The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill that would create safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado kids. HB26-1263, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 10-3. < Back March 26, 2026 AI Chatbot Protections Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill that would create safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado kids. HB26-1263, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 10-3. “The unfortunate reality is that AI chatbots have encouraged suicides and engaged in romantic interactions with minors. Our bill would protect users, especially children, from misleading AI chatbot conversations,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “As a parent, it is unsettling to know that unchecked AI chatbots can put children in harm's way, especially when children show signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Our legislation improves transparency and safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado children from manipulative and dangerous AI technology.” “AI chatbots have posed as licensed mental health professionals or as a romantic partner, which has led to emotional dependence and even suicide,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Our phones have become an extension of ourselves, making these AI chatbots available at kids’ fingertips. Our bill establishes guidelines to prevent the gamification of chatbots, prohibit AI from generating or engaging in sexually-explicit content and require AI companies to provide resources to users who express mental health struggles.” Beginning January 1, 2027, HB26-1263 implements safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly as they interact with children. The bill would require AI developers to provide a clear and visible disclosure to the minor that the AI chatbot is artificially generated and not human, and prohibit the use of rewards to encourage engagement. AI developers would be required to take reasonable steps to prevent AI chatbots from generating sexually explicit content or generating conversations that encourage or engage in sexually explicit interactions with minors. These developers would also be required to prevent AI chatbots from creating an emotional dependence through false claims that the chatbot is human, generating conversations that are romantic or sexual or role-playing with a minor. The bill also requires AI developers to allow for parental controls if their chatbots are accessible to children under the age of 13.HB26-1263 would also require AI chatbots to provide suicide-prevention resources to users who express suicidal thoughts or interest in self-harm, and platforms would be required to file reports on how often a chatbot flags suicidal or self-harm behaviors. The American Psychological Association warned that, while AI chatbots are low-cost and accessible, they lack necessary regulations to guarantee that they are being used safely. When a 16-year-old told an AI chatbot about his suicidal thoughts and plans last year , the chatbot discouraged him from telling his parents and offered to write his suicide note. A 14-year-old also died by suicide after his AI chatbot engaged in sexual role play and falsely claimed to be a psychotherapist. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2023 House Passes Bills to Boost Apprenticeships and Support Food Banks DENVER, CO – Legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by helping graduating students access apprenticeship and increase funding for Colorado food banks today passed the House. “Connecting graduating students with apprenticeships in high-demand trade industries addresses Colorado’s workforce needs while saving students money in the process,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Our legislation makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This bill is good for everyone, especially aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s career in something they’re passionate about,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This bill builds on our work to save graduating students money on training and on-the-job education while preparing for good paying careers in high-demand industries. From construction trades to firefighting, there are many industries searching for qualified workers and this bill helps fill workforce demand and boost Colorado’s economy.” HB23-1212 passed the House by a vote of 59 to 4. This bill would direct the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 would also require the creation of an online job board for students, task the state with incorporating trades apprenticeships in career planning tools, and develop standards for individual career and academic plans for students registered in the program to better support job preparation. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This bill would help create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1158, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Rick Taggart, passed by a vote of 53-10 and would provide $6 million to help low income, older Coloradans access healthy food. “Colorado’s food banks have done incredible work supporting our communities, and with this bill, we’ll provide additional resources to help more Coloradans access nutritious food,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “I’m proud we passed this bipartisan bill to help deliver meals to nearly 15,000 older Coloradans living below the poverty line.” HB23-1158 supports older Coloradans by increasing access to nutritious food. This bill would provide grants to local food banks and food distribution programs so they can create and deliver food packages for low-income older adults below the poverty line. HB23-1158 would positively impact more than 14,000 low income older adults in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES ESGAR BILL ALLOWING EASE FOR TRANSGENDER COLORADANS TO CHANGE BIRTH CERTIFICATE (Feb. 6) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo that will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender on their birth certificate and other official identification documents without undergoing surgery or appearing in front of a judge passed the House Health and Insurance Committee today. “This bill is about personal freedom,” said Rep. Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. “It is my hope that this is the last time these brave Coloradans need to come testify, to share their stories and bare their souls to you. Let’s put this down in law and make life a little bit easier for our fellow Coloradans.” Current law requires transgender Coloradans to undergo surgery and then appear in front of a judge to prove the surgical procedure before they can update the gender on their birth certificate. They are then given an amended version of their birth certificate which can sometimes force a transgender person to out themselves when asked why their birth certificate is amended. This bill will grant them an entirely new birth certificate, without going through cumbersome and expensive hurdles like surgery or appearing in front of a judge, to have their documents match their gender identity. HB19-1039 also removes this publication requirement, making the process safer and more private. Rep. Titone in her closing statement during the committee hearing: “A year ago, I sat next to Rep. Esgar on this bill to testify. This bill was never for me, it’s for young people – they go through a lot of abuse. They have to look over their shoulder and always wonder who’s going to be on their side and who’s not. I thank you for bringing this bill again and I am so happy to be on this committee today to vote yes on this bill. I do not want to see this bill in committee again. I want to see it put into law.” HB19-1039 will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender designation their birth certificate to male, female or X, to correspond with their gender identity. The X gender marker does not stand for intersex, it means that the individual does not identify as male nor female. Current law also requires a person to file legal notice in a newspaper three times and include their current name and proposed new name before they can change it; this bill removes that requirement. The bill passed the committee on a vote of 7-4 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back June 14, 2021 ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FOR RETAILERS, TOOLS TO HELP SMALL BIZ GROW SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed two bills into law that will allow retailers to retain the sales tax they collect and provide small businesses with the tools and funding they need to grow. “Colorado’s bars, restaurants, food trucks and retailers have gotten a boost this year from legislation that allows them to keep the sales tax they collect, and now that will continue through the summer,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This law will help keep our recovery on track by supporting the small businesses that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic as they work to get back on their feet and grow.” HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps. Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July and August 2021. “While it’s been a tough year, there are so many small businesses and entrepreneurs who are primed to grow and take the next step with their businesses,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This new program that the governor signed into law today will help provide small-and-medium-sized employers the tools, training and funding opportunities they need to jump ahead, create jobs and enter into the next phase of their business.” “There are so many businesses across Colorado that could grow, create jobs and help boost our economy with a little technical assistance, funding or support,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “With this new initiative, Colorado businesses that are ready to expand will have access to critical assistance and tools to help them thrive.” Sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Naquetta Ricks, SB21-241 creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program, which is designed to provide small businesses on the verge of major growth with the tools and funding they need to take their small businesses to the next level. The program will support businesses with 19 employees or fewer and provide them with technical, operational, marketing and financial assistance to ensure they can grow sustainably and continue to create jobs. Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. < Back April 25, 2023 Bills to Lower Health Care Costs and Protect Consumers Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. “Patients often don’t know in advance what they should expect to pay for medical services, leading to many being shocked when they receive large medical bills that they have no choice but to pay,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB23-252. “This bill requires hospitals to publicize a list of the services they offer so patients can anticipate costs and appropriately budget for their medical care. When hospitals make their prices public, Colorado families and employers can compare costs across providers and choose an option that best fits their budget and health care needs.” SB23-252 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, passed by a vote of 9-0. In 2022, the General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must publicly post standard charges and provide an out-of-pocket cost estimator tool for patients. This bill would build on the federal transparency requirements by having hospitals post their Medicare reimbursement rates and annually submit pricing information to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Violations of SB23-252 would be a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act . “HB23-1303 is vitally important to protect Coloradans, doctors and hospitals from insolvent insurers that leave communities and patients without health insurance coverage,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1303. “Patients and doctors shouldn’t be on the hook when insurance companies go out of business. This bill makes sure insurance companies keep their promises and protects consumers, hospitals, and health care providers.” “Rural communities like mine are especially vulnerable to changes in the health insurance market,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1303. “If insurers leave town, then people in our rural communities are stuck with exorbitant costs and are left wondering how they’re going to find an affordable plan that works for them. This legislation is an important safeguard that will protect Coloradans from instability in the health insurance market that can spread and disrupt coverage for consumers.” HB23-1303 would make the distribution of insurance claims a class 1 distribution priority in the case of an insurer’s liquidation, preventing other insurers from becoming impaired or insolvent due to another’s failure. This prioritization adjustment would be repealed on July 1, 2026. The bill also amends the “Life and Health Insurance Protection Association Act” by: Adding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as members of the Colorado Life and Health Insurance Protection Association, bringing HMOs into this public safety net, and subjects HMOs to assessments, Allocating responsibility for long-term care insurance assessments between health and life insurance association members, and Specifying that the Act does not provide coverage to a person that acquires rights to receive, or to a payee or beneficiary that transfers its rights in, a structured settlement factoring transaction, as defined in federal law, regardless of when the transaction occurred. HB23-1303 passed by a unanimous vote of 11-0. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “Colorado Democrats are working to save Coloradans money on housing and address Colorado’s housing crisis not only by building more housing but also by maintaining affordable housing units that already exist and have benefitted from public investment,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Many Coloradans are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, and losing affordable housing in the rental market only makes it more difficult for hardworking people to find a place to live. This bill is an important tool for local governments so they can preserve housing Coloradans can afford in our communities while ensuring sellers receive fair compensation for the sale of their property.” “With rental rates increasing much faster than income, the right of first refusal is crucial in protecting housing options that work for every Coloradan’s budget,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our bill gives local governments the opportunity to buy affordable housing properties before private companies and hedge funds grab them, so we can prevent corporate greed from pricing Coloradans out of their communities and displacing our neighbors.” HB24-1175 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying multi-family rental property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. In urban counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than five and less than 100 units. In rural or rural resort counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing property and has more than three and fewer than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 GOV. SIGNS BECKER-CARAVEO BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COLORADANS & GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE (Apr. 16) – Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that will update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting our clean air and clean water. “Today, our state took a big step forward toward ensuring local governments have a seat at the table with the oil and gas industry and state government when new wells are to be drilled in that community. This law will give communities concerned about the health and safety impacts of oil and gas greater assurance that air quality and other impacts don’t take a back seat to other concerns,” said Speaker KC Becker. “This bill was years in the making, and for far too many, it’s long overdue. I’m proud of what we have accomplished with this new law.” “As we discussed flow lines, well sites and profits, it was easy for some to lose sight of a major aspects of this new law and that’s the refocusing of the COGCC to put health and safety first,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the legislature’s only doctor and the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “We shouldn’t prioritize well sites over of the health of wheezing infants. This bill gives local governments a voice when it comes to residential drilling.” The landmark law directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to regulate oil and gas development to protect public welfare, and clarifies that local governments have the same authority to regulate the oil and gas industry as they have with every other industry in Colorado, including the mining industry. The law also removes the prohibition against local governments requiring oil and gas companies to cover the direct costs of regulating, monitoring and permitting the sites in their communities. “I want to thank Erin Martinez for lending her powerful voice to this fight. My colleagues and I share her belief that industry can put health and safety first and continue to thrive at the same time,” Speaker Becker added. “Like many Coloradans, we admire Erin Martinez’s strength, commitment, and courage to enact change in the wake of terrible tragedy.” The new law addresses emissions and air quality by requiring increased monitoring and implementing a rule-making process to reduce emissions to better meet federal regulations. A “brown cloud” returned to Denver last month and reports showed that the air quality was worse than that of Beijing. SB19-181 would also ensure that taxpayers are not footing the bill for cleaning up orphan oil and gas wells that have been abandoned but not adequately plugged. Current bonding requirements are inadequate to cover the cost of clean-up when a company abandons a well. Cleanup costs for just one abandoned well costs an average of $82,000. Currently, there are nearly 400 known orphan wells in Colorado and a long list of wells that should be investigated. Finally, SB19-181 also provides increased protections for property owners with regard to forced pooling. Under current law, just one mineral rights owner can start the process of “forced pooling” other mineral owners and require development of those resources against the will of the majority of the owners. This bill would raise the threshold and put more transparency and guardrails on the process. The sponsors and proponents of the bill made clear during each hearing and floor debate that this bill is not a reiteration of Proposition 112, nor is it a moratorium or a ban on drilling. Watch the bill signing here . Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. < Back March 1, 2024 House Advances Bill to Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths and Improve Public Health DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. HB24-1037, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, would help stop the spread of disease, ensure protections for those who administer opioid antagonists, and expand access to testing strips and other drug testing equipment. “Each year, our state’s fatal overdose count climbs higher; we need to invest in smart, data-driven harm reduction tactics to keep Coloradans alive,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, Chair of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, D-Lakewood. “This bill would expand access to testing strips and harm reduction tools to combat overdoses and the spread of disease, and expand protections for those acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist to save someone’s life. We’re committed to combating Colorado’s overdose crisis and working toward building a safer, healthier state.” “Life-saving harm reduction work prevents the spread of communicable diseases, improves public health, and increases community safety,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver . “This bill helps vulnerable Coloradans and frontline harm reduction workers by improving access to test strips, clean equipment, and opioid antagonists – all of which are proven to prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.” HB24-1037 , which was created through the 2023 Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee , would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment and would expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to prevent a fatal overdose. This bill would also ensure that people who use drugs know they can go to the hospital for care without fear of arrest by removing the requirement that health care providers call law enforcement if the patient is possessing drugs or paraphernalia. This legislation also broadens existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado, like xylazine or “tranq”. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 JUST TRANSITION FUNDING MOVES FORWARD Legislation from Roberts and Esgar directs $15 million to create jobs and help communities transitioning from coal-based economies DENVER, CO – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to create jobs, support workers, and boost communities transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill passed 12-1. “The Office of Just Transition has widespread bipartisan support because of the critical work it is doing to boost workers and communities that are transitioning away from coal-based economies,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This year, we are going to direct significant state funding to these critical efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. This funding will go directly to workers and will help build vibrant and resilient economies in parts of our state that are struggling as our nation moves away from coal.” “Communities in my district and across the state are doing their best to transition their workforce and economies, but they cannot do it alone and they deserve resources from the state to make their transition plans a reality,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon. “I am so proud to represent towns in Northwest Colorado like Hayden and Oak Creek who will be able to use the funding to provide workers job retraining and placement services and invest in projects that will create jobs and diversify their economy. This is the large investment in rural Colorado that our transitioning communities deserve, and I am thrilled this bill is moving forward with strong bipartisan support.” HB22-1394, sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Dylan Roberts, would fund the Office of Just Transition, which is working to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. It also distributes grants to communities to help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies. $5 million will go to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 GOV. SIGNS PAIR OF BILLS TO PROVIDE MORE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES Dem led mental health parity and youth suicide prevention bills now law (May 16) – Gov. Polis signed two bills today that will increase access to mental health resources. The Gov. signed HB19-1269 sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Tom Sullivan that will modernize behavioral health insurance coverage laws to align with federal law and close loopholes to increase access to mental health services for Coloradans. “Over one million of our friends, neighbors, and children live with a mental health issue. But over half of them aren’t receiving the help they need,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “It’s time we start treating mental health the same as physical health, getting people the treatment they need, and working towards removing the stigma around mental health issues.” “I have been committed to improving mental health prior to joining the legislature and am honored to be a part of this new law,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We can’t wait any longer to help improve access to mental health in our communities.” HB19-1269 strengthens prevention and screening laws to shift the current system away from expensive late-stage treatment to early prevention and enforces and makes transparent existing state and federal parity laws and increases consumer protections. Currently, state and federal laws require insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical care. However, many families are being denied coverage or are paying out-of-pocket costs for weeks or months for mental health care services because of loopholes in current law. Gov. Polis also signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Rep. Dylan Roberts to help address youth suicide. “A youth mental health epidemic is unfolding before our eyes and until now, the state has been unable to adequately invest in solutions. Under this new law, Colorado’s kids will be able to access the help they so desperately need. It could save a life,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “The children of our state want more access to mental health resources and we are working to deliver.” Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s son survived a suicide attempt at age 9. The life-saving law, HB19-1120, will reduce the age at which a young person can seek confidential psychotherapy services from a licensed mental health professional without the consent of his or her parent or guardian, from 15 to 12. The bill also requires the Colorado Department of Education, in consultation with the Office of Suicide Prevention, the Youth Advisory Council, and the Suicide Prevention Commission, to create and maintain a mental health education literacy resource bank. The resource bank is available to the public free of charge. “The suicide epidemic knows no bounds and it’s impacting every community. Eagle County had 18 suicides last year in a community of only about 50,000 people,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “This new law will help us address this epidemic and provide more young people the access to mental health services they need. This law will save lives.” Colorado is ranked third for suicides among youth aged 10-14 and fifth for teen suicide overall. Both laws were signed this afternoon at the Center for African American Health in Denver. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2019 COLORADO HOUSE PASSES TWO HOUSING BILLS (Apr. 25) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that would expand the supply of affordable housing and hold landlords accountable. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved Rep. Leslie Herod’s bill that establishes duties for landlords and tenants in addressing the presence of bed bugs. “Bed bugs are harmful. They disrupt our lives in profound ways, threatening the health and well-being of our families,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will ensure that landlords inspect and treat bed bug infestations quickly, so that people can resume their lives.” Under HB19-1328, tenants must promptly notify their landlord when they know or reasonably suspect the presence of bed bugs. Not more than 96 hours after receiving notice, a landlord must obtain an inspection by a qualified inspector and treat the bed bugs in that unit and any adjacent units also affected. The bill was approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. < Back December 9, 2024 Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. “I’m honored to take on the role of Speaker Pro Tempore, and I am excited to serve the chamber in this new capacity,” said Speaker Pro-Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “By working together, we will make important progress to protect and build on our accomplishments, which Coloradans overwhelmingly support. When called upon to preside over the House, I’m committed to doing so fairly and with respect for every member. Coloradans are counting on us to govern responsibly with limited state resources and deliver results– and I know we will.” “I’m excited to appoint Rep. Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore, and I look forward to working with him to make Colorado more affordable and protect our rights and freedoms,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “He is deeply respected in the chamber, works openly and honestly with colleagues, and has been a leader on groundbreaking laws to reduce the cost of housing, protect renters and address gun violence. We have important work ahead, and it is a privilege to lead the House alongside House Democrats’ diverse leadership team.” The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House as the Speaker’s proxy and serves on the Majority Leadership team. Representative Boesenecker has passed legislation to protect mobile homeowners , increase consumer protections for towed vehicles , and preserve affordable housing . He has also sponsored to create a firearm dealer permit to better enforce state laws and protect communities from gun violence. Previous Next