The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed bills to protect Colorado agriculture, save farmers money and prevent livestock harm. < Back February 9, 2026 Bipartisan Bills to Protect Colorado Ag, Save Farmers Money Pass Committee DENVER, CO — The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed bills to protect Colorado agriculture, save farmers money and prevent livestock harm. “As tariffs negatively impact Colorado farmers and cut them off from critical markets, we’re making sure when a product says ‘Colorado Grown’ that it is actually grown in Colorado,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1031. “Coloradans buying San Luis Valley potatoes or Pueblo green chile expect the products to come from those regions of our state. Mislabeled products undercut our farmers and take profits away from the hardworking people who grow the world-class foods our state is famous for. In the midst of federal tariffs and ongoing trade wars, this bill protects the integrity of Colorado-grown products and supports Colorado agriculture.” HB26-1031 , passed committee by a unanimous vote of 13-0, and would protect the integrity of Colorado-made products and ensure Colorado producers aren’t undercut by mislabeled products imported from other states. This bill prohibits identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. First approved by the interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, HB26-1031 would ensure fairness for local producers by cracking down on deceptive trade practices that allow out-of-state products to carry Colorado-made labeling and take market share away from real Colorado-grown foods. Also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, the bill boosts consumer protections by reassuring Coloradans that their dollars are getting them the local, premium products they expect. The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. HB26-1031 aims to protect Colorado markets for farmers and ranchers to sell their locally-made products and food. “As our farmers and ranchers know, diseases or infections can wipe out an entire herd and spread across the state, which is not only devastating but expensive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB26-1067. “This bipartisan bill would save farmers and ranchers money by extending the permissible uses of a livestock disease management fund to include preparations and responses to emerging threats to livestock health. Stopping the spread of harmful diseases is good for our greater agricultural ecosystem, and this bill makes it possible for our livestock owners to get ahead of the problem and keep their herds healthy.” HB26-1067 , also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, R-Trindad, passed committee unanimously by a vote of 13-0. To save farmers money and help prevent the spread of livestock diseases, this bill would authorize the Department of Agriculture to expend money in support of agricultural workers preparing for and responding to certain emerging threats to livestock health. Under current law, the fund can only be used to reimburse a farmer or rancher if they are forced to euthanize their livestock after it was exposed to or diagnosed with an infectious or contagious disease. This bill adds flexibility to the use of the fund so farmers and ranchers can take proactive measures to treat or prevent disease before it damages the herd. This bill also renames the fund to the "livestock health preparedness, response, and diseased livestock indemnity" fund to capture its new role in preventative action and encouraging healthy herds. Last year, the Trump Administration announced that it would quadruple the amount of beef the U.S. imports from Argentina, which drastically undermined Colorado beef producers during peak season. The Colorado Department of Agriculture recently warned farmers and ranchers about the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly that is “a threat to the livestock industry” in Colorado. Bird flu, formally known as the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has been negatively impacting livestock in Colorado and across the nation. Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2019 BUENTELLO DELIVERS RESULTS FOR SOUTHERN COLORADO Buentello sponsored bills to help assist students, farmers & address opioid crisis signed by Gov (May 14) – Three bills sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello were signed into law today in Pueblo. First up was Rep. Buentello’s bill sponsored with Senate President Leroy Garcia to provide tuition assistance to the children of firefighters, police officers and soldiers who died on duty, as well as the children of prisoners of war. SB19-174 received bipartisan support at the legislature. “As the wife of an Army Captain and the daughter of Marines, I am humbled by the opportunity to work with my colleagues who served in the armed forces to assist the families of those who serve,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. Next up was Buentello’s bipartisan bill that will establish a grant program in the Department of Education (CDE) to encourage providers that are entitled to federal money for lunches for students to purchase food products from Colorado growers, producers, and processors. The law was signed by Gov. Polis at Peppe’s at Milberger Farm in Pueblo. “Providing incentives to schools to use food grown right here in Pueblo and in Colorado benefits our students, schools and offers much needed support to our local farmers and ranchers, as well as our local economies,” said Rep. Buentello. Earlier in the day, Gov. Polis another Buentello-Garcia bill, SB19-001, to help address the opioid crisis. This new law will expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties.. SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time we expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado,” Rep. Buentello said when the bill passed the House. “This bill will save lives and help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get they treatment they need.” Previous Next

< Back Jamie Jackson Jamie Jackson is a dedicated leader committed to equity, community empowerment, and effective governance. As COO of The Naloxone Project, she expands access to life-saving overdose prevention resources. With a background in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy, Jamie previously served as COO of the Colorado Children's Campaign and has worked to advance social justice, healthcare equity, and community-driven solutions. She is Vice President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Aurora NAACP. Jamie is committed to policies that uplift working families, protect vulnerable communities, and expand access to equitable healthcare. She brings a people-centered approach to governance, ensuring that House District 41 residents have a strong voice at the Capitol. Rep. Jackson serves on the Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Energy & Environment committees.

Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: < Back August 1, 2024 Story and Amabile Statements on Frontrange Wildfires CONIFER, CO – Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: Statement from Rep. Story, D-Conifer: “There is almost no mutual aid system in the country as well organized and effective as the state of Colorado. We have done this before and we are in good care. Yesterday I visited an evacuation center in Dakota Ridge organized due to the Quarry Fire. I spoke to authorities on the ground and those who had been evacuated from their homes, and the message I received was a reminder that our community is fearless, strong, and endlessly resistant. I want to personally thank Sheriff Reggie Marinelli for working around the clock to protect our neighbors, as well as the firefighters, first responders, pilots, and support staff working to mitigate the impact this wildfire has on our communities– they have my full confidence. The seriousness of the situation can not be understated. Please sign up for Lookout Alerts and remain vigilant to emergency orders. I urge everyone near the Quarry Fire to follow directions from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.” Statement from Rep. Amabile, D-Boulder: “I am deeply concerned by the ongoing wildfires in our communities. My thoughts are with everyone who has been evacuated, the Coloradans who have lost their homes, and all those who are bravely battling the fires in extreme heat and difficult terrain. I am in close contact with fire response officials, and I am closely monitoring the situation. The Boulder Office of Disaster Management has set up a donation process to assist those in need, and I encourage everyone who can help to do what they can.” To access the Boulder Office of Disaster Management donation form, click here . Previous Next

< Back October 31, 2022 Rep. Michaelson Jenet Statement Condemning Violence Against Paul Pelosi DENVER, CO – Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a leader in Colorado on addressing hate speech and identity-based violence, today released the following statement condemning the recent acts of violence against Paul Pelosi: "My thoughts and support for a full recovery are with Paul Pelosi and the entire Pelosi family after the brutal attack on his life last Friday. We must stand united in condemning violence and extreme political rhetoric. Free speech is a cherished right in our country, but with freedom comes responsibility. By celebrating, condoning and perpetuating hate speech, under the guise of “freedom,” we contradict the word's very meaning. Hateful and violent rhetoric leads to violence, preventing us all from living in peace and freedoms. We must condemn all violence toward elected officials, their families and loved ones. And we must call for an end to the violent threats that have become far too frequent in our political discourse. The very foundation of democracy depends on it." Previous Next

HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities with closed landfill safety mitigation < Back May 5, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to help local communities mitigate environmental damages caused by landfills. HB23-1194, passed by a vote of 61 to 2 and would invest $15 million toward a statewide grant program to support communities to reduce environmental risks surrounding closed landfills. “Closed landfills can be dangerous to our health and contaminate our groundwater if they’re not properly maintained,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “Our important bipartisan legislation helps local communities across our state, including southwestern Colorado, mitigate the environmental damage caused by closed landfills. This bill spearheads an important collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and counties to ensure our landfills are in compliance with federal law, so we can keep harmful contaminants out of our water supply, soil and delicate ecosystems.” HB23-1194 sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Rose Pugliese, would help local governments by supporting their environmental remediation and management of closed landfills. Specifically, this bill allocates $15 million to create the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program Fund to help communities mitigate hazardous environments caused by older, unkempt landfills. This bipartisan legislation aims to keep Colorado communities safe and healthy by mitigating the harmful environmental effects of closed landfills. Some environmental risk factors that can be caused by closed landfills include groundwater, soil and farmland contamination, hazardous gas accumulation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

< Back September 27, 2021 HOUSE AND SENATE DEMS RELEASE POWERING THE COMEBACK RESOURCE GUIDE DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democrats today released the Powering the Comeback Resource Guide to help Coloradans, businesses, nonprofits, local governments and education providers access the funding, services and programs created through the 2021 Colorado Comeback State Stimulus Plan , as well as initial investments made from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which together invested roughly $1.3 billion to uplift struggling families, support small businesses, redevelop our workforce and revitalize our economy. “Our top priority in the 2021 session was to provide direct support for the small businesses, individuals and local governments that were ravaged by the pandemic,” said House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I’m proud to say we delivered on this priority, and now we’re working hard to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most. From individuals to institutions of higher education, and from small businesses to nonprofits, there’s a program available for everyone in this resource guide.” “After a year of devastation, we entered 2021 with a plan to meet the moment and deliver for Coloradans. Thanks to the successful passage of our Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan, we were able to achieve those goals,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “Today, we’re thrilled to launch this helpful resource guide that will assist Colorado families, workers, educators, businesses, nonprofits and others as they navigate the resources and funding opportunities we secured for them this session.” “The resource guide we’re unveiling today includes everything from watershed restoration grants that protect our most precious resource to workforce development programs that will help Coloradans find sustainable, fulfilling careers,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . “I’m immensely proud of the work we did this year to help build our state back stronger, and I’m excited to see these new opportunities become available for businesses, local governments and families across the state. I encourage anyone looking for assistance to look through the guide and find the program that’s right for them.” “Coloradans have been through a lot over the last year, and we know they are looking to us for support,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “As part of our ongoing economic recovery, we’re excited to provide additional tools and resources to help our communities get the vital support they need. With the help of this resource guide, Coloradans will conveniently be able to access the services and grant opportunities available to them that will help them recover and build back stronger.” During the 2021 legislative session, House and Senate Democrats passed a historic stimulus package to boost Colorado’s economy and help the state recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic. These new programs are now offering services, funding and other supports across Colorado. The Powering the Comeback Resource Guide , which will continue to be updated, is intended to serve as a tool to connect Coloradans with these newly-created programs. The resources and programs in the guide are organized by individuals, businesses, non profits, agricultural producers, early childhood, school districts and higher education, and local governments. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 BUENTELLO BILL TO TRAIN MORE TEACHERS PASSES EDU COMMITTEE Legislation would provide opportunities for concurrent enrollment and apprenticeships that lead to college credit towards degrees & credentials for future educators DENVER, CO– Bipartisan legislation to grow the educator workforce today passed the House Committee on Education 10-3. HB20-1015, sponsored by Representatives Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo) and Jim Wilson (R-Salida), the bill would create a grant program for local education providers to help them establish concurrent enrollment and apprenticeship programs that will help provide credentials for future educators. “Our state is facing a far-reaching and devastating teacher shortage, especially in rural areas, that is leading to severe consequences for students, teachers and school districts,” said Rep. Buentello (D-Pueblo). “We need more quality teachers in our classrooms, and this bill will make it a lot easier for students to get into teaching and complete the degree or certificate programs they need to teach (and stay) in Colorado.” HB20-1015 would create the future educator pathways grant program in the Colorado Department of Education. The program would provide grants to local education providers, such as school districts, to help prepare future educators. The grants would go towards providing students with opportunities for concurrent enrollment and apprenticeships that lead to college credit towards education degrees or certificates. Local education providers must agree to match the state grant money with local resources equal to 25 percent of the grant. The bill would help rural areas of the state that are facing a teacher shortage by increasing the pipeline of new teachers in the state. At least 35 percent of the total grant awards must go to rural local education providers, and grant recipients must demonstrate how they will ensure participants represent the racial and ethnic diversity of a local community. The bill aims to reverse a years-long trend of lower and lower enrollment and completion rates in Colorado educator preparation programs. Under the bill, the Education Department will report each year on the number of students who are advancing towards educator degrees and certificates, among other information. Additional information on the educator shortage in Colorado can be found here. Previous Next

HB23-1202 would prevent fatal overdoses with a public health and local control approach DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent drug overdose deaths and connect people struggling with substance use disorder to treatment and services. < Back March 10, 2023 House Advances Life-Saving, Overdose Prevention Bill HB23-1202 would prevent fatal overdoses with a public health and local control approach DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent drug overdose deaths and connect people struggling with substance use disorder to treatment and services. “Overdose prevention centers keep people alive,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Colorado’s preventable overdose crisis has reached dire levels. This bill takes a safe and effective public health approach to preventing overdose deaths and maximizing opportunities for health interventions. Our legislation is rooted in local control, harm reduction and most importantly – saving lives.” “Accidental overdoses are on the rise, and it’s incredibly heartbreaking and entirely preventable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “At overdose prevention centers, people live another day and can be connected with support and comprehensive wrap-around services. This legislation will reduce crime, public drug use, and drug litter. I’m proud it has the support of so many faith groups, medical professionals, local governments, mental health advocates, and so many more who are on the ground working to prevent drug overdose deaths.” HB23-1202 is rooted in local control and would give municipalities the power to authorize OPCs in their communities. OPCs are safe, supervised spaces for people to use previously obtained drugs, test for fentanyl, get counseling, connect to treatment, receive harm reduction services, and most importantly, stay alive. OPCs are a proven, impactful tool to reduce fatal overdoses and improve public health and safety. OPCs also connect those with a substance use disorder to counseling and harm reduction services. There have been zero recorded fatal overdoses at OPCs, which are staffed by on-site medical professionals who are trained and ready to respond. HB23-1202 is supported by the Harm Reduction Action Center, Colorado Municipal League, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Healthier Colorado, Colorado Providers Association, Mental Health Colorado, Colorado Freedom Fund, Together Colorado, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Nurses Association, Colorado Psychiatric Society, New Era Colorado, and ACLU Colorado among others. Previous Next

HB25-1135 will address student cell phone use in classrooms < Back February 19, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Create Healthier Learning Environments for Students Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to reduce student distraction caused by cell phones and foster a healthier learning environment. “Limiting classroom distractions helps create a learning environment where students are engaged, asking questions and focused on the material,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As a teacher, I’ve experienced firsthand the distractions caused by student cell phone use in the classroom. Our bipartisan bill will help address cell phone distractions in our schools so students can focus on learning.” HB25-1135 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill aims to reduce cell phone-related distractions in classroom settings while promoting mental health among Colorado students. HB25-1135 encourages local control by allowing districts to consider their own guidelines when creating their district level policy. This bill would not impose a statewide ban on student cell phone use in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. Under this bill, school districts would create their own policy for student cell phone use in a K-12 setting. Policies must accommodate students with disabilities, and those who rely on those who rely on phones for healthcare needs or learning purposes. Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that prohibit or limit the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP WELCOMES POLITICAL WORKERS GUILD ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statement following the announcement that Colorado Democratic legislative aides and campaign workers launched the Political Workers Guild, affiliated with CWA Local 37074. “Our aides have tough jobs and do crucial work to keep our Capitol running smoothly so our state government can deliver for the people of Colorado,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, (D-Denver). “I welcome their announcement today; making sure our aides feel fulfilled and cared for in their jobs is good for the General Assembly and good for our state.” “I am a fierce supporter of every Coloradans’ right to collectively bargain and fight for better pay and benefits,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, (D-Pueblo). “I stand in solidarity with our hardworking aides and am proud of them for making their voices heard through the power of a union.” Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2022 LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO SAVE BUSINESSES MONEY, IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FOR COLORADO WORKERS Legislation will invest $600 million to improve and expand unemployment benefits, create a more resilient future economy DENVER, CO – Members of the House and Senate today announced bipartisan legislation to save businesses money and improve unemployment insurance for Colorado workers. Sponsored by Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, the bill would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to help support Colorado’s working families. “When the pandemic hit and thousands of Coloradans lost their jobs, the state’s unemployment insurance program was there to help families pay rent and keep food on the table,” Hansen said . “Now we’re doubling down to protect this critical safety net for working families and our economy by investing hundreds of millions into unemployment insurance to protect future solvency while improving and expanding the benefits it offers. This bill will better prepare us to weather any future economic downturns, and help make sure unemployment insurance continues to benefit working Colorado families for years to come.” “The bipartisan legislation we introduced today has the support of the business community, workers and lawmakers in both parties because we all agree – this is a responsible path forward to reduce costs for businesses, improve protections for workers, and save everyone money,” Snyder said. “The pandemic made it very clear – Colorado workers need an unemployment insurance system that works for them and delivers the assistance they need, when they need it. We’ve crafted a bill that will help ensure the stability of the fund and make common sense improvements to ensure the system meets the needs of the moment.” “This bill reforms our unemployment insurance program to better deliver assistance to workers and save people and businesses money,” Ortiz said. “At the start of the pandemic, changes to the system worked well to help get people back to work, and I’m excited to make them permanent. Not only does this bill stave off steep cost increases on businesses, it will ensure more workers get the assistance they need to get back on their feet.” “Colorado businesses have endured one of the most challenging economic environments in our state’s history,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman, who was instrumental in the bill negotiations. “Through no fault of their own, many were forced to close and lay off valued employees, which has put them on the hook for the depletion of the UITF. After months of negotiations, this bill is an important first step in providing real relief to Colorado businesses. While we are still in need of a long-term solution, these funds will prevent significant unemployment premium increases, which will in turn help Colorado workers and local communities across the state.” The legislation announced today invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to remove disincentives for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization can access the benefits they contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment, and requires employers to inform their workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. Previous Next