< Back June 29, 2020 COLORADO SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN DENVER, CO – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court ended a seven-year case by ruling that Colorado’s 2013 large capacity magazine ban is constitutional. The law passed in 2013 prohibits the sale and transfer of gun magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan released the following statements. “Today the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a commonsense law that protects public safety without infringing on Coloradans’ right to bear arms,” said House Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud that the Supreme Court has determined that this reasonable law will stand, and glad to see the end of yet another frivolous legal attempt to unwind common sense gun violence prevention laws.” “I’m encouraged to see the Supreme Court uphold the 2013 large capacity magazine ban,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Gun violence has ravaged our state and our nation, and I came to the legislature to work to put an end to it. Large capacity magazines like the 100 round drum that was used on the night my son Alex was murdered can cause devastating carnage and have absolutely no place on our streets. I’ll keep working day in and day out to fight the epidemic of gun violence.” The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that HB13-1224 represents a “reasonable exercise of the police power that has neither the purpose nor effect of nullifying the right to bear arms in self-defense encompassed by article II, section 13 of the Colorado Constitution.” Previous Next

HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory < Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK INVESTS IN BIPARTISAN CRIME PREVENTION AND JOBS INITIATIVE House advances Rep. Ortiz’s bill to invest in jobs training and entrepreneurship grants for formerly incarcerated individuals DENVER, CO — The House today passed a bill on second reading to expand the existing Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative, which creates jobs by helping formerly incarcerated individuals learn finance skills and start a business. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Working to build back a stronger Colorado means creating an economy that truly leaves no one behind,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “The Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative has a track record of success, helping prevent recidivism and crime by getting to their root causes. Now, community-driven organizations in Trinidad and Grand Junction that are working to connect former inmates with jobs, boost local economies, and give folks a second chance will get a much needed boost!” HB21-1215 , also sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf, R-Akron expands an existing pilot program known as the Community Crime Prevention Initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations to reduce crime and recidivism and promote community economic development. The program will also train formerly incarcerated people in business, finance and entrepreneurship and those who graduate from the program will receive access to loans to start their own small business. The bipartisan bill HB17-1326 established the pilot program in North Aurora and Southeast Colorado Springs. In its first four years, over 6,000 individuals received services and 86% of participating adults did not return to incarceration, saving the state money, increasing economic security, and contributing to safer communities. HB21-1215 expands the program sites to Grand Junction and Trinidad. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 ROBERTS BILLS TO PREVENT CRIME SIGNED INTO LAW New laws aim to reduce retail theft and crack down on witness intimidation DENVER, CO – Two bills sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts were signed into law today that will prevent crime by making it harder to resell stolen goods and by providing law enforcement with additional tools to prosecute the crime of witness intimidation. “These new laws focus on giving law enforcement effective tools to prevent crime, and I’m proud Governor Polis has signed them into law,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With these laws, law enforcement will have new abilities to hold people accountable for intimidating a witness or pressuring someone to withhold critical information from law enforcement. And with HB1099, we are cracking down on retail theft and protecting business and consumers by making it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods online.” SB22-024 , sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Matt Soper, will prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the ways that witness intimidation may be committed. Under the law, witness intimidation would include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. It also allows prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to persuade a witness to withhold information. HB22-1099 , sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Terri Carver, requires online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. This law also requires sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2021 HOUSE INVESTS IN SCHOOLS, STATE PARKS, WILDFIRE PREVENTION, AND MORE DENVER, CO- Today the House Approved the Joint Budget Committee’s (JBC) mid year funding package on third reading. The crucial set of 21 funding bills makes much needed mid-year investments in education, wildfire prevention, main street revitalization, and much more. “To build our state back stronger than before, we must make thoughtful and precise investments in our communities,” said JBC Vice Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Today we did right by our school districts and state parks, and ensured that our purchase of a firehawk helicopter better prepares us for wildfire seasons to come. The pandemic has taken a toll on our schools and educators and put our state parks through the ringer as more and more people took to the outdoors to recreate. Boosting resources for the schools that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic while also making investments in our state park infrastructure was exactly the right thing to do.” “Today we made important investments in the Colorado comeback,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, (D-Denver). “By channeling funds towards mainstreet revitalization and giving a leg up to entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately affected by unfair drug laws, we’re boosting local economies and ensuring small businesses can continue to grow. At the same time, we put millions towards a program that seeks to attract innovative, job-creating industries to the state. I’m determined to build Colorado back stronger than before.” SB21-042 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, invests in job creation by appropriating $10 million to the Advanced Industries Acceleration Cash Fund, which provides incentives for Colorado’s seven advanced industries to either move to or expand their operations in Colorado, including incentives for the biosciences industry performing a critical role in the state’s public health recovery. It also provides $15 million to the Colorado Economic Development Fund with the purpose of attracting large corporate headquarters to Colorado or supporting other efforts to create new jobs and bolster the economy. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 42-21. SB21-112 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, would provide badly needed funding to help increase capacity at our state parks and improve our park infrastructure so Coloradans can continue to enjoy them. The bill moves $20 million from the General Fund to the Capital Construction Fund and designates the funds to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for state parks infrastructure development. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 48-15. SB21-113 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, will make crucial investments in Colorado’s firefighting response by providing $30 million to purchase a firehawk helicopter and to lease additional aviation resources for upcoming fire seasons. The bill passed by a vote of 59-4. SB21-053 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan, would buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $121 million and ensure that schools do not lose funding that otherwise would have been reduced due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. In addition, the bill allocates an additional $85 million to districts in need, including $25 million to rural schools. Last week, Democrats on the Education Committee defeated a Republican proposal (HB21-1080) to voucherize Colorado Schools that would have cost over $660 million. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11. “Colorado schools, students and parents have been through enough; we can’t let our schools lose funding right now because of pandemic-related enrollment drops. It’s time to build back stronger and put our students, teachers, and parents first,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. SB21-111 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz, appropriates $4 Million to OEDIT for the Marijuana Entrepreneur Program, which consists of three major components: Loans for social equity licensees for seed capital and ongoing costs, including but not limited to, rent, leases, application and licensing fees, regulatory adherence, testing, equipment, capital improvements, and training and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce; Grants for social equity licensees for support of job creation and innovation or for organizations that support innovation and job creation of social equity licensees; and Technical Assistance for marijuana entrepreneurs, with a preference for social equity licensees that have been provided a grant or loan under this program, which consists of business plan development and ongoing consulting services. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Colorado has created a thriving voter-approved, government regulated marijuana industry, but the economic gains forged by this industry have not reached all Coloradans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, (D-Littleton). “The communities that have been disproportionately impacted by unfair drug laws– drug laws that have largely been repealed– have not been able take part in the economic growth driven by our legal marijuana industry. This bill is about creating jobs, righting historic injustices and doing what we can to help communities who have been hit the hardest recover stronger.” SB21-110 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tony Exum, will transfer an additional $30 million in immediate economic stimulus to shovel-ready projects that will help revitalize main streets across Colorado. This funding will create jobs, sustain economies, and help Colorado build back stronger cities, towns, and other public agencies with creative modifications to state highways, local roadways, or other community spaces while promoting social distancing and economic activity. “Across our state, the revitalizing mainstreets program is creating jobs, improving critical infrastructure, and boosting rural economies,” said Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum, (D-Colorado Springs). “These projects will spur new businesses, make our streets and sidewalks safer, and help local governments forge the towns and communities they want to see.” Since July 2020, CDOT has issued over 65 grants to communities across the state. Just some of these communities include: Alamosa, Bennet, Buena Vista, Boulder, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Durango, Estes Park, Fort Morgan, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Hugo, La Junta, Lake City, Lamar, Olathe, Ridgeway, Silt and Windsor. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. Previous Next

House Democrats highlight critical investments that support families, communities in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2023 < Back June 30, 2023 3…2…1… Happy Fiscal New Year, Colorado House Democrats highlight critical investments that support families, communities in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2023 DENVER, CO – House Democrats today released a countdown to the Fiscal New Year, highlighting critical investments for FY 2023-2024 in water, K-12 education, community behavioral health services and wildfire mitigation efforts. “There is so much to celebrate as we begin Colorado’s new fiscal year, including investment to make Universal Preschool a reality for every preschool aged Colorado child, major increases in funding for K-12 schools and increased support to make higher education more affordable,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I am incredibly proud of these investments because education opens doors and changes lives. Our Fiscal New Year also includes historic increases in the Child and Earned Income Tax Credits. Together, these investments put our support for families into action, because Coloradans are counting on us to make our state a place where opportunity exists for us all.” “It’s time to celebrate the Fiscal New Year, Colorado!,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’m thrilled to share some of our most impactful investments that uplift families, support communities and preserve the critical services we all rely upon. We’re proud of the work we accomplished this session to address the most pressing needs of our communities, including increasing wages for state employees by 5%, funding programs to reduce youth homelessness, boosting public K-12 per- pupil funding to $10,614, and making a $40 million investment in special education.” House Democrats’ Countdown to the Fiscal New Year: 10. $10,614 per pupil funding. This year’s School Finance Act increases statewide per pupil funding by 10% to make sure our K-12 students have the resources they need to succeed in school. This funding can be used to reduce classroom sizes, purchase supplies and support our teachers. 9. $90 million toward improving Colorado’s infrastructure. This year’s state budget included nearly $90 million in state funds to attract matching federal investments in transportation, water, power, broadband, and other critical infrastructure projects across the state. 8. $80 million for behavioral health community programs. Coloradans deserve to have access to the care they need in their own communities and this investment brings us closer to closing gaps in care. 7. $700,000 for a career training program for individuals who are incarcerated. This pilot program is designed to support individuals who are incarcerated through skills training in manufacturing, electrical, and other in-demand fields. This investment facilitates skills training for Coloradans who are incarcerated, improving career-readiness after their time is served while filling workforce needs. 6. 6 bills to protect against wildfires . Colorado Democrats passed 6 bills to increase protections for victims of wildfires and increase resiliency of our homes and communities. (Plus $36 million to improve the state’s wildfire response and mitigation efforts!) 5. 5-percent increase for state employees. This session, we worked hard to make sure Coloradoans know that our state is a great place to live and work, but it can still be tough to make ends meet. This year’s budget provides a 5-percent across-the-board increase ensuring a $15 minimum wage for every state employee. 4. $40 million for special education funding. To support each and every student, SB23-099 invests $40 million to help schools tailor assistance for special education students to meet their learning needs. This gives schools the funds to provide a learning environment that helps all of our students reach their academic goals. 3. 3-percent provider rate increase. Health care providers are vital to the well-being of all Coloradans, this year’s budget includes a 3-percent provider rate increase to help providers serve our communities. Additionally, SB23-093 caps medical debt interest at 3-percent to protect consumers. 2. $2.2 million to support youth experiencing homelessness. This budget investment works to address the youth homelessness crisis across our state to keep Colorado children in safe environments. 1. 1 balanced budget that prioritizes our students, water, K-12 education, community behavioral health services, wildfire mitigation and addresses the most pressing needs in our communities. Previous Next

House Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee, today released the following statements in response to the ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, in which a federal judge in Texas overturned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a safe abortion medication: < Back April 7, 2023 Duran, Daugherty Statements on Decision to Limit Safe Medical Abortion DENVER, CO – House Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee, today released the following statements in response to the ruling in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA , in which a federal judge in Texas overturned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a safe abortion medication: Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “In Colorado, your right to medical abortion is protected because we trust people to make their own medical decisions – without governmental or judicial interference. The decision by one federal judge to overturn the FDA’s scientifically backed approval of mifepristone is mounted in misinformation. This will not stop abortion – it will only limit access to safe medication based abortion. But here, in Colorado, Democrats are committed to defending your right to reproductive health care. When we passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we knew the fight wasn’t over to protect access to safe abortion. With the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package, we’re prioritizing patients and providers, stopping the spread of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and reducing health care gaps in reproductive and gender affirming care. “We will never let GOP politicians weaken, limit or flat-out ban access to reproductive healthcare in Colorado.” Chair of the House Health and Insurance Committee Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada: “This decision by a Trump-appointed judge will gut access to safe, effective abortion across the country and is yet another attack on our fundamental reproductive freedoms. To be clear, this ruling is not founded in science or medical evidence – it is a Republican-led attempt to restrict access to FDA-approved abortion medication. This gross overreach of power imperils the lives of those seeking an abortion and threatens the health, economic security and freedom of millions of Americans. “By restricting access to this medication, GOP-appointed judges and courts are putting their anti-abortion ideations above science. In February, Democrats on the House Health & Insurance Committee defeated three anti-abortion bills that would have banned safe, legal abortion and spread dangerous misinformation about reproductive health care. “While this decision is a setback in achieving reproductive freedom for all, Colorado Democrats will always fight to protect and uphold your fundamental right to reproductive health care, including abortion.” Mifepristone is an FDA-approved medication that has been used safely and effectively for more than 20 years by more than five million people. This decision will have negative, lasting effects for people trying to access reproductive health care. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), which Governor Polis signed into law. This landmark legislation updated Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and established a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion. Colorado Democrats on the House Health & Insurance Committee also put a swift end to GOP proposals earlier this year. Extreme bills would have criminalized abortion with no exceptions, forced providers to administer legislative-prescribed medical treatments and spread dangerous misinformation about so-called abortion pill reversal. Given instability on reproductive justice issues, Colorado Democrats in the House and Senate passed a legislative package of bills that would improve protections for patients and providers ( SB23-188 ), prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers ( SB23-190 ), and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care ( SB23-189 ). Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2020 HOUSE PASSES ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS The House today passed Representatives Mike Weissman and Alex Valdez’s bill to give home buyers more options with regards to energy efficiency products in new homes, such as electric vehicle charging, electric water heating and solar panel systems. The bill passed in third reading by a vote of 37-23. “When buying a home, which is perhaps the most significant investment of their lives, homeowners deserve to have more options to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora . “This legislation would reduce the headache of having to install greener solutions down the road, which makes sense for anyone in Colorado who is interested in reducing their carbon footprint or the cost of their bills.” “To protect the Colorado way of life, we need to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver . “Withthis legislation, Coloradans can take part in moving towards carbon-free homes while saving money in the process.” HB20-1155 requires single-family home builders to make a non-mandatory offer to install or pre-wire homes for electric vehicle charging, electric heating, or electric water appliances. The home buyer would pay for the installation, and the bill does not mandate that a builder build or install anything that a buyer doesn’t want. Current law asks home builders to offer, if a buyer wants, to pre-wire for solar or thermal systems. This would expand that to electric vehicle charging, heating and water. It is less expensive to install or pre-wire for energy efficient appliances and vehicles when a home is being built than to retrofit a new home after it’s been purchased. Homebuyers can save money on electric vehicle charging if it’s installed when they build their homes. Together, these options will lead to more homes having energy efficient appliances, reducing the direct use of fossil fuels. ### Previous Next

< Back September 15, 2020 ESGAR NAMED ALLIANCE’S LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR PUEBLO, CO– Today, on Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30 PM, Representative Daneya Esgar will be awarded Alliance’s Legislator of the Year Award during a ceremony held at Pueblo Diversified Industries. She will be recognized for her “consistent and thoughtful leadership to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.” Alliance members voted unanimously to present her with this award, citing her work on attempting to end the IDD waitlist, her sponsorship of the 2020 IDD Awareness Day Tribute, and her efforts to ensure that crucial programs, like the Children’s Extensive Supports and Supported Living Services waivers, were fully funded through a difficult budget year. In advance of receiving the award, Representative Esgar released the following statement. “I am immensely proud and truly humbled to be receiving this award today,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have been at the forefront of my mind since I became a policymaker. This was a difficult year for all of our budget priorities, and while I’m proud of the work we did to maintain crucial funding for many programs that benefit the IDD community, I know that we have a great deal of work left to do. Receiving this award has only invigorated me to continue my partnership with Alliance and our work to improve the lives of countless Coloradans living with disabilities.” Alliance is a nonprofit, statewide association of Community Centered Boards (CCBs) and Program Approved Services Agencies (PASAs) that is dedicated to strengthening services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Alliance members provide services to over 20,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Colorado and employ thousands of people to support them in every Colorado community. Visit their website: www.alliancecolorado.org Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 IT’S UNANIMOUS: HOUSE PASSES EXUM’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS AND COLORADANS (Apr. 18) – The House unanimously approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bipartisan bill to protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. “As a former battalion chief, we often used the material during training and this toxic material increased the health concerns of my fellow firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate the drinking water of the surrounding communities. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters who fight for us and protect the health of people in our communities.” PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. HB19-1279 was approved on a vote of 64-0. It now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

New laws to save Coloradans money on their energy bills, improve pricing stability, and improve pathways for thermal energy adoption will take effect on August 7. < Back August 4, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Increase Adoption of Clean Energy Resources to Take Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to save Coloradans money on their energy bills, improve pricing stability, and improve pathways for thermal energy adoption will take effect on August 7. SB23-291 , sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. The law rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. “Colorado families were hit hard last winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Fenberg said. “Our legislation improves transparency and holds utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see this new law help save Coloradans money on their energy bills and make much needed improvements to the way utilities are regulated in Colorado.” “Ahead of the winter season, I’m proud to say cost-saving solutions to protect Coloradans from rate spikes will soon go into effect,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair deGruy Kennedy. “During the legislative session, we worked hard to pass legislation that increases transparency and accountability surrounding utility pricing because many Coloradans were stuck with high, unpredictable energy bills. This law rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so families can be spared from erratic utility costs, especially during the colder months.” “This session we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to search for answers to exorbitant utility rate increases and find ways to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. "It quickly became clear that Coloradans have been bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are allowed to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC, creating a more fair utility rate setting process that will impact Coloradans today and into the future.” “During the legislative session, we worked tirelessly with consumer advocates, policy experts, utility companies and everyday Coloradans to find solutions to rising, unpredictable energy costs,” Martinez said. “Many Coloradans were hit hard by high utility costs and we passed a new solution that will improve utility transparency and accountability and rebalance the relationship between ratepayers and the utility companies they rely upon. We’re hopeful these cost-saving solutions will protect Coloradans from future drastic price hikes this winter.” Starting August 7, SB23-291 limits the ability of utility companies to recover certain expenses from ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which are more appropriately paid by company shareholders and prohibits a disconnection fee when customers choose to terminate their gas service. Other provisions of the law that will take effect at a later date include directing the PUC to establish a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allowing the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. In addition, the law will eliminate subsidies for gas line connections for new construction that are paid by existing customers. Also taking effect on August 7, HB23-1252 , which continues Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for wider adoption of thermal energy as a clean heat resource. Sponsored by Sens. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Reps. Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, this law assists in the transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas and will lead to more stable utility costs for Coloradans. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” said Hansen. “Coloradans are demanding action. With these new laws, we are tackling this challenge head on by reducing emissions through innovative technology and setting reasonable and achievable goals. I’m proud of our work that puts our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “Thermal energy heating and cooling systems are saving companies money across the state, and this law creates a stronger pathway for Coloradans and businesses to take advantage of this new technology,” Lieder said. “Our law now makes it easier to expand and implement clean, reliable thermal energy technology which creates good paying jobs in emerging fields and necessary trades, including pipefitting.” “Adopting new clean energy technologies like thermal energy will help create jobs while lowering overall emissions,” said Exum. “Natural gas is driving up utility costs and putting the squeeze on Coloradans' budgets. We have an opportunity this year to continue moving away from polluting energy sources and instead adopt cleaner technology to move Colorado’s economy and climate goals forward.” “Thermal energy is the heat beneath our feet. This law makes it easier for businesses and Coloradans to implement this clean and sustainable technology,” Kipp said. “Encouraging and adopting clean technologies, such as thermal energy, is key to helping Colorado reach its climate goals, cut our reliance on fossil fuels and save people money.” 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. Large gas utilities will be required to propose at least one pilot program with the PUC by September 1, 2024 to provide thermal energy service to their customers, with at least one project serving a disproportionately impacted community. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2021 GARNETT RECOGNIZES XCEL ENERGY PLAN FOR EXCEEDING STATE TARGETS DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, today released the following statement after Xcel Energy released details of its Clean Energy Plan. “Two years ago, the legislature acted boldly to require utilities to reduce dangerous emissions that are threatening our planet–it’s good news for Colorado that Xcel Energy will exceed the ambitious targets we set,” said Speaker Garnett, D-Denver. “Building back stronger means leaving our state better off for future generations by protecting public health, our economy and our Colorado way of life. By meeting and exceeding their targets for emissions reductions, utilities will help make significant progress toward reaching our climate goals, proving that Colorado can make important investments in renewable energy and meet consumers’ energy needs.” In 2019, the General Assembly passed SB19-236 , which required utilities to file a clean energy plan outlining how they will reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Today, Xcel announced that it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 85 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels and will provide customers with more than 80 percent renewable energy by 2030. The company’s clean energy plan would exceed the targets set out in statute and, according to the company, will not result in any layoffs at facilities impacted by the plan. Xcel also announced that it will continue to partner with union leaders and communities impacted by facility closures and that they are collaborating to explore clean technology and redevelopment opportunities in areas. Previous Next