The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect Consumers, Improve EV Charging Oversight DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect electric vehicle (EV) drivers by improving charging infrastructure and oversight. HB25-1267 passed by a vote of 40-23. “EVs are incredibly popular in Colorado, and our EV charging stations need to be reliable and accurate,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “Consumer protections are already in place for Coloradans who drive gas-powered vehicles to ensure they’re getting what they pay for at the pump; this bill extends similar protections to EV drivers. The demand for EVs is only growing in Colorado, and this bill ensures divers receive the electricity they pay for.” “We’re taking steps now to make sure Colorado’s charging station infrastructure can meet the growing demand for EVs and help us reach our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Colorado’s EV market share is number one in the country, and this bill makes sure EV charging stations are reliable and accurate. Gas pumps are regularly inspected to ensure drivers get what they pay for, and this bill does the same for EV drivers.” HB25-1267 aims to improve oversight of retail EV charging stations to ensure consumers receive the energy they pay for. To accomplish this, the bill creates a new statewide retail EV charging station oversight program to establish and oversee minimum standards for charging stations. The state already monitors gas pumps to ensure consumers receive the amount of gas they are paying for; this bill extends the same consumer protection protocols for EV drivers The popularity of EVs in Colorado continues to grow. Colorado recently became number one in the country regarding market share of new EVs, surpassing California. This legislation also aims to help Colorado meet current and future EV infrastructure demand by modifying the EV grant fund. This includes updated policies, procedures and utility oversight of public charging stations. In 2023, Colorado Democrats championed an expansive tax credit package that included incentives for EV buyers to reach our state’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back March 29, 2023 Hospital Community-Benefit Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. “Hospitals can claim state non-profit status, which exempts them from state sales and property taxes, but in return, they must allocate time and money on programs that benefit the community,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This legislation provides some parameters for how that money can be spent to increase access to the services communities need, improve community input in the process, and lower the cost of care. By strengthening guidelines for hospitals’ community benefit spending, Coloradans will receive health care services that better fit the needs of their communities.” HB23-1243 centers hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending. The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact of the spending has on the health of Coloradans. Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, and others are fairly represented in the hospital’s community benefit spending plan. HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. Additionally, the bill enhances existing public meeting requirements and ensures representation from the tribal council and Urban Indian Organization who have hospitals within their communities. Institutions of higher learning will also be represented to help bring meaningful input into discussions on spending. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE STANDS UP FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKERS House passes bill to strengthen protections for agricultural workers DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representatives Karen McCormick and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to advance the basic rights of Colorado’s agricultural workers and modernize the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “Colorado’s agriculture industry is a part of our western culture and the fabric of our state,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, a veterinarian. “This bill advances the human rights of agriculture workers in Colorado while helping to keep Colorado’s agriculture workforce competitive with other large agricultural producing states across the country that have already adopted similar standards. The workers in Colorado’s agriculture industry need the same protections and supports that the folks I employ in my clinic do, and today, we are taking a big step forward toward making that a reality.” “Workers who put food on our tables deserve the same protections and opportunities as others in Colorado, like being able to negotiate for better health and safety conditions and to earn a fair wage,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “This bill is a balanced approach that considers the varied producers that make up Colorado’s diverse agriculture industry and is a long overdue step forward that will improve conditions, keep Colorado agriculture competitive and protect these essential workers.” SB21-087 takes several steps to bring Colorado’s agricultural workers under the same labor standards that other workers in the state have and takes other steps to keep Colorado’s agriculture workforce competitive. Among other provisions, the bill would: allow workers to form and join unions to bargain for better pay and increased benefits, remove the exemption that allows certain workers to make less than the minimum wage, provide protections from retaliation and set more humane standards around break times and working in extreme weather conditions. Importantly the bill limits the continuous operation of physically demanding tools that lead to chronic health problems–tools that have been banned in other states for decades. The bill also ensures workers are provided transportation to critical services and access to healthcare providers while creating a pathway for aggrieved workers to seek remedies available to workers in other industries. Previous Next

HB26-1007 saves Coloradans money on their energy bills by expanding access to cost-saving solar < Back May 7, 2026 Bill to Allow Plug-In Solar Panels Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Legislation to remove barriers to plug-in solar panels and save Coloradans money on their utility bills was signed into law today. HB26-1007 , sponsored by Senators Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Representatives Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, and Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, authorizes access to plug-in solar panels, which can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and are more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. “This new law reduces barriers and establishes safety standards so that Coloradans who want a reliable, affordable source of renewable energy can use plug-in solar panels,” said Kipp. “Coloradans are interested in plug-in solar for a variety of reasons like reducing their carbon footprint, lowering their utility bills, or ensuring a reliable back-up source of energy in the case of a power outage. No matter their reasoning, Coloradans should be able to pursue this technology without unnecessary barriers.” “We’re thrilled our plug-in solar bill is getting signed into law today because it means Coloradans will soon have access to safe, affordable solar energy,” said Smith. “Our law removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to ensure Coloradans can take advantage of our 300 days of sunshine to generate solar energy. HB26-1007 makes plug-in solar a reality so more Coloradans can save money on their utility bill, especially those living in shared spaces or apartments.” “Plug-in solar panels expand access to solar energy for people who live in an apartment or can’t afford a full rooftop system,” said Ball. “The technology is safe, cost-efficient, and already widely used in other places. This law gives Coloradans the option to use plug-in solar and connect to the grid through a meter collar to start saving money and producing their own clean energy.” “We know plug-in solar can lower your utility bill, and soon Coloradans will have access to this cost-saving, reliable energy source,” said Stewart. “To keep Coloradans safe, this law establishes important safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars. Together, we’re making it possible for Coloradans who are interested in solar to try it out at an affordable price point.” Plug-in solar, also referred to as balcony solar, can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and is more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. It consists of one to four solar panels plus an inverter and optional battery and is designed for simple, safe installation. Plug-in solar can be used to power household appliances and offer Coloradans an alternative, reliable energy source that can also reduce traditional utility costs. The bill establishes protective guardrails on the types of plug-in solar products that can be used. All plug-in solar devices installed must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard. HB26-1007 also encourages the use of meter collars. Meter collars are devices installed between an electric meter socket and a utility billing meter to provide immediate interconnection of customer-owned solar devices to the grid. Meter collars eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, saving Coloradans money and time on solar installation. The bill outlines a safe, consistent and repeatable solar installation process with minimal disruption and short installation times to benefit Coloradans. Plug-in solar is common in Europe. For example, in Germany, approximately 4 million households have installed plug-in solar. With this law, Colorado joins Utah in becoming early adopters of safe, reliable, plug-in solar in the United States. Previous Next

< Back November 19, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMY IS RECOVERING STRONGLY JBC Dems to prioritize saving people money and making Colorado more affordable DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December economic forecasts, which project strong General Fund revenue, but warn of continued budget challenges in years to come and uncertainty as the economy rebuilds from the pandemic. “Today’s forecast shows that Colorado’s recovery is well underway and that many of our efforts to boost the economy have been successful,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “While we’re all heartened to hear that many of our most treasured industries have come roaring back, we are also keenly aware of the rising cost of living in Colorado and are determined to craft a budget that saves people and businesses money and leaves more money in their pocket at the end of the month.” “This forecast shows that our focus on getting Colorado’s economy back on track is working,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “But while this continued progress is welcome news, we know that this recovery is still leaving too many of our neighbors behind. We must keep working to close those equity gaps and ensure that Colorado’s comeback lifts up all communities.” “As we head into a new year, it’s encouraging to see our economy continue to pick up steam,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m excited to see the job gains in our state, however, there are still income and regional gaps in our recovery. As we begin our legislative session in January and continue the JBC’s work to design a budget that supports the recovery of everyone in our state, making Colorado a more affordable and prosperous state for all will be our top priority.” “We continue to make strong progress in our recovery, but there are many gaps that need attention to ensure an equitable economic recovery for all,” said JBC Member Chris Hansen D-Denver . “As we have seen, many Coloradans have bounced back from the economic consequences of the last year and a half, but many – especially our low-income neighbors – have not. Uplifting low-income groups, investing in education and supporting jobs must be a priority as we head into the new year and continue our fight to create opportunities for every Coloradan to succeed and prosper.” The Legislative Council staff (LCS) Forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $15.9 billion in FY 2021-22 and $16.4 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $791.4 million increase for FY 2021-22 and a $528.4 million increase for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier September revenue forecast. These continued improvements in the state’s economic outlook are due in large part to consumer spending, strengthening household finances and wage growth. However, waning federal stimulus and the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic pose downside risks. The unemployment rate continues to fall in Colorado and is projected to decrease further to 4.1 percent in 2022. Colorado, however, is still seeing inequitable recovery trends driven by differing rates of recovery by region and sector, with employment growth recovering more slowly in areas in Northern Colorado and with several in-person industries, such as leisure and hospitality, including remaining heavily impacted by health concerns and uncertainty.. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $704.5 million relative to its September estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.3 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $600 million relative to its September estimate. The state will exceed its TABOR limit due to higher than anticipated income tax collections, and both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state exceeding the TABOR limit in the upcoming fiscal years, as well. In addition, LCS and OSPB identified the uncertainty of the pandemic, evolving fiscal policy, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as risks to the forecast. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act to streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land to save Coloradans money on housing. HB26-1001, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 9-4. < Back February 3, 2026 Committee Passes HOME Act to Build More Housing Now DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee today passed the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act to streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land to save Coloradans money on housing. HB26-1001, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Rep. Javier Mabrey, passed by a vote of 9-4. “Colorado Democrats are exploring every avenue to create more housing now that hardworking Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “We know that Colorado needs to build at least 100,000 more housing opportunities to meet growing demand. This legislation cuts red tape to build more housing on land in the heart of our communities. It will increase the supply of housing that is affordable by making it easier for nonprofit developers, schools and transit districts to build housing that is affordable on the land they own. This bill will lower housing costs and make it easier for Coloradans to find a place to live in their communities.” “We believe in an economy that works for everyone, and that means lowering costs for hardworking families and creating housing and homeownership opportunities that Coloradans can afford,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “It’s harder and harder for families to get ahead when they are spending so much on housing each year. This bill will bring down housing costs by making it easier to build more housing in our communities. This bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to drive down housing costs and lower costs for hardworking people.” Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 would streamline the process for building housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges, Board of Cooperative Educational Services or universities and transit districts to build on their land. Under the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act” (HOME Act), local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. HB26-1001 applies to land up to five acres. Exemptions to this bill would include land that is not connected to water and sewage treatment systems, land where state or federal regulations restrict residential housing and conservation easements. A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent . Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: $80 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR WATER COMPACTS AND WATERSHEDS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee today passed two bills that direct $80 million in economic relief funds to protect Colorado’s water supply, protect the state’s watersheds, and prevent wildfires. “The demands on our state’s water resources are reaching a critical level. That’s why we are taking urgent action to invest economic relief funds in the essential projects that will help water districts manage groundwater use and protect our agricultural community,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Conserving and protecting Colorado’s water is critical for our economic recovery and the long-term resiliency and strength of our state. The legislation we advanced today will rightly direct $80 million towards interstate compact compliance, protecting our watersheds, and preventing and reducing the risk of wildfires.” “Access to clean and safe water is endangered every time wildfires threaten our communities and the landscapes that surround us,” said Sen. Donovan. “We must make sure our communities have the tools they need to mitigate wildfires and protect watersheds. These funds will better prepare us for the work that comes with protecting our water through preventative and restorative efforts.” “Increasingly devastating wildfires are impacting our watersheds, access to drinking water, and the water our agriculture producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “The investments we’re making will reduce the risk of wildfire, mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply, and ensure healthy watersheds to protect this essential resource. Our economy and way of life depends on our watersheds and our access to water. The legislation we advanced today will help protect our most precious resource.” Protecting Colorado’s Water: SB22-028, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin and Senators Cleave Simpson and Jerry Sonnenberg, directs $60 million in economic relief funds to manage groundwater use and ensure the state meets its commitments under interstate water compacts. While Colorado is in compliance with all water compacts, several river and conservation districts have urgent needs in order to meet their obligations and ensure sustainable levels of groundwater remain available. This proposal uses one-time federal economic relief funds to help Colorado’s river and conservation districts meet their obligations. In the event that the funds are not spent in the next two years, any remaining funds will be directed to the Colorado Water Plan. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379 , sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes: $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience; $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department’s wildfire workforce development partnerships; $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” money and other federally available money for water projects. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES VALDEZ’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 15) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed on the House floor today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. The bipartisan bill unanimously passed 63-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. ATTACHED: Headshot of Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2024 House Leadership Statement on Member Leaving Firearm in Capitol Restroom DENVER, CO– House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following statement after Representative Don Wilson left his firearm unattended in a public restroom in the State Capitol. Statement from Speaker McCluskie: The consequences of leaving a firearm unattended in a public space could be very serious, and the incident this week created a dangerous situation. This should not have happened and cannot happen again, and this is why our caucus is pursuing legislation to prohibit carrying firearms in the Capitol. I hope Rep. Wilson appreciates the severity of his mistake and the safety concern this has created for us in the Capitol. Statement from Majority Leader Duran: As a responsible firearm owner, it’s frustrating and disappointing to continually see colleagues make mistakes with their guns. Everyone who carries a firearm must do so with the utmost care at all times, which is why it is so important to me that people receive proper training and observe it and that we strengthen the requirements for a concealed carry permit. I’ve expressed my deepest concerns to Rep. Wilson and Minority Leadership. It’s my expectation that he follows through with his commitment not to carry his firearm at the Capitol. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 BILL INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE EARNED PAID SICK DAYS TO ALL HARDWORKING COLORADANS SB 20-205 promotes transparency and protections for consumers, customers & employees DENVER –– Today, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Senator Jeff Bridges, alongside Speaker of the House KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, provided a comprehensive overview of their newly introduced bill, SB20-205 which empowers all Colorado workers to protect themselves and their coworkers by earning paid sick days. “In this new reality, we must ensure that people are able to prioritize and protect the health of themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Majority Leader Fenberg, (D-Boulder). “Currently nearly half of Colorado workers are not able to earn a single sick day. To keep our communities safe, our businesses open and our economy on the road to recovery, we need to ensure that all workers can stay home when they are sick.” “We are focusing on how we can help Coloradans safely get back to work as we protect our most vulnerable and prioritize the health and safety of all,” said Speaker KC Becker, (D-Boulder) . “Too many of those on the frontlines of this pandemic, our health care workers, food service workers who are restocking grocery stores, and so many other essential workers, don’t have paid sick leave. If Coloradans return to work sick, then we will reverse the progress we’ve made and our economic crisis will worsen. Paid sick leave will lead to healthier communities, stronger businesses, and a safer road to recovery.” “In many ways the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we don’t have many of the necessary provisions in place to protect Coloradans,” said Sen. Bridges, (D-Greenwood Village). “When people are going to work sick it hurts all of us. That’s why we are sponsoring this legislation to ensure no Coloradan has to choose between their health and their income.” “As a pediatrician, I see and treat sick children all day long,” said Rep. Caraveo, (D-Thornton). “COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that can affect an entire family. When people have paid sick days, it means that they are more likely to go to the doctor and get the care they need to prevent further spread of the disease to the rest of their family and loved ones. If we’re faced with anything like this again, Coloradans need to have access to paid sick days for the health of us all.” Currently, 40% of Colorado’s workforce are not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days–– creating a “work while sick” culture in Colorado that increases the deadly transmission of viruses such as COVID-19. SB20-205 will allow those who are feeling ill to protect their coworkers, customers, and loved ones by staying home, without the fear of losing their income. Earned sick days are a paid, job-protected benefit to ensure people can stay home to care for themselves or a family member during a short-term illness. Under SB20-205 , employees will earn a sick day for every 26 hours worked. Most employees in Colorado will be able to earn a maximum of 80 hours of paid sick time per year, and businesses with 50 or fewer employees will be able to earn a maximum of 40 hours. Employers are not required to pay the balance of sick days to employees when they leave, and because days are earned by employees, there will be a gradual phase of this benefit. Studies show that employees working while sick costs the national economy approximately $160 billion per year—and that was before coronavirus. Studies also show that providing paid sick days allows businesses to benefit from higher employee productivity, healthier workplaces, and lower employee turnover. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. < Back May 4, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Improve Mental Health Access in Schools, Support our Students DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. “Colorado students are battling a mental health crisis – and we’re committed to getting them the professional support they need,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our educators go above and beyond to support our students, but they can’t do it alone; Colorado schools need more mental health professionals. This law expands schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so our students can access mental health services in school. The bravery of our students never ceases to amaze me, and I’m proud we can streamline the school mental health services they need.” “Without mental health professionals, our overworked educators are stepping up to provide mental health support to our youth,” said Rep. Mary Young, a school psychologist, D-Greeley. “Our law cuts red tape and makes it possible for schools to hire more licensed mental health professionals in schools now. Many Colorado students are combating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues while struggling to find the support they need in schools. This important legislation helps our schools hire more mental health professionals and prioritize the needs of students.” SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license to practice therapeutic services and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This law streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO ASSIST EMS WORKERS WITH STRESS Not every EMS paramedic has access to physical, emotional, or psychological assistance (Mar. 20) – The House Public Health Care and Human Services committee approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to create a statewide, self-financed program of peer-to-peer and professional assistance to help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics deal with the stresses of their job. “Being an EMS paramedic is one of the most stressful jobs out there,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This program will connect EMS paramedics with the services they need to deal with the many stresses of their jobs, and ensure that they are in the best shape physically and mentally to help save lives.” SB19-065 creates a fund that will pay for a peer health assistance program that will evaluate, assist, and counsel EMS paramedics that are dealing with the stresses of their job. Whenever an EMS worker becomes certified or renews their certification, a small fee of $2.55 will be charged to create the program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. Sometimes the toll and exposure to traumatic events in this position can frequently lead to depression, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. If passed, this program can help EMS paramedics deal with many of these issues. SB19-065 passed unanimously and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next