Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk < Back November 1, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Water Resources Committee Advances Bills to Preserve Water Resources, Support Green Infrastructure Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk DENVER, CO - The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to preserve water resources, build more efficient water systems, and ease restrictions on the sale of raw milk.Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water, with much of this being on non-native turf grass. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this new bill focuses on restricting its initial installation. Sponsored by Chair Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Vice Chair Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, Bill 6 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting local governments and homeowners’ associations from installing or planting nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties. Nonfunctional means areas like medians or parking lot perimeters which are seldom used; the policy makes no changes to the use of turf in functional areas like yards, sports fields and playgrounds. Additionally, the bill would impose the same restrictions on state facilities. “We have been hard at work this interim looking at ways to address Colorado’s water crisis and develop a number of solutions to conserve water and create more efficient systems,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bill 6. “Our new bill makes a simple change that will have major ripple effects. By restricting the installation of grass turf in new developments and nonfunctional areas, we can significantly cut down on nonessential water use and ensure we’re using our water as efficiently as possible.”“Water is our state’s most precious resource, and this legislation encourages conservation and natural landscapes,” said McLachlan, sponsor of Bill 6. “This bill would not allow local governments and HOAs to install new water-intensive lawns, artificial lawns or invasive plant species in nonfunctional areas, such as parking lots, to protect Colorado’s ecosystem and cut back on water usage. We must all do our part in addressing the water crisis and promoting more natural spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change.”“Native landscapes are important for supporting Colorado’s ecosystem, which is teeming with plants, insects and animals,” said McCormick, sponsor of Bills 6 and 9. “This bill would prohibit local governments and HOAs from installing invasive species, turf and astroturf in nonfunctional areas which would help encourage water-wise landscaping. Together, we’re working to save Coloradans’ money, water and preserve natural landscapes. Another policy we passed today explores using green infrastructure for traditional wastewater systems, which could include anything from planting more native plants and trees to protecting our state’s wetlands. Green infrastructure is just one of many tools we have to improve wildfire mitigation, boost water quality and encourage natural cityscapes.” Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, Rep. McCormick, Sen. Simpson, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, Bill 9 would require the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, to study the feasibility of substituting green nature-based infrastructure for traditional centralized wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. The study would determine if green infrastructure, a planned and managed network of natural green spaces, is a feasible alternative for water providers, would attract new sources of environmental-focused funding for water quality compliance and for water infrastructure projects, and would create cost savings for CDPHE and local water providers.The study would be completed by December 31, 2025. After completing the study, CDPHE would establish at least one pilot program to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure as an alternative compliance program supported with environmental-focused funding. “Why use chemicals to treat wastewater if nature can do it just as well?” asked Bridges, sponsor of Bill 9. “Today’s bill will give water experts the resources they need to see if we can naturally improve water quality enough to keep our residents safe while cutting costs for our communities, especially our small rural towns.” The committee also advanced Bill 15 , sponsored by Roberts, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, which would legalize the sale of raw cow or goat milk when it is sold directly to consumers at the point of production, the consumer’s residence, or at a farmer’s market or roadside market. To sell raw milk, a raw milk producer must be registered with the state and comply with handling, storage, labeling, and transportation requirements for the sale of raw milk issued through rulemaking. Raw milk producers may face a civil penalty or embargo for violations of the program’s requirements.The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. ### Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that grants local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development was signed into law today. < Back March 15, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Roberts & McCluskie's Bipartisan Bill to Spur Affordable Workforce Housing DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that grants local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development was signed into law today. SB24-002 will allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, childcare, behavioral health, economic development and other areas of local concern. For example, a municipality will be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. “Local governments are desperate for solutions to our state’s housing crisis and affordability issues, which is why this legislation is so important," said Roberts. "It will create valuable financial incentives for more long-term affordable rental housing for local workers instead of short-term rentals, more options for childcare, greater support for small businesses, and more. I'm thrilled to see this important bipartisan bill get signed into law and am excited to see how local governments can help their residents save money.” “There has been a significant rise in the cost of housing, especially on the Western Slope, forcing Coloradans to spend more of their money on housing and less on other necessary costs, like health care and groceries,” said McCluskie. "With our bipartisan legislation becoming law, local governments can address the unique challenges that their communities face, like shortages in workforce housing, childcare, mental health care services, and much more.” SB24-002 allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has been effective in addressing the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2023 President Fenberg, Speaker McCluskie Convene Joint Select Committee to Investigate Rising Utility Rates Committee will explore causes of price increases, identify potential solutions to save people money on their energy bills DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie announced today that they are forming a Joint Select Committee to investigate the causes of Coloradans’ rising utility rates and explore potential actions to prevent future price hikes, saving Colorado’s working families money on their energy bills.The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will seek expert testimony from utility companies, relevant agency staff, regulators, consumer advocates, and policy experts in order to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. “The recent spikes in energy prices have sent Coloradans’ utility bills through the roof, and it’s costing too many working Colorado families an arm and a leg just to heat their homes,” President Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “Democrats are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, which is why we’re convening this critical committee so we can uncover the root cause behind high prices and hopefully find solutions that will better protect consumers, improve stability, and save people money on their energy bills.” "Shockingly high utility bills have left Coloradans from Denver to Dillon struggling to heat their homes during the coldest time of the year," said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. "We need to get to the bottom of what's sticking hardworking families with unpredictable and far too expensive utility bills. We’re creating a bipartisan committee to dig into utility bill increases and target solutions that make our state more affordable." The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will meet at least three times, and will include lawmakers from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Committee may suggest legislative avenues for the General Assembly to consider. Previous Next

Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: New Law Raising Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm to 21 To Go Into Effect Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado DENVER, CO – New legislation that raises the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 will go into effect on August 8. SB23-169 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, raises the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21, with limited exceptions. “Gun deaths in Colorado have been climbing higher and higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.” “As a survivor of gun intimidation, I am relieved that Colorado law now requires all gun purchasers to be at least 21 years old, which will help reduce senseless gun violence and make our communities safer,” Duran said. “With this new law going into effect, we can save countless lives from preventable firearm-related injuries or death and improve public safety.” “Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “Democrats are committed to doing everything we can to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and our new law will do just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.” “Having been a teacher for over 30 years, I’ve seen how gun violence can interrupt and devastate our kids’ development and well-being,” Hamrick said. “Colorado kids deserve environments that encourage learning, free from gun violence that is much too common in our schools. As a teacher, parent, legislator, and community member, I am proud that our common sense gun violence prevention laws are going into effect soon to better protect our kids.” According to Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Bob Marshall that would strengthen accountability for public officials and certain employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB25-1079 passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back April 28, 2025 Story, Marshall Bill to Strengthen Government Ethics Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Bob Marshall that would strengthen accountability for public officials and certain employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB25-1079 passed by a vote of 41-23. “This bill would strengthen oversight of elected government officials and their direct hires by creating a pathway for Coloradans to file complaints with an independent entity when serious financial or ethical concerns arise at the local level,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer . “Colorado has established clear ethical codes of conduct for local and state government officials to follow. This legislation would expand the Independent Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate complaints involving school districts and special districts, reinforcing ethics and accountability across all levels of government.” “Elected officials are public servants, and they should be held to high ethical standards,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “Schools and special districts are responsible for managing billions of taxpayer dollars, and it’s crucial that we pass this bill to allow the Independent Ethics Commission to apply to these government officials to strengthen public trust in our government.” The Independent Ethics Commission was created in 2006 to investigate complaints and enforce rules of conduct for public officials and government employees. HB25-1079 would expand the authority of the Independent Ethics Commission to include school district board members, superintendents and administrators, as well as special district board members and employees who report directly to them. This bill would allow the Independent Ethics Commission to investigate complaints of ethics violations by public officials and employees in these districts and impose penalties for violations, improving accountability. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 NEW RIGHTS FOR RENTERS ADVANCE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced SB21-173 , legislation sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales Gutierrez and Yadira Caraveo that would enhance rights for renters in residential lease agreements. “Coloradans across our state are facing enormous challenges every day to find a place to live or avoid an eviction, which can lead to increased poverty and devastating consequences,” said Rep. Serena Gonzalez Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Unfair late fees, baseless evictions, and punitive fines on renters force people out of their homes and into homlessness. We have a responsibility to build back stronger, and that means making sure that renters in Colorado have basic rights and protections that help them stay in their homes.” “The pandemic has revealed how unfair and predatory fees have forced renters and mobile home park residents to leave their homes,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “There’s no reason a landlord should be able to refuse a late rent payment and instead evict their tenant after just a few days. We can’t allow people to be locked out of their homes without notice or a formal eviction proceeding. These are basic protections and rights that everyone deserves. This bill will stop some of the worst and most predatory tactics that force Coloradans into homelessness, joblessness, and poverty.” SB21-173 would help keep more Coloradans housed by limiting late fees, prohibiting evictions solely for owing late fees, banning lease clauses that incentivise landlords to evict tenants, and by giving renters more time to pay their rent and avoid eviction. It also requires landlords to accept late rent payments at any time until a court has ordered an eviction. It also bolsters procedures and remedies in cases of an alleged breach of warranty of habitability. With regards to late fees, the bill prohibits late fees unless the rent payment is late by at least seven days. A late fee may not exceed $50 or five percent of the amount of the rent that remains past due. Landlords may not assess late fees unless the fee is disclosed in the rental agreement. It would also prohibit landlords from evicting a tenant solely for failure to pay a late fee. Furthermore, it would protect renters from being charged late fees for the rent that subsidy provider, such as a rental assistance program, is responsible for paying. Finally, it would prohibit landlords from charging interest on late payments. A landlord who commits a violation would have to pay a $50 penalty to the tenant for each violation and may also be liable for compensatory damages for injury or loss suffered. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2019 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES GRANT TO HELP 9TH GRADERS SUCCEED & LOWER DROPOUT RATE Bipartisan bill approved on a vote of 10-3 (Apr. 11) — The House Education committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, that would create a program to help students in the 9th grade succeed, as studies have shown that 9th grade can be an indicator on if a student will drop of out of school. “As a teacher, I know how crucial it is to provide resources for these students and help them succeed early on,” said Rep. Buentello. “Data shows that ninth grade is the make or break it moment for students. Students are not just passed up anymore, they have to pass or fail, and this reality often hits them like a ton of bricks. The data shows these types programs that focus on keeping kids in schools succeed in their mission.” HB19-1276 establishes a ninth grade success grant program administered by the Department of Education to help ninth grade students develop the skills needed to graduate from high school and succeed afterwards. The bill outlines best practices that must be utilized for the purposes of the program in order for a local education provider to be eligible for a grant. The department would reviews applications from local education providers and recommends to the State Board of Education about awarding grants. “In Colorado Springs, we’ve got a school district that has a dropout rate of around three percent, which is higher than the state average. This puts that school district in the bottom 20 percent of graduation dropout rate statewide, which is really heartbreaking” said Rep. Exum. “If we can do something to help kids succeed in school, then we should do it.” This grant would prioritize schools with four-year high school graduation rates that are in the bottom 20 percent statewide. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 10-3 and now heads to the House committee on Appropriations. Previous Next

Safety Net Providers on The Frontlines of Serving Communities in Denver and Across Colorado Are Nearing Financial Crisis < Back February 4, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: State Lawmakers, Lt. Governor Primavera & Colorado Health Care Workers & Providers to Discuss Comprehensive Plans to Protect Safety-Net Providers, Save People Money on Health Care DENVER — Today, as community health centers and other vital providers struggle to stay open amid tightening budgets, jeopardizing care for many Coloradans, Lt. Governor Primavera partnered with Representative Kyle Brown, Colorado health care workers, and providers to discuss a forthcoming piece of legislation to address the growing cost challenges faced by safety net health care providers while reducing health care costs for state employees and small businesses. “We’ve made progress in lowering the cost of health care and insurance for hardworking families but the reality is Coloradans are still paying too much. More work is needed, especially to support our low-cost, high-quality community health clinics,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “This new proposal is a common-sense solution that prioritizes affordability and access while ensuring our safety net providers can continue delivering care to those who need it most.” Coloradans with commercial insurance pay nearly three times what Medicare reimburses hospitals for the same care. Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado – like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. “We’ve made important progress to save Coloradans money on health care, and by tackling this issue, we can continue to drive down prices and reduce costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “New legislation I am sponsoring will support our local safety net providers, which often serve our more vulnerable community members, and save small businesses money on health care coverage. We’re making it easier for Coloradans to receive the high-quality health care they need, when they need it, while improving the financial health of our safety net and critical access providers.” “We’ve worked hard here in Colorado to bring down the cost of health care so that no matter how much you make or where you live, you can get affordable, quality care,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “With this legislation, we’re taking an innovative and proven approach to fund our safety net providers across the state, who are often the only medical providers in their regions. At the same time, our bill will cut insurance premiums paid by small businesses and their employees. By capping hospital payments at an amount below what private insurance can negotiate, but still above what those hospitals need to cover their costs, we can protect our budget while putting those savings directly into the pockets of Coloradans.” “While our multi-year efforts have saved Coloradans money on health care, cost continues to be a barrier to access care in Colorado” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This legislation supports Colorado’s safety net providers, such as community clinics, that provide essential health care to our most vulnerable community members. This bill will drive down costs to the state, save small businesses money, and boost health care access for our neighbors.” “This bill is an innovative way to reduce health care costs for all Coloradans – from our cities to our rural communities,” said Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The same medical test or procedure should cost roughly the same thing no matter where you get it or what type of insurance you have, but under current law, health care corporations and hospitals can charge different amounts to different people. This bill is a step toward prioritizing affordable, accessible care for all.” The new bill, which will be introduced in the coming days following additional stakeholder conversations, will support safety net providers and reduce costs for small businesses by: Establishing reimbursement maximums for in-network (165% of Medicare) and out-of-network (150% of Medicare) on prices paid to certain hospitals through the state employee health plan and the small group market. Establishing a floor for primary care and behavioral health services (135% of Medicare) through the state employee health plan and small group market. A feasibility study is required to explore the option for local governments and school districts to participate in a similar reimbursement limit. The new bill will be introduced in the House. It will support safety net providers by redirecting funds to critical community health centers and providers that serve Coloradans where and when they need care. State employees and small business owners will save money on health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs without compromising care quality. This bill will also protect the state budget as tens of millions of dollars are expected to be diverted to the health care safety net and to help state employees with minimal impact on hospital margins. Similar policies in states like Oregon and Montana have proven effective, saving state employees money while relieving budget pressures. Colorado is poised to join these states in leading the charge for equitable and sustainable health care reform. Previous Next

HB23-1231 would use data-driven tactics to improve students’ math skills < Back March 16, 2023 Bipartisan Bill to Boost PreK-12 Math Performance Sails Through House Education Committee HB23-1231 would use data-driven tactics to improve students’ math skills DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bipartisan bill to improve the math performance of Colorado’s students. This bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan, incorporates evidence-informed tools to help boost the math skills of students ages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. “Pandemic-induced learning disruptions have certainly taken their toll on our students, which is why we’re making a major investment in out-of-school programming to address and improve the math skills of all of our students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Chair of the House Education Committee, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation meets students where they are by embedding evidence-informed math practices into educator training and creating math-focused learning opportunities after school. As a former teacher, I know how important it is for students to be well-prepared for the grade ahead, and this bill works to strengthen their math performance so all of our students can thrive.” HB23-1231 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, passed committee unanimously. This bill invests $25.6 million to incorporate multiple evidence-informed strategies into schools, after-school programs, and educator training to improve students’ math performance. Specifically, this bill makes it easier for students to get the support they need to improve their math skills both in and out of school. HB23-1231 permits the Colorado Department of Education to make free training available through a train-the-trainer model and technical assistance in math instruction to empower teachers to incorporate evidence-informed math education in the classrooms and identify areas of improvement for students. The bill would 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. This bill also creates a new state-based grant program focused on after-school math and STEM improvement. In addition, HB23-1231 takes a compounding approach to improve students' math skills throughout the course of their educational experiences. This includes integrating early numeracy into universal preschool quality standards and establishing a Ninth Grade Success Grant Program to help students tackle math concepts at a critical point in their education. The House Education Committee also passed HB23-1089 , sponsored by Rep. Mary Young, unanimously. This bill improves stability for youth in foster care, including students with a disability, by allowing them to attend their same school after they’ve been placed in foster care. “Youth in our foster care system face enough uncertainty every day, and this bill offers them some stability in their routine by allowing them to attend the same school they attended before their foster care placement,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We all want our students to succeed in school and they perform best when they’re surrounded by familiar support systems. My legislation works to keep our students supported by keeping them connected to their friends, teachers, and after-school activities.” Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2019 GOV SIGNS FINAL BILL TO BETTER FUND SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED GAINS Bill is contingent on voters approving the referred measure in Nov 2019 (Jun 3) – Governor Polis signed his final bill today: a bipartisan proposal by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Julie McCluskie to better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but the arbitrary TABOR cap restricts the state budget, preventing the state from keeping the revenue it already generates from growth in the economy. The cap also limits Colorado’s ability to invest adequately in basic functions of government and as a result, Colorado’s investments in public schools, higher education, and roads rank poorly compared to other states. “Colorado’s state budget should be able to grow with the economy so we can make important investments in our future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “We are not investing enough in K-12, higher-ed and transportation. It’s common sense to ask voters whether the state can keep and spend the money already collected in taxes. This bill that the Governor is signing just ensures the money is allocated properly to protect our Colorado way of life.” HB19-1257 refers a measure to the November 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap. HB19-1258, the companion bill to HB19-1257, is contingent on voters approving the referred measure, Proposition CC, in November. The bill requires that the revenue retained above the TABOR cap be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. “When times are good, we have a responsibility to invest in the things we care about most – public schools, higher education, and transportation. These bills give voters a say and sends the money to the systems that are crucial to Colorado’s future economic success,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and school districts) can retain, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since TABOR was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. For example, there is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development, especially in rural Colorado. At a news conference when the bill was introduced in March, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures: “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bipartisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.”This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. Click here to see the current list of supporters. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to close tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. < Back March 17, 2023 Bill to Boost Food Assistance by Closing Tax Loopholes Advances DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to close tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. “Hardworking Coloradans don’t get to deduct the cost of their meals from their taxes, and when rising costs are impacting everyone we need to take a hard look at loopholes in our tax laws,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. This bill will boost small food producers, local farmers and food assistance to support everyday Coloradans by closing a loophole only available to a select few.” Currently, Colorado taxpayers collectively cover the cost of the “business meals deduction” because state tax deductions are linked to federal tax deductions. HB23-1008 would “decouple” from these federal income tax deductions, ending the resulting state tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions would support efforts to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers access necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. This bill builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The fund created 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 demand. HB23-1008 supports and extends these efforts by creating an income tax credit for small food retailers and small family farms and Community Food Access Program consortium participants to cover 75% of the cost of new systems, equipment, and food distribution costs. Partnerships between Colorado farms and food producers boosts revenue and cycles money into local economies. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO PREVENT FENTANYL DEATHS PASSES COMMITTEE Legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed comprehensive legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Rep. Mike Lynch to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. “Today, we took bold action to save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This comprehensive bill will crack down on the dealers peddling death in our communities. The amendments we passed recognize the unique nature of fentanyl; setting the possession level at one gram does not make low-level personal use of fentanyl a felony, but it acknowledges the deadliness of this drug and gets fentanyl off our streets. This bill also invests in proven public health approaches that will expand access to treatment, make Narcan and test strips widely available, and create a robust education and awareness campaign to save lives.” “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths in Colorado. The fentanyl crisis demands an aggressive response that will hold dealers accountable and remove this deadly drug from our streets, and that’s what this comprehensive fentanyl legislation will do,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This solution will save lives by giving prosecutors the tools we need to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. This legislation will allow us to respond aggressively to dealers who take Coloradans’ lives when distributing this drug, and I encourage lawmakers to pass this bill.” “This legislation will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on fentanyl dealers to get this dangerous drug off our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “Fentanyl doesn’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat; people are dying in every community in our state. This bill is a comprehensive solution that will save lives and prevent fentanyl deaths.” HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. The committee passed an amendment that would make it a felony to knowingly possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Another amendment passed by committee addresses the danger of pure fentanyl. Once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this amendment creates a zero tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. The purpose of the amendment is to turn on a no tolerance policy for possession of pure fentanyl when the testing is available. This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal also makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. Previous Next