The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect Coloradans’ access to immunizations and science-backed decision making, regardless of changes to federal guidance. < Back February 25, 2026 Feret, Brown Bill to Safeguard Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect Coloradans’ access to immunizations and science-backed decision making, regardless of changes to federal guidance. “Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to fight disease and save lives,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “In Colorado, we’re stepping up to protect the health of our kids and community members by standardizing state-level guidance, information and expanding access.” “Relying on science-based immunization information to keep our communities safe shouldn't be controversial, yet the Trump administration continues to unravel health care tools trusted by doctors and public health experts,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This bill builds upon our work to safeguard immunization access in Colorado and ensure it’s backed by trusted organizations that follow the science. Regardless of the misinformation touted by Washington and Secretary Kennedy, this bill prioritizes science-driven information to protect the health and safety of Coloradans.” SB26-032 passed committee by a vote of 8-5. This bill would allow Colorado’s board of health to continue using science-backed vaccine guidelines from reputable health professional organizations in addition to federal guidance and would add protections to ensure consistent vaccine access and coverage. The bill would also codify pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and temporarily expand existing state liability protections to more qualified health professionals who provide immunizations. Under this bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be permitted to purchase certain vaccines for children based on state recommendations. Colorado has traditionally relied on sound federal vaccine recommendations. However, recent shifts in federal vaccine guidance have created uncertainty and confusion, and more states are turning to trusted professional organizations for guidance. The trusted health organizations named in SB26-032 are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The legislation would build upon last year’s HB25-1027 , sponsored by Representatives Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist, which directed the state Board of Health to consider the recommendations of professional organizations when creating immunization requirements. SB26-032 would not create new vaccine mandates and would not change medical and non-medical exemptions under Colorado law. Colorado recently joined a 15 state lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging the recent changes in childhood vaccine recommendations are not scientifically backed, and therefore could pose a community risk. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed seven key childhood vaccine recommendations for children, including COVID, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to create jobs and boost Colorado’s rural economies. < Back May 29, 2024 Governor Signs Bills to Boost Rural Economies WESTERN SLOPE – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to create jobs and boost Colorado’s rural economies. Sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB24-1001 extends income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees through the Rural Jump-Start Program, aiming to reduce the cost of starting a new business or hiring employees in rural economic jump-start zones. “With these bills being signed into law today, we're bringing real results to the Western Slope,” said Lukens, sponsor of HB24-1001, HB24-1237 and SB24-190. “The Rural Jump-Start Program has supported numerous small businesses and created new jobs for rural Coloradans in communities like mine, and I’m proud that this bipartisan law will extend the program. We also passed a law that will support an expanded rail system from Steamboat Springs to Hayden to Craig to address issues that are most impacting rural and rural resort communities, like housing supply and workforce shortages. Finally, I'm proud that my bipartisan legislation to boost child care options for Colorado families is now law, making it easier for parents to find quality child care so they can get back into the workforce and keep our economies thriving.” “Today marks a transformative win-win for Northwest Colorado,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB24-1001 and SB24-190. “As the region’s State Senator, prioritizing economic opportunity and resources for these communities is a top priority. From continuing the successful Rural Jump-Start program to creating new financial incentives to attract large employers to Craig, Hayden, and Grand County, to building passenger rail from Craig all the way to Denver, we are setting Colorado’s rural economies up for success. The policies signed into law today direct crucial resources to communities to enable businesses to open their doors, hire employees, grow their operations, and thrive.” Rural economic jump-start zone are areas within a county with a population less than 250,000 that exhibits certain indicators of economic distress, such as lower per capita income than the state average, lower gross domestic product than the state average, unemployment levels higher than the statewide average, a declining workforce, or a higher concentration of students eligible for free lunch compared to the statewide average. Governor Polis also signed SB24-190 , which makes the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly Craig and Hayden. Sponsored by Senator Roberts, Representative Lukens, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the new law allocates up to $10 million in incentives per year for Hayden and Craig, and Grand, Moffat, and Routt Counties to attract and retain large-scale businesses utilizing freight rail. “From new job opportunities to more transportation options, our Western Slope communities will greatly benefit from this new law,” said McCluskie. “In addition to our Front Range passenger rail legislation, this law will bring our mountain and rural communities closer to an expanded rail system for transit and goods. We’re supporting the Western Slope, especially those in coal transition communities, to boost the economic security of our mountain and rural resort towns.” The proposed mountain line connects Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allows for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line. SB24-190 creates an income tax credit through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) for businesses that choose to locate in a coal transition community and use rail to transport their freight. It also makes more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification in the region and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely to and from Winter Park to Craig, with stops in between. Finally, the Governor signed HB24-1237 , sponsored by Representatives Lukens, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, which helps reduce costs for developing child care facilities by providing technical planning, building, construction, and development support. “I’m proud to see our bipartisan legislation to increase affordable child care options signed into law today,” said Marchman. “Quality, affordable child care is essential to support Colorado’s workforce, and by providing funding to develop new and convert existing spaces into childcare centers, we can offer more options to Colorado families.” The new law creates the framework to provide planning and capital grants, as well as technical support for local governments, institutions of higher education, public schools, employers, private partners, builders, and child care providers. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2023 EpiPen Affordability Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to cap the cost of life-saving epinephrine ejector devices by a vote of 10-0 . “While corporations hike up drug prices to reach record profits, families have been left with no choice but to budget for large expenses for their life-saving medication,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Currently, EpiPens cost Coloradans 43 times what manufacturers spend to make them. Price gouging has emptied the pockets of Colorado families for far too long, which is why we’ve introduced this bill to limit profiteering off of this life-saving medicine.” “No Coloradan should have to worry about how they’re going to afford medication like EpiPens that can be the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “For those of us who have an invisible disability, you constantly worry ‘is today the day I will need my life-saving medication?’ Worrying that people won’t know how to react or be able to access the medication you need. Limiting out-of-pocket costs will greatly improve access for people of color, low-income, disabled, rural, and senior communities that are both more reliant on emergency medication like EpiPens and less likely to have health insurance coverage. We must ensure that every Coloradan can access emergency medication, no matter their income or background.” An epinephrine auto-injector is a medical device that is used to dispense epinephrine, a hormone that quickly combats life-threatening reactions including swollen airways and rapidly dropping blood pressure. It is commonly used by people with moderate to severe allergies, in addition to other medical issues, to prevent a fatal anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine auto-injectors are commonly referred to by the trademark name “EpiPen”, which was acquired by one company in 2007. Since then, prices have increased over 660% to $690 for a 2-pack. Because Epi-pens expire a year after purchase, Colordans have been forced to spend hundreds of dollars annually for medication that can save them from potentially lethal reactions. HB23-1002 was highlighted by the Colorado House Democrats as legislation that drives the key agenda for the 2023 Legislative Session. It creates the Epi-Pen Affordability Program, where uninsured Coloradans with a prescription can apply online through the Colorado Division of Insurance to obtain low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors. Under this bill, manufacturers would be required to post access to the program on their websites. The bill also requires insurance carriers that provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors to cap the out-of-pocket cost to $60 for a 2-pack. A report from 2021 found that racial and ethnic, rural, disabled, lower-income, and LGBTQ+ communities are more likely to be exposed to conditions, environments, and health risks that can lead to health problems. Lower-income and BIPOC communities are more likely to live in areas with poor air quality, which can cause children to develop long-term asthma issues. With over 500,000 Coloradans experiencing severe food allergies and over 430,000 Coloradans with asthma, this bill will help nearly a million individuals and families across the state get low-cost access to the emergency medication they need. This legislation is modeled after successful policy passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to limit profiteering off essential medication. Senator Dylan Roberts sponsored HB21-1307 , creating the Colorado Insulin Affordability Program and successfully reducing insulin prescription costs without shifting them to the marketplace or insurance policy consumers. The bill caps monthly insulin costs at $100, regardless of the number of prescriptions a person may have. Insulin is used similarly to EpiPens in regulating bodily reactions. Without insulin or EpiPens, individuals can experience dangerous and potentially fatal symptoms. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. < Back April 16, 2025 Mauro’s Bill to Support Coal-Transitioning Communities, Invest in Jobs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. “As Colorado’s economy shifts toward renewable energy, we’re stepping up to ensure we create jobs and support communities like mine as market forces move us away from a coal-based economy,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “From creating good-paying jobs in renewable energy to economic support, the state has invested millions to boost workers and the economies in these communities. This bill ensures Colorado’s rural communities can take advantage of more grant opportunities to strengthen their economy and build a workforce for the future.” SB25-037 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed committee by a vote of 12-0. To support communities' transition away from a coal-based economy, this bill makes existing funding available for coal transition workforce assistance programs for an additional three years. The bill directs the Just Transition Office in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to also prioritize investments in tier two communities, which are communities that are indirectly impacted by coal closures. This includes programs and grants that help communities with workforce assistance and the construction or maintenance of libraries, town halls, police and fire stations. SB25-037 aims to more effectively distribute state-supported grants and programs to communities whose economy was once or is partially reliant on coal. Additionally, this bill extends the reporting deadline for the study on advanced energy solutions in rural Colorado . Founded in 2019, the Office of Just Transition was established to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future. Market shifts, consumer choices and the advancement of renewable energy sources have required Colorado to step up and create action plans that allow for a smooth economic adjustment for coal transition communities. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today passed two Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives and by improving our state parks. HB21-1330 , which is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and passed by a vote of 44-19, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is a proven program that helps students and workers enter into and successfully complete postsecondary degree or certified skills training programs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With this bill, we are going to invest $50 million into the COSI program so that more workers and students can learn the skill and tools they’ll need to fill good jobs, build thriving careers, and boost our state’s economy.” HB21-1326 , which is sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-10, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. “Coloradans love our state parks, and both residents and folks from out of state are visiting and recreating in our parks more and more every year,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “The growth in visitors has led to environmental and conservation issues, as well as strain on park infrastructure. This funding will both repair and maintain existing parks while also making necessary improvements to support the growth we have experienced and expect to continue.” Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER, REP. JACKSON INTRODUCE BILL TO ENSURE COLORADO LEADS ON CLIMATE ACTION Establishing science-based goals & taking action to meet them are critical to Colorado’s future (Mar. 21) – Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, introduced legislation this afternoon to take meaningful action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water, and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans supports climate action. “Climate change is real. It’s happening. And we have a moral and economic imperative to act now,” Speaker Becker said. “As a mother, a defender of clean air and water and legislator, I am committed to ensuring our state is making responsible investments in our future and working to preserve our unique quality of life. I cannot think of a more important challenge for our state to tackle than climate change.” Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and our way of life. “We can cut carbon pollution and create good-paying jobs at the same time,” said Rep. Jackson, chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. “Colorado must lead and we must take action now for our communities of color – who are on the front lines of climate change – and for our children, and our grandchildren.” This reasonable, science-based legislation will direct the state to develop a plan to limit carbon pollution and ensure that Colorado leads on climate action. The bill puts carbon pollution reduction goals into statute and directs the state to work with industry on a plan to finally limit carbon pollution through rulemaking. The text of HB19-1261 can be found here ( link ). Speaker Becker outlined her commitment to goals to address the threat of climate change in her opening day remarks. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 COMMITTEE STANDS UP FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKERS House State Affairs Committee passes bill to strengthen protections for agricultural workers DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed Representatives Karen McCormick and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to advance the basic rights of Colorado’s agricultural workers and modernize the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Harvesting crops and helping to keep Colorado’s farms and ranches running is backbreaking work, work that my family members have done for years,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “Workers in these jobs should have the same protections and opportunities as others in Colorado, like being able to join a union, having their health and safety protected and earning a fair wage for a hard day’s work. Our bill takes a long overdue step forward toward improving conditions for agricultural workers and correcting a historical injustice. I’m proud to see it move forward today.” “Colorado’s agriculture industry contributes so much to our communities and our economy, and it’s time we extended basic protections to the workers who do so much to help put food on our tables,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This bill will ensure that the human rights of workers in Colorado are respected while modernizing our agriculture industry and helping to keep Colorado’s agricultural workforce competitive as other states adopt these types of reforms. I want Colorado’s agricultural workers to have the same protections and supports that the folks I employ in my clinic do, and that’s exactly what this bill accomplishes.” SB21-087 takes several steps to bring Colorado’s agricultural workers under the same labor standards that other workers in the state have and takes other steps to keep Colorado’s agriculture workforce competitive. Among other provisions, the bill would: allow workers to form and join unions to bargain for better pay and increased benefits, remove the exemption that allows certain workers to make less than the minimum wage, provide protections from retaliation and set more humane standards around break times and working in extreme weather conditions. Importantly the bill limits the continuous operation of physically demanding tools that lead to chronic health problems–tools that have been banned in other states for decades. The bill also ensures workers are provided transportation to critical services and access to healthcare providers while creating a pathway for aggrieved workers to seek remedies available to workers in other industries. Previous Next

Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. < Back October 31, 2025 Jackson Highlights Success of Treatment Interim Committee DENVER, CO – Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee , released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora: “This interim, we focused on fostering healthier, safer communities by examining access to treatment in Colorado’s criminal justice system. Throughout the interim, we looked at how we can reduce recidivism by improving outcomes for incarcerated adults and juveniles, especially those living with behavioral and mental health conditions. I want to thank the committee members and everyone who participated in this process for their hard work to fill critical gaps in access to treatment.” The committee advanced bills to support Coloradans who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges or are in the criminal justice system. Bill 1 would help improve the safety and treatment of young adults and juveniles in the Youthful Offender System within the Department of Corrections. Bill 2 expands Medicaid reimbursement for certain transportation providers, giving people in crisis more choices. Bill 3 expands community-based treatment and rehabilitation options for those deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. The committee is comprised of Rep. Jackson, Chair, Senator Judy Amaible, D-Boulder, Vice Chair, Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton and Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet , D-Commerce City and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE INVESTS IN WILDFIRE MITIGATION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE On the heels of one of the worst wildfire season in Colorado’s history, House makes bold investment DENVER– The House today passed Representatives Snyder and Froelich’s bill to invest millions into wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. The bill passed by a vote of 59-4. “Last year’s fire season ravaged our forests, threatened homes, and displaced wildlife like no other year before,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB21-258. “The realities of our changing climate mean that we can expect upcoming fire seasons to be just as dangerous, and with this bill we’re making sure that Colorado will be prepared. We are committed to preventing and mitigating fires before they get out of hand, and the funds we approved today will allow us to do just that.” “Every dollar spent on wildfire mitigation can mean another home left intact, another habitat protected, or another life saved,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB21-258. “As we work to tackle the underlying issue of climate change, which has made our wildfires even deadlier threats, we have to make sure our state is poised to take on the critical threat of wildfires. A year after the worst fire season in our state’s history, we’re taking bold action to invest in mitigation and keep Colorado prepared.” SB21-258 creates the Wildfire Mitigation Capacity Development Fund in the Department of Natural Resources to support wildfire mitigation, expand workforce capacity through investments in Colorado Youth Corps Association and the Department of Corrections SWIFT program, coordinate cross-boundary wildfire mitigation efforts, facilitate engagement with other property owners, and connect priority wildfire mitigation projects with available resources. Additionally, the bill creates the Hazard Mitigation Fund to assist local jurisdictions in obtaining the matching funds required for certain federal hazard mitigation grants. Finally, the bill dedicates almost $30 million across various wildfire mitigation and response funds to help the state bolster wildfire prevention, detection, and response. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BIPARTISAN BILLS INTRODUCED TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY, PREVENT WILDFIRES DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House today introduced two bills that will direct federal economic relief funds to reduce the cost of healthy foods and prevent wildfires by improving Colorado’s watersheds. Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton and Senators Jeff Bridges and Don Coram, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. “This targeted investment of federal funds will better connect low-income and underserved communities with healthy food and critical services, like SNAP,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “By directing economic relief funds to boost low-income Coloradans, we’ll more equitably grow our economy, support small businesses, and better connect Coloradans to the services they need to thrive.” “Every Coloradan deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village . “That’s why we’re working to make it easier for low-income families to put food on the table. With these additional resources, we can help more Coloradans support themselves, their families, and their overall health, all while saving them money.” HB22-1380 $8 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to create the Community Food Access Program. The program will improve access to healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state. The bill supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen infrastructure, and direct payments for pallet, pallet break, distribution, delivery, and other fees. Grants to retailers could be used to purchase expensive equipment and update point of sale systems. An additional one million will be available to help retailers join together to get better prices on wholesale products. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit program; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379 , sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. “Colorado is seeing increasingly devastating wildfires that are impacting our access to clean drinking water and the water our agricultural producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This investment in our watersheds will reduce the risk of wildfire and mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply. Water is everything to Colorado communities, and we have to do everything we can to protect this critical resource.” “After wildfires, our rivers (and our drinking water that comes from them) have a complicated road to recovery,” said Senator Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill provides the resources needed to recover from wildfire and keep our drinking water safe.” HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes: $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting the implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience; $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department’s wildfire workforce development partnerships; $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed and landscape scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” money and other federally available money for water projects. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to secure eviction protections for Coloradans who rely on public assistance programs. < Back April 12, 2023 Eviction Protections Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to secure eviction protections for Coloradans who rely on public assistance programs. “Rapidly rising rents and increasing demand for housing are some of the biggest issues Coloradans are facing today,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill will help protect renters from being pushed out of housing options over issues that could be worked through with better communication. Landlord-tenant mediation for eligible lower-income communities and Coloradans with disabilities would create a process that works for all parties involved and curtail the need for an eviction.” “People with disabilities are twice as likely as their able-bodied counterparts to be impoverished,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Communities that are reliant on critical safety net programs are the most susceptible to the threat of eviction and the most at-risk for homelessness. It’s essential that we protect our most vulnerable communities that might not have the financial or legal resources to fight against the eviction process, especially in the middle of our housing crisis.” HB23-1120 would require a residential rental agreement to include mandatory landlord-tenant mediation if the renter receives supplemental security income, federal social security disability insurance, or cash assistance through the Colorado Works program and discloses that information to the landlord in writing. Nonprofits and landlords with less than five single family homes and less than five total units are exempt. Under the bill, residential rental agreements are prohibited from including a waiver of mandatory mediation and must include language stating that a residential tenant who receives cash assistance has a right to mediation conducted by a third party at no cost, before their landlord files an eviction complaint with the court. Renters who receive cash assistance and have provided written notice to their landlord would be protected from being removed from the property by law enforcement officers for at least 30 days after the entry of judgment, except in cases of substantial violation or if the landlord has less than five single family rental homes and less than five total rental units. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133 passed by a vote of 7-6. < Back February 13, 2025 Bill to Create Safeguards on Ammunition Purchases Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133 passed by a vote of 7-6. “Gun violence is both tragic and preventable, and as a victim of gun violence and intimidation in my youth, I know this bill can help save lives and make our communities safer,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado Democrats have worked hard to protect Colorado communities from gun violence, including recently raising the age to purchase a firearm to 21 years old. With this bill, we’re making Colorado gun laws straightforward - you must be at least 21 to purchase any type of firearm or ammunition. By increasing the age to purchase firearm ammunition and putting ammunition behind the counter, we can better protect our kids from gun violence and improve public safety.” “Firearms are the leading cause of death for 18-20 year olds, and the increase in firearm suicides should be alarming to everyone,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “As a mother to young kids, I worry that their school could be the next site of a mass tragedy. Gun violence is all too common in Colorado, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I’m sponsoring this bill to help reduce youth firearm suicides by raising the minimum age to purchase ammunition and adding protections, saving countless Colorado lives.” Under current law, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase any firearm but only 18 years old to purchase ammunition. HB25-1133 would raise the minimum age to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition to 21 years old. Sellers would be required to verify that the buyer is at least 21 years old using a valid government-issued photo identification. The bill also requires sellers to display ammunition in a position where an employee must assist the buyer, like in an enclosed display case or behind a counter, to help prevent theft. Any person delivering ammunition would be required to verify that the person receiving the delivery is at least 21 years old and obtain written proof of receipt of the delivery from the recipient. A violation of this bill would be a civil infraction, but subsequent violations would classify as a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026. 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 by a staggering 41 percent in the last decade. Majority Leader Duran passed a law in 2023 to raise the minimum age to purchase a long gun firearm to 21, which was already the minimum age to purchase a handgun. She also passed a safe storage law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next