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Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Protect Educators DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. “As a teacher, I know how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school – and this law is a big step forward toward creating a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Educator safety should be a top priority, and unfortunately, Colorado educators have reported an increase in targeted violence. Ensuring our educators feel safe and comfortable in the classroom will help recruit, retain and strengthen our educator workforce for years to come.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “By creating a task force to study this issue, we can examine the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Feeling safe in school is essential to fostering a positive educational environment that is more equitable.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Members of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing ratios, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. The 2023-2024 State of Education report conducted by the Colorado Education Association found that nearly a third of respondents, 32 percent, experienced physical abuse by a student in the two years prior to taking the survey . Previous Next

This week, bipartisan members of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee (WMRC) participated in a series of site visits throughout the Western Slope to learn more about Colorado’s wildfire response and prevention resources and hear directly from Coloradans impacted by recent destructive wildfires. < Back September 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Wildfire Matters Review Committee Tours Wildfire Fighting Facilities, Meets with Impacted Coloradans GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO – This week, bipartisan members of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee (WMRC) participated in a series of site visits throughout the Western Slope to learn more about Colorado’s wildfire response and prevention resources and hear directly from Coloradans impacted by recent destructive wildfires. "I am proud to host the Wildfire Matters Interim Committee in my beautiful district," said Chair of WMRC, Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "On the Western Slope, we have experienced catastrophic fires which are only worsening as a result of climate change. We no longer have fire seasons, but fire years. We must be proactive in the face of a changing climate. There are many lessons learned and we have made progress in fire resiliency and emergency response, however there is more work to do." "Because of climate change, extreme wildfires are occurring more frequently, so we must continue working to protect our homes and businesses and create more resilient communities,” said Vice Chair of WMRC, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “A fire anywhere in Colorado affects the water we all drink, the air we all breathe, and the economy and recreational opportunities that enrich our lives. It's critical for us to hear from experts and community members who work and live in areas most likely to be directly impacted. I look forward to taking what we’ve learned back to the Capitol, where it will help shape our wildfire policy.” On Wednesday, WMRC committee members toured the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Hanging Lake Tunnel, a traffic command center equipped with a complete fire department for rapid response to fires in Glenwood Canyon. Following the tour of the command center, the committee visited El Jebel Mobile Home Park, a community threatened during the 2018 Lake Christine Fire, to learn about effective wildfire mitigation efforts. Finally, the committee met with members of the Glenwood Springs community to discuss recent wildfire fighting responses and identify gaps in resources and services. Today, the committee continued their tour with an EcoFlight tour of burn scars from the Grizzly Creek, Lake Christine, and Coal Seam wildfires. The two-day trip concluded with a tour of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting , a center established by SB14-164 and charged with driving technological advancements that improve firefighting practices and ensuring the successful implementation of Colorado's aerial firefighting fleet. This year, members of WMRC sponsored legislation to establish a statewide wildfire resiliency code board to help communities living in the wildland-urban interface defend homes and property from catastrophic wildfires, create a fire investigation fund to help investigate the causes and origins of fires and wildfires, and improve Colorado’s forestry workforce by directing the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry and create a workforce development program in the State Forest Service. Previous Next

New law to improve housing affordability and options goes into effect < Back June 27, 2024 Law to Make Housing More Affordable, Remove Unnecessary Occupancy Limits Goes Into Effect New law to improve housing affordability and options goes into effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2024, legislation goes into effect to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. “Colorado has a housing shortage across the state, forcing people to live paycheck to paycheck just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Discriminatory housing limits often prevent Coloradans from living with friends or distant family members, reducing housing options and pushing people out of their communities. Now, we’re allowing more Coloradans to legally share living spaces, which will make housing more affordable and help ensure that more Coloradans have a place to call home.” “Ending discriminatory occupancy limits is a great way to break down housing barriers and create a more equitable market,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “These limits disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities that may have diverse family structures. It’s time we lift outdated occupancy limits and give Coloradans a wider range of housing options.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely necessary for health and safety limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” “Strict occupancy limits can reduce housing options and push folks out of their communities,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Prohibiting occupancy limits would give residents the freedom to choose their living situations and who they live with. With this bill, we can allow families to live in a structure that’s best for them – without the interference of occupancy limits.” HB24-1007 prohibits local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together based on family status. Limits are only permitted if they are based on affordable housing program guidelines or demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards, or international building code standards. Occupancy limits typically cap the number of people that can live in a residence based on whether or not they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. HEROD’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REINSTATE VOTING RIGHTS FOR PAROLEES Colorado would join 14 other states in allowing those on parole to vote (Apr. 10) — The House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, with bipartisan support, that would reinstate the voting rights of individuals on parole. “Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to voter turnout and voter enfranchisement. We should be very proud of that fact,” said Rep. Herod. “Today we took another step towards expanding access to the ballot box. Parolees are hardworking individuals who pay taxes, take care of their families, contribute to their communities, and it’s past time we allow them to fully participate in our democracy.” HB19-1266 clarifies that people who are on parole have completed their “full term of imprisonment” upon release from prison, thereby restoring their right to vote. The bill would restore voting rights to approximately 10,000 Coloradans who are now disenfranchised. Parolees are denied the ability to vote because current law defines the “full term of imprisonment” to include the period of parole. The Colorado Supreme Court has stated that the state legislature has the authority to redefine the “full term of imprisonment.” The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 45-19 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2021 CO HOUSE LEADERSHIP APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE BILL DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar released the following statements after the U.S. Senate gave approval to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bill to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in American infrastructure. “I’m heartened to see Washington politicians putting partisanship aside to make a much needed investment in our country’s infrastructure,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The bill championed by President Biden and passed by the Senate today will direct billions of dollars toward necessary improvements to our roads, bridges, rail, public transit, the electric grid, water systems, and broadband. The work we did at the state level this year, like passing SB-260, will allow Colorado to quickly and sustainably capitalize on this funding. I will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and look forward to its final passage.” “Today’s bipartisan bill passage is a win that every Coloradan can celebrate,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This historic investment in American infrastructure will create jobs, modernize our country’s transportation and keep us better connected. I’m particularly excited to see this bill direct robust funding toward passenger rail, bringing us one big step closer to making projects like Front Range Rail a reality.” Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. SIROTA: LIMIT CONTRIBUTIONS IN SCHOOL BOARD RACES DENVER, CO– The House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs today advanced Rep. Emily Sirota’s bill to set a maximum contribution limit of $2,500 in school board elections by a vote of 7-2. “Money is corrupting our political system, and we need to address it at every level, especially when it’s taking direct aim at our children’s education,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “Spending in school board races is out of control and getting larger each year. It’s time to put limits on contributions in school board races to curb the influence of high-dollar donors in our democracy.” Unlike federal elections, Colorado House and Senate elections and county elections, there are currently no limits on campaign contributions in school board races. Spending in school board races in Colorado is growing rapidly, and donors, sometimes from out of state, are contributing tens of thousands of dollars to individual candidates, amounts substantially above federal and state contribution limits in other races. HB20-1066 would set contribution limits in school director elections at $2,500 per individual donor. These limits would be adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill subjects school board candidates to existing disclosure laws, including requiring school board candidates to file contribution reports in a similar manner to state House and Senate candidates. Previous Next

Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. < Back March 21, 2023 Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds Third Meeting, Seeks Solutions to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills. “We’ve been investigating the reasons behind Coloradans’ record high energy bills, and now we’re looking to take the next step in order to better understand what exactly we here in the legislature can do about it,” said Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “We heard a lot of good ideas today such as looking at how we evaluate new infrastructure investments that will take decades to repay, and exploring ways we can address volatility so consumers aren’t stuck shouldering the majority of the burden when prices spike. One thing is clear: Coloradans are fed up with bearing the brunt of inflated energy bills. Now, after weeks of information gathering, the committee is ready to turn its attention to providing better protections for consumers, and eventually delivering lower energy bills for Colorado families.” "The Joint Select Committee has heard from industry experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to develop a better understanding of what is leading to record utility costs," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Coloradans are facing higher-than-normal energy bills, and it is our responsibility to make sure utility companies aren’t passing along unnecessary costs onto their ratepayers. This committee has been presented with many innovative ideas to balance risks and rewards as we move closer to identifying long-term, cost-saving solutions." "As a Joint Select Committee, we've been asking the tough questions and having important conversations surrounding skyrocketing utility rates," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "During this process, first-hand accounts from Coloradans as well as testimony from utility company representatives and policy experts have helped us better understand the need to balance out the risks of market volatility so ratepayers aren’t carrying all the burden. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues on policy that will better protect Coloradans from avoidable utility price hikes." “Over the past few weeks, it's been fascinating to take a deep dive into the factors driving Colorado’s rising utility rates, as we've heard from utility company representatives, advocates, and Colorado’s energy specialists,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “With that grounding, we've now begun to hear from experts about potential solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure our utilities are better planning for future needs and infrastructure, protect consumers from questionable pass through costs and ultimately save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” The Committee heard testimony from Meera Fickling of Western Resource Advocates , David Pomerantz of the Energy & Policy Institute , Albert Lin of the Pearl Street Station Finance Lab , Ron Lehr, former Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner, and Michelle Brandt King , a local attorney with Holland and Hart that represents large power users. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place in the coming weeks. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO ENHANCE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 1) – The House voted in strong bipartisan support to pass Rep. Meg Froelich’s Child & Youth Behavioral Health System Enhancements to curb youth suicide in Colorado by making it easier for families to locate and access the behavioral healthcare they need. “We have a mental health crisis in Colorado, one that knows no party lines,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately, there are kids that are in pain and are not getting the timely and appropriate help they need. We need to provide more resources for teens, kids and their families to access the services they need to get help.” SB19-195 would create the Office of Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Coordination in the Office of the Governor, a central agency to coordinate mental and behavioral health resources statewide. Additionally, it would create a commission to study and recommend how to best coordinate and provide such services. The bill would also standardize the screening and assessments that doctors use to identify potential behavioral concerns. Nearly 9 out of every 100,000 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 die by suicide. In Colorado, that number is nearly twice the national average at 17.6 out of every 100,000 teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Help is available. If you are struggling, please text TALK to 38255 or call 844-493-8255. SB19-195 passed with a bipartisan vote of 52-13. It now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back January 10, 2022 SPEAKER GARNETT MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today made additional committee appointments for the Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Representative Dominique Jackson who was appointed Administrator of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Region 8. “I’m excited to make these committee appointments and begin our work moving Colorado forward,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This session, we’re going to redouble our efforts on saving people money and delivering transformational changes that position Colorado for the future and build a stronger, safer and healthier Colorado for all. Many Coloradans are feeling the acute pressures of the pandemic, so we’ll continue our efforts to help Coloradans keep more of their hard-earned money in their wallets.” Majority Committee Assignments for the Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly Agriculture, Livestock and Water Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Chair Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, Vice Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Vacant–to be filled by the Representative from HD42 Appropriations Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Vice Chair Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep. Cathy Kipp, D- Fort Collins Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Business Affairs and Labor Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Education Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, Chair Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, Vice Chair Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, Chair Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, Vice Chair Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, Chair Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, Vice Char Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Health and Insurance Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, Chair Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, Vice Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, Chair Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, Vice Chair Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, Chair Rep, Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, Chair Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, Vice Chair Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Vacant–to be filled by the Representative from HD42 Previous Next

SB24-189 adds gender identity and gender expression to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws < Back June 28, 2024 Legislation to Protect More Coloradans from Bias-Motivated Crimes Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation that will protect more Coloradans from bias-motivated crimes goes into effect on July 1. SB24-189 , sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, improves protections for Coloradans by adding gender identity and gender expression to the classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “Every Coloradan deserves to feel secure in their community, but far too many folks have been targeted because of who they are or how they identify,” Fields said. “As trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks face increasing threats across the country, we will continue fighting to make our state safer for all Coloradans and provide better protections against bias-motivated crime and harassment.” "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," Weissman said. "This new law bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." “Colorado has been a national leader when it comes to advancing equality and protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” Hansen said. “This bill will help protect Coloradans from violence or harassment based on their gender identity or gender expression, and will help ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable for their actions. I’m pleased to champion this legislation that will help more Coloradans feel secure and keep people in our communities safe.” The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in our bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. Previous Next

House sponsors of new legislation to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil action for damages related to conversion therapy today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban: < Back March 31, 2026 Valdez, McCormick Statement on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Decision DENVER, CO – House sponsors of new legislation to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil action for damages related to conversion therapy today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban: Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont: “We’re deeply disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban. We will say it loud and clear – conversion therapy does not work, and many mental health and medical organizations agree that conversion therapy is ineffective and harmful. The LGBTQ+ community already faces higher rates of depression and suicide, and conversion therapy only makes things worse. “In Colorado, you belong just the way you are. Now more than ever, we must protect LGBTQ+ Coloradans from the harmful practice that is conversion therapy. We vow to keep moving forward to safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado.” HB26-1322 passed the House Judiciary Committee last week. It would allow an individual who was subject to damaging conversion therapy to bring a civil cause of action against certain professionals who cause damages from efforts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2019, Colorado Democrats passed a law to ban state-licensed medical or mental health care providers from providing conversion therapy to minors. Under this law, claims against providers must be filed within two years. HB26-1322 would remove this time restriction, and if the impacted individual has passed away, their representative could bring a survival action within five years of the individual’s death. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would allow notifications for vehicle registration, license plate renewals, and other motor vehicle transactions to be sent electronically. HB24-1089 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 11, 2024 Hamrick Bill Improves DMV Process, Allows Electronic Communications DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would allow notifications for vehicle registration, license plate renewals, and other motor vehicle transactions to be sent electronically. HB24-1089 passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “Electronic communication is the norm, and Coloradans should be given the option to receive DMV transactions and notifications electronically,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Printing and mailing these communications cost counties hundreds of thousands of dollars every single year. With this bill, we can save counties money while making it easier for Coloradans to navigate the DMV.” HB24-1089 , also sponsored by Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would create an opt-in option for electronic notifications for transactions and notices, including vehicle registration expiration, plate or placard renewal, fleet vehicle registration renewal, dealer license plate and depot tag issuance, and missing documentation. The bill would not allow for the revocation of a vehicle registration or license plate to be sent electronically. Previous Next