< Back May 20, 2021 FED STIM INVESTMENTS IN HOUSING, WORKFORCE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVANCE DENVER, CO — House committees today advanced three bills that would allocate federal stimulus dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act toward affordable housing, workforce development and behavioral health. “The need for affordable housing has skyrocketed in Colorado; across our state, hardworking families are struggling to find a place to live or afford their rent or mortgage,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “That’s why the legislature is going to immediately deploy $100 million in federal funds to help finance the construction of 7,000 affordable housing units across the state. This summer, we’ll work alongside experts, lawmakers, community advocates, and state departments to develop recommendations for how we can most effectively allocate the remaining $450 million in federal funds to make housing more affordable in Colorado.” “Housing is a human right, but it’s way too hard in Colorado for middle and lower-income families to find an affordable place to live,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Housing costs are rising faster than wages and salaries can keep up as more people move into our great state. We heard these concerns loud and clear during our statewide listening tour, and we are going to advance transformational changes to make housing more affordable for Coloradans.” HB21-1329 , which passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 6-4, is sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Steven Woodrow and channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests $100 million of that funding to build 7,000 housing units that will help Coloradans who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic obtain affordable housing. The bill requires a broad and diverse stakeholder process during the interim that will develop and make recommendations to the General Assembly for how to allocate the remaining $450 million. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs and supportive housing programs. HB21-1330 , which passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 8-4, is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The pandemic has disrupted the careers of hardworking people across our state,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill will provide direct support to students and workers seeking to complete higher education or skills training programs. It will increase access to critical education programs that help workers obtain new skills and earn higher wages. By boosting our workforce and easing the path for Coloradans to complete their degrees and certificate programs, we will help workers fill good jobs and bounce back stronger from the pandemic.” “I see it every day in my community–hardworking Coloradans struggling to build a better life who don’t have the resources to complete the degree or certificate program that could set them up for a successful career,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Businesses need skilled workers, and workers and students need affordable pathways to obtain critical skills. That’s exactly what the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative already does. With this $50 million investment in our workforce, we are going to create tremendous opportunities for Coloradans to build successful careers.” Funding allocated under HB21-1330 will provide direct and indirect support to students to incentivize them to complete degree and credential programs, assist in navigating career options and address equity gaps in higher education and the workforce. A portion of the funds will be used for scholarships and financial assistance. Under the bill, higher education institutions will develop student assistance plans that describe how they will spend their allocation to assist students in enrolling, persisting and completing the program. SB21-137 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Chis Kennedy, was amended to deploy over $100 million in federal stimulus funds immediately for emergency behavioral health services. The pandemic and its accompanying economic recession has taken a toll on the mental health of Coloradans, with mental health challenges and substance use disorders taking a particularly high toll on people of color and people who live and work in frontier and rural communities. In 2020, fatal drug overdoses increased by 59 percent in Colorado. The bill passed the Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 10-3. Among its many provisions, the bill provides: recovery-oriented services to individuals with a SUD or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder, support for training programs for providers in rural and metro areas to develop competencies in mental health and substance abuse and grants to nonprofits to provide vouchers to individuals living in rural and frontier communities in need of behavioral health-care services. The amendments also create a Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund and a robust interim process to allocate federal stimulus funds for behavioral health. The Colorado Comeback Roadmap to Building Back Stronger envisions spending over half a billion on behavioral health services. “This session, we’ve passed legislation to require insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams, provide three free mental health sessions for Colorado youth, and create a behavioral health administration, and we’re not done yet,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Colorado will build back stronger if we can connect people with the behavioral health care they need. We are going to use a significant portion of Colorado’s federal relief funds to address urgent needs and bolster our state’s behavioral and mental health capacity.” “The pandemic has had a number of devastating impacts on Coloradans’ mental health, and one distressing pattern we’re seeing is that substance use deaths are rising,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will help Colorado build back stronger by doing everything possible to reverse the impact the pandemic has had on behavioral health. It creates a process to invest over half a billion dollars to ensure critical resources fund the treatment and care that Coloradans need.” Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. CARAVEO’S MULTILINGUAL BALLOT ACCESS BILL ADVANCES DENVER, CO– HB20-1081, sponsored by Representative Yadira Caraveo, today passed the House Committee on State, Veteran, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3. “It’s essential for our democracy that every citizen in our state have the ability to understand their ballots,” said Rep. Caraveo (D- Thornton). “This bill will make ballot access easier for Coloradans across the state while placing only minimal responsibilities on our local governments.” The bill establishes a hotline run by the Secretary of State’s office to provide access to ballot translation and requires the Secretary of State’s office to have the hotline available for the November 2022 election and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. County clerks are to make available minority language sample ballots when a language is spoken by at least 2,000 or 2.5 percent citizens of voting age who speak English “less than very well” in a county. These sample ballots would be available in-person beginning in November 2022 and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. There are over 100,000 Colorado voters who speak English “less than very well,” and over 80,000 of them live in counties where ballots and other election materials are not available in languages other than English. Ballots are often difficult for minority language speakers to comprehend, even if they do speak and read some English. The federal Voting Rights Act only requires the counties of Conejos, Costilla, Denver, and Saguache provide election materials in both English and Spanish, limiting ballot access for Coloradans across the state who speak English “less than very well.” Previous Next

Legislation creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail in Colorado < Back April 23, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Establish Passenger Rail for Colorado Legislation creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail in Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state. SB24-184 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Once in a generation federal infrastructure funding is giving us the opportunity to build an expanded passenger rail system that will create the transportation options Coloradans have been asking for,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie. “In addition to creating transit that reduces traffic and air pollution, passenger rail projects, including Mountain Rail, will create Colorado jobs and boost economies throughout the state. This bill is a long time in the making, and I am excited to make significant progress towards passenger rail infrastructure.” “Front Range Passenger Rail will make it easier to connect my community in Fort Collins down to Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and even into the Rocky Mountains,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker. “By creating additional transportation options, we’re giving Coloradans more choices that can also reduce our carbon emissions and save people money. This legislation is an exciting step to build a safe and reliable passenger rail system in Colorado.” SB24-184 would implement a congestion impact fee to offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion, and wear and tear on Colorado’s roads caused by rental vehicles. Revenue from the fee would create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide transit and rail, as well as other forms of public transportation. The bill would encourage RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins, while exploring near-term opportunities to fund regional transit and rail projects along the Front Range, through Southern Colorado and up to the mountains. It would also direct the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail services originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity Study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus. Finally, the bill encourages CTIO to fund a full suite of multimodal infrastructure projects, including bus and passenger rail, and would require a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards. Previous Next

Legislation would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which provides low interest loans to Colorado small businesses < Back April 18, 2024 Ricks’ Bill to Support Small Business, Create Jobs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance today passed legislation to support Colorado small businesses. HB24-1453 would permanently extend the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund to better support small businesses. By the end of 2024, the CLIMBER Program will provide $250 million in loans to Colorado small businesses. “Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone to our thriving, growing economy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill extends the successful small business loan program, CLIMBER, to uplift our small businesses, create jobs and boost local economies. The CLIMBER Program provides low-interest loans up to $500,000 to help Colorado small businesses expand, increase pay for their employees, open up new locations and more. Our small businesses make Colorado unique – and this bill gives our small businesses a leg up as they positively impact our communities.” HB24-1453 , passed by a vote of 11-0. This bill would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which is set to expire later this year. The goal of HB24-1453 is to make the CLIMBER Program permanent and to better support underserved businesses with the resources and expertise needed to secure these favorable loans. The bill would transfer the program from the Colorado Department of Treasury to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, which houses various programs and resources to support and ensure the success of under-capitalized businesses.To extend the CLIMBER Program and keep it operating long-term, this bill would also ensure $35 million in allocated funds stay with the program and allow for the recapture of repaid loans and other funds to be used for future loans to small businesses. Under the program, small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. These loans can be used to hire more employees, start or expand brick-and-mortar storefronts, get new businesses off the ground and more. Of the loans already distributed by the CLIMBER Program, it is estimated to have supported 1,098 jobs and provided capital to create at least 86 positions. Since its creation in 2020, the CLIMBER Program has provided 246 small business loans across 26 counties totaling over $18 million dollars. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Katie Stewart to help address school staffing shortages in rural or smaller school districts. < Back February 2, 2026 House Advances Bill to Support Rural Schools DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Katie Stewart to help address school staffing shortages in rural or smaller school districts. “We’re addressing our educator and school staff shortage so schools are better able to equip students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “Our bill allows Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES) executive directors to support our rural and smaller schools and address public education educator shortages without losing their retirement benefits. Retired administrators have lived experience and knowledge, and this bill makes sure they can continue to support and help educate Colorado’s students.” “I’m committed to uncovering new avenues to support our rural schools and help address the educator shortage,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “HB26-1027 would make it easier for retired BOCES executive directors to return to the classroom, without risking their retirement benefits. It can be challenging for rural communities like mine to recruit and retain new teachers, administrators and support staff. Our bill makes it possible for retired BOCES executive directors to re-enter the workforce and support their local schools.” HB26-1027 would help support Colorado schools by allowing a retired Board of Cooperative Services (BOCES) executive director to re-enter the schools without losing their retirement benefits. Under this bill, BOCES executive directors would join a list of specific education-related positions, including teachers, paraprofessionals, food service professionals, and bus drivers, who can fill vacant positions in local schools without the risk of losing their Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) benefits. BOCES exist to support rural or smaller school districts in Colorado by allowing multiple school districts to combine resources and share staff. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS TO IMPROVE WOMEN’S HEALTH Preventative care could help lower cost of health care (May 16) – Two bills to improve women’s access to health care services were signed this afternoon by Gov. Jared Polis. A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, looks to address the increasing rate of maternal deaths. This bill will allow the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) to review cases of maternal deaths in a timely manner to then work on ways to lower these deaths. “Colorado’s maternal mortality rate has doubled since 2008. That’s unacceptable so we took action.” said Rep. Buckner. “ This new law will work to stop what is preventable and help save the lives of mothers.” HB19-1122 also imposes diversity requirements for the committee as the maternal mortality rate is higher among African-American women and women in urban areas. 80 percent of maternal deaths in Colorado could have been prevented with proper access to services. The new law also funds Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to complete regular reports to the legislature on ways to prevent maternal mortality based on the findings of the MMRC. The bill was signed at the Center for African American Health in Denver this afternoon. Earlier today, Gov. Polis signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Buckner to require that women’s preventative health, which is already required to be covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), include follow-up diagnostic procedures for women with increased risk factors for contracting breast cancer without any additional costs or co-pays by the patient. “Early detection saved my life. We know that early detection is key to both saving women’s lives and lowering the cost of health care, ” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “ This law will provide coverage for women on these exams so they no longer have to decide between the cost of their screening and the cost of their life. We are being proactive rather than reactive.” HB19-1301 would require health insurance providers to cover any breast imaging performed after a breast cancer screening study comes back and requires additional testing within the same calendar year. This can be based on factors including a high lifetime risk or an individual’s healthcare provider indicating that further imaging is necessary. “When women are given the resources to detect early signs of breast cancer, lives will be saved,” said Rep. Buckner. “This law will help patients take the proper steps to get healthy and avoid costly procedures to treat their cancer.” The law was signed at the Cancer Center at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. The 2010 federal Affordable Care Act defined benefits for individually purchased health insurance. It included covering one breast exam screening per year, but did not extend to covering a breast exam if further analysis or tests are needed. Previous Next

Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, extend a tax credit for alternative transportation use, and establish a free transit program for youth < Back May 7, 2024 Vigil, Marvin Bill to Increase Transit Ridership Passes House Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, extend a tax credit for alternative transportation use, and establish a free transit program for youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Julia Marvin that would increase the use of transit in Colorado. SB24-032 passed by a vote of 44-17. “As a multi-modal traveler in a city on the rise, I'm so proud of the progress that Colorado has made in recent years to expand transit options, and to carry this legislation that will boost and expand our efforts,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “We’re building on our existing zero fare program to cover either zero fare during the summer months or year-round free transit for Colorado youth. Transportation choice means more freedom and opportunities for Coloradans, less traffic, and cleaner air." “During my time as a local elected official, my community expressed a great need for more transit options in the Northern Corridor to get to work, school, and appointments,” said Rep. Julia Marvin, D-Thornton. “Our legislation looks to address barriers to public transportation ridership, increase connectivity between local and regional transit agencies, and create more multi-modal travel opportunities for our communities. I know this bill will have a significant impact on hardworking Coloradans and will reaffirm our commitment to reaching our air quality goals.” SB24-032 would create the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program to provide grants to transit agencies around the state for fare-free year-round transit services for Coloradans ages 19 and younger. The bill would also extend the successful Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season, which is set to expire without further legislative action. Finally, the bill would extend the income tax credit for alternative transportation options and create a statewide transit pass exploratory committee within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to produce a proposal for implementing a statewide transit pass. The committee would be created by October 1, 2024, and offer a proposal by July 1, 2026. The committee members would be appointed by the executive director of CDOT and must include representatives of transit agencies from across the state. RTD data revealed a significant increase in the use of services, particularly buses within the district, during RTD’s 30-day Zero Fare for Better Air program. RTD also experienced a 36 percent ridership increase between August 2021 and August 2022 as well as a 21 percent ridership increase between July 2022 and August 2022. There was also a significant increase in ridership in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and mountain communities. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis signed into law today a bipartisan bill to make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible. < Back June 6, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed into law today a bipartisan bill to make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible. HB24-1009 , sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, expands bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood. “Coloradans across our state are searching for high-quality, affordable bilingual early childhood programs and this law will help more Spanish-speaking providers get licensed,” said Joseph. “This law improves bilingual outreach within the Department of Early Childhood Education to better support Spanish-speaking providers seeking professional licensure. Bilingual early childhood programs make education more accessible, inclusive, and culturally-centered for some of our youngest learners.” “Every Colorado family deserves access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education, but those resources aren’t available to every family who needs them,” Ginal said. “This new law will help improve bilingual outreach to help Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, which will make our early childhood system more accessible and inclusive. Bilingual early childhood programs will help children grow and learn, and give more families access to the early childhood services they deserve.” “Early childhood education is the foundation to preparing our students for a lifetime of success,” said McLachlan. “This important law makes bilingual early childhood programs more accessible in Colorado by improving outreach and connection with Spanish-speaking providers. When children have access to education in their primary language, they can grow, learn and succeed, and this law helps address some of the accessibility issues our state has when it comes to bilingual early childhood programs.” Also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, the new law expands licensed child care options across the state by improving outreach and helping Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, while providing more linguistically relevant child care options for children and families. Previous Next

SB25-129 strengthens Colorado’s shield laws while SB25-183 implements the will of the voters to protect the right to reproductive health care < Back April 24, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Pair of Bills to Safeguard Access to Reproductive Health Care Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to protect Coloradans’ access to reproductive health care. SB25-183 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, implements the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage, including removing the prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. “Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” Rodriguez said. “Our state has a long history of standing up for reproductive health care freedoms, and this represents another chapter in that story. I am honored to sponsor this legislation that implements the will of the voters and ensures reproductive health care is protected in both our state law and our constitution.” “It’s our responsibility to implement the will of the voters, and that’s what this law does by further protecting and increasing access to abortion in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Nationally, the future of reproductive health care is uncertain, however, it’s clear Coloradans trust people to make their own medical decisions without government interference. This law implements the will of the voters and reduces barriers so public employees can access the essential reproductive health care they need.” “Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” Daugherty said. “Amidst a dangerous national landscape, we have worked hard to ensure that Colorado is a beacon for access to safe and affordable reproductive health care. Last November, Coloradans resoundingly voted to build on that work and permanently protect the fundamental right to abortion care in our state’s constitution.” “Colorado voters have spoken – abortion must remain safe, legal and protected,” said García. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion access or restrict funding altogether, Coloradans believe it’s your constitutional right to access the reproductive health care you need. This law will expand access to life-saving reproductive health care, including abortion, by covering these services for public employees and Coloradans on Medicaid.” 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. The amendment was supported by a majority of votes in each of the state’s eight congressional districts. Beginning on January 1, 2026, the law will 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 (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and the Reproductive Health Care Program. SB25-129 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, strengthens Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive and gender-affirming health care. “We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” Cutter said. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield health care patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.” “It’s time to fight back against out-of-state interference and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said McCormick. “Whether you're a Colorado resident or not, this shield law will protect your fundamental right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.” “Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive health care and freedom.” “We’re reaffirming Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care by strengthening our shield laws,” said Joseph. “Our law expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. In the face of hostile, out-of-state attacks on our reproductive rights, we’re making sure Colorado can fight back and protect our patients and providers.” The new law protects providers by allowing their name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The law also bars attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses and insurers from assisting with or responding to hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. Finally, the law updates Colorado’s 2024 telehealth law to clarify that out-of-state health care providers offering telehealth services to Colorado patients are protected under the state’s shield law. In 2023, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to establish shield laws to protect health care providers and people who travel to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care from out-of-state lawsuits and criminal prosecution. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components. HB26-1114, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 18, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Prohibit 3D Printing of Ghost Guns DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components. HB26-1114, sponsored by Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 7-4. “Ghost guns circumnavigate Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws like universal background checks, the three-day waiting period and laws that prevent domestic violence abusers from accessing a gun,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “These ghost guns are increasingly found at crime scenes, making it harder for law enforcement to track down a suspect because the gun isn’t traceable. This bill would help keep these dangerous weapons out of our communities and save countless Colorado lives.” “Colorado Democrats have passed life-saving gun violence prevention legislation to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and our bill would strengthen those protections to save lives,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Background checks and high-capacity magazine limits are required in Colorado law to prevent gun deaths, and 3D printing guns or gun parts completely evades these safeguards. By cracking down on these ghost guns, we can better protect our communities and limit access to these dangerous, untraceable firearms.” HB26-1144 would prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar technology, to make a firearm or a firearm component. The bill would also prohibit the possession of instructions and the sale or distribution of instructions on how to use a three-dimensional printer to create a firearm or a firearm component. HB26-1144 would not apply to federally licensed firearms manufacturers. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the country increased by 1000-percent , yet over 99-percent of those guns cannot be traced back to a user, owner or producer. Between 2016 and 2021, law enforcement reported recovering over 45,000 privately-made firearms, including in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations. When an untraceable gun is used in a crime, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Speaker Pro Tem Boesenecker passed the original “ghost guns” law back in 2023, which prohibited the possession, sale or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers. Previous Next

Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies < Back December 19, 2025 Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts highlight the damage caused by Trump’s chaotic economic policies that have raised prices for Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “Consumer growth is being driven by the top 20-percent earners, while low income earners struggle to make ends meet and dig into their savings. While our legislative efforts have successfully reduced housing costs in Colorado, cuts to federal clean energy tax credits and rising tariffs are leading to higher bills. This will be a very challenging budget year, made even more difficult by the federal GOP budget and decisions in Washington. We will protect funding for our schools and core services and seek responsible solutions to address the shortfall.” “We pulled a rabbit out of the hat with last year’s budget, cutting a billion dollars with minimal impact on the people of Colorado,” said JBC Vice Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This year, we're all out of rabbits. Despite a growing economy, we'll have to cut another billion dollars from Colorado's budget because of TABOR's rationing cap, a financial relic of the 90s. We have a resilient state that can weather Washington's shutdowns and tariffs, but TABOR means cuts people will feel in their communities, clinics, and classrooms." “Working people are facing headwinds from Trump’s tariffs and Congress’s failure to extend health care tax credits,” said JBC Member Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Our efforts during the special session set Colorado on the right trajectory, but only Congress can stop skyrocketing health care premiums. This forecast also reaffirms that Medicaid costs are rising unsustainably and far faster than the state’s revenue caps under TABOR, and H.R 1 will only make it worse. With session around the corner, we know that painful budget decisions are ahead. Colorado Democrats have governed responsibly through difficult economic times before, and I know the JBC will meet the moment once again and responsibly balance our budget.” “Every year we face difficult decisions about what we can and cannot fund – and these decisions keep getting harder,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “Restraints caused by TABOR coupled with the chaos from the Trump Administration’s tariffs and reckless budget bill have squeezed our state budget even more than we initially anticipated, and Coloradans are feeling it. Faced with yet another budget deficit this year, we will do everything we can to protect essential funding for education, health care, and public safety.” The 43-day federal government shutdown in October and November disrupted the economic and inflation data collection, making some data unavailable or less reliable than normal. The data challenges combined with potential federal policy changes has led to uncertainty in the forecasts. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $16.9 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $304 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – an $87 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. By the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is now below the TABOR cap by $465 million for FY2025-2026. For the upcoming year (FY 2026-27), LCS forecasts General Fund revenue growing to $18.3 billion, above the TABOR cap by $501 million. Democrats’ housing policies have led to rent prices stabilizing in key markets. According to OSPB, an influx of multifamily apartment units in late 2024 led to decreased rent prices. In Colorado, inflation ticked down below the national average at 2.2 percent in the Denver area, compared to 2.7 percent nationally. Unemployment also decreased below the national average of 4.6 percent to 4.1 percent in Colorado. While the economy is expanding, it is showing signs of slowing and recession risk remains high at 50 percent. Wage growth for low-income workers is lagging, real U.S. household savings are declining, and consumers are relying more on credit card debt. Economic policies spearheaded by the Trump Administration, including tariffs, continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs, and Colorado’s aging population, continue to rise faster than what Colorado’s budget is allowed to grow by under TABOR. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the latest forecast indicates an increase of $631 million in the next year if no action is taken to reduce costs. Legislation passed during August’s special session helped blunt some of the rising health care costs caused by H.R. 1. However, if Congress does not extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies by the end of the year, upwards of 75,000 Coloradans could lose their health insurance. Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), which boosts the incomes of hardworking families, will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but LCS anticipates it will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! FUNDING TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS CENTERS AND NONPROFITS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1077 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaleson Jenet and Iman Jodeh and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, creates a grant program to enhance security for nonprofits. “Today, we’re making Colorado communities safer by providing grant funding to boost security at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “With violence and threats on the rise, I am worried about the safety of my community. Antisemitic incidents are increasing to new records, and reported incidents in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021. This law secures funding to protect our communities from violence now by creating a grant program to improve security and help make Colorado safer for everyone.” “We worked tirelessly this session to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this effort builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this new law will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.” “With this law, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “We’re not waiting around for the next incident or threat of violence at community centers, places of worship, schools and community spaces. This law provides funding to help the pillars of our communities improve security and keep people safe.” HB22-1077 creates the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s nonprofit and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. The law provides $500,000 for these grants to additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next