The House today passed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. HB26-1010 passed by a vote of 47-18. < Back February 26, 2026 House Passes Bill to Support Older Coloradans in the Workforce DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. HB26-1010 passed by a vote of 47-18. “From specialized training to employment access, older Coloradans need workforce resources tailored to them,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Colorado’s economy works best when workers have the tools they need to succeed, and this bill creates strong pathways to support older Coloradans. We’re taking steps now to ensure that older Coloradans have more opportunities to take on new roles and participate in workforce development recommendations.” “Older workers have talent, knowledge and lived experience that is vital to our growing workforce needs,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “With the passage of this bill, we’re prioritizing the participation, representation and support of older Coloradans in the workforce. This bill makes it possible for older Coloradans to have their voices heard regarding their workforce needs. When we equip workers with the resources and support they need to succeed, we can foster a stronger economy that delivers for hardworking people.” HB26-1010 would modify Colorado’s workforce policy to ensure older Coloradans have a seat at the table regarding workforce support and resources. This bill prioritizes representation by placing a worker who is 55-years-old or older on several commissions to ensure their perspectives and needs are considered in the workforce. HB26-1010 also requires the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Commission on Aging, and others to work collaboratively to support workforce development and examine issues related to employment access, training, support and services for older adults. Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of Colorado’s workforce, yet they often report they’re looking for upskilling opportunities and struggle to find employment. While some data is available on older adults in the workplace, there are significant gaps in reporting. HB26-1010 would require data collection and reporting of Coloradans' participation in the workforce. Previous Next

Legislation would update Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by the passage of Amendment 79 < Back March 25, 2025 Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Protections for Abortion Care and Pregnancy-Related Services Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services. “Coloradans believe it is your constitutional right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion. This bill simply implements the voters’ will,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion care and access or restrict funding all together, Colorado remains a beacon for reproductive freedom. To further reduce federal interference, our legislation reduces the state’s reliance on federal reimbursement for reproductive health care. This bill upholds the will of the voters to ensure your fundamental right to access life-saving abortion care is never ripped away.” “Voters made their voices loud and clear – abortion must remain legal and protected in Colorado,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Given the uncertain future of abortion access in our nation, Colorado Democrats stepped up in recent years to protect reproductive health care in our state. Importantly, this bill expands reproductive health care coverage, which means Colorado's public employees can receive the essential care they need without jumping through hoops. In Colorado, we trust people to make their own medical decisions without government interference, and I’m proud to carry this bill through the House.” In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. SB25-183 would implement the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage. SB25-183 passed committee by a vote of 9-4. Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill would ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado, and the Reproductive Health Care Program. Amendment 79 won with 62-percent of the vote statewide. Of the 65 House Districts, Amendment 79 received at least 55-percent of the vote in 46 districts. In a Congressional breakdown , Amendment 79 won majority yes in six out of eight Colorado’s congressional districts, including CD-3. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2022 COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO PREVENT FENTANYL DEATHS HEARD IN COMMITTEE Legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today held a hearing on comprehensive legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Rep. Mike Lynch to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. “This comprehensive fentanyl legislation will save lives by cracking down on the dealers peddling death in our communities and by investing in proven public health strategies that we know are effective,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Our targeted efforts will get this deadly drug off our streets, protect our communities from this poison and keep people alive. I’m disappointed there are people who would rather see this bill die for partisan political gain than work to save lives; lawmakers must come together to pass this life-saving legislation.” “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths in Colorado. The fentanyl crisis demands an aggressive response that will hold dealers accountable and remove this deadly drug from our streets, and that’s what this comprehensive fentanyl legislation will do,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This solution will save lives by giving prosecutors the tools we need to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. This legislation will allow us to respond aggressively to dealers who take Coloradans’ lives when distributing this drug, and I encourage lawmakers to pass this bill.” “This legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on fentanyl dealers to get this dangerous drug off our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “Fentanyl doesn’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat; people are dying in every community in our state. This bill is a comprehensive solution that will save lives and prevent fentanyl deaths.” “Colorado is confronting a deadly fentanyl crisis, and this comprehensive bill will save lives and prevent fentanyl poisonings and overdose deaths,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will help ensure that people struggling with substance use disorders get the treatment they need to make a successful recovery. The bill deploys effective public health strategies that emphasize education and awareness, expand addiction treatment and give people the tools they need to protect themselves and others.” A comprehensive approach including both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers will save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. HB22-1326 will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal also makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 41-22. < Back February 5, 2025 House Passes Bill to Boost Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 41-22. “Coloradans with disabilities rely on certain accessibility features in going about their daily lives, and it’s important that new and renovated buildings such as schools and health facilities meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “With this bill passing the House today, we’re standing by our commitment to Colorado’s disability community by improving accessibility requirements in building codes throughout our state and supporting basic access to public buildings.” “The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law for over 30 years, yet gaps in enforcing those accessibility requirements continue to act as a barrier to Coloradans with disabilities,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. ”As a former local government official, I know this bill will benefit our communities by creating a guideline for local governments to follow when it comes to accessibility updates, mitigating lawsuits and making our communities more accessible for all.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments that adopt or amend a building code to ensure that they meet or exceed the accessibility standards set by the International Code Council and existing laws. The State Housing Board would also be required to meet or exceed these standards when it comes to substantial updates to uniform construction and maintenance standards for hotels, motels, and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control would be responsible for ensuring that building codes for public schools and health facilities meet accessibility standards. Colorado Democrats have championed many laws in recent years to break down accessibility barriers for Coloradans living with disabilities, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to implement a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO MODERNIZE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT CLEARS COMMITTEE Teen vaping is an epidemic in Colorado (Feb. 27) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill that modernizes the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City would add hookah smoking, electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited activities in indoor public places and workplaces. “Colorado teens are engaging in e-cigarette and vaping use at an alarming rate. As a parent of teenagers, I share the concern of moms and dads who are worried about this growing public health issue and how it is impacting their children,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “It’s time to show our young people that vaping is harmful for them, their peers and their long term health.” HB19-1076 looks to protect people of all ages against the dangers of secondhand smoking exposure from electronic cigarettes. It will also ensure that existing smoke-free laws are being enforced. In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General called teen vaping an epidemic . In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado a “B” grade for its smoke-free air citing Colorado’s use of electronic smoking devices indoor. The report also suggested strengthening state and local laws around youth access to tobacco products to raise “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. The bill passed the committee 10-1 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back December 18, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC RECOVERY CONTINUES, BUT NOT FOR ALL DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates, but highlight continuing uncertainty and budgeting challenges ahead. “Today’s budget forecast shows a more positive outlook on our state’s recovery than previously expected, though significant challenges remain,” said JBC Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “While we have made strides in Colorado to provide much-needed relief to our communities, circumstances have improved for some, while others — particularly low-income earners — continue to suffer. Before we can truly bounce back from this devastating public health crisis, we will need to work diligently to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have the support and resources they need to equally recover.” “This forecast shows Colorado’s economy is starting to bounce back, but it’s clear low-wage workers in our state are hurting and still have a difficult road ahead,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Though we passed bipartisan legislation to help bridge the gap for those who are at the most risk of falling further behind, individuals, small businesses, restaurants and schools desperately need more federal assistance to get through the months ahead. We’re going to use every tool we have at the state level to help Colorado build back stronger. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a balanced state budget that supports our schools and critical services and gets Colorado moving again.” “Today’s economic forecasts were reassuring because we are seeing an overall upward trend in our economic recovery that continues to be better than expected,” said JBC member, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “However, we are still far from pre-pandemic levels. CARES Act funds and our state-level COVID relief package have been helpful, but low-wage workers, the service industry, and many Colorado families are still in desperate need of economic relief, and all levels of government–particularly Congress–must do more to assist them.” “This has been a tough time for many Coloradans, particularly low-wage workers, and we’re going to do everything we can to help the people of our state recover and bounce back even stronger,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’ve heard from so many who are suffering right now. Coloradans who were already behind before are now further behind, even as our economy begins to turn around. We’ve targeted state assistance so that more Coloradans can have a fair shot to recover and bridge the gap until there is a vaccine and new federal aid. We’re going to continue prioritizing those who have been hit hardest by this pandemic, our communities of color, students and low-wage workers, and with additional state and federal resources, we will create jobs in Colorado and drive our economy forward.” The Legislative Council staff (LCS) December forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $12.15 billion in FY 2020-21 and $13.14 billion in FY 2021-2022 – a $775.7 million and $590.9 million increase from the September revenue forecast respectively. These upward revisions reflect a persistent improvement in the state’s economic outlook. However, Colorado’s recovery continues to be divergent in nature – reflecting a “K-shaped” rebound. This means that while some sectors and households are bouncing back to pre-recession levels, others continue to struggle. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $12.48 billion for FY 2020-21, which OSPB revised upward by $222 million relative to its September estimate. For FY 2021-22, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $13.47 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $626 million relative to its September estimate. LCS and OSPB predict that revenue subject to TABOR will come in below the Referendum C cap during this forecast period, so TABOR refunds are not expected. Both LCS and OSPB also identified downside risks to the forecast including the possibility of long-term economic “scarring” as well as the short-term increase of COVID-19 cases. As stimulus programs expire, a pullback in consumption and investment is also a potential threat to economic instability. On the flip side, upside risks to the estimate were identified, driven by the anticipated COVID vaccine distribution, potential additional federal stimulus support, and sustained resiliency shown by innovations adopted across consumer and corporate behaviors. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL Wildfires continue to threaten homes across Colorado (May 31) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. “We’re quickly approaching wildfire season and this new law will help small businesses, homes and hardworking people who depend on having healthy forests,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “ It’s critically important to fight wildfires and this law will help mitigate the scope and severity of wildfires.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan is a member of the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. HB19-1006 creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). Colorado has the third highest percentage of households deemed high or extreme risk from wildfires in the entire country. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed two bills that would improve transparency and disclosure requirements of metro districts and expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. < Back March 12, 2025 Phillips, Lindsay Bills to Protect Renters, Metro District Homeowners Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed two bills that would improve transparency and disclosure requirements of metro districts and expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. “Millions of Coloradans live in a metro district, and they deserve to have access to necessary information so they know how they can pursue an issue regarding their property,” said Rep. Jacque Phillips, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB25-1219. “The goal of this legislation is to make information about metro districts, like additional costs, more accessible so Coloradans have this important information on hand before making one of the biggest investments of their lives. This transparency will allow Coloradans to be well-informed so they can better engage with the metro district board and their neighbors.” HB25-1219 , also sponsored by Rep. Carlos Barron, R-Fort Lupton, passed by a vote of 11-0. It would improve the transparency and accountability of metro districts for residents and prospective homebuyers. Currently, metro districts are required to hold annual meetings to share financial information with residents and answer questions. This bill would also strengthen notice requirements for annual meetings to improve resident awareness and participation. If the meeting is held at a physical location, the bill requires nomination forms for open board positions to be made available to reduce barriers for residents interested in pursuing a board position and playing an active role in the governance of the district. The metro district’s website would also be required to include information, including the details of when and where the annual meeting is going to take place, the services the metro district provides, and the information on how residents may get in touch with the district. Districts would be required to establish a system or process for residents to contact district personnel to address time-sensitive concerns outside of normal working hours. HB25-1219 would also require additional disclosures regarding metro districts to homebuyers in real estate transactions, including an estimate of the dollar amount of property taxes levied on the property by the district for the year in which the sale occurs. “If someone qualifies for a housing subsidy, they have already demonstrated the need for housing support and they should not be ineligible for the reusable tenant screening reports, especially if they were a victim of financial abuse,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1236. “We passed a law in 2023 that allows prospective renters to reuse a standardized rental application to cut down on repetitive fees and save Coloradans money. This legislation would harmonize existing laws to better serve housing subsidy recipients so they can also benefit from these cost-saving housing applications and better qualify for safe housing.” HB25-1236 , which passed by a vote of 8-4, specifies that a prospective renter who receives a housing subsidy cannot be required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event in their tenant screening reports. The bill specifies that an adverse credit event includes past late rent payments and collections. The bill removes a requirement that reports received by landlords from tenants be made directly available by reporting agencies, creating more options for providing this information. It also expands the number of days that a prospective renter can reuse a rental application from 30 days to 60 days. Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2023 that allows prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. Additionally, the law minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Previous Next

The House today advanced two bipartisan bills that would spur the creation of more high-quality and affordable child care facilities in our communities and help create more jobs by incentivizing businesses to expand or relocate to Colorado. < Back May 1, 2026 House Dems Pass Bills to Save Families Money on Child Care, Create More Good-Paying Jobs DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bipartisan bills that would spur the creation of more high-quality and affordable child care facilities in our communities and help create more jobs by incentivizing businesses to expand or relocate to Colorado. “Everyone deserves a fair shot at the Colorado Dream, and this bill would create quality child care options and save Colorado families money,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB26-1004. “The Child Care Contribution Tax Credit is an important tool to support hardworking families while creating jobs, which is why I am sponsoring this bipartisan bill so communities across the state can continue to benefit from this tax credit.” The Child Care Contribution Tax Credit allows taxpayers who donate money to a licensed child care facility in Colorado to receive an income tax credit of 50 percent of their contribution. HB26-1004 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, would extend the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit until 2037. These child care facilities could include qualifying child care centers, homeless youth shelters and residential treatment centers. These donations can be used to create or maintain a child care facility, fund child care financial assistance programs for families and train child care providers. In tax year 2023, around $33 million in credits were claimed by almost 16,000 taxpayers, generating a total of $66 million for the child care ecosystem. In January, the Trump Administration attempted to freeze over $300 million of funding for child care and social services that thousands of Colorado families rely on. HB26-1014 , also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would extend the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit through tax year 2034. The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit was created in 2009 to help create new jobs by offering a state income tax credit of 50 percent of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes) contributions paid by the business for each new job. “This legislation will create new, good-paying job opportunities and boost Coloradans in their career fields,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1014. “The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit has successfully created jobs in every corner of our state and above the average pay in the area. Expanding this tax credit would help attract businesses to Colorado, which would create more good-paying jobs and jumpstart careers.” To qualify for this state income tax credit, businesses must create at least 20 new jobs during the credit period, or at least five new jobs if the project is within an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone. These jobs must pay at least 100 percent of the county’s average annual wage and be maintained for at least one year. The following projects were announced as recent recipients of the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit: Neon, a company in the quantum industry, that is expected to create 150 new jobs at 172-percent of the average annual wage in Boulder County, Project Elevate, a real estate investment and modular home manufacturing company, which is expected to create nearly 100 jobs at 135-percent of the average annual wage in Mesa County, and Frontera, a construction company, which is expected to create 40 new jobs at 104-percent of the average annual wage in Montrose County. Previous Next

< Back September 9, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE STATEMENT ON SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN SUMMIT COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE RATES DILLON, CO — Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway announced that Summit County residents purchasing health insurance on the individual market from Peak Health Alliance will see decreases ranging from 39 to 47 percent compared to last year’s premiums. “I am so proud to be a part of a community that is tackling the backbreaking costs of health care with new and innovative ideas. The Peak Health Alliance is significantly reducing health insurance premiums for the working people of Summit County, and I hope we can be a model for what is possible statewide. I was proud to work alongside Sen. Donovan and Rep. Roberts on the legislation that helped make these dramatic reductions in health insurance premiums a reality.” BACKGROUND A new law to create a reinsurance program (HB19-1168) and another bill to establish new health care options (SB19-004) are two bills that are successfully helping to lower health care costs in Summit County. Summit County is the first county in the state to stand up a healthcare co-op. Previous Next

< Back February 10, 2022 ROBERTS’ BIPARTISAN BILL TO ADDRESS RETAIL CRIME AND THEFT PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – A bill to address the rise in retail crime and protect Coloradans from fraudulent online marketplace sellers passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today unanimously. HB22-1099 would require online marketplaces to verify personal seller information and allow buyers to report suspicious activity. “With this bill, we’re taking steps towards reducing retail theft and building a safer Colorado by making it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods online,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon . “This is a common-sense, smart-on-crime bill that we need to pass immediately. We’ve listened to Colorado businesses owners that have suffered losses from theft and vandalism. This bill will add barriers for suspicious online sellers to not only protect Colorado consumers, but cut down on retail theft by making it harder to offload stolen goods online.” If passed HB22-1099 would require online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. This bill would also require sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online. Representative Dylan Roberts also sponsored two additional bipartisan bills that advanced committee today. HB22-1073 would allow the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to conduct inspections of funeral homes and crematories. Under current law, DORA has no authority to inspect funeral homes or crematories without the consent of the business owner. This bill is a direct response to preventing horrendous funeral home malpractice. This bill passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 11-1. HB22-1117 would expand the usage of Lodging Tax revenue beyond destination marketing and promotion to include workforce and economic development. Mountain communities often generate strong revenue from tourism but are limited in how they spend this money. HB22-1117 would allow revenue generated from tourism to be used in workforce recruitment, management, and development to support the tourism workforce through more affordable housing. This bill passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 9-1. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. < Back May 6, 2025 House Passes Willford, Froelich Bill to Address CBI Backlog DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. "CBI’s backlog exceeding 550 days is unacceptable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “There are over 1,300 survivors waiting for their results, and each number is a real person who is seeking the answers they need to pursue accountability and justice. Survivors deserve better, and this bill demonstrates that Colorado stands with them in their fight.” "The CBI backlog has had devastating consequences on survivors and victims, and this bill would help create a system that puts them at the forefront,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “I have proudly sponsored numerous laws to bolster how Colorado handles and processes sexual assault kits, including allowing victims to track the status of their case. This legislation would improve accountability and address the backlog so survivors can seek the justice they deserve." SB25-304 , titled the “Miranda Gordon Justice For Survivors Act of 2025”, would create the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board, whose mission mirrors that of the existing Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board . The board would review and monitor the effectiveness of current protocols, standards, and training practices in the criminal legal system response to sexual assault. Under the bill, it would be required to make victim-centered recommendations for improvement in accordance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill would: Create a notification requirement under the Victim Rights Act that a law enforcement agency must notify victims at least once every 90 days if they have not received DNA test results for their case, Require that crime labs endeavor to analyze test kits and upload results within 60 days, Instruct CBI to create a public-facing dashboard that provides reports on the forensic medical evidence and DNA evidence backlog within 90 days, and Expand existing reporting rules to require that each member of the General Assembly receives updated information about turn around times and backlog progress twice each year. Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304 and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system. Previous Next