Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX < Back May 6, 2024 Bills to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related Crimes, Discrimination in School Passes House Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189, which passed by a vote of 45-17, would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The House also passed legislation that would better protect students by developing best practices for public schools to effectively respond to reports of harassment or discrimination. SB24-162 passed by a vote of 44-18. "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-189. "This legislation bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also updates the definition of "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. SB24-162 would require the Department of Education to partner with an organization to develop best practices and training related to discrimination and harassment in public schools, including protocols relating to notifying students and parents about school policies and procedures, and implementing trauma-informed responses. Additionally, the department would provide harassment and discrimination training program materials for schools. “Our educators know that creating a safe place to learn is important for the education of our students, but they need professional training to provide effective, trauma-informed responses,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Per the request of our schools and educators, we’re building upon our work last year to ensure schools and educators have the professional resources they need to support our youth against harassment and discrimination.” “Too many students have experienced harassment, racism, and sexism in school, and we must ensure that their classrooms are a safe and accepting learning environment,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Last year, we passed SB23-296 to clearly define what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. This new legislation aims to build on this law to create a stronger framework for harassment and discrimination policies to better protect students in every corner of our state.” Signed into law in 2023 and sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Leslie Herod, SB23-296 provides clear definitions for harassment and discrimination in K-12 public schools and requires schools to post notices describing how a student can report harassment or discrimination to the school. The law further requires schools to adopt procedures for investigating reports of harassment or discrimination and to grant an excused absence to a student for certain out-of-school appointments related to the student experiencing harassment or discrimination. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO BOLSTER RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS AND STREAMLINE RAPE KIT TRACKING DENVER, CO — Representative Meg Froelich’s bill to improve how Colorado catalogues and maintains forensic medical evidence of sexual assault, known as rape kits, was passed by the House this morning. The bill would begin the process of creating a rape kit tracking system, add victims’ rights provisions and give them more access to information about the status of their medical evidence. The bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. “The House stood up to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault today,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Improving our rape kit processing and tracking system and making sure that survivors can track the status of their investigation confidentially and efficiently is a crucial step forward.” HB20-1228 would require the Department of Public Safety to research the creation of a system to track forensic medical evidence related to sexual assault cases, known as rape kits. The bill directs the department to develop rules to implement a system that allows victims to access information related to the status of this medical evidence, which must be retained until the assailant may no longer be prosecuted for the crime. If a conviction or plea has not been entered in a case, the bill requires the entity holding the medical evidence to notify the victim prior to the medical evidence being destroyed and to maintain the medical evidence for an additional 10 years if the victim objects to its destruction. It also includes provisions related to the confidentiality of the information in this system and requires medical professionals collecting evidence related to a sexual assault to notify the victim of the contact information for the nearest sexual assault victim’s advocate. The Judiciary Committee had previously approved the bill unanimously. Previous Next

< Back September 16, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: McCluskie Leads Joint Letter from Lawmakers Urging Biden to Protect Public Lands in Colorado DENVER, CO – Thirty four Colorado lawmakers led by Representative Julie McCluskie today urged President Biden to protect the public lands within the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). The CORE Act is federal legislation sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Congressman Joe Neguse that would protect over 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations. "From recreation to conservation, Colorado's public lands are stunning and play a critical role in our state's economy," said Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “These 400,000 acres of cascading mountains, abundant ecosystems and crystal clear rivers are extraordinary. Preserving them is vital for our communities, our environment and our economy. By designating these lands as wilderness areas and a national monument, we will memorialize the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained at Camp Hale, provide much needed certainty for the communities that depend on conserving these lands, and protect our Colorado way of life.” “From Camp Hale where my grandfather trained with the 10th, to the Thompson Divide, Colorado’s public lands are what make our state great, and are a critical driver of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “Ensuring our most treasured natural spaces remain open to the public will protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage for generations to come. My grandfather fell in love with Colorado at Camp Hale and I hope that experience will happen again and again under this new protection.” In their letter, the lawmakers urged President Biden to use the authority granted to him and his cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the CORE Act. “The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected,” the lawmakers wrote. “ While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.” The full text of the letter is below and can be found here . Mr. President: The undersigned Colorado state senators and representatives urge you to use the authority granted to you and your cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). As you are aware, this request was recently made by CORE Act sponsors Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Joe Neguse, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected. In Colorado, we have a long history and commitment to public lands conservation. In January 2021, and for the first time in several years, we saw the Colorado public lands ethos shine through the priorities of the presidency when you committed the country to a first of its kind national conservation strategy. In a time when the impacts to public lands from climate change are rising and racial and economic inequities are expanding, the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful conservation plan has never been needed more. By protecting the landscapes within the CORE Act through administrative action, you can secure progress towards the goals set forth in the American the Beautiful plan by taking action to protect Colorado’s public lands. Camp Hale and the surrounding Tenmile Range are incredibly deserving of permanent protection as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. The 10th Mountain Division trained across the landscape in preparation of high altitude warfare in the European Alps during World War II. The adjacent Tenmile Range was particularly integral to their training. Following the war, the soldiers who were lucky enough to have made their way home founded the US ski industry and the outdoor recreation economy that is now so vital to our state. There are few opportunities to experience and appreciate the history of World War II in our country and the sacrifices made by so many of its citizens. However, Camp Hale and the Tenmile Range are living artifacts to that sacrifice and they also happen to be some of our nations’ most beautiful public lands. Further west lies the Thompson Divide; another mountainous landscape that local ranchers and outdoor recreationists have spent years advocating to be protected from oil and gas development. Because the legislation has stalled in Congress, its left local advocates living under the veil of uncertainty. We urge your administration to protect the Thompson Divide landscape through a Federal Lands Policy and Management Act mineral withdrawal. Finally, we request your administration provide protections for the exemplary public lands in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains by working through the ongoing Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest Plan Revision. These landscapes are simply too important for conservation and historic and cultural preservation to become the subject of ephemeral political whims. The CORE Act, which includes the areas mentioned previously and more, already passed the House of Representative five times, only to meet repeated partisan obstacles in the United States Senate over the last several Congresses. While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future. Thank you, Representative Julie McCluskie President Pro Tempore Kerry Donovan Representative Dylan Roberts Representative Barbara McLachlan Speaker Alec Garnett President Steve Fenberg House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno Speaker Pro Tempore Adrienne Benavidez Senator Julie Gonzales Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lisa Cutter Representative Monica Duran Representative Brianna Titone Representative Judy Amabile Representative Tracey Bernett Representative Matt Gray Representative Shannon Bird Representative Steve Woodrow Representative David Ortiz Representative Karen McCormick Representative Mary Young Representative Chris Kennedy Representative Andrew Boesenecker Senator Rachel Zenzinger Representative Emily Sirota Representative Mike Weissman Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet Representative Cathy Kipp Representative Iman Jodeh Senator Chris Hansen Senator Chris Kolker Representative Edie Hooton Senator Faith Winter Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS BIPARTISAN BILLS TO IMPROVE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ACCESS TO FOOD Legislation directs more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve outcomes for Colorado youth through behavioral health programs and healthy food access DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee passed three bipartisan bills to improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth and most vulnerable residents. These bills invest more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand behavioral health programs for children and improve youth access to healthy food. “Our neighbors have not been immune to the rising cost of groceries, which is why we are investing federal funds to make it easier for Coloradans in the most vulnerable communities to access healthy, nutritious foods,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380. “The Community Food Access Program is the right move for better connecting low-income Coloradans with the services they need while supporting small businesses in the process.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients. HB22-1380 passed committee by a unanimous vote. “We are tackling Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis from multiple angles,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “During my career as a school psychologist, I experienced firsthand the behavioral health improvement possible when students and their families had access to the right services. This substantial investment of federal relief funds will expand youth access to critical behavioral health care.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative, long-term impacts on the behavioral health of our youngest kids,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369. “We’re using federal relief dollars to invest in our youth’s behavioral health through the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. HB22-1369 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2019 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES TITONE BILL ON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (Mar. 12) – The House Education committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, that will provide a baseline statutory guidance for how public schools can operate as a community school. Statutorily defining community schools would open up the possibility for additional federal education funding and research shows that students in low-performing schools achieve more in the classroom when they switch to schools with a community school model. “The community school model has been shown to increase student achievement through strategic partnerships among families, educators, and community partners,” said Rep. Titone. “By putting this into statute, we are providing a potential avenue for these schools to acquire the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable Colorado children and poise them for success. SB19-102 defines ‘community school’ and permits a public school, especially low-income schools, to include community schools in its innovation plan to allow them to operate as such. The bill passed the House Education committee with an 8-5 vote. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

SB26-150 would implement the recommendations from the RTD Accountability Committee < Back April 28, 2026 Bill to Modernize and Improve RTD Passes Committee SB26-150 would implement the recommendations from the RTD Accountability Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to modernize and improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD). SB26-150, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Jamie Jackson, passed on a vote of 9-4. “RTD reform has been a big priority for me in the legislature, and I am excited that we are taking a big step to create a more robust and reliable transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The RTD Accountability Committee did a terrific job recommending necessary changes so we can create safe, accessible public transit across the Denver Metro Area. This bill implements recommendations from the committee to deliver on Colorado’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and get Coloradans where they need to go.” “Working people deserve high-quality transit systems, which is why we’re bringing this bill to improve mass transit safety, reliability and accessibility,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “The unfortunate reality is that RTD isn’t delivering, and after many years of waiting for improvements, time is up and Coloradans are rightly out of patience. We must reform RTD’s leadership to get this agency on the right track. Mass transit plays an important role in reaching our climate goals, saving Coloradans money on transportation and creating transit-oriented housing. This legislation will make changes to better align RTD with the needs of our communities.” SB26-150 would make a number of changes to the RTD board in order to create a governing board that is more functional and well-equipped to make decisions in pursuit of a world-class transit system. These changes include: Reducing the current 15-member board to nine, increasing efficiency and bringing it in line with the majority of transit boards in the country; Preserving five seats up for election, ensuring that the majority of the board remains democratically elected; Making the remaining four seats at-large appointments, ensuring that the board will have expertise in finance, land use, transportation planning, disproportionately impacted communities, and/or labor; Requiring one of the board members to be appointed in consultation with the Denver Regional Council of Governments and at least one board member to be an Amalgamated Transit Union member, guaranteeing that the voices of local governments and labor are represented; Raising board and chairperson salaries to attract high-quality candidates; and Increasing structure and clarity for the board by requiring that specific authorities and responsibilities be set for each board member. New RTD districts would be drawn in advance of the 2028 election, creating an entirely new board by January 1, 2029, with plans in place to achieve staggered turnover of the board starting in 2031. Additionally, the bill would require that RTD complete a study and adopt a plan for implementing improved paratransit services by December 31, 2027. The bill would also require a review of the new RTD board structure after 15 years, guaranteeing a review of the new structure to assess its effectiveness over time, including representation, expertise, ridership, and financial performance. The RTD Accountability Committee was created by SB25-161 , also sponsored by Rep. Froelich. As a result of the bill, the Committee delivered its recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor Polis earlier this year. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to study remediation and restoration standards in homes affected by wildfire. < Back March 6, 2024 Bill to Study Wildfire Damage, Address Health Risks Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to study remediation and restoration standards in homes affected by wildfire. HB24-1315, sponsored by Representative Brown and Amabile, aims to outline health concerns caused by in-home wildfire damage and create new remediation procedures. “The list of those impacted by the Marshall Fire goes beyond just those whose properties were completely destroyed – there are many families whose homes were partially damaged by wildfire smoke, soot or ash,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Long exposure to wildfire smoke and ash can lead to health risks, including cardiovascular and respiratory effects. This bill aims to help establish standard protocols regarding remediation for cleaning up these damaged properties. With this bill, property owners, insurance companies and the Division of Insurance will be on the same page about proper next steps for making wildfire-impacted homes safe again.” “Even if your wildfire-impacted home is still standing, it could be considered a health risk because of the lingering contaminants from smoke, soot and ash,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill would create a state-run study to uncover standard protocols for cleaning spaces contaminated by wildfire and make sure they’re not a health risk to residents. From indoor air quality to structural contamination, this bill would help establish much needed guidelines for making wildfire-impacted properties safe for Coloradans.” HB24-1315 , passed by a vote of 11-0 would direct the Division of Insurance to study and make recommendations regarding guidelines and standards for insurers in covering the remediation of homeowner losses due to smoke, soot, and ash. The 2021 Marshall Fire completely destroyed nearly 1,100 residential properties in Boulder County in addition to the hundreds of homes that were impacted by wildfire smoke, soot and ash. Many of the Marshall Fire survivors have been exposed to wildfire-related contaminants found in smoke, soot, and ash which can lead to health issues. Some of these contaminants can become embedded in the infrastructure of homes, making it incredibly difficult to remediate and ensure a healthy and livable space for residents. This bill would help lay the groundwork for uniform standards surrounding proper cleaning of structural elements or personal property and indoor air quality. HB24-1315 would help address health concerns related to in-home wildfire damage, provide clarity and consistency for homeowners, renters, and insurance companies, and support housing availability by creating a procedure for properly cleaning homes damaged by wildfire smoke, ash or soot. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matthew Martinez to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. < Back March 4, 2024 Legislation to Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matthew Martinez to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. HB24-1002 passed by a vote of 61 to 3. “With this bill, we’re boosting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver . “Social workers are critical to the success of our state’s overall behavioral health care system, and we must do everything we can to attract and retain these skilled professionals. By creating a social work licensure compact, already licensed social workers can begin practicing in Colorado more quickly to give Coloradans the whole-person behavioral healthcare they need and deserve.” “We need to use every tool available to us to improve behavioral health care access for Coloradans,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bill would make it easier for licensed social workers in participating states to begin working in Colorado, which is particularly helpful for military spouses who often relocate. This bill removes barriers to entering Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce and helps streamline care for Coloradans across the state.” HB24-1002 would create new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill creates the "Social Work Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing behavioral health care access in Colorado. The “Social Work Licensure Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state, and to increase the number of providers to engage in meaningful behavioral health care for Coloradans. Colorado lawmakers have championed nine mobility compact laws over the years, including last year’s HB23-1064 to address Colorado’s teacher shortage. Previous Next

HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale < Back May 30, 2024 New Law Will Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our new law will allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. With this legislation, we can maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.” “Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.” Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175 , owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market. For non-subsidized multifamily properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO UPDATE COLORADO’S DEFINITION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to update the state’s definition of sexual assault passed the House today by a unanimous vote. HB22-1169, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Matt Soper, would update the definition of sexual assault in state law to include consent. “This bill makes an update to Colorado’s dated definition of sexual assault to include ‘knowing the victim does not consent’,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet D-Commerce City. “Through modernizing the definition of sexual assault, we’re making it clear that without known consent, it's sexual assault in the eyes of the law. This session, we’re taking big steps towards making Colorado safer, and this bill works to modernize the definition of sexual assault to make it easier for prosecutors to charge perpetrators and get survivors the justice they deserve.” Under current Colorado law, sexual assault is defined as “sexual intrusion or penetration when the actor causes submission of the victim by means sufficient to cause submission against the victim's will.” If passed, HB22-1169 amends this definition to “...when the actor causes sexual intrusion or sexual penetration knowing the victim does not consent.” Colorado’s definition of sexual assault originated nearly 50 years ago when Coloradans’ scope of sexual assault victims was narrow and non-inclusive. This bill aims to modernize the definition of sexual assault to include consent. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent wildlife collisions and improve road safety. The Wildlife Collision Prevention Act, also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed by a vote of 8-2. < Back April 20, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Improve Road Safety, Reduce Costs and Fund Wildlife Crossings DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent wildlife collisions and improve road safety. The Wildlife Collision Prevention Act, also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed by a vote of 8-2. “The success of the Kremmling wildlife crossing has made it clear that wildlife crossings help prevent dangerous accidents,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Wildlife collisions are common on the Western Slope, which not only makes road travel risky, but also drives up car insurance costs and impacts Colorado’s ecosystem. Our bipartisan bill would create more opportunities to build wildlife crossings, saving lives and protecting Colorado wildlife.” SB26-141 would create an optional $5 collision prevention fee during annual vehicle registration, creating reliable and dedicated funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure. The bill aims to dramatically reduce motor vehicle crashes with wildlife by authorizing an optional $5 fee that will be collected during annual vehicle registration beginning in 2027. The fund would be used to construct wildlife collision prevention infrastructure, including overpasses, underpasses, jump-outs, and fencing, and would also allow Colorado to leverage federal matching funds for these projects. A portion of the funds would also benefit the Wildlife Cash Fund, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to conserve habitat on either side of the crossings. Collisions with wildlife can be fatal, damage property, and create financial burdens. In 2024, at least 3,500 crashes with animals occurred on Colorado roads. From 2010-2025, these tragic accidents resulted in 52 motorist fatalities and over 400 serious injuries. The total estimated annual cost of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado is over $300 million . Wildlife crossings have been shown to reduce these collisions by more than 90 percent . Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to safeguard constitutional rights for all Coloradans. < Back April 22, 2026 Bill to Safeguard Constitutional Rights Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to safeguard constitutional rights for all Coloradans. SB26-005 would ensure that those harmed by federal immigration enforcement officials have a pathway to justice in state court if their U.S. constitutional rights are violated. “The Trump Administration is weaponizing fear and division to keep immigrants scared and silent. But in Colorado, we protect our neighbors,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “As we’ve seen in Minnesota, federal immigration agents are openly, and in some cases violently, violating people’s Fourth Amendment rights. The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and we’re taking steps to safeguard your rights from federal overreach.” “Children as young as five years old are being detained and separated from their families, and the inhumane tactics of federal law enforcement agencies are causing injury and even death,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins . “We will safeguard your rights in Colorado, and that includes creating recourse when your Constitutional rights are violated by federal law enforcement. Accountability matters, and this bill ensures that rights also have remedies, and that the federal government is not above the law." SB26-005 upholds constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-006 passed committee by a vote of 7-4. This bill establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution resulting from civil immigration enforcement, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable to the injured party for appropriate legal or equitable relief within two years of the violation. SB26-005 would provide Coloradans with a new pathway to pursue legal recourse if they are injured during an immigration enforcement encounter by federal agents. Previous Next