Search Results

Initiative 144 and 145 will reduce pet care in Colorado < Back Rep. McCormick: As a veterinarian and a lawmaker, please don’t let big businesses undermine Colorado pet care Jun 12, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Denver Post here . Initiative 144 and 145 will reduce pet care in Colorado Forty years ago I swore a lifelong oath when starting my career as a veterinarian. Part of that oath affirms that I will use my scientific knowledge and skill to benefit society through the protection of animal health and welfare. It is with that oath, and my lifetime of service to animals and people that I must now sound the alarm to all Coloradans. There are two ballot initiatives being circulated collecting signatures for the fall ballot. These initiatives are being driven by big corporate interests from outside of Colorado. They are Initiative 144 and 145 and are being misleadingly sold to voters as a way to “increase access to veterinary care.” The General Assembly worked very hard this spring in a bipartisan, collaborative way, to develop a robust approach to how best to utilize tele-technologies like video calls in veterinary care. That bill was signed into law by the governor earlier this year, and it passed the House of Representatives unanimously. It is widely supported by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, farmers and ranchers, shelters and humane societies and animal caretakers. The bill strengthens and clarifies that veterinary telemedicine should supplement and not replace in-person care. We absolutely should use telehealth more and this law will make sure it is done right to protect pets. Initiative 144 also has to do with Veterinary Telehealth, but is a danger to pets. 144 would dismantle that well-structured law the governor just signed and eliminate the need for a doctor to ever see your animal in person. The ballot question essentially eliminates the most important tools your veterinarian has to get to the bottom of what is going on — their hands, eyes, ears, and nose. 144 would not benefit people or their animals and would create real safety concerns. It would only help corporate entities focused on profits, allowing them to push medicine to animal owners via online platforms. Animals would be the ones suffering in this situation as they would not be getting accurate care. The second ballot initiative, 145, also funded by outside corporate interests, will allow creation of a new animal health position called a veterinary professional associate or VPA. TA VPA is not licensed to practice medicine, has not gone through an accredited veterinary education program, has not passed a national exam, will not have sufficient liability protections, would not be able to prescribe medicines due to federal law, and will be under-trained through primarily an online master’s program. These VPAs would then be allowed to actually practice veterinary medicine on your pets, including surgery, diagnose diseases, interpret lab test results and prescribe a treatment plan, all without a license. Corporate interests want VPAs to practice medicine without the consumer protection safeguards that exist for licensed veterinarians. If this sounds crazy to you then you can understand my grave concern for the animals of our state for whom we are responsible. Skilled veterinary technicians are already more qualified than this contemplated VPA. They have comprehensive training, take a national exam and are regulated by the state. We passed another strong bipartisan bill to elevate and extend the skills of veterinary technicians with House Bill 1047. There has been over $633,000 granted to Colorado State University by Petsmart Charities to develop a veterinary mid-level position master’s degree. This degree program is not looking to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) who is responsible for accreditation of every single College of Veterinary Medicine in the country, including CSU’s, and for every school that graduates Veterinary technicians. In order for this master’s degree to work for Petsmart, who partners with Mars,Inc./ Banfield vet clinics, would need ballot initiative 145 to get on the ballot and pass. There has been over $255,000 contributed toward the effort to get these Initiatives on the ballot by the Issue Committee called ‘All Pets Deserve Care’ registered with the Secretary of State. This entity received its largest single donation of $250,000 from Denver Dumb Friends League. The details into DDFL’s financials to know where the $250,000 came from is not publicly available. Mars, Inc. who owns Banfield and VCA veterinary hospitals across the nation have funded studies in the past that have fed a narrative that the U.S. needs to create a new veterinary position in order to keep up with the demand for veterinary care. These studies have been disputed by many reputable veterinary economists since. But the narrative has taken off and is fueling this push to create a new veterinary worker who in reality won’t be prepared to help animals. We need more veterinarians and more veterinary technicians. Let’s focus on solving that problem. Karen McCormick is a state representative for House District 11. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! TWO BIPARTISAN BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE Legislation boosts hospital transparency and improves protection from surprise medical bills DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will increase hospital pricing transparency and save Coloradans money on health care. HB22-1285 sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, Representative Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City and Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley will increase hospital pricing transparency practices and save health care consumers money. “Our bipartisan laws will save Coloradans money on health care by improving hospital price transparency and protecting patients from surprise billing,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar . “Hospitals are required to be open and honest about what they’re changing patients, and our bills signed into law today by Governor Polis will not only ensure transparency but limit the hospital’s ability to collect medical debt if they’re not in compliance. Coloradans deserve to know what they’re getting when it comes to health care, and this legislation protects them against surprise medical bills that are often shockingly expensive.” “According to federal law, hospitals are required to be transparent about the price of services they provide patients,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno. “By preventing Colorado’s hospitals from sending medical debt to collections if they are out of compliance with these requirements, this new law will protect patients and empower Coloradans to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their families.” HB22-1285 saves Coloradans money on their health care costs by increasing hospital transparency and prohibiting hospitals that are out of compliance with federal price transparency laws from referring medical debt to collections. In July 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop detailed rules to increase hospital billing transparency. Hospitals must now publicly post their “standard charges,” which are the gross charges, discounted cash prizes, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for health care services. Under the law, hospitals that are not in compliance with federal hospital price transparency laws will be prohibited from referring, assigning or selling medical debt to collectors, and they will be prohibited from using the courts to obtain a judgment for an outstanding medical debt. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1284 , sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar, Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose and Senators Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, to improve surprise medical billing protections in Colorado. “We need to do everything we can to protect Coloradans from malicious surprise billing practices, and instead help them access the care they need while saving them money,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen. “This new law will increase protections for patients, lower the cost of health care for Coloradans, and improve patient outcomes as we work to build a healthier Colorado for all.” HB22-1284 boosts Colorado’s surprise medical billing protections by aligning them with recently passed federal legislation. The law provides clarity to consumers, providers and insurance carriers about how to move forward with surprise billing protections. It adds balance billing protections for post-stabilization services to ensure that patients are protected from surprise bills until they can consent and be safely transferred to an in-network facility. It mirrors the federal law’s notice and consent requirements to ensure that out-of-network providers and facilities provide notice to a consumer before a scheduled service, including a good-faith estimate of the total charges the consumer will be responsible for. Additionally, it updates Colorado laws to allow for a 90-day period of continued coverage at in-network rates for transitional care. Previous Next

< Back July 2, 2021 LANDMARK ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION SIGNED DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed HB21-1266, Representatives Dominique Jackson and Mike Weissman’s bill to promote environmental justice in Colorado and help our state meet our emissions reduction goals. “Environmental Justice means making sure that our solutions to tackling climate change acknowledge and address the systemic disparities of years of pollution and the impacts of climate change,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This new law takes concrete steps to help us improve air quality and meet our emissions reductions goals while giving disproportionately impacted communities a seat at the table where these decisions are being made. With these new steps, Colorado will set an example for the nation on how best to address pollution and climate change in a holistic and just way.” “Today marks an important step toward guaranteeing true environmental justice in Colorado,” said Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Communities of color, low income Coloradans and other groups uniquely affected by pollution and the effects of climate change deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met as we work toward cleaner air and a greener state. I’m enormously proud of and grateful for the tireless advocacy and hard work that was required to make this new law a reality.” HB21-1266 supports communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution by creating the Environmental Justice Advisory Board and Ombudsperson within the Department of Public Health and Environment. The law eliminates the “polluter pay loophole” that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, and directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to update permitting requirements for sources that affect disproportionately impacted communities, and requires electric utilities to file clean energy plans with the Public Utilities Commission. Utilities with significant emissions are required to reduce emissions at least 80% by 2030, the oil and gas sector is required to reduce emissions by 36% by 2025 and 60% by 2030 and the industrial and manufacturing sectors are required to reduce emissions by at least 20% by 2030. The law also codifies outreach best practices to impacted communities and requires the development of a comprehensive, statewide environmental justice plan. Previous Next

< Back November 10, 2020 MCCLUSKIE AND HEROD APPOINTED TO JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced the appointment of Representatives Julie McCluskie and Leslie Herod to serve on the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). Herod will be the first Black woman from the House to serve on the JBC since Wilma Webb , who served in the House from 1980-1992 and on the JBC from 1983-1986. Rep. Julie McCluskie will now serve as the ranking member from the House Majority caucus. “We have so much talent in our caucus. Rep. McCluskie’s leadership through one of the most difficult budgets in state history was a service to the body and to the entire State of Colorado. The decision to reappoint her is a no-brainier as we chart a course to rebound from the pandemic and get Colorado’s economy back on track,” said House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Rep. Herod has been a leader since the first day she stepped into the Capitol. I’m pleased she will put her policy making skills to work helping the people of Colorado. She’s one of the strongest voices for working families in the state, and I’m glad she will apply those skills to making sure Colorado’s economy works for everyone.” “I’m honored to get back to work on the JBC and to prioritize our students, teachers and critical services as we craft a budget that boosts our economy and helps Coloradans get through this crisis,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion . “Rep. Herod will bring her wealth of experience fighting for Colorado communities to the JBC where I know she will be a force for justice as we work to build an economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot.” “It is an overwhelming honor to be named to serve on the Joint Budget Committee as our state works to rebound from the economic crisis caused by COVID,” said newly appointed JBC member Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Being the first Black woman to serve in the role in decades only heightens how proud I am to be selected. I am eager and excited to dig into our state budget and get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado. It’s time to build back a stronger, more just and equitable economy in our state, and to ensure no one is left behind in our state’s recovery.” The JBC will meet tomorrow, November 11 at 9:00 AM, to formalize the JBC leadership for the upcoming session and begin hearings on the FY 2021-2022 budget request. The JBC schedule can be found here . Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect Consumers, Improve EV Charging Oversight DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. HB25-1267 passed by a vote of 40-23. “EVs are incredibly popular in Colorado, and our EV charging stations need to be reliable and accurate,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “Consumer protections are already in place for Coloradans who drive gas-powered vehicles to ensure they’re getting what they pay for at the pump; this bill extends similar protections to EV drivers. The demand for EVs is only growing in Colorado, and this bill ensures divers receive the electricity they pay for.” “We’re taking steps now to make sure Colorado’s charging station infrastructure can meet the growing demand for EVs and help us reach our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Colorado’s EV market share is number one in the country, and this bill makes sure EV charging stations are reliable and accurate. Gas pumps are regularly inspected to ensure drivers get what they pay for, and this bill does the same for EV drivers.” HB25-1267 aims to improve oversight of retail EV charging stations to ensure consumers receive the energy they pay for. To accomplish this, the bill creates a new statewide retail EV charging station oversight program to establish and oversee minimum standards for charging stations. The state already monitors gas pumps to ensure consumers receive the amount of gas they are paying for; this bill extends the same consumer protection protocols for EV drivers The popularity of EVs in Colorado continues to grow. Colorado recently became number one in the country regarding market share of new EVs, surpassing California. This legislation also aims to help Colorado meet current and future EV infrastructure demand by modifying the EV grant fund. This includes updated policies, procedures and utility oversight of public charging stations. In 2023, Colorado Democrats championed an expansive tax credit package that included incentives for EV buyers to reach our state’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER ON THEIR TERMS The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone’s bill that allows youth who are 15-years-old, or older, to directly consent to receive shelter services from a licensed facility. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Rob Woodward. The committee passed the bill by a vote of 10-3. “Homeless youth are one of the most vulnerable populations in Colorado, and it’s up to us to protect them,” said Rep.Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would remove barriers towards homeless kids receiving the support they need from licensed and regulated services. We can’t have teens falling through the cracks, and this bill puts their safety first.” “When it comes to homeless youth, safety is our concern,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This bill would allow homeless teens in our state to advocate for their own safety and well-being, and will no doubt lead to better outcomes.” SB20-106 would allow homeless youth facilities, including foster or family homes, to provide shelter and “crisis intervention” to homeless youths who are 15-years-old. The youths must consent, in writing, to receive these services and do not need the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The bill also states that a person who provides shelter to a homeless child without the consent of a legal guardian must notify the legal guardian and authorities within 24-hours after shelter has been provided. Additionally, if the authorities come to the conclusion that the youth cannot be returned to the legal guardian, they must notify the county so proper living arrangements can be made. The bill passed the Senate 32-1. ### Previous Next

The Colorado River Drought Task Force and the Sub-Task Force on Tribal Matters today released a report with recommendations including tools, programs, and resources that can be used to make communities that rely on water from the Colorado River more resilient to drought. < Back December 15, 2023 Speaker McCluskie, Senator Roberts on Drought Task Force Recommendations Denver, CO – The Colorado River Drought Task Force and the Sub-Task Force on Tribal Matters today released a report with recommendations including tools, programs, and resources that can be used to make communities that rely on water from the Colorado River more resilient to drought. “The health of the Colorado River is crucial to Western Slope communities and the millions of Americans who rely on its water,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This task force served as a critical first step to discuss dozens of policy ideas, seek vital public input and put forward recommendations to protect our waterways. The recommendations would increase the water available for streams and rivers, boost funding to strengthen our water-related infrastructure, and expand flexibility and clarification in existing programs to create more drought-resilient tools for water management. I am committed to continuing conversations about threats to the Colorado River.” "Here on the Western Slope, our water is our lifeblood. It powers our agriculture producers, our small businesses, and is the centerpiece of the environment we cherish. Today, ongoing and worsening drought, exacerbated by climate change, is an immediate and dire threat to our state’s water,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and sponsor of SB23-295 that created the Task Force. “That is why we created the Colorado River Drought Task Force as an important step in a comprehensive, collaborative, and ongoing approach to addressing this pressing challenge. The Task Force’s recommendations announced today, while not everything I expected, are a positive step in the right direction. Strategies like mitigating water loss in transit, allowing further flexibility in the sharing of stored water, and expanding the state’s work to curtail wasteful, nonfunctional turf, among others, are all going to play a role in protecting our critical water supply. Further, the Task Force started conversations on several other larger ideas that should continue to be worked on and strongly considered in the years ahead. I owe an enormous thanks to every member of the Task Force for their hard and comprehensive work – their efforts will be an important part of the ongoing efforts to safeguard our state’s water supply and to lead the nation in bold, innovative solutions to this vital issue.” Recommendation 4 suggests allowing storage water owners, such as reservoir managers, to temporarily loan their water rights to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, which would allow for in-stream flows without a decreed in-stream flow water right. This would allow for reservoirs across the state to provide critical water to environmental needs - ensuring there is enough water in streams to protect our wildlife during drier times. The Colorado River Drought Task Force also made recommendations to: Continue funding that is consistent with demand for the Technical Assistance Grant program using state funds, Reduce water losses in transit and leakage by increasing funding levels to state programs for aging water-related infrastructure, including replacing and upgrading diversion structures, headgate and conveyance efficiency improvements, Continue funding to improve measurements of streams and snowpack and require more measurement to demonstrate efficiency in small projects Increase funding levels of the Turf Removal Program to $5 million per year and increase the amount of funding one entity can access, and Fund assessment and remediation of invasive plants that are disrupting riparian ecosystems The Sub-Task Force on Tribal Matters made recommendations to: Provide a grant to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to allow expert analysis of the potentially available water, the impacts of contributing that water to the Colorado River system, the appropriate level of compensation, funding sources for a pilot program for forbearance of water development, and potential benefits for all involved, Request the US Congress to fully fund $35 million that is authorized for the Indian Irrigation Fund, Remove the requirement for matching funds of at least 25 percent for Water Plan Implementation Grants and provide the Colorado Water Conservation Board discretion to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises, and Include cultural values for protection when deemed suitable. The Colorado River Drought Task Force also considered tools that require more conversation and stakeholding, giving legislators crucial information on policies they can continue to work on. These programs include: Allowing industrial users on the Yampa River to maintain their water rights by not being subject to abandonment through 2050, and to loan water, which would address environmental flow needs. Providing permission to the State Engineer to consider environmental needs when shepherding water to the state line if the Upper Colorado River Commission has determined additional water is needed in Lake Powell. The task forces were created by SB23-295 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts and Representative Caitlin and Senator Will. The Colorado River Drought Task Force includes representatives from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, regional water conservation districts, local governmental officials, agricultural producers, environmental non-profit organizations, and others that have diverse experience with complex water issues. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources was also established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. The Colorado River provides water to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Mexico. Over 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for their water supply, and record-breaking heatwaves and droughts in the Southwestern US have only exacerbated water conservation issues. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044, sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. < Back July 1, 2024 Hamrick, Hansen Bipartisan Law to Boost Educator Workforce Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044 , sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. “Colorado’s educator shortage is dire and our students deserve quality education,” said Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “To address our educator shortage, we need to use every tool available to us. With our new law going into effect, more retired educators and staff are able to return to the schools, without the risk of losing their PERA retirement benefits. This will encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom and help our schools and most importantly – our students.” “Colorado schools are facing a critical shortage of teachers, which results in larger class sizes and fewer students getting the individualized attention they need,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Allowing more retirees to return to the classroom without jeopardizing their hard-earned PERA benefits will get more qualified teachers and staff into our schools and help more students get the quality education they deserve.” HB24-1044, also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, expands the number of service retirees that school districts may hire while still being eligible for PERA benefits. Specifically, school districts can exceed the current 10 retiree cap by 1 retiree for every 1,000 students above 10,000 students. Under current law, school districts may only hire retirees when a “critical shortage of qualified instructors” is established. This law aims to streamline placing educators in classrooms by instead allowing school districts to hire up to 10 retirees if the district identifies a “need” for additional instructors. Previous Next

New laws to create jobs and support Colorado workers will go into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 19, 2023 Laws to Create Jobs and Support Colorado Workers Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - New laws to create jobs and support Colorado workers will go into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1212 , sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. The law also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of registered apprenticeship programs into the State’s available career planning tools, including the development of individual career and academic plans by apprenticeship navigators to better support job preparation and awareness for students. “A four year college degree doesn’t make sense for everyone,” said Kolker. “Alternative pathways like apprenticeships can lead to high paying careers and bright futures. I look forward to seeing the Office of the Future of Work and the Department of Education work together to expand apprenticeship opportunities and help bolster Colorado’s workforce.” “This law works to connect graduating high school students with apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction and other skilled trades,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “We’re making it easier for students to find, apply and get accepted to apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields and graduate with a clear pathway toward a good-paying career.” “Colorado is facing a crippling workforce shortage that is hurting our families and our economy,” Danielson said. “Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities to people looking to gain hands-on experience and enter our workforce. This new law helps expand pathways to apprenticeships and get more Coloradans on track for a successful future.” “Apprenticeship programs give Coloradans the tools they need to get started and save money on their pursuit of a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law will make apprenticeship programs in the trades more accessible to high school students, help fill critical jobs and boost Colorado’s economy.” Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. Sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, HB23-1081 expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit to strengthen incentives for businesses transitioning to an employee-owned business model. “Employee-owned businesses give hard-working Coloradans a real stake in their work,” said Hinrichsen. “With this law, we’re expanding incentives to help cover the costs associated with transitioning to an employee-owned model. These win-win opportunities help businesses remain in their communities while giving employees a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making about their careers.” “Expanding the employee ownership tax credit in Colorado means local businesses can continue to boost wages and benefits, improve retention and develop strong succession plans,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB23-1081 . “This law encourages employee-owned business models, which means our local businesses are more likely to stay locally owned and operated for years to come. Small businesses are a huge part of our statewide economy, and this law makes it easier for business owners to sell or retire while giving employees more opportunities to own the business they work for.” HB23-1081 expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by: Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership; Expanding eligible methods that businesses may use to transfer equity to employees; Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Finally, SB23-292 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Shannon Bird, D- Westminster , creates clear and fair working standards for the energy industry to support workers transitioning into the clean energy sector. “Colorado is committed to a clean energy future and a competitive economy that uplifts all workers,” said Fenberg. “More and more clean energy development projects are receiving state funds, which is why we took action to ensure those projects are supported by truly good paying jobs with great benefits. With this important law, we’re upholding our commitments and making sure no worker gets left behind.” “As Colorado gears up for more construction of clean energy projects, we need to ensure our highly-skilled workers are compensated fairly and protected while on the job,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB23-292. “Our law ensures workers, including electricians, plumbers, and those essential to completing a large-scale clean energy project are paid a fair wage for their work. This law is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to create safer working conditions and ensure liveable wages for Coloradans.” “Colorado’s clean energy future ultimately depends on high quality, well-paid jobs,” Hansen said. “This new law ensures that as the clean energy sector continues to grow, workers’ rights grow too. When workers win, so does Colorado’s infrastructure and economy, and I’m proud to have championed this new law that helps move Colorado forward.” “Establishing high labor standards for clean energy projects ensures our highly-skilled workers are paid fairly and are protected while on the job,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB23-292. “Our law going into effect establishes fair wages and safety initiatives for construction jobs in Colorado’s energy sector. Colorado is preparing for some of the most innovative, clean energy projects in the county and this law protects workers and strengthens our construction-based economy.” The law creates a new category of public projects called Energy Sector Public Works Projects to the 2019 State Prevailing Wage Law. These Energy Sector Public Works Projects must comply with current apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements to be eligible for state funding or approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two bills to establish necessary guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. < Back March 4, 2026 Bills to Establish Guardrails for AI in Health Care Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two bills to establish necessary guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. HB26-1195 and HB26-1139 would ensure patients’ continued access to health care provided by a human, licensed professional. “Without input or oversight from a licensed professional, AI chatbots can be mistaken for legitimate therapy. This practice is dangerous for patients, and we need to ensure Coloradans are protected and informed,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB26-1195. “This bill establishes reasonable protective measures on AI-use in mental and behavioral health care, including prohibiting the use of AI to directly interact with a patient for therapy. Licensed professionals would still be allowed to use AI for administrative purposes, but clinical interventions, psychotherapy, must be administered by a licensed human.” “Colorado patients deserve access to real, human-centered care,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1195. “This timely bill outlines important guardrails for AI in health care. AI chatbots are biased, unlicensed tools and they should not be used for therapy and treatment recommendations without oversight. Our legislation protects patients while still allowing AI usage for administrative tasks, such as scheduling and note-taking.” HB26-1195 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would create guardrails for AI chatbots to ensure patients can make informed choices when using AI chatbots. The bill also sets standards in clinical settings, limiting the use of AI to administrative tasks with oversight by a licensed professional. To ensure patients receive legitimate behavioral health care, this bill makes sure that psychotherapy is human-delivered by a licensed professional, such as a social worker, psychologist or addiction counselor. On the consumer protection front, this legislation would prohibit AI chatbots from being marketed to patients as providing the same level of care as a licensed psychotherapist or counselor. AI chatbots would also be barred from implying their responses or suggestions are equivalent to psychotherapy services. Providers must disclose the use of AI for supplementary support, such as recording or transcribing meetings. HB26-1139 passed committee by a vote of 8-5. This bill would establish important guardrails for AI systems in health care to ensure insurance coverage decisions are transparent, accountable and subject to human oversight. “Human-centered care must be front and center in Colorado’s health care system,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1139. “Our bill establishes necessary guidelines for professional use of AI in health insurance coverage determinations, especially in the case of a denial. In Colorado, we’re safeguarding access to licensed, professional care, so that anyone, no matter their income level or zip code, has the opportunity to meet with a licensed human professional.” “All patients in Colorado deserve to have a real human adjudicate their health insurance determinations,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB26-1139. “This bill states clearly that while AI may be used to expedite approvals in care coverage, a qualified human must review denials made by AI. Health care is nuanced, and we need to ensure the use of AI in coverage decisions is not solely based on group data. This bill works to ensure that licensed professionals use AI responsibly to make individualized decisions to keep Colorado patients safe and healthy.” Under this bill, if an AI system recommends denying coverage for a patient, the final decision must come from a qualified human after review. To protect patients against algorithmic bias, decisions to deny health care coverage must be based on an individual’s medical history and clinical circumstances, not solely on group data that falls short of an individual’s unique needs. In 2025, researchers at Stanford University recommended that Large Language Models (LLMs), which power AI chatbots, “should not replace therapists.” Additionally, researchers concluded that “LLMs express stigma toward those with mental health conditions and respond inappropriately to certain common (and critical) conditions.” Top AI companies, including OpenAI , Google , and Character.AI , are all facing lawsuits from families after AI chatbots recommended suicide to a person seeking behavioral health advice or support. Last year, parents of children who committed suicide testified before Congress, stating AI chatbots discouraged their teens from seeking help. Previous Next

2023 School Finance Act increases average per pupil K-12 public school funding by a record 10.6 percent < Back May 15, 2023 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bills to Make Record Investment in K-12 Public Schools, Improve Math Scores & Support Special Education Become Law 2023 School Finance Act increases average per pupil K-12 public school funding by a record 10.6 percent THORNTON, CO – Three bills to invest in public schools and set students up for success were signed into law by Governor Polis today. SB23-287, the bipartisan School Finance Act sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, and Reps. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, raises the statewide average of per pupil funding to $10,614 and reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, while committing lawmakers to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year. “Every Colorado student deserves a quality education that meets their individual needs and prepares them for success,” said Zenzinger, sponsor of SB23-287 and SB23-099. “Education is my number one priority at the legislature, which is why I am so proud of the major step forward we’re taking today on the path to fully funding public education in Colorado. We have more work ahead of us, but this year’s School Finance Act contains the largest commitment to public education in Colorado history, something our schools desperately need and deserve.” “As a former teacher, I know firsthand how crucial it is to properly invest in our students and schools to provide the necessary resources to allow them to thrive,” said McLachlan, sponsor of SB23-287 and HB23-1231. “These new laws increase per pupil funding, commit to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor over the next two years, and provide after-school math lesson opportunities. Addressing the Budget Stabilization Factor was one of the main reasons I ran for office, and I’m proud that the School Finance Act makes significant progress to properly fund our schools. Colorado students deserve a quality education, and these new laws will boost math performance and allow our students to better succeed in school through increased funding.” “Today, Colorado is taking a critical step in providing robust funding for our schools to help students learn and thrive,” said Kipp, sponsor of SB23-099 and SB23-287. “Our new laws will fund special education services within our schools and invest $665 million more annually in Colorado’s K-12 public schools to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay and ensure schools have the resources they need to provide every student the high quality education they deserve. These laws will create a better learning environment for all of our students while better supporting schools and educators.” SB23-287 also includes a $30 million one-time appropriation for rural schools, and brings total K-12 funding for the 2023-24 budget year to more than $9.1 billion. This funding can be used to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students learn. The bill will also create a task force charged with examining Colorado's public school financing system and making recommendations that would make the school finance formula more transparent, equitable, and student-centered. Polis also signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by McLachlan and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to improve Colorado students' math performances from pre-K to 12th grade. Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Lundeen and Rep. Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, HB23-1231 provides robust support for students, families, and teachers through evidence-informed tools and programs to expand time-on-task math engagement for students and training for educators and parents. The new law makes it easier for students to get the support they need to improve their math skills both in and out of school. “Colorado kids deserve the best possible education, but right now too many of our students are failing to earn a passing grade when it comes to their math skills,” said Marchman. “As a math teacher I know firsthand how crucial these skills are, which is why I am proud to see this bill signed into law. Resources like after-school programs and specialized training will give parents and educators the tools they need to get our kids caught up, and will help ensure that students of all ages are getting the high-quality education they need to thrive.” HB23-1231 permits the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to provide free math training and technical assistance for teachers to incorporate math education tools in the classrooms and identify areas of improvement for students. The new law will enable schools to send notifications to parents and caregivers if their students are underperforming or struggling in math, and incorporates a train-the-parent model to increase understanding of math concepts at home. It also creates a new state-based grant program focused on after-school math and STEM improvement. In addition, HB23-1231 integrates early numeracy into universal preschool quality standards and establishes a Ninth Grade Success Grant Program to help students tackle math concepts at a critical point in their education. Finally, Polis signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Zenzinger and Kipp that will boost funding and improve special education in Colorado. Also sponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, SB23-099 will increase the required annual appropriation to CDE by an additional $40 million, and will help bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide tailored assistance for students within special education to support their learning needs and ensure they receive the quality education they deserve. SB23-099 builds off the success of last year’s SB22-127 , which dramatically increased funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year to more than $300 million per year moving forward. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley that would make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions today advanced from the House Education Committee. The legislation passed unanimously. “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can get happens outside of the classroom,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way. As Colorado employers continue to struggle to fill jobs that require a post-secondary credential, it is critical that we do everything we can to help students get the skills they need to compete in a 21st century economy. This bill would have a lasting and important impact on non-traditional students in my district and across the state, and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next