< Back December 12, 2022 Speaker-Designate McCluskie Announces Committee Appointments DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced the chairs, vice chairs and committee appointments for the 11 House committees of reference, appointing six new committee chairs. Of the 22 members in committee leadership, 14 are women—a milestone that is consistent with the historic nature of Colorado having the second majority female legislature in the country. “I’m so proud of our historic majority and all the lawmakers who are taking on leadership positions on committees,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The size of our caucus is a recognition that Democrats deliver on behalf of every Coloradan. Our new chairs and vice chairs, alongside our historically diverse, women-led leadership team, will work hard to make life more affordable, improve health and safety in our communities, protect our air and water, and help every person live their Colorado dream.” Last month, Representative Julie McCluskie was designated Speaker of the House of the 74th General Assembly by her Democratic colleagues. Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, will serve as Majority Leader while Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, will serve as Assistant Majority Leader. Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora and Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins will serve as Majority Co-Whips, while Reps. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada will be the Majority Co-Caucus Chairs. Committee structure, leadership and majority caucus appointments are made by the Speaker. "I want to join Speaker-designate McCluskie in celebrating our new chairs, vice chairs and committee members—we know they will do fantastic work this session to move Colorado forward," said Majority Leader-elect, Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Our historically large and diverse class of new lawmakers are going to bring fresh voices and new ideas to our committees, and the leadership team is excited to see so many newly-elected members with experience in public service take on the responsibility of vice chair. Of the 22 committee leadership positions, 14 will be women, recognizing the historic role women will play in mentoring new members and shaping the future of our state.” “For the first time, the House will be led by three women, and there are a historic number of women of color in leadership positions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our chairs and vice chairs all share a deep commitment to helping our colleagues advance legislation that responds to the needs of our communities across the state. I’m excited to serve as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and on the Education Committee where I know we will deliver meaningful policy solutions to improve public education and work towards a future where all Coloradans feel safe in their communities.” “I am grateful for the current chairs and outgoing members of leadership who are pursuing new ways to serve their communities in the new year; Coloradans are better off because of what they’ve accomplished with their work in the legislature,” continued Speaker-designate McCluskie. The complete list of Majority committee assignments is below: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Aurora Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative-Elect Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Aravada Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back April 22, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. “Securing Colorado's water future is paramount. This bill strategically implements recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force to protect the Colorado way of life,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions have jeopardized Colorado’s water future, and this bipartisan legislation works to address some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for our state’s agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. I’m committed to tackling Colorado’s water supply challenges head-on, while working alongside our agriculture and coal-transition communities, to protect our water for generations to come.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, passed committee by a unanimous vote of 10-0. This bill would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. The Colorado River is in the midst of a three-decade drought, the worst in over 1,200 years, and water supplies are decreasing across the state as a result. These diminishing supplies are threatening resources for drinking water, agricultural uses, and environmental and recreational opportunities. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

Lawmakers heard expert testimony from Public Utilities Commission, consumer advocates to better understand root causes of rising rates < Back March 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds First Meeting to Investigate High Energy Prices DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates held their first meeting today to explore the underlying causes of recent spikes in energy prices and to begin identifying strategies that can save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Committee members heard testimony and asked questions of panels of experts representing the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, the Colorado Energy Office, and Energy Outreach Colorado to better understand the factors that influence how rates are set and how those mechanisms lead to higher costs for Coloradans. “Recent spikes in energy prices have hit Colorado families hard, and today’s hearing highlighted just how fraught certain aspects of our current regulatory structure are,” Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “We’ve heard loud and clear that Coloradans are looking for relief, which is why we convened this committee so we can better understand the underlying forces behind rising utility rates and begin identifying solutions. I’m excited by the progress we made today, and I look forward to continuing our work so we can better protect consumers, improve our energy stability, and eventually save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” "Expensive utility bills have left many Coloradans struggling to heat their homes, and today's hearing offered insight into some main drivers of pricing instability that are often invisible to customers who are left to foot the bill," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "This hearing was a great first step toward building an in-depth understanding of what's causing high utility prices. High energy prices hit families and low-and middle-income folks the hardest, and it's our responsibility to shed light on how we got here, and to work together towards potential cost-saving solutions." “Skyrocketing utility bills are adding to the stress Coloradans are already feeling as we recover from the economic challenges brought by the pandemic,” Joint Select Committee member Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County said. “Today, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates heard from a number of experts that helped us better understand the energy landscape and factors at play in rate setting. I look forward to continuing our work to shed light on the process and get answers for the people of Colorado." "We heard from Coloradans across the state and the message is clear — high, unpredictable energy costs are taking their toll," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Communities in Southwest Colorado are often left out of the conversation when it comes to rising energy costs, I’m proud to share and voice their concerns on this committee. The Joint Select Committee is committed to uncovering the root causes for high energy costs and hearing from experts helped us gather a stronger understanding of what is driving costs that are passed down to consumers.” The Committee heard testimony from the following experts: Erin O'Neill, Chief Economist for the Public Utilities Commission The Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities, which involves reviewing and approving generation and transmission plans, and the rates charged to pay for them. O’Neill explained how the utility rate setting process works, and addressed the false narrative that the transition to clean energy is what’s driving high utility rates. Joseph Pereira, Deputy Director for the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate The Office of Utility Consumer Advocate represents consumers when utility companies want to raise rates. Pereira spoke about the Office’s work to support pro-consumer policies in utility regulation, highlighting the difficulties of doing this work in an environment of asymmetric information Keith Hay, Senior Director of Policy for the Colorado Energy Office The Colorado Energy Office works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing energy efficiency. Hay discussed his office’s ongoing efforts to mitigate rate increases while advancing Colorado’s use of clean energy. Jennifer Gremmert, CEO and Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado Energy Outreach Colorado is a non-profit that provides utility bill payment assistance for low-income Coloradans. During today’s meeting, Gremmert shared how Energy Outreach Colorado has seen a significant increase in requests in recent months from Coloradans who need help paying their utility bills. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

HB25-1078 would help fire departments purchase new equipment and create more affordable housing options for firefighters < Back April 28, 2025 Bill to Support Local Fire Departments Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to support local fire departments. HB25-1078, sponsored by Representatives Andy Boesenecker and Elizabeth Velasco, passed the House by a vote of 37-27. “Local firefighters keep our communities safe, and this bill helps them make important upgrades to their facilities and equipment,” said Rep. Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins . “Many firefighters cannot afford to live in the communities where they work, so we are working to create new, affordable housing options for firefighters.” “Many fire departments are in desperate need of new equipment to help them effectively protect our communities from destructive wildfires,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Our legislation would create a sustainable funding stream to help our fire departments purchase new equipment, including trucks and drones, to keep Colorado communities safe.” HB25-1078 will create a revolving loan program to provide interest-free loans to fire departments to help fund equipment, vehicle and facility upgrades. To create more affordable housing options for firefighters, this bill also helps spur the creation of housing projects specifically for firefighters by allowing the Treasurer to include housing bonds for these projects in the state’s investment portfolio. This legislation came from the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee. Recent wildfires, including the Marshall Fire, Cameron Peak Fire, and East Troublesome Fire, have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, displaced hundreds of Coloradans, and drastically changed landscapes. This legislation helps fire departments prepare for the next wildfire and keep our communities safe. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2021 SPEAKER, BOULDER DELEGATION STATEMENT ON TABLE MESA KING SOOPERS SHOOTING DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and lawmakers representing Boulder County in the Colorado House today released the following statement on the shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers. “We are closely monitoring the tragic situation unfolding in our beloved city of Boulder this afternoon. We are heartbroken and enraged at what has become all too common in our country: a mass shooting in a peaceful and loving community. As we wait for more details to emerge, we at least know this much: gun violence is an epidemic that has stolen far too many sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and loved ones from families across Colorado. We must continue our fight to reduce gun violence and save lives. Inaction is not an option.” The Boulder County delegation includes Representatives Edie Hooton, Karen McCormick, Tracey Bernett, and Judy Amabile. Speaker Alec Garnett, who sponsored the 2019 Extreme Risk Protection Order law, grew up in Boulder County. Previous Next

< Back December 15, 2022 New Recipients Announced for Outdoor Equity Grant Program DENVER, CO – The Outdoor Equity Grant Board announced today the newest recipients of more than $1.3 million in Outdoor Equity Grants. The Outdoor Equity Grant Program, created through HB21-1318 , will help improve outdoor recreation accessibility for all Coloradans including youth, families and traditionally excluded communities. “I’d like to congratulate all the incredible organizations that have received an Outdoor Equity Grant, including ViVe Wellness in HD8,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1318. “When we championed this legislation in 2021, our mission was to open the great outdoors to communities that have traditionally lacked access to Colorado’s unique landscapes and outdoor adventures. Now, organizations in our very own communities and across the state are benefiting from this hard work.” “For those of us living with a disability, accessing the outdoors can be more challenging, but Outdoor Equity Grants help remove barriers so everyone can get out and explore Colorado,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB21-1318. “Congratulations to the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton on receiving one of the latest grant awards. Grants for adaptive sports programs, educational experiences and recreation opportunities will build a more diverse pipeline of Coloradans working in the outdoor industry–and that’s good for everyone.” In 2021, the legislature passed HB21-1318 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz to create the Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The program provides funding to organizations that reduce barriers to the Colorado outdoors for underserved youth and their families. Get Outdoors Leadville! will receive $70,750, and Mountain Dreamers in Frisco will receive $40,000. “Congratulations to Mountain Dreamers in Frisco and Get Out Doors Leadville!,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With these grants, more young Coloradans and their families will be able to experience our incredible outdoor spaces. I’m proud of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program’s work to help more underserved families access the beautiful lands Colorado is known for and live their Colorado dream.” In Carbondale, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (HS)2 Program will receive $6,700. “With these grants from the Outdoor Equity Program, organizations, non-profits and schools will receive new funding to help more Coloradans access the great outdoors,” said Rep.-elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “I’m excited that young people in Carbondale and on the Western Slope will have new opportunities to get out and explore Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes.” In Greeley, the Connections for Independent Living will receive $21,000. “The great outdoors is for everyone, but many Coloradans with a disability face barriers that keep them from experiencing our open spaces,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “I’m so proud that Connections for Independent Living in Greeley, which does fantastic work serving and empowering people with disabilities, was included in this round of Outdoor Equity Grants so that more Coloradans will be able to get outside and enjoy everything our state has to offer.” The Gypsum Elementary School will receive $5,000, and Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports will receive $25,000. “Improving outdoor equity and accessibility is incredibly important in our communities,” said Rep.-elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “With this funding, Gypsum Elementary School and Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports will be able to offer additional opportunities for underserved youth and their families in our communities to experience the world-class outdoor recreation Colorado is known for.” The Adaptive Sports Association in Durango will receive $50,000; the Montezuma Inspire Coalition in Cortez will receive $70,000; and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Ignacio will receive $10,000. “Adaptive sports and educational experiences help introduce more Coloradans to the great outdoors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “I’m pleased the Adaptive Sports Association, Montezuma Inspire Coalition and Southern Ute Indian Tribe, among others, will be receiving an Outdoor Equity Grant. Breaking down barriers to accessing the outdoors will help foster a new generation of Coloradans that can enjoy, explore, respect and protect our public lands.” More than 20 organizations across the state will receive an Outdoor Equity Grant. Grant recipients also include: Asian Girls Ignite – Denver – $78,000 Colorado Center for the Blind – Littleton – $50,000 Colorado Discover Ability – Grand Junction – $50,000 Denver Indian Center – Denver – $85,000 Environmental Learning for Kids – Denver – $75,000 Fort Collins Community Action Network – Fort Collins – $50,000 Friends of Youth and Nature – Hotchkiss – $67,180 Haseya Advocate Program – Colorado Springs – $70,000 International Rescue Committee – Denver – $30,000 Northfield High School La Raza Club – Denver – $7,000 Sims Fayola Foundation – Denver – $50,000 Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning – Denver – $40,815 The Nature Connection – Hotchkiss – $40,000 The Storytellers Project – Denver – $50,000 Vibe Tribe Adventures – Aurora – $80,000 ViVe Wellness – Denver – $70,000 Youth Club of Trinidad – Trinidad – $55,363 Youth Seen – Denver – $75,000 Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would extend the Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit to continue funding to house people facing homelessness. HB26-1015, sponsored by Rep. Karen McCormick, passed by a vote of 10-1. < Back February 12, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Continue Tax Credit to Keep Coloradans Safely Housed DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would extend the Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit to continue funding to house people facing homelessness. HB26-1015, sponsored by Rep. Karen McCormick, passed by a vote of 10-1. “Every Coloradan deserves stable housing, and the Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit has been a major source of funding for non-profit organizations that help keep Coloradans safely housed,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “In its first year, the tax credit generated over $20 million to fill in funding gaps for everything from skills training to emergency housing. The public-private return on investment is over fourfold, effectively driving up funding for some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. Every Coloradan deserves a safe place to sleep and tools to succeed, and the continuation of this tax credit ensures that people have more resources to thrive.” HB26-1015 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would extend the Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit through state income tax year 2030. In 2022, the Colorado legislature created the Colorado Homeless Contribution Income Tax Credit. It was a bipartisan effort to drive up monetary or in-kind donations for non-profits that provide temporary, emergency or transitional housing programs for people and families experiencing homelessness. The tax credit also funds projects that offer homeless prevention services, domestic violence survivor shelters and services, Workforce Ready Services and case management. Taxpayers can claim 25-percent of their donation as a state income tax credit for projects located in an urban community or 30-percent of their donation for projects located in a rural community. Previous Next

SB25-038 would keep personal information confidential after filing a wildlife damage compensation claim < Back February 28, 2025 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Issues with Wolf Reintroduction DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Coloradans from having their private information shared after a wildlife incident on their property. SB25-038 passed the House by a vote of 60-1. “To support our agricultural communities and those who file for compensation following depredation, we need to ensure their personal information, including phone number and address, is kept confidential,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Given the political landscape surrounding wolf reintroduction in our state, Coloradans in my community aren’t filing wildlife compensation claims because they’re afraid of retaliation or trespassing. This bipartisan bill ensures the personal information of those seeking compensation following depredation is kept confidential to keep everyone safe.” SB25-038 is also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad. This bill would require that personal information be kept confidential after an individual files a wildlife damage compensation claim with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). When individuals file wildlife compensation claims with the CPW, their personal information, including cell phone number, name and address, is currently subject to the "Colorado Open Records Act". This bill would not disclose personal information to keep Coloradans safe and offer privacy to filing individuals. Previous Next

New law benefits Colorado’s working families < Back November 20, 2023 Signed! New Law to Provide Equal TABOR Refunds and Support Working-Class Coloradans New law benefits Colorado’s working families DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, that creates a flat TABOR refund mechanism to provide an equal refund of $800 for all taxpayers. SB23B-003 puts more money back into the pockets of Coloradans, and increases TABOR refunds by about $500 for the majority of working families by creating a new temporary refund mechanism - identical to what Democrats provided last year - that replaces the sales tax refund mechanism for FY 22-23. Every Colorado taxpayer will receive an identical refund payment, making our tax code more equitable and providing enhanced support for working families. “This special session, I fought to bring relief to middle-income earners, a group that gets hit particularly hard when it comes to taxes,” said Hinrichsen. “My bill to equalize TABOR refunds for all Coloradans will make our tax code more fair, and as a result, more than 60 percent of Coloradans – and even a larger share of Puebloans – will see an increase in their refunds.” “Coloradans are counting on us to address the affordability crisis, and this bill is one of many steps we’re taking to uplift working-class families,” Mabrey said. “Our bill will provide equal TABOR refunds next year, increasing incomes for lower- and middle-income Coloradans by hundreds of dollars. I’m proud that we were able to provide working families relief, and I will continue to fight to make Colorado more affordable for the people who need it most.” “I’m proud to see my bill to equalize TABOR refunds and get money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans be signed into law today,” Marchman said. “With this law, every taxpayer will receive an identical TABOR refund – resulting in an increase for the majority of folks. At a time when workers, families and seniors are pinched by inflation, this will be hundreds of dollars more to help pay for necessities like groceries, gas and housing.” “Equal TABOR refunds put hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, benefiting millions of people throughout our state,” Dickson said. “Making our state more affordable for everyone is a priority for Colorado Democrats. This bill establishes a flat tax refund for all taxpayers, boosting hardworking families and making it easier for them to keep pace with the rising cost of living.” Over sixty percent of filers and everyone making under $100,000 per year will benefit from higher TABOR refunds under this proposal. This law builds on the work of SB23-233 , which provided urgently-needed relief through flat TABOR refunds. Previous Next

< Back March 6, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO REMOVE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR FUTURE CIVIL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS Bill would give survivors of sexual assault time to heal without losing their right to hold perpetrators accountable. DENVER, CO — The House Judiciary Committee today voted to approve Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bipartisan bill to remove the statute of limitations for civil claims of sexual misconduct. The committee approved the bill by a vote of 8-1. “Healing from the impact of trauma and sexual assault has no timeline or expiration date, and neither should a survivor’s opportunity to seek justice through the courts,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “This bill will give survivors going forward time to heal, will ensure we keep more perpetrators accountable, and will enhance fairness in the civil justice system. We can and must do better by survivors, and this will move us in the right direction.” HB20-1296 removes the statute of limitations on bringing a civil claim based on sexual misconduct, which is defined in the bill to include all current criminal sexual offenses including offenses against a child, and other criminal behavior of a sexual nature including requests for sexual favors accompanied by coercion, threat, or violence. The bill also allows claims to be brought against a person or entity that is not the perpetrator of the sexual misconduct. This bill would become effective for claims arising on or after January 1, 2021 but allows for those victims for whom the current statute of limitations has not yet run to bring a claim based on the provisions of this law. The Colorado constitution has been interpreted to guarantee vested rights in relation to statutes of limitations but not to allow the legislature to make retroactive changes to them. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats today unveiled three new bills that would make goods and services more affordable for Coloradans and better equip Colorado small businesses to grow and thrive. < Back January 26, 2026 Colorado Democrats to Lower Costs, Support Small Businesses DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today unveiled three new bills that would make goods and services more affordable for Coloradans and better equip Colorado small businesses to grow and thrive. A new bill that will be introduced in the coming weeks prohibits corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less (surveillance pricing and wage setting). HB26-1012 cracks down on price gouging where consumers don’t have a choice to shop somewhere else. The bill also requires delivery companies like Instacart and DoorDash to display the in-store price for the goods they are selling so consumers know when they are paying more. A third bill expected to be introduced in February would prohibit wholesalers from charging small businesses more than large retail corporations for goods. “The largest corporations are raking in profits by squeezing every last dollar out of consumers, which is why we’re bringing these bills to lower costs, boost small businesses and grow our economy for hardworking people,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to prohibit surveillance pricing. “This package of bills will boost wages, help small businesses to grow and expand, and take on corporate monopolies to encourage a more fair playing field for small businesses. I’m proudly sponsoring legislation that will limit corporations from exploiting personal data to increase corporate profits off the backs of the hardworking people in our state.” “Coloradans deserve to know they’re paying a fair price and have the opportunity to negotiate for a good wage,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to prohibit surveillance pricing . “We all lose when large corporations can set different prices for different people based on sensitive data they’ve collected. This bill stands up for workers and families to ensure that your personal data - like where you live and what you’ve bought in the past - is not used against you to raise prices or keep your wages low.” “Colorado’s economy thrives when everyone has a fair shot, but when big corporations use surveillance data to jack up prices or keep wages low, it hurts our workers and our small businesses,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of forthcoming legislation to prohibit surveillance pricing. “We’re taking bold steps to make Colorado more affordable, and this legislation stands up for workers, consumers and small businesses by prohibiting the use of your personal data to charge you more or pay you less.” “Large corporations stack the deck against hardworking Coloradans far more than most of us are aware,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, sponsor of HB26-1012 and forthcoming legislation to prohibit surveillance pricing. “They’re now using artificial intelligence to set prices as high as they think an individual will pay, and wages as low as they think someone will accept. They charge exorbitant prices at places like airports or hospitals where consumers have no other option. Grocery delivery apps charge more than what an item costs in the store without showing the difference. The list goes on. This year, I’m proud to sponsor legislation to tackle these unfair pricing practices, protect consumers, and bring down costs.” New legislation would prohibit the use of automated decision systems, like AI and other machine-based systems, to strategically set prices based on an individual’s surveillance data, including browsing and purchase history, financial status, habits, and political affiliation. Typically, corporations have weaponized price and wage setting to set prices at the highest amount someone is willing to pay and wages at the lowest amount that someone is willing to accept, based on data that is often collected without an individual’s knowledge or consent. Engaging in these price or wage-setting practices would be considered a deceptive trade practice. A 2025 Federal Trade Commission report found that individualized pricing tools are being used to target specific consumers with artificially-inflated prices for goods and services based on their surveillance data, such as a person’s location or the motion of a computer mouse. In 2025, Colorado Democrats passed a law to crack down on ‘junk fees’ to improve price transparency for consumers and bring down costs for Coloradans. HB26-1012 would build on this law by requiring food delivery companies to clearly disclose a comparison between the total price for delivered goods and the total price for those same items if they were purchased in-store instead. “Corporations know that consumers don’t have a choice but to pay unfair inflated prices, and our legislation says enough is enough,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1012. “HB26-1012 would not only limit companies from price gouging ‘captive consumers’, but it would also require food delivery apps to be transparent about in-store pricing so consumers can identify upcharges. This bill builds on efforts to crack down on price gouging and increase price transparency to make Colorado a more affordable place to live.” “This session, we’re focused on making Colorado more affordable and ensuring our economy works for consumers, workers, and small businesses – not just corporate giants,” said Sen. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of the forthcoming Unfair Practices Act. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation to increase pricing fairness and help small and mid-size businesses keep up with big retailers by cracking down on backroom deals that box them out of lower wholesale prices. This bill prioritizes fairness, stands up to monopolies and corporate consolidation, and aims to keep costs down for everyone.” “Colorado Democrats are working to build an economy where small businesses and hardworking people all have a fair shot to thrive,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB26-1012 and legislation to crack down on wholesale price discrimination. “Deceptive prices can add up without any real explanation. Our legislation would work to prevent secret price hikes and improve price transparency on these food delivery apps.” HB26-1012 would also make it a deceptive trade practice to price gouge a “captive consumer,” which is a consumer who does not have realistic alternatives to purchasing a good or service. These situations are often found at airports or at large events, like sports games. HB26-1012 would make it a violation of the Consumer Protection Act to charge these consumers unreasonably excessive prices for that same good or service. Sponsored by Sens. Lindstedt and Judy Amabile and Rep. Brown, the forthcoming “Unfair Practices Act” would create a more competitive market for Colorado small businesses by preventing wholesalers from charging them more than larger retailers. “This bill helps independent grocers keep up with mega-corporations like Amazon and Walmart by leveling the playing field when it comes to wholesale deals,” said Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of the forthcoming Unfair Practices Act. “It preserves legitimate price differences based on volume, logistics, or other real cost-savings, but ensures that independent grocers have the same access to discounts as the big guys. As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the impact this can have to bring down costs and help independent grocers stay competitive.” The bill would establish uniform pricing rules that would require suppliers to offer the same wholesale terms to all retailers that are purchasing under comparable circumstances. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2020 BILL SPONSORS OF FAMLI PROPOSAL AFFIRM COMMITMENT TO COLORADO WORKERS DENVER — Senator Faith Winter and Representative Matt Gray released the following statement regarding their dedication to creating a fair family and medical leave benefit for Colorado. “We are fully committed to passing a paid family and medical leave program this year. The approach we’ve been working on would provide a much-needed benefit to Colorado workers. This is a very complex policy; we are still working to find the right solution, and we won’t stop until we get there. Too many Coloradans are fearful that one unforeseen event could upend their entire lives and their carefully laid plans for the future. Guaranteeing paid family and medical leave and the economic security it provides will give more Coloradans the fair shot they deserve. ” Previous Next