Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back March 5, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Reduce the Cost of Housing Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multifamily developments. HB24-1304 passed by a vote of 8-3. "Minimum parking requirements increase housing costs, travel distances, and greenhouse gas emissions," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “These requirements have had the unintended consequence of producing vast surpluses of asphalt and limited housing and transportation choices. Forcing builders to construct a minimum number of parking spaces makes many beneficial infill projects unfeasible and contributes to low-density sprawl. This legislation will also put the state to work developing data sets and tools, which will enable developments to right-size parking supply and manage demand in a market-responsive way." “Mandatory parking minimums drive up the cost of housing and reduce the number of units we can build, exacerbating our affordability crisis,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Artificial parking minimums render denser development economically infeasible, contributing to single-family sprawl. Coloradans are relying on us to tackle the housing crisis, and this bill is one of many approaches that Colorado Democrats are taking this session to lower costs.” Beginning January 1, 2025, HB24-1304 would prohibit counties or municipalities from establishing or enforcing minimum parking requirements within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Transportation to conduct a study and compile a report on parking space utilization, needs and best practices within MPOs to better inform parking needs for future development. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. With new structured parking spaces costing $25,000 each in the Denver Metro Area in 2020, developers are disincentivized from building new residential projects or must reduce the number of units that are developed. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased 1 percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly 5 percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Denver and the Northern Front Range as having unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, which can lead to negative health impacts like asthma and bronchitis, especially for vulnerable Coloradans. Additionally, replacing wildlife habitats to build massive surface lots for parking harms the environment by increasing soil and water pollution, flooding, and the heat island effect. The bill does not impact parking spaces required for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation with bipartisan support to protect funding for core services, like K-12 education and healthcare, if Initiative 175 is approved in the November election. HB26-1430, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Emily Sirota, passed by a vote of 42-22. < Back May 7, 2026 Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard K-12 Education, Healthcare Funding from Initiative 175 Cuts Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation with bipartisan support to protect funding for core services, like K-12 education and healthcare, if Initiative 175 is approved in the November election. HB26-1430, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Emily Sirota, passed by a vote of 42-22. “Initiative 175 would force cuts to hospitals, increase tuition, and institute a new budget stabilization factor that would slash spending for K-12 education; it is an irresponsible measure, which is why Democrats and Republicans are coming together to take action to protect our constituents and these core services,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “We all agree that there’s more we can do to fix our roads, but closing hospitals, eliminating DUI prevention efforts, and defunding our schools are not consequences we are willing to accept. The contractors who would directly profit from this measure must pull it from the ballot and work with us to find a responsible alternative that funds transportation without harming Coloradans.” “Initiative 175 would require $700 million in cuts to K-12 education, higher education, and healthcare and public safety programs. It’s not right to put this funding at risk with a misleading ballot measure,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We just finalized this year’s budget, which included substantial cuts to account for a $1.2 billion budget hole, and we’re looking at another billion-dollar funding gap next year. We cannot fund roads at the expense of Colorado children, patients and rural communities. This is not the path we would prefer to take, but special interests have left us without a choice. This bill, which has support from both sides of the aisle, is the only responsible choice available to protect our schools, health clinics, hospitals and public safety.” If approved, Initiative 175 would require the state to spend around $700 million a year on road projects without providing any new revenue. This comes on the heels of three consecutive years of $1 billion cuts to the budget. In order to divert funding exclusively to road construction, Initiative 175 would require $700 million in cuts to K-12 education, higher education and Medicaid, leading rural hospitals and clinics to close, tuition to increase, and to a new budget stabilization factor for K-12. In addition to devastating education and healthcare funding cuts, Initiative 175 would defund the DMV, the Peace Officer Standards and Training fund, the Emergency Medical Services fund, and DUI prevention efforts. If Initiative 175 were to pass in November, HB26-1430 would make a number of changes to transportation funding to mitigate the harms from the initiative. Contingent on Initiative 175 being adopted by voters, the bill would temporarily reduce the excise tax on gasoline and special fuel, vehicle registration fees and road usage fees. The reduced revenue would open up more general fund dollars to support critical government functions like education and healthcare, reducing the revenue that would have to be refunded under TABOR. Also known as the Colorado Budget Protection Act, HB26-1430 would create the Support Road Transportation Fund to house the $700 million allocated by the approval of Initiative 175. The money in this fund would replace certain transportation-related general fund transfers. In April, the legislature passed a bipartisan budget that protected K-12 education and core healthcare services while making reductions across state departments, lowering the state’s reserve and reducing Medicaid spending to close a $1.2 billion deficit. This deficit was caused by H.R. 1’s tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, TABOR and growing Medicaid costs. Despite these challenges, the Joint Budget Committee was able to prevent bringing back the Budget Stabilization Factor and protect funding for universal preschool and core healthcare services. More than 40 organizations sent a letter asking proponents of Initiative 175 to withdraw the proposal, stating that the measure would force the General Assembly to make major reductions to Medicaid, K-12 education and higher education. The letter is backed by the bipartisan Joint Budget Committee as well as transportation, education, healthcare, environment, business and labor institutions and community groups. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to address the rise in attempts to ban certain books from Colorado libraries. < Back May 7, 2024 Bill to Protect Colorado Libraries From Book Bans Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to address the rise in attempts to ban certain books from Colorado libraries. SB24-216, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Eliza Hamrick, would ensure library resources would not be removed from public libraries unless in accordance with the library board’s policy, and establishes safeguards for such policies. “As more states across the nation move to ban books, we have to protect free speech and ensure Coloradans have access to information from a variety of sources and diverse perspectives,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Each and every community deserves to be represented in public spaces like libraries, and this bill protects our fundamental freedom to read and demonstrates our commitment to protecting our neighbors.” “Books offer a diverse perspective from many voices, and banning certain books would limit Coloradans’ ability to read and research a variety of topics,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This bill protects our community members, upholds our freedoms and ensures that books remain accessible to all.” SB24-216 , passed the House by a vote of 43 to 18 and would require libraries to establish written policies for the acquisition, retention, and display of library sources, as well as their removal upon the request of a patron. Libraries would not be allowed to remove content based on the demographics of the author or based on partisan disapproval of the topic. According to the American Library Association , Colorado experienced a 143 percent increase in book ban attempts in 2023. Under this bill, libraries may only remove materials based on the policies their board adopts, and librarians would be protected from retaliation, discrimination, or termination for refusal to remove any resource if such a removal is not in accordance with the board’s policy. Additionally under this bill, a person who requests that any material be removed must live within the service area of the library, and their requests would be public under the Colorado Open Records Act. For example, if a person requests a book be removed from a Jefferson County Public Library, they must reside within Jefferson County for the request to be considered. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BIPARTISAN BILLS TO INVEST IN STUDENT AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS Legislation includes nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs and expand in-state tuition for more students DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to better align postsecondary programs, save students money on higher education tuition and improve educational outcomes for Coloradans. HB22-1350 was crafted based on recommendations from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force . “Every Coloradan should have access to educational opportunities that set them up to thrive, and these new laws prioritize our workforce needs and students’ success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m incredibly proud to stand behind two bills Governor Polis signed into law to address workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado by creating high impact postsecondary credential programs and reducing the cost of higher education for Colorado high school graduates. When given the right tools, our students can grow, achieve and secure better paying jobs, and that’s what this legislation is designed to do.” “Industries across the state continue to face workforce shortages as they recover from the pandemic’s effects on the economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Investing in our workforce will have a transformational effect on workforce shortages today and well into the future. We are delivering Colorado the workforce it needs to continue moving our economy forward.” The Regional Talent Development Grant Program, HB22-1350 , establishes a $91 million grant program to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to fill good jobs in growing industries. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative McCluskie and Senator Bridges, as well as Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, utilizes federal pandemic relief dollars to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The program takes a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will create new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, R-New Castle and Senators Dominick Moreno and Julie Gonzales, to expand access to in-state tuition for Colorado high school students. “The cost of higher education shouldn’t deter Colorado’s students from pursuing a postsecondary degree at one of the excellent colleges and universities in the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By expanding the pool of students who qualify for in-state tuition, we lower the cost of education and empower students to make decisions for their future based on their goals rather than the price tag.” “We know that access to higher education can be transformational for a young person’s life, but during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease in enrollment,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Immigrant Colorado high school graduates should be able to access our public higher education institutions in the same manner as their U.S. citizen friends and neighbors. This is a common sense, bipartisan measure, and it also has the benefit of being good for our economy, particularly in corners of the state that are desperate for young, educated workers. I was honored to work alongside a broad coalition of business groups, higher education institutions, and immigrant rights organizations to get this bill signed into law.” Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bipartisan legislation changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families, saving them money on higher education tuition. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the flooding disaster that impacted hundreds of Coloradans in Southwest Colorado over the weekend. < Back October 13, 2025 Rep. Stewart Statement on Flooding Disaster in Southwest Colorado DURANGO, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the flooding disaster that impacted hundreds of Coloradans in Southwest Colorado over the weekend. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “Over the weekend, La Plata County and Archuleta County in Southwest Colorado experienced extreme flooding that destroyed homes in our community and temporarily displaced hundreds of Coloradans. Pagosa Springs and Vallecito were among the hardest hit communities, and my heart goes out to every family affected by the recent flooding. “Disaster can strike at any hour, and I would like to personally thank our first responders, offices of Emergency Management, and government officials at every level for their dedication and work over the weekend. Their quick action undoubtedly saved lives. “As we brace for more rainfall and as flood watches and warnings remain in effect , I want to remind Coloradans to follow the direction of local authorities and stay vigilant. Yesterday, the Pagosa Springs Police Department officially lifted the mandatory evacuation order for all residents previously affected in the downtown area affected by the flooding. Below, I have listed resources and information for residents in affected areas. “Southwest Colorado is strong, resilient and determined. I am here with you every step of the way, and we will get through this together.” La Palta County: If you need resources in La Plata County, please visit the Pine River Shares Building, located at 658 S. East Street, Bayfield, CO 81122. Evacuation flood map, information or call 970-385-8700. Archuleta County: An evacuation shelter is on standby at the Ross Aragon Community Center (451 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147) and will be activated if needed. As a precautionary measure, the Archuleta County Public Health Department has issued a Boil Water Advisory, effective immediately, for all residents with water wells and/or septic systems along the San Juan River. Call 970-264-2409 for more information. Previous Next

< Back March 19, 2019 E-SCOOTERS ZOOM SAFELY UP THE ROAD TOWARD HOUSE FLOOR (Mar. 19) – Rep. Alex Valdez and Rep. James Coleman’s bill to more properly regulate electric scooters passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee with bipartisan support. “It’s time for Colorado to consider these scooters as an effective mode of transportation,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We need to include them in our larger strategy for better, more accessible transportation in our communities.” HB19-1221 will remove the current definition of electric scooters as toy vehicles and add them to the definition of motor vehicles. Through this, e-scooters can be used on roadways and will be regulated similarly to electric-assisted bicycles. “These scooters aren’t going away anytime soon, so it’s time we embrace them and help keep riders and pedestrians safe,” said Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. According to a report from Denver Public Works, e-scooters have already traveled almost one million miles around Denver and could be headed to other communities in the future. Scooters also have the potential to reduce carbon pollution emissions. HB19-1221 passed by a bipartisan vote of 9-2. The bill now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would fund transportation infrastructure projects to improve road safety, save Coloradans money on car insurance premiums and prevent accidents. HB25-1303, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meghan Lukens, passed by a vote of 38-25. < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bills to Reduce Housing and Auto Insurance Costs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would fund transportation infrastructure projects to improve road safety, save Coloradans money on car insurance premiums and prevent accidents. HB25-1303, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meghan Lukens, passed by a vote of 38-25. The House also passed legislation to make it easier to build more affordable housing across Colorado. SB25-002, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesensecker and Representative Rebekah Stewart, passed by a vote of 40-23. “Too many Coloradans have suffered from or mourned the loss of a loved one due to a vehicle collision, and this bill would use data-driven methods to make our roads safer for all Colorado road users,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1303 and SB25-002. “Vehicle collisions drive up car insurance costs across the board. By making our roads safer, we can save lives and reduce insurance costs.” “Rural Coloradans are acutely aware of how common and expensive wildlife collisions can be, which is why I’m sponsoring legislation to reduce costly accidents and save lives by implementing successful road safety strategies,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB25-1303. “We know that infrastructure improvements like protected bike lanes, wildlife crossings, and sidewalks have made travel safer for all road users. This investment will save lives, protect Colorado wildlife and reduce the chances of expensive road accidents that drive up auto insurance costs.” HB 25-1303 would fund transportation infrastructure projects that improve road safety and prevent collisions between vehicles, vulnerable road users and wildlife. Projects that would qualify for funding under this bill include enhancing sidewalks and bike lanes, implementing traffic circles or other speed-reducing strategies, animal detection systems and other safety projects. A Smart Growth America report stated that every dollar invested in active transportation saves $24 in averted medical costs. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, for every hour the I-70 mountain corridor is closed, surrounding communities lose up to $2 million in economic activity. Additionally, the estimated annual cost of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado is $313 million and the average cost of hitting a deer is over $23,500. SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and other types of modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. “Our legislation would improve coordination between state and regional partners and cut down on duplicative steps to build more affordable housing in our communities,” continued Boesenecker. “Modular homes are a high-quality alternative to traditional housing construction methods and are faster to assemble and cheaper to build. This legislation will unlock more affordable housing options for hardworking Coloradans.” “Modular homes are a creative and proven solution to drive down housing costs, allowing more Coloradans to realize their dream of homeownership,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB25-002. “Construction costs, miscommunication and patchwork regulation have been a significant barrier to building affordable housing, and this bill aims to address these issues. With this bill, we can make high-quality housing more affordable across Colorado by fully leveraging the economy of scale that modular housing provides.” This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. The General Assembly passed a bipartisan law in 2022 to create the Innovative Housing Incentive Program to invest in companies pursuing innovative construction methods, such as modular housing, to create more affordable housing options. So far, the program has invested over $10.5 million with 13 businesses that are contracted to produce over 2,500 units and $20 million in loans to four businesses that will create over 3,300 units per year once their factories are up and running. In 2024, the town of Breckenridge built a 54-unit modular housing project. They saved 13-percent and completed the project six months faster when compared to quotes for traditional housing construction. The bids for a 37-unit affordable housing project in the town of Granby were 21-percent cheaper than stick-built homes and allowed for the construction to be completed within the seasonal six-month building window. Previous Next

On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Bolster Tax Credit Awareness and Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can boost workers’ incomes by thousands of dollars, making it easier for them to afford housing costs or everyday necessities, yet many Coloradans don’t know how to file for these tax benefits,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1006. “This law will help connect families with the tax credits they qualify for, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and boosting local economies.” “Colorado working families’ budgets are stretched thin, and they deserve a helping hand – but too many folks aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1006 . “Requiring clear, consistent information on how to access tax credits means Coloradans will be able to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets. I will always fight for Colorado’s working families and I’m proud to see this important bill advance.” “Colorado families will now be informed of the tax credits available to them to make it easier to file for up to thousands of dollars in tax credits,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1006. “Our new law will provide employers with detailed tax credit information that they can easily share with their employees. With the implementation of this law, we’re improving access to critical tax credits to save Colorado families money.” Starting August 8, HB23-1006 instructs employers to provide information about federal and state earned income tax credits and child tax credits to their employees. The notice must be provided at least once a year in English or any other language typically used to communicate with the employee. This bill builds on legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent years to increase the state Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Senator Chris Hansen and Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty previously passed SB22-182 to help Coloradans file for and receive their earned income tax credits and child tax credits. Colorado Democrats passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Representative Mary Young also passed HB23-1112 with Representative Shannon Bird and Senators Hansen and Chris Kolker to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which is expected to return over $170 million more to hardworking families. On August 8, HB23-1008 will go into effect, allocating $250,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. “Your ability to access healthy food should not be based on your income,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. With our new law going into effect, everyday Coloradans across the state will soon have better access to fresh produce and groceries, making it easier for Coloradans to purchase healthy foods closer to home and boosting our agriculture industry.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1008. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” This law builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2020 HEMP POLICY STREAMLINING BILL BECOMES LAW BROOMFIELD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bill supporting Colorado’s agricultural producers by streamlining state hemp policy and aligning it with federal policy, and securing Colorado’s position as a leader in the development of hemp markets . “Colorado’s farmers are growing hemp on tens of thousands of acres across our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Now that the federal government has finally recognized the agricultural importance of hemp, we’re bringing our state laws into alignment and streamlining regulations for our industrial producers. Colorado has never been afraid to lead the way and set an example for the rest of the country, and our hemp production industry is no different.” Between February 28, 2019, and February 27, 2020, Colorado registered 2,748 properties and 2,037 growers to grow industrial hemp outdoors on 86,880 acres and indoors on 16.3 million square feet. Since 2013, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has regulated industrial hemp under state law. However, in 2018, the federal Farm Bill normalized hemp production by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and adding regulatory requirements for states, including a provision that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve state regulatory plans. The CDA will submit its hemp management plan to the USDA for approval later this year. SB20-197 changes Colorado’s statutes and brings them into alignment with the new federal laws surrounding hemp. Among other changes, this new law will improve oversight by redefining the makeup and authority of the Hemp Advisory Committee, improving and modernizing testing requirements for hemp samples and hemp plots, and specifying unlawful acts and establishing penalties for the industry. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Kyle Brown on a preliminary vote to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote. < Back May 2, 2024 Legislation to Increase Voting Access Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Kyle Brown on a preliminary vote to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote. “The right to vote is guaranteed by the constitution, yet eligible voters in our jails and detention centers have expressed that they often do not have the tools to exercise this right,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “We know that Coloradans who are Black, Indigenous and people of color are overrepresented in our criminal justice system, and when they are prevented from voting, their voices are not heard. This legislation helps address the gaps in voting access by creating clear guidelines for county clerks and sheriffs that will make it easier for Coloradans, regardless of their confinement status, to use their voice in our democratic process.” “Folks who are incarcerated have rights, and this bill seeks to make it easier for them to exercise their right to vote,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Low levels of voter turnout in our jails show that there are not enough resources or education about voting access in confined spaces. I’m proud to carry this legislation to ensure that eligible voters will have the opportunity to engage in our democratic process.” SB24-072 would require county clerks and county sheriffs to create and implement a plan to facilitate in-person voting for eligible voters in county jails and detention centers. Under current law, U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are not currently serving time for a felony conviction are eligible to vote. While Colorado has a robust vote-by-mail program, voters in jails and detention centers face extreme barriers in accessing the ballot. In the 2020 general election, out of an estimated eligible population of 5,205 confined voters, only 557 individuals (6.97 percent) received a ballot. In the 2022 general election, there was an estimated eligible population of 4,876 confined voters, but only 231 individuals (4.73 percent) received ballots. SB24-072 would mandate at least one day of in-person voting at each facility, alleviating the pressure on these voters to navigate the complexities of voting eligibility, and helping ensure every eligible citizen is provided the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Previous Next

New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 28, 2025 Bipartisan Law to Support Seniors Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO — New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission. “Demand for senior living facilities is only increasing, and this new law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access programs and services offered by life care institutions,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. Soon, older Coloradans will have more opportunities to take advantage of community-based services that help them lead healthier, fuller lives.” “The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Increasing opportunities for older Coloradans to socialize, access nutrition support and transportation while waiting for admission to a life care institution will help ease their transition and support their overall well-being.” HB25-1184 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by life care institutions to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. These institutions can now offer some services in a community setting or private residence with clear contracting requirements. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay a one-time admission fee. Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and health support. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. BIRD BILL TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SAVE ENERGY (Apr. 8) — The House Energy and Environment committee passed a bill that would make additional capital available for affordable housing and other public housing authority projects by allowing these projects to participate in the New Energy Improvements District’s (NEID) Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. “This is an important bill that will greatly benefit many hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “By allowing housing authorities to participate in this program, we are reducing costs to develop affordable housing by 15 to 20 percent. This savings will benefit taxpayers and, importantly, can be passed on to tenants and significantly lower their living expenses.” HB19-1272 will expand access to Colorado’s C-PACE program to public housing authorities and affordable housing projects across the state, allowing these entities to have ready access to capital that can be used for energy and water efficiency projects on their properties. As a result, the overall operational costs of these properties will decrease and the savings will ultimately be passed on to Colorado’s most vulnerable including veterans and disabled individuals. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next