The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. < Back June 19, 2025 Democratic Lawmakers Celebrate Funding to Boost Rural Economies COLORADO – The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. “As a former educator, I’m grateful for this REDI program funding that will help connect San Luis Valley residents with professional development training and boost the educator workforce,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “From staffing quality educators in our schools to creating a skilled workforce for small businesses, these dollars will have a significant impact on rural communities.” Rep. Martinez’s district received nearly $175,000 in funds, including: Over $134,000 to the City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center to support recruitment, hands-on training and professional development. The goal is to boost the educator workforce by 50 new professionals by 2027. $15,000 to create the Saguache County Civics Lab “Launchpad” that will offer 30 paid high school internships with the purpose of developing workforce skills and boosting economic resiliency in rural Colorado. $25,000 to the San Luis Valley Economic Outreach and Engagement Project to initiate collaboration between economic development organizations in the region and provide resources for businesses to reduce employee turnover and support the long-term success of local businesses. "I’m excited to hear that Moffat and Eagle counties have received funding to boost rural economies and create good-paying jobs," said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. "I’ve proudly sponsored laws to revitalize rural business communities and support just transition for former coal communities. This funding will support our efforts to diversify rural economies and support Colorado business owners on the Western Slope.” The Moffat County Geothermal Equipment Project was awarded over $62,000 to purchase necessary equipment that will help expand operations and support a just transition in former coal mining communities. This will be the first dedicated geothermal drilling service in Northwest Colorado. The Town of Eagle was awarded $100,000 to fund a Business Advancement Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses to promote growth and establish new locally-owned businesses. "As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons is popular with tourists, and improving the visitor center can drive business to Lyons’ talented art community,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. "With this funding, artists can enjoy a centralized place to sell and create their art, and we can bring more attention to these skilled artists.” The Town of Lyons was awarded $16,500 to create storefronts and art creation in the Lyons Visitors Center for local artists and entrepreneurs. The funding would also allow for future expansion plans that could include workshops, an art studio and more retail space. Learn more about the REDI program here . Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. HOOTON’S BILL TO STRENGTHEN RIGHTS OF MOBILE HOME OWNERS Colorado currently has over 900 mobile home parks (Apr. 10) — The House Transportation and Local Government committee voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, and Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, to protect the rights of mobile home owners in mobile parks. “Colorado mobile home owners came to DORA to raise serious concerns about how park owners were treating them. The DORA report found that there is ongoing mistreatment occurring in manufactured home communities due to lack of enforcement of existing laws,” said Rep. Hooton. “In some mobile parks in Colorado, there are bad actors exploiting relatively loose regulatory structures.” The Department of Regulatory Agencies’(DORA) report on Manufactured Housing Community Owners and Managers can be found here . HB19-1309 creates a low cost and effective Mobile Home Park Act Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program within the Department of Local Affairs Housing Division. It also provides counties the same permissive authority that home-rule municipalities have to enact and enforce regulations. “In rural communities, affordable housing is at a premium and mobile home parks are an essential part of the solution to our housing crisis,” said Rep. McCluskie. “But we have concerns about what is happening at these parks. I am proud to bring forward a bill to put in place a dispute resolution process for effectively and peacefully resolving conflicts.” In addition, HB19-1309 extends the time a homeowner has to sell or move from their home after an eviction from 48 hours to 60 days, and extends the time to cure a late payment from five days to ten days. Approximately 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, many of them within the state’s over 900 mobile home parks. Currently, the only recourse a homeowner of a mobile home has if they believe a park owner has violated the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA) is to initiate a private action in civil court, which is often times too expensive for more homeowners. The Colorado Mobile Home Park Act was passed in 1985 and it lists the rights of mobile home owners and park owners, but no enforcement was ever created. The bill passed with a vote of 7-4 and now heads to the House Finance committee. Previous Next

DENVER, CO – House Democrats today passed a resolution, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Lorena Garcia, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado constitution. < Back January 19, 2024 House Democrats Reaffirm Ongoing Commitment to Abortion Rights in Colorado DENVER, CO – House Democrats today passed a resolution , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Lorena Garcia, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado constitution. “Colorado Democrats have taken landmark steps to ramp up statewide protections for those seeking and providing abortion care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans counted on us to expand abortion access, protect those seeking care from out of state, and defeat anti-abortion legislation in the State House. We must continue this fight to ensure our fundamental reproductive freedoms are protected for generations to come by enshrining the right to an abortion into the Colorado state constitution.” “When it comes to abortion rights, Colorado has always been a national leader,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned, Colorado fought hard to solidify our safe haven status for those seeking abortion care. Abortion bans disproportionately impact people of color, and enshrining abortion into the Colorado state constitution further protects our fundamental right to an abortion. Reproductive freedom is widely supported by the majority of Coloradans, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to protect those performing and seeking abortion care in our state.” In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA). This landmark legislation updated Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and established a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. RHEA importantly enshrines the right to an abortion and other critical health care services into state law, regardless of federal bans or regulations. In 2023, Democrats passed the Safe Access to Protected Health Care Package which protects the rights of patients, providers, future health care professionals, and those assisting patients. The package also prohibits deliberate misinformation in our communities, and makes care more affordable and accessible by closing gaps in insurance coverage. Previous Next

< Back September 9, 2020 $4.8 MILLION UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAUNCHES Critical relief funds available for struggling Coloradans in the wake of COVID-19 DENVER, CO – Today, state lawmakers and Energy Outreach Colorado announced that $4.8 million in utility assistance for consumers is now available. HB20-1412 , sponsored by Senators Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger and Representatives Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, directed the federal CARES Act funding to Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance Program to provide critical relief to those who are facing economic hardship due to COVID-19. “In the wake of COVID-19, Coloradans are facing unemployment at unprecedented rates. This in turn, is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people’s basic needs at risk,” said Sen. Zenzinger, D- Arvada. “And with winter barreling towards us, it is more important than ever that we protect home energy reliability. I encourage anyone that is struggling to afford their utilities to apply today!” “As temperatures swing from near 100 degrees to below freezing, many Coloradans are looking for a little help to pay their utility bills and make ends meet during this pandemic,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Energy Outreach Colorado will use the funding we allocated to help thousands of hardworking Coloradans avoid having to choose between putting food on their table or falling behind on their bills, and I urge anyone who may need help to reach out for assistance.” “Falling behind on utility bills isn’t just stressful, it’s debilitating. And unfortunately, it’s all too common for hardworking families right now,” said Sen. Story, D-Evergreen. “People need to know that their heating isn’t just going to disappear one day because they haven’t been able to make payments. That’s why we have dedicated millions to utility assistance programs– so families aren’t forced to choose between rent and their electricity.” “The need for utility assistance has never been higher, and winter is just around the corner,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we passed set aside $4.8 million for direct utility relief for consumers. If you need help paying your utility bills, Energy Outreach can provide some assistance, especially if you haven’t been able to access other forms of relief, such as unemployment benefits or direct stimulus payments from the IRS.” In May, the General Assembly passed HB20-1412, which put $4.8 million of federal CARES Act funding towards bolstering energy assistance initiatives. Energy Outreach Colorado, a local nonprofit that leads a network of industry, state, and local partners to assist Coloradans in affording their energy needs, is working in conjunction with state officials to allocate the funds to those in need. “People are struggling to get safely through this pandemic, and EOC is committed to providing as much support and assistance as we can to relieve some of their worries,” said Jennifer Gremmert, Executive Director of EOC. To be eligible, residents must meet certain income qualifications and be currently facing a utility shortage or impending shutoff. People can apply at https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs or call 1-866-432-8435 for help. Applicants will then work directly with a caseworker at a corresponding partner agency, who will guide them through the process, determine eligibility, and authorize bill payments. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2020 NICOTINE FLAVOR RESTRICTIONS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE Legislation would only permit the sale of flavored nicotine products in retailers that restrict entry to those 21 years and older DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yadira Caraveo and Speaker KC Becker that would restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products to stores that only allow customers who are 21 years of age or older to enter. The vote was 7-3. “Flavored nicotine products are developed and targeted to our youth to get them addicted for life to dangerous chemicals,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen first hand how these products are harming our children and leading to long-term health conditions. Youth vaping is a public health crisis, and we need to use all the data-driven tools we have to keep these products out of our schools, classrooms and the hands of our youth.” “It sickens me when I hear my son come home from school and describe the vaping products he sees on the floor of his classroom at school and in the hands of his classmates,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “We need common sense restrictions on the sale of flavored nicotine products so that fewer Colorado children are introduced to these sleek vaping devices that are marketed towards children. We shouldn’t stand by while a predatory industry profits off the addiction of our kids to their harmful products.” HB20-1319 would ban the sale of flavored nicotine products in any store that allows entry to consumers under the age of 21. The prohibition includes flavor enhancers and any product that a responsible person would conclude has a flavor that doesn’t taste like tobacco. Violations of would incur an initial $250 fine, increasing to higher amounts with each additional violation. Flavored nicotine products are targeted at our youth. Nicotine product manufacturers know that if they can addict a young person to their products, then they will have life-time customers. By restricting access to flavored nicotine products, the state can help prevent more young people from becoming addicted to these dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

A bipartisan bill introduced today will create a new, transformational system to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs. < Back March 4, 2026 Bill to Connect Coloradans to Good-Paying Jobs Introduced DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill introduced today will create a new, transformational system to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs. “For too long, Colorado has had a siloed approach to connecting workers and students with good-paying, in-demand jobs. Today, we’re unveiling a plan to create a unified department that seamlessly supports Coloradans from early learning to career readiness. Democrats and Republicans are coming together to reimagine talent pipelines to jumpstart the creation of a one-stop-shop for job seekers and students,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Learners need access to high-quality training to land good-paying jobs, but our current postsecondary talent system outside registered apprenticeships can lead to dead ends and closed doors for job-seekers and employers alike. This bill is an important step forward in better connecting workers with skills and education offered through apprenticeship programs and fostering a reliable workforce pipeline for Colorado businesses. We look forward to a meaningful process that will guide Colorado's support of apprenticeships in the years ahead,” said Jason Wardrip, Business Manager of the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council. “Colorado is leading the way on connecting workers with the education, training, and the skills needed to get good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy. This new and more efficient consolidated department will make it easier for Coloradans to access important resources and open new doors to opportunity. I’m grateful for the leadership of Speaker McCluskie and the sponsors of this important bill for their work,” said Governor Jared Polis. “My road to higher education was anything but traditional, and flexible pathways to in-demand careers are what students like me need to prepare for life after graduation. The new unified department will be a one-stop shop for students like me to find specialized, career-focused pathways that will lead to good-paying jobs. Strong, modern, and accessible talent pathways are important because they meet students where they are to help us find the career of our dreams,” said Saige Chapin, a student at Red Rocks Community College. “Reimagining Colorado’s workforce pipelines is a win for Colorado’s businesses and our learners. No matter the stage a student might find themselves in, whether that’s graduating high school or a mid-career pivot to something new, this bipartisan bill connects eager learners with in-demand careers. Colorado businesses are looking for qualified workers, and this bill makes it easier for them to tap into talent pipelines for their next star employee,” said Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. “This legislation specifically directs a committee to consider strategies to eliminate overlapping oversight and better coordinate programs across agencies with the goal of connecting higher education and career development through clear pathways for Coloradans looking to build a flourishing life for themselves and their families. This bill gives Colorado a more coherent and efficient framework in which students, employers and Colorado’s economy can thrive for decades to come,” said Will Simpkins, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. "Colorado students at every level move from classrooms into jobs, yet we’ve built a system that makes them navigate three different bureaucracies to get there. This new bill will bring higher education and our workforce programs together under one roof so we can align our investments, incentives, and strategy with the high skill, high wage, in demand jobs that drive our economy. We’re building a future where employers can find the talent they need to grow, and workers have a clear, connected path from learning to earning," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "RMWDA welcomes ongoing dialogue as the legislation is introduced and evolves. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute input and feedback as our membership is named as required taskforce participants. Our central focus is ensuring that structural changes support seamless access to workforce services for job seekers and employers across Colorado continue to have access to talent through Workforce Colorado Centers. We are committed to working collaboratively to maintain strong, locally responsive service delivery throughout both rural and urban communities,” said Tami Grant, President of the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association. "Now more than ever, the State of Colorado must look at ways to streamline and improve efficiency in the delivery of services to our citizens. I’ve heard loud and clear from our business community just how critical workforce development is to Colorado’s economic success, and this policy is an important first step in removing redundant barriers to workers and employers,” said Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. HB26-1317 is the first step toward creating a new, unified system and department for postsecondary education development. With a focus on a thoughtful, inclusive stakeholder process, this bill would establish a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) of 26 members, including representatives from state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, non-profit associations and the business community. The TAC’s recommendations will serve as the structural outline for the new department. HB26-1317 would also begin the process to unite several programs, including the Divisions of Employment and Training, Regional Talent Summit Initiatives, Plans and Opportunity Now Grants and Adult Education and Literacy Programs, among others, with a focus on education and training under one new agency. Last year, Governor Polis shared a new report outlining a robust roadmap to streamline and strengthen the way Coloradans access education, training and career support. Research shows that in the next six years, nearly three in four job openings will require some type of post-secondary credential. However, there is an attainment gap between the need for credentials and the number of Coloradans earning these skills, which is a challenge for Colorado’s economy and our learners. HB26-1317 aims to lay the groundwork to streamline more than 20 divisions, offices and units across seven state entities that deliver more than 100 programs and initiatives to create a one-stop-shop for Coloradans access to postsecondary education, training and employment. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. < Back June 3, 2026 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Support Older Coloradans in the Workforce DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. “From specialized training to employment access, older Coloradans need workforce resources tailored to them,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Colorado’s economy works best when workers have the tools they need to succeed, and this law creates strong pathways to support older Coloradans. We’re taking steps now to ensure that older Coloradans have more opportunities to take on new roles and participate in workforce development recommendations.” “Older workers have talent, knowledge and lived experience that is vital to our growing workforce needs,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “With this law, we’re prioritizing the participation, representation and support of older Coloradans in the workforce. This law makes it possible for older Coloradans to have their voices heard regarding their workforce needs. When we equip workers with the resources and support they need to succeed, we can foster a stronger economy that delivers for hardworking people.” HB26-1010 will modify Colorado’s workforce policy to ensure older Coloradans have a seat at the table regarding workforce support and resources. This law prioritizes representation by requiring several commissions related to workforce development and education to have at least one member who is 55 years old or older and has experience advocating for older adults, to ensure their perspectives and needs are considered in the workforce. HB26-1010 also requires the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Commission on Aging, and others to work collaboratively to support workforce development and examine issues related to employment access, training, support and services for older adults. Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of Colorado’s workforce, yet they often report they’re looking for upskilling opportunities and struggle to find employment. While some data is available on older adults in the workplace, there are significant gaps in reporting. HB26-1010 will require data collection and reporting of Coloradans' participation in the workforce. Previous Next

Legislation directs $3 million toward crime victim services < Back April 26, 2023 Bills to Protect and Support Crime Victims Pass House Legislation directs $3 million toward crime victim services DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to prioritize and support Colorado’s victims of crime. HB23-1107 provides funding to services and program that support crime survivors, including survivors of domestic and sexual assault. SB23-193 improves crime victim notification services. “As the need for survivor resources and assistance surges in Colorado, we are committed to allocating funding toward critical services that support survivors,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “For a time in my life, I wasn’t safe in my own home, and as I dealt with the displacement and hardship with a young son in tow, community-based programs like these helped me get back on my feet. Deaths from domestic violence are rising in Colorado – we need to do everything we can to fund the programs survivors rely upon.” HB23-1107 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, passed the House by a vote of 62 to 3. This bill designates $3 million to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program inside the Department of Human Services. This program directly funds community based domestic violence and sexual assault programs statewide. These programs provide critical services for victims and survivors of crime including shelter, counseling, forensic interviews and prosecution support. Agencies that assist survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as victims of crime have experienced a drastic increase in the number of individuals requiring services. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report revealed an increase in domestic violence deaths in 2021 and domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high since Colorado began tracking this information in 2016. “The state of Colorado needs to prioritize the concerns and voices of crime survivors, and this legislation was drafted with them in mind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “This bipartisan bill improves survivor notifications regarding offenders’ release from parole, adding a new notice where one is not currently provided under our Victim Rights Act. This legislation also directs that notices are easy-to-read for better awareness and protection of survivors of crimes." SB23-193 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, passed the House unanimously. This bill aims to prioritize survivors by setting the offender’s release date for parole 15 days after providing notice to the victim. This bill would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) and any other state or local government agency, to provide survivor notifications in easy-to-understand language, using recommendations from victim advocates. If the victim chose to receive notifications, SB23-193 would work to improve communications between the DOC and survivors by giving them advanced notice of their offender’s parole release, in addition to their offender's discharge, transfer, escape, abscondence, unauthorized absence, or parole proceeding. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. < Back April 17, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. HB24-1262 passed the House by a vote of 48 to 12. “Coloradans increasingly want expanded birth options, especially in Black and Latino communities, but existing barriers prevent community birth facilities from providing these services,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Increasing access to maternal care, including midwives, will allow Colorado parents to choose a birth plan that fits their needs. By giving Coloradans more options for maternal health care, we can reduce the impacts of the maternal mortality crisis and save lives.” “The worsening maternal mortality crisis is a growing issue, especially for Black, Indigenous, and rural parents, and our bill seeks to address these preventable deaths,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Maternal health deserts and other barriers to maternal health care access prevent parents from receiving necessary, and sometimes life-saving care. By boosting health care provider options and perinatal resources, we can create a health care system that keeps our parents and newborns safe and healthy.” Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The bill would also: Direct the Civil Rights Commission to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination, Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs, Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Require a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide public notice at least 90 days before the discontinuation of these services, Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study the availability of perinatal health care, facility and practice closures and the impacts on maternal and infant health, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous communities are three times as likely. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the state. < Back March 3, 2026 Lukens’ Bipartisan Bill to Support Rural EMS Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the state. HB26-1238 would designate EMS as an essential component of Colorado’s health care system, which will increase access to care in rural and frontier communities. “EMS is a lifeline in rural communities like mine,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “No matter if they’re battling extreme weather or disaster conditions, EMS still shows up to provide life-saving care to Coloradans. This bipartisan bill establishes a clear, statewide policy that designates EMS as essential, which will connect them to more funding opportunities and bolster workforce sustainability. This new designation would ensure continued access to care and reduce strain on our EMS providers who often rely on limited resources.” HB26-1238 , also sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill designates EMS, including ambulance and air ambulance services, as essential to protecting public health and safety. Once designated as an essential service, EMS would see reduced barriers to performing their duties, similar to law enforcement and fire departments. This bill aims to improve planning and coordination across agencies, which will foster more reliable emergency response. This bill clarifies operational expectations of EMS during disasters and closures, ensuring that EMS is reimbursed for their travel by expanding permissible uses of existing funds to include EMS. To improve system coordination, HB26-1238 allows licensed ambulance services to participate in telecommunications, mutual aid and interoperable communications systems and receive reimbursement. The bill also clarifies that off-duty EMS providers are not obligated to respond to an emergency. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. EXUM & DURAN’S DRIVING INSTRUCTION FOR FOSTER CHILDREN BILL ADVANCES Bill would cover the cost of driver’s ed courses for foster children DENVER, CO — Reps. Tony Exum Sr. and Monica Duran’s Bill, Driving Instruction for Foster Children, today passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee. The bill would provide grants to pay for driving education costs of children in custody of the state from ages 15-20. The bill passed committee unanimously. “We should strive to guarantee that every child in Colorado has equal opportunity to succeed,” said Rep Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs). “Ensuring that foster children are able to learn how to drive goes a long way towards leveling the playing field. From getting to and from work, or to and from college, driving can truly make a lasting and important impact on a teenager’s life.” “Foster children have more to deal with than the average teenager in Colorado,” said Rep. Duran (D-Wheat Ridge). “As these teens navigate through the rites of passage of driving for the first time and receiving their permit, we’re hoping to provide them with some relief from the associated financial stress.” HB20-1071 requires the state Department of Human Services directly reimburse county departments for the costs to provide public or private driver’s education courses to foster youth. It would also grant counties immunity from related liability. The bill advanced through the Transportation Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) during the interim . Last year, House Democrats passed HB19-1023 and removed barriers for those in foster care applying for a driver’s license and insurance. Now, HB20-1071 would remove the financial burden associated with taking driver’s ed lessons. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT A day after voting to remove the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault, House votes to give sexual assault survivors new rights. DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich to give new rights to survivors of sexual assault seeking access to rape kit evidence. The vote was 64-0. “Survivors of sexual assault who have come forward and subjected themselves to a forensic exam deserve timely answers and control over how the evidence in their case is used,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill will ensure that survivors have a say in how and when rape kit evidence is processed and disposed of, and will guarantee that they stay informed throughout the process. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to stand with survivors this week.” HB21-1143 creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. Previous Next