Colorado Democrats today highlighted three bills that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on price gouging for necessities, ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs, and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. < Back January 23, 2025 Colorado Democrats to Crack Down on Junk Fees, Price Gouging, and Rent Algorithms to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today highlighted three bills that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on price gouging for necessities, ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs, and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. “These bills get at the heart of the concerns Coloradans bring to their kitchen table. As lawmakers, we are not putting paychecks first or saving Coloradans money unless we take on the greedy corporations who openly brag about lining their pockets with record profits while regular people struggle to get by. Well we are here to say enough is enough,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004 and cosponsor of HB25-1090. “As an eviction defense attorney, I’ve seen how algorithms can increase rents by thousands of dollars a year while price gouging and hidden fees drive up costs on housing and everyday items. Colorado Democrats are taking action to push back against corporate greed and strengthen consumer protections to save people money. Our legislation will require transparency about the true cost of products and crack down on unfair practices that inflate rent and grocery costs so working people can hold on to more of their hard-earned money." Lawmakers today unveiled new legislation that will be introduced later today to crack down on junk fees. “Pest control, garbage collection, and payment method fees can add hundreds of dollars in monthly costs for renters, yet they are often not disclosed upfront, especially in rental agreements,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1090. “Too many Coloradans are blindsided by these ‘junk fees’ and only find out about these mandatory fees when they’re checking out online or paying their first rental payment. I’m proud to announce that we’re introducing this bill after years of hard work to make prices more transparent, crack down on excessive fees, and save Coloradans money.” “This bill will save Coloradans money by requiring transparency, allowing consumers to compare prices, shop around, and make informed decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB25-1090. “It's not okay for consumers to expect to pay one price, only to be hit with hidden fees at checkout. Addressing deceptive pricing practices protects consumers, builds trust, and puts money back in Coloradans’ pockets.” “Tackling the issue of ‘junk fees’ has been a top priority for me at the Capitol, and I am proud to sponsor this legislation to improve price transparency and help small businesses compete against major corporations,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1090. “This year, we’re cracking down on arbitrary ‘junk fees’ that inflate prices far exceeding the price as it was advertised. This bill will help both consumers and small businesses, saving Coloradans hundreds of dollars a month and making business owners who act in good faith more competitive in the market.” “COVID reminded us that sometimes corporate bad actors hide behind economic disruptions to jack up prices and rip off consumers,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1090 and HB25-1010. “The years since COVID have illustrated that Coloradans deserve transparency about their purchases and protections beyond just declared disaster emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor legislation to protect working Coloradans by cracking down on surprise ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs and empowering the Colorado Attorney General to take action against corporations who hike up prices beyond what economic realities justify.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, of property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of the nature or purpose of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Prohibiting a landlord for requiring a tenant to pay certain fees, charges, or amounts. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. HB25-1010 would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase by 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good within 90 days. “Corporations have used inflation and market conditions as an excuse to increase profits for food, diapers, and other household necessities that are essential in Coloradans' day-to-day life,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1010. “We must prioritize people over profits. Corporate greed is hurting families in every corner of our state, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to safeguard our families and ensure our groceries remain affordable.” “Everyone has noticed that grocery prices have gone up while inflation has cooled, which is deeply affecting Colorado families who are just trying to provide everyday necessities for their families,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1010. “Food, diapers, and toothpaste are non-negotiables on the shopping list, and it’s immoral for bad actors to take advantage of rising costs due to inflation to significantly increase their profits and stock prices. Colorado Democrats will not stand by as bad actors profiteer off hardworking Coloradans and drive up costs for families.” A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food prices have increased by 28 percent since 2019, outpacing inflation. HB25-1004 would save Coloradans money by regulating how algorithms are used in establishing rent prices, including prohibiting consciously parallel pricing coordination between two or more landlords. Rent algorithms have been shown to add an average of $130 per month to rental rates in the Metro Denver area. “There is clear evidence that corporations are using algorithmic pricing schemes and collusion to jack up rent prices and line their pockets while hardworking people struggle to find affordable places to live,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004. “Our communities sent us to the Capitol to solve the most pressing issues, and that means cracking down on egregious strategies that manipulate the market to charge renters more. This bill aims to prevent corporations from unjustly colluding to increase their profits on the backs of hardworking Coloradans that need every dollar in their paycheck to pay for groceries, medication, and child care.” “Coloradans are burdened by high rents, which make it harder to make ends meet and puts families at risk of losing their housing,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004. “This bill will put an end to the algorithms that corporations use to artificially increase rents, allowing us to create a more equitable market and ensure more Colorado families can afford a safe place to call home.” “Colorado families are tired of paying an arm and a leg for rent, and third party companies selling algorithmic price setting products that enable corporate landlords to form a monopolistic trust are making the problem worse, to the tune of $1,300 per year,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1004. “We’re working hard this session to protect renters and address Colorado’s housing crisis. This bill will prevent landlords from using systems that lead to price fixing, and will help save Coloradans money on housing.” A recent report found that coordinated rents from algorithmic pricing increase rent prices by $136 per month for Denver renters. In January 2025, Colorado joined a federal lawsuit to sue six of the largest landlords in the US for participating in algorithmic pricing schemes that harm renters. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also joined a federal lawsuit in August 2024 against RealPage, Inc. for allegedly using illegal agreements with landlords to carry out a price-fixing scheme that has cost Coloradans millions of dollars in rent payments. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS LAW CHAMPIONED BY STORY, ROBERTS GOES INTO EFFECT New law will help communities better prepare for dangerous wildfires DENVER, CO – A new law, championed by Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, to ensure Colorado communities have the resources necessary to prepare for future wildfires, went into effect today. Many remote communities in Colorado face wildfire risk, but lack the necessary resources to fight fires. As a result, some fire districts rely on local, remote ponds in emergencies to quickly refill water tanks and suppress small fires, but first responders are not always able to use remote ponds for firefighting. SB22-114 preserves critical fire suppression ponds and ensures that communities at risk of dangerous wildfires are equipped with the resources necessary to suppress fires and keep residents safe. “The threat of wildfires continues to grow, and it’s important that we’re as prepared as possible to handle them,” said Story. “We worked hard this year to help prevent wildfires while making sure our neighbors have the tools and resources they need to rebuild and recover. This new law is just one of many policies we passed that will help us prepare for future emergencies and keep our communities safe.” “These days in Colorado, wildfire season lasts year round, which means we have to be prepared to respond at any moment and give our brave first responders every possible tool they need to do their jobs,” said Roberts. “That is why I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass this new law that will ensure firefighters have access to water to fight fires effectively and supported many efforts this year to add critical funding resources for wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response.” During the 2022 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed several measures to support rebuilding efforts after disaster emergencies , improve insurance claims processes following wildfire disasters , and fund efforts to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires . SB22-206 establishes two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters. It allocates $15 million to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency, as well as $20 million to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures and $15.5 million for improved wildfire firefighting resources. Colorado Democrats also passed HB22-1379 , which invests $20 million in federal pandemic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES SET OF BILLS TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY (Apr. 16) – The House approved a set of bills to ensure Colorado’s children have more security and safety in the food they eat. HB19-1171 sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would expand school meal programs. Colorado currently pays a forty-cent copay on reduced price lunches for K-8 students through the School Lunch Protection Program. The bill would expand copay coverage through high school. “Too many young students in our state often face food insecurities, which affects their learning abilities. Fourteen percent of high school youth report going without lunch,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “This bill will break down barriers, end stigma and put our students on paths to success. We must ensure teens and students are provided every opportunity to learn and grow.” This legislation will remove the stigma and lunch shaming young students face at school when they are unable to afford meals. When students skip meals it affects their academic performance. Rep. Michaelson Jenet is the co-prime sponsor of a new law SB18-013 that expanded the school meal program to grades 6-8. HB19-1171 passed with a final vote of 45-19. It now heads to the Senate. Another bill, HB19-1132, sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, establishes a grant program in the department of education (CDE) to encourage providers that are entitled to federal money for lunches for students to purchase food products from Colorado growers, producers, and processors. “Giving incentives to our Colorado schools to use food grown in our state not only benefits the schools, but also supports our local farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Buentello. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 53-11 and now heads to the Senate. Finally, the House also approved HB19-1202, sponsored by Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, and Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. The bill advances recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies. “Hardworking Coloradans and our most vulnerable should be able to access healthy foods no matter their zip-code,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “Leveraging the purchasing power of our school districts and health care systems will create more marketing connections with producers to strengthen our food system.” HB19-1202 will combine the existing Food System Advisory Council with the Farm to School Task Force and places the reconstituted Colorado Food System Advisory Council within Colorado State University. Through this, the university can also look at increasing and strengthening WIC and SNAP retailers as it relates to the access to and provision of healthy foods. “We need to find a way to increase access to healthy food while also investing in our local, regional, and state economies,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will help increase access to fresh, healthy food for our most vulnerable communities and find sustainable markets for Colorado farmers.” HB19-1202 passed on a final, bipartisan vote of 42-22 and now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back January 15, 2021 HEROD: WE CAN’T LET MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES FALL FURTHER BEHIND DENVER, CO — The House today passed SB21-001 on Third Reading and final passage by a vote of 47-16. “To build back stronger, we have to do what we can to keep the small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic from falling further and further behind,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Colorado for All means every Coloradan has equal access to the relief and financial support they need for their distressed business, but that hasn’t been the case. This bill is aimed at achieving that goal by allocating funds to disproportionately impacted businesses, particularly those owned by people who have faced historic inequalities and lack access to capital or financial resources. This bill helps remedy some discriminatory systems and gives these businesses a chance to weather the economic consequences of this pandemic.” SB21-001,sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, would make minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established during last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program, which is being challenged in a lawsuit that is preventing release of the funds. Minority-owned businesses have not only been disproportionately impacted by the current pandemic, they have faced historic discrimination and barriers to success. For minority-owned businesses, accumulating capital, purchasing property, and starting a business have always been more difficult due to the long-lasting impacts of discriminatory systems that are only exacerbated by the pandemic. These disparities are the result of generations of discrimination through laws and practices that restrict employment and housing opportunities, and limit access to loans and banking, practices which continue today. A 2020 report from the Federal Reserve Banks of Kansas City and Atlanta found that people of color face persistent and structural barriers to acquiring capital, knowledge, and market access to start and grow their business. It found minority-owned small businesses have higher loan denials and interest rates and lower profit margins than their counterparts. Research from the Brookings Institution shows that the PPP program initially relied on traditional banks and disfavored Black and Latinx-owned businesses, blocking access to the program for many. Finally, the US Securities and Exchange Commission concluded that COVID-19 is more likely to negatively impact minority-owned businesses because they are more likely to be in industries and sectors vulnerable to the pandemic, with employees at Latinx and Black-owned businesses far less likely to be able to work from home compared with white-owned businesses. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2023 Bills to Combat Deforestation and Improvement Wildfire Evacuations Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to help our forests recover from deforestation and better prepare communities for evacuations following a wildfire or other disaster. “Wildfires have not only devastated Colorado families, ranches, and businesses, but they have also ravaged our forests and caused thousands of acres of deforestation,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of SB23-1060 . “We’re taking steps toward more effective forest restoration by using Colorado-grown nursery seedlings to reforest burned areas and build climate-resilient watersheds. Allocating funding to the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery will help mitigate the risk of wildfires, protect communities and preserve our water resources.” HB23-1060 updates and expands the operations of Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Nursery to help them meet seedling trees and shrubs conservation demands and increase reforestation efforts. In Colorado, seedlings are used for burned forest restoration, creating climate-resilient watersheds and forests and enhancing carbon storage. $5 million was allocated toward the CSFS Nursery last year from HB22-1323 and additional funding would help complete the upgrades and expectations of shade house structures, improve seed storage and seedling processing, amongst other needs that will help meet growing demand. “While Colorado continues to build more homes to keep up with growing demand, we must consider wildfire risk and evacuation plans to ensure the safety of all Coloradans during an emergency,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB23-1075 . “By studying best practices for evacuations, we can gather data to implement effective policy to protect Coloradans from wildfire threats and other dangers to public safety. This bill will help ensure that evacuations are orderly and quick and that communities understand what they’re supposed to do when a major fire breaks out.” HB23-1075 requires the Office of Emergency Management to conduct a study to identify and assess the availability of technology to help with evacuation and clearance time modeling in local emergency management plans. The study will also evaluate the feasibility of requiring developers to perform evacuation and clearance time modeling for proposed developments in a wildfire rise area. The study must be completed by December 1, 2023 and the Department of Public Safety would be required to report the findings during the 2024 legislative session. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2023 Bill Closes Corporate Tax Loophole to Boost Food Assistance and Small Businesses DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to close tax loopholes that allow wealthy corporations to deduct business meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. It passed by a vote of 7-4. “Everyday Coloradans don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and neither should wealthy corporations,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D- Aurora. “Hard-working Coloradans are pinching pennies to feed their families while CEOs get a tax break on their ‘three martini’ lunches. One in three adults living with children have reported skipping meals or eating smaller portions so their kids have enough food to eat. This bill would close this tax loophole and use the savings to provide food assistance to under-served communities and support our local farmers and food producers.” Currently, Colorado taxpayers collectively cover the cost of the “business meals deduction” because state tax deductions are linked to federal tax deductions. HB23-1008 would “decouple” from these federal income tax deductions, ending the resulting state tax loophole that allows wealthy corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions would create revenue to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers access necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. This bill builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. It allocates $1 million annually to the Healthy Food Incentive Fund, which provides healthy eating incentives for low-income Coloradans and makes it easier for these communities to access fresh, local fruits and vegetables. The fund created by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demand. HB23-1008 also creates an income tax credit for small food retailers and small family farms to cover 75% of the cost of new systems and equipment. Partnering with Colorado farms and food producers boosts revenue and cycles money into local economies. The Double Up Food Bucks Program provides a 2.5% economic multiplier, putting more money into the pockets of Colorado farmers and the local agricultural industry and expanding access to healthy foods. Increased subscriptions means that local farmers can afford to expand their operations, grow varied produce, and improve farming equipment. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HYGIENE PRODUCTS PASSED HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to eliminate the state tax on essential hygiene products including feminine hygiene products and diapers passed the House today on Third Reading by a vote of 50 to 13. HB22-1055, sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Leslie Herod, would create a tax exemption for all state sales and use taxes on feminine hygiene products and diapers. “We’re removing the tax on dignity and saving Coloradans money,” said Susan Lontine D-Denver . “By eliminating the sales tax hygiene products, including diapers and period products we’re making these products more affordable to everyone who uses them. These items are essential to many families in our state and making them more affordable just makes sense.” “Too many Coloradans are going without necessary hygiene products, and something needs to be done,” said Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Eliminating the sales and use tax on period products, diapers and incontinence products makes these products more accessible and saves Coloradans millions of dollars in the process. This bill also paves the way towards destigmatizing hygiene products, so everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.” HB22-1055 , would create a tax exemption for all state sales and use taxes on feminine hygiene products, diapers and incontinence products. If passed, specific hygiene products would join other tax exempt essentials like food and medicine. The current sales and use tax on essential products falls disproportionately on communities of color and older Coloradans with fixed incomes. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. < Back May 27, 2026 Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Outdoor Recreation Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to support outdoor recreation and rural economies. “In communities like mine, outdoor recreation drives the economy, bolsters our workforce and supports local businesses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “With this bill being signed into law, we’re taking steps to balance outdoor recreation, wildlife and our natural resources so that future generations can enjoy them as we do. This law improves collaboration among key conservation efforts, agriculture, private landowners and other public land users to maximize the outdoor recreation potential of Colorado and protect our open spaces.” “No agency is better positioned to hold recreation and conservation together than Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “This law gives them the coordinating capacity to engage partners, collaborate with tribal governments, and deliver the kind of strategic, integrated management that keeps Colorado’s outdoors from being loved to death.” Colorado’s lands support a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy. HB26-1008 directs stewards of our lands to collaborate with stakeholders from all different land-use backgrounds, from wildlife and natural resource advocates to agricultural communities and private landowners. Specifically, this law formalizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) role in leading Colorado’s outdoors strategy to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience in the state. The goal of HB26-1008 is to proactively streamline planning and management so that the state can continue to provide high-quality experiences to all outdoor users. CPW manages 43 state parks and over 350 wildlife areas, covering roughly 900,000 acres in Colorado. As the lead coordinator, CPW will ensure outdoor recreation needs are well-represented in its leadership and increase coordination to anticipate and respond to potential conflicts. The strategy prioritizes integrating data and metrics from existing efforts, partnering with local and federal agencies, and shoring up state capacity in this area. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to eliminate arbitrary caps on housing development that drive up costs for families in order to save people money on housing, improve our environment and increase our housing supply. The bill passed by a vote of 9-2. < Back April 5, 2023 Lindstedt, Dickson Bill to Eliminate Growth Caps Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to eliminate arbitrary caps on housing development that drive up costs for families in order to save people money on housing, improve our environment and increase our housing supply. The bill passed by a vote of 9-2. “ Anti-growth laws in some communities hinder Colorado’s bold efforts to address our crushing housing shortage and accommodate rapidly growing communities throughout the state ,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “ Housing that is affordable for Coloradans of all incomes is becoming increasingly difficult to find . As a former city councilor, I know how growth caps increase demands on neighboring communities, especially for critical services like education, water, and police and fire. By eliminating arbitrary growth caps, we can increase our housing supply, reduce our carbon footprint, and protect hardworking Coloradans from these exclusionary measures.” “Smart housing plans save Coloradans money, limit air pollution, and support a thriving workforce,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “Arbitrary housing growth caps imposed by a handful of jurisdictions impact the entire state. These caps reduce housing options close to where Coloradans work-- forcing sprawl, air pollution, and long commutes. This bill will create good jobs, support local businesses, and drive down costs for Colorado families.” HB23-1255 would prevent local governments from enacting and enforcing housing growth restrictions that limit housing development to a certain number of building permits or approvals without a transparent process and fair consideration of a proposal’s merits. Under the bill, local governments would not be required to accept any specific developments or projects, but they would not be able to reject a proposal simply due to an arbitrary growth cap. There are exceptions in cases of a declared disaster emergency. This bill was introduced alongside SB23-213 in March 2023 with Governor Jared Polis, climate champions, local government officials, economic development organizations, labor groups, and housing affordability advocates to announce Colorado’s plan to address the statewide housing crisis. The bills aim to create more housing supply for every budget so Coloradans can afford to stay in their communities without being priced out. These policies also improve air quality, protect open space, conserve water, create jobs and help local communities plan for future growth. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 SIGNED! BILLS TO CREATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMIN. AND PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will expand access to behavioral and mental health services for Coloradans and reduce suicide deaths. “The tragedy and devastation of a suicide death or attempt is something that far too many Coloradans have endured,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today, we’re taking a great step forward with a comprehensive approach to reduce youth suicide deaths and ensure our communities have the resources they need in the aftermath of a suicide attempt to prevent future tragedies.” “Far too many of us have seen firsthand just how devastating and widespread the impact of a suicide can be on a community,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill empowers the Suicide Prevention Commission to proactively prevent, intervene, and react to suicide in Colorado by recognizing and addressing the full scope of the problem. We are meeting the moment with the urgency it requires and I’m proud to see the bill signed into law.” HB21-1119 , which is sponsored by Representatives Daugherty and Rich and Senators Donovan and Coram, expands the Crisis and Suicide Training Grant Program to include “‘train-the-trainer” programs at public schools and funds peer-to-peer specialist programs that help students support their classmates. The bill incorporates postvention and follow-up care into the state’s comprehensive suicide prevention approach to support individuals and communities in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Importantly, CDPHE will update the department’s suicide prevention resources to include region-specific information for primary care providers on how to recognize and respond to suicidal patients, including information that can be shared with patients and information for health facilities to share upon a patient’s release. Research shows that people who have known someone who died by suicide were 1.6 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, 2.9 times more likely to have a plan for suicide themselves, and 3.7 times more likely to have attempted suicide. Suicide has become a far more common cause of death among peace officers, medical professionals, and school-aged children. Children or adolescents who know about a friend’s suicide attempt are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide themselves. “Too many Coloradans have suffered because our state has not addressed gaps in our behavioral health system that prevent people from accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “Today, Governor Polis signed legislation to create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, bringing about critical reforms to address gaps and access challenges in our health system to ensure that Coloradans can get the mental health care services they need. This new administration will oversee and administer behavioral health programs in Colorado, creating a more comprehensive approach to connect services with those who need them.” “Mental and behavioral health is critical to Coloradans’ wellbeing, but too often it is treated as a luxury rather than a necessity – with prohibitive costs restricting access to those who need care the most,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “HB-1097 sets the groundwork for a more connected, convenient mental health system in our state so that people can receive high-quality, professional help no matter their income level. I am incredibly proud to see this bill signed today and look forward to the difference it will make for our state.” HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Young and Pelton and Senators Fields and Gardner, would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back June 18, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: LATINO AND BLACK CAUCUSES PRAISE SCOTUS DECISION ON DREAMERS DENVER, CO – The Colorado Latino and Black Caucuses today released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration cannot immediately end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. “The Trump Administration’s decision to end the DACA program was a cruel and unjust betrayal, and it would have destroyed the lives of thousands of Colorado families. Dreamers make up the fabric of this state and this country. Today’s Supreme Court decision is historic and welcome news that will allow our country’s DREAMers to continue living and working in their communities without fear. “We urge Congress to quickly pass legislation to establish permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for all DREAMers. Furthermore, we denounce any attempt by the administration to continue using DREAMers as a bargaining chip in negotiations over immigration reform and the president’s border wall. We stand with DREAMers!” There are over 15,000 Dreamers in Colorado, and nationally, nearly 700,000 participate in the DACA program. Colorado Latino Caucus Members: Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Latino Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Robert Rodriguez, Latino Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Adrienne Benavidez Rep. Bri Buentello Rep. Yadira Caraveo Rep. Monica Duran Sen. Leroy Garcia Sen. Julie Gonzales Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis Sen. Dominick Moreno Rep. Kerry Tipper Rep. Alex Valdez Rep. Donald Valdez Colorado Black Caucus Members: Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Black Caucus Chair Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Black Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver Previous Next

SB26-064 would prioritize first-time farmers and ranchers and protect vital land and water resources < Back March 11, 2026 Bipartisan Bill to Support First-Time Farmers and Ranchers Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick to make it easier for first-time farmers and ranchers to jumpstart their careers. SB26-064 passed the House by a unanimous vote of 65-0. “This bipartisan bill uplifts the next generation of Colorado’s farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Farmland is expensive, and it can be difficult for beginner farmers to get their foot in the door. This bill would ensure that new farmers and ranchers are prioritized in state-operated loan programs. To safeguard our water and natural resources, this bill also expands loan eligibility to water conservation districts. Farmers and ranchers are excellent stewards of our land, and this bill reduces barriers to entering Colorado’s ag industry.” SB26-064 is also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta. To help farmers and ranchers to secure loans, this bill would support the new generation of farmers by financing their startup costs. SB26-064 would also expand loan eligibility for the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program to include water conservancy, water conservation, and water, sanitation and irrigation districts, and ditch and reservoir companies. This expansion would make it easier for land stewards to protect vital resources, including water. Additionally, SB26-064 upholds Colorado’s agriculture future by enabling qualified companies, farmers and ranchers to use this financing tool to purchase at-risk farmland and protect it. This would help guarantee farmland’s long-term protection. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado is experiencing a nation-leading loss of agricultural land, with 1.6 million acres taken out of production in the last five years. This bill aims to protect Colorado’s farmland by making it easier for farmers and ranchers to secure financing. Previous Next