< Back September 1, 2021 SPEAKER GARNETT, REP. HEROD RESPOND TO INDICTMENTS OF AURORA OFFICERS AND PARAMEDICS DENVER, CO — Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Leslie Herod today released the following statements after Attorney General Phil Weiser announced 32 indictments, including for manslaughter, of three current and former Aurora police officers and two paramedics involved in the death of Elijah McClain: “Today’s indictments of three current and former Aurora officers and two paramedics is the progress toward justice that the McClain family and our communities have waited far too long to see,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I am grateful for the thorough investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Grand Jury. We haven’t seen the end of the road to justice in this case, but today was an important step in that journey." “Elijah McClain should be alive today, and while nothing will bring him back to his family and friends, I am encouraged that the Attorney General will now proceed with filing formal charges as a result of the grand jury indictments announced today,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Justice is moving forward because the people of Colorado elevated Elijah’s story to the entire world and demanded change and because of Sheneen McClain’s tireless fight for reforms and for Colorado’s first in the nation police accountability law. By bringing these charges – which include using ketamine as a deadly weapon – advancing criminal justice reforms and passing measures to hold law enforcement accountable, Colorado is making strides to advance the rule of law, improve trust in peace officers and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable.” Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 NO MORE SURPRISES: HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN BILL TO END OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLING (Mar. 22) – A bipartisan bill to address the out of control practice of sending consumers out-of-network bills, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was approved today by the House. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” s aid Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I am responding to to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise and often expensive bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” HB19-1174 prohibits out-of-network billing by providers when the patient unknowingly received the care from an out-of-network provider or facility. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out of network costs when they intentionally go out of network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than thirty times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The House approved the bipartisan bill on a vote of 60-4. The bill now goes to the Senate. The bill also has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate by Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs. Previous Next

< Back February 2, 2023 House Committee Passes Bill to Improve Free Transit Program DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed a bill to improve the grant program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season. HB23-1101 supports the continuation of last year’s successful Ozone Season Transit Grant Program. “The numbers are in; Coloradans took advantage of free public transit last August, and our bill improves this successful program for the coming years,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We were excited to see significant ridership increases across the state, and strengthening this program will further reduce passenger car trips, cut down on harmful emissions and support communities by saving passengers money on fares.” “In Colorado Springs alone, public transit ridership during August increased by more than 60 percent, and our bill builds upon this success to improve our air quality and cut down on harmful ground-level ozone,” said Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs . “Recognizing regional differences in peak ozone seasons, this legislation provides additional flexibility to transit agencies to improve and expand the free rides program this year.” HB32-1101 passed committee by a vote of 8-3 and improves the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program, which provides funding to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and transit associations throughout Colorado to offer free rides during ozone season. Last year, Colorado Democrats championed SB22-180 which allocated $28 million toward free transit during ozone season to improve Colorado’s air quality. HB23-1101 utilizes funding from this initial investment to enhance the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program for the next three years. This year’s bill also would allow transit agencies to use grant funding during different months of the ozone season, rollover leftover funding to make an impact in future years and use the funding for outreach and education. RTD released final August 2022 ridership numbers in the fall. Data revealed a significant increase in services, particularly buses within the district, during RTD’s 30-day Zero Fare for Better Air program. RTD also experienced a 36 percent ridership increase between August 2021 and August 2022 as well as a 21 percent ridership increase between July 2022 and August 2022. There were also significant increases in ridership in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and mountain communities. Previous Next

Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles < Back March 22, 2024 House Advances Legislation to Reduce Gun Thefts from Vehicles Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to help prevent firearms from being stolen in vehicles by requiring them to be secured while unattended in a vehicle. “As a Western Slope legislator, I know how important responsible and safe gun ownership is for our rural communities and our way of life," said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "This commonsense legislation helps reduce gun thefts from vehicles and reduces gun violence while respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of gun owners across the state.” “When someone steals a firearm, they bypass the protections we’ve put in place that consider factors like mental health struggles and a history of domestic violence before they’re handed a gun," said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. "Gun thefts from vehicles are on the rise, putting our communities at risk of preventable gun crimes. By requiring guns to be securely stored in vehicles when they are unattended, we’re preventing gun owners from losing their weapons and keeping guns out of the hands of the wrong people.” HB24-1348 would require firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers that are out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen. The bill would also require the Office of Suicide Prevention to include information for vehicle safe storage on its website and include vehicle safe storage information that must be displayed at gun stores. There are exclusions such as antique firearms, peace officers, military service members, and people engaged in hunting. Recreational vehicles and non-handgun firearms in a vehicle on a person’s private farm or ranch are also exempt. According to the Denver Police Department, 846 of the 1,221 guns that were reported as being stolen were stolen from vehicles in 2023. Of those stolen firearms, 61% were stolen without stealing the vehicle itself. Data from 2020 found that Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs had the highest rates of gun thefts from cars in Colorado. Colorado Democrats passed a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. The law 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 law created 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

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Amy Paschal today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Despite having months to act, Republicans in Congress have failed to continue the enhanced premium tax credits, adding thousands of dollars to Coloradans’ health insurance costs next year,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Earlier this year, I helped pass a law that will alleviate some of the rate increases and keep tens of thousands of Coloradans insured, but the reality is that premiums are still expected to double, and 75,000 will lose coverage without these tax credits. While we were able to reduce costs for families by over 16.5 percent, Congress must take action to prevent these still unfathomable price hikes for Coloradans in El Paso County and across the state.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Paschal signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in El Paso County. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. In El Paso County, a family of four saved nearly $4,000 by choosing the Colorado Option plan in 2025. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law also stabilizes Colorado’s reinsurance program, resulting in over 16.5-percent in premium savings in the Colorado Springs metro area. In El Paso and Teller counties, the average 40-year-old individual saved over $5,100 from the Reinsurance Program in 2025, and a family of four saved over $19,000 from 2020 through 2025 due to the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

HB24-1091 would permit residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials   < Back January 31, 2024 Legislation to Combat Wildfire Destruction Passed Committee HB24-1091 would permit residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to permit Coloradans living in homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to use fire-hardened building materials. HB24-1091, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Brianna Titone, passed unanimously. “When it comes to rebuilding or renovating your home, Coloradans should be able to choose fire-hardened building materials to help combat destructive wildfires,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “As many in my community rebuild from the Marshall Fire, it is important they are able to rebuild their homes using materials that won’t ignite their homes, and this legislation paves the way for Coloradans living in HOAs to do just that.” “Residential wildfire mitigation efforts are more important now than ever before, especially for those living in the wildland-urban interface, ” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would allow all Coloradans living in HOAs to install fire-hardened building materials on their property. Combatting wildfire begins with proper mitigation and this bill reduces barriers to creating more fire-resistant homes and safer communities.” HB24-1091 would no longer allow HOAs to restrict the installation, use, or maintenance of fire-hardened building materials in residential property. Fire-hardened building materials, such as metal, certain types of stucco, and fiber cement siding, help mitigate wildfire risk and damage on residential and commercial properties. The goal of HB24-1091 is to allow Coloradans to build more fire-resistant homes and combat wildfire destruction in residential communities. Under this bill, HOAs would be allowed to develop reasonable standards regarding the design, dimensions, placement or external appearance of fire-hardened building materials used for fencing within the community. The fire-hardened building materials outlined in this legislation would meet the standards set forth by the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Previous Next

New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services < Back April 21, 2024 Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes House New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry. HB24-1349 passed by a vote of 44-18. “When I was a young single mother, victim support services played a significant role in helping me navigate the judicial system so I could safely escape my abuser,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With funding for victim services significantly reducing in the coming years, Colorado victims will lose access to essential resources that will help keep them safe and healthy. Our legislation would allow Colorado voters to decide if we should create an excise tax on firearms so we can continue to fund victim services. I would not be where I am today without these services, and by creating this excise tax, we can ensure that other survivors will have the resources they need to put their lives back together.” “Survivors of domestic abuse face the challenges of navigating the legal system to seek justice, beginning the healing process, and obtaining safe housing and financial security,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately the safety net services for survivors are desperately underfunded and facing drastic cuts in federal funding. Firearms play a significant role in these crimes. So we’re giving Colorado voters to create a small tax on firearm purchases that will boost funding for life-saving victim services.” If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349 would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $54 million annually. If approved by Colorado voters, the funds would be allocated in the following manner: $35 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants, $10 million to the School Security Disbursement Program cash fund for grant programs like School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program, School Security Disbursement Grant Program and Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program, $5 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, $5 million for mental health services for veterans, and Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors. Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to expand language accessibility for emergency and public safety alerts. < Back March 27, 2023 Velasco Bill to Expand Language Accessibility for Emergency Alerts Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to expand language accessibility for emergency and public safety alerts. “English fluency should not determine whether or not you have the information to protect yourself and your family from an emergency situation that could threaten your safety and wellbeing,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Wildfires, landslides, and other natural disasters are very common in our rural and mountain towns and Coloradans rely on notifications that connect them to resources to survive. With over 40 languages spoken throughout the state, we have to learn how to communicate emergency information to all Coloradans in a way that is accessible to them.” HB23-1237 , also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, passed by a vote of 8-1 . The bill would direct the University of Colorado’s Natural Hazards Center, in consultation with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (division), to conduct a study to identify what municipalities, sheriff's offices, counties, fire districts, and local 911 agencies need to provide emergency alerts in a non-English language and live interpretation during a 911 call. The study would identify essential components of a multi-hazard early warning system needed to successfully reach residents and visitors and would also include recommendations for how to better reach at-risk communities that may have difficulties accessing English language text alerts. Previous Next

SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing < Back May 8, 2025 Signed! Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Boost Stock of Factory-Built Housing SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, to reduce housing costs by boosting the stock of affordable factory-built housing was signed into law today. SB25-002 will increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and other types of modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. “Right now, the people that keep our communities running – teachers, nurses, and firefighters – can’t afford to live where they work,” said Exum. “Expanding opportunities for them and their families to thrive and grow together in a stable, safe environment is vital to strong, lasting success for Colorado communities.” “Our law will improve coordination between state and regional partners and cut down on duplicative steps to build more affordable housing in our communities,” said Boesenecker. “Modular homes are a high-quality alternative to traditional housing construction materials, but are faster to assemble and cheaper to build. This law allows us to strategically use tools that have proven to create more affordable housing options for hardworking Coloradans.” "Every Coloradan should be able to afford to live where they work," said Bridges. "We have an affordability crisis here in Colorado, and while there's no silver bullet for housing, there are silver BBs. This is one of them. This legislation will increase Colorado's housing stock by bringing down construction costs, giving more folks the opportunity to live where they work, raise a family, and call Colorado home.” “Modular homes are a creative and proven solution to drive down housing costs and allow more Coloradans to realize their dream of homeownership,” said Stewart. “Construction costs, miscommunication and doubling up on regulation have been significant barriers to building affordable housing, and this law aims to streamline regulations to fully benefit from the potential of modular housing. With this new law, we can make high-quality housing more affordable across Colorado.” This bill directs the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON TUITION AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills that will save Coloradans money on higher education tuition and behavioral health services. HB22-1155 passed by a vote of 41-19 and is sponsored by Representatives Perry Will and Julie McCluskie. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families. Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bill changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. “The bill we passed today will save families and students money as they pursue their higher education degrees,” Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1155. “Every Coloradan should have access to higher education opportunities that will set them up to thrive, and our workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado are significant. By reducing the cost of higher education, we’ll prepare more students for success and open the door for more high school graduates to access the education they need to secure better paying jobs and address our workforce shortage.” HB22-1278 passed by a vote of 46-14 and is sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton. The bill will improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services and save Coloradans money. This bipartisan bill is designed to streamline behavioral health care access for Coloradans through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). “This legislation takes the next step to stand up Colorado’s new Behavioral Health Administration, which will work to make mental health care and substance use disorder treatment less expensive and easier to access,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1278. “The pandemic has only exacerbated the long standing challenges Coloradans have faced when trying to access the behavioral health care they need to thrive. This bill will boost access to the care Coloradans need and cut the red tape that prevents too many people from getting the help they need.” The bill would establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services and more. The BHA will reduce bureaucracy by consolidating fragmented behavioral health networks into one behavioral health administrative services organization (BHASO) per region. The push for this legislation stems from patient frustration surrounding disjointed behavioral health care services. With this bill, patients would be able to more easily access behavioral health services in their community. Previous Next

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) yesterday voted to advance three bills that would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school, study the existing barriers to gender affirming care, and create a loan repayment program for school mental health professionals. < Back October 26, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Youth Advisory Committee Recommends Bills to Improve Dignity for Students, Get More Mental Health Professionals Into Schools DENVER, CO - The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) yesterday voted to advance three bills that would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school, study the existing barriers to gender affirming care, and create a loan repayment program for school mental health professionals. Bill 1 would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school and in school-related publications without requiring the student to obtain a court-ordered name or gender change. The bill also establishes the Non-Legal Name Changes in Schools Task Force under the Department of Education to help examine existing school policies regarding non-legal name changes, and provide policy recommendations for school districts. “Prioritizing the health and well-being of all Colorado youth makes our families and communities more resilient. All kids should feel safe and accepted in order to grow, learn, and thrive, ” said COYAC Chair Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bills 1, 5, and 6. “We need to strengthen these protective factors, particularly for families of LGBTQ youth who have been met with hostility for raising their children in an accepting and affirming environment, and for youth who lack resources for mental health support. I'm proud of our student participants' hard work on these policies, and look forward to advancing what we've accomplished together. Our bills will provide clarity to schools when addressing students by their preferred names, increase mental health support with loan repayments to school mental health professionals, and map out access to gender affirming care across our great state. By implementing these improvements and sharing essential resources, we will better support Colorado kids so that all can thrive.” “Every year, legislators on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee join bright, engaged students to collaborate on legislation that supports their future success,” said COYAC Vice Chair Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of all three bills. “This year, the bills we are advancing prioritize the mental health and well-being of students and address much needed staffing shortages for mental health professionals who work in schools. Students deserve to feel safe, confident and supported at school, and these bills mark meaningful steps towards making that a reality for every Colorado kid.“ “Every Colorado child deserves to live and learn with dignity, but right now too many kids have to deal with stigma and harassment. Tragically, 82 percent of trans youth have contemplated suicide at some point in their lives,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of all three bills. “By letting kids go by their preferred name in class and increasing access to gender-affirming care, Bills 1 and 6 will give students and young people the support and security to be themselves in the classroom and throughout their lives. Bill 5 meanwhile will help school mental health professionals save money, and make it easier and more appealing to enter this critical profession. These bills are common sense steps that will help students across the state feel more comfortable and confident while they learn and grow.” Bill 5 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, that would create the Licensed School Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program in the Department of Higher Education, and require the Commission on Higher Education to adopt program policies, review applications for loan repayment, and report annually on the program. Applicants must be licensed and have a masters or doctoral degree in a program that qualifies the applicant to be a mental health professional and must agree to work as a school mental health professional in Colorado for at least three consecutive academic years to qualify. Bill 6 directs the Department of Public Health and Environment to study the disparities and inadequacies in Colorado’s gender-affirming health care sector. The study will investigate the number of gender-affirming health care providers and facilities throughout the state, the availability of resources for these providers, the number of patients seeking this type of care, the prevalence and impact of non-prescribed treatments, and the availability of insurance coverage. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

Legislation shields legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers < Back April 14, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, that establishes protections from criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – ensuring these overreaching interstate actions will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. SB23-188 also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. “The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, and it’s putting Coloradans' ability to access critical reproductive and gender-affirming care in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “Any barrier to health care in our state is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This new law will protect the people who both seek and provide that care in our state, and will ensure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they need to thrive.” “We’ve seen nationwide attacks on our fundamental reproductive freedoms, but here in Colorado, we protect those seeking or performing legal, reproductive health care, including abortion,” said Froelich. “This law codifies important protections for legally protected health care services to make sure our patients, providers, and assistors are shielded from interstate prosecution, retaliation, and imprisonment. We’re making it clear – Colorado will never extradite a provider or patient to another state because Colorado respects bodily autonomy, privacy and the right to make your own medical decisions.” "We must do everything we can to protect vital health care professionals in Colorado,” said Jaquez Lewis. “As a pharmacist, if I dispense certain drugs that are considered abortion care medication in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am proud to champion this new law that ensures health care experts will feel safe making medically necessary decisions." “Anti-trans bills in other states and other egregious attempts to limit who we are will not stand in the way of our legal right to access gender-affirming and reproductive health care in Colorado,” said Titone. “Our law not only affirms the right to protected health care, but prevents other states from enforcing their regressive anti-abortion and anti-trans laws on people seeking treatment or living in Colorado. Research proves having access to gender-affirming care is validating and life-saving. I’m proud to champion a law that prioritizes patients and providers, protects our privacy and upholds your fundamental rights to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.” Previous Next