Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. < Back May 26, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bill to Benefit Colorado Farmers and Ranchers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make pesticide disposal and recycling easier and more affordable for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers. “This new law will help farmers and ranchers in my district and across Colorado who have been holding on to pesticides for decades because there aren’t safe, easy disposal options,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our law creates a new state-run program that brings safe, convenient and low-cost pesticide disposal directly to our communities. Colorado farmers and ranchers are good stewards of our land, and this law will save them time, money and hassle on proper pesticide disposal.” “This new law will keep our communities safe from pesticide contamination, protect Colorado’s land and waterways, and support farmers with an affordable and convenient way to safely dispose of pesticides and recycle containers,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “It’s specifically designed to meet Colorado’s needs through a public-private partnership with strong oversight.” “HB26-1111 saves farmers and ranchers money and protects our waterways and soil,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Without access to pesticide disposal programs, Coloradans risk contaminating our environment or exposing themselves to chemicals from accidental leaks. Our law brings safe, affordable pesticide disposal to our farmers and ranchers. I’m proud to sponsor this law because it not only supports our agriculture community, but protects our environment too.” “This new law creates a solution to a real challenge in our rural and agricultural communities that will save people money,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “In Colorado, we don’t currently have a system that allows for the responsible and affordable disposal of agricultural pesticides, leading to unsafe storage, contamination risks, and high costs for producers. These pesticides require specific handling and incineration protocols, leaving many producers in rural communities without any good options. This new law is a win-win, tailored to fill this gap to support Colorado farmers while protecting our land and water." HB26-1111 will offer farmers a new option to safely remove pesticides and containers that are no longer needed from their property. This law creates the Pesticide Product Disposal and Container Recycling Enterprise housed in the Department of Agriculture (CDA). This Enterprise will target large quantities of pesticides kept on agricultural properties by farmers and ranchers by creating an affordable method for pesticide disposal. Pesticide disposal and recycling facilities in Colorado are limited, dispersed, inconvenient and expensive for farmers and ranchers. Without access to pesticide disposal and recycling services, harmful chemicals often accumulate, which increases the risk of improper disposal or leaks that could contaminate Colorado’s soil and water. Beginning in 2027, HB26-1111 will create a new program that provides relief to our farmers and ranchers and protects our environment. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES $90 MILLION TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. HB22-1281 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . “These federal funds offer us a once in a generation opportunity to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This legislation provides $90 million for local governments, nonprofits and community-based programs to fill critical gaps in behavioral health care in their communities. With this bill, Colorado’s children, youth and families will have better access to and save money on behavioral health care. I’m proud that a substantial portion of this funding will go directly toward expanding access to substance use disorder treatment across the state.” “Every community is different, has different circumstances and different needs when it comes to gaps in access to behavioral health care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “The legislation we advanced today makes a $90 million transformational investment to make behavioral health care more accessible and affordable in our state. This bill encourages collaboration and supports local solutions. Importantly, this legislation ensures that funding reaches every corner of our state so that no community is left behind.” Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks, will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. This bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the continuum of care and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. A floor amendment that passed today sets aside at least $15 million of the total $90 million grant funding to prioritize substance use disorder treatment and services. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez into law to make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back May 15, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Becomes Law EMPIRE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez into law to make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “Habitat Stamps have funded conservation programs across Colorado to protect wildlife, fisheries and critical ecosystems so future generations can hunt, fish and enjoy our beautiful state,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Whether you’re coming from out-of-state or live right here in Colorado, everyone who hunts and fishes knows we have some of the best wildlife areas in the world, and we’re proud to keep them that way. Wildlife conservation ensures that hunting and angling can contribute to our rural economies for many years to come and protects our way of life.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners, local governments and conservation nonprofits that protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, continues the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO PREPARE COLORADO YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY BECOME LAW Legislation aims to reduce youth recidivism, increase access to behavioral health care & improve school security HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that aim to support Colorado youth by using early interventions to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system, improving school safety and supporting students’ behavioral health. HB22-1003 , championed by Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senators Coleman and Hinrichsen, will establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program to help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. “Today, we’re making smart investments to increase community safety and improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This law directs funding toward collaborative, community-based programs that provide young Coloradans with the support and services they need. Community is the cornerstone to crime reduction and our law invests to uplift youth and build stronger neighborhoods.” “Part of preventing crime and creating safer communities involves investing in effective intervention and prevention programs to help stop criminal activity from happening in the first place,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “By investing in our communities, we can keep more youth out of the juvenile justice system and build a safer Colorado for all, while uplifting our youth so they have the support necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives.” “When it comes to public safety, we are investing in communities first,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Our law will provide resources to community organizations that are working to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place. Through targeted intervention and support programs, we can help youth be set up for success and build safer communities in the process.” “As we continue to move Pueblo and Colorado forward, we’re committed to making investments that reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This bill will help local governments support our youth and reduce recidivism rates in our communities, which will ultimately give young people the support and resources they need and create safer communities across the board.” The Governor also signed HB22-1243 , championed by Representatives Exum, Sr. and Van Winkle as well as Senators Kolker and Hinrichsen, which invests $14 million to improve safety and support behavioral health in public schools. “Too many kids don’t know where to turn when they’re in a mental health crisis,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “We’re working hard to break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and making sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.” “Preparing our students for success means improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “This law takes a multi-faceted approach by providing funding to foster and build safer school environments, as well as extending the successful “I Matter” program, which provides free mental health counseling to Colorado’s youth. Together, these programs will foster healthy learning environments and safer schools across Colorado.” “As we work to build a safer and healthier Colorado for all, we need to ensure that our schools are better equipped to keep students safe and connect them to the appropriate behavioral health care they need,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Our students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and this bill will help them feel safer in the classroom while ensuring they have increased access to resources that will help them care for their mental health and well-being.” Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1120 , sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, which would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for local schools to implement school safety strategies, including physical improvements as well as school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 NEW LAWS TO BOOST RURAL ECONOMIES AND HIRE RURAL PEACE OFFICERS SIGNED INTO LAW PUEBLO, CO– At Musso Farms in Pueblo, Governor Jaerd Polis today signed four bills that will boost rural economies, help smaller communities afford the costs of peace officer training programs, improve seed regulation and better protect energy consumers. “We can’t leave Colorado’s rural communities behind as our state recovers from the pandemic,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo . “The legislation signed today will improve a critical economic development initiative and enhance seed regulation to help Colorado’s agriculture producers. To support our communities that are struggling with smaller and smaller budgets, we created a new scholarship to help them afford to hire and train new law enforcement officers. I’m proud of our work to boost rural economies and help build an economy that works for all parts of our state.” HB20-1229 , sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello, establishes a scholarship fund for rural and small communities to assist in paying for the cost of potential police officers to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy. SB20-002 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Buentello, strengthens and cements a successful existing program, REDI, in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to ensure that the program continues and make improvements to spur rural economies. HB20-1184 , sponsored by Representatives Buentello and Rod Pelton, improves seed regulation in Colorado to help agricultural producers. “Colorado’s rural communities have been hit hard by ongoing trade disputes, declining tourism revenue from the pandemic and dwindling town budgets,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Today, the governor signed my bill to spur rural economic growth. The law makes the successful Rural Economic Development Grant Initiative permanent and bolsters the program to help our small businesses and rural communities recover faster and get back on their feet.” SB20-030 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar, imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. The bill nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. “Across our state, hardworking Coloradans are struggling to make ends meet and pay their electricity bills,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We can lower electricity costs by strengthening consumer protections and increasing transparency in billing. Importantly, this new law provides utility relief that so many Coloradans rely on to a lot more older Coloradans with medical conditions to help them make ends meet.” Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT WITNESSES, HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT SOLVE CRIMES DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation unanimously by a vote of 64-0 that would help investigators solve crimes and prevent witness intimidation. "No one should get away with intimidating a witness or pressuring someone to withhold critical information from law enforcement,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “We're doing everything we can to protect victims in Colorado, and this bill is a big step in that effort. SB24 bill will give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to stop crimes and hold criminals accountable.” SB22-024 , sponsored by Representative Roberts, would prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the ways that witness intimidation may be committed. Under the bill, witness intimidation would include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. It also allows prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to persuade a witness to withhold information. Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE COST-SHARING ARRANGEMENTS MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to enact protections for consumers in health care cost-sharing arrangements that are not health insurers today was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee. The bill would protect consumers by giving the Colorado Division of Insurance authority to conduct specific oversight of healthcare cost sharing arrangements to help ensure that they provide consumers with full information about their financial capacity to pay claims. “Consumers should know what to expect when they pay into a health care cost-sharing agreement,” said Health and Insurance Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill would ensure that those buying into cost sharing agreements understand exactly how they operate and what their limits are. While there are plenty of well-meaning and responsible cost sharing communities out there, we have heard too many stories of bad actors taking advantage of health care consumers to not take action.” As defined in HB20-1008 , a “health care cost-sharing arrangement” is a health care cost sharing ministry or medical cost-sharing community that collects funds from its members on a regular basis, at levels established by the arrangement, for purposes of sharing, covering, or defraying the medical costs of its members. These are not traditional health insurance companies and are exempt from federal insurance requirements like guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions, established by the Affordable Care Act. Last year in Colorado , the Division of Insurance made the decision to prevent one of these arrangements, Trinity HealthShare, from marketing in the state for the foreseeable future because of complaints received from consumers about these companies. Health care cost sharing ministries like Trinity are being scrutinized by state legislatures across the country for misleading health care consumers and failing to cover the medical bills of their members. The bill would not prohibit cost-sharing arrangements from operating in the state but would require increased and improved reporting from the administrators of these arrangements. Under the bill’s new requirements, health care cost-sharing arrangements would have to provide the Commissioner of Insurance with information regarding their operations, financial statements, membership, and specific information surrounding medical claims submitted, paid, and denied. The arrangements would also be required to disclose to consumers and potential customers the limitations of these agreements and other specific information as required by the bill. Finally, health care cost-sharing arrangements would be required to respond to requests for payment of medical expenses from health care providers within a period specified by the Commissioner of Insurance. ### Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation includes the final round of funding for the Opportunity Now grant program and simplifying college credit transfers < Back April 26, 2024 Bills to Support Colorado's Workforce, Higher Education Students Pass House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills to support workforce development and higher education. HB24-1365 , sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. SB24-164 , sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, would improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. “Over the years, Opportunity Now grants have sparked job growth and supported rural and mountain communities like in Northwestern Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As we build new roads, bridges, businesses, and affordable housing – the demand for highly-skilled construction only increases. This bipartisan bill outlines the final round of funding for the grant program and has an important focus on the construction and building trades to meet the needs of our communities. This bill will save Coloradans money as they pursue good-paying jobs in the construction industry and fill critical workforce shortages.” HB24-1365 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 55 to 8. This bill supports the fourth and final round of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grants. The goal of this bill is to connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades. This bill also creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program to help Coloradans get connected to these in-demand careers in their communities and establishes a workforce shortage tax credit to help with facility and equipment improvements needed to train workers in new, emerging fields by leveraging federal investments outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act and othe rs. Opportun ity Now is a grant program that has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries. “This bill would bolster the student bill of rights to ensure that students transferring from any institution, whether a community college or four-year university, receive credit for the courses they have taken at other institutions,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We need to ensure the higher education system prioritizes student success, and this bill improves transparency and academic credit transfers.” SB24-164 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed the House by a vote of 59 to 4 This bill would make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Transparency requirements include: Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution, and The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 would build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2021 AVANZA PROPUESTA PARA EXPANDIR EL ACCESO AL VOTO La propuesta legislativa crearía una línea de ayuda para traducir las boletas electorales y requeriría que ciertos condados impriman boletas en idiomas aparte del inglés DENVER, CO– El Comité de Asuntos Cívicos, Militares, del Estado y de los Veteranos en la Cámara de Representantes hoy aprobó HB21-1011, una propuesta legislativa para expandir el acceso al voto y mejorar la participación electoral al expandir el acceso a las boletas electorales multilingües. La propuesta avanzó con un voto de 6 a 3. “Existen decenas de millares de personas en Colorado que tiene el derecho de votar, pero que efectivamente se les niega el acceso porque no hablan muy bien inglés y viven en alguno de los condados en donde los materiales electorales solo se proporcionan en Inglés,” dijo la Representante Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton). “Yo estoy comprometida a asegurar que nuestro gran sistema electoral sea aún más accesible para todos, y esta propuesta nos acerca a poder garantizar que así sea.” HB21-1011 le daría a todos los votantes acceso a una línea de ayuda que proporcionaría traducción de boletas electorales en los idiomas principales del Censo. Además, requeriría que los condados en donde un idioma minoritario sea hablado por al menos 2,000 votantes elegibles o el 2.5% de los votantes elegibles impriman boletas electorales en ese idioma, ya sea en copias físicas o electrónicamente. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Cecelia Espenoza, to improve public safety by preventing scrap metal theft. HB26-1101 passed by a vote of 54-7. < Back March 27, 2026 House Passes Espenoza Bill to Improve Public Safety DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Cecelia Espenoza, to improve public safety by preventing scrap metal theft. HB26-1101 passed by a vote of 54-7. “This legislation is aimed at protecting critical infrastructure materials which are located in housing, transportation and communication systems,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “When copper wire is stolen, critical systems that keep Colorado communities safe are compromised. Metal theft impacts everything from streetlights, cell phone connectivity, and rail lines threatening the safety of our communities. We’re building on our successful anti-catalytic converter theft law to keep critical infrastructure whole.” HB26-1101 would put protections into the law around critical infrastructure, which would include any component of a commodity metal that is used in communication, transportation, housing or public utility infrastructure. Under the bill, dealers at junk yards and similar places where a dealer of junk, salvage or other secondhand property buys commodity metals are prohibited from possessing or unlawfully transferring materials if they know that the metal came from critical infrastructure. If a transaction that includes a commodity metal from critical infrastructure is over $300, the dealers must pay by check. They must also keep records, including a picture or other identification of the seller. In order to legally possess this metal, dealers must obtain an affidavit from the seller stating that the seller is legally allowed to sell this metal. If a dealer comes into possession of these metals without written certification and later discovers that they were part of critical infrastructure, they must notify a law or municipal code enforcement agency by the end of the following business day. The bill, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, was inspired by the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, which investigated cell phone connectivity issues in rural and historically underserved communities. Previous Next

Statewide Housing Challenge Needs a Statewide Solution < Back March 22, 2023 Legislative Leaders, Gov. Polis, Environmental Advocates, Local Government Officials, Business, Labor, and Community Leaders Launch Comprehensive Package to Create More Housing Now Statewide Housing Challenge Needs a Statewide Solution DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, Representative Iman Jodeh, Representative William Lindstedt, Representative Steven Woodrow, Representative Ruby Dickson, environmental leaders, local government officials, housing, business, and labor leaders launched a comprehensive plan to help create more housing now for every Colorado budget. Governor Polis, in partnership with the legislature, is focused on increasing housing options by cutting red tape and allowing and incentivizing efficient housing production that meets the needs of local communities. “By cutting red tape, legalizing more housing choices, strengthening property owners' rights, and planning for future growth, we can create more housing at a lower cost in Colorado communities near where people work or play,” said Governor Polis. “Thank you to this unprecedented broad coalition of business and labor, environmentalists and housing advocates, local elected officials and community leaders who have come together to support an effective Colorado solution to our housing challenges.” “Every Coloradan deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this proposal will allow us to create a smart, holistic approach that will expand the menu of housing options families and communities are able to choose from,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Working Coloradans are tired of being priced out of where they live. This bill will cut red tape and expand our housing supply to make sure more Colorado families have a place to call home.” “This collaborative proposal will save Coloradans money on housing and make it easier for people across our state to find a place to live that fits their budget,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Our housing shortage is driving up the cost of living, straining our economy and forcing people to leave their communities or commute further to work. We need to allow property owners the right to build different types of housing like ADUs, duplexes and triplexes to increase our housing stock and make housing more affordable while also respecting the character of local communities.” “From seniors who want to downsize to young adults looking to buy their first home, this plan will help Coloradans across the board find housing that works for them and their budget,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Seniors and essential workers like teachers, firefighters, nurses and child care providers deserve to live in their communities instead of being pushed out. Coloradans are depending on us to work together and pass meaningful and effective legislation that creates more options for property owners to build more and different types of homes that will drive down housing costs in our state.” “Colorado is growing, but artificial limits on who can live where are straining communities, contributing to long commutes and poor air quality, and costing families money on housing and so much more,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D- Broomfield. “Making sure Colorado has enough housing is a statewide concern that impacts every community and the economic well-being of everyone in our state. Lifting anti-growth laws will help us build the housing Coloradans need, improve our air quality and environment, and stop the irreparable harm to hardworking people from arbitrary limits that drive up the cost of housing.” “This bold legislation will reduce the cost of housing and allow Coloradans to build the homes they want and need,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “Policies that arbitrarily limit our housing supply have far-reaching consequences: they burden Colorado families with high housing and transportation costs, while making it harder to attract new businesses. Eliminating baseless limits on housing construction will save families money, create jobs, and make it easier for hardworking people to find a home in the communities they love. Coloradans are looking to us to craft commonsense policies that make our state more affordable, and this proposal will make a big difference in this effort.” The comprehensive plan establishes a framework for more housing in municipalities while providing flexibility for local leaders to implement the standards to meet their community's needs. The proposal establishes ways for the state and local communities to work together to develop strategies to meet housing goals more broadly and avoid regional imbalances in housing production. State lawmakers and the Governor were joined today by Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams, Boulder Mayor Brockett, Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue, Elise Jones who leads SWEEP, J.J. Ament CEO of Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan Cappelli, Executive Director, Neighborhood Development Collaborative, Rob Gould, President of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association and Dennis Eulberg, Executive Director for Colorado Professional Fire Fighters. Earlier today , many environmental champions, housing advocates, the business community and labor leaders, local government officials, and community members offered their support for this comprehensive plan. The proposal also includes opportunities for local communities to implement solutions that are able to address unique circumstances and build on prior local efforts that address housing abundance and affordability. By creating more housing supply, this proposal will lead to increases in home options for every budget so that Coloradans can live in the communities they want without being priced out. The plan also helps us improve air quality, protect open space, conserve our water and plan for future growth while helping prevent displacement. The plan outlines goals to create more housing now including: Legalizing the ability to build more affordable housing types like ADUS, duplexes, triplexes, or townhomes. Incentivizing more multifamily housing in or near transit-oriented and walkable communities to lessen the number of cars on the road, improving air quality, reducing pollution, and saving people money on commutes. Cutting red tape and reducing building limitations to decrease building time and cost and giving more options and flexibility for homeowners to build on their land. Assessing statewide housing needs and identifying affordability strategies tailored to local and regional needs. Provide a framework for state, regional, and local agencies to strategically align investments and policies and track progress. Constructing more homes and creating jobs by eliminating arbitrary laws that prevent property owners from building the housing units local communities need. Many Coloradans are being forced out of their neighborhoods with no hope of ever living close to where they work, which means more congestion on our roads, more money spent on commuting, more pollution, and greater economic challenges. Aging seniors who want to downsize, young people living on their own, and first-time homebuyers can’t find homes because there isn’t enough inventory and the available homes are too expensive. If we don’t act now, we risk facing the point of no return and becoming like California. This is not a problem that can be solved by one city, town, or local government alone. This is a statewide crisis that needs a state-level solution. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to improve basic access for Coloradans living with a disability. < Back June 3, 2024 SIGNED! Bills to Improve Basic Access for Coloradans Living with a Disability DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to improve basic access for Coloradans living with a disability. HB24-1360 will create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). HB24-1161 will make new electric vehicle charging stations and car sharing programs more accessible. “Despite Federal ADA being law for 34 years, housing, employment, access to participation in government and the outdoors remain inaccessible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1360 and HB24-1161. “These important new laws will remove barriers to car travel, streamline employment opportunities and improve basic access for Coloradans living with disabilities. Universal design hurts no one and helps everyone. As I round out my time at the legislature, I am proud of our efforts to shine a light on the everyday barriers faced by people with living disabilities and lay the groundwork for a more accessible, equitable Colorado.” “People living with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty and unemployment, which is why Colorado needs to step up and provide the resources to eradicate these barriers,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1360. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at creating a strong future that’s all their own. I’m proud to carry this legislation forward with Representative Ortiz because it prioritizes representation, advocacy and commitment to the success of all.” HB24-1360 , signed into law today, will create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment The goal of this office is to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. Another bill signed into law today, HB24-1161 , will require new electric vehicle charging stations to incorporate federal accessible design recommendations for at least five percent of charging spaces or one space, starting January 1, 2026. HB24-1161 will strengthen the prohibition on blocking access to ADA parking spots, curb ramps, and access aisles including using such a parking spot to pile snow. Additionally, the new law will allow owners of a vehicle in a car sharing program to indicate if their vehicle has been modified to be accessible to people with disabilities and what modifications have been made. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right-to-repair laws for wheelchair users. Previous Next