Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. < Back June 7, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce Becomes Law GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365 , sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. “Over the years, Opportunity Now grants have sparked job growth and supported rural and mountain communities like in Northwestern Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As we build new roads, bridges, businesses, and affordable housing – the demand for highly-skilled construction only increases. This bipartisan law outlines the final round of grant funding while addressing the need in the construction and building trades as they strengthen our communities. Our new law will save Coloradans money as they pursue good-paying jobs in the construction industry and fill critical workforce shortages.” “Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone." HB24-1365 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, supports the fourth and final round of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grants. The goal of this law is to connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades. This law also creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program that connects Coloradans to in-demand careers in their communities and offers a workforce shortage tax credit to upgrade training facilities and equipment. By leveraging federal investments outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and othe rs, it provides the opportunity to train workers in new, emerging fields. The Opportun ity Now grant program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back April 30, 2024 Bill to Support Justice-Engaged Youth Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. “Ensuring that all Colorado youth have access to quality education is a priority, which is why we’re bringing this legislation to better support our justice-engaged youth,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation would reduce recidivism by creating a Student Bill of Rights that prioritizes and ensures student success. This bill would allow us to better serve our students by giving them the tools and resources to develop the skills they need to graduate, move on to postsecondary education opportunities, and build a thriving career.” “I’ve had students who were involved in the juvenile justice system, and it can be difficult to be successful in school after becoming justice-engaged,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill has the potential to help change their educational trajectories by connecting students and their families with legal and educational resources, expediting the re-enrollment of students back into school, and ensuring they can participate in extracurricular activities. These student rights are instrumental in developing agency and a sense of self for all young people, and through this bill, we’ll position our young people to forge strong futures for themselves.” HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs. The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. < Back September 17, 2024 Rep. Hamrick Visits Technical College AURORA, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. “I’d like to thank the folks hosting me at Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center – it was great to hear about their emerging programs to not only meet our workforce needs but make it easier for students to succeed in any career,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Under the gold dome, we’ve worked hard to make it easier for Coloradans to find and take advantage of workforce opportunities, including the Care Forward program which has successfully boosted our health care workforce through zero-cost credentials.” Rep. Hamrick toured both Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center. Pickens offers 25 certificate programs , in everything from the skilled trades to healthcare, to adults and high school students as part of the Aurora Public Schools and the Colorado Community College System. The Excel Center makes it possible for adults to earn their high school diploma at no-cost . Both education centers are designed to improve access to skills training and make it possible for Coloradans to begin a career they love. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Hamrick championed a number of bills designed to uplift education opportunities and local communities. This includes legislation to boost apprenticeship programs and expanding community-based behavioral health care grants . Rep. Hamrick also supported multiple workforce bills, including new laws to expand concurrent enrollment , uplift careers in high-demand sectors such as construction and health care and a tax credit to make the first two-years of college free for low and middle-income students. Previous Next

Climate change denial legislation would have jeopardized Colorado’s environment < Back March 13, 2024 Dems Defeat Bill to Roll Back Colorado’s Climate Goals DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Energy & Environment Committee today defeated a bill rooted in climate change denialism. HB24-1246, sponsored by Representative Ken DeGraaf, would have jeopardized Colorado’s efforts to address climate change. “The spread of climate change denialism is dangerous, we need policies rooted in scientific fact that will help create a safer, healthier Colorado for us all,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado is working hard to address our climate crisis and policies, like the one we heard in committee today, roll back our legislative efforts. We’re committed to reaching our state’s climate goals because Coloradans are counting on us to champion policies that rein in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, not deny it altogether.” “Climate change is real, and it’s a threat to our way of life now and for future generations,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Northglenn. “Legislation, like the one presented in committee today, is rooted in climate change denialism and would have dramatically pushed back our state’s goals, running out the clock on the time we have left to act. Colorado Democrats are on a path forward to addressing climate change, not rolling back regulations for scientifically-proven air pollutants, including carbon dioxide from the excessive burning of fossil fuels.” HB24-1246 would roll back Colorado’s climate goals of a 80-percent reduction in carbon dioxide emission in the utility sector by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040, and consequently undermine the climate-focused work championed by Democrats over the years. Specifically, this bill would have extended the climate goals to 2040 and 2060. Additionally, HB24-1246, as introduced, would have prohibited the classification of carbon dioxide as an air pollutant and eliminated its regulation by state agencies. Carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels are a driving contributor to air pollution and climate change. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have stepped up to push forward climate-friendly laws to help clean up our air and increase protections for disproportionately impacted communities, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and public transit options , streamline energy-efficient options for homeowners, and support businesses transitioning toward more eco-friendly heating and cooling options. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 ESGAR’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS HEADED TO GOVERNOR FOR SIGNATURE (Mar. 15) – A bill, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, to require doctors to prescribe certain drugs electronically received bipartisan support from the House today and now goes to Gov. Polis for his signature. “We need to do whatever we can do address the opioid crisis harming individuals and families across Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar. “By streamlining responsible prescribing practices, we can help, even if it’s a little bit, to lower the chance of someone falling into the cycle of addiction.” SB19-079 requires that certain professions with the ability to prescribe Schedule II, III, IV drugs be prescribed electronically, with some exceptions.. The bill gives rulemaking authority to the respective oversight boards for the professions to establish the process for exceptions. It also says that a pharmacist does not need to verify an exception when filling a prescription for a schedule II, III, or IV drug. Democrats in the legislature are committed to addressing the opioid crisis. With the widespread ability to purchase fake paper prescription pads online, this bill will cut down on fraudulent prescriptions getting filled by connecting the pharmacist directly with the prescriber. SB19-079 passed with a bipartisan vote on 60-4. It passed unanimously in the Senate. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Earlier today, the House Appropriations committee also gave bipartisan approval to HB19-1174, a bipartisan bill to end surprise billing, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. Out-of-network bills can be more than 30 times the average in-network rate. The bill was approved on a vote of 10-1 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills, including bills to streamline local permitting, improve the wireless emergency alert system, and create a cell phone infrastructure grant program. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Committee Advances Three Bills DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills, including bills to streamline local permitting, improve the wireless emergency alert system, and create a cell phone infrastructure grant program. “Cell phone connectivity is really about safety and security; and this bipartisan committee has been working diligently over the interim to forge legislative solutions to the parts of our state that are experiencing poor cell phone coverage,” said Chair Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of Bill 1, 2, 3. “The bills we advanced today will improve emergency alert systems, expand grant opportunities for rural and underserved communities. Staying connected is important, and our legislation brings us closer to a future where every person in our state can rely on their cell phone in an emergency.” “No matter where you live in Colorado, you deserve affordable and reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bills 2 and 3. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will help communities, particularly those with limited connectivity, build cell phone infrastructure. Additionally, I’ll be sponsoring legislation to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure projects to make sure we’re able to quickly respond to communities’ cell phone and telecommunication needs and bridge communication gaps.” “Over the course of the interim, we engaged with industry experts to uncover ways we can improve cell phone connectivity in rural and underserved communities in our state,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 3 . “Legislation we advanced today will improve local permitting for cell phone infrastructure projects so Coloradans can get connected sooner. From calling emergency services or loading directions – reliable cell phone coverage improves the health, safety and well-being of our communities.” “Our rural and mountainous communities face unique challenges when it comes to reliable cell phone service,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3. “Whether you need to call for emergency support or just stay in touch with family and work, cell service is a vital tool that keeps us connected to our communities. Coverage decisions are largely left to the market, which can underserve areas like my district; this legislation will ensure the state government is a strong partner in coordinating and supporting affordable, complete cell service in Colorado. These bills will also improve the wireless emergency alert systems that Coloradans rely on and expedite permitting of cell phone infrastructure projects.” Bill 1 sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, would designate the Colorado Broadband Office as a central policy coordination entity for cell service in the state. It would also streamline and improve wireless emergency alert systems. Specifically, the bill would require the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop a single point of contact to improve statewide coverage. Bill 1 would also help integrate public alert and warning systems for emergency alerts, provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions and offer recommendations to improve wireless alert systems. Bill 2 , sponsored by Rep. Soper, Rep. Lukens, and Sen. Hinrichsen, would create a grant program to help communities build more cell phone infrastructure. Bill 2 would establish a wireless telephone infrastructure grant program similar to the broadband deployment grant program. Grants would be awarded to communities and neighborhoods with limited cell phone connectivity. Bill 3 , sponsored by Rep. Lukens, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, Sen. Roberts and Sen. Hinrichsen, would improve local permitting for cell phone and telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would require applications for cell phone infrastructure projects submitted to a local government to be approved within specified timetables if necessary conditions are met. The goal of Bill 3 is to provide efficiency and consistency for wireless carriers seeking to expand cell phone connectivity and bridge connection gaps for Coloradans living across the state, especially in rural and underserved communities. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Cecelia Espenoza that would strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence by improving housing security, expanding access to justice, and keeping Coloradans safe. HB25-1168 passed by a vote of 40-22. < Back March 5, 2025 Bill to Strengthen Victim Protections and Housing Security Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Cecelia Espenoza that would strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence by improving housing security, expanding access to justice, and keeping Coloradans safe. HB25-1168 passed by a vote of 40-22. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 11 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our bill strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep victims safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this bill is a meaningful change that better allows victims to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep victims housed. This bill is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawful detention of a residence if the lease violation is caused by domestic violence or domestic abuse if the tenant provides a police report or civil or emergency protection order that demonstrates they were a victim. HB25-1168 would expand victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking. The bill also expands eligible documentation to include self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease to not be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own as long as they provide a copy of the key to the landlord as soon as reasonably possible, if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector unless the landlord provides at least a 90-day notice to the tenant and complies with the requirement to provide the tenant with documentation of the economic damages, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence if the landlord has provided documentation of incurred economic damages as a result of the early termination within 30 days after the termination of the agreement. To strengthen eviction protections, the bill also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors alleged of unlawful detention due to late or unpaid rent. The repayment plan would not exceed 12 months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. Previous Next

HB25-1221 would allow Emily Griffith Technical College to offer associate’s degrees < Back February 26, 2025 Hamrick’s Bill to Meet Workforce Needs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to expand postsecondary education opportunities to strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB25-1221 sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick, would allow the Emily Griffith Technical College to offer an associate’s degree to students participating in registered apprenticeship programs. “We’re working hard to address Colorado’s ever-evolving workforce needs, and this bill helps ensure students involved in apprenticeship programs can pursue associate degrees that will lead to good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Our bipartisan bill supports students by breaking down barriers, expanding access to higher education and fostering strong pathways to jobs in high-demand fields after graduation. The new associate’s degree program at Emily Griffith Technical College will create new low-cost opportunities for students to pursue higher education and help meet Colorado's workforce needs.” HB25-1221 , also sponsored by Representative Lori Garcia Sander, R-Eaton, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. To meet workforce needs, this bill would allow the Emily Griffith Technical College to offer an associate’s degree of applied science for students participating in qualified apprenticeship programs. This bill aims to break down barriers for students wanting to pursue an associate’s degree while participating in an apprenticeship program. Registered apprenticeship programs at the Emily Griffith Technical College are work-based learning experiences that are overseen by both the college and an employer. Approximately 5,300 students at Emily Griffith Technical College participate in an apprenticeship program. HB25-1221 would strengthen Colorado’s workforce by ensuring students are enrolled in programs that align with in-demand industries and good-paying jobs. Previous Next

Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships < Back May 20, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Accelerate Affordable Workforce Housing Projects Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships DOWDS JUNCTION, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a bill to encourage innovative, affordable workforce housing projects through public-private partnerships. SB23-001 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, provides $13 million in funding to help develop affordable workforce housing on state-owned land so that Colorado workers like teachers, nurses, and everyone in between can find housing that fits their budget. “Across Colorado, local communities are exploring innovative projects to ensure everyone can have access to an affordable place to call home near where they work,” Roberts said. “This bill will help catalyze many projects across the state by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to affordable housing development: the cost of land. By allowing public-private partnerships access to underused state land, we can expect hundreds of new affordable housing units across the state in the coming years, including 80 units in my home of Eagle County. I am thrilled this bill is being signed after moving forward with bipartisan support.” “We need to utilize every tool we have to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and by allowing public-private partnerships with this new law, we can increase housing opportunities while also creating more well-paying construction jobs,” said Bird. “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans of any budget or zip code to find an affordable place to call home.” “The housing crisis is a top concern for the people of Colorado and the legislature alike,” said Zenzinger. “Constructing workforce housing was a key part of this year’s comprehensive work to address housing availability and affordability. Teachers, nurses, and everyone who helps keep our state running deserve to have an affordable place they can call home. Senate Bill 1 will be incredibly helpful in our efforts to ensure Coloradans can afford to live where they work.” “Rural towns like mine are struggling to keep up with housing demands, which is displacing essential workers that are necessary to maintain the health of our communities,” said Lukens. “Land is a significant cost when it comes to building housing, so we’re allowing for public-private partnerships using state-owned land to make it easier to build housing that Coloradans can afford, helping us retain our workforce and boosting local economies.” SB23-001 builds on work from previous sessions, HB21-1274 and SB22-130 , regarding the inventory of underutilized properties and state-owned land. Of the total funding, $2 million will go towards the Dowd Junction project to facilitate development of 80 two-bedroom units, and $11 million will fund similar projects across the state. Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK INVESTMENT, ELECTIONS IMPROVEMENT BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed two bills into law, which will allocate nearly a billion dollars in federal stimulus funds to help Colorado recover and build back stronger and improve Colorado’s gold-standard elections system. “In order to keep Colorado’s elections as a gold-standard model for the rest of the nation, it is crucial that we constantly improve our electoral laws and practices,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-250 . “By making improvements like expanding online and automatic voter registration and requiring colleges to provide information to enrolled students how to register or update their voter registration, this new law continues Colorado’s proud tradition of improving voter access while ensuring electoral integrity.” “While some legislatures across the country spent their time trying to roll back voting rights, here in Colorado we built on our progress and made it easier for every eligible voter to make their voice heard,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, sponsor of SB21-250 . “Among the many provisions in this new law, I’m particularly excited that we’re making it easier for college students to learn where and how to vote while improving our registration system to make it easier for every voter to register. Thanks to the hard work of Colorado’s bipartisan county clerks and Secretary of State, this session we successfully enhanced our gold-standard electoral system.” SB21-250 stems from the recommendations from Colorado’s 64 county clerks, the Secretary of State and other voting rights advocates. It makes clarifications, adjustments and improvements to ensure Colorado’s election system remains the gold standard. The bill will improve access to drop boxes and Voter Service and Polling Centers and streamline and expand access to Colorado’s voter registration system.. Specifically, the bill ensures that voters who are in dropbox lines at 7:00 PM are allowed to drop off their ballots, the same way voters who are in line by 7:00 PM at a voter service and polling center are able to cast a ballot. It also allows greater public input into the location of drop boxes. The bill modernizes the voter registration system to create a process for voters to register online with the last four digits of their Social Security numbers should they not have a driver’s license, requiring that information be matched and checked against the Social Security database in real time before proceeding to register the voter. The bill also requires institutions of higher education to provide information to enrolled students on their eligibility to vote and how to keep their voter registration up-to-date. “Last week’s revenue forecast showed us just how much state and federal stimulus efforts have helped Colorado recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of SB21-291 and Chair of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee . “The new law signed today will help us further leverage federal aid to attract new businesses to Colorado and continue our work to support workers and employers across the state. Now that this is law, I look forward to getting to work in the coming months to allocate the bulk of these funds and ensure that the Colorado Comeback creates lasting change and prosperity for small businesses and workers in our state.” SB21-291 , which is also sponsored by Representative Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic. It allocates $848 million for economic stimulus and relief initiatives that will be recommended through an interim committee process. Additionally, it directs $40 million to the Strategic Fund in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade in order to incentivize companies to create jobs in Colorado and small businesses to relocate to rural Colorado. Previous Next

BUILDING ON OVER $1 BILLION IN HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR COLORADANS, POLIS ADMINISTRATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE REAL RELIEF FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS < Back May 1, 2023 GOV. POLIS, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES, SAVING COLORADANS MONEY BUILDING ON OVER $1 BILLION IN HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR COLORADANS, POLIS ADMINISTRATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE REAL RELIEF FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Senate President Fenberg of Boulder, Senator Hansen of Denver, Representative deGruy Kennedy of Lakewood, and Representative Weissman of Aurora announced a proposal to provide historic property tax savings for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. In addition to immediate relief, the proposal creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. This proposal, along with previous legislation, will save Colorado taxpayers $1 billion annually in property taxes, ensuring Colorado’s property taxes remain among the lowest in the nation. “It is no secret that Colorado is a great place to live and work, and as our state grows, we must take action to ensure people can thrive in the community they love. This proposal will cut the average homeowners' tax increase in half and deliver long-term relief to protect people, especially seniors on a fixed income, from being priced out of their homes,” said Governor Polis. “I appreciate the legislature's partnership to provide real relief on property taxes and save Coloradans money.” Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and should they choose to enact this proposal, it will provide major long-term reductions to property tax rates and deliver immediate savings on property taxes this year. This proposal, combined with reductions previously passed, will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. "Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." “We recognize that property tax reductions cannot be considered without also accounting for the impacts these cuts will have on local governments,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes responsible reductions, unlike those proposed in recent ballot measures, and includes provisions to ensure we’re protecting school districts, fire districts, and county child welfare offices while we pass this important measure to help Colorado families keep up with the cost of living in our beautiful state.” “The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state more than a billion dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive." “I’m proud to partner with Governor Polis to help significantly reduce property tax increases,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Property tax increases are driving up costs on families, and lower, and middle income Colorado families can least afford this. This proposal will help Coloradans stay in their homes and communities and targets savings to homeowners who need it the most.” Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15% to 6.7% in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfill revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. Governor Polis has called for immediate and long-term plans to reduce property taxes and save Coloradans money, and in partnership with the legislature, has delivered more than $1 billion in savings so far. Last year, the governor and the legislature passed a property tax relief package that provided $700 million to lower Coloradans' property tax rates and reduced rate increases over two years. In 2021, the Property Tax Deferral Program was created which allows Coloradans to defer a portion of their property tax if they increase over 4%. This deferral opportunity was expanded from previously only being offered to seniors and veterans to now be available to all Coloradans. For more information on the Property Tax Deferral Program and other savings opportunities, visit the Colorado Treasury website. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant in certain cases when a person is in custody. < Back February 11, 2025 Bacon’s Bipartisan Bill to Identify Outstanding Warrants, Reduce Recidivism Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant in certain cases when a person is in custody. “When we don’t search for outstanding warrants while someone is already in the justice system, it wastes taxpayer time and money,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Waiting to handle warrants, which are typically for low-level offenses, until they are released is inefficient. It's unfair for Coloradans and their families who find out that they have to go back to jail after they were already released and re-entering their communities. By streamlining the warrant process, we can help identify existing warrants or cases so Coloradans can address them or serve time while already incarcerated and reduce recidivism to keep our communities safer.” HB25-1116 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. The bill would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to search for and notify relevant parties of any outstanding warrants for a person in custody in the following cases: Upon initial admission to the DOC, Upon initial comprehensive evaluation of the Time Computation Unit, Six months after admission, Between three and six months before a community corrections eligibility date, and Upon request of the Public Defender liaison. If an outstanding warrant or pending case is discovered, the DOC is required to notify the offender, a public defender liaison, and the court that issued the warrant. Previous Next