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

Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Democrats Introduce Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers DENVER, CO – Democrats today introduced legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. Sponsored in the House by Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, 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 bill 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.” “Abortion is safe and legal in Colorado, yet every day we see threats to our fundamental rights to make our own reproductive health decisions,” said Froelich. “This bill codifies important protections to make sure our patients, providers and helpers are shielded from interstate criminal threats, retaliation and imprisonment. Accessing and providing reproductive health care isn’t a crime, and no one should face legal threats for receiving or offering these services. This bill makes clear that Colorado will never extradite a provider or patient to another state, protecting Coloradans from anti-abortion lawsuits and extreme prosecutors in other states.” “When we passed RHEA, Colorado became a safe haven for legal reproductive health care,” said Titone. “Nationally, our fundamental rights are under attack, and it’s our responsibility in Colorado to protect those seeking legal gender-affirming health care from vicious and outright dangerous legal overreach by other states. Having access to gender-affirming care saves lives and gives people the power to live their life unapologetically, and be true to themselves. Our bill prioritizes patients and providers, fights back against anti-abortion and anti-trans rhetoric, and protects our privacy.” "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 abortive care in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am very concerned that health care experts can no longer feel safe making medically necessary decisions." Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2021 LIFESAVING OPIOID EPIDEMIC BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE Bipartisan proposal to ensure Coloradans suffering from opioid addictions have access to lifesaving drugs passes committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services committee today passed Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to make lifesaving overdose reversal drugs more widely available. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “The opioid epidemic has taken countless precious lives away from families across Colorado, despite the fact that we have an effective drug that can reverse overdoses and save lives,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn . “As a nurse, I know how important it is that we educate the public, especially individuals taking high doses of opioids, about the lifesaving potential of naloxone. I’m proud that this bill moved forward today and look forward to it becoming law. We have no time to waste.” SB21-011 would require pharmacists to offer an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone or Naltrexone, when filling a high-dose opioid prescription or an opioid prescription alongside another medication that could place the patient at risk of an overdose. This will ensure that people have life-saving medicine on hand in case of an overdose or when experiencing symptoms of an opioid addiction. The bill would also ensure that patients have the information they need to protect themselves and stay safe. Previous Next

New laws to save Coloradans money on their energy bills, improve pricing stability, and improve pathways for thermal energy adoption will take effect on August 7. < Back August 4, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Increase Adoption of Clean Energy Resources to Take Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to save Coloradans money on their energy bills, improve pricing stability, and improve pathways for thermal energy adoption will take effect on August 7. SB23-291 , sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. The law rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. “Colorado families were hit hard last winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Fenberg said. “Our legislation improves transparency and holds utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see this new law help save Coloradans money on their energy bills and make much needed improvements to the way utilities are regulated in Colorado.” “Ahead of the winter season, I’m proud to say cost-saving solutions to protect Coloradans from rate spikes will soon go into effect,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair deGruy Kennedy. “During the legislative session, we worked hard to pass legislation that increases transparency and accountability surrounding utility pricing because many Coloradans were stuck with high, unpredictable energy bills. This law rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so families can be spared from erratic utility costs, especially during the colder months.” “This session we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to search for answers to exorbitant utility rate increases and find ways to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. "It quickly became clear that Coloradans have been bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are allowed to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC, creating a more fair utility rate setting process that will impact Coloradans today and into the future.” “During the legislative session, we worked tirelessly with consumer advocates, policy experts, utility companies and everyday Coloradans to find solutions to rising, unpredictable energy costs,” Martinez said. “Many Coloradans were hit hard by high utility costs and we passed a new solution that will improve utility transparency and accountability and rebalance the relationship between ratepayers and the utility companies they rely upon. We’re hopeful these cost-saving solutions will protect Coloradans from future drastic price hikes this winter.” Starting August 7, SB23-291 limits the ability of utility companies to recover certain expenses from ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which are more appropriately paid by company shareholders and prohibits a disconnection fee when customers choose to terminate their gas service. Other provisions of the law that will take effect at a later date include directing the PUC to establish a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allowing the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. In addition, the law will eliminate subsidies for gas line connections for new construction that are paid by existing customers. Also taking effect on August 7, HB23-1252 , which continues Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for wider adoption of thermal energy as a clean heat resource. Sponsored by Sens. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Reps. Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, this law assists in the transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas and will lead to more stable utility costs for Coloradans. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” said Hansen. “Coloradans are demanding action. With these new laws, we are tackling this challenge head on by reducing emissions through innovative technology and setting reasonable and achievable goals. I’m proud of our work that puts our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “Thermal energy heating and cooling systems are saving companies money across the state, and this law creates a stronger pathway for Coloradans and businesses to take advantage of this new technology,” Lieder said. “Our law now makes it easier to expand and implement clean, reliable thermal energy technology which creates good paying jobs in emerging fields and necessary trades, including pipefitting.” “Adopting new clean energy technologies like thermal energy will help create jobs while lowering overall emissions,” said Exum. “Natural gas is driving up utility costs and putting the squeeze on Coloradans' budgets. We have an opportunity this year to continue moving away from polluting energy sources and instead adopt cleaner technology to move Colorado’s economy and climate goals forward.” “Thermal energy is the heat beneath our feet. This law makes it easier for businesses and Coloradans to implement this clean and sustainable technology,” Kipp said. “Encouraging and adopting clean technologies, such as thermal energy, is key to helping Colorado reach its climate goals, cut our reliance on fossil fuels and save people money.” Thermal energy systems heat and cool buildings by circulating non-combustible fluids through a pipe network. Defining thermal energy as a clean heat resource allows the state to expand its usage, create new job opportunities, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Large gas utilities will be required to propose at least one pilot program with the PUC by September 1, 2024 to provide thermal energy service to their customers, with at least one project serving a disproportionately impacted community. Previous Next

The House today passed a bipartisan bill on a vote of 51-9 to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers such as community land trusts to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back April 11, 2023 House Advances Property Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bipartisan bill on a vote of 51-9 to expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers such as community land trusts to build up Colorado’s affordable housing stock. “With land prices becoming increasingly expensive, it becomes more and more difficult for housing developers to buy land and build housing that is affordable for Coloradans,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “By expanding property tax exemptions for nonprofit affordable housing developers we can make it easier to build homes so our health care workers, teachers, and child care providers can afford to stay in their communities.” HB23-1184 , also sponsored by Representative Lisa Frizell, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100%. It also extends the exemption period from five years to 10 years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The bill would create a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. The National Low Income Housing Coalition ranked Colorado as the 8th least affordable state in 2022 and stated that the average renter needed to work 2.3 full-time jobs at minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom rental. Data from the American Community Survey demonstrates the racial inequality when it comes to homeownership with 71 percent of non-Hispanic White Coloradans owning their home compared to only 51 percent of Hispanic and 43 percent of Black Coloradans. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp to increase special education funding. SB23-099 passed by a vote of 57-6. < Back April 21, 2023 Boost to Special Education Funding Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp to increase special education funding. SB23-099 passed by a vote of 57-6. “Increasing special education funding is critical to help schools cover the costs of providing learning support, speech therapy, and other services to our students that need additional help to succeed in school,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This legislation improves special education funding so that our schools aren’t burdened with fronting the cost of special education services on their own, creating a better learning environment for all students.” SB23-099 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, increases funding by over $40 million for special education services for public schools, including charter schools, to better support students’ needs. Increased per pupil funding from this bill will help lower student-teacher ratios, reduce class sizes and help provide more tailored and individualized assistance to students. Per pupil special education funding includes funding for students with at least one disability who need significant support in school. This bill increases per pupil special education funding up to $6,000 per student to improve education services to learners within special education. Previous Next

HB24-1456 works in tandem with the statewide public health order to combat congenital syphilis and SB24-042 creates more resources for those living sickle cell disease < Back April 23, 2024 Bills to Prevent Syphilis, Improve Support for Coloradans with Sickle Cell Disease Pass Committee HB24-1456 works in tandem with the statewide public health order to combat congenital syphilis and SB24-042 creates more resources for those living sickle cell disease DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two pieces of legislation to improve health outcomes for pregnant people, infants and those living with sickle cell disease. HB24-1456 , sponsored by Representative Julia Marvin and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, would direct the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis to keep pregnant people and infants safe. SB24-042 , sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. “The increase of congenital syphilis in Colorado is alarming, and we’re working together as a state to tackle this public health crisis that’s affecting our communities, especially our infants,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works with the state to improve syphilis testing during pregnancy, so health care providers can catch infections early and administer simple, effective treatment. Additionally, this bill would offer flexibility to the State Board of Health to monitor and adjust congenital syphilis protocols to ensure our pregnant people are receiving the care and treatment they need. If left untreated, congenital syphilis can cause birth defects or even infant death – this bill expands screenings and bolsters public health measures to ensure every child has a healthy start in life.” “Congenital syphilis can cause birth defects and unfortunately, even death. As a state, we’re stepping up to address this public health crisis,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1456. “This bill works in tandem with Colorado’s public health order to ramp up syphilis screening for pregnant people throughout their pregnancy. Congenital syphilis can be treated simply, and encouraging screening is an important step forward in combating this public health crisis that’s affecting many of our communities. Our goal is to stop the rise in congenital syphilis and create a safer, healthier Colorado for all.” HB24-1456 , passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill aims to detect and combat congenital syphilis, or syphilis transmitted from the pregnant person to the fetus during pregnancy by directing the State Board of Health to create prenatal testing standards for syphilis.. On April 19, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Governor Polis, declared a statewide public health order to address the congenital syphilis epidemic. If passed, this bill would ensure pregnant people receive frequent prenatal testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, based on public health standards. Congenital syphilis is easily treatable, but if left unchecked can cause severe fetus infections of the brain, eyes, and other body organs. It can also cause miscarriages, stillbirths and other birth defects. CDC data reveals that congenital syphilis has more than tripled in recent years and is the highest it's been nationwide since 1992. In Colorado, cases are also rising at a drastic rate with a 900 percent case increase since 2017 (5 cases in 2017 and 50 cases in 2023). “Sickle cell disease can cause blockages in a person’s small blood vessels and be incredibly painful if left untreated,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill would establish the new, Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and this new outreach program will help bridge the gap between health care and access experienced by marginalized communities. I am proud to carry this legislation forward because it will improve health outcomes for so many in our state.” “Long-standing inequities in our health care system have left many Black Coloradans without access to the care they need, let alone specialized care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect people living with sickle cell disease with resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, and unfortunately, the rates have been much higher among Black communities. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the gap in health care access. By prioritizing the health care of all Coloradans – especially those who have been marginalized and underserved for too long – we can create a healthier state for us all.” SB24-042 , passed committee by a vote of 13-0 and would work to improve health outcomes for Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. This bill would create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services would be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE. Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sickle cell disease occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births and occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Previous Next

< Back June 17, 2020 HOUSE DEMS RELEASE 2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT Dems deliver with COVID-19 relief package, legislation to prioritize education and expand economic DENVER, CO — House Democrats today released the 2020 Legislative Session Report . From an unprecedented global health emergency and dire budget crisis, to protests against racial injustice on the steps of the Capitol, the 2020 legislative session was unlike any other session before it. Colorado House Democrats rose to the occasion and worked to pass responsible laws to protect the health and safety of hardworking Coloradans and get our state back on track. In response to the pandemic,we passed legislation to provide $270 millions in grants and loans to small businesses, channeled tens of millions into direct housing assistance, utilities support and mental health assistance, ensured access to paid sick leave for Colorado workers and expanded unemployment benefits to help hardworking Coloradans make ends meet. When the murder of George Floyd sparked protests about generations of racial injustice in Denver and across the country, House Democrats stepped up and passed sweeping, bipartisan reform measures to enhance accountability, integrity, and transparency in law enforcement. We also continued to move our state forward on issues that are important to Coloradans, such as improving air quality, lowering the cost of health care, addressing youth nicotine use, creating a robust retirement savings system and increasing access to higher education. We worked to protect renters and increase access to affordable housing, and advanced bills to help more hardworking Coloradans access the critical services they need. Read the full end of session report here. Previous Next

The House today advanced a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. < Back February 28, 2025 House Advances ‘Junk Fees’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. “Coloradans are feeling the rising cost of living, and ubiquitous ‘junk fees’ that add hundreds of dollars in monthly costs are making it increasingly difficult for Coloradans to pay their bills,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the common goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. Coloradans deserve better, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this bill to crack down on junk fees so consumers know the full price of the product, good, or property, including any mandatory fees. “It is estimated that ‘junk fees’ add up to $90 billion per year in our country, costing households more than $650 annually that could be better spent on groceries, health care, and child care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “These fees are often hidden until the consumer is getting ready to check out, or for renters, not disclosed until after they have already paid their non-refundable security deposit, forcing them into a higher monthly rent price than what was advertised. Tackling ‘junk fees’ has been one of my biggest priorities at the Capitol, and I am excited that we are one step closer to requiring companies to honestly price their products so Coloradans can make decisions that meet their needs and budget.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next

Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines < Back March 24, 2025 House Passes SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meg Froelich that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “As gun violence continues to devastate communities across Colorado, Colorado Democrats are again taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “When semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines get into the wrong hands, it presents a major threat to the health and safety of our communities. With this legislation passing today, we’re taking another step to prevent senseless violence in our communities and save countless lives.” “This gun violence prevention legislation answers the call to action from our neighbors and will save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “We know that semi-automatic weapons become especially deadly when they are paired with high-capacity magazines, which is why Colorado Democrats passed a 2013 law to prohibit these high-capacity magazines. We’ve raised a generation on lock down drills and 1 in 15 people have experienced a mass shooting. We’re passing this bill today so we can save lives and prevent more Coloradans from having to go through the pain of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-p-owered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. Previous Next

HB25-1293 would improve and standardize drug overdose education in public high schools < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Combat Youth Overdose DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to standardize drug overdose education in Colorado’s public high schools. HB25-1293, which passed by a vote of 60-4, aims to keep students informed and safe. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we’re working to inform and educate Colorado high school students so lives can be saved,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “This bipartisan bill standardizes drug overdose education in our public schools so our high schoolers are better informed and can act quickly during an overdose emergency. We’re fighting back against youth overdose deaths, and if this education requirement saves even one student, it will be worth it.” HB25-1293 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards regarding drug overdose education in schools. The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt health education standards for 9th through 12th grades in public schools on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response by 2028 or earlier. HB25-1293 would standardize Colorado’s public school response to drug overdose, spread prevention awareness and save students’ lives. Colorado lawmakers have made strides to help prevent youth overdoses in schools. Last year, a bipartisan group of legislators championed a law that made opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. Rep. Jackson is also sponsoring SB25-164 , which would improve access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses. 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