< Back June 30, 2020 HEMP POLICY STREAMLINING BILL BECOMES LAW BROOMFIELD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bill supporting Colorado’s agricultural producers by streamlining state hemp policy and aligning it with federal policy, and securing Colorado’s position as a leader in the development of hemp markets . “Colorado’s farmers are growing hemp on tens of thousands of acres across our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Now that the federal government has finally recognized the agricultural importance of hemp, we’re bringing our state laws into alignment and streamlining regulations for our industrial producers. Colorado has never been afraid to lead the way and set an example for the rest of the country, and our hemp production industry is no different.” Between February 28, 2019, and February 27, 2020, Colorado registered 2,748 properties and 2,037 growers to grow industrial hemp outdoors on 86,880 acres and indoors on 16.3 million square feet. Since 2013, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has regulated industrial hemp under state law. However, in 2018, the federal Farm Bill normalized hemp production by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and adding regulatory requirements for states, including a provision that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve state regulatory plans. The CDA will submit its hemp management plan to the USDA for approval later this year. SB20-197 changes Colorado’s statutes and brings them into alignment with the new federal laws surrounding hemp. Among other changes, this new law will improve oversight by redefining the makeup and authority of the Hemp Advisory Committee, improving and modernizing testing requirements for hemp samples and hemp plots, and specifying unlawful acts and establishing penalties for the industry. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Kyle Brown on a preliminary vote to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote. < Back May 2, 2024 Legislation to Increase Voting Access Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Kyle Brown on a preliminary vote to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote. “The right to vote is guaranteed by the constitution, yet eligible voters in our jails and detention centers have expressed that they often do not have the tools to exercise this right,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “We know that Coloradans who are Black, Indigenous and people of color are overrepresented in our criminal justice system, and when they are prevented from voting, their voices are not heard. This legislation helps address the gaps in voting access by creating clear guidelines for county clerks and sheriffs that will make it easier for Coloradans, regardless of their confinement status, to use their voice in our democratic process.” “Folks who are incarcerated have rights, and this bill seeks to make it easier for them to exercise their right to vote,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Low levels of voter turnout in our jails show that there are not enough resources or education about voting access in confined spaces. I’m proud to carry this legislation to ensure that eligible voters will have the opportunity to engage in our democratic process.” SB24-072 would require county clerks and county sheriffs to create and implement a plan to facilitate in-person voting for eligible voters in county jails and detention centers. Under current law, U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are not currently serving time for a felony conviction are eligible to vote. While Colorado has a robust vote-by-mail program, voters in jails and detention centers face extreme barriers in accessing the ballot. In the 2020 general election, out of an estimated eligible population of 5,205 confined voters, only 557 individuals (6.97 percent) received a ballot. In the 2022 general election, there was an estimated eligible population of 4,876 confined voters, but only 231 individuals (4.73 percent) received ballots. SB24-072 would mandate at least one day of in-person voting at each facility, alleviating the pressure on these voters to navigate the complexities of voting eligibility, and helping ensure every eligible citizen is provided the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Previous Next

New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 28, 2025 Bipartisan Law to Support Seniors Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO — New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission. “Demand for senior living facilities is only increasing, and this new law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access programs and services offered by life care institutions,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. Soon, older Coloradans will have more opportunities to take advantage of community-based services that help them lead healthier, fuller lives.” “The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Increasing opportunities for older Coloradans to socialize, access nutrition support and transportation while waiting for admission to a life care institution will help ease their transition and support their overall well-being.” HB25-1184 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by life care institutions to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. These institutions can now offer some services in a community setting or private residence with clear contracting requirements. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay a one-time admission fee. Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and health support. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. BIRD BILL TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SAVE ENERGY (Apr. 8) — The House Energy and Environment committee passed a bill that would make additional capital available for affordable housing and other public housing authority projects by allowing these projects to participate in the New Energy Improvements District’s (NEID) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. “This is an important bill that will greatly benefit many hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “By allowing housing authorities to participate in this program, we are reducing costs to develop affordable housing by 15 to 20 percent. This savings will benefit taxpayers and, importantly, can be passed on to tenants and significantly lower their living expenses.” HB19-1272 will expand access to Colorado’s C-PACE program to public housing authorities and affordable housing projects across the state, allowing these entities to have ready access to capital that can be used for energy and water efficiency projects on their properties. As a result, the overall operational costs of these properties will decrease and the savings will ultimately be passed on to Colorado’s most vulnerable including veterans and disabled individuals. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 BILL TO BOOST COLORADO WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by breaking down barriers for Coloradans with a criminal history to obtain licensure, certification or registration for many professions and occupations today passed the House unanimously. HB22-1098, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Jennifer Bacon, would make it easier for Coloradans with unrelated criminal charges to obtain the credentials they need to enter a profession. “This bill will boost our workforce by breaking down unnecessary barriers that prevent people from entering a profession and building a new life,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Under the bill, the Department of Regulatory Affairs will create a standard for Coloradans with criminal records to apply for jobs to make it easier for qualified individuals to pursue careers in critical fields.” “We are excluding too many people from thriving in professions they are qualified for,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This disproportionately prevents Black and Brown Coloradans from building a better life and entering professions regulated by the state. This bill will begin to open new opportunities for Coloradans who have been involved in the criminal justice system, which will boost our workforce, create jobs and help employers across the state.” HB22-1098 would make it so applicants may only be denied a credential based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. Additionally, the bill allows regulators to issue a conditional credential to a potential applicant with certain guardrails in place. Nearly one in three Coloradans have a criminal record that hinders them from applying for state regulated jobs, including K-12 teaching, child care, health care and other high-demand sectors in Colorado facing workforce shortages. HB22-1098 would make it easier for qualified Coloradans to apply for these jobs if their criminal record does not hinder their ability to do the job safely. Previous Next

The bipartisan Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards today advanced three bills including legislation to expand grant opportunities to county jails, create guidelines for jails preparing to consolidate, and improve and modernize communications between those incarcerated and their attorney. < Back November 20, 2024 Jail Standards Interim Committee Advances Three Bills DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards today advanced three bills including legislation to expand grant opportunities to county jails, create guidelines for jails preparing to consolidate, and improve and modernize communications between those incarcerated and their attorney. “This summer, the committee met with important voices in the judicial space, including spokespeople for county sheriffs, the Attorney General’s office, and criminal justice advocates, and we are ready to move forward with data-driven legislation that will improve the operational efficiency of our county jails,” said Senator-Elect and Chair Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bills 1, 2 and 3. “I’m sponsoring legislation that will bring more money into our county jails, save rural counties money and boost staffing by allowing them to consolidate their jails, and increase access to communication between incarcerated people and their attorneys. These changes will have a significant impact on both county jails and incarcerated Coloradans that will streamline operations, help address the workforce shortages in rural counties, and ensure Coloradans can access legal representation while incarcerated.” “Throughout the interim, we’ve worked alongside many advocates, attorneys and state agencies in the criminal justice arena to develop new, impactful policy to improve our state’s correctional facilities for everyone involved,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of Bills 2 and 3. “Of the bills we passed today, we are working to cut red tape so our county jails can make necessary safety improvements and have clear guidelines for consolidation. We’re also clarifying and modernizing laws surrounding incarcerated people’s right to no-cost, private phone calls and video communications with their attorney. These bills combined would improve our criminal justice system in Colorado.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver and Senator-Elect Amabile, would support grants to maintain, repair, renovate and improve Colorado’s county jails. The bill expands the responsibilities of the commission to include jails in addition to court facilities. The goal of Bill 1 is to ensure Colorado’s county jails have a pathway to receiving grant funding they need to make necessary improvements to their facilities. Bill 2 , sponsored by Representative Garcia and Senator-Elect Amabile, would allow two or more counties to enter intergovernmental agreements to allow them to consolidate jail functions with the purpose of reducing high costs associated with staffing, liability, and operations. It would also make these counties with a population of less than 40,000 eligible for liability coverage under Colorado’s Risk Management Fund. Bill 3 , sponsored by Representative Garcia, Senator-Elect Amabile and Senator Gonzales, would improve communication between a person who is in custody and their attorney. This bill specifically allows those in custody to receive a reasonable number of telephone calls or interactive audiovisual conferencing from their attorney at no cost. The goal of Bill 3 is to improve and modernize communication pathways between those in custody and their attorney by clarifying the right in stature to have no cost, private and unrecorded phone calls or video calls. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 REP. DURAN APPLAUDS DEFEAT OF SO-CALLED “RIGHT-TO-WORK” LEGISLATION (Jan. 30) – This week, the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee defeated a so-called “right-to-work” bill. The bill would have hampered the ability of workers in our state to organize, a right provided through long-standing federal law. “A win for Union Workers today! HB18-1101 (Right to Work) was defeated in committee,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Thank you to all my union brothers and sisters that attended our meeting and had their voices heard.This legislation is bad for workers and bad for our economy.” HB19-1101 would have restricted the ability of unions to negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for workers. This bill would have also prevented employers from exercising their right to hire union-trained and certified employees. If passed, the bill would have had devastating impacts on worker wages and protections, further stacking the deck against hardworking families in our state. A large Economic Policy Institute study from 2011 found that, after controlling for a host of factors, right-to-work states have lower wages on average than states without right-to-work laws. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back June 2, 2025 New Law Helps Identify and Prevent the Sale of Stolen Firearms DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “This law allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers have better tools to help keep our communities safe by identifying guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “SB25-205 comes from concerns raised by firearm dealers in my district, and is a win for both public safety and responsible small businesses,” said Sen. Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “It ensures that when someone wants to trade in or sell a used firearm, dealers have a clear process and safeguards while they check if a gun is lost or stolen. By guaranteeing timely law enforcement checks, we keep firearm transactions aboveboard and help people buy and sell through safe, legitimate channels. This law also protects dealers from making costly, unintentional purchases that could hurt their business.” “We’ve created this law for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Running serial number checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. This law helps firearm dealers protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 establishes a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the law, local county sheriff’s offices must complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they will be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours. Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO ENSURE REDISTRICTING PROCESS GOES SMOOTHLY ADVANCES Bill would adjust the procedures of Colorado’s Redistricting Commissions in the wake of COVID-19 related delays. DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bipartisan bill to propose alternative procedures for Colorado’s bipartisan Redistricting Commissions given the delay in the Census data necessary to redraw Congressional and state legislative districts. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “By passing Amendments Y and Z, our voters spoke with one clear voice to prevent gerrymandering in Colorado’s 2021 redistricting process,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “None of us could have predicted a global public health emergency would delay the Census’ delivery of population data, but today’s bill works to ensure our redistricting process continues in a timely way despite the challenges. I’m proud of the bipartisan work we have done to guarantee fair and balanced maps for Colorado.” Amendments Y and Z established a clear timeline for Colorado’s electoral redistricting efforts. These dates, mandated in the constitution, require the Commissions to use “necessary census data” to accurately draw electoral districts for the state. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a delay in the ability of the United States Census Bureau (Census Bureau) to deliver to the state the population and demographic data necessary to redraw election districts. This delay prevents both the independent redistricting commissions (both Congressional and legislative) from completing their work by the deadlines in the constitution. SB21-247 , an Executive Committee bill sponsored by Minority and Majority Leaders in both the House and Senate, is intended to give the Commission the flexibility it needs to draw fair electoral maps in the face of these delays. Only as it applies to the current redistricting cycle, the bill amends the definition of “necessary census data” to allow the preliminary plans to be developed using state apportionment data that was released on April 26, and other population and demographic data from federal or state sources that are approved by the commissions. The three staff plans to be drafted by nonpartisan staff, one of which will be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval, have to be drawn using final census data. The bill also requires a public hearing on maps being drawn with final census data once it is made available. This bill will serve as the basis for an interrogatory to be submitted to the Supreme Court this week regarding these alternative procedures for redistricting. Previous Next

Three bills save patients money on health care, improve access to contraception, and improve access to health care services < Back May 30, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care Become Law Three bills save patients money on health care, improve access to contraception, and improve access to health care services DENVER, CO - Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed three bills into law that prohibit facility fee charges for preventative care to save Colorado patients money, increase health insurance coverage for contraception, and increase annual funding for nursing facilities and prioritize reimbursement for facilities that serve a higher rate of Medicaid patients. “Surprise bills like hospital facility fees are making it more difficult for Coloradans to seek the care that they need because they can’t afford to be charged hundreds or thousands of dollars in hidden costs on top of the care they received,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1215. “We need hospital billing and facility fees to be more transparent so patients know what to expect. With this bill becoming law today, we’re better protecting patients and saving Coloradans money on health care.” “Most Coloradans are unable to afford hundreds or thousands of dollars of surprise hidden fees,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Surprise fees make it difficult for Coloradans to budget for health care services, deterring people from seeking the care they need altogether. Prohibiting certain facility fees will help protect patients and provide much needed relief for Colorado families.” “When Coloradans put off medical care because they can’t afford to take on more bills, it can become more expensive and life-threatening to address,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Increasing access to preventative care reduces costs for everyone by helping patients get the care they need before their conditions become worse and more expensive to treat. By prohibiting facility fees on preventative care, Coloradans will save money on care that keeps them healthy and avoid surprise fees they can’t afford.” “Medical debt is already a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States; it is not acceptable that Coloradans are being burdened with unnecessary costs they should not be responsible for,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1215. “Facility fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are impossible for families to plan for, since they are often unexpected. Further examining and addressing facility fees, and requiring additional transparency, will help save Coloradans money and allow them to better plan and budget for necessary medical care." Some health care centers have started to charge patients hidden fees, often called a facility fee, on top of the health care services they are already being charged to cover operating costs. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are impossible for families to budget for, since there is no transparency as to how these fees will be applied. HB23-1215 prohibits health care providers from charging a facility fee for preventative care in an outpatient setting. Under this law, health care providers are required to share information about facility fees to patients and post information on their property. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice to not share facility fee information to patients. The law also requires a report to be produced by August 1, 2024 that outlines the details of the impact of facility fees to better understand what these fees cover and how these fees impact patient cost and patient health. "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. Today's bill protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline." “Coloradans should be able to access their entire twelve month prescribed contraceptive medication at once, and this legislation closes loopholes so the law can work as intended,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284. “Allowing access to a twelve month supply of contraceptives ensures that Coloradans don’t face additional barriers to accessing their medication, such as not living close to a pharmacy, lacking reliable transportation, or many other reasons.” “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-Lakewood, sponsor of SB23-284. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, and ensuring patients can access twelve months of birth control. This bill will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” 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 makes sure Colordans 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. “This new law will provide critical funding to Colorado nursing facilities, helping them keep their doors open and serve older Coloradans across our state, especially in rural areas where many facilities are at risk of closing,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1228. “If we don’t secure funding to prevent nursing facilities from closing, many older Coloradans will lose their homes and access to the daily care they rely on. This new law provides over $60 million in funding so nursing facilities can stay open, hire quality staff, and continue to care for our parents, grandparents, and friends.” “Due to low financial reimbursement rates, our skilled nursing facilities have struggled to maintain the level of quality care they strive to provide,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, Chair of the Joint Budget Committee and sponsor of HB23-1228. “In addition to increasing funding to our nursing homes, we are taking critical steps toward improving the overall nursing facility reimbursement model to ensure Colorado will have a system that works well into the future. I’m proud to see this critical policy signed into law so that our nursing facilities can keep their doors open, provide quality care to high-need Coloradans, and plan for a sustainable financial future for years to come.” “Low reimbursement rates have caused many nursing facilities to close their doors, making it more difficult for our loved ones to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1228. “This law includes stronger financial transparency requirements to ensure nursing facilities and the state are working in tandem to properly allocate funding, allowing nursing facilities to stay in business, accept new residents, and overall provide the critical care, treatment and services residents need.” HB23-1228 makes several changes to the Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement rates to ensure Colorado’s nursing facilities are getting the proper funding to care for their high-need residents, accept new residents, and maintain their operation. Specifically, this law repeals the standard core per diem rate of 3-percent annually and increases it to 10-percent next fiscal year, 3-percent in fiscal year 2024-25, 1.5-percent in 2025-2026, and then a rate to be determined by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) in the following years. Targeted funding will supplement the needs of facilities that serve residents with severe mental health conditions, severe dementia and acquired brain injuries. This law increases the core per diem rate combined with a new supplemental payment for facilities with disproportionately high Medicaid utilization, facilities that are geographically critical to ensuring access to care, and facilities that admit compassion release individuals will result in HCPF receiving more than $62 million this year to support Colorado’s nursing facilities. To ensure financial transparency, nursing facilities will be required to submit audited financial statements to HCPF. Currently, Colorado’s nursing home facilities can report costs that have already been reimbursed by Medicare for Medicaid reimbursement, but due to complications from funding sources, nursing facilities are not currently being reimbursed for their full costs. HB23-1228 changes this Medicaid reimbursement structure to create a more sustainable, flexible, and innovative reimbursement structure so nursing facilities are getting the full reimbursement they deserve. Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS CLEARS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bill that would allow 529 account funds to be used on post-secondary apprenticeships and programs. This switch would save Coloradans money on pursuing post-secondary learning beyond traditional higher education models. “This bill will save Coloradans money on apprenticeship programs and boost our growing workforce,” said Cathy Kipp, D-Ft. Collins. “Expanding the usage of 529 funds to include apprenticeships makes it easier for Coloradans to enter high-demand careers as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians among other skilled trades. Career paths aren’t set in stone and this bill gives Coloradans the choice to pursue their own educational path, whether it guides them to an apprenticeship program or traditional higher education.” HB22-1310 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Colin Larson, passed committee unanimously. This bill would allow 529 funds to be spent on post-secondary opportunities beyond higher education, including apprenticeships. 529 accounts operate similarly to Roth retirement accounts, they grow tax free for the purpose of investments in future education or retirement. However, under current law, qualified education expenses only include certain post-secondary education, such as higher education and college. This bill would extend the use of 529 funds to be used for other post-secondary education, such as apprenticeships and trades work. If signed into law, 529 funds can be spent on fees, books, supplies and equipment for certain apprenticeship programs. Previous Next

< Back August 24, 2022 GOV. POLIS, LIEUTENANT GOV. PRIMAVERA, HIGHER-ED DIRECTOR PACCIONE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS, STATE LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF PROGRAM TO HELP SAVE HEALTH CARE STUDENTS MONEY Free community college for aspiring health care professionals builds upon Polis Administration’s work to save Coloradans money while building the workforce for the future ENGLEWOOD — Today, Governor Polis, joined by Lieutenant Gov. Primavera, Dr. Angie Paccione, Department of Higher Education executive director, Joe Garcia, Colorado Community College System chancellor, Stephanie J. Fujii, Arapahoe Community College president, state legislators, and community leaders launched the Care Forward Colorado program, which makes community college free for aspiring health care professionals, saving Coloradans time and money while giving Colorado’s health care system the support it needs to continue providing quality care. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Bob Rankin and State Rep. Kyle Mullica as part of Colorado’s Roadmap to Moving Forward to infuse funding into the development of the health care workforce, providing real support to Coloradans entering the health care industry in good-paying jobs. “We are saving Coloradans money and making sure students can get the skills and training they need to build up our health care workforce for the future,” said Gov. Polis . “Colorado has one of the most highly educated and talented workforces in the country, and we are taking action to develop more talent right here at home.” “The past few years have been difficult for all of us, but especially our health care heroes, and it’s up to us to support them any way we can,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis. “The Care Forward Colorado program will ensure health care professionals can go to community college for free, making it easier for Coloradans to enter the medical field while supporting our health care workforce so we can provide the highest quality care for patients. Through this program, we’re saving people money while building a healthier Colorado for all.” “When I recovered from my injuries and returned to civilian life, Arapahoe Community College gave me my first shot at getting back into building a new career by serving student veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Now, with the new Care Forward Colorado Program, aspiring health care providers will have an opportunity to launch the career of their dreams. Free community college saves people money, and this program will strengthen our health care provider workforce to ensure everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.” “It’s exciting to see this new law I sponsored being put into action,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, an ER nurse . “The Care Forward Colorado Program at Arapahoe Community College will save Coloradans money as they pursue their careers in health care. I saw firsthand the burnout, stress, and anguish felt by so many of our first responders during the pandemic. SB22-226, and the free community college programs it’s creating, will boost our health care workforce and create new, free options for students to complete the degrees they need to build their careers.” Programs and training opportunities will be available at 19 community and technical colleges across Colorado, including the Colorado Community College System, Aims Community College, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mountain College, and Colorado's Area Technical Colleges. Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following health care certificate programs will be reimbursed for tuition, fees, and materials through 2024: Certified nursing assistant Emergency medical technician Phlebotomy technician Pharmacy technician Medical assistant Dental assistant “Care Forward Colorado propels Colorado toward a health care system where students can get a free health care certificate from their local community college and then decide whether to enter the workforce or continue their education locally,” said Dr. Angie Paccione . “This zero-cost opportunity puts students on a pathway to a career in health care, not simply a job.” “We have long been the partner of choice for Colorado’s health care industry and are proud to continue this legacy through Care Forward Colorado,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). “We are grateful to Gov. Polis and legislators for entrusting us with this generous investment and stand ready to train the next generation of health care professionals.” Helping Coloradans get the skills they need to lead careers they love has been one of the Polis Administration’s top priorities, with a focus on skills development in key industries like education, child care, and health care. Care Forward Colorado is one of more than 100 ways the Polis Administration continues to save Coloradans money and connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs. Community leaders voiced their support for the legislation signed by Gov. Polis to create the Care Forward Colorado program. "Senate Bill 226 aligns with CDLE’s work to support a strong health care talent pipeline through investments in health care apprenticeships and other work-based learning models. We are committed to working with the Community College system and technical colleges to advance apprenticeships and work-based learning across health care professions," said Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “SB 226 creates a pathway for current clinical health care providers to advance their knowledge and skills, as well as the opportunity for new Coloradoans to join our essential health care workforce,” said Dr. Robin Wittenstein, CEO of Denver Health. “This investment in people is critical not only for hospitals like Denver Health but for our employees and future employees as they work to advance their economic mobility. We were proud to support this legislation.” “Even before the pandemic, Colorado faced shortages in critical entry-level health care positions, and our colleges are committed to filling these gaps through affordable, accessible training,” said Dr. Landon Pirius, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the Colorado Community College System. “We are grateful to Governor Polis and Senators Jaquez Lewis and Rankin and Representative Mullica for prioritizing legislation that makes historic investments in students and in our programs so we can bolster our work to transform lives and train the next generation of health care leaders.” Previous Next