.HB26-1263 would also require AI chatbots to provide suicide-prevention resources to users who express suicidal thoughts or interest in self-harm, and platforms would be required to file reports on how often a chatbot flags suicidal or self-harm behaviors. The American Psychological Association warned that, while AI chatbots are low-cost and accessible, they lack necessary regulations to guarantee that they are being used safely. When a 16-year-old told an AI chatbot about his suicidal thoughts and plans last year , the chatbot discouraged him from telling his parents and offered to write his suicide note. A 14-year-old also died by suicide after his AI chatbot engaged in sexual role play and falsely claimed to be a psychotherapist. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO BETTER FUND SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED The bipartisan proposal would go to the 2019 ballot (Apr. 16) – The House approved a bipartisan proposal by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Julie McCluskie to better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but the arbitrary TABOR cap severely restricts the state budget, preventing the investment of revenue already generated from growth in the economy. The cap also limits Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools, higher education, and transportation and infrastructure consistently rank at the bottom of the nation. “Colorado’s state budget should be able to grow with the economy so we can make important investments in our future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “It’s commonsense to simply ask voters whether the state can keep and spend the money collects in taxes and that’s what we’re proposing. We are not investing enough in K-12, higher-ed and transportation. This bipartisan proposal won’t solve all our problems but it will help protect our way of life.” “When times are good, we have a responsibility to invest in the things we care about most – public schools, higher education, and transportation. This is about giving voters a say in protecting our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. Witness after witness testified in support of the bills at an April 1st House Finance committee hearing. This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. Click here to see the current list of supporters. Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can retain, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since TABOR was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development, especially in rural Colorado. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap. HB19-1258, a companion bill, contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. At a news conference when the bill was introduced in March, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures: “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bipartisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” HB19-1257 was approved by a vote of 41-23 and HB19-1258 was approved by a vote of 41-23. Both measures now head to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2020 GA: REGULAR SESSION SHOULD CONTINUE WHEN PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY SUBSIDES GA brief to Supreme Court argues state Constitution gives lawmakers 120 calendar days to do the people’s work, can be suspended during public health emergency DENVER, CO — House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statements after the General Assembly submitted its brief to the Colorado Supreme Court. The governor and attorney general submitted a brief in support of the General Assembly’s position, as did the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials and several other groups and individuals. “We filed a brief asking to fulfill our constitutional obligation to do the people’s business in a regular session, which is not only called for in the Constitution, but is necessary to serve our constituents,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “With their brief, Republican lawmakers are recklessly using a global pandemic to jeopardize our ability to carry out our constitutional requirements and responsibilities.” “What Coloradans need right now is for us to focus on the immediate wellbeing of their loved ones and their livelihoods. What they do not need us to do is abandon all of the work they elected us to accomplish on their behalf,” said President Leroy Garcia . “We suspended our legislative session in order to protect the community from this serious pandemic, but we are committed to continuing to fight for solutions that will provide relief to Coloradans in the wake of this difficult time.” “We suspended the session to protect public health, and a common-sense reading of the Constitution allows us to continue our important work at a later date,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This should not be a partisan issue. This is about preserving the legislature’s ability, regardless of the party in power, to do what we were elected to do and carry out the people’s work.” “We are facing one of the worst public health and economic crises we’ve seen in a generation, which makes this partisan gamesmanship all the more disappointing. Now is the time to come together, not play politics,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg . “The argument that we cannot suspend a legislative session in the middle of a public health disaster smells of putting politics over people’s lives. Coloradans will need us to get back to work when it’s safe so that we can pass legislation to help our state get through this incredibly difficult time.” 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. Under longstanding rules of the General Assembly approved by both Republicans and Democrats for over a decade, the General Assembly may suspend its session in the case of a public health emergency without having the time of the suspension count against the 120 day legislative clock. In its brief, the General Assembly makes six arguments in favor of the validity of its longstanding interpretation of Article V, Section 7, as embodied in Joint Rules 23(d) and 44(g), that calendar days do not have to be counted consecutively during a public health emergency, allowing the session to resume at a later date. The phrase “120 calendar days” says nothing about whether “calendar days” must be consecutive. Most obviously, neither the word “consecutive” nor any similar term is included in the provision. In 1982 and 1988, Colorado voters limited the legislative session to 120 calendar days. The intent of the Constitutional amendments, found in the accompanying “Blue Books,” was to ensure lawmakers had adequate time to consider all critical and important issues during a regular session. The legislature’s joint rules are consistent with that intent. The rules in question relate to the Assembly’s own procedures, and constitute an appropriate exercise of the Constitution’s independent grant to the Assembly of the “power to determine the rules of its proceedings,” the power “to protect its members against violence,” and “all other powers necessary for the legislature of a free state.” The GAVEL amendment requires that all bills currently introduced be considered on their merits, which cannot happen if the session does not resume. Furthermore, a contrary interpretation could prevent the General Assembly from passing a budget, which it is also Constitutionally required to do. The decision to suspend the session was not optional. It was necessary to protect the public’s health. The legislature’s rules allow the General Assembly to meet its constitutional obligations without exposing legislators, their staff or the public to COVID-19. Special sessions are intended to address specific subject matters, not general business. A special session may only be called by the governor or by a two-thirds majority vote in each house. No sound basis exists to bar the General Assembly from acting on matters that cannot garner support from a supermajority of each chamber at the outset of the special session. 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