The House Education Committee today passed legislation to prevent youth overdoses and save lives. < Back February 8, 2024 Bill to Prevent Youth Overdoses and Save Lives Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to prevent youth overdoses and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young, would make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “The idea for this life-saving legislation came directly from students at Durango and Animas High Schools, and I am proud to see it through at the Capitol,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our students, bus drivers and educators need harm reduction tools to prevent overdoses and save lives. This legislation would allow trained bus drivers to administer opiate antagonists and encourage schools to keep a supply of drug testing strips. Keeping our students safe from accidental overdoses is a top priority, and this bill ensures schools have the tools needed to save a life.” “Overdoses are preventable, and it’s vital we make it easier for schools to develop plans and policies to save lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This bill would extend current law to allow opiate antagonists, such as Narcan, to be used on school buses, at school events and by trained staff. Our students have not been immune to the preventable overdose crisis in our country, and this important legislation is student-driven and will save lives.” HB24-1003 , which passed committee by a unanimous vote, would allow trained bus drivers to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill would also allow school boards to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 would allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. The House Education Committee also passed HB24-1009 by a vote of 9-1, to make early childhood education more inclusive and accessible. This bill would expand bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood to help provide services and education for child care licensing in prevalent languages. HB24-1009 would additionally make Spanish language licensing services, including documents, applications, and outreach, more available to communities across the state. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND PEACE OFFICER MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM PASSES Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bill to expand the successful peace officers behavioral health support grant program passes house on third reading DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bipartisan bill to modify the existing peace officer mental health grant program to expand and enhance community based law enforcement response efforts. The bill passed by a vote of 57-6. “Expanding the Peace Officer Mental Health Grant Program to include a focus on co-responder and community partnership programs is responsive to the many behavioral health and social services needs we are seeing in Colorado’s communities,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s important that we diversify the tools available to create a continuum of responses for individuals in crisis and connect them to the support they deserve. Expanding this grant program will do just that.” The Peace Officer Mental Health Grant program provides financial assistance to law enforcement agencies for services such as counseling and mental health support for peace officers, on-scene response services to support peace officers’ handling of people with behavioral health issues, use of force training, and more. HB21-1030 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, removes the grant program’s repeal date and expands the allowable uses of the grant funds to include on-scene responses for social service needs in addition to mental health, meaning responders could direct individuals toward help with housing, food insecurity and more. The program will continue to fund direct mental health support services for peace officers and will open up additional opportunities for collaborative responses to calls for service between public safety entities and community-based providers. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO HELP COLORADO STUDENTS Bill to expand financial assistance for ASSET students (Mar. 25) – The House approved a bill to expand state financial aid resources for ASSET students. HB19-1196, sponsored by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, would provide Advancing Students for a Strong Tomorrow (ASSET) students the abilities to receive state financial aid. “Increasing the eligibility for state financial aid will help Colorado’s rural institutions that lack financial resources to supplement state financial aid for ASSET students,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez. “Improving access to higher education by increasing financial assistance will erase our state’s equity gaps and serve as an investment in Colorado’s future.” Currently, ASSET students are eligible for the College Opportunity Fund and institutional aid, but they are not eligible for state aid, including scholarships awarded by the state. The ASSET bill passed the legislature in 2013 with bipartisan support and makes the in-state tuition rate at state colleges and universities in Colorado available to all students, regardless of immigration status, who graduate from high school in Colorado after attending for at least three years. HB19-1196 passed by a vote of 41-24. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO INCREASE GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY DENVER, CO– Representative Kerry Tipper’s bipartisan bill to give the Colorado Attorney General the authority to challenge certain business mergers or acquisitions under state antitrust statutes today was approved by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7-2. The bill has already been passed by the Colorado Senate. “It’s time to stop relying on the judgement of the federal government and give Colorado’s top prosecutor the tools to protect consumers and go after monopolies,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Since 1992, the Colorado Attorney General’s office has been hamstrung by a law that requires them to accept the antitrust decisions of the federal government without giving them so much as a second opinion. We’re on track to bring that decision making power back to Colorado.” Under the Colorado Antitrust Act of 1992, the Colorado Attorney General is prevented from challenging mergers or acquisitions in the state if they have already been reviewed and not challenged by a federal department, agency, or commission. Colorado has been an outlier–the only state with such a law. SB20-064 , which is also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper R-Delta, would end this restriction and allow the Colorado Attorney General to protect Colorado consumers by challenging corporate mergers or acquisitions on behalf of the people of Colorado. This bill is assessed by nonpartisan staff to have no fiscal impact on the Colorado Attorney General’s office , as the AG’s office would be able to review and prioritize cases using existing resources. ### Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE PASSES KENNEDY-LONTINE BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP ADDRESS HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF COLORADO House Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (Apr. 29) – The House passed Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy and Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill requiring non-profit hospitals to submit an annual community health needs assessment and benefit implementation plan to the state so that the hospitals can better prioritize investments in community activities that improve health outcomes. “Nonprofit hospitals are given tax-exempt status with the understanding that they will reinvest money back into their communities. We have reason to believe that not all hospitals are spending this money in a way that best benefits their community-identified health needs,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will allow us to compare hospital community benefit spending on an apples-to-apples basis and encourage more hospitals to invest in the things that count.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39 percent of health care spending nationwide. The bill is designed to increase the transparency of hospital investments in community health by requiring all nonprofit hospitals to submit annual reports to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regarding their community benefit activities. The Colorado Hospital Association supports the bill. “Our non-profit hospitals are here to serve the public good and their local communities. This important bill ensures non-profit hospitals are financially transparent and that community voices are able to guide the investments of non-profit hospitals that are meant to best serve their community,” said Rep. Lontine, D- Denver. Rep. Lontine is chair of the House Health and Insurance committee. Earlier this year, Rep. Kennedy’s bipartisan hospital transparency bill was signed into law. HB19-1320 passed on a bipartisan vote of 45-20. The bill now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Pair of Bills to Bolster Early Childhood Education DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. Sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-269 funds one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). The bonuses must be used to implement the Universal Preschool Program, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. “Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” Buckner said. “These one-time bonuses are a much deserved thank you to the early childhood care providers working to get Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program up and running. I look forward to watching UPK benefit Colorado’s youth this fall and for generations to come.” “Colorado’s universal preschool program is on the horizon, and we’re expressing our gratitude to the providers that will make it possible,” said Lukens. “This bipartisan law will help recruit more providers and will send preschool providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Colorado couldn’t implement high-quality, free universal preschool without providers, and this law gives them a well-deserved thank you.” Providers may receive an additional bonus payment if they maintain or increase their capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022 and April 1, 2024, or are in low-capacity preschool areas. The bipartisan bill invests $2.5 million in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Provider Participation Bonus Program, housed within the Department of Early Childhood . HB23-1290 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, refers a measure to the November 2023 ballot asking voters to allow the state to keep the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund UPK in Colorado. If approved by voters, the measure would allow the state to direct the nearly $24 million in excess revenue to support Colorado’s early childhood learners, instead of refunding that amount to the tobacco industry. "Preschool programs play a vital role in Colorado's communities by laying a strong foundation for children and providing essential child care services for working parents," Moreno said. "This bill presents an opportunity for voters to redirect much-needed funds towards Colorado's early education system, instead of returning them to tobacco distributors and wholesalers. With the potential to infuse nearly $24 million into preschool programs, HB23-1290 represents a wise investment in the future of our children and our state." “Overwhelming support for statewide universal preschool is no surprise, because it will create educational opportunities for our youngest learners, save families money, and help parents get back to work,” said McCluskie. “Universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make as a state, and I’m proud Coloradans agree. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and this legislation confirms voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all four-year-olds in the state.” “In 2020, voters overwhelmingly supported taxing tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s transformational Universal Preschool Program and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Fields. “This bill gives voters the chance to build on that progress and utilize existing funding to support even more families seeking preschool programs.” “Universal preschool will be here in just a few months, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Sirota. “Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success. This legislation reaffirms Coloradans’ commitment to our families by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry.” In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE , which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products to fund a number of priorities, including UPK. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters, it was estimated that Proposition EE would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in its first year. Actual revenue from the new tobacco taxes exceeded the predicted amount by nearly $24 million. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2021 TITONE BILL TO IMPROVE BROADBAND ACCESS SPEEDS THROUGH COMMITTEE Legislation would ensure that broadband deployment board grants help unserved areas DENVER, CO– With access to broadband critical for learning, commerce, health care, and so much more, the Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed important legislation by a vote of 9-2 that would expand access to high speed internet across Colorado. “Expanding access to broadband to unserved communities will undoubtedly help Colorado recover faster from this pandemic and build back stronger,” said HB21-1109 sponsor Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The pandemic has made it clear that broadband is an essential service. This bill will make a big difference to communities across the state that have long sought internet access for everyday needs.” According to the Colorado Department of Education, approximately 85,000 to 95,000 rural residents and 65,000 students in Colorado do not have access or adequate access to broadband. The Colorado Broadband Deployment Board allocates funding each year to applicants working to expand access to broadband. The board has awarded over $34 million in grants since 2016. In 2019, the board allocated over $11 million to 16 applicants, but concerns have been raised about how to best meet the needs of unserved residents. HB21-1109 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper, would prioritize grant proposals that provide high speed internet access to low-income households and creates a process for encouraging proposals for critically unserved areas of the state. The bill requires applicants to submit granular mapping data to more accurately identify these unserved areas, which is critical to understanding where and how to expand broadband infrastructure. The bill makes changes to the Broadband Deployment Board to increase efficiency and ensure expertise and geographic diversity are adequately represented. The bill also holds grant applicants accountable by requiring them to report the number of people served, their rates and quality of service provided. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back February 9, 2024 House Passes Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. The bill passed by a vote of 40-20. “The scarcity of housing is a problem for Coloradans in every corner of our state, forcing people to live paycheck to paycheck just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Unnecessary housing limits often prevent Coloradans from living with friends or distant family members, reducing housing options and pushing people out of their communities. By allowing more Coloradans to legally share living spaces, we can increase the availability of housing options and ensure that Coloradans have a place to call home.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence. Limits would be permitted if based on demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits typically cap the number of people that can live in a residence based on whether or not they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five unrelated people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit to five unrelated people. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE APPROVES COLORADO CASHBACK CHECKS Strong jobs recovery means more money can be returned early DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Tony Exum that will send every Colorado taxpayer an early refund of at least $400, or $800 for joint filers, as soon as possible. An amendment was added on third reading to allow the early refunds to climb even higher if revenues come back higher than expected, as early estimates indicate is likely. “Colorado’s strong economic recovery means we can send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities like gas, groceries and rent,” said bill sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “We’re excited that based on positive economic indicators, we will be able to boost the amount of the early refund checks Coloradans will receive in September. People are struggling now, so we are delivering this urgent relief as soon as we can in a fairer and more equitable way.” “Today, we voted to give Coloradans an even bigger boost this year by increasing the checks that will go out in September as revenue expectations rise,” said bill sponsor Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This session, we reduced property taxes by $274 for the average homeowner, established universal preschool that will save families thousands and help parents get back to work, and lowered costs for small businesses. The pandemic has led to higher prices, so we’re doing everything we can to put money back into people’s pockets as soon as possible to provide relief when they need it the most.” SB22-233 speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries and ensures a more equitable distribution of refunds. All full-time residents of Colorado who either file their 2021 income tax returns, are granted an extension or apply for a PTC rebate by June 30th, 2022 will receive a check. The surplus that is being sent to taxpayers early is revenue collected this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Colorado’s strong economic growth and rapid job recovery has led to an even larger surplus than expected, and we now anticipate being able to increase the originally anticipated refund amounts of $400 for single filers and $800 . The House passed an amendment offered by bill sponsors Reps. Exum and Daugherty to increase the amount of the checks. The amendment specifies that 85 to 87 percent of surplus revenue be refunded to taxpayers through this mechanism – in an equal amount for single filers, and double that amount for joint filers. Colorado Democrats’ 2021 state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance have led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers early via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms including the senior homestead exemption, a temporary reduction in the rate of the income tax and the six tier sales tax refund. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to support students and improve cell phone coverage across the state. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bills to Support Students and Improve Cell Phone Coverage EDWARDS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to support students and improve cell phone coverage across the state. HB25-1186 will encourage work-based learning opportunities for students. HB25-1080 will incentivize the expansion of cell phone infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. “To prepare our students for success after graduation, they need work-based learning opportunities to strengthen and sharpen their skills,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB25-1186 and HB25-1080. “Our new law helps integrate more work-based learning in our schools, so our students can be prepared for good-paying, in-demand jobs after graduation. Another law I sponsored will help improve cell phone coverage in our rural communities because having reliable cell phone service improves safety for everyone.” “Every student takes a different path to success, and work-based learning is a powerful way to help them discover their strengths and prepare for their future,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB25-1186. “This new law ensures our colleges and universities have the support they need to build strong workplace learning programs and strengthens our data and reporting requirements so we know what works. This law is about investing in our students, supporting innovative programs, and setting students up for success before and after graduation.” “When students have hands-on learning, they can explore new career pathways and are better prepared for life after graduation,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB25-1186. “We’re taking steps today to encourage more work-based learning opportunities in our schools so that they can prepare for a career of their dreams.” HB25-1186 , also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, will help create new pathways for students. This law creates a pilot program for work-based learning in the Department of Higher Education. This program will study the impact of industry-sponsored projects on learning outcomes and measure the impact on students who participate in work-based projects while enrolled in higher education. “Colorado faces unique challenges with cell phone connectivity – especially in our rural communities,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1080. “This affects everything from businesses to emergency services to hardworking families who need reliable service. This new law opens the door for grants and incentives to expand wireless infrastructure in the areas that need it most. In the 21st century, staying connected is essential to our success and our safety.” HB25-1080 , also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, will incentivize the expansion of cell phone infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. This law enables local governments and school districts to offer property tax relief, incentive payments, or credits to communication service providers, including broadband. This law was a result of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee , which convened last year to identify new ways to improve cell phone coverage in rural and underserved areas in Colorado. Governor Polis also signed HB25-1006 into law, sponsored by Representatives Lukens, Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. This law allows school districts to pursue long-term leases for renewable energy or affordable housing projects. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. < Back March 11, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bill To Encourage Healthy Social Media Use Among Youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. HB24-1136 would require social media platforms to display pop-up warnings and create a resource bank for schools, students and families related to the mental health impacts of excessive social media use. “Excessive social media usage among teens can increase their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill works to give parents and teens the resources they need to make informed decisions about excessive social media usage, especially the dreaded ‘doom scroll’. We’re working to encourage healthier social media habits among our youth by giving them the tools they need to make smart decisions about their own social media usage and prompting our kids to take a break from their phones.” HB24-1136 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed the House by a vote of 54 to 7 and would create a resource bank of evidence-based, research-informed materials related to the mental health impacts of social media use. It also would require social media platforms display a pop-up warning to users under 18 who are on the platform for certain lengths of time. A 2023 Gallup survey found over half (51%) of U.S. teens (ages 13-19) spend a minimum of four hours daily on social media, at an average of 4.8 hours every day on social media. HB24-1136 aims to limit unhealthy social media use by youth and combat ‘doom scrolling’, a common practice of excessive engagement with negative content where users often lose track of time. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill to make narrowly targeted updates to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail project, a train line that would connect communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo. SB26-172 passed by a vote of 47-16. < Back May 9, 2026 Bill to Update the Front Range Passenger Rail District to Pave the Way for Future Service Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to make narrowly targeted updates to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail project, a train line that would connect communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo. SB26-172 passed by a vote of 47-16. “From Fort Collins to Pueblo, passenger rail is coming to Colorado,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we get closer to breaking ground on the project, we are narrowing in on details that will help make passenger rail a reality for the Front Range. From going to CSU games and a concert in Denver to commuting for work, the Front Range Passenger Rail will deliver a safe, dependable alternative to car travel.” “Passenger rail can open up more job opportunities and save Coloradans money on transportation,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill creates a clear path for the Front Range Passenger Rail to take shape, improving Colorado’s transportation options and infrastructure for the municipalities that have already opted into this rail system. Soon, voters around these stations will get a say on whether or not their community will have Front Range Passenger Rail. This project has been a long time in the making, and I am excited for the opportunities that this will open up for my community in Colorado Springs.” SB26-172 would update the Front Range Passenger Rail District boundaries to focus on municipalities that would be directly served by the rail line and remove municipalities outside of the service area. It would also create residency requirements for the district board members and adjust how ballot measures are brought by the district, creating options for subdistricts within the district boundaries. Colorado Democrats established the Front Range Passenger Rail District in 2021 to lay the groundwork for a high-speed passenger rail system along the Front Range corridor. Last week, the state and relevant governing boards reached an agreement with BNSF to advance to the design phase of the Front Range Passenger Rail. Service is anticipated to begin by January 2029. Previous Next