< Back March 2, 2019 HOUSE GIVES PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO SULLIVAN & GARNETT LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Mar. 1) – Tonight, the House gave preliminary approval to the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This life-saving bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention measures and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “We need to stand up and do the right thing. Give our law enforcement and our families the tools that they need to stop these tragedies from constantly happening. I am confident that we can do better than this in the state of Colorado.” said. Rep. Sullivan. “The time for action is now and I call on my colleagues to support this life-saving bill.” Rep. Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate. HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or is at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for a full ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during the 364-day time period. “Coloradans deserve solutions to the epidemic of gun violence – not inaction,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, “This carefully crafted legislation will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities.” The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House with bipartisan support, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, testified at a Feb. 21 House hearing on the bill. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee how the language in the bill is legal under the second, fourth, and fifth amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Testimony in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Fourteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. The bill was approved on voice-vote and a formal recorded vote on final passage will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

Legislation would build more homes for every budget, lower costs for Colorado families, reduce traffic and improve air quality < Back May 4, 2023 House Advances Legislation to Build More Housing Now Legislation would build more homes for every budget, lower costs for Colorado families, reduce traffic and improve air quality DENVER, CO - The House today advanced landmark legislation sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Iman Jodeh on a preliminary vote to create more housing for every budget. The legislation will next be considered for third reading and final passage in the House. “Our current system is broken. We must take action now to address Colorado's affordability crisis and build more housing now,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Coloradans are being forced out of their communities and commuting long distances to get to their workplace while our housing shortage makes it harder to attract new businesses. Our plan will legalize the types of homes Coloradans want and can afford while increasing density near transit hubs. This will reduce the cost of housing, improve our air, and create jobs. We must take bold action now to increase our housing supply and build homes for every Coloradans’ budget, and we will.” “Colorado’s housing shortage is displacing Colorado families and making it harder to continue to call Colorado home,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “From first time homebuyers and seniors to teachers and firefighters, our community members are commuting long distances just to get to their workplace. Half measures and baby steps will not solve this problem. The cost of doing business in Colorado is going up because workers can’t find a place to live that they can afford. If we don’t act now, building a future in Colorado will become harder and harder and we’ll continue to see lower-income and hardworking Coloradans struggle with the high cost of living in our state.” SB23-213 is a comprehensive bill that establishes a framework for more housing in Colorado communities while providing flexibility for local leaders to implement standards that meet the needs of their diverse communities. By allowing more housing, this proposal will lead to more housing options for every budget so that Coloradans can live in the communities they want without being priced out. The plan also helps improve air quality, protect open space, conserve water and plan for future growth while helping prevent displacement. A PEW study found that restrictive zoning policies make it more difficult and expensive to build new housing that accommodates a community’s housing needs, which causes home prices and rents to skyrocket. Another 2023 study found that rent prices across Colorado increased by 31 percent on average from January 2017 to January 2023, while municipalities that implemented similar reforms saw minimal rent increases. Cities like Mineappolis, Minnesota, New Rochelle, New York, Portland, Oregon, and Tysons, Virginia have updated their zoning codes to allow for more and lower-cost housing options to address their housing needs. These zoning reforms have successfully limited rental price increases at 0 to 5 percent, compared to Colorado rental increases between 22 to 53 percent. Colorado’s population increased 14.8 percent between 2010 and 2020, but the housing stock only grew by 12.6 percent. With housing stock not meeting population demands and low household sizes, Coloradans are left to compete over limited housing opportunities. Many jurisdictions only allow single-family detached housing, often on a large lot and with significant parking requirements. Research shows that reducing or removing minimum parking mandates can reduce the cost to construct more affordable homes like multifamily housing. It also encourages alternative and environmentally friendly transportation like walking and biking. SB23-213, as amended by the House, will allow property owners in urban municipalities to build ADUs on their property, enact locally tailored anti-displacement and affordability measures, encourage multi-family housing near mass transit hubs, and reduce minimum parking requirements that drive up housing construction costs and lead to higher rents. The plan outlines strategies to create more housing now including: Legalizing the ability to build ADUs in existing residential areas in urban municipalities, Reducing parking minimums in strategic growth areas, key corridors and transit-oriented developments as well as for accessory dwelling units. Paves the way for more multifamily housing in or near transit-oriented and walkable communities to lessen the number of cars on the road, improve air quality, reduce pollution, and save people money on commutes, Assessing statewide housing needs and identifying affordability strategies tailored to local and regional needs. The bill will provide a framework for state, regional, and local agencies to strategically align investments and policies and track progress, and Constructing more homes and creating jobs by eliminating arbitrary laws that prevent property owners from building the housing units local communities need. Previous Next

Two new laws to keep Colorado’s outdoors safe and accessible will go into effect on August 12. HB26-1008 will support outdoor recreation and rural economies, and HB26-1342 helps minimize human-bear conflicts. < Back July 29, 2026 Laws to Bolster Outdoor Recreation and Limit Human-Bear Conflict Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two new laws to keep Colorado’s outdoors safe and accessible will go into effect on August 12. HB26-1008 will support outdoor recreation and rural economies, and HB26-1342 helps minimize human-bear conflicts. “On the Western Slope, outdoor recreation is at the heart of our economy, and these new laws keep Colorado wild while promoting this industry for generations to come,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB26-1008 and HB26-1342. “Our law balances the needs of conservation efforts, agriculture, and private landowners as we steward our open spaces and support outdoor recreation in Colorado. We’re also taking steps to minimize human-bear conflicts by addressing the human behavior that attracts bears to campsites and outdoor recreation hubs. The outdoors is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, and these laws protect the landscapes we love.” “No agency is better positioned to uphold recreation, conservation, and outdoor safety than Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of HB26-1008 and HB26-1342. “HB26-1008 gives them the coordinating capacity to engage partners, collaborate with tribal governments, and deliver the kind of strategic, integrated management that keeps Colorado’s outdoors from being loved to death. We’re also empowering CPW to deter irresponsible behavior, like knowingly leaving out food, that leads to dangerous human-bear interactions.” Colorado public lands support a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy. HB26-1008 directs stewards of our lands to collaborate with stakeholders from all different land-use backgrounds, from wildlife and natural resource advocates to agricultural communities and private landowners. Specifically, this law formalizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) role in leading Colorado’s outdoors strategy to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience in the state. HB26-1008 proactively streamlines planning and management so that the state can continue to provide high-quality experiences to all outdoor users. CPW manages 43 state parks and over 350 wildlife areas, covering roughly 900,000 acres in Colorado. As the lead coordinator, CPW will ensure outdoor recreation needs are well-represented in its leadership and increase coordination to anticipate and respond to potential conflicts. “Human-bear interactions are up 15 percent in Colorado, which means we need to do more to keep visitors and the bear population safe,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB26-1342. “Imagine showing up to a campsite that’s been completely trashed. Not only is it disheartening, but it’s also dangerous. According to CPW, the majority of human-bear interactions were related to exposed trash or food waste, which means we need to step up and make food undetectable to bears. This law boosts CPW’s enforcement mechanisms so we can limit human-bear interactions, and ultimately, reduce costly relocations and euthanizations of these native animals.” HB26-1342 helps minimize human-bear conflicts in Colorado by enhancing CPW’s authority to deter human behaviors that attract bears, specifically leaving edible garbage uncovered and accessible. CPW may still issue penalties even if no human-bear conflict occurs, so long as there is a reasonable probability of luring a wild bear. HB26-1342 expands misdemeanor offenses to include knowingly placing food or edible waste in the open, meaning CPW no longer must prove that an individual is intentionally luring bears. It also raises the penalty for third or subsequent offenses of luring bears from $2,000 to $5,000 to strengthen deterrence of human behavior that leads to conflicts with bears. Human-bear conflicts are rising. CPW received 5,022 bear reports in 2024 and 5,229 in 2025. According to CPW, this is a 15-percent increase in conflicts and interactions over the last six years. Of the 17,000-20,000 bears in Colorado, the majority of incident reports involve bears trying to access human food sources. Last year, 57-percent of the sightings were linked to edible trash, 18-percent to livestock, chickens and beehives, and 16-percent to bird seed, pet food, barbeque grills, coolers and refrigerators. Of the 5,299 reports CPW received in 2025, 2,448 resulted in property damage to a shed, garage, home, vehicle or fence. In 2024, 68 black bears were relocated and 98 were euthanized because of incidents with humans. That same year, CPW spent nearly 6,000 hours of staff time and nearly $800,000 in supplies, grants, and salaries responding to human-bear conflicts. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 PUBLIC HEALTH PASSES BILL TO INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIORS DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today SB21-158, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran, which seeks to increase the number of geriatrtic medical providers in Colorado. “Colorado’s older population is growing quickly, but we’re already facing a shortage of qualified medical providers who specialize in treating people over the age of 65,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “We have to ensure that Colorado has the medical workforce needed to provide care to everyone as they get older. By allowing nurses and physicians assistants who work with geratric patients to participate in loan forgiveness programs, we will incentivise more providers to enter and stay in this critical field.” “We know that Colorado, like the rest of the nation, is facing and will continue to deal with a medical provider shortage unless we take action that encourages more providers to commit to treating older patients,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “I’m excited to see legislation move forward that will encourage more people to treat seniors by expanding eligibility for loan repayment to providers that commit to providing geratric care.” SB21-158 changes the Colorado Health Service Corps Program, a loan repayment program, to include geriatrric advanced practice providers. Under the bill, registered nurses and physician assistance with geriatric training or experience could participate in the loan repayment program on the condition they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas. Colorado has an aging population. Colorado has the third fastest growing population over the age of 65, and Coloradans over age 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state. By 2050, the state demography office estimates that more than one in five Coloradans will be over age 65. Not only is there a national doctor shortage, but estimates also expect a significant shortage of providers who treat older patients. Previous Next

< Back September 15, 2021 HEROD STATEMENT ON AURORA POLICE AND FIRE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES INVESTIGATION DENVER, CO– Representative Leslie Herod today released the following statement on the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue patterns and practices investigation. “The findings from the attorney general’s investigation of racism in policing in Aurora are incredibly disturbing. However, for those of us who have been working on anti-racism in public policy and accountability for law enforcement, they are sadly not surprising. “The activists and family members of those who have been hurt and killed have worked tirelessly for years, raising their voices to explain that Aurora has a pattern and history of racist policing, specifically targeting Black people. This independent investigation has finally vindicated them. “Colorado has led the way on bold legislative action on police accountability after last summer’s racial justice protests. These findings demonstrate the need for those policy changes, but there is still so much work left to do to keep our communities safe in Colorado.” Previous Next

The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to save Coloradans money on dental care. < Back May 6, 2023 Daugherty Bill Saves Coloradans Money on Dental Care DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to save Coloradans money on dental care. “Although dental issues are often not taken as seriously as other medical issues, they can lead to serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “By requiring dental insurers to report administrative costs, profits, and how premium dollars are spent, Colorado patients will save money on dental insurance, connecting them to dental services within their budget. This bill improves transparency and accountability for dental insurers to identify the driving factors of price increases and save Coloradans money on dental care.” SB23-179 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, requires dental health insurers to report dental loss ratio forms to the Division of Insurance (DOI). Dental loss ratios are a financial measurement tool to determine how much of the health care premium is used to pay for medical care and how much is used to cover overhead costs. This information helps identify the insurers that significantly vary from the average dental loss ratio, and the bill will authorize the DOI to investigate or enforce action against these carriers to drive costs down and save Colorado patients money on dental care. SB23-179 passed the House by a vote of 60 to 5. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bill to Bolster Tax Credit Outreach Advances in the House DENVER, CO - Today, the House advanced legislation that would require employers to share tax benefit information to working families. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can boost workers’ incomes by thousands of dollars, putting more money back into their pockets to help pay for rent, groceries, and other essentials,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley/Evans. “We passed significant tax reforms that have expanded economic assistance for working families by closing tax loopholes that only benefited the very wealthy. When families thrive, our small businesses and local economies do too. Not only will this legislation help more families benefit from the tax credits we’ve expanded, but it will also lead to additional investment in our local businesses.” “We’re improving tax credit accessibility so hard working families know that these savings are available to them,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Under this bill, employers will be equipped with detailed tax credit information to provide with their employees. This will help workers know these credits are available to them in a manner that is easy for employers to share.” HB23-1006 instructs employers to provide information about federal and state earned income tax credits and child tax credits to their employees. The notice must be provided at least once a year in English or any other language used to communicate with the employee. The bill must still pass a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate. This bill builds on legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty previously passed SB22-182 to help Coloradans file for and receive their earned income tax credits and child tax credits. Colorado Democrats passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Previous Next

< Back January 12, 2022 FIRST 10 BILLS SAVE COLORADANS MONEY, IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY, PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today introduced the first 10 bills of the 2022 legislative session, which highlight key agenda priorities of the House Democrats: saving families money on everything from child care to driver’s license costs, helping Coloradans start a business, and improving public safety through smart crime prevention initiatives. “Families, businesses and teachers are all going to save money with the bills we introduced today,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I’m excited to continue moving Colorado forward by focusing on key priorities like making quality health care accessible and affordable and preparing our students for success. We’re laser-focused on creating a healthier, safer, more affordable Colorado for everyone.” “The first bills introduced this session highlight our dedication to saving Coloradans money, improving public safety and preparing our students for success,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “The pandemic has been challenging for families and businesses across Colorado. We are committed to delivering transformational changes that address the most pressing needs in our communities. The bills introduced today are going to put more money back into Coloradans’ pockets, boost our health care workforce and improve public safety by preventing crimes from happening in the first place.” Cutting Fees to Start Your Own Business ( HB22-1001 ) Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Chris Kolker This bill will help save money for Colorado small businesses that have faced adversity and uncertainty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill will save businesses and entrepreneurs money by cutting fees to start your own business and other costs associated with business filings. Preparing Students for Success by Expanding Concurrent Enrollment Opportunities ( HB22-1002 ) Representatives Mike Weissman and Jennifer Bacon, Senator Janet Buckner This bill will prepare students for success by expanding the number of students who can participate in the ASCENT concurrent enrollment program. The ASCENT program gives students an accelerated opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential, coordinating school districts and community colleges to help prepare students for quality jobs. Preventing Youth Violence and Crime ( HB22-1003 ) Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senator Julie Gonzales This bill will provide grants to local governments and school districts to improve public safety, prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The bill focuses on youth support and interventions, and services to prevent crime from happening and prevent juveniles from entering the criminal justice system in the first place. Saving Coloradans Money at the DMV ( HB22-1004 ) Representatives David Ortiz and Mary Young, Senators Rhonda Fields and Chris Kolker This bill will freeze DMV drivers’ license fees for next year, saving Coloradans money when they go to renew their licenses. Boosting the Health Care Workforce ( HB22-1005 ) Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, Senator Bob Rankin The bill will extend the state income tax credit for health care “preceptors,” mentors who help and encourage people to enter the health care workforce. The bill will allow more of these mentors to access the credit and expands the program to include addiction counselors and registered nurses. The bill would extend the credit until 2033. It is currently set to expire in 2023. Saving Parents Money on Child Care ( HB22-1006 ) Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle, Senators Kerry Donovan and Jim Smallwood This bill will save parents money by expanding access to affordable child care. The bill will expand the types of child care facilities that are exempt from property taxes, saving child care centers money and making child care more affordable. Saving Homeowners Money on Wildfire Mitigation ( HB22-1007 ) Representatives Donald Valdez and Mike Lynch, Senators Pete Lee and Cleave Simpson This bill will save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation measures performed on their property. With climate change bringing ever more destructive and frequent wildfires like the Marshall Fire to Colorado, this bill will help prevent future destruction and costly rebuilding through expanded mitigation. The bill will create a grant program to support outreach efforts to landowners in high wildfire hazard areas and change a state income tax deduction to a state income tax credit worth up to $625 of a landowner’s wildfire mitigation expenses. Saving Families Money on Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment ( HB22-1008 ) Representatives Kerry Tipper and Mark Baisley, Senators Steve Fenberg and Faith Winter This bill will help Coloradans looking to start a family save money on fertility treatment. The bill will update legislation passed last year to ensure that insurance plans cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, which is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their family. Extending Skills Training Proven to Prepare Students for Success ( HB22-1009 ) Representatives Matt Gray and Tom Sullivan, Senator Rachel Zenzinger The bill will prepare students for success by extending the workforce diploma pilot program originally established in 2019 and set to be repealed later this year on July 1, 2022. Program participants earn certificates and industry recognized credentials, unlocking economic opportunities to help them provide for themselves and their families. Saving Educators Money and Expanding Child Care Options ( HB22-1010 ) Representatives Emily Sirota and Tonya Van Beber, Senators Janet Buckner and Barbara Kirkmeyer The bill will save educators money and prepare our youngest learners for success by creating a refundable income tax credit for early childhood educators. Educators working in or leading a child care program would be eligible for the credit for the next five years. Previous Next

Two laws will boost condo construction and ensure safe housing for renters < Back July 25, 2025 Legislation to Increase Affordable Condos, Expand Tenant Protections Goes Into Effect Two laws will boost condo construction and ensure safe housing for renters DENVER, CO – Legislation to reduce the cost of housing, expand homeownership opportunities through condo construction, and strengthen enforcement of landlord-tenant laws go into effect on August 6. HB25-1272 is sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. The law reforms construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to provide robust warranties and work with third-party inspectors to help prevent, identify, and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. “From building equity and generational wealth to lowering housing costs, condos offer numerous benefits to Coloradans looking to buy their first home,” said Bird. “Rising rent and housing prices have made it nearly impossible for hardworking Coloradans to save enough money to buy a home at the median price tag of $550,000. After years of hard work, I'm thankful for everyone who worked closely with us to help craft this new law so we can spur new housing options that Coloradans can afford and offer more Coloradans a fair shot at the American Dream.” “HB25-1272 will make fair and balanced reforms to our construction defects laws, ensuring that high-quality homes are built, problems are fixed before sale and excessive costs that deter development can be reined in,” said Coleman. “This law is a proactive solution that incentivizes responsible development, making it a win-win for homeowners and builders alike. It’s intended to meet the demands of our communities, respond to changing demographics, and provide housing that is adaptable to different housing sizes and needs. With this law going into effect, we can create more attainable housing opportunities and ensure that more Coloradans can achieve the dream of homeownership.” “With a shortage of over 100,000 homes across our state and a decrease in condominium development, it's becoming increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to find housing they can afford,” said Boesenecker. “Offering a variety of housing options is a critical piece in making homeownership a reality for more Coloradans. With this law taking effect, we can increase the availability of high-quality starter homes in the market to create more affordable housing options that work for every budget.” “In Colorado’s mountain and rural communities, there are teachers, police officers, small business owners, nurses, and other crucial working folks who desperately want to be able to buy a home and put roots down, but there’s not any housing available for them to purchase,” said Roberts. “For years, construction defects laws have stunted the development of condos and townhomes, generally more affordable housing options for first-time buyers. This new law will change that and help ensure that we have a healthy mix of housing units, allowing more Coloradans to achieve their dream of homeownership.” Beginning January 1, 2026, the law creates the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program. Builders will be able to opt into this program if they offer a warranty for damage and defects and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, builders in the program will receive additional protections against construction defect actions, which can be costly to litigate and discourage condo development. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. SB25-020 is sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. This law will ensure safe housing and strengthen renter protections by expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to enforce landlord-tenant laws. SB25-020 allows the Colorado Attorney General to seek any penalties or use any enforcement mechanisms available under landlord-tenant laws to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, as well as documentation requirements for housing agreements, and extends protections regarding bed bug infestations in residential homes. The law gives counties and municipalities the ability to enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. “In recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen renters’ protections and level the playing field between tenants and landlords,” said Gonzales. “When apartment buildings fall into disrepair because of neglect and mismanagement, it throws tenants’ lives into chaos, jeopardizes safe living conditions, and disrupts their ability to simply get through their day. This new law empowers local governments and the Attorney General to enforce the laws we already have on the books by holding neglectful management companies who have a pattern and practice of disregarding our safe housing laws to account, with the goal of ensuring that all Coloradans can live in safe and healthy housing.” “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Lindsay. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This law builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by empowering counties and municipalities to enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this law will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “For too long, bad actors in property management have ignored tenant complaints, neglected basic repairs, and left communities in crisis. This must end,” said Weissman. “Recent events in Aurora and Denver highlight the urgent need for stronger tools to protect renters. Violations of our state’s safe housing laws cannot be ignored – especially in a housing crisis where every rental unit matters. SB20 is narrowly focused on tackling cases of chronic neglect where tenants have been left without options for far too long.” “This law will hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Mabrey. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters will have more advocates in their corner to fight for safe housing. Colorado Democrats are committed to not only making housing more affordable, but also ensuring that these affordable housing options are a safe and healthy place to live.” SB25-020 also establishes a process where, only in severe cases with a pattern of neglect, residential housing may be placed into receivership – a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The law outlines the process for receivership cases, including providing proper notice to parties, defining powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and establishing the process for ending receiverships. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. < Back April 17, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Protect Privacy, Support Military Families and Protect Law Enforcement Animals Signed into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Matt Soper and Senators Kevin Priola and Mark Baisley, expands the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data. “This first-in-the-nation law will protect the privacy of Coloradans’ thoughts and biological data,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The advancements underway in this field have tremendous potential to improve the quality of life, especially for people with disabilities, which is why we must provide a clear framework to protect Coloradans’ personal data from being used without their consent while still allowing these new technologies to develop.” “Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.” HB24-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Rick Taggart and Senators Rhonda Fields and Bob Gardner, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program. The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by 2020 bipartisan legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. “This successful program has helped military families transition to new jobs when they move to Colorado, and with this bill being signed into law, dependents and Gold Star spouses will now be able to benefit, as well,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will make it easier for military families to keep their occupational licenses or credentials when they move to Colorado, so they can more easily continue their careers.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, said. “Expanding the Occupational Credential Portability Program will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to see this bill signed into law so that we can get military family members the support and resources they deserve.” HB24-1074 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Armagost and Senators Joann Ginal and Bob Gardner, clarifies that aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly kills or causes serious physical harm to a law enforcement animal. “Intentionally harming or killing a law enforcement animal is a deeply serious offense, and I’m pleased we have taken a common sense step to make it clear that it is unacceptable,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “It breaks my heart when a law enforcement animal is harmed or killed in the line of duty, and I believe this new law will better align the sentencing for this crime with the seriousness of the offense.” “Law enforcement animals are a critical part of the law enforcement team, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, said. “The injury or death of a law enforcement animal results in significant setbacks in crime detection or deterrence, and causes significant emotional distress for the officers who work alongside them. This new law expands the definition to include any animal used by law enforcement to protect the public, and increases penalties for harming them which will help protect the law enforcement animals that keep us safe.” Previous Next

< Back May 16, 2019 GOV SIGNS TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WORKERS & HELP WITH NATURAL DISASTERS (May 16) – Today, two bills were signed by Gov. Jared Polis at the Boulder County St. Vrain Community Hub that will protect workers from wage theft and reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. First up was HB19-1267, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, and Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, makes the withholding or stealing of wages a criminal offense. “This is about protecting workers,” said Rep. Froelich. “This new law will help bring restitution for these workers and contractors who have been robbed of their wages. Stealing from workers isn’t a partisan issue and I’m proud this is now the law in Colorado. Currently, employers stealing wages from employees or contractors is a classified misdemeanor. Often times, it is not even worthy of prosecutors to go after because the penalties are so low. “Too many workers are losing their hard-earned wages. This new law has been a long time coming and will help protect workers from the crime of wage theft,” said Rep. Singer. “Labor trafficking is the majority of human trafficking.” Gov. Polis also signed HB19-1292, sponsored by Rep. Singer. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight people dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “There are no red or blue floods, tornadoes or other disasters. I remain inspired by the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Singer. “This has been a collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this a reality. I’m hopeful this new law will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Parts of Singer’s district, including Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County, were among the hardest hit areas in the state by the 2013 flood. Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. Previous Next

SB26-032 protects consistent, science-backed state vaccine guidance < Back March 27, 2026 Signed! Bill to Safeguard Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations DENVER, CO – Legislation to protect Coloradans’ access to immunizations and science-backed decision making, regardless of changes to federal guidance, was signed into law today. SB26-032 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Representatives Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, allows Colorado’s Board of Health to continue using science-backed vaccine guidelines from reputable health professional organizations in addition to federal guidance. It also adds protections to ensure consistent vaccine access and coverage. “As an ER nurse, I know that protecting Coloradans’ access to immunizations is a matter of life and death,” said Mullica. “Vaccines must continue to be widely available and given according to a schedule based on science and evidence. With this new law, we’re standing up to protect Coloradans’ health and safety and insulate Colorado from the dysfunction in Washington.” “Vaccines fight disease, save lives and strengthen public health,” said Feret. “We’re taking action in Colorado to protect the health and safety of our community members, and this new law will standardize state-level vaccine guidance and information while expanding access to this critical health care tool.” “Vaccines are medical miracles,” said Daugherty. “Adults, children, and infants used to die every day from diseases that we have all but eradicated because of immunizations. It is crucial that, regardless of the confusion spreading from RFK Jr. and the White House, Coloradans have access to evidence-based care and the vaccines that keep us and our children healthy.” “Regardless of the dangerous misinformation and junk science touted by Washington and Secretary Kennedy, this law prioritizes data-driven information to protect the health and safety of Coloradans,” said Brown. “ We will not allow the federal government’s misguided vaccine policies to put Coloradans at risk. SB26-032 builds upon our work to safeguard immunization access in Colorado and ensure it’s backed by trusted organizations that follow the science.” The bill also codifies pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and temporarily expands existing state liability protections to more qualified health professionals who provide immunizations. Under this new law, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will be permitted to purchase certain vaccines for children based on guidance from specified national medical professional organizations. Colorado has traditionally relied on sound federal vaccine recommendations. However, recent shifts in federal vaccine guidance have created uncertainty and confusion, and more states are turning to trusted professional organizations for guidance. The trusted health organizations named in SB26-032 are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The legislation builds upon last year’s HB25-1027 , sponsored by Senators Mullica and Jodeh and Representatives Brown and Gilchrist, which directed the state Board of Health to consider the recommendations of professional organizations when creating immunization requirements. SB26-032 does not create new vaccine mandates or change medical and non-medical exemptions under Colorado law. Colorado recently joined a 15-state lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging the recent changes in childhood vaccine recommendations are not scientifically backed, and therefore could pose a community risk. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed seven key childhood vaccine recommendations for children, including COVID-19, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. Previous Next