< Back April 1, 2021 RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP BILL ADVANCES Bill to require gun owners to report lost and stolen firearms passes the House on second reading DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement within five days of realizing their firearms have been lost or stolen. “Mass shootings grab headlines and capture the public’s attention, but the epidemic of gun violence takes lives quietly every single day in communities across the country,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This bill will give law enforcement the information they need to prevent crime and track down perpetrators when crimes are committed. No single proposal will end gun violence for good, but with proposals like this bill, we are continuing to chip away at this violent plague.” “Thousands of lost and stolen firearms end up in crime scenes across the country every day,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “With 30,000 guns being stolen in Colorado over the course of four years, and estimates showing that about 40 percent of those were not reported to police, it’s clear that this bill is timely and necessary. All we’re asking is that all gun owners act the way the majority of gun owners already do. This simple and commonsense proposal can and will save lives.” SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S BILL TO GROW RURAL RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY ADVANCES Representative Mary Young’s bipartisan legislation to extend and expand the Renewable Energy Refundability Program, part of the Enterprise Zone program, today passed the House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor by a vote of 8-3. “Rural economies are strengthened by our growing renewable energy industry,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “The Enterprise Zone program has helped create jobs across our state in rural areas and has spurred renewable energy projects that are contributing to our economy and local governments. We need to keep this program going and allow it to foster new and critical technologies.” The Enterprise Zone (EZ) program helps businesses in rural and economically distressed areas by providing a variety of tax credits and incentives. One of these incentives encourages new renewable energy businesses to create projects in rural parts of the state. The EZ Investment Tax Credit provides businesses investing in business personal property with a 3 percent state income tax credit. If a business generates renewable energy, they also have the option of converting the credit to a refund at 80 percent of the credit’s value, which can help incentivize businesses to construct renewables projects by assuring them that much of their initial investment in a project will be repaid. HB20-1299, which is also sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, would extend the tax credit for three years and expand the definition of renewable energy to include “energy storage systems,” which are critical for keeping power flowing when renewable sources such as solar and wind cannot generate power because the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. The tax credit has helped prominent renewable energy projects get off the ground in Colorado. EZ renewable energy credits helped finance the Rush Creek Wind Farm, which spans five Eastern Plains counties. It also encouraged the development of the Prowers Wind Farm, which created 250 jobs during construction. Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL BANNING GAY AND TRANS PANIC LEGAL DEFENSE DENVER, CO– The House Committee of Public Health and Human Services today passed Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper’s bipartisan bill to ban the use of the gay and transgender “panic” defense. The bill passed 12-0. “This is an antiquated and cruel legal defense strategy that should have been abolished a long time ago, “ said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada . “The LGBTQ community deserves our support, not our suspicion. As long as we allow biased defenses like this to continue, trans people and the broader LGBTQ population will never truly feel safe, especially black trans women. I’m proud of the work that we did this year to revive this legislation and am proud to see it move forward today.” The gay and trans panic defense is a legal tactic that has been used to strengthen a legal defense by playing on the prejudice of jurors. SB20-221 states that evidence about a defendant’s knowledge or discovery of a victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation cannot be asserted as a legal defense constituting ‘sudden heat of passion’ in a criminal case. If this bill is signed into law, Colorado would join California, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Washington as states that have banned the gay and trans panic defense strategy. In 2018, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and House Representative Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA) introduced legislation to ban the gay and trans panic defense at the federal level. According to the FBI’s 2018 hate crime statistics , 1,404 hate crimes perpetrated in 2018 were based on sexual orientation. Of these offenses, 59.8 percent were classified as anti-gay male and 25 percent were classified as anti-LGBTQ bias. According to this FBI data , in Colorado in 2018, there were 123 hate crimes reported and of those 24 were related to sexual orientation and three of them were related to gender identity. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by expanding access to educator pathways. < Back April 17, 2025 Hamrick’s Bill to Expand Access to Educator Pathways Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by expanding access to educator pathways. SB25-154 passed the House by a vote of 45-18. “Colorado’s teacher shortage is affecting every district, and we’re working to reduce barriers to entering a career in education,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This bill creates more pathways for aspiring educators to pursue a career in education, especially for subjects facing more severe shortages, such as special education. Everyone remembers their favorite teacher, and this bill works to bring more passionate and dedicated teachers to our classrooms.” SB25-154 , also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, would reduce excessive barriers to becoming an educator by amending and clarifying assessment requirements for early childhood special education, elementary education, and special education candidates. This bill would also allow candidates to demonstrate their qualifications in multiple ways. SB25-154 would also permit currently licensed teachers to teach subjects that may face even steeper shortages, like special education, without extensive barriers. To expand opportunities for low-income students to pursue a career in education, the bill would require state universities to offer certain courses at a community college tuition rate. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation to boost behavioral health professionals in schools. < Back February 22, 2024 House Education Committee Passes Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Professionals In Schools DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to boost behavioral health professionals in schools. HB24-1096, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Young, would create an interstate compact for school psychologists. “To help our students succeed in the classroom and beyond we need to ensure they have access to behavioral and mental health professionals,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As a teacher, I know how important it is to address our students' behavioral and mental health care needs so they can reach their full educational potential. Our legislation creates an interstate compact to streamline licensed school psychologists into Colorado school districts and boost behavioral health access for our youth.” “I spent most of my career as a school psychologist helping students grow and thrive in our public schools,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This important bill helps us attract more high-quality, licensed school psychologists to Colorado schools and meet the complex needs of our students. It’s clear – we need more behavioral health professionals working in schools. This bill will help break down barriers so already licensed school psychologists can begin working in school districts across the state.” HB24-1096 passed committee unanimously and would create new pathways for out-of-state school psychologists to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill creates the "School Psychologists Licensure Interstate Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed school psychologists in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state to practice school psychological services. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for school psychologists by easing the state-to-state licensure process to increase special education services and access to behavioral health care in Colorado schools. The “School Psychologists Licensure Interstate Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state. To participate in the compact, applicants must already be licensed school psychologists. This includes passing a qualifying national exam, completing at least 1,200 hours of supervision prior to licensure, and graduating from a qualifying school psychologist program. Colorado lawmakers have championed nine mobility compact laws over the years, including last year’s HB23-1064 to address Colorado’s teacher shortage. Previous Next

Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed two bills into law to protect patients during intimate exams and improve sexual assault survivors’ access to information. < Back May 25, 2023 New Laws Require Patient Consent for Intimate Exams and Improve Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault WESTMINSTER, CO – Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed two bills into law to protect patients during intimate exams and improve sexual assault survivors’ access to information. “With this law, we’re putting Colorado patients in the driver's seat by giving them control over what intimate exams can be conducted on them while they’re under sedation,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1077 . “We’ve heard from patients who’ve woken up after their surgery to learn that a non-consensual pelvic, prostate, rectal, or breast exam was performed on them by medical students. This law protects patients by requiring consent before any and all intimate exams.” “Creating patient consent protections for intimate exams is simply the right thing to do,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB23-1077. “This important new law will ensure patients who have been put under anesthesia or who are unconscious during medical procedures aren’t unknowing or unwilling recipients of intimate exams.” “Learning of a non-consensual intimate exam is traumatic, forcing patients to relive some of the worst moments of their life. We’re putting an end to this unethical practice,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB23-1077. “This law requires a patient's consent before medical professionals perform intimate exams, protecting patients when they undergo a medical procedure and giving them the power to opt out of an unnecessary intimate exam.” “I’m proud to have championed multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and control for survivors of intimate violence and medical patients,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB23-1077 and HB23-1199. “Nobody should ever have to pay a bill for their forensic exam, or be subjected to intimate examinations without their consent. These bills will further our support for survivors of sexual assault and ensure patients retain control over their bodies and maintain their dignity.” HB23-1077 requires health care professionals, students, medical residents and trainees to obtain informed consent from sedated or unconscious patients before performing intimate examinations, unless in emergency situations. In addition to consent, health care professionals would only be able to perform intimate examinations if it is pertinent to the planned procedure. Across the country, medical students and residents are performing unauthorized intimate exams , including pelvic exams for educational purposes, on patients under medical sedation for unrelated surgeries. Patients are not able to consent to these procedures and can experience extreme physical and behavioral trauma responses after learning about the performed exam. This law would create a clear process for obtaining patient consent and non-compliant medical and health care professionals would be subject to disciplinary action by their regulators or the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). “No sexual assault survivor should forego a forensic exam because they can’t pay for it,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1199. “This law directs funding to support sexual assault survivors and creates a statewide system where they can follow up on their case. We need to do everything we can to ease the burden survivors face when seeking justice, and this law reduces costs on critical forensic exams and empowers survivors by streamlining evidence updates.” HB23-1199 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, requires the Department of Public Safety to create a statewide system for sexual assault survivors to monitor the status of evidence obtained during their forensic medical examinations. The bipartisan law aims to bolster the SAVE program, established under HB13-1163 , with critical funding to ensure sexual assault survivors aren’t discouraged from getting a rape kit or billed for a forensic exam. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GOV. SIGNS HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE STUDIES BILL DENVER, CO– Today, at Jewish Colorado in Denver, Governor Jared Polis signed into law HB20-1336 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Emily Sirota and Senators Steve Fenberg and Dennis Hisey. The bill, which passed unanimously in both the Colorado House and Senate, requires high school seniors in public schools to learn about genocide and the Holocaust as a requirement for graduation. “All Colorado students should graduate with an understanding of the darkest parts of our history so we can work together to stop racism and hatred and ensure that atrocities like the Holocaust never happen again,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We’ve seen a rise in anti-semitism and racist and bigoted language during this pandemic, and it’s important for all our children to learn how hatred and discrimination can lead quickly to genocide.” “By requiring Holocaust and genocide studies be taught in public schools, Colorado has taken a critical step to ensure future generations understand the importance of tolerance and inclusivity,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “At a time when these principles are most needed, this new law will provide students with opportunities to recognize signs of hate, and ensure that the voices of the survivors of these horrific tragedies are never forgotten.” “Teaching Holocaust and genocide education is a necessary and difficult conversation that we need to have with our students,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “Learning about the mass atrocities of the past will help us stop future horrors and injustice and help our high school graduates identify the warning signs that tell us when history is repeating.” HB20-1336 requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards related to Holocaust and genocide studies. Specifically, it requires that by the 2023-24 school year, local school district boards of education and public charter schools incorporate a Holocaust and genocide studies component into an existing course that is required for graduation. The bill would also create, by 2021, a publicly available educational materials resource bank. The bank will include sample academic content, instruction programs, learning resources, professional educator development materials and case studies related to Holocaust and genocide studies, including but not limited to first-person testimony and materials about the Armenian genocide. Both the standards and resource bank must be developed in accordance with best practices and with input from experts. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 BILL TO PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today unanimously approved SB22-009, legislation sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Adrienne Benavidez to prevent catalytic converter thefts. “This bill will help prevent the catalytic converter thefts that are happening nearly every day in our communities by giving law enforcement new tools to crack down on the marketplace for stolen parts,” said Rep. Adrianne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “This bill will make it harder to resell stolen catalytic converters and will help to close down the market for these illicitly acquired parts. By preventing catalytic converter thefts, we’ll make our communities safer and save Coloradans money and time spent replacing these expensive parts.” “By reducing the market for stolen catalytic converters, we’ll prevent these crimes that are costing Coloradans thousands of dollars,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill is a smart approach to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and the illicit market for these expensive, but critical, parts.” SB22-009 would prevent catalytic converter thefts by making it harder to resell stolen catalytic converters. It would require owners and dealers of catalytic converters to register all transactions of the part and to comply with regulations regarding transactions of commodity metals, including current laws addressing the theft of commodity metals. The bill adds catalytic converters to the definition of a “major component motor vehicle part” when it comes to Colorado laws prohibiting “chop shops.” The bill requires anyone who acquires five or more vehicles in a 12 month period that they plan to dismantle for parts to report these acquisitions to the motor vehicle title information system to ensure that they are not stolen. Two other bills also addressing stolen and tampered catalytic converters are working their way through the legislature, SB22-179 and HB22-1217 Previous Next

Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines < Back March 24, 2025 House Passes SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meg Froelich that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “As gun violence continues to devastate communities across Colorado, Colorado Democrats are again taking action to prevent future tragedies,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “When semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines get into the wrong hands, it presents a major threat to the health and safety of our communities. With this legislation passing today, we’re taking another step to prevent senseless violence in our communities and save countless lives.” “This gun violence prevention legislation answers the call to action from our neighbors and will save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “We know that semi-automatic weapons become especially deadly when they are paired with high-capacity magazines, which is why Colorado Democrats passed a 2013 law to prohibit these high-capacity magazines. We’ve raised a generation on lock down drills and 1 in 15 people have experienced a mass shooting. We’re passing this bill today so we can save lives and prevent more Coloradans from having to go through the pain of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-p-owered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY OFFICE BILL MOVES FORWARD UNANIMOUSLY Bill would create an office to oversee and coordinate outdoor recreation industry matters DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, & Water Committee today advanced Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to create the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in the Office of Economic Development. The bill passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Outdoor recreation is critical for local economies across Colorado, and this new office would ensure that this economic driver continues to grow sustainably,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “It’s crucial that we strike a balance between supporting this job-creating industry while also protecting the beautiful public lands where we all love to recreate. This bill would create an office dedicated to doing just that.” HB21-1223 would formally create the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in the Office of Economic Development. The Office was formed by the governor in 2015, and this bill would cement the Office in statute and outline the Office’s specific responsibilities and objectives. HB21-1223, which is also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It directs the Office to help address some of the inequities preventing underserved communities from engaging in the recreation opportunities available throughout the state. It calls on the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. Previous Next

Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect < Back June 25, 2025 Gun Violence Prevention Law Goes Into Effect Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license. “This law is crucial in setting up firearm dealers for success to help us reduce gun violence and crime in our communities, especially as the Trump Administration threatens to slash the number of federal gun sale inspectors by 67 percent ,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “From hairdressers and auto dealers to liquor store owners, state licenses are required to conduct business, and we believe that people who sell firearms should be held to the same standard. This law establishes a state permitting system for firearm dealers, requires dealers and employees to undergo training to better identify suspicious activity, and ensures compliance with business standards to prevent illegal firearm sales. Dealers who violate state laws could lose their permit to sell firearms, preventing illegal guns from terrorizing our communities.” “Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.” "This is an important gun violence prevention law that will equip Colorado firearm dealers and their employees with safety training and protocols that can save lives," said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. "Training requirements for the proper storage of firearms, background checks, and identifying potentially dangerous behavior will help keep guns out of the hands of people who may otherwise harm themselves or someone else. This new statewide permitting process for firearm sales allows the state to thoroughly vet and inspect firearm dealers, ensuring they have taken necessary steps to reduce crime and save lives.” “Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” said Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I was proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.” Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 requires firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit is an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. Under the law, firearm dealers must apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants are ineligible for the permit if they have had an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They are also ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms. Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include: Fingerprint-based background checks for employees every three years; Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit; Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law; Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident. Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent . Previous Next

Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services < Back November 19, 2023 Property Tax Relief Passes Committee Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to provide short-term property tax relief while protecting our schools, fire districts, and other local services Colorado communities rely on. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9-4. “If we don’t act now to deliver property tax reductions, next year’s tax bills could be devastating for Coloradans who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our legislation takes $55,000 off assessed home values and reduces the percent of a home’s value that is subject to property taxes. It provides meaningful property tax reductions while protecting schools, fire districts and critical services our communities rely on without using TABOR surplus dollars.” “Homeowners and renters alike are struggling with the high cost of housing in Colorado,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes meaningful reductions in property taxes while protecting funding for K-12 public schools and fire districts. The next step is for every local government to take a hard look at their own budget. Property taxes are primarily the concern of local governments, and only they know whether they can afford to go beyond our legislation by lowering their own mill levies.” SB23B-001 would increase the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $55,000 and decrease the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year. To offset revenue loss resulting from these property tax reductions, this bill would transfer $135 million of general fund dollars to the State Education Fund to be used to backfill school districts’ budgets, and would appropriate $65 million of general fund dollars to be used to backfill fire districts and local government services. Previous Next