Today Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sent a letter urging the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, and others to address the abnormally high number of crashes occurring on US Highway 40. < Back January 23, 2025 Roberts and Lukens Urge Swift Action to Improve Safety on Highway 40 DENVER, CO – Today Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sent a letter urging the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, and others to address the abnormally high number of crashes occurring on US Highway 40. In the last year Highway 40, which connects Steamboat Springs, Milner, Hayden, and Craig, faced numerous accidents resulting in significant delays, injuries, and six fatalities. Roberts and Lukens, the legislators representing the corridor, strongly support pursuing increased enforcement and funding that can lead to improvements on Highway 40. Extra attention to this corridor can and will save lives. “The safety of drivers and passengers that commute along Highway 40 could not be more important and we must do more to make that stretch of road safer,” said Roberts. “Representative Lukens and I are committed to working collaboratively with the state to ensure necessary improvements are made for the wellbeing of everyone on the road. Addressing these issues quickly requires the investment and support of all those involved, including CDOT, CSP, the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization, Routt County and other local government partners, and more. Today we are offering our support to ongoing efforts and urge increased attention and focus so that the road can be made safer as soon as possible.” "My deepest sympathies go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been impacted by accidents on Highway 40. The safety situation on Highway 40 demands our immediate attention," said Lukens. "We must expedite short-term and long-term critical improvements like the Safe Crossings Project and the construction of more passing lanes. I remain committed to working alongside Senator Roberts, local elected officials, CDOT, CSP, and the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization to protect the lives of everyone who travels this essential corridor." The full letter is below: Dear Director Lew, Colonel Packard, the Transportation Commission of Colorado, and the Northwest Planning Organization: As the legislators representing Routt and Moffat Counties, including US Highway 40, which connects the communities of Steamboat Springs, Milner, Hayden, and Craig, we write with an urgent request to direct all available resources and efforts to improve the safety of Highway 40 for our constituents. As you know, this stretch of state highway has seen an abnormally high amount of crashes resulting in fatalities and injuries which have taken a toll on the communities in heartache and hours of delays on an important commuter corridor. In 2024 alone, there were six fatalities as a result of crashes on this stretch of highway, and numerous other accidents that resulted in injuries and hours of delays for thousands of drivers. While no traffic corridor can ever be accident-free, the tragedy we are seeing on Highway 40 is abnormally high and should be addressed by the State of Colorado and local officials immediately. We are grateful that everyone involved, including you and your employees, know this situation is dire and needs to be addressed - and we are optimistic about all the efforts currently underway to address the problem. We write this letter at the urging of our constituents and to offer support and encouragement for what is being done. For example, we offer our continued support for these existing efforts: Constructing more passing lanes throughout the US40 corridor. We know this takes some time and we add our support to CDOT to construct these as soon as possible. Further, we encourage the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization to specifically prioritize as much funding as possible for these new passing lanes as a proven way to reduce crashes and fatalities. Increased law enforcement along the road in order to enforce speeding, traction, passing, and other already-existing laws that are in place to keep travelers safe. Lessening the number of cars on the road through projects like Mountain Passenger Rail and the possibility of more frequent bus service through the creation of a Regional Transit Authority in the region. The Safe Crossings Project at Steamboat II & Heritage Park. We commend the local efforts by Routt County, and engaged citizens to conduct a study of safe crossing options that is currently under review by CDOT. We wholeheartedly support any and all grant funding being pursued to make this safe crossing a reality as soon as possible and encourage CDOT to continue its similar support for funding. Ongoing rockfall mitigation work through the corridor. City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County’s efforts to extend the Yampa River Core Trail west. We were pleased to see the approval of funding by the transportation commission to study avalanche mitigation and safety needs on Berthoud pass. We agree that this is needed and a good way to begin planning more significant safety upgrades to the Pass following resurfacing work last year. We would ask that the Commission consider expanding the scope of this study, before it is initiated, to include safety and hazard mitigation needs elsewhere on US40 from Denver through to Steamboat Springs and Craig. Further, we strongly encourage both CDOT and CSP to expend every possible resource to continue, expedite, and bolster these existing efforts with increased urgency. Whether it is relocating Troopers to the corridor to increase speeding enforcement, employing remote and autonomous speeding controls, expediting construction timelines, pursuing new federal grant opportunities, or anything else, any extra attention to this corridor could save lives - it is worth it. The state legislature in recent years has changed laws regarding vehicle traction, reducing distracted driving, directed historic funding to CDOT, and more. Should there be anything in addition that would be helpful in these efforts that would involve legislation, we stand by ready to assist in that way. Please be in touch with us should this be the case. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the safety of our constituents and to the people of Colorado. We stand ready to support your work however possible and appreciate your attention to this dire matter impacting our constituents. Sincerely, Dylan Roberts, Senate District 8 Meghan Lukens, House District 26 CC: Governor Jared Polis Moffat County Commissioners Routt County Commissioners City of Craig Town of Hayden City of Steamboat Springs Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 12, 2024 Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. “Our country is in a maternal health crisis and we need to focus on expanding care options and identifying causes of maternal mortality and mistreatment to better protect the health of our Colorado families,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “A report found that 89 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Colorado were preventable, and this is especially true for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Our legislation works to increase access to maternal care, including midwives, to provide trauma-informed care, safe transitions, and other wraparound services so pregnant Coloradans can receive the care they need.” “As a new mom, I know how important it is to have quality health care providers by your side that will advocate for the best health outcomes for you and your baby,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Families should have the freedom to choose a health care provider that best fits their needs, especially for the Black and Indigenous Coloradans that are two to three times as likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth. This bill will help improve Coloradans’ access to life-saving health care to keep Colorado families safe and healthy.” Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The bill would also: Provide more direction to the Civil Rights Commission on how to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination, Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs, Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Require a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide notice at least 90 days before the reduction or end of these services, Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study closures and availability of perinatal health care, impacts on affected populations, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous communities are three times as likely. Previous Next

SB25-008 streamlines access to necessary legal documents for vulnerable populations < Back May 19, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program PUEBLO, CO – Today, the Governor signed into law legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations. Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program helps Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and drivers’ licenses. SB25-008 , sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, updates the program to allow eligible individuals to access ID documents for free directly at the point of service. “The Necessary Documents Program is crucial for the most vulnerable members of our communities – low income earners, unhoused populations, victims of domestic violence, people who are affected by natural disasters, and disabled or elderly Coloradans,” Hinrichsen said. “Equitable access to legal documents is essential to a fresh start so that more Coloradans can get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.” “For years, the Necessary Document Program has provided life-changing services to vulnerable Coloradans, and this new law would improve the program by streamlining free access to these important documents,” said Froelich. “Coloradans who survive house fires, domestic violence, homelessness and other dangerous circumstances often can’t access important identification documents that are required to fulfill everyday needs, like housing, health care and food. By updating this program, we can better protect Coloradans in their darkest moments.” “Identity documents are critical when it comes to accessing health care, housing, employment and transportation. We need to remove unnecessary barriers of getting identification documents to ensure more Coloradans are able to access these important documents,” Kipp said. “This adjustment is necessary to ensure that our Necessary Documents Program is utilized to its full potential.” SB25-008 streamlines administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Eligible individuals will still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 SIGNED! NEW HIGHER ED FUNDING FORMULA AND CRITICAL BILLS TO IMPROVE HIGHER ED ATTAINMENT Denver, CO — Today, at Simply Pure, a marijuana dispensary, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill that increases access to the Social Equity license, which makes owning and operating a retail marijuana store accessible to more Coloradans. The bill is sponsored by Representative James Coleman. “All hardworking Coloradans deserve a fair shot at sharing in the prosperity of the booming marijuana industry,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “We should not be defined by our past alone, and this bill provides Coloradans who want to make an honest living in the marijuana industry with the opportunity to do so. Creating equal economic opportunity for all makes us stronger. ” “Colorado has led the way for the nation’s fast-changing laws and attitudes towards marijuana,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont . “By allowing the Governor to pardon individuals with small possession offenses and improving access and equity in the booming marijuana industry, this bill moves our state boldly forward. The bill signed today is good for small businesses, hardworking Coloradans, and our state’s economy as a whole.” In order to drive socioeconomic equity to the retail marijuana trade, HB20-1424 establishes that marijuana retailers cannot be denied access to the Social Equity license solely based on a prior marijuana conviction. The bill also allows the governor to pardon individuals who were convicted of possession of marijuana for up to two ounces — effectively offering these Coloradans a clean slate. In order to be eligible for the Social Equity license, applicants must be a Colorado resident and one of the following regulations must apply. Applicants must have either: resided in Colorado for 15 years, have been arrested or convicted of a marijuana offense, have a household income that did not exceed a predetermined amount, or hold at least 51 percent of marijuana business license. Marijuana retailers who have a Social Equity license are eligible for the Accelerator Program, which authorizes stores with a Social Equity license to operate under established state laws as long as they are endorsed by an Accelerator Store. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 BILL TO REQUIRE MONITORING OF TOXIC AIR POLLUTION ADVANCES DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to require real-time fenceline monitoring of air toxics at certain industrial facilities and community based monitoring in areas where people are most at risk. “Communities have a right to know when facilities release toxic pollution like hydrogen cyanide and benzene into the air,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County. “With this bill, we’re requiring facilities to conduct fenceline monitoring, publicly publish the data in real time, and notify communities in the most prevalent two languages when there’s a violation. Mobile van community-based monitoring will ensure that we get the full picture of how, where, and when air toxins are impacting communities near our dirtiest facilities, especially Black and Brown communities that have been disproportionately impacted by toxic pollution.” “Time after time we’ve seen facilities try to conceal or alter the air quality and toxic emissions data they release–we’re going to ensure we have reliable data and hold facilities accountable,” said Energy and Environment Committee Chair Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Air toxins cause cancer, reproductive health issues, ecological disasters, and when facilities violate the limits, they’ll be required to notify communities and take corrective action quickly. The bill establishes robust air monitoring programs so that we know when facilities release toxic pollution.” HB21-1189 would require facilities to collect and publicly report real time air monitoring data and fund community-based monitoring programs to better understand the cumulative health impacts of air toxics emissions from multiple sources. Air toxics are pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as adverse reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental and economical effects. Specifically, the bill expands the type of facilities covered by air toxin pollution limits. Importantly, the bill requires real-time “fenceline” monitoring and public reporting on the results of the monitoring. Facilities would be required to notify the public when emissions breach thresholds for toxic levels or exposure. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to conduct community-based monitoring (mobile van monitors) of toxic air pollution in areas near covered facilities. Covered facilities must take corrective action within 15 days of a violation. The bill requires covered facilities to conduct outreach to communities near the facilities, in particular disproportionately impacted communities. Outreach must be conducted in the two most prevalent languages spoken in the communities. Disproportionately impacted communities often include low-income neighborhoods and residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color. Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2020 PUBLIC HEALTH AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT BILL SIGNED INTO LAW BROOMFIELD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed Representative Dominique Jackson and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to improve air quality and protect public health into law. “Focusing on Colorado’s air quality is about more than protecting the environment, it’s about improving public health at a time when respiratory threats are at an all time high,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw the dire public health consequences of poor air quality up close and personal in my pediatric clinic. This bill takes important steps towards cleaning up our air and protecting the health and wellbeing of all Coloradans.” “This bill represents one of several bold, concrete steps the legislature took this year to improve the quality of the air we breathe and to protect public health,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “While the dire effects of climate change become more apparent every day, and this pandemic rages on, it’s more important than ever to ensure we are meeting air quality standards and enforcing regulations here in Colorado.” SB20-204 will protect Colorado’s public health and air quality by ensuring that environmental regulations are enforced and working to bring our state into compliance with federal ozone standards. It creates the TABOR-exempt Air Quality Control Enterprise in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The Enterprise would conduct air quality monitoring, assessment, data analysis and research and report on it to the General Assembly to promote science-based air quality policy. Governor Polis also signed HB20-1155 into law, Representative Alex Valdez and Mike Weissman’s bill to give home buyers more options with regards to energy efficiency products and infrastructure in new homes, such as electric vehicle charging, electric water heating and solar panel systems. Previous Next

SB24-189 adds gender identity and gender expression to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws < Back June 28, 2024 Legislation to Protect More Coloradans from Bias-Motivated Crimes Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation that will protect more Coloradans from bias-motivated crimes goes into effect on July 1. SB24-189 , sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, improves protections for Coloradans by adding gender identity and gender expression to the classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “Every Coloradan deserves to feel secure in their community, but far too many folks have been targeted because of who they are or how they identify,” Fields said. “As trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks face increasing threats across the country, we will continue fighting to make our state safer for all Coloradans and provide better protections against bias-motivated crime and harassment.” "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," Weissman said. "This new law bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." “Colorado has been a national leader when it comes to advancing equality and protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” Hansen said. “This bill will help protect Coloradans from violence or harassment based on their gender identity or gender expression, and will help ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable for their actions. I’m pleased to champion this legislation that will help more Coloradans feel secure and keep people in our communities safe.” The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in our bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. Previous Next

Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. < Back November 5, 2024 Colorado Democrats Secure Overwhelming House Majority DENVER, CO - Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. “Coloradans have once again placed their trust in us, and I am grateful to the people of our state. They have elected an overwhelming Democratic majority to the House in similar numbers to what we won in 2018 and 2020 when we secured the largest Democratic majority since FDR,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s clear from the results that Coloradans believe we are the right people to lead our state forward. Coloradans believe in reproductive freedom, and tonight, Coloradans reelected a pro-choice majority. Coloradans believe in public education, and tonight we reelected a pro-public schools majority. Coloradans believe in climate science, and tonight we reelected a pro-climate action majority. House Democrats are excited to build on our breakthrough session and continue fighting for our values, our freedoms and our Colorado way of life.” “I’d like to thank the voters of our state for reelecting our majority, and I congratulate all the Democratic lawmakers and candidates who worked so hard and ran great campaigns,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This cycle, we were defending seats in Republican territory that Trump won four years ago, and we still won an overwhelming majority because Coloradans agree with us on the issues that matter most like saving families money, protecting our climate, reducing gun violence, and securing abortion rights. Tonight, Colorado rejected the party of election deniers, climate deniers and politicians who would take us backward and once again entrusted Democrats to move Colorado forward.” During the 74th General Assembly, House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results. During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the costs for families. Major Accomplishments from the 74th General Assembly Making Colorado More Affordable for All: House Democrats passed legislation to save people money and new laws to make housing more affordable , reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and prevent unpredictable rate spikes on utility bills. We also delivered property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, including veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors. Colorado Democrats put money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by boosting the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and creating the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: From providing no-cost mental health services to youth and increasing hospital transparency to cutting patient costs, Colorado Democrats have passed new laws to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, quality health care. The reinsurance program and Colorado Option are saving consumers nearly half a billion dollars a year. Protecting Reproductive Rights: Colorado Democrats have protected your right to reproductive health care. We passed laws to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with abortion and gender-affirming care, limit surprise medical billing for reproductive health care services and treatment, and improve access to contraceptive care. We also rejected dangerous bills from the Colorado GOP that would have criminalized abortion and effectively banned IVF. Investing in Public Education: One of the biggest accomplishments of the 2024 legislative session was eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor , increasing total funding for public schools by more than $500 million. A new bipartisan school funding formula increases funding for rural schools and at-risk students, special education, and English Language Learners. Families will save money on higher education with the Colorado Promise Act, a refundable income tax credit that will cover the cost of two years of higher education or the full cost of community college. Protecting Our Air and Water: House Democrats are dedicated to addressing climate change , improving Colorado’s air quality, and protecting our water . New laws will generate significant funding for transit, rail, and land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Additionally, Colorado Democrats created over $60 million in annual tax cuts to businesses and consumers for clean energy and made water and energy efficiency improvements more affordable and eco-friendly. Preventing Gun Violence and Improving Public Safety: Colorado Democrats took major strides to prevent gun violence in our communities. We expanded Colorado’s “red flag” law, implemented a minimum three-day waiting period to receive a firearm, strengthened training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit, and improved enforcement of federal gun laws. A bipartisan law was credited for a sharp decrease in auto thefts. In 2024, we passed bipartisan laws to strengthen protections against human trafficking and improve safety for victims by expanding protections around civil protection orders. Previous Next

SB25-008 would make it easier for Colorado residents who are survivors of crime or natural disasters, low-income or older to obtain government IDs < Back April 30, 2025 Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes SB25-008 would make it easier for Colorado residents who are survivors of crime or natural disasters, low-income or older to obtain government IDs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich that would streamline access to necessary identification documents for vulnerable and low-income Coloradans. SB25-008 passed by a vote of 43-22. “For 20 years, the Necessary Document Program has provided life-changing services to vulnerable Coloradans, and this bill would improve the program by streamlining free access to these important documents,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans who survive house fires, domestic violence, homelessness and other dangerous circumstances often can’t access important identification documents that are required to fulfill everyday needs, like housing, health care and food. By updating this program, we can better protect Coloradans in their darkest moments.” Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program helps Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly afford necessary documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. SB25-008 would update the program to allow eligible individuals to acquire these documents for free directly at the point of service, including participating DMVs. Eligible individuals still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States. SB25-008 would streamline the administration of the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Administrative challenges tend to delay vouchers. Additionally, vouchers are time-limited to 30 days after they are distributed to the client, which means they are often not able to be utilized before they expire. This bill would simplify some of the complicated program structure that makes it more difficult for Coloradans to receive vouchers and expand the number of locations where individuals can obtain necessary documents. Previous Next

On July 1, 2026 legislation to save Coloradans money on their property insurance policies will go into effect. < Back June 15, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Save Coloradans Money on Property Insurance Goes Into Effect Denver, CO – On July 1, 2026 legislation to save Coloradans money on their property insurance policies will go into effect. HB25-1182 requires insurers to be more transparent regarding their wildfire mitigation risk models and allows property owners to appeal their scores. “Colorado is grappling with some of the highest property insurance rates in the nation, and to lower costs, property owners can implement home hardening and wildfire mitigation tactics,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Coloradans have invested in wildfire mitigation efforts on their property before, only to receive no discounts from their insurance companies. Our law, going into effect next month, requires property insurance transparency and accountability so Coloradans know what insurers expect and can effectively lower their rates.” “I frequently hear from constituents that they are being denied insurance or their premiums have increased dramatically. It has always concerned me that we incentivize and encourage mitigation, but there’s no way to tie these efforts directly to insurance,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This law addresses that, requiring insurers to consider mitigation efforts, provide transparency to homeowners on the wildfire risk models they use, and give them the opportunity to appeal directly.” “After the Marshall Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in my community, many of my neighbors experienced skyrocketing property insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “We know that home hardening and wildfire mitigation efforts can make our communities more resilient to natural disasters and lower property insurance rates for everyone. However, Coloradans sometimes miss out on lower insurance rates because insurers aren’t forthcoming with what goes into a wildfire risk score. This law, going into effect on July 1, requires insurers to provide up-front, transparent wildfire risk score calculations to customers so Coloradans can take action before the next disaster.” HB25-1182 , also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, requires an insurer to provide a written notice to each policyholder at the time of application, renewal or nonrenewal. The notice must include plain-language explanations of the wildfire risk score or other classifications, a range of possible scores a property could be assigned, and the impact each mitigation action could have on a risk score or classification. Policyholders and applicants can appeal their wildfire risk model score, wildfire risk classification, or applicable mitigation discount if they believe it is inaccurate and can provide evidence of the mitigation efforts they have taken. To make the appeals process timely, the insurer must notify the policyholder or applicant in writing of the right to appeal and acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 10 calendar days. Insurers will also be required to respond to the appeal with a reconsideration and decision within 30 calendar days. If an appeal is denied, the Commissioner of Insurance can request a copy of the appeal and the insurer’s response. To help lower property insurance costs, the law requires insurers to consider parcel-level and community-wide mitigation efforts in their models to ensure that risk scores reflect the property and the surrounding area. If an insurer doesn’t incorporate these actions into their models, they should provide discounts to policyholders who demonstrate property or community-level mitigation actions, such as cleaning up brush near a home. Colorado homeowners' insurance rates are some of the highest in the nation and have doubled from 2020 to 2025. Natural disasters like wildfire and hailstorms are some of the largest drivers of high insurance costs: the Division of Insurance recently found that hail damage accounts for an average of 26 percent to 54 percent of an annual homeowners' insurance premium and that hail mitigation has the potential to save consumers an average of $82 to $387 per year. This year, lawmakers championed a new law that will create a grant program to harden roofs and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. SB26-155 will help stabilize Colorado’s homeowners' insurance market, mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and save Coloradans money on their property insurance. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED: HISTORIC $178 MILLION INVESTMENT TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING VAIL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will direct $178 million in pandemic relief funds to make housing more affordable, increase the housing supply and save Coloradans money on housing. HB22-1304 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield and Senators Julie Gonzales and James Coleman, was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . The law is part of a package of legislation that will direct $428 million to make housing more affordable and save Coloradans money on housing. “This bill is an historic achievement for Colorado: a nearly $180 million investment to help build, sustain, and create affordable housing in all parts of our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “We know Coloradans are facing significant needs in affordable housing but also know that there are communities, nonprofits, and others who are ready to do the work of developing housing now. This new grant program will jumpstart those construction projects, support local efforts, and give communities tools and resources to make housing more affordable for Coloradans. I am thankful Governor Polis signed this bipartisan bill today – the flagship bill of our Task Force work – and now we can help kickstart housing projects across the state!” “Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This bill will help local governments and nonprofits access the space and funding that communities need to equitably accommodate that growth. By helping communities increase their housing supply we can make sure every Coloradan has access to a home they can afford.” “As Colorado’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure communities have the land and resources required to develop affordable housing now and in the future,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “Nonprofits and folks on the ground are the experts when it comes to pinpointing their communities’ unique needs. That’s why this bill is targeted at uplifting their work and providing the necessary tools to achieve their housing development goals.” The law invests a historic sum to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The law also sets aside a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic and sustainable development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes. The law will ensure flexibility of funding and will increase the supply of housing in urban, rural, and rural resort communities across the state, proportionate to each community’s demonstrated need. Furthermore, the grant program will prioritize funding for mixed-income and income-restricted developments, projects that leverage capital from other sources, and developments that create opportunities for Colorado families to build intergenerational wealth. Funding will also be prioritized for transit-oriented developments, saving emissions and money by building homes closer to where people work and reducing transportation costs. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND HELP FAMILIES THRIVE Bills to increase funding for special education, youth and families’ behavioral health and Colorado Works Program pass House DENVER, CO – The House today passed three bills that will increase funding for special education, boost access to behavioral health services for Colorado families and youth, and increase cash assistance under the Colorado Works Program to lift families out of poverty and support vulnerable children. “Education needs to be tailored to each and every student, which is why we allocated an additional $80 million in this bill for special education,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion, sponsor of SB22-127. “Investing more in special education along with record investments in K-12 public schools through the 2022 Public School Finance Act is the step in the right direction for filling funding gaps in Colorado’s education system and preparing our students for success.” SB22-127 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Colin Larson, passed by a vote of 58-4. This bill would dramatically increase funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to $300 million per year moving forward. This increase will bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. “Early intervention and access to the right programs are some of the best tools we have to improve youth behavioral health outcomes,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “Improving access to services is key to improving behavioral health outcomes. To combat Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis, we are strategically investing more than $11 million in federal relief dollars toward programs designed to improve and increase access to services for youth and their families.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, passed by a vote of 52 to 10. This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. “Children in Colorado should not grow up in poverty; increasing basic cash assistance benefits will boost the incomes of thousands of vulnerable families and continue making Colorado the best state to raise kids,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB22-1259. “These changes will improve outcomes for kids, lift families out of poverty and help Coloradans afford basic necessities such as food, diapers, and school supplies.” “The pandemic has led to rising inflation and costs on families, and at the same time, the cash assistance that vulnerable families rely on hasn’t increased significantly since 1996,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1259. “This bill will put nearly $50 million pandemic relief funds into the pockets of our most vulnerable families, which will improve education outcomes for children, increase opportunities for families and set up the next generation of Coloradans to thrive.” HB22-1259, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Iman Jodeh, passed by a vote of 40-22. The bill increases monthly basic cash assistance payments under the Colorado Works Program by 10 percent. Starting next year, the bill would increase cash assistance two percent or by the average Social Security cost of living adjustment, whichever is greater. The bill also expands eligibility for the assistance to more vulnerable Coloradans by removing restrictions on single parents with children below the age of one. The bill also increases funding for the Employment Opportunities with Wages Program, which helps Colorado Works participants find permanent employment with a living wage. A parent living in extreme poverty only revives $508 per month. Over the next three years, the bill will direct nearly $50 million in pandemic relief funds to leverage other state and local resources to increase benefits. This will put well over $50 million directly into the pockets of over 15,000 vulnerable families to help them afford the rising cost of goods and care for vulnerable children. Previous Next