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First-in-the-nation legislation to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs goes into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 20, 2023 New Right To Repair Agriculture Equipment Law Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – First-in-the-nation legislation to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs goes into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Janice Marchman requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. “Starting next month, farmers and ranchers across Colorado can save both time and money on fixing their own equipment,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m incredibly proud of this first-in-the-nation right to repair law because without it, farmers are forced to wait weeks for repair technicians' availability and spend outrageous amounts on necessary repairs. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and this new law helps get farmers and ranchers back to work faster when their equipment breaks.” “Colorado’s farmers play a critical role in our economy, but for too long when their equipment broke down, they were forced to use an authorized mechanic to get it fixed, costing them both extra time and money,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “That’s why I fought to give Colorado farmers the freedom to repair their equipment themselves or have an independent mechanic do the work. This new law will give Colorado farmers a leg up and save them time and money so they can focus on their important job of feeding the world.” “Family farmers and ranchers like the ones I represent need all the help they can get, and this new law is a great first step,” Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, said. “A broken tractor or combine during harvest season can be devastating, and makes an already difficult job that much harder. Farmers should be able to apply know-how and elbow grease to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to use an authorized dealer. I am thrilled that our bill to keep operations running smoothly and save Colorado ag producers critical time and money is going into effect.” As outlined in HB23-1011 , agricultural equipment manufacturers now need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Colorado is the first and only state in the nation to secure a law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. Under this law, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer must provide repair items at fair and reasonable costs. This law aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Previous Next

< Back April 20, 2022 BILL TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS IN HOAS ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote that will protect homeowners in HOAs from foreclosure when they fall behind on their dues. “We’ve heard heartbreaking stories of families who did everything they could to keep up with their mortgage and HOA fines and fees being forced from their homes,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “No one ever expects their HOA to foreclose on their home for unpaid dues, but thousands of families are facing this unimaginable reality. This bill will protect homeowners in HOAs and make it harder to foreclose on families for unpaid fines and fees.” HB22-1137 , sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Mary Bradfield, would create new protections to prevent HOAs from easily foreclosing on homeowners because of late or unpaid HOA fines and fees. The bill requires HOAs to alert unit owners if they are behind on their payments and prohibits an HOA or property management company from referring the delinquent amount to collection unless a majority of the HOAs board members vote to do so in a public hearing. It limits late fees, fines and interest to a maximum of $500 total per violation. Additionally, before an HOA initiates a foreclosure action, they must offer the unit owner a repayment plan, a critical safeguard for homeowners to protect their largest asset. HB22-1137 has proven to be a critical piece of legislation in light of the wave of foreclosures pending in the Green Valley Ranch Neighborhood in Denver where many homeowners have seen fines and fees from their HOA balloon into an unsustainable source of debt and threatening their homes. Previous Next

< Back October 24, 2019 WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE WATER MANAGEMENT Committee approves bills to spur innovation in water management, broaden stakeholder engagement and crack down on water speculation DENVER, CO– The Water Resources Review Committee today advanced four bills to improve water management. If approved by the legislature next session, the bills would encourage innovation in water management, include additional stakeholder feedback in the Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan and study how the state can better enforce anti-water speculation statutes. “From outdoor recreation to agriculture, our state’s water resources are critical for almost every aspect of our economy and daily life,” said Water Resources Review Committee Vice Chair Rep. Dylan Roberts (D-Avon). “We have an incredible opportunity to pilot and deploy new technologies that could revolutionize and improve how we manage and conserve Colorado’s most essential natural resource, our water. The bills we passed today will guarantee communities across the state have a voice in discussions about water management and will ensure that we are using all the tools we have available to protect our water from out-of-state special interests and manage our water appropriately.” 1) The committee approved legislation to spur the deployment of new technologies that could improve water management. Innovative technologies, such as blockchain, telemetry, improved sensors and advanced aerial observation platforms can enhance monitoring, management, conservation and trading of water resources. The bill asks the University of Colorado-Boulder and Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University to conduct feasibility studies to pilot deployments of the new technologies. While not limited to specific technologies, the study will investigate: Sensors to monitor surface and groundwater use Direct or remote sensors to monitor water quality Cellular and satellite telemetry systems allowing remote access to sensor data Aerial observation platforms, including high-altitude balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles Satellite-based remote sensing and water resource forecasting technologies Blockchain-based documentation, communication and authentication of data regarding water use, trading and conservation Colorado has become a national leader in developing innovative uses for blockchain and has become a hub for startup technology firms. Last session, the General Assembly passed a law to study how blockchain can be used in agriculture and also clarified the regulatory environment for digital tokens and cryptocurrencies, which are based on blockchain. 2) The committee also advanced legislation that would require the Colorado Water Conservation Board to broaden stakeholder engagement by using established procedures for public comment when adopting a final or significantly amended water resources demand management program. This year, the states of the upper Colorado River Basin, including Colorado, adopted the Colorado Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan, which necessitated the development of water demand management programs. Last session, the General Assembly passed SB19-212 , which appropriated $1.7 million from the General Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop a water demand management program. 3) Legislation to study ways to improve the state’s anti-water speculation statutes also moved forward. Current Colorado law prohibits speculation in water rights, but lawmakers have heard concerns from Western Slope communities and from residents in other parts of the state that financial interests are purchasing water rights with the intention of holding them for a period of time and then selling the water for profit when the price increases. The bill requires the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources to convene a working group during the 2020 interim to explore ways to strengthen water anti-speculation laws. 4) The committee also approved a bill to increase the number of state water well inspectors. The bill also requires the state board of examiners of water well construction and pump installation contractors to create new rules to identify and prioritize the inspection of high-risk water wells. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS RECOVER FROM PANDEMIC DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to help Colorado families get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic. “For many low-income Coloradans, the pandemic ripped away any savings they may have had and exacerbated long standing barriers that disproportionately prevent Black and Brown Coloradans from accessing banking services and credit,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Sadly, when there’s nowhere else for people to turn, predatory lenders and payday loan companies can take advantage of them and drive them further into debt and poverty. This bill creates the Colorado Household Financial Recovery Program to increase access to credit and low-interest loans for low-income Coloradans to help them pay for necessities without destroying their financial futures.” “Access to capital or loans can be out of reach for many of the Coloradans who were also disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “With the legislation we passed today, we will provide more Coloradans with access to the financial resources they need to overcome economic hardships and provide for their families.” HB22-1359, sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 40-24. It creates the Colorado Household Financial Recovery Program to boost low-income individuals and households impacted by the pandemic or the economic conditions that have followed as a result. The program aims to make low-interest loans and credit more available to low-income families. Funded initially with $5.2 million in one-time funds, the program will partner with financial institutions to facilitate small low-interest loans to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. Many individuals do not have access to credit as a result of the financial pressures of the pandemic, while at the same time, many have drained their savings and are struggling to pay for necessities as pandemic induced inflation has led to rising costs for families. The legislation will assist Coloradans who face financial insecurity or a lack of access to financial and banking services obtain affordable loans. Previous Next

< Back Meg Froelich Chair of the Transportation, Housing, & Local Gov Committee Representative Meg Froelich is Chair of the House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee and a member of the State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and represents House District 3, which includes Sheridan, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, and Denver. Rep. Froelich is passionate about the health of all Coloradans, and endeavors to be a voice for the most vulnerable people in our communities as well as domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. During the 2022 legislative session, Rep. Froelich sponsored the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) to safeguard all reproductive rights, including abortion. She also sponsored key legislation to protect those from out-of-state who are seeking reproductive and gender affirming care in Colorado. As a member of the Energy & Environment Committee, Rep. Froelich is passionate about preserving Colorado’s air, land and water, reducing pollution and protecting pollinators.

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. < Back April 10, 2023 Ortiz’s Bill to Improve Basic Access for People with Disabilities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. “Coloradans living with a disability should be able to visit and enjoy the restaurants, museums and retail stores in their community without having to worry about whether they'll be able to navigate the space,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation empowers Coloradans living with a disability by allowing them to pursue legal action if a public accommodation space is not accessible. I’m committed to making our public places more accessible and accommodating so they can be enjoyed by everyone.” HB23-1032 ensures that individuals with a disability have legal recourse if they are discriminated against by any place of public accommodation. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network , places of public accommodation include restaurants, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, hotels, retail stores, museums, libraries, amusement parks, private schools and day care centers. HB23-1032 aims to improve accessibility for all Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 DEFEATED: GOP ANTI-SCIENCE IVERMECTIN COVID MISINFORMATION BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Health and Insurance Committee today defeated a dangerous and misguided bill sponsored by Representative Stephanie Luck that recklessly promotes the use of ineffective and unapproved drugs like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19. “Other than for a few specific reasons, Ivermectin is meant for animals, and I would know since I’m a veterinarian,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “GOP politicians urged on by former President Trump have spread dangerous misinformation about unproven COVID treatments and encouraged the use of these drugs, leading to many overdoses. At the same time, they sowed doubt about COVID vaccines, which are proven to be highly effective and which save lives. Their rhetoric based on unscientific claims and misinformation has endangered people’s lives, and I hope this is the last year we see this misguided bill.” HB22-1015 promotes the practice of prescribing hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin off-label for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. The World Health Organization has warned against using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, and the FDA has been vocal about the dangers of using ivermectin , especially veterinary ivermectin, which is intended for livestock. The use of these drugs can cause adverse effects in patients, and they have been proven to be ineffective in treating COVID-19. In the fall of 2021, poison control centers reported seeing a surge in ivermectin overdose calls linked to COVID misinformation. People have been hospitalized after taking ivermectin, even after receiving a prescription . The bill would waive liability for doctors whose patients experience adverse health impacts as a result of being prescribed Ivermectin off label. The bill failed on a party line vote of 4 to 7. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL EXTEND TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT 1 WEEK DENVER, CO– Democratic Leadership in the General Assembly today announced that the temporary suspension of the legislature will continue until the week of May 25 to give additional time for preparations including safety protocols, to work through appropriate legislation, and to seek greater clarity on potential Congressional action that could significantly impact our state budget. “When we set out a tentative timeline to reconvene the General Assembly, we did so with the recognition that we faced a lot of uncertainty, and so we built in the flexibility to extend the temporary adjournment if needed,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “As businesses across Colorado also begin the process of reopening, this extension allows the General Assembly additional time to double check our safety protocols, continue conversations on appropriate legislation and seek more information about any Congressional action that may be coming in the weeks ahead. We are hopeful that Congress may provide additional and badly needed aid to help us avoid budget cuts that will devastate our communities.” “Last week our Joint Budget Committee had to begin the heart-wrenching process of rewriting Colorado’s budget after COVID-19 created a more than $3 billion revenue shortfall,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “With so much at risk and our desired return date fast approaching, we determined that it would benefit all Coloradans if we gave our budgetary and legislative process a bit more breathing room. Though facing our dire fiscal situation has been a painful task, we are committed to protecting our most critical institutions and vulnerable populations as best as we possibly can. We look forward to continuing to fight for our communities in the Capitol when we all return on May 26.” Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2020 BUENTELLO BLOCKBUSTER: HOUSE APPROVES FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE SPECIAL ED, SUPPORT VETERANS AND RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DENVER, CO — The House today took overwhelmingly bipartisan votes to pass two bills sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello that would give educators the tools they need to serve special education students and allow disabled veterans to more easily access State Parks free of charge. “Passing these bills today represents one of my proudest accomplishments in the state legislature so far,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “These simple proposals will make an important and lasting impact on veterans, servicemembers, and their families — not to mention special ed students and Colorado’s educators. Teachers, police officers, veterans, and military families are communities that are near and dear to my heart, and I’m glad we were able to deliver big wins for them today.” HB20-1128 , which is sponsored by Representatives Buentello and James Wilson, R- Salida, would require that educators (teachers, principals, administrators, etc.) complete ten hours of special education related professional developments before renewing their licenses. The bill would also require educator preparation programs to include coursework on inclusive teaching practices relating to the education of students with disabilities, individualised education programs, behavioral concerns, and effective special education classroom practices. It was passed by a vote of 51-8. Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. It was passed unanimously on third reading by a vote of 60-0. The House also gave preliminary approval to two of Rep. Buentello’s other bills to make it easier for veterans, servicemembers, and their families to receive in-state tuition at Colorado community colleges, and to provide scholarships for rural law enforcement agencies to pay for the cost of sending potential officers to training academies. HB20-1275 , which passed on second reading, allows an active or honorably discharged member of the United States armed forces or one of their dependents to be eligible for in-state tuition status at a community college regardless of whether the person satisfies Colorado domicile or residency status. HB20-1229 , also passed on second reading, would establish a scholarship fund for rural and small communities to assist in paying for the cost of potential police officers to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy. The cost of basic training that satisfies the peace officers’ standards and training (P.O.S.T.) requirements can cost thousands of dollars , which is especially prohibitive to potential candidates in rural areas where funds can be scarce. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Feb. 27) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give people time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilize families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted for owing as low as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed committee on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2022 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EXPANSION BILL PASSES HOUSE Majority Leader Esgar’s bill would expand collective bargaining rights to 36,000 public service workers and builds upon the 2020 state workers bill DENVER, CO – The House today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s monumental collective bargaining bill by a vote of 41 to 24. SB22-230 would expand collective bargaining rights to an estimated 36,000 county workers, more than doubling the number of public workers in Colorado entitled to negotiate for better pay, benefits and working conditions. SB22-230 ensures that county workers would receive recognized collective bargaining rights that private-sector and state employees in Colorado already have. “We’re one step closer to securing collective bargaining rights for the tens of thousands of county workers who carried Colorado through the pandemic,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “County workers staff our public health departments, maintain our roads and keep our communities safe and soon they’ll have the right to join together to improve their workplace conditions and negotiate for better pay and benefits. Our bill ensures that county workers can unionize if they so choose and have a seat at the table to discuss decisions that directly affect their livelihood.” SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 , also sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar. This bill extends collective bargaining rights to county workers, more than doubling the current number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights in Colorado. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, high turnover, and improving public services. This bill is a historic step forward in Colorado’s labor and workers’ rights movement. Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize their workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee collective bargaining rights to an estimated 98% of eligible statutory county workers in Colorado. Under this bill, county workers in counties with over 7,500 residents have the ability to organize and form a recognized union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

Complementary bills would reform reporting, transparency and accountability for health care facilities that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program < Back May 6, 2025 House Passes Bills to Lower the Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO — The House today passed two complementary bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Coloradans. Both SB25-124 and SB25-071 improve transparency in reporting, guard against profiteering, and work to save low and middle income Coloradans' money on health care. “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, while pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-124. “This important bill adds accountability measures on how non-profit hospitals can spend 340B revenue to ensure they are investing in lowering health care costs for low-income Coloradans, as the program was intended. SB25-124 also ramps up transparency by requiring hospitals to provide an annual report on how their 340B revenue was spent.” SB25-124 would improve transparency and establish revenue spending guardrails for Colorado hospitals that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Under this bill, non-profit hospitals would be required to reinvest at least 80 percent of their 340B revenue toward lowering the cost of health care for low and middle income Coloradans. Additionally, non-profit hospitals would not be allowed to use 340B revenue for certain expenses, including administrative compensation, penalties and fines, advertising, and lobbying. To preserve access to life-saving prescription medications, manufacturers or providers of 340B drugs could not limit 340B prescription drugs to community hospitals and safety net providers. To improve transparency, non-profit hospitals must submit an annual report on their 340B program profits, including their operating costs for the 340B program, and charity care. SB25-124 passed by a vote of 42-23. “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of SB25-071. “This bipartisan bill ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on 340B and serve our rural communities.” The House also passed SB25-071 , which ensures prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities, such as pharmacies and clinics, that utilize 340B prescription drug pricing, and requires hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The goal of SB25-071 is to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. This bill would help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. SB25-071 passed by a vote of 57 to 8and is also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grant Junction. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of healthcare for low-income individuals. Previous Next