< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE DEMS APPLAUD GOV POLIS’ EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES (Jan. 17) – House Democrats applauded Governor Jared Polis’ executive order in support of Colorado’s transition to zero emission vehicles (EV). Coloradans refuse to stand idly by while the federal government in Washington and special interests attempt to put our nation in reverse, jeopardizing public health and clean air in the process. “I was glad to join Governor Polis this morning as he signed an executive order to expedite the process of getting more electric vehicles on the road in our state,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Electric vehicles save consumers money and can improve air quality while reducing carbon pollution emissions.” Rep. Gray is chair of the House Transportation and Local Government Committee. “I thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue, and it’s critical that we at the legislature continue our commitment to clean air, climate action, consumer choice, and a robust economy,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “I’m proud to carry legislation this session to support EV charging infrastructure and support the transition to zero emission vehicles.” Rep. Hansen is a co-prime sponsor of SB19-077. Read more about that bill here . In recent years, House Democrats successfully passed a law promoting electric vehicles that has made Colorado one of the best states in the country to purchase one. They have also pushed back on federal attempts to undermine Obama-era fuel economy standards. Read the Governor’s executive order here . Previous Next

Bill would reinstate and expand critical wetlands protections jeopardized by the Sackett v. EPA decision < Back April 29, 2024 Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. “After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we knew we must take action now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands. From brewing beer to sustaining our livestock and crops – fresh, clean water is at the core of nearly every industry in Colorado. This bill protects our state’s water supply now and into the future so generations to come can experience the Colorado way of life we all hold dear.” “Protecting our freshwater resources now means future generations can thrive in Colorado knowing they have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “A 2023 Supreme Court decision rolled back crucial water protections and we need legislation that helps effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. Our bill would outline regulatory certainty for our businesses, landowners and agriculture industry when it comes to Colorado’s water. Colorado’s water is a steady and vital resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come, and this bill protects what we all find essential.” The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. HB24-1379 , passed the Hous e by a vote of 43 to 20 and works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The bill would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, ditch maintenance, and erosion control practices would not require a permit. Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA , the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. This legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to enhance Colorado’s drug compounding laws to protect patients’ access to individualized prescription medication. HB26-1262 passed by a vote of 61-1. < Back March 16, 2026 Bill to Protect Patient Access to Prescription Medication Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to enhance Colorado’s drug compounding laws to protect patients’ access to individualized prescription medication. HB26-1262 passed by a vote of 61-1. “Recent federal court decisions have jeopardized pharmacists’ ability to safely and effectively compound prescription medications that patients need,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Patients in my community are already feeling the effects of these changes, and we need to do more to ensure our health care providers can continue to administer individualized medication across the state and our country. This bill safeguards patient access to health care by codifying Colorado’s rules surrounding compounding.” “From allergies to smaller dosages, there are many reasons health care professionals utilize compounding to meet the needs of patients," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill codifies compounding rules and regulations in state law to ensure that patients can continue accessing individualized medication at an affordable rate. Our legislation protects health care professionals' ability to treat patients' safety through compounded medications.” HB26-1262 safeguards Colorado’s compounding rules from changes in federal law. This bill provides necessary clarity in state law to protect the longstanding compounding practices used across hospitals, clinics and local pharmacies. Concentrated albuterol, a medication used to treat severe bronchospasms, asthma, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is created in Colorado’s compounding facility that serves patients nationwide. Conflicting federal court decisions have created uncertainty for our state and the cross country patients that rely on Colorado. This bill establishes clear, statutory language surrounding compounding and allows Colorado to safely continue best practices that have guided compounding for decades. Compounding is a common practice used to prepare a medication in a different strength, form or ingredient combination to meet the unique needs of a patient. Hospitals, doctors, dentists, pediatricians, and hospice care rely on compounding when the commercial product doesn’t work for a particular patient. For example, if a patient is unable to safely swallow pills, they could be better served with liquid or intravenous versions of the medication that is not readily available on the market. By updating Colorado’s statutes to clearly align our compounding rules with federal law, this bill protects patients’ access to individualized medication and avoids confusion for regulators, prescribers and compounding providers. Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: LEGISLATURE TACKLES AFFORDABILITY, CRIME, AND EDUCATION Democrats faced Republican obstruction to laws that protect abortion rights and defend Colorado’s democracy DENVER, CO – The Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly adjourned today with lawmakers passing legislation to save people and businesses money, build a safer and healthier Colorado, and prepare students for success. Democrats codified abortion rights and passed critical legislation to protect Colorado’s election systems from insider threats. The legislature also passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. Of the bills passed this session, 93 percent received bipartisan support on final passage. “We came into this session focused on saving people money, improving public safety and preparing our students for success, and that’s exactly what we did,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We put money back into people’s pockets with early refund checks of at least $500 and $1000, established free universal preschool that will save families thousands, and we made transformational investments to build more homes and save people money on housing. Addressing one of the most pressing challenges our communities face, we passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation on fentanyl that will deploy proven public health strategies and crack down on dealers to get this deadly poison off our streets and save lives. I am very proud of all we have accomplished for the people of Colorado.” “Our work over the past 120 days has culminated in transformational progress for Colorado. In addition to making historic investments in Colorado’s behavioral health system and addressing the affordable housing crisis, we also tackled the existential problems facing our state,” said President Steve Fenberg D-Boulder. “We passed critical legislation to bolster wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts ahead of what could be the most dangerous wildfire season we’ve ever seen. Additionally, we are bringing down transportation and industrial emissions, cleaning up our air, and building a healthier and safer Colorado for all.” “From saving people money on property taxes to creating affordable pathways for students to earn degrees, I’m so proud of what we were able to accomplish this session for Southern Colorado and communities across our state. We significantly increased funding for K-12 public schools that districts can use to raise teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and improve education outcomes for students,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We went into this session knowing we had to protect the right to an abortion, and with the Supreme Court on the cusp of ripping away rights we’ve had for over 50 years, I’m proud that we passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act to ensure abortion remains safe and legal in Colorado.” “We started this legislative session with a once in a lifetime chance to transform the lives of Coloradans and meet the needs of our growing state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D–Commerce City. “This session, we passed policies to help Colorado recover from the pandemic and uplift our economy, support our working families, and help folks save money on everyday essentials like gas and groceries. We also made important strides to fix our broken behavioral health system to ensure Coloradans can access the care they need and deserve. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did this session to move our state forward and create lasting change that will benefit Colorado families for generations to come.” Saving People Money Tax Relief and Cashback for Individuals and Families: Democrats passed legislation to save the average homeowner $274 on their property taxes ( SB22-238 ); provide advanced tax refunds this summer to every Colorado resident ( SB22-233 ); help families and workers take advantage of tax reforms to save $180 million this year through the expanded earned income tax credit and child tax credit ( SB22-182 ); and save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation ( HB22-1007 ). Tax Relief for Businesses: Democrats are providing $700 million in property tax relief over the next two years for businesses and homeowners ( SB22-238 ); eliminating fees to start your own business ( HB22-1001 ); allowing restaurants to keep $40 million of the sales tax they collect ( HB22-1406 ); making sales tax filing easier ( SB22-006 ); and replenishing the unemployment insurance trust fund to save businesses money and protect this important assistance for workers ( SB22-234 ). Saving People Money on Housing: Democrats are saving Coloradans money on housing by investing $428 million in pandemic relief funds to preserve and construct new affordable housing. This funding will go toward loans to leverage private and local dollars to construct affordable homes; direct grants to nonprofits and local governments to build affordable homes; investments in middle-income housing; and innovative housing solutions such as modular homes. ( HB22-1304 , SB22-159 , SB22-160 , SB22-146 , HB22-1282 ). Additionally, Democrats extended the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit for an additional 7 years, providing $420 million in additional tax credits over the next decade ( HB22-1051 ), fostered economic mobility among mobile home park residents ( HB22-1287 ), and protected veterans and active military members from housing discrimination ( HB22-1102 ). Increasing Behavioral Health Care Access: Democrats passed legislation to expand access to behavioral health care and save people money on the treatment they need to support their health and well-being. This $450 million package expands access to critical services for adults, youth, and families; increases access to substance use disorder treatment; bolsters the behavioral health workforce; and adds desperately needed residential treatment beds. ( HB22-1281 , HB22-1303 , HB22-1283 , SB22-196 , HB22-1302 , SB22-147 , SB22-148 , SB22-181 , SB22-177 ). Democrats also passed a landmark bill ( HB22-1278 ) to streamline and improve access to Colorado’s behavioral health system. Child Care and Free Universal Preschool: Democrats passed legislation this session to help child care providers save money and stay open ( HB22-1006 , SB22-213 ) and create free universal preschool for every Colorado family that will help parents get back to work and save families thousands of dollars ( HB22-1295 ). Democrats saved people money everywhere we could, including on: gas and car registrations ( HB22-1351 , HB22-1254 ): groceries ( HB22-1380 ): hygiene products and diapers ( HB22-1055 ): drivers license renewals ( HB22-1004 ): professional fees and licensure renewals ( HB22-1298 , HB22-1299 , HB22-1005 ): college tuition and apprenticeships ( HB22-1350 , HB22-1155 , SB22-192 , SB22-226 , SB22-003 ): and student loan forgiveness for educators and behavioral health care professionals ( SB22-181 , HB22-1220 ). Improving Public Safety and Preventing Crime Community Safety Investment Act and Safer Streets Act: The Community Safety Investment Act ( SB22-145 ) invests $30 million to implement proven public safety strategies like co-responder models, violence interrupter programs, and support for recruiting and training law enforcement who reflect the communities they serve. The Safer Streets Act ( SB22-001 ) helps communities make critical improvements to cut down on crime and improve public safety through neighborhood upgrades, such as better lighting to increase visibility and improved design of shared community spaces. HB22-1003 invests $2 million in projects that demonstrate an evidence- and community-based response to reducing youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft: SB22-009 cuts down on catalytic converter thefts by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and making it easier to prosecute those selling stolen ones. SB22-179 adds civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter theft, while HB22-1217 creates a grant program to increase public awareness around catalytic converter theft and provide financial assistance to victims. Supporting Victims and Preventing Identity-Based Violence: HB22-1234 creates a grant program to prevent and respond to identity-based violence; SB22-049 updates the Victim Rights Act to make it easier for victims to navigate the criminal justice system and bring perpetrators to justice; and HB22-1243 invests $14 million to improve school security and increase student access to behavioral health care in public schools. Preparing Students for Success Major Increase in K-12 Education Funding: The 2022 School Finance Act increases funding for K-12 public schools by nearly $550 per student on average to put more resources directly into classrooms that school districts can use to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes and ensure students have what they need to thrive. State support for K-12 education will increase by $431 million to $8.4 billion, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to the lowest level since it was created. Boosting Funding for Higher Education: The 2022 state budget increases funding for institutions of higher education. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees. Creating More Affordable Pathways to Degrees, Certificates and Successful Careers: Democrats passed legislation to to invest $91 million in regional talent development initiatives to better align postsecondary credential programs to help workers fill good jobs in growing industries ( HB22-1350 ); and expand stackable credential pathways to help Coloradans seeking to further their education or switch careers get the affordable training and credentials they need to land jobs in high-demand industries ( SB22-192 ). Combating the Fentanyl Crisis and Saving Lives The legislature passed HB22-1326 , the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Act, a comprehensive approach to combat the fentanyl crisis. The bill deploys both proven public health-focused strategies and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to keep fentanyl off Colorado streets and save lives. The bill strengthens criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl, directs $29 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand access to proven public health tools like the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan as well as fentanyl test strips, and integrates mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing process to get people into treatment and recovery services. Protecting Abortion Rights and Access As reproductive rights face imminent threats at the Supreme Court and across the country, Colorado took bold action to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act ( HB22-1279 ),protecting reproductive rights and establishing a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. Improving Air Quality and Addressing the Climate Crisis Historic Air Quality Investments: Democrats made a record $111million investment to improve Colorado’s air quality through immediate emission reduction strategies and air quality monitoring ( HB22-1362 ), deploy clean transportation initiatives such as electric-powered school buses and e-bike sharing programs, and incentivize the reduction of emissions ( SB22-193 ). Protections From Air Toxics: Toxic air pollution leads to poor health and higher risks for disease and cancer. Democrats passed legislation to reduce toxic pollution from harmful chemicals by establishing health-based air quality standards for hazardous air pollutants ( HB22-1244 ). Seasonal Free Public Transit: Democrats invested $10 million in the Revitalizing Main Streets grant program for communities to provide free transit rides during ozone season, which will improve air quality through increased use of public transit ( SB22-180 ). Preventing and Responding to Wildfires Wildfire Mitigation Resources for Homeowners, Local Governments and Volunteer Firefighters: Democrats passed legislation to invest $10 million in a matching grant program to help local governments fund sustainable forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts ( HB22-1011 ); extend a current income tax deduction and create a new state income tax credit for wildfire mitigation expenses up to $625 per year ( HB22-1007 ); allocate $7.2 million into wildfire mitigation grant programs ( HB22-1012 ); and expand wildfire mitigation outreach and awareness campaigns ( SB22-007 ). Another $5 million investment ensures local volunteer fire departments have the resources to purchase necessary equipment, provide training and behavioral health care services to firefighters and respond safely to wildfires ( SB22-002) . Disaster Preparedness & Recovery and Insurance Coverage for Fire Disasters: The legislature invested $35 million to help individuals, businesses, and governments rebuild after disaster emergencies; allocated $15.5 million for improved wildfire fighting aviation resources and maintenance of a statewide fire dispatch center; and created the Office of Climate Preparedness in Colorado to better prepare for and respond to future disasters ( SB22-206 ). Democrats also passed legislation to ensure that homeowners displaced by declared wildfire disasters receive a fair payout from their insurance companies ( HB22-1111 ). Defending Colorado’s Gold Standard Elections Colorado Election Security Act: Colorado sets the national standard when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections. Democrats passed SB22-153 to further improve internal election security by prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government, among other measures. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. Addressing Homelessness Transformational Statewide Grant Program: This $105 million grant program directs flexible funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion ( HB22-1377 ). Denver-Metro Residential Services Campus and Ridge View Supportive Community Campus: These bills allocated $50 million for partnerships between the state, local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and manage a regional campus to comprehensively respond to and prevent homelessness. ( HB22-1378 ). SB22-211 repurposes Ridge View, a currently unused, state-owned facility, into a recovery-oriented community to help individuals without stable housing access services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. ( SB22-211 ). Empowering Colorado’s County Workers Landmark Bill to Expand Collective Bargaining Rights: SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 to extend collective bargaining rights to county workers. This bill gives public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, retention issues, and improving public services. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, REDUCE EMISSIONS, AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that will update building codes to improve Colorado’s air quality, reduce emissions, and save people money on their utility bills. “By building right the first time, we’ll save Coloradans money on their utility bills, improve our air quality and reduce harmful indoor air pollution,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “All Coloradans deserve homes and buildings that are efficient, resilient, healthy and ready for the future. By passing this bill, we’ll address one of the largest sources of pollution in Colorado, make it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle, and consumers will be better protected from utility price spikes. This bill will help the 25 percent of Coloradans who are energy burdened save money on their utilities.” “By building high quality, efficient new buildings, Coloradans will save money on their utility bills, and both our indoor and outdoor air will be healthier for everyone,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bill doesn’t ban anything; it simply moves our state forward with updated building codes that benefit everyone, improve our air, lower utility costs and foster healthier communities.” HB22-1362 , sponsored by Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez, would update Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. The bill preserves all appliance and utility options for consumers, including natural gas, and does not transfer enforcement responsibility away from local governments. Owners and occupants of existing homes and buildings would only be affected if their local government chooses to upgrade their building codes and the building owner chooses to undergo a major, permit-authorized renovation or addition. For cities and counties that have adopted building codes, the legislation updates building codes to ensure that new buildings are constructed right the first time by incorporating electric vehicle charging capabilities, solar and electric-ready wiring, to save building and homeowners thousands off the costs of retrofitting their homes and saving them money on utility bills. While not mandatory, the codes encourage all-electric homes, which research shows cost less to build and save building owners money over their lifecycle. The bill includes $3 million in grant funding to help cities and counties adopt and enforce updated building codes, $1 million in grants for training for builders and contractors, and $22 million in grants and incentives to help finance energy efficiency upgrades. Previous Next

< Back May 22, 2019 GOV SIGNS LANDMARK EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK ACT For years, bills to ensure pay equity were blocked at legislature (May 22) – Gov. Polis signed Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to help close the wage gap in Colorado. “Pay discrimination is a persistent issue that short changes women and their families. As an African-American woman, this new law is personal because black women make 63 cents on the dollar compared to white men.,” Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora, said. “With this law, we are taking a bold step to help close the gender wage gap by addressing the root cause of pay disparity.” Women are the sole breadwinners in a growing number of hardworking families in Colorado. “We are fighting for women to be treated with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. This new law is a Colorado solution that strikes a balance between workers and employers. Now is the time for our state to take the lead in achieving equal pay for equal work,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “To solve the pay gap, Colorado must address unintentional wage disparity. This new law implements common sense prevention and transparency measures to fight the pay gap.” Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood and Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Evergreen and former member of the state legislature Polly Baca and many others were on hand for the signing ceremony at the Women’s Foundation of Colorado in Denver. Colorado women are paid 86 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job and African-American women earn 63 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job. The law, SB19-085, provides an avenue by which Coloradans can, through mediation via the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and through the court system, seek relief if they have been discriminated against in their compensation based on their sex. The law puts proactive measures to reduce the gender pay gap and prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on sex. The House approved the bill on a vote of 40-21 with every House Republican voting to maintain the status quo. Click here to view the full live stream. Attached are photos from the signing ceremony. Previous Next

Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 < Back August 3, 2023 New Bipartisan Laws Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 DENVER, CO - On August 7, five laws to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs go into effect. The new laws create pharmacy dispensing machines, allow psychologists to prescribe certain mental health medications, expand access to contraception, improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce prescription drug costs, and expand the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower out-of-pocket costs. “Transportation, work hours, and other barriers often make it difficult to access prescription medication due to typical pharmacy hours,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195. “With the implementation of our new law, Coloradans will be able to access their essential medication through pharmacist-monitored dispensing machines on a timeline that works for their busy schedule.” “Coloradans who depend on prescription medications can’t always make it to a pharmacy to pick up their drugs during business hours,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans to get medications they need by removing unnecessary roadblocks and will help more people access their prescriptions without compromising important pharmaceutical safeguards.” HB23-1195 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Matt Soper and Republican Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, allows pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients can access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours. The machines would only be placed in pharmacy-licensed locations and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. “When someone is in a mental health crisis, they need to be able to quickly access remedies that protect themselves from harm, but getting a doctor’s appointment can often take weeks,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “By allowing psychologists to undergo additional training to be able to prescribe certain mental health medications, we’re reducing costs for patients and helping them get the care they need when they need it.” “Across the state, we are seeing a prolonged mental health crisis, particularly among our youth," said President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “Every day, Coloradans battling mental health struggles face prohibitively long wait times to receive help and a lack of providers who can prescribe them with medication they need, only worsening our crisis. Expanding prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists will help Coloradans access the life-saving medications that they need on a timeline that makes sense.” HB23-1071 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Mary Bradfield and Republican Senator Cleave Simpson, establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Starting August 7, psychologists can begin the process to obtain their required education, training, and certificates in order to begin prescribing certain mental health medications. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network and few of only 800 psychiatrists across Colorado accept Medicaid, forcing patients to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who meet monthly or even more frequently with patients will streamline access to effective health care and lead to more appropriate care. “No one should have to ask for permission every month from their insurance company to not get pregnant,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, sponsor of SB23-284. “I spoke with a woman during the election who spends more than an hour on the phone every month just getting her birth control prescription refilled. That's absurd. Our new law protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline.” “Whether folks live in rural areas or work odd hours, trips to the pharmacy can be inconvenient and difficult to make,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB23-284. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, ensuring patients can access 12 months of birth control. This new law will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” Starting on August 7, SB23-284 requires both insurance plans and Pharmacy Benefit Management firms (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and ensures that Coloradans can easily access a twelve-month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and can make it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “Barriers to receiving medication, like contraceptives and prescription drugs, make it harder for Coloradans to receive the remedies they need to meet their health care needs,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284 and HB23-1227. “With our new laws going into effect soon, we can save Coloradans money on prescription costs and require insurance coverage for 12 months of contraception, expanding access to effective reproductive health care.” “Our new law cracks down on players in the health care industry that are not acting in accordance with the cost-saving measures that Colorado Democrats have fought for to save you money on your medication,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, HB23-1227 . “Affordable access to medication keeps our communities healthy and thriving. We now have the tools to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, which will improve prescription accessibility and cut down on medication costs.” Starting on August 7, HB23-1227 ensures that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This law provides the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is for Coloradans to be able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB23-1227 and HB23-1225 . “The new laws taking effect are part of a multi-year effort to save people money on prescription drugs. I’m proud to see how these essential tools will continue to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable and save families even more money on their life-saving medications.” “Every Coloradan deserves access to essential medication at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "Too many people ration their medication or skip refills because they can’t cover the cost. The implementation of HB23-1225 will help more Coloradans afford the prescriptions they rely on and put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families.” “House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1225. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.” “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board will now be able to implement more cost-saving measures that drive down prescription drug prices to save Colorado patients money,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this session to save Coloradans money on health care, and this law is one of many steps we’ve taken to ensure that more Coloradans can access affordable, quality health care.” HB23-1225 increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper payment limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation implemented today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It increases the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB to 18 UPLs, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back November 20, 2022 Statements from the Colorado Springs House Delegation and the LGBTQ Caucus on the Shooting at Club Q DENVER, CO – Democratic Representatives and Representatives-elect from Colorado Springs and the Colorado LGBTQ Legislative Caucus Chair and Co-founder today released the following statements on the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs: Statement from Representatives-elect Stephanie Vigil and Regina English and Representative Marc Snyder: “This morning, our city is reeling. We are angry at this despicable violence targeting LGBTQ Coloradans, and heartbroken for the victims’ families and their loved ones. Club Q is a place of love and acceptance where people go to be themselves and celebrate life. To see that special place turn into a site of mass devastation is traumatizing. We will be here for the long road of recovery ahead for those who were injured in, witnessed, or responded to this violent attack. We will never stop fighting for our LGBTQ neighbors' freedom and safety in our community, and we will do everything we can to ensure we come together and heal from the pain and sorrow our city is feeling today.” Statement from Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, co-founder of the Colorado LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, and Majority Caucus Co-chair, Brianna Titone, Chair of the Colorado LGBTQ Legislative Caucus: “We are devastated. Club Q is a safe haven for LGBTQ Coloradans, and many of us have gone there over the years seeking solidarity and community. For that sense of safety to be shattered by this unspeakable act of violence impacts the entire LGBTQ community. On Trans Day of Remembrance, we have already been grieving the hate crimes that too often claim the lives of LGBTQ people simply because of who we are. From the acts of violence that target our community every day to the horrific shooting at the Pulse Nightclub, horrible tragedies like this have happened far too often, and they need to stop now. We must take urgent and meaningful action to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes that target and kill LGBTQ people.” Previous Next

On August 7, first-in-the-world legislation goes into effect to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act. < Back July 30, 2024 First-in-the-World Neural Data Protections Law Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, first-in-the-world legislation goes into effect to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act. “Big technology companies are making remarkable progress with technology that uses biological and neural data, but without proper privacy protections in our state law, this data can be used and sold without consent,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Neurotechnology outside the medical setting has made significant advancements, especially for people with disabilities, and the advances in this field are coming quickly. Wearable technology purchased by consumers today increasingly has the ability to read thoughts. The next frontier in this field is influencing people’s thoughts and behavior. Our first in the nation law protects Coloradans’ from these invasions of privacy while continuing to encourage technological advancements.” “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.” HB24-1058 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, expands the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data. Neurotechnology has become increasingly popular in recent years. Scientists and tech companies like Apple, Meta and Neuralink have used neurotechnology to recreate songs from users’ brain waves and translate thoughts using artificial intelligence. It also has the potential to alter someone’s thoughts and behaviors. In 2021, Chile was the first country in the world to address this issue by amending their constitution to protect brain rights so their personal neural data could not be sold, trafficked or manipulated. With HB24-1058 going into effect, Colorado is the first state in the US to protect their residents’ biological and neural data and the first in the world to pass a law on this issue. Previous Next

The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced legislation to update fleet vehicles to zero- or low-emission vehicles and ease the car buying and selling process by allowing digital titles to be used. < Back October 21, 2025 Transportation Interim Committee Advances Two Bills DENVER, CO – The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced legislation to update fleet vehicles to zero- or low-emission vehicles and ease the car buying and selling process by allowing digital titles to be used. “Keeping Colorado’s air and water clean well into the future is only possible with collaboration and drive between the public and private sectors,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 3 . “This bipartisan bill will strengthen that collaboration and empower the Clean Fleet Enterprise to get cleaner, safer trucks on the streets and tangibly improve air quality for generations of Coloradans to come.” “We’re making electric and low-emission fleet vehicles more accessible to improve Colorado’s air,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 3. “Fleet vehicles help companies run their business throughout the state, but they often have terrible gas mileage that worsens our air and pumps CO2 into the atmosphere. Our bipartisan legislation would save businesses money on replacing these gas-guzzling vehicles with zero- or low-emission fleets, reducing our state’s carbon emissions and promoting healthier air for all Coloradans.” Bill 3 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa and Reps. Amy Paschal and Carlos Barron, R-Fort Lupton, would expand the authority of the Clean Fleet Enterprise (enterprise) and repeal funding restrictions to better support fleet operators with clean vehicle updates. The bill would direct funding to organizations that replace diesel trucks with new heavy-duty trucks that meet all state and federal emissions standards. The bill would sunset after five years. The Clean Fleet Enterprise was created by Colorado Democrats in 2021 to incentivize and support the adoption of electric vehicles and other low- or zero-emission fleet vehicles to help meet the state’s climate goals and save businesses money. Since the launch of the enterprise’s grant program, nearly $35 million in awards have been approved for private and public organizations. Currently, Colorado law allows electronic certificates of title to be used in nearly all vehicle transactions, only excluding those in which a party is located outside of Colorado or the purchaser buys a vehicle entirely with cash. “Electronic documentation is easier to access and keep track of than physical paperwork, which is why we’re passing this bill to allow electronic records during vehicle transactions,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 2. “By updating the options that we have, more Coloradans will have an easier time buying and selling vehicles.” “This legislation would help transfer ownership of cars by allowing the use of electronic records for all transactions,” continued Paschal, sponsor of Bill 2. “It’s 2025, and we should utilize the technology we have to make life easier for everyone. This bill would allow Coloradans to use digital titles to reduce barriers to the vehicle buying and selling process.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, Rep. Amy Paschal and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would allow electronic certificates of title to be used in all vehicle transactions. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2026 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next

Legislation would stand up health care programs at higher education institutions in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Trinidad < Back February 28, 2024 Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School and to Boost Health Care Training Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to help create a new medical college at University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support health care and veterinary care at various higher education institutions across the state. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty, would help address health care workforce shortages in Colorado. “This monumental legislation will help fund and facilitate a new college of osteopathic medicine at UNC, which is key to addressing Colorado’s shortage of primary care physicians in our rural and underserved communities” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’ve been hard at work to tackle our state’s health care workforce shortage and this landmark legislation jumpstarts the creation of a new medical school in Greeley, a Veterinary Health Education Complex in Fort Collins and two other health care programs at MSU Denver and Trinidad State College.” “From nurses to veterinarians, Colorado is experiencing a critical health care workforce shortage that’s affecting the health and well-being of Coloradans,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty. “This groundbreaking bill helps Colorado train and educate future doctors, veterinarians and other health care providers in Colorado. I’m proud to champion this bill that will increase access to high-quality health care in communities across the state and help Coloradans and their animals lead safe, healthy lives.” HB24-1231 , which passed committee by a vote of 12-1, would stand up four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions. Specifically, the legislation would fund the: Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University (CSU) Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College This legislation will jumpstart a second-of-its-kind medical program at UNC, which will help streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in economic impact, with an estimated $500 million of economic impact to remain in Weld County. The legislation will also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care professionals. Colorado is facing a significant health care provider shortage that is causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state’s largest higher education investment aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce so Coloradans can receive the health care they need, when they need it. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES MCLACHLAN-ROBERTS BILL TO MAKE CLEAN WATER A PRIORITY (Feb. 4) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon that looks to help prevent water pollution from future hardrock mining operations in Colorado passed the Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee today. “Mining is central to Colorado’s history and always has been. For a long time, it has shaped our economy, our water rights system, and our communities,” said Rep. Roberts. “However, our state’s clean water must be a high priority. This bill ensures that protecting our state’s precious water resources from high risks of pollution is a top priority for future hardrock mining permits.” Mining operations have polluted more than 1,600 miles of Colorado rivers and streams, and our state is one of just seven that allow “self-bonding,” which allows mines to operate with insufficient recoverable assets, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to potential cleanup costs. “When there are mining accidents, taxpayers foot the bill and also suffer the consequences of the damage to the environment,” said Rep. McLachlan, whose district was impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill. “We can’t change the past, but we can certainly help to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.” HB19-1113 would ensure that when new mining permits are issued, sufficient bonds are in place to ensure cleanup and better protect public health and the environment. The bill would end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and would explicitly include water quality protection in the calculation for the amount of bonding required. It would also require mining license applicants to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation, so that they could no longer simply expect to do water treatment into perpetuity. Numerous small business owners, rafting outfitters, farmers, local elected officials and others from across western Colorado testified in support of the bill. The bill passed the committee 7-4 and now heads to House floor. Previous Next