< Back May 6, 2023 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills, Reduce Price Shocks Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, would increase transparency and accountability of investor-owned utility companies before the Public Utilities Commission. “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This important legislation sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “We’ve spent time with consumer advocates, utility companies, and policy experts as we’ve worked to uncover the root causes for rising utility rates,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our legislation improves accountability and transparency by creating a fairer utility rate setting process that centers the interests of ratepayers. Coloradans’ voices need to be front and center, and this bill will better align utility and consumer interests so ratepayers aren’t stuck with high, unpredictable utility bills.” SB23-291 , which passed the House by a vote of 64-19, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. Additionally, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2022 BILL TO PRESERVE VOTER REGISTRATION OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation that would allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed. “In the wake of the devastating Marshall Fire that displaced thousands of Coloradans, we’re making sure their voting rights are preserved now and when they return home,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “Our bill updates the law so Coloradans affected by the Marshall Fire, or any other natural disaster, have the flexibility to vote at their home address and have a voice in their communities. This is just one of the many ways we’re supporting Boulder County residents through the recovery process.” “Coloradans displaced by the Marshall Fire shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to cast their ballot,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield . “We’re taking the necessary steps to update Colorado law so voters displaced by natural disasters can vote in their home community, regardless of their temporary living situation. Colorado’s gold standard election system is free, secure and easy to use — let’s keep it that way for registered voters displaced by the Marshall Fire.” SB22-152 , would allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched. This bill would also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and would extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans. Previous Next

Legislation would reduce barriers for victims of crimes and improve safety of survivors < Back February 13, 2024 Bipartisan Victim Protections Legislation Passes Committee Legislation would reduce barriers for victims of crimes and improve safety of survivors DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to increase safety for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and other crimes by expanding protections around civil protection orders. HB24-1122 unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. “Not everyone is as lucky as my son and I were to escape their abuser, and civil protection orders are a crucial tool for survivors to escape from dangerous situations," said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Too many Coloradans live in fear of their safety every day, and they are especially vulnerable to abuse when the abuser finds out that their partner is taking steps to leave them. Our bill makes robust changes to our criminal justice system to reduce barriers and improve the safety of survivors.” HB24-1122 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would increase protections for victims of domestic violence by: Broadening the definition of domestic violence, changing sexual abuse to sexual violence including sexual harassment, and reframing these forms of violence as patterns of behavior rather than discreet actions, Reducing reasons why a civil protection order may be denied and directing judges to make a temporary protection order permanent without requiring additional evidence of testimony from the survivor when the respondent doesn’t appear at the hearing, Prohibiting a court from serving an abuser with a notice of a civil protection order unless the protection order is granted, improving the safety of victims after they take action against their abuser, Including temporary care and control of any shared children in the civil protection order when requested by one of the parties and prohibiting judicial officers from redirecting survivors to file in a district court instead, Prohibiting the court from hearing a motion to dismiss or modify a civil protection order if filed incorrectly, Preventing survivors from paying their abuser’s attorney’s fees, and Directing cell phone companies to transfer shared phone lines to the survivor’s name and control if requested with the civil protection order. Majority Leader Duran has spearheaded pivotal legislation supporting survivors, including HB23-1222 , which established standards for domestic violence cases tried in municipalities and increased data sharing, and SB22-183 which invested $48 million toward providing critical resources, programs, and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence. She has also passed laws to protect survivors of domestic violence by strengthening enforcement of requirements that certain domestic violence abusers relinquish their firearms. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2021 BILL TO REDUCE CMAS TESTING LOAD PASSES EDUCATION COMMITTEE Legislation would propose to administer one test per student in grades 3-8 this year, with the goal of complying with federal requirements for statewide measures of learning DENVER, CO — The House Education Committee today passed HB21-1161 , sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, to significantly reduce the standardized testing load for students, parents and teachers this year. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 8-1. HB21-1161 requires the Colorado Department of Education to seek a federal waiver to more than halve the amount of time students will be expected to spend in testing while still seeking to comply with federal guidelines that require the compilation of statewide education data and ensuring parents have access to information on their children’s learning. The data received will also ensure that policymakers have valuable information to support students and schools moving forward. “This year has been extremely challenging for our students and educators, and with this bill, we will make a meaningful difference by easing the testing burden while still complying with federal guidance,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Today, we heard from the education community about why it’s so important to get this right, and with this bill, I believe we have found a solution that works for Colorado.” “This is a solution that will allow teachers and school districts to focus their time on helping students overcome the difficulties of the last year and also provide the data the federal government is asking for,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “I am proud and grateful to all the stakeholders who came together to find a balanced way to help students, parents, teachers and districts during these challenging times.” HB21-1161 requires the administration of the English Language Arts exam in grades three, five, and seven, while students in grades four, six, and eight will take the Math exam. Parents will also have the option to opt their child in to taking whichever exam they did not automatically receive. The legislation also requires the Colorado Department of Education to request a waiver to suspend science exams normally administered in grades 5, 8, and 11, and social studies exams administered in grades 4 and 7. The bill also implements consensus recommendations from a departmental task force last year, including suspending the link between tests, accountability, and educator evaluation. The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Education to seek a waiver from the federal Department of Education to implement these policies as soon as practicable. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Yara Zokaie that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person. SB25-145 passed 41-22, with 22 House Republicans voting to make it harder to cancel subscriptions. < Back April 23, 2025 House Approves Bill to Make it Easier to Cancel Automatic Renewals DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Yara Zokaie that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person. SB25-145 passed 41-22, with 22 House Republicans voting to make it harder to cancel subscriptions. “There is nothing more annoying than checking your credit card statement and seeing charges for a subscription service that you can’t find a way to cancel,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “This legislation would require businesses to make the cancellation process straightforward for consumers, saving Coloradans time cancelling unwanted subscriptions and money on services or products they don’t need.” “While companies make it simple to start a subscription online, they often add extra steps to cancel,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “We live in an era where more services are subscription-based, and if you’re forced to pay a subscription just to access your home security cameras or watch TV, it shouldn’t be impossible to cancel. With this bill, we’re ensuring Coloradans can easily end their subscription services and prevent unwanted charges.” SB25-145 would require sellers of goods and services to implement simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel automatic renewal contracts and trial periods either online or in person. Failure to do so would constitute a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 ALL ABOARD! FRONT RANGE RAIL FRAMEWORK LEAVES THE STATION House passes bill to establish the framework for the development of Front Range Rail DENVER, CO– The House today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Rep. Matt Gray’s bill to lay the groundwork for the development of a passenger rail to connect Colorado from our Northern to our Southern borders. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “This bill ensures that Colorado has a framework in place to take advantage of federal transportation funds efficiently and effectively,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Developing a passenger rail system from our Northern to our Southern border will keep Colorado connected and improve our state’s economy for years to come. I’m proud that the House voted to set in motion a project that has been a Southern Colorado priority for years.” “Colorado is in dire need of more and better transportation options to keep our state competitive and connected,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Front Range Rail has the potential to revitalize economies across the front range, improve congestion on our state’s highways and lower our state’s emissions. The bill we passed today gets us one step closer to making this vision a reality.” SB21-238 would create the Front Range Passenger Rail District and tasks it with conducting the necessary research, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the Front Range Rail system, which would connect Coloradans living and working along the I-25 corridor. The bill outlines funding options, and authorizes the District to pursue a sales and use tax that would be subject to voter approval. The District would be overseen by a board of directors that would be instructed to work closely with RTD and Amtrak to ensure the passenger rail and transit systems are compatible and work well for travelers. The bill ensures Colorado will be in position to benefit from the federal government’s proposed investment in railroad development. Previous Next

< Back March 7, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES LOCAL WAGE OPTION LEGISLATION Growth in worker wages spurs consumer spending & a healthier economy (Mar 6) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, and Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, to provide local governments the option to raise the minimum wage within their jurisdictions. “We are giving the power to set the local minimum wage to our municipalities and counties,” said Rep. Galindo. “Our state is so diverse and what works for Denver is not necessarily going to work for Greeley or Trinidad. The Local Wage Option is a tool that can help Colorado’s workers and communities thrive.” HB19-1210 would allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage up to more effectively address the local cost of living, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard in a state where local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. “Colorado is a very big, diverse state and economic situations can be very different in different areas of the state. One size does not fit all when it comes to addressing the needs of every Coloradan,” said Rep. Melton. “ This is really about allowing local communities to decide what is best for them.” The bill would allow counties and cities to increase the minimum wage in their localities beyond the state minimum wage, currently set at $11.10 an hour. Research shows that wage growth spurs consumer spending and a healthier economy and that concerns of potential negative impacts to businesses or jobs are not borne out in the data on this issue. Denver City Mayor Michael Hancock and Summit County Commissioner Thomas Davidson testified in support of this bill. The bill, which can be found here , passed committee with a vote of 6-5. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2020 POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION (PASSED BY THE COLORADO GA 2015-2019) HB15-1285 : Widespread Use of Body Cameras Sponsors: Rep. Daniel Kagan , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Creates a grant program for law enforcement agencies to purchase body cameras and to train law enforcement officers in their use. Establishes a study group best practices on the use of body cameras and to develop those policies for law enforcement agencies. HB15-1287 : Police Training Improvements Sponsors: Rep. Angela Williams , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Expands the Peace Officers Standards and Training board from 20 to 24 members, expands the POST board’s duties to include completing a review and evaluation of the basic academy curriculum and establishing subject matter expertise committees to develop skills training programs, academic curriculums, and POST board rules. Duties also include the development of a community outreach program and development of a recruitment program that creates a diversified applicant pool. Requires the POST board to include anti-bias, community policing and de-escalation courses in regular in-service training. HB15-1290 : Stop Police Interference Cop Incident Recordings Sponsors: Rep. Joe Salazar , Rep. Daneya Esgar , Sen. Lucia Guzman , Sen. David Balmer Summary: Guarantees a person’s right to film any incident involving a police officer. If an officer seizes or destroys a recording without consent or a warrant, or if the officer interferes with the recording or retaliates against the person making the recording, that person is entitled to damages and a civil penalty of $15,000. SB15-185 : Police Data Collection And Community Policing Sponsors: Sen. Mike Johnston , Sen. Rhonda Fields Summary: Known as the ‘Community Law Enforcement Action Reporting’ Act, or CLEAR Act. Requires each law enforcement agency to report disaggregated offense and arrest information – the numbers and types of charges that resulted from arrests; the race and gender of the defendants; the associated incident report numbers; convictions at trial, acquittals, plea agreements, and dismissals; and the race and gender of the defendants. Also requires reporting on the number of parole hearings held and the race, ethnicity, and gender of the inmates who received parole hearings, as well as those who are granted or denied parole. SB15-217 : Data Collection After Officer-Involved Shootings Sponsors: Sen. Ellen Roberts , Sen. John Cooke , Rep. Angela Williams Summary: Requires that after an officer-involved shooting occurs, the peace officer’s law enforcement agency provides the division of criminal justice with demographic information on the officer and individual shot and search, citation, and arrest information related to the incident. Colorado law enforcement agencies will provide this information for all shootings that occurred between 2010 and 2015, and for each successive year until 2020. SB15-218 : Disclosure of Misrepresentations by Peace Officers Sponsors: Sen. Ellen Roberts , Sen. John Cooke , Rep. Angela Williams Summary: Requires a state or local law enforcement agency that formerly employed a peace officer who applies for employment to another Colorado agency to disclose to the hiring agency information indicating whether the officer’s employment history included any instances in which the officer made a knowing misrepresentation. SB15-219 : Peace Officer Shootings Transparency Measures Sponsors: Sen. Ellen Roberts , Sen. John Cooke , Rep. Joe Salazar Summary: Requires law enforcement agencies to develop protocols for involving other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of a peace officer-involved shooting, requiring that detectives investigating an officer-involved shooting not come from the officer’s own agency. Also requires a district attorney who declines to file criminal charges against a peace officer in a peace officer-involved shooting to make a written public disclosure of their findings that were the basis for not charging the officer. HB16-1117 : Record Custodial Interrogations Sponsors: Rep. Daniel Kagan , Rep. Lori Saine , Sen. Irene Aguilar , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Requires Colorado law enforcement agencies to make video recordings of all interrogations of suspects when they are investigating class 1 or class 2 felonies or felony sexual assaults, reducing the incidence of false confessions as well as bogus claims of coerced confessions. HB16-1262 : Law Enforcement Background Check Employment Waiver Sponsors: Rep. Angela Williams , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Requiring law enforcement job applicants to sign waivers allowing their previous employers to release the applicants’ personnel records, and giving the state Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board the authority to deny certification to an applicant who entered into a deferred judgment. The bill addresses the problem of officers who have committed serious offenses but are able to hide their past by latching on with a different police force. HB16-1263 : Racial Profiling Prohibition Sponsors: Rep. Angela Williams , Sen. Jessie Ulibarri Summary: Updates the police profiling statute to forbid consideration of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in a law enforcement decision to pull a driver over or make a pedestrian stop. HB16-1264 : Ban Law Enforcement Use of Chokehold Sponsors: Rep. Jovan Melton , Sen. Mike Johnston Summary: Prohibits police officers from using a chokehold, except to save their own lives. HB16-1265 : Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken Identity Sponsors: Rep. Jovan Melton , Rep. Daneya Esgar , Sen. Mike Johnston , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Allows someone who’s arrested in a case of mistaken identity to have the arrest deleted from his or her police record, free of charge. Currently, the arrest record remains unless the arrestee goes to court, at considerable expense, to have it removed. HB19-1119 : Peace Officer Investigation Open Records Sponsors: Rep. James Coleman , Sen. Mike Foote Summary: Makes some aspects of an internal investigation file of a peace officer’s conduct with the public subject to an open records request. Allows some information to be redacted, and also allows the custodian of a file in which there is an ongoing criminal case to deny inspection of the file. The file becomes open for inspection after all the charges are dismissed or the defendant is sentenced. Applies to files of internal investigations were started after 4-12-19. HB19-1244 : Expand Peace Officer Mental Health Support Program Sponsors: Rep. Jonathan Singer , Sen. Rhonda Fields , Sen. John Cooke Summary: Requires law enforcement agencies to develop policies to support officers involved in a shooting or fatal use of force. Policies must address pre-incident training and preparation, support for the officer at the scene of the incident, post-incident support and services, guidelines for temporary leave or duty reassignment, and guidelines for return to duty. All policies must be completed by 1-1-20. Agencies must review them on a biennial basis. SB19-091 : Support Peace Officers Involved in Use of Force Sponsors: Sen. Rhonda Fields , Sen. John Cooke , Rep. James Coleman , Rep. Terri Carver Summary: Opens the peace officers’ mental health support grant program to additional “eligible applicants”, which include other types of law enforcement agencies, a statewide association of police officers and former police officers, and organizations that provide services and programs that promote the mental health wellness of peace officers. SB19-166 : Peace Officers Standards And Training Board Revoke Certification For Untruthful Statement Sponsors: Rep. Dylan Roberts , Sen. Rhonda Fields , Sen. Bob Gardner Summary: Requires the Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) board to revoke the certification of a peace officer if they knowingly made an untruthful statement or omitted a material fact on an official criminal justice record, while testifying under oath, or during an internal affairs investigation. The law enforcement agency certifies that it completed an administrative process, including any appeals process, as defined by a published policy of that agency and determined by a clear and convincing standard of the evidence. Previous Next

Bipartisan laws to promote effective water management will go into effect on August 7. < Back August 1, 2024 Bipartisan Laws to Promote Effective Water Management Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Bipartisan laws to promote effective water management will go into effect on August 7. SB24-005 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, promotes water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf in any newly developed commercial, institutional, industrial, and state property. It also applies to other little-used areas like parking lots and medians. This will help the environment not only by saving water, but by reducing reliance on pesticides and gas powered lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that naturally survive in Colorado’s climate and support our local birds and bees. “Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource and as we face an uncertain future with ongoing drought and more demands, we must continue to act to secure our state’s water future,” said Roberts, sponsor of SB24-005 and SB24-197. "This year, we took steps to reduce unnecessary landscape water usage, implement the Colorado River Drought Task Force’s recommendations, and address the challenges to our water supply head-on. As these laws take effect, they position Colorado as a leader in effective water management, and help ensure the protection of the Colorado River and all our critical water resources." “With this law, we're cutting back on unnecessary water usage on nonfunctional turf used in medians, greenways and parking lots,” said McCormick, sponsor of SB24-005. “Water-wise landscaping conserves our precious water resources and encourages communities to embrace Colorado's natural landscapes. Our law sets us on a path forward to more effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.” “Cutting back on the amount of water we use on nonfunctional turf will help us conserve our precious water resources across the state,” said McLachlan, sponsor of SB24-005. “This law helps us effectively and efficiently manage our water resources by encouraging water-wise landscaping on little-used areas like parking lots and medians. We're stepping up to conserve water while embracing the native plants and species that thrive in Colorado." Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. Also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-005 encourages developers, city planners, and managers to choose plants that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate, as opposed to non-native, water-intensive plants such as Kentucky bluegrass or invasive species.Sponsored by Roberts and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, SB24-197 improves Colorado’s water supply by implementing several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force. “Securing Colorado's water future is paramount. This law strategically implements recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force to protect the Colorado way of life,” said McCluskie, sponsor of SB24-197. “Worsening drought conditions have jeopardized Colorado’s water future, and this bipartisan legislation works to address some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for our state’s agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. I’m committed to tackling Colorado’s water supply challenges head-on, while working alongside our agriculture and coal-transition communities, to protect our water for generations to come.” Also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, the law implements recommendations including: Expanding the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden and Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Increased Access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. Since 2000, the Colorado River Basin, including the Colorado River and its tributaries in Colorado, has experienced unprecedented drought conditions – exacerbated by climate change – that have contributed to decreased water supplies. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force and charged it with developing water policy recommendations for the General Assembly to consider. Previous Next

Two interim committees passed legislation to address Colorado’s educator shortage and encourage uniform tax collections yesterday. < Back October 30, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Interim Committees Pass Legislation to Address Educator Shortage, Simplify Small Business Tax Collection DENVER, CO – Two interim committees passed legislation to address Colorado’s educator shortage and encourage uniform tax collections yesterday. Bill 1 from the Pension Review Commission would allow more Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirees to re-enter the teaching profession without being penalized with a reduction in state retirement benefits. Bill 1 from the the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force would standardize tax collection, easing filings and remittances for small business owners. “From public K-12 schools to universities and colleges, Coloradans are counting on us to address our state’s dire educator shortage,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 1. “This legislation encourages retired educators to re-enter the classroom by ensuring their PERA retirement benefits go untouched. Retired educators can be a wealth of knowledge for Colorado’s learners, and this bill makes it easier for them to continue supporting our students and still receive the retirement benefits they earned over their careers.” "Colorado has faced a teacher shortage for years, but for too long, qualified and willing educators have been left on the sidelines for fear of impacting their PERA retirement benefits," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 1. "This bill gives more flexibility to districts to engage retired educators so they can put their years of teaching experience to good use and help prepare our kids for the future." Bill 1 , from the Pension Review Commission, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Hansen, helps encourage retired educators to re-enter the career field without a reduction in their Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. This bill aims to update current law, which limits the number of service retirees that a state college, university or public school can hire without a reduction in the retirees' benefits. Under Bill 1, school districts could hire more retirees more easily and streamline the process of getting them back in classrooms. Bill 1 from the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Rick Taggart, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would standardize sales and use tax collection for Colorado’s small businesses, saving them time on filings and easing the collection and remittance process through the electronic sales and use tax simplification system (SUTS). Under this bill, all local taxing jurisdictions would be required to use SUTS by July 1, 2025. Additionally, Bill 1 would raise the dollar threshold for monthly filing from $300 to $600 allowing more small businesses to make returns and pay taxes at quarterly intervals instead, saving them time and money. “Standardizing Colorado’s sales tax filing and collection system is huge for the average small business owner because it simplifies the process and cuts red tape,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Vice Chair of the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 1. “Allowing more businesses to file quarterly or annually rather than monthly will save small businesses time and money. Reducing the frequency of tax collection, as appropriate, is a step in the right direction as we work to make it easier to operate a small business in our great state.” “Nobody wants to spend more time than necessary filing their taxes, especially the small business owners that form the backbone of our communities,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our legislation will standardize and streamline that process, and will save small business owners both time and money. I’m excited to champion this bill that will help folks spend less time on their sales and use taxes and more time focusing on their businesses.” Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES MICHAELSON JENET, ROBERTS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUICIDE PREVENTION BILL Suicide is the leading cause of death in Colorado for young people between the ages of 10 & 24 Help is available. If you are struggling, please text TALK to 38255 or call 844-493-8255 (Apr. 12) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Rep. Dylan Roberts to help address youth suicide received preliminary approval in the House today. “Sirens are going off. Colorado’s kids are committing suicide at an alarming rate and they should be able to access the help they so desperately need. It could save a life,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “An epidemic is unfolding before our eyes and studies tell us that suicide continues to increase, but we are failing to adequately invest in solutions.” Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s son survived a suicide attempt at age 9. The potentially life-saving bill will reduce the age at which a young person can seek confidential psychotherapy services from a licensed mental health professional without the consent of his or her parent or guardian, from 15 to 12. The bill also requires the department of education, in consultation with the Office of Suicide Prevention, the Youth Advisory Council, and the Suicide Prevention Commission, to create and maintain a mental health education literacy resource bank. The resource bank is available to the public free of charge. “The suicide epidemic knows no bounds and shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s impacting our rural, urban and suburban communities. Eagle County had 18 completed suicides last year in a community of only about 50,000 people,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “Today, our state took a step toward addressing this epidemic.” Colorado is ranked third for suicides among youth aged 10-14 and fifth for teen suicide overall. HB19-1120 was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The youth suicide prevention bill is part of a package of bills to address mental health in Colorado. Rep. Michaelson Jenet is the sponsor of the bipartisan HB19-1129, Prohibit Conversion Therapy for A Minor which will soon be signed into law , and HB19-1017 to increase access to school social workers in public elementary schools. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 169 LAWS FROM THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION GO INTO EFFECT New laws include measures to address gun violence, protect free speech, prevent discrimination, foster affordable housing and ban legacy admissions at state universities DENVER, CO– Nearly 170 of the 502 laws passed during the 2021 legislative session go into effect today, with acts subject to petition becoming effective 90 days after the legislature adjourns. “From passing new laws to combat climate change and improve our air quality to working to prevent gun violence and lower the cost of housing, the 2021 session was one of the most productive in history,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud of the work lawmakers did last session to support their communities, revitalize our state and help Colorado build back stronger.” “I’m excited to see so much of what we accomplished last session go into effect today, and I’m especially proud of what we passed to support our Southern Colorado communities,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today, Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws are more inclusive and insurers can no longer use consumer data to discriminate. Communities across our state will start to see improved mental health services and better schools, and more Coloradans will be able to visit our state parks for less money.” The laws going into effect today require retailers to accept cash, update the state’s protections against discrimination , promote financial literacy in K-12 education, and prohibit legacy admissions. Also among the laws going into effect today are measures to combat climate change, bolster the state’s utility assistance program and mitigate natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires. All or portions of the following laws take effect today: HB21-1286 (Kipp, A. Valdez)– Energy Performance for Buildings HB21-1048 (Valdez A)– Retail Business Must Accept Cash HB21-1084 (Exum, Van Winkle)– Drivers Licenses For Foster Children HB21-1108 (Esgar)– Gender Identity Expression Anti-discrimination HB21-1116 (Holtorf, Ortiz)– Purple Heart Recipient Free State Park Access HB21-1117 (Lontine, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units HB21-1119 (Rich, Daugherty)– Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention HB21-1142 (Bacon)– Eyewitness Identification Showup Regulations HB21-1173 (Mullica)– Prohibiting Legacy Preferences in Higher Ed Insts HB21-1181 (McCormick, Will)– Agricultural Soil Health Program HB21-1200 (Kipp, Rich)– Revise Student Financial Literacy Standards HB21-1223 (McLachlan, Soper)– Create Outdoor Recreation Industry Office HB21-1238 (Bernett)– Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility Demand-side Management Standards HB21-1280 (Woodrow, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Pre-trial Detention Reform HB21-1307 (Roberts)– Prescription Insulin Pricing And Access HB21-1310 (Cutter)– Homeowners’ Association Regulation of Flags and Signs SB21-006 (Soper, Titone)– Human Remains Natural Reduction Soil SB21-011 (Mullica and Pelton)– Pharmacist Prescribe Dispense Opiate Antagonist SB21-025 (Tipper and Will)– Family Planning Service For Eligible Individuals SB21-075 (Tipper, Young)– Supported Decision-making Agreement SB21-077 (Benavidez, Kipp)– Remove Lawful Presence Verification Credentialing SB21-078 (Sullivan, Herod)– Lost or Stolen Firearms SB21-123 (McCormick)– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program SB21-154 (Cutter, Soper)– 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network SB21-185 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Supporting Educator Workforce in Colorado SB21-249 (Will, Tipper)– Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass HB21-1009 (Bernett)– Update Division of Housing Function & Local Development HB21-1010 (Ricks, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Diverse K-12 Educator Workforce Report HB21-1012 (Mullica, Rich)– Expand Prescription Drug Monitoring Program HB21-1013 (Snyder, Van Winkle)– Division of Domestic Stock Insurer HB21-1016 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Transfer Jurisdiction To Veteran’s Speciality Court HB21-1019 (Hooton)– Modification to Regulations of Factory-built Structures HB21-1021 (Pelton, Caraveo)– Peer Support Professionals Behavioral Health HB21-1025 (Arndt)– Nonsubstantive Emails And Open Meetings Law HB21-1028 (Bird, Rich)– Annual Public Report Affordable Housing HB21-1030 (McCluskie, McKean)– Expanding Peace Officers Mental Health Grant Program HB21-1044 (Hooton, Larson)– Winery License Include Noncontiguous Areas HB21-1045 (Young, Valdez D)– Invasive Pest Control Administration HB21-1046 (Arndt, Catlin)– Water Share Right Mutual Ditch Corporation HB21-1050 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Workers Compensation HB21-1051 (Geitner, Bird)– Public Info Applicants For Public Employment HB21-1052 (McKean)– Define Pumped Hydroelectricity As Renewable Energy HB21-1056 (Pelton)– Cost Thresholds For Public Project Bidding Reqmnts HB21-1061 (Gray)– Residential Land Property Tax Certification HB21-1063 (Lontine)– Model Law Credit Extraterritorial Reinsurance HB21-1065 (Ortiz, Carver)– Veterans’ Hiring Preference HB21-1066 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– CDOT Financial Reporting Requirements HB21-1069 (Carver, Roberts)– Enforcement of Sexual Exploitation of A Child HB21-1073 (Van Beber, Michaelson Jenet)– Support Foster Families License Plate HB21-1075 (Lontine)– Replace The Term Illegal Alien HB21-1099 (Ransom, Michaelson Jenet)– Policies & Procedures To Identify Domestic Abuse HB21-1100 (Soper)– Electronic Filing Of Documents With Governmental Entities HB21-1102 (Duran, Soper)– Consumer Protection For Dog & Cat Purchasers HB21-1104 (Larson, McLachlan)– Professional Educator Licensure Renewal Period HB21-1105 (Kennedy)– Low-income Utility Payment Assistance Contributions HB21-1111 (McKean)– Consent Collection Personal Information HB21-1115 (Kipp, Mullica)– Board Of Health Member Requirements HB21-1123 (Michaelson Jenet, Larson)– CAPS Checks For Substantiated Mistreatment Of Adult HB21-1128 (Michaelson Jenet)– Hospice And Palliative Care License Plate HB21-1131 (Amabile)– Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements HB21-1137 (Weissman, Van Winkle)– Limit Notification General Assembly Regarding Adoption Of Rules HB21-1140 (Titone)– Eliminate Donor Costs For Living Organ Donations HB21-1141 (Hooton)– Electric Vehicle License Plate HB21-1145 (Kipp and Soper)– Support Pollinator Special License Plate HB21-1147 (Valdez, D and Van Winkle)– Simplify Architects Continuing Education Requirement HB21-1148 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– Colorado State Fair Annual Report Submission Date Change HB21-1150 (Jodeh)– Create The Colorado Office Of New Americans HB21-1151 (McLachlan, Catlin)– Indian Tribes To Certify Own Foster Homes HB21-1152 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Repeal Obsolete Capitol Dome Restoration Fund HB21-1153 (Arndt, Valdez D.)– Enter Zone Child Care Income Tax Credit HB21-1154 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Modification To Child Care Tax Credit To Address Defects HB21-1156 (Lynch, Pico)– Fix Defects Related To Severance Withholdings HB21-1157 (Arndt, Lynch)– Accurate References For Department of Revenue Tax Administration HB21-1158 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Special Fuel Farm Equipment Sales Use Tax HB21-1160 (Duran, Soper)– Care Of Dogs And Cats In Pet Animal Facilities HB21-1167 (Duran, Will)– Private Construction Contract Payments HB21-1177 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Add Use Tax Exemption to Some Sales Tax Exemption HB21-1178 (Pico and Valdez, D)– Correcting Errors in the Colorado Marijuana Code HB21-1180 (Valdez D., Will)– Measures to Increase Biomass Utilization HB21-1186 (Gray, Sullivan)– Regional Transportation District Operation HB21-1187(Young and Pelton)– Long-term Services and Support Case Management Redesign HB21-1188 (Kennedy)– Additional Liability Under Respondeat Superior HB21-1193 (Gray)– Consumer Protection Supplemental Restraint Systems HB21-1194 (Tipper, Ricks)– Immigration Legal Defense Fund HB21-1195 (Van Winkle, Michaelson Jenet)– Regulation of Radon Professionals HB21-1198 (Jodeh)– Healthcare Billing Requirements for Indigent Patients HB21-1208 (Cutter, Gray)– Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise HB21-1209 (Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Parole Eligibility for Youthful Offenders HB21-1212 (Soper)– Diversity of Governor’s Appointments to Boards HB21-1214 (Weissman, Bacon)– Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction HB21-1217 (Bockenfeld, Bacon)– Military Family Open Enrollment in Public Schools HB21-1218 (Duran, Bockenfeld)– Professional Firefighter License Plate HB21-1219 (Esgar, Mullica)– Nurse Special License Plate HB21-1222 (A.Valdez, Van Winkle)– Regulation of Family Child Care Homes HB21-1225 (Bird, Will)– Electronic Recording Technology Board HB21-1226 (Esgar, Will)– More Robust Check Station Aquatic Nuisance Species HB21-1227 (Lontine)– Medicaid Nursing Facilities Demonstration Of Need HB21-1229 (Titone, Ricks)– Home Owners’ Associations Governance Funding Record Keeping HB21-1236 (Titone, Baisley)– State Information Technology HB21-1241 (Daugherty, Lynch)– Employee-owned Business Loan Program Modifications HB21-1245 (Sullivan)– On-track Equipment Railroad Crossings HB21-1247 (Jackson, McKean)– Colorado Department Of Public Health And Environment Contract Pay To Grantees Up Front HB21-1248 (Amabile)– Colorado Children’s Trust Fund Act HB21-1249 (Roberts, Michaelson Jenet)– Repeal Gaming City Audit Requirement HB21-1267 (Lontine, Larson)– County Authority To Delegate Mill Levy Certification HB21-1274 (Titone)– Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use HB21-1275 (Lontine and Will)– Medicaid Reimbursement For Services By Pharmacists HB21-1284 (Valdez A, Van Winkle)– Limit Fee Install Active Solar Energy System HB21-1291 (Van Winkle, Exum)– Insurer Agent Branded Vehicle Title HB21-1293 (Snyder, Larson)– Banks Modify Threshold Credentialed Appraiser HB21-1300 (Weissman, Neville)– Health-care Provider Liens For Injured Persons HB21-1301 (Esgar)– Cannabis Outdoor Cultivation Measures HB21-1303 (Bernett, McLachlan)– Global Warming Potential For Public Project Material HB21-1306 (Garnett, Geitner)– Accreditation Of Postsecondary Institutions HB21-1323 (Cutter, Amabile)– Special Olympics License Plate HB21-1324 (Pelton, Roberts,)– Promote Innovative And Clean Energy Technologies SB21-004 (Esgar, Luck)– Jurisdiction Over Pueblo Chemical Depot. SB21-008 (Valdez D., Holtorf)– Remove Junior From Certain College Names SB21-009 (Caraveo)– Reproductive Health Care Program SB21-015 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Veterans Service Organization Stipend For Funeral Services SB21-017 (Larson, Bradfield)– Sexual Contact By An Educator SB21-020 (Valdez A, Soper)– Energy Equipment and Facility Property Tax Valuation SB21-021 (Young and Carver)– Audiology And Speech-language Interstate Compact SB21-022 (Snyder, McKean)– Notification Requirements For Health Care Policy And Financing Audit SB21-032 (Ortiz)– Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program SB21-035 (Bird)– Restrictions On Third-party Food Delivery Services SB21-038 (Kennedy, Van Winkle)– Expansion of Complementary And Alternative Medicine SB21-040 (Rich)– Driver’s History Profession Or Occupation Decision SB21-056 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Expand Cannabis-based Medicine At Schools SB21-063 (Hooton and Pelton)– Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Offer Insurance SB21-065 (Mullica)– Gasoline and Special Fuels Tax Information Disclosure SB21-067 (McLachlan, Carver)– Strengthening Civics Education SB21-069 (A Valdez, Ortiz)– License Plate Expiration On Change Of Ownership SB21-070 (Bird)– County Authority To Register Businesses SB21-082 (Mullica)– Alcohol Beverage Festival for Tastings and Sales SB21-084 (Gray)– Local government authority roughed-in roads. SB21-090 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act SB21-107 (Young and McLachlan)– Honoring Carrie Ann Lucas SB21-115 (Titone, Larson)– Annual Funding for Talking Book Library Services SB21-119 (Esgar, Geitner)– Increasing Access To High-Quality Credentials SB21-126 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Timely Credentialing Of Physicians By Insurers SB21-129 (Ortiz)– Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program SB21-133 (Catlin, Will)– Donated Alcohol Beverages for Special Events SB21-135 (Duran, Froelich)– Prohibit Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Act. SB21-145 (Valdez D)– Extending Expiring Tax Check-offs SB21-153 (Ortiz, Tipper)– Department of Corrections Offender Identification Assistance Program SB21-155 (Amabile, Baisley)– Limited Gaming Commission Member From Gaming Area SB21-157 (Michaelson Jenet, Baisley)– Increase Cap Charter School Moral Obligation Bonds SB21-158 (Titone and Duran)– Increase Medical Providers For Senior Citizens SB21-160 (Snyder)– Modification to Local Government Election Codes SB21-162 (Snyder, Soper)– Colorado Uniform Trust Code Part 5 SB21-167 (Gray, Larson)– Regulation of Child Care Centers SB21-169 (Ricks and Esgar)– Restrict Insurers’ Use Of External Consumer Data SB21-174 (Cooke, Ginal)– Policies For Peace Officer Credibility Disclosures SB21-188 (Duran, Ortiz)– Ballot access for voters with disabilities. SB21-191 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Residency Requirement Western Colorado University Board SB21-192 (Amabile)– Housing Mentors In Youthful Offender Facility SB21-193 (Herod)– Protection of Pregnant People in the Criminal Justice System SB21-194 (Herod)– Maternal Health Providers SB21-198 (Roberts, Bockenfeld)– Repeal Capital Construction Education Fund Report Requirement SB21-217 (McCluskie)– Market Rate Study for Child care Assistance Program SB21-246 (Valdez, Froelich)– Electric Utility Promote Beneficial Electrification SB21-253 (Carver, Michaelson Jenet)– Women Veterans With Disabilities License Plate SB21-254 (Lynch, Pico)– Eliminate Obsolete Committee Child Care Licensing SB21-255 (Titone, Herod)– Free Menstrual Hygiene Products To Students SB21-262 (Bird, McKean)– Special District Transparency SB21-269 (Michaelson Jenet, Van Beber)– Licensing Of Respite Child Care Centers SB21-270 (Valdez A, Larson)– Increase Alcohol Beverages On-premises Production SB21-284 (Herod and Ransom)– Evidence-based Evaluations For Budget Previous Next