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< Back February 8, 2023 Bill to Require Eco-Friendly Appliance Replacement Option Passes Committee This bill would allow Coloradans to replace broken gas appliances with electric appliances under warranty DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment committee passed legislation today that would allow homeowners to replace their under warranty gas appliances with electric appliances. HB23-1134 aims to give Coloradans more eco-friendly and energy efficient options when it comes to replacing their everyday appliances. “If your gas appliance breaks, you should be able to replace it under warranty with an eco-friendly electric option,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our bill would give Coloradans the option of replacing their broken stove that relies on unpredictable natural gas prices with an electric equivalent. We’re giving Coloradans a choice when it comes to replacing gas-powered household appliances to help save them money and cut down on harmful indoor emissions.” “No one wants to deal with a broken water heater, but at least under our bill Coloradans have eco-friendly options when it comes to selecting a replacement,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “Our bill would give Coloradans the option of replacing their under warranty, unrepairable gas-powered appliances with electric models. Coloradans interested in making the switch from gas to electric appliances when their gas appliance is in need of replacement would have that option under this legislation.” HB23-1134 passed committee by a vote of 6-3 and would require home service warranty contracts that provide coverage for gas-fueled appliances to allow homeowners to replace them with electric-powered appliances if they are still covered under warranty. This bill aims to give consumers the option to replace their broken down gas powered appliances, including stoves, ovens, furnaces, HVAC systems, and water heaters, with an eco-friendly electric option. A growing body of research shows when used without proper ventilation, gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen oxides indoors. HB23-1134 would also require home warranty service contracts to describe minimum efficiency and performance standards for each gas-fueled appliance and for any electric replacements so consumers can make informed and cost-effective decisions. Previous Next

SB25-041 will refine competency restoration and sanity examinations while expanding supportive housing for incarcerated individuals < Back June 2, 2025 New Law Will Improve Treatment of People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System SB25-041 will refine competency restoration and sanity examinations while expanding supportive housing for incarcerated individuals DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representative and Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, to improve services for people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal justice system. “Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their interactions with law enforcement and the justice system, especially people battling serious behavioral health issues,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This new law works to streamline and protect access to the resources that the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system need to heal and eventually re-enter their communities feeling healthier, stronger and more productive.” “To create safer communities, we need to make sure Coloradans in the criminal justice system with behavioral health disorders receive the care they need to stand trial effectively,” said English. “Without consistent behavioral health care for these individuals, criminal trials are likely to be delayed, which hinders our justice system. This new law streamlines access to inpatient services for those in the criminal justice system to help reduce recidivism and prioritize justice for survivors.” “Coloradans seeking support in the aftermath of mental health crises deserve comprehensive care and a system willing to treat them with dignity,” said Amabile. “Every American is owed the right to fair criminal trial, and we owe it to victims, defendants, their families and their communities to implement an equitable and dignified environment for proceedings to take place.” SB25-041 , cosponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, will allow the Colorado Department of Human Services to continue providing inpatient services for up to 90 days after an individual’s case is dismissed because the person is deemed “incompetent to proceed.” It also allows the department to work with community organizations to provide permanent supportive housing for these individuals or those who complete the Bridges of Colorado program . The new law was recommended by the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee , which is responsible for overseeing its associated task force and implementing recommendations regarding the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES COLORADO’S HEALTH CARE SERVICES RESERVE CORPS DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Yadira Caraveo to create the Colorado Health Care Services Reserve Corps. “In addition to the strain and stress of the pandemic, the last year revealed gaps in our health care workforce that we have to address going forward,” said ER Nurse Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglen. “As thousands of health workers faced the daily challenges of battling this pandemic, many providers struggled to find ways to help. By creating Colorado’s Health Care Services Reserve Corps, we can build back stronger and ensure our health care workforce is prepared to meet the next crisis.” “Pediatricians like myself are trained to intubate young children and treat respiratory illnesses; we do it all the time, but I’m not trained in adult or emergency medicine,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thorntton, a physician. “Early in the pandemic, when emergency rooms were filling up with older patients, I didn’t have the training to jump in and help. Colorado’s health care providers are ready to serve when a crisis hits, and with the right training and resources, they would be more than willing to step up and fill any gaps that emerge. Whether it’s a natural disaster or another pandemic, Colorado’s Health Care Reserve Corps will bolster our response to the next health crisis.” Rising temperatures, harmful air quality, and more intense wildfires are making health emergencies that require a medical response more common. Thousands of nurses are retiring each year, and there is projected to be a national physician shortage of over 120,000 doctors by 2032 while Colorado has nearly 120 designated health professional shortage areas. HB21-1005 would create a state-level task force made up of experts in licensing, medical professionals, hospital administrators, and cross training facilitators to layout plans to create the Colorado Health Care Service Reserve Corps. The task force will determine the membership of the Reserve Corps, create training practices and recommend benefits that could attract members to the corps. The task force may also make recommendations for legislation necessary to successfully establish the Reserve Corps. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 BILL TO LOWER ENERGY COSTS, CREATE JOBS ADVANCES ON FLOOR Bipartisan benchmarking proposal would improve energy efficiency of buildings DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which will lower energy costs and create jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits. “By passing benchmarking policies like this, we can save consumers and businesses money on their energy bills and reduce energy consumption,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill asks owners of the largest buildings to report on their energy use and then meet new energy efficiency standards that will save their tenant’s money and reduce energy use. It will help us meet our climate goals while saving Coloradans money at the same time.” “We have to make addressing climate change a top priority, and by reducing how much energy commercial buildings use, we can save consumers money and reduce the emissions that are hurting our environment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Benchmarking is an innovative way to encourage more energy efficient buildings and create good jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits and mechanical system upgrades.” HB21-1286 , which is sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Alex Valdez, would require the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. The proposal, known as benchmarking, asks building owners to measure their energy use in the first year and then continue to monitor and report their performance and meet new energy efficiency standards. The proposal helps tenets and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work, engineering, and recommissioning. In the next eight years, the bill is expected to save consumers $447 million on their energy bills, 3,200 gigawatt-hours of electricity, 7,700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tons. More than one-third of Colorado buildings are already benchmarking, demonstrating that this policy is both widely popular and achievable. Large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for roughly 15 percent of all energy used in Colorado, which means that there is considerable opportunity to reduce electricity used by increasing the energy efficiency of these buildings. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO ASSIST EMS WORKERS WITH STRESS Not every EMS paramedic has access to physical, emotional, or psychological assistance (Mar. 20) – The House Public Health Care and Human Services committee approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to create a statewide, self-financed program of peer-to-peer and professional assistance to help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics deal with the stresses of their job. “Being an EMS paramedic is one of the most stressful jobs out there,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This program will connect EMS paramedics with the services they need to deal with the many stresses of their jobs, and ensure that they are in the best shape physically and mentally to help save lives.” SB19-065 creates a fund that will pay for a peer health assistance program that will evaluate, assist, and counsel EMS paramedics that are dealing with the stresses of their job. Whenever an EMS worker becomes certified or renews their certification, a small fee of $2.55 will be charged to create the program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. Sometimes the toll and exposure to traumatic events in this position can frequently lead to depression, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. If passed, this program can help EMS paramedics deal with many of these issues. SB19-065 passed unanimously and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin. < Back January 23, 2025 House Passes Bills to Increase Access to Medical Equipment, Psilocybin Medication DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin . “Occupational therapists know what care their patients need, but current Colorado law doesn’t allow them to prescribe critical medical equipment to their patients,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB25-1016. “When it comes to equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and monitors, lack of access impacts the health of Coloradans, especially for rural Coloradans with more limited access to health care providers. This bill would remove barriers to care by allowing occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment to address their patients' needs, streamlining access to care so Coloradans can receive the care needed to keep them safe and healthy.” HB25-1016 , which passed by a vote of 45-17, would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, like ventilators and wheelchairs, without requiring a prescription from a licensed physician leading to increased access to medical care and treatment. HB25-1063 , sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, would make a prescription medication that includes crystalline polymorph psilocybin legal to prescribe, dispense, distribute, possess, use, and market in Colorado upon its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Increasing access to health care options allows Coloradans to choose medication or treatment options that work best for their needs. This is why we passed this bill today to be prepared for when providers can start prescribing synthesized psilocybin,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1063. “Studies suggest the use of this type of medication may help to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. With this bill passing the House today, we’re one step closer to expanding effective healthcare options for Coloradans with certain mental health conditions.” Colorado became the second state in the nation to legalize psychedelic therapy when voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022. In June 2023, the FDA published guidance for researchers investigating the use of psychedelic therapy for medical treatment, stating that psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown promising results when used to treat mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use disorders. A Johns Hopkins study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can relieve major depressive disorder symptoms in some adults for at least a year. HB25-1063 passed by a vote of 46-16. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications.  < Back February 12, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Support Children, Modernize Health Care Communications DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications. “There is a need to update Colorado’s child support guidelines to better align them with the economic realities of raising a child in 2025,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB25-1159. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission, our bill modernizes some of the requirements for child support, including monthly income eligibility. Our goal is to ensure Colorado’s child support formulas are equitable, fair and meet the needs of children in our state.” “No child should go hungry or lack the support they need just because their family situation has changed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1159 . “I’ve met parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids, but the outdated child support guidelines make it harder for them to make ends meet. This bill updates income eligibility and simplifies the process, ensuring that children have the stability and resources they need to grow and succeed—no matter what challenges their families face. We’re making sure Colorado’s child support system is fairer, more effective, and truly centered on the well-being of our kids.” HB25-1159 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill ai ms to update and clarify Colorado's child support guidelines. HB25-1159 implements recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission , specifically to the monthly income eligibility and medical needs of children. Under the bill, new guidelines would be set to adjust the amount of child support divorced or separated parents are required to pay based on their income. The bill would also define certain medical determinations and guidelines for children with ongoing medical needs. Some examples include physical therapy, behavioral health treatment or orthodontics. The goal of the bill is to update the child support guidelines to reflect today’s economic realities and ensure children receive the financial support they need. “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks and utility companies, why not make it more widespread for health insurance communications,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-010. “This bill provides Coloradans with real-time health insurance information online while keeping their sensitive data safe and protected. This bill would cut down on health care administrative costs, reduce waste and improve access for consumers.” SB25-010 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO INCLUDE BREAST EXAMS IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (Apr. 9) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would require women’s preventative health, which is already mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to include follow-up diagnostic procedures for women with increased risk factors for contracting breast cancer without any additional costs or co-pays by the patient. “We already know that early detection is key to both saving women’s lives and also lowering health insurance costs,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “We need to provide coverage for women on these exams so they no longer have to decide between the cost of their screening and the cost of their life. We are giving people the option to act instead of having to react.” HB19-1301 would require health insurance to cover any breast imaging performed after a breast cancer screening study comes back and requires additional testing within the same calendar year. This can be based on factors including a high lifetime risk or an individual’s healthcare provider indicating that further imaging is necessary. “When women are given the resources to detect early signs of breast cancer, this will in turn save lives of the patients and save health insurance companies money,” said Rep. Buckner. “Patients can take the proper steps to get healthy and avoid costly procedures to treat their cancer.” The 2010 ACA defined benefits for individually purchased health insurance. It included covering one breast exam screening per year, but did not extend to covering a breast exam if further analysis or tests are needed. The bill passed the committee unanimously and the bill now heads to House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2021 HOUSE PASSES RTD IMPROVEMENTS PACKAGE DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1186, sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Tom Sullivan, which would boost RTD ridership by providing the transportation district with greater flexibility to lower fares and take advantage of new potential revenue streams. The vote was 38-24. “Today we passed important legislation to address critical challenges facing our transit system,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This bill is the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort to identify how we can improve services and bring greater accountability to RTD. By providing RTD with necessary tools, this bill aims to boost ridership and ensure RTD is serving all of our communities.” “Every day, I join hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and take an RTD bus to work,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Our communities rely on RTD and public transit to get to work, see friends, and travel throughout the metro area. After the devastating impacts of the pandemic, I’m excited to see how RTD will work to boost ridership, create new services, lower costs and bounce back stronger.” HB21-1186 acts on the recommendations offered by the RTD Accountability Committee report . It includes three provisions aimed at creating new revenue sources, boosting ridership, and improving RTD services. The bill repeals the requirement that 30 percent of RTD operating costs be covered by fare revenue, allowing RTD to reduce fares in order to boost ridership as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows RTD to develop District properties for retail, commercial or residential purposes to generate new revenue streams and attract a wider ridership. Finally, HB21-1186 allows RTD to contract with nonprofits and local governments to provide critical services and help lower the overall operating costs. Previous Next

Legislation would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonist at schools < Back April 8, 2025 Bill to Prevent Overdoses in Schools, Save Lives Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save lives and prevent overdoses. SB25-164 would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonists, such as Naloxone, to someone experiencing an overdose at a Colorado public school. “Our students are losing friends and peers to preventable overdoses – we need to do more to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “During an overdose, time is of the essence, and this bill makes Naloxone more accessible in schools. Additionally, our bill would remove the unnecessary training requirements to administer opioid-antagonists, so anyone can act quickly to save a life.” “When compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the top for fatal youth overdoses,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we should be doing everything we can to save a life. Our bill works to make opioid-antagonists more accessible in Colorado public schools and school buses by allowing them to be placed in AED defibrillator cabinets.” SB25-164, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This legislation aims to boost access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses. While training is still encouraged, SB25-164 would remove cumbersome training requirements to administer Naloxone so anyone could help reverse an overdose. To increase access to Naloxone during an emergency, this bill would allow it to be placed inside AED defibrillator cabinets located in schools and on school buses. This bill also streamlines the Naloxone Bulk Fund to make it more accessible and efficient for schools. Specifically, allowing staff of the statewide program to focus on overdose prevention outreach, education and training in rural and underserved areas. A 2024 study revealed that Colorado ranked second in the nation for fatal youth overdoses. Colorado lawmakers have worked to combat the youth overdose crisis in Colorado. HB25-1293 , also sponsored by Rep. Jackson, would require public high schools to adopt education standards focused on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response. SB25-164 builds upon previous legislation allowing school districts to maintain a supply of Naloxone to be used on buses and at school sponsored events. Previous Next

A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Matthew Martinez today released a joint statement after both their cars were vandalized on the evening of Tuesday, November 5. < Back November 11, 2024 Reps. Mauro and Martinez Statement Regarding Personal Property Vandalism DENVER, CO – Representatives Tisha Mauro and Matthew Martinez today released a joint statement after both their cars were vandalized on the evening of Tuesday, November 5. Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo (HD-46) and Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista (HD-62): “We appreciate the ongoing work of local law enforcement to investigate these incidents. As elected officials, we want to make it clear that political violence is never acceptable, and we will not be silenced or intimidated. Free and fair elections are how Coloradans decide who they want to govern our state, and any targeting of public officials is un-democratic and un-American. To run for office without fear lies at the heart of our democracy, and we will not let this hinder our work to fight for Southern Colorado.” Previous Next