On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. < Back December 20, 2023 Stronger Colorado Consumer Protections Coming this January DENVER, CO - On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. “Every Coloradan deserves insurance coverage that best fits their needs, which is why we passed legislation to require professionally translated insurance documents for non-English speakers,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB23-1004. “It’s disappointing that some insurers have threatened to suspend non-English language services, preventing communities from understanding insurance documents that can be difficult to comprehend even without a language barrier. Our law gives Coloradans the tools they need to choose an insurance plan that works best for themselves and their families, no matter what language they speak.” “The laws going into effect today will help Coloradans by making insurance more accessible and loan fees less predatory,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1004 and HB23-1229. “HB1004 ensures that when insurance companies advertise in languages other than English, that they also translate the policy documents, because consumers should be able to understand what they’re signing and the terms of their policies. Additionally, HB1229 closes predatory payday loan loopholes and brings Colorado in accordance with the will of the voters. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits these laws will have in my district and across the state.” HB23-1004 requires insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified by a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy and any related documents in any language upon request. HB23-1229 protects consumers by limiting lender fees on alternative charge loans, which are short-term loans capped at $1,000. The law also increases the minimum term of an alternative charge loan from 90 days to 6 months, allowing more time for repayment. Separately, it ensures that out-of-state, state-chartered banks are subject to applicable Colorado lending laws when lending to Coloradans to protect borrowers and create uniformity within the state. “Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 111 to protect against predatory payday loans in Colorado, but until now, a loophole has allowed some lenders to continue related high-interest lending practices,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1229. “With this law going into effect, we’re aligning Colorado law with the will of the voters and saving hardworking Coloradans money on these financial products.” “Alternative charge loan fees can often top 100% for APR, penalizing low-income Coloradans for taking out small loans that help them afford basic necessities until the next paycheck comes in,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1229. “Coloradans voted in 2018 to cap rates on these types of loans to 36%, but out-of-state banks have taken advantage of a loophole that allows them to circumvent our laws. Our new law will hold out-of-state banks to the rates voters approved of, protecting Coloradans from these predatory lending practices that exacerbate economic insecurity.” In 2018, Colorado voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 111 to crack down on predatory payday loans with high annual percentage rates (APRs). Since then, some Colorado lenders have replaced their payday loans with alternative charge loans, which are not subject to the same consumer protections. This bill would close that workaround to prevent lenders from overcharging Coloradans for credit that is often sought by borrowers already in duress. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. < Back May 1, 2025 New Law Will Increase Behavioral Health Funding for Veterans, Military Families DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. “As a member of the Air Force, I have seen firsthand how military veterans and their families can struggle to access proper health care for their behavioral health issues ,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Voters approved Prop KK, boosting funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health crisis services just like the one this law funds. Military members and veterans desperately need quality health care, and this new law seeks to boost lifesaving behavioral health support for Colorado heroes and their loved ones by implementing the will of the voters.” “Since my time in the Army, I’ve become intimately familiar with the critical need for community-focused mental health services for veterans,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “Our veterans and their families gave everything they had to protect and serve our country, and they deserve all the life-saving support we can give in return.” “Far too many military members and veterans suffer from debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and other behavioral health struggles that impact their day-to-day life without the proper treatment ,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “Our law better allows Colorado to fund community behavioral health programs and other beneficial services, improving access to the behavioral health care that veterans and their families deserve.” “Too many of our state’s veterans struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and other life-altering mental health conditions without access to proper treatment,” Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “Voters approved Prop KK, which boosts funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services like the ones supported by this bill. This new law will provide crucial support for our service members while implementing the will of the voters.” HB25-1132 allows Proposition KK revenue to fund non-profit organizations that establish and expand community behavioral health programs for military service members, veterans, and their families. These organizations must meet the following requirements to receive grant funding: Provides local behavioral health services to service members, veterans, and their families, Utilizes evidence-based practices, Trains staff on military cultural competency, and Has established and verifiable community partnerships to deliver behavioral health services for service members, veterans, and their families. The law also allows reimbursement for services that help address behavioral health struggles. Health care professionals are required to provide at least four health care sessions to each veteran they accept as a client in order to qualify for reimbursement. Colorado Democrats passed a law referring a ballot measure to voters in the November 2024 election to create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors to fund the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund, Behavioral Health Administration, and school safety efforts. Nearly 54.5 percent of Colorado voters approved Prop KK to bolster crime victim support and behavioral health programs. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 GOVERNOR SIGNS REP. FROELICH’S BIPARTISAN BILLS TO LOWER COST OF HEALTH CARE & IMPROVE CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (May 16) – Today, Gov. Jared Polis signed two bill sponsored by Rep. Meg Froelich to help lower the cost of health care and improve children’s behavioral health resources. Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, to lower health care costs and improve the quality of care that Coloradans receive. “Lowering the cost of health care is a top priority for all of us at the legislature,” said Rep. Froelich. “But Colorado only invests roughly seven to ten percent of its health care dollars on primary care. If we invest more in primary care up front, that will help cut the cost of health care for both the patients and the medical system as a whole.” HB19-1233 establishes a primary care payment reform collaborative in the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. It also requires the Commissioner of Insurance to establish affordability standards for premiums, including adding targets for carrier investments in primary care. Finally, it requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and carriers who offer health benefit plans to state employees to set targets for investment in primary care. The goal of primary care is to achieve better health outcomes by improving the quality and consistency of care so that both patients and the health care system can see a reduction in costs. Primary care visits comprise 53 percent of all health care appointments. The bill signing ceremony took place at the Center for African American Health in Denver. Gov. Polis also signed a bipartisan bill, SB19-195, at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado to curb youth suicide in Colorado by making it easier for families to locate and access the behavioral healthcare they need. “We have a mental health crisis in Colorado, one that knows no party lines,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately, there are kids that are in pain and are not getting the timely and appropriate help they need. We need to provide more resources for teens, kids and their families to access the services they need to get help.” SB19-195 would create the Office of Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Coordination in the Office of the Governor, a central agency to coordinate mental and behavioral health resources statewide. Additionally, it would create a commission to study and recommend how to best coordinate and provide such services. The bill would also standardize the screening and assessments that doctors use to identify potential behavioral concerns. Nearly 9 out of every 100,000 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 die by suicide. In Colorado, that number is nearly twice the national average at 17.6 out of every 100,000 teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Previous Next

< Back September 22, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: JBC Approves Critical Funding to Bolster State’s Monkeypox Public Health Response, Keep Coloradans Safe & Healthy DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Budget Committee today approved an additional $3.35 million in an interim supplemental budget request from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to aid the state’s response to the ongoing Monkeypox (MPX) public health crisis. The funding will fund CDPHE vaccine clinics and testing supplies among other priorities. “As we continue to combat the monkeypox outbreak, we need to take the lessons we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and make sure we’re as prepared as possible to keep folks safe,” said JBC Vice Chair Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “These additional funds will provide much-needed support to help Colorado effectively respond to this virus, continue to lower transmission rates, and ensure our communities are equipped with the tools they need to keep our residents safe and healthy.” "Colorado is responding to the monkeypox virus responsibly, rapidly and with everyone's safety top of mind," said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. "Taking the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the JBC is allocating $3.35 million to increase the number of vaccine clinics, improve mobile clinics and educate Coloradans about the virus. This funding is directed toward lowering transmission rates, boosting equity in health care and building a healthier Colorado.” The supplemental package approved by the JBC to aid the state’s response to MPX includes the following: $1 million to staff vaccine clinics, which will include costs for personnel, mobile and static sites, and supplies; $900,000 to distribute to Denver Health and other safety net partners to meet increased staffing needs and to meet the rising demand in testing, treatment, and vaccination; $183,144 for the Immunization Branch of CDPHE to purchase supplies and software related to recording, distributing, and storing vaccines; $336,667 for the State Laboratory to support increased testing including supplies, courier services, and biohazard waste disposal; $9,667 for the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) to cover vaccine administration supplies and travel costs; $118,000 for the Office of STI/HIV/VH (OSVH) for supplies related to outreach events and education and funding for the Community ResourceFund to support isolation for MPX positive cases; and $791,700 for three months of CDPHE mobile vaccine units (MVUs). The first cases of MPX were identified in Colorado in mid-May, and it was declared a national public health emergency on August 5th , prompting the CDPHE to ramp up its response to the outbreak. CDPHE has since exhausted the funding appropriated via SB21-243 , and is awaiting approval for additional funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to redirect federal COVID-19 funding to MPX. The funding approved by the JBC today will allow the Department to immediately start using these additional resources to strengthen Colorado’s public health response to MPX. For more resources related to MPX, including information on testing, vaccines, and public health guidelines, visit the CDPHE’s website . Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that better prepare communities for evacuations following a wildfire or other disaster, help homeowners better protect their properties from wildfire damage, and expand language accessibility for emergency and public safety alerts. < Back May 12, 2023 SIGNED! Wildfire Protections, Improvements to Emergency Notifications Become Law DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that better prepare communities for evacuations following a wildfire or other disaster, help homeowners better protect their properties from wildfire damage, and expand language accessibility for emergency and public safety alerts. “Communities throughout Colorado have seen devastating wildfire damage, sometimes wiping out entire neighborhoods in one day,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB23-1075 and HB23-1273 . “Home and property owners want to do everything they can to protect themselves and their property from damage, but those measures can be costly. These new laws will improve evacuation methods and structural resiliency against wildfires so we can better protect Colorado lives and property from natural disasters.” “Wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies are essential in protecting vulnerable community members who are most at-risk of losing their homes to a wildfire or other natural disaster,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1075 and HB23-1273. “I’m proud and grateful to Governor Polis for signing these two bills into law because Coloradans deserve better protections against wildfire and natural disaster damage, and these new laws will help better protect them and their homes.” 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 determine if evacuation and clearance time modeling for proposed developments in a wildfire risk area is feasible. The study must be completed by December 1, 2023 and the Office of Emergency Management would be required to report the findings during the 2024 legislative session. HB23-1273 creates the Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program. Qualified homeowners can apply to the program to receive grant money to cover retrofitting or structural improvements to existing houses and other buildings. This grant program also expands to new-builds and rebuilds to make any structure on a homeowner’s property more resilient against wildfires. Wildfires have become an increasing threat in Colorado, with the three largest wildfires in Colorado history occurring in 2020 alone. The International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) provides standards for building wildfire-resilient homes, including non-combustible roofing, underfloor protection, defensible space, and residential sprinklers. “Rural and urban Coloradans rely on emergency notifications to alert them about a wildfire, snow storm, or other potential danger, but language barriers make it nearly impossible for non-English speakers to protect themselves from potential threats ,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB23-1237. “With this bill being signed into law today, we can improve methods to communicate emergency information to non-English speakers and Coloradans with a disability so everyone can access the resources or information they need to protect themselves and their families.” HB23-1237 , also sponsored by Republican Senator Perry Will, would direct the University of Colorado’s Natural Hazards Center, in consultation with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to conduct a study to identify how municipalities, sheriff's offices, counties, fire districts, and local 911 agencies can best provide emergency alerts in a non-English language and implement live interpretation during a 911 call. The study would identify essential components of a multi-hazard early warning system needed to successfully reach residents and visitors and would include recommendations for how to better reach at-risk communities that may have difficulties accessing English language text alerts. Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2020 SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF IS ON ITS WAY TO MAIN STREET! Denver, CO– The Governor today signed two bills, passed by the General Assembly, to provide much-needed relief to small businesses across Colorado. Representatives Lisa Cutter and Shannon Bird sponsored HB20-1413, which establishes a loan program for small businesses. Representative Mary Young sponsored SB20-222, which enacts a small business grant program. “This session, Democrats worked to get Colorado back on its feet and on the way to economic recovery,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County . “The loan program signed into law today will give Colorado’s small businesses a leg up by providing a responsible and effective way to keep their doors open while our state recovers.” “Colorado’s small businesses need all the help they can get,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster . “This new law will put yet another tool in the toolbelt of businesses struggling to stay afloat during these unpredictable times. Small businesses employ 40% of our state’s workforce, and it is critical to keep small businesses open and people employed. By investing in our small businesses, we’re taking important steps toward recovering Colorado’s strong and bustling economy.” HB20-1413 establishes a small business loan program for which $250 million of private and public funding is allocated to Colorado’s small businesses over the next two years. Loans of between $30,000 to $500,000 with a maturation of up to five years will be awarded to small businesses with between five to 100 employees and Loans must carry a lower interest rate than what would normally be available on the commercial market. In order to ensure as much fiscal equity as possible, counties across Colorado will be allocated loans that are proportionate to the number of small businesses in the county.. “All small businesses need our help, but I’m proud that this grant program will specifically support rural, women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “We can’t leave any Coloradan behind, and this bill will give special attention to businesses that were overlooked by the Paycheck Protection Program while investing in our tourism industry, which is greatly suffering.” SB20-222 creates a grant program funded by $20 million of the CARES Act for small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. $5 million will be set aside for the recovery of the tourism sector. To qualify for the grant program, businesses must have less than 25 employees. Businesses that did not qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program will be given preference. Women, minority and veteran-owned businesses will also be given priority as well as businesses that are located in rural areas. Previous Next

Bills include the 2024 School Finance Act and educator safety < Back April 25, 2024 House Passes Bills to Support Colorado’s Educators DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills to support Colorado’s educators. The 2024 School Finance Act ( SB24-188 ), sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Shannon Bird, would fully fund Colorado’s public schools and increase per pupil funding to record-levels. HB24-1320 , sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco, seeks to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. “This year’s School Finance Act is historic because it fully eliminates the budget stabilization factor, increases per-pupil funding by nearly $780 on average and supports our rural school districts directly,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our commitment to improving educational outcomes for each and every student is unwavering, and this year’s school finance act steps up to help recruit, retain and support the educators who make all the difference in the education our kids receive. As our bill moves forward, I’m proud of our legislative efforts to drive resources to small rural schools and those who serve students with the greatest needs.” “After years of strategic budgeting and planning, the 2024 School Finance Act finally pays off the budget stabilization factor which means schools can increase teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and better support our students living with disabilities,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This year’s school finance act highlights a record-breaking increase of $780 per-pupil funding which brings the total per-pupil funding to more than $11,450 on average. My passion for public service began with the drive to fully fund our K-12 public schools and support our hardworking educators – this bill fulfills that promise and more to support each and every student in Colorado.” SB24-188 would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by $780 to $11,450 per-pupil on average. SB24-188 passed by a vote of 61 to 1. This funding can be used to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay and provide individualized support to help students learn. This year, the bill increases total funding for public schools by more than $500 million to 9.7 billion and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that helps ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve. Increased Funding for Rural Schools: Colorado’s small and large rural school districts often have a difficult time recruiting and maintaining a high-quality workforce needed to support Colorado students and school functions. The 2024 School Finance Act creates an ongoing funding stream for the very first time through a new funding factor, the “Rural Factor”, for small and large rural school districts. This eliminates rural school districts’ reliance on one-time funding, which makes it difficult for districts to plan ahead using multi-year budgets. Ninth Grade Success Program: This important program helps ninth grade students with the skills they need to successfully reach tenth grade on-track, on-time and with their peers. This year’s School Finance Act increases funding for this program to support our students’ growth and educational trajectory. Support for Students Living with a Disability: To prepare each and every one of our students for a lifetime of success, the 2024 School Finance Act amends the definition of “concurrent enrollment” to include students in special education. This means students living with a disability and those who receive transition services on their Individualized Education Program (IEP) can access college-level courses for credit as well as some credential and apprenticeship programs to create stronger workforce pathways and opportunities. “As a teacher, I know how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school – and this bill is a big step forward toward creating a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Educator safety should be a top priority, and unfortunately, Colorado educators have reported an increase in targeted violence. Ensuring our educators feel safe and comfortable in the classroom will help recruit, retain and strengthen our educator workforce for years to come.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “By creating a task force to study this issue, we can examine the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Feeling safe in school is essential to fostering a positive educational environment that is more equitable.” HB24-1320 passed by a vote o f 47 to 15 and seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the cre ation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Members of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing ratios, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. The 2023 State of Education report orchestrated by the Colorado Education Association found that nearly a third of respondents, 32 percent, experienced physical abuse by a student in the two years prior to taking the survey . Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2020 HOUSE DEMS STAND WITH MOBILE HOME OWNERS House passes landmark legislation to create a pathway for residents to purchase their mobile home parks if they’re put up for sale or redevelopment DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, which would provide mobile home park residents a path forward to purchase the land under their homes if park owners decide to sell or redevelop the park. The vote was 41-24, with GOP members refusing to stand with the right of mobile home owners to protect their hard earned assets. “Owning a home has long been a trusted pathway to economic security, but mobile home owners who have put their life’s savings into their property could lose everything with the stroke of a pen,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “Most Coloradans who live in mobile home parks don’t own the land under their homes, and park owners can sell it out from under them at any time, forcing park residents to uproot their lives, often with little notice.” “The Right to Purchase Act would give mobile home owners a path forward to purchase the land they live on in the event a mobile home park owner decides to sell or redevelop a park,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “At a time when housing costs are growing rapidly, we should be working to give more Coloradans a fair shot at owning their home and securing the investments they’ve made. This bill will help Coloradans stay in the affordable homes where they’ve built their lives.” Over 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, and they are the single largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. Park owners can sell the land they live on or redevelop it without even notifying residents or giving them the opportunity to make an offer on the real estate. HB 20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would create a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 90 days notice if a park is for sale or if they intend to redevelop the land. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. HB20-1201 and HB20-1196, a separate bill to provide new protections for mobile home owners, are supported by: 9 to 5 Colorado, Adams County, B-Konnected, Boulder County, Call to Action-CO, CatholicNetwork, City of Aurora, City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Disability Law, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Poverty Law Project, Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Senior Lobby, Colorado Village Collaboration, GES Coalition, The Denver Foundation, Disability Law Colorado, Elevation Land Trust, Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters of Colorado, Livewell Colorado, Mile High Connects, Prosperity Now, Rodefei Tzedek, United for a New Economy, Westwood Unidos, Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Together Colorado, The Chaffee Housing Trust. Previous Next

The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to streamline the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for homeowners and renters and support the development of clean, thermal energy technology. < Back March 29, 2023 House Committee Passes EV Charging, Thermal Energy Bills to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to streamline the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for homeowners and renters and support the development of clean, thermal energy technology. These bills are part of a broader legislative package to save Coloradans’ and business money on energy costs and improve air quality. “We’re taking steps to create good-paying jobs in clean energy technologies, like geothermal,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1252. “Thermal energy technology is already being used across Colorado to save people and businesses money by harnessing the heat beneath our feet. This legislation would make it easier to develop, expand and deploy this technology so more businesses and hardworking families can save money on their energy bills while creating good paying jobs and helping us improve our air quality on the front range.” “Colorado needs an approach to not only meet our climate goals, but to create a clean energy landscape that encourages the adoption of innovative technologies,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and sponsor of HB23-1252, D-Fort Collins. “Our legislation works to expand avenues for thermal energy technologies in homes and businesses across the state, saving Coloradans’ money and cutting back on fossil fuel reliance. The clean energy transition is good for business, creates new job opportunities and sets Colorado up as a leader in the clean energy space.” Including Thermal Energy As A Clean Heat Resource : HB23-1252 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would continue Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for wider adoption of thermal energy as a clean heat resource. This bill aims to assist in the transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas and lower utility costs for Coloradans. Thermal energy systems heat and cool buildings by circulating non-combustible fluids through a pipe network. Defining thermal energy as a clean heat resource allows the state to expand its usage, create new job opportunities, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Colorado already employs this technology across the state, including at the National Western Complex, Colorado State University and the Colorado State Capitol. “Electric vehicles are an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we work toward meeting Colorado’s renewable energy goals,” said Rep.Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1233. “Many Coloradans are interested in owning an EV, however it can be tough to secure charging locations whether at their home or in their community. This bill helps to remove barriers to EV ownership by setting up the infrastructure to integrate charging ports in more homes, including multi-family residences.” “As more electric vehicles take to our roads, it’s critical we invest in EV-specific infrastructure,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1233. “We’re committed to reaching Colorado’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040, and this legislation sets in motion a plan to expand EV charging, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and save Coloradans’ money in the long term. Our legislation works to meet EV charging demands, making it possible for more Coloradans to own an EV because it will be easier to charge their vehicle across the state and in their community.” EV Charging and Parking Requirements: HB23-1233 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would remove barriers to EV ownership by ensuring Coloradans have access to EV charging, especially renters or those living in multifamily housing. Specifically, HB23-1233 would expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new construction to accommodate new and current EV owners. The bill would update electric code requirements, remove parking restrictions for EVs, and provide property tax relief to Coloradans for EV charging stations. Previous Next

HB26-1345 would make updates to the performance model funding to capture Colorado’s entire student body, including part-time and transfer students < Back April 29, 2026 House Advances Bill to Modernize, Improve Higher Education Funding Formula DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to modernize Colorado’s higher education funding model to meet the needs of Colorado students, including those from diverse and underserved backgrounds and non-traditional students. “Higher education is foundational in Colorado, and I dream of a day when we can drive more dollars to Colorado’s colleges and universities. However, until that day, we must ensure the funds we do have are properly distributed to meet the diverse and ever-evolving needs of Colorado students,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education working group, our bill modernizes the funding formula to foster high-quality education. Whether they’re part-time or transfer students, we’re making sure the modern-day student has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.” “Part-time students account for 55 percent of Colorado’s higher education student body, but they’re not accurately accounted for in the current funding formula,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This bill lays the groundwork for a modernized and improved higher education funding formula that will better meet the needs of Colorado students, including transfer and part-time students. We’ve taken bold steps to reimagine education funding in Colorado, and this bill is another step toward our shared mission to drive funding to the students who need it the most.” HB26-1345 implements changes and modifications to higher education funding as recommended by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s 2025 Report on the Higher Education Funding Allocation Formula . This bill aims to streamline and modernize higher education data systems and definitions to better meet the needs of Colorado’s student body, including part-time and transfer students. One component of higher education funding uses a results-informed funding model, and beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028, HB26-1345 would make modifications to this model by: Expanding qualified transfers: The current formula does not recognize four-year transfers as a successful touchpoint, despite 45 percent of Colorado students transferring between schools at least one time. This bill expands qualifying transfers to include those from four-year institutions who immediately transfer to another higher education institution with at least 18 credits earned at the previous institution. Without this modification, only students who earn 18 credits and transfer out of a community college would be counted in the credential completion weights. Prioritizing part-time students: 55 percent of Colorado’s higher education students attend classes part-time, but they are not included in any outcome measure rate. This bill would create an inclusive retention rate that measures the year-to-year prevalence of both part-time and full-time students. Modernizing graduation calculations: Collaborative programs, including the Bridge and Partnership programs, allow students to complete their degree in a field of study that is not offered by their home institution. However, this can skew the graduation calculations at their home campus. This bill would exclude students who are enrolled in a co-located degree partnership to ensure this population does not negatively impact the graduation calculations of their home campus. Streamlines formula definitions and data sources: This bill cleans up language and definitions in the current formula to make it more streamlined and clear for higher education institutions and policymakers. Specifically, HB26-1345 would make formula “levers” consistent, predictable, and focused on student-centered performance. Additionally, this bill standardizes data sources by transitioning the calculation of retention and graduation rates to the Department of Higher Education’s data system. To respond to shifts at the federal level, this bill also changes the definition of “Pell-eligible” student to “Pell-recipient” to ensure that this metric remains consistent. Previous Next

The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. < Back March 28, 2025 House Advances Construction Defects Reform Bill DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. “Increasing rents and home prices have created a housing affordability crisis and have made it nearly impossible for first-time homebuyers to enter the market,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Home ownership means everything to people who want to build a better, more secure life and future for themselves and their families. By incentivizing high quality construction and creating a less expensive process to resolve construction defect claims, we’re creating a better environment for the construction of housing that has historically been more affordable.” “This legislation aims to boost the number of condos and townhomes across Colorado to create more opportunities for homeownership and save people money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Condos are a great entry-level housing option that allows Coloradans to build equity that comes with a single-family home. Those same benefits make it a great option for those looking to downsize and age in place. This bill would help ramp up condo development while ensuring any problems are remedied so we can create safe homes at a price Coloradans can afford.” HB25-1272 aims to reform construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill would create the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program. Builders could opt into this program if they offer a warranty for any defect and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, builders in the program would receive additional protections against construction defect actions, which can be costly to litigate and discourage condo development. Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchased a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage alleged to be caused by a defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. When a participating construction professional receives a claim, they must provide documentation to the claimant related to building plans, soil reports, maintenance recommendations, and insurance. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim. The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by: Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism, A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, or Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. SB25-310, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, passed by a vote of 55-9. < Back May 5, 2025 House Passes Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. SB25-310, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, passed by a vote of 55-9. "This legislation honors voter intent when they passed Prop 130 by investing these new resources in public safety,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Last year, Colorado voters approved Prop 130 to better support the recruitment and training of peace officers and ensure that families of first responders can receive death benefits after a tragedy. This solution implements the will of the voters and supports our law enforcement departments and officers while maintaining funding for essential services like K-12 education and health care." SB25-310 , also sponsored by Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct a total of $350 million to keep Coloradans safe and to recruit new peace officers, hire additional peace officers, and provide continuing education and training for peace officers. The bill would implement and create a funding mechanism for the distribution of $350 million for local law enforcement officer recruitment, retention and training. The bill would make a one-time investment of $500 million of the general fund reserve in PERA and reduce future general fund payments to PERA by the amount of interest earned. It would then divert that amount to the new Peace Officer Training and Support fund each year, which will be distributed to local police departments. In addition, the bill would require a transfer of $15 million to the fund from the General Fund in 2026-27, and a minimum of $15 million from the general fund each year regardless of the amount offset by interest earnings. Once the full $350 million is fulfilled or if the general fund reserve falls below $1 billion, the bill would establish mechanisms to effectively return the $500 million invested in PERA to the general fund. The bill would also implement the death benefit required in Proposition 130 of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee of any first responder who died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and create the Death Benefit Fund. The bill would transfer $5 million on July 1, 2025, and a further $5 million on July 1, 2026, to the Death Benefit Fund. Beginning in 2027, the bill would require an annual transfer from the General Fund to the Death Benefit Fund that restores the fund balance to $10 million. Previous Next