Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Sheila Lieder today will receive awards at Colorado AFL-CIO’s Second Annual Labor Day Labor Champion Award Dinner to celebrate their work in passing laws to better support workplace conditions and boost wages for working Coloradans. Majority Leader Monica Duran will receive the State House Labor Champion Award and Representative Sheila Lieder will receive the Rising Star Award. < Back August 31, 2023 Majority Leader Duran, Rep. Lieder to Receive Awards for Championing Labor Laws Denver, CO - Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Sheila Lieder today will receive awards at Colorado AFL-CIO’s Second Annual Labor Day Labor Champion Award Dinner to celebrate their work in passing laws to better support workplace conditions and boost wages for working Coloradans. Majority Leader Monica Duran will receive the State House Labor Champion Award and Representative Sheila Lieder will receive the Rising Star Award. “Elevating the voices of hardworking Coloradans and advocating for better workplace conditions at the Capitol has been one of my biggest priorities as a legislator,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “I grew up watching my mother and her siblings stand alongside labor activists like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, fighting for safer working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize. Receiving this award is a marker of the progress we’ve made in recent years to protect Coloradans and foster workplaces that we all deserve.” “I’ve dedicated my career to improving workers rights’ and advocating for working class people to fight for a fair workplace on their own,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton . “I proudly passed laws this session to crack down on child labor violations and improve workplace safety so children and their families can pursue justice. I’m honored to receive this award, and I look forward to continuing to make Colorado a leader in workers’ rights.” Majority Leader Duran has passed laws to strengthen worker protections since being elected to the Colorado State House in 2018. Many of her laws protect and improve workers’ rights to receive pay for their work, including establishing a statewide prevailing wage for public projects ( SB19-196 ), prohibiting a property owner from withholding more than 5% of the contracted pay from a contractor ( HB21-1167 ), increasing wages for Home Care Workers ( SB19-238 ), and modernizing the wage theft process to make it easier for workers to receive their earned wages ( SB22-161 ). Additional laws that Majority Leader Duran has sponsored include ensuring compliance with plumbing laws to better protect Colorado plumbers ( HB19-1086 ), requiring a standardization of apprentice to supervisor ratio for electricians and plumbers to improve the quality of apprenticeship programs and ensure workers’ safety ( HB22-1346 ), creating clear and fair working standards for the energy industry to support workers transition into the clean energy sector ( SB23-292 ), and establishing the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board to ensure workers are being paid appropriately and working fair hours ( SB23-261 ). Representative Sheila Lieder has spent decades fighting for workers’ rights, serving as the President for the Denver Area Labor Federation, Vice President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, and a policy director for Communications Workers of America. In her first year at the legislature, Rep. Lieder passed HB23-1196 , a law to strengthen Colorado’s child labor protections by allowing children, or their parents, to pursue justice and accountability for workplace violations. She also carried laws that raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities to graduating students ( HB23-1212 ) and requires improved data collection on apprenticeship programs to better connect Coloradans to good-paying, stable jobs ( SB23-146 ). Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL INTRODUCED TO SAVE PARENTS MONEY AND INCREASE ACCESS TO CHILD CARE FOR COLORADO FAMILIES Legislation will invest $16 million of federal pandemic relief funds toward improving youth behavioral health outcomes and access to healthy food DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today that will improve behavioral health access for Colorado youth and make healthier food more accessible to vulnerable communities. These bills will invest $16 million of federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “By making smart investments, we can increase access to food and critical services and save people and small businesses money,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380 . “This legislation will foster new markets for Colorado agriculture, support small food retailers, and reduce the cost of food for Coloradans. We’re also improving how we deliver food benefits and other critical services to low-income Coloradans who were hit the hardest by the pandemic to help save them money on critical necessities.” “We’re investing once-in-a-generation funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our kids six-years-old and younger,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369 . “Research shows stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative effects on our youngest kids. This is why we’re investing $2 million toward the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton passed by a vote of 45 to 18 and 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 bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. 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 programs; 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 Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, passed by a vote of 52 to 11. This bill would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families and succeed in their careers. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back February 15, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Boost Colorado’s Workforce DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families and succeed in their careers. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “Colorado’s laws prevent people from qualifying for jobs based on past criminal history, disproportionately impacting Black Coloradans and people of color from succeeding in good-paying careers,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We can’t expect people to break out of cycles of crime if we don’t address the roadblocks that hinder their ability to successfully reenter society. Our bill creates a process for previously incarcerated Coloradans to qualify for jobs so they have a fair shot of building a life for themselves.” “Colorado is facing a workforce shortage in crucial sectors like health care and education, and our current laws prevent people with records from building careers in these industries,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill will build on our previous legislation by streamlining and strengthening processes for regulators and previously incarcerated applicants so we can fill job vacancies in key areas. With this legislation, we can help reduce recidivism and boost the workforce across the state by making it easier for qualified Coloradans to access these jobs.” HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The bill includes a wide range of careers from the construction and banking industries to IT. The bill prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element that is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application. If an applicant has a relevant conviction for a crime, the regulator may only consider the applicant’s conviction for a three-year period beginning on the date of conviction or end of incarceration, whichever is later, unless the individual has been subsequently convicted of any other criminal offense during the three-year time frame. Reps. Bacon and Bird passed a 2022 law to ensure that when pursuing a credential, applicants were only denied based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SENATE, HOUSE INTRODUCE $5 MILLION BILL TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR COLORADO NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES Legislation to provide grant funding for Colorado land-based Tribes through federal pandemic relief package DENVER, CO – The Senate and House today introduced bipartisan legislation to increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes. The bill, SB22-148 , is part of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . “The Tribes are our partners and neighbors and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan (D-Vail). “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities and this bill will support the Tribes’ efforts.” “This is an exciting project that will significantly increase access to behavioral health services for Colorado’s Native American Tribes,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “Members of the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute have confronted rising suicide rates and have nowhere nearby for critical behavioral health care. I’m proud Colorado will be stepping up to build a world class facility to serve tribal members and ensure more people have access to the care they need to thrive.” To further Colorado Tribes’ ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health care in specialized facilities, this bill will provide a one-time $5 million grant to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. < Back January 25, 2024 Amabile Suicide Prevention Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. “It is far too easy for people to access sodium nitrite products, which has unfortunately contributed to many suicide deaths in Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Suicide by sodium nitrite is becoming increasingly common, and hundreds of sodium nitrite-related suicides have been linked to a single private seller. Regulating sodium nitrite purchases will prevent suicide across our state, saving countless Colorado lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to commit suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, would regulate the sale or transfer of products that contain 10 percent or greater of sodium nitrite. Sellers would be required to verify that commercial businesses require the product before a transaction could be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators could see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. < Back September 28, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Gun Violence Prevention Laws Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. “We know waiting periods are a successful tool proven to prevent suicide and firearm deaths,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “Establishing a three day waiting period creates breathing room and time to intervene before an act of violence is committed. Widely supported by gun owners, waiting periods can help us address gun violence and create safer Colorado communities.” “Previously, if you wanted to get your hands on a gun, you could do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1219. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this new law that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.” “I have experienced firsthand how a ‘cooling off’ period can save someone's life when they are in crisis and trying to purchase a firearm,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “My son is still with us today because his background check was delayed when he went to a local gun store, and I am forever grateful he did not have instant access to a firearm that day. This new law will help save lives from senseless and preventable gun violence and improve public safety by preventing someone in crisis from immediately acquiring a deadly weapon.” “A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1219 said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am proud to take this meaningful step to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 requires a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, before delivering a gun to the purchaser. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. The law does not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military service member, who is set to deploy overseas, and their family. “With this law, we are ending the excessive legal protections enjoyed by the firearm industry and ensuring they can be held accountable when their actions cause harm to others,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-168. “This law re-establishes pathways for victims of gun violence, and their families, to seek justice through the courts. It ensures the firearm industry can be held to the same standard as any other business that operates in our state and hopefully encourage them to be stronger partners in our efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities and create safer neighborhoods for everyone." “Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-168. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.” “Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-168 said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.” “When it comes to seeking justice through the courts, victims of gun violence in Colorado have faced an uphill battle,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-168. “Prior to this law, the firearm industry had extreme and unjust legal protections that prevented families and victims from seeking accountability. Through this legislation, we’re removing these completely unwarranted legal protections and creating a new avenue for victims to seek the justice they deserve.” Prior to SB23-168 , firearm industry members enjoyed broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the firearm industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for firearm industry members and allows legitimate lawsuits against the firearm industry to move forward. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. As a result, they ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter. Removing Colorado’s firearm industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice via civil actions and will give survivors the legal opportunity to hold firearm industry members accountable for their actions. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation that would make ballot language more accessible, transparent and easier to understand. < Back March 23, 2026 Nguyen, García Bill to Boost Ballot Accessibility and Transparency Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation that would make ballot language more accessible, transparent and easier to understand. HB26-1320 passed committee by a vote of 8-3. “Colorado’s gold standard elections are the blueprint for other states, and we’re taking steps to expand ballot access,” said Rep. Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield . “This bill streamlines and simplifies ballot language so voters can make informed decisions when making their voice heard. When ballot titles are written in plain language, we can make voting more accessible for Coloradans.” “Our elections in Colorado are free, fair and accessible, partly because we proactively improve our election system,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “This bill would require ballot language to be written in plain language, boosting accessibility. Knowledge is power, and this bill would also require tax initiatives that increase or reduce tax revenue to be stated clearly in the ballot title. Together, these efforts simplify Colorado’s ballots to make them more accessible for voters.” HB26-1320 requires ballot titles to be written in plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. Under this bill, ballot titles would be required to include language that is substantially similar to the statutory language, rather than word-for-word, to make it easier for voters to understand. This bill also adds language to tax revenue ballot titles to include the effects of tax revenue increases or decreases to better inform voters. By including plain language in the bill title, voters would have a better understanding of the impact of a ballot measure from the beginning. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. HB26-1320 is the latest in a series of bills championed by Colorado Democrats to safeguard and improve Colorado’s gold standard election system. This includes HB26-1084 , which aims to share information with voters about how much proposed ballot measures could cost the state and taxpayers, as well as the impacts on essential state services, and HB26-1113 , which makes necessary modifications and updates to Colorado’s election system. Previous Next

< Back December 10, 2020 BENAVIDEZ APPOINTED SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE DENVER, CO — Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced his appointment of Rep. Adrienne Benavidez to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore. “Adrienne Benavidez is a dedicated public servant and a proven leader who will make an excellent Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As our caucus Co-Whip and a prominent member of the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Benavidez has again and again demonstrated her commitment to our caucus and the Colorado values we fight for at the Capitol. I’m proud and excited to have Adrienne on our already stellar leadership team as we work to build back a stronger Colorado.” “I’m proud and humbled to be chosen for the role of Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Rep. Benavidez, D-Adams County. “I look forward to getting to work with our new leadership team and to continue to deliver results for the people of my community and Colorado as a whole. As we work to rebuild and reinvigorate our state, I’m dedicated to creating a more equitable economy and advancing the cause of justice in our communities.” Rep. Benavidez will be serving her third term in the state legislature and will continue to serve on the House Judiciary and Finance committees. She represents House District 32, which includes Commerce City and parts of unincorporated Adams County. The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House when the Speaker is absent. One of the only leadership positions not elected by the majority caucus, the Speaker Pro Tempore is appointed by the Speaker. Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2020 TIPPER’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPARENCY BILL PASSES COMMITTEE The House Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Representative Kerry Tipper’s bill on telecommunications data in jails. The bill would require telecommunication providers who operate in jails to provide data related to the calls made by inmates in jail on a quarterly basis. “Affordable phone calls lower recidivism and massively improve the wellbeing of both incarcerated individuals and their families on the outside,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This bill would bring much-needed transparency to a murky system and give us a better idea of where profits are going. I’m proud that the committee approved the measure today and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” In-state long distance or local calls in Colorado’s correctional facilities can cost up to $0.99 per minute depending on the facility– and inmates’ loved ones shoulder the expenses. At 50 percent, Colorado’s recidivism rate is 10 percent higher than the national rate. A November 2011 study by the Minnesota Department of Corrections found that regular communication with a loved one can reduce the risk of felony reconviction by 13 percent and technical violations by 25 percent. Some government agencies, including counties and cities, receive a commission from telecommunication service providers. The commissions drive up the cost of jail phone calls, making it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with loved ones. In a 2013 contract between the city of Denver and Securus Technologies, the telecommunication corporation agreed to pay the city 80 percent commission on all debit calls within the system. HB20-1267 would require telecommunications providers to provide a copy of the existing contract between the provider and the jail that they service to the public utilities commission. Additionally, telecommunications providers must also provide the rates for in and out-of-state phone calls as well as the fees that are charged to the inmate making phone calls. The commission is required to publish all of this data and report on its website in a format accessible by the public. Previous Next

Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. < Back December 22, 2023 Laws to Save Coloradans Money, Protect the Environment, and Reduce Emissions To Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, incentivizes the advancement and adoption of clean transportation such as electric vehicles (EV), high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Coloradans and businesses will save an average $65 million each year with specific tax credits ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “This new law will save Coloradans and businesses money on electric vehicles, e-bikes, clean energy sources, and energy efficient technologies like heat pumps in order to improve our air quality and help us meet our climate goals,” said Weissman. “We’re committed to combating climate change, and this monumental legislation invests in clean, sustainable energy sources that will jumpstart Colorado’s clean energy economy.” “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” Fenberg said. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “Under this law, we’re reducing the cost of clean energy technologies so more Coloradans can use them in their everyday lives – from commuting to work to heating or cooling their homes,” said Joseph. “Starting in January, Coloradans and businesses will be able to claim an expanded tax credit for electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy efficient technologies. Through these smart investments, we’re boosting Colorado’s clean energy economy, creating jobs, and saving people money on the technologies we need to deploy to address our climate crisis.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation go into effect.” A portion of HB23-1272 took effect earlier this year, including increasing the income tax credit for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to $5,000 and will decrease over time. Some of the specific EV tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include: An additional $2,500 tax credit for electric or plug-in vehicles with a retail price of $35,000 or lower; Boosting the tax credit for light-duty trucks to $5,000 (will decrease over time); and Boosting the tax credit for medium-duty trucks to $12,000 (will decrease over time) HB23-1272 also outlines specific tax incentives to encourage large-scale reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through new and innovative technologies. Some of the specific tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include new refundable tax credits for: Geothermal energy project expenditures that meet certain criteria; The production of geothermal electricity; The installation of heat pump technology or a thermal energy network that meets certain industry standards; and The creation of a sustainable aviation fuel production facility. On April 1, 2024, an additional element of HB23-1272 will go into effect. It creates a $500 tax credit for e-bikes retailers. Of the $500 tax credit, $450 will be passed along to the consumer. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, aims to save Coloradans money by expediting electrification and updating Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science. It would add interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050.The portion of the SB23-016 going into effect on January 1 will help Colorado meet those goals by reducing the cost of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers with a new income tax credit available to retailers and provided to purchasers as a discount. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we are tackling this challenge head on by implementing policy that will speed up electrification so we can reduce emissions and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This tax credit will save Coloradans money on battery-powered lawn equipment to encourage their use over noisy and polluting gas powered equipment,” said McCormick. “This law will help keep Colorado on a strong path forward to combat climate change and bring us closer to meeting our state’s climate goals.” “Coloradans are demanding climate action, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect the planet for future generations,” said Sirota. “With this law, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality by reducing the cost of electric lawn equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other tools. Electrifying lawn equipment is one piece of this important legislation that protects our environment and saves Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.” To help meet Colorado’s emissions goals, SB23-016 also requires the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state. Previous Next

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns Becomes Law SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” into law. Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, SB23-279 prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a frame or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer. Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws, and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections. “Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home - and they’re extremely dangerous,” Fields said. “We worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this new law is a big step towards reaching that goal. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safer Colorado for us all.” "Colorado Democrats have passed significant gun violence prevention legislation in recent years, but ghost guns bypass these life-saving firearm protections and make our communities more vulnerable to gun violence,” Boesenecker said. “Unserialized guns allow for dangerous individuals to possess a firearm and makes it harder for victims to seek accountability for gun crimes. With this new law, Colorado is cracking down on unserialized firearm parts so we can save more lives from senseless gun violence and improve accountability for victims and their families." “Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we will get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.” "Too many Coloradans have been affected by gun violence, and ghost guns are becoming increasingly prevalent in crime scenes,” Joseph said. “Through DIY kits or 3D printers, anyone can access a ghost gun on demand without going through the background check process. Our new commonsense law will prevent ghost guns from being in the hands of those seeking to harm themselves or others and keep our communities safer by limiting access to dangerous and untraceable firearms." Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun. Previous Next

Bills will protect patients & providers, prohibit deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers, and ensure critical care remains affordable & accessible < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Democrats Introduce Historic Package to Secure Safe Access to Protected Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers today introduced an historic package of bills that will allow all Coloradans safe access to the essential and affirming health care they need to thrive. Democrats introduced legislation that will improve protections for patients and providers, prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. “The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, which puts critical reproductive care for too many of our neighbors out of reach,” Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver said. “I am proud to be part of the coalition championing the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package. The bills we are introducing today will protect the rights and privacy of patients and providers who seek abortion or gender affirming care, prohibit deliberate health care misinformation in our communities, and make it easier and more affordable for folks to access the health care they need to thrive.” "This landmark package of legislation breaks down the barriers that too often prevent Coloradans from accessing our legal right to protected health care, abortion and gender affirming care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our comprehensive approach to protected health care improves access to safe, legal reproductive and gender affirming health care. Our rights are under attack across the country, and it’s important for Colorado to lead the way in not only protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, but to do everything in our power to break down the inequitable economic and social barriers that stand in the way of the care people need.” “Everyone should be able to seek life-saving reproductive and affirming care without interference or shame - it is a fundamental expression of the American values of freedom, privacy, and self-determination that we all hold dear,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Longmont. “These bills represent an important step forward in our goal to keep abortion safe, transparent, and accessible in Colorado, and will help improve the health and well-being of communities across our state.” “Abortion is legal in Colorado but legality does not equal accessibility. Lower income communities and Coloradans of color face larger barriers and a disproportionate lack of access to protected health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Today, we’re rolling out an historic reproductive health care package that will help break down systemic barriers that have made it harder for people of color in Colorado to receive the care they need. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve access to health care, protect patients and providers, and stop the spread of dangerous anti-abortion misinformation to secure reproductive justice for all.” Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills introduced Thursday include: Protecting Health Care Patients, Providers, and Assistors Sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, this bill establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. It also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care Services Sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, this bill works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. It would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. The bill also expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. It also makes it possible for patients to utilize Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation service to get to and from their abortion services, further breaking down accessibility barriers faced by many Colorado Medicaid patients. Finally, in order to protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality on shared insurance coverage, this bill further creates a state fund that providers can bill directly for their patient’s reproductive health care services. It also priotizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers Sponsored by Sens. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, this bill will protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers. It declares prescribing, offering, or facilitating a “medication abortion reversal” unprofessional conduct for licensed or certified health care providers. Previous Next