This marks the first time the Pueblo flag has flown at the State Capitol < Back March 22, 2024 Governor Polis, Legislators Celebrate Inaugural Pueblo Flag Day, Fly Pueblo Flag at the State Capitol DENVER - Today Governor Polis and Pueblo area legislators joined together to fly the Pueblo flag at the Colorado State Capitol to celebrate the inaugural Pueblo Flag Day and recognize Pueblo’s significant impact on Colorado’s culture and economy. “Home to Colorado’s world-famous state fair, the superior Pueblo Chile, and an important part of Colorado's history and future, we recognize Pueblo’s many important contributions to our state. Today, as the Pueblo flag flies over the State Capitol for the first time we are celebrating all things Pueblo,” said Governor Jared Polis. This is the first time the Pueblo flag has flown at the Colorado State Capitol. Since 1872 Pueblo has been home to the Colorado State Fair , hosting a range of community activities unique to Colorado, featuring the famous Pueblo Chile, and events celebrating Pueblo’s agricultural history. “I’m proud to represent Pueblo as the Puelo flag flies over the Capitol for the first time,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “From our strong workforce to diverse communities to the iconic Pueblo chile, our city is filled with rich culture and history. Today, we honor and highlight the immense contributions of Pueblo.” To celebrate Pueblo Flag Day, the City of Pueblo is also raising the flag. This day was initiated by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Leadership Pueblo Class of 2023, and is meant to encourage people and businesses to show their Pueblo and Colorado pride by flying the flag. "It's a great day to celebrate our city at the Colorado State Capitol, " said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. "From the Colorado State Fair to the world-famous Pueblo Chile, our city's rich history serves as a reminder of all things Colorado. Today is the day to celebrate the statewide contributions of our great city and to highlight all the extraordinary things to come from Pueblo." "We're celebrating Pueblo at the State Capitol today with the city flag flying high," said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "Pueblo, known for its rich history, cultural influence and agricultural roots, plays an important role in our state's growing economy. The Pueblo city flag serves as a reminder of the Home of Heroes and all unique things this city contributes to Colorado." Previous Next

< Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: New Laws to Protect Workers from Harassment and Discrimination, Improve Equity in Colorado’s Justice System Go Into Effect New laws include updates to the POWR Act, alternative sentencing options for pregnant people and admissibility standards for youth interrogations DENVER, CO – Three new laws aimed at improving equity in workplaces and Colorado’s justice system take effect on August 7. “SB23-172 provides long overdue modifications to Colorado’s law that will improve accountability measures, create safer workspaces and allow workers to fight back against harassment and discrimination,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-172, HB23-1187, and HB23-1042 . “Another new law I championed allows alternative sentencing options for pregnant people so they can focus on their health, the health of their child, and keeping their families united. Lastly, we know children and teens are very susceptible to deceptive law enforcement tactics. In order to keep our kids from having permanent records for crimes they didn’t commit, we passed legislation to make juvenile statements inadmissible in court if law enforcement uses untruthful practices during interrogation. Together, these laws work to create a more just society we can all benefit from.” “Every year, I work with my community to identify ways we can build a more just and equitable Colorado, and I fight hard to see those ideas become laws,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-172, HB23-1187, and HB23-1042. “There is more hard work ahead to ensure every single Coloradan is treated with dignity and respect, but today’s new laws bring us closer to our goal of a Colorado for all. This year, we can be proud of our efforts to protect Colorado workers from discrimination and harassment of all types, our policy to ensure pregnant Coloradans navigating the justice system are able to care for their newborn while remaining part of their community, and our new law to reduce false confessions from kids and ensure law enforcement is keeping our communities safe by finding the correct perpetrator of crimes.” “Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws needed to be revised to protect our workers, and this law does that and more to foster more equitable workspaces,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-172 . "No one should have to suffer workplace harassment because it doesn't align with a nearly 40-year old legal standard. The POWR Act modernizes the definition of workplace harassment and discrimination, so we can hold wrongdoers accountable thus creating safer and more productive workplaces in the process. If you’re earning a living, you should be able to do so in a space that’s free from harassment or discrimination, and this legislation puts policies that protect workers first.” “No Coloradan should face harassment or discrimination at the workplace, yet our state still lacks adequate policies to protect our workers and hold bad actors accountable,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB23-172. “This new law takes an important step forward in deterring bad behavior and better supporting survivors. By improving accountability measures and enhancing equity in the workplace, we will ensure that every Colorado worker can feel safe and secure on the job.” Beginning on August 7, the Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act ( SB23-172 ) will update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The law also deters future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class. The “severe or pervasive” standard was established by the U.S. Supreme Court more than three decades ago and assumes that some harassment is tolerable as long as it is not “severe” and does not happen frequently. It allows employers to tolerate a level of groping, touching, crude sexual or racist comments, and other offensive behavior that creates a toxic work environment and leaves employees as targets for offensive behavior. Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive” hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and allows survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice. The POWR Act also removes language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act that permitted employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job." Additionally, it establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program and taking prompt action in response to a complaint. “The stress of navigating the criminal justice system on top of a pregnancy can be overwhelming to future parents,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1187 . “This law establishes dignity and respect for pregnant people, allowing alternative sentencing opportunities that keep families united and have the potential to reduce recidivism.” “As a mother I know firsthand how difficult it is to give birth - and adding the trauma of being separated from your newborn makes things even harder,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1187. “Keeping new families together will benefit both infants and parents while reducing the chances of future involvement in the justice system.” Beginning August 7, HB23-1187 allows courts to consider alternative sentencing options for anyone who is pregnant or in the postpartum period. Alternative sentencing options would include bail, diversion, deferred judgment, deferred sentence, and stay of execution. If a defendant is arrested or in custody at a county jail or correctional facility, the defendant may request a pregnancy test following admission to the county jail or correctional facility. Law enforcement would be required to provide the defendant with the pregnancy test within 24 hours after the request, and the request and results would be kept confidential. “As a criminal defense attorney, I see families on their worst days and know innocent kids' extreme distress when they’re accused of committing a crime,” said Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Brighton, sponsor of HB23-1042. “Our law requires juvenile interrogations to be recorded, which means judges can determine if untruthful practices were used in a juvenile’s confession. Weeding out false confessions shifts the focus from innocent people that can help track down the perpetrator and keep our communities safer.” HB23-1042 makes a juvenile’s statement inadmissible in court if a law enforcement official knowingly uses untruthful practices during a custodial interrogation, unless the prosecution can prove that the statement was made voluntarily despite the untruth. It requires an interrogation to be recorded and would allow a judge to use the recording to determine if the statement or admission is voluntary and admissible. While the law officially begins August 7, law enforcement departments have until February 2024 to complete officer training. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to improve the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. SB23-054 passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3 and would streamline case information and communication between families and the office. < Back May 6, 2023 House Passes Bill to Improve the Office of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. SB23-054 passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3 and would streamline case information and communication between families and the office. “Colorado’s made great progress in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, but more must be done to ensure families get the communication they need,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The data is heartbreaking: Indigenous people are far more likely to be the victims of violent crimes and families are often left waiting for answers. Our bill improves Colorado’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives by making sure families have a designated contact to follow up on their loved one’s case. We’re taking steps to improve our state’s coordination and response to make sure missing or murdered indigenous people and their families get the justice they deserve.” “Colorado’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives is a step in the right direction, and we’re making improvements to the office so more families can get answers and seek justice,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The number of missing and murdered indigenous relatives, especially women, has reached a crisis point nationwide. Colorado is no exception to this crisis, and we’re working to streamline our response and better support family members through the judicial process. It’s way past time we resist the normalization of violence against Indigenous people, and we must respond in ways that protect the Indigenous community.” SB23-054 will improve coordination, response, communication and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases. Last year, SB22-150 created the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. This legislation refines the MMIR liaison’s role by strengthening their advisory board and requiring an annual report to be shared with legislative committees to improve accountability and follow up for challenges the Indigenous community is facing. SB23-054 brings training to victim advocates who work with indigenous persons. More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population and murder is the 3rd cause of death for Native women . This bill aims to improve the MMIR liaison and communicate better with families of the missing indigenous persons. Previous Next

Representative Mary Young today moderated a roundtable discussion at Greeley Central High School with Greeley-Evans School District 6 leaders on recent legislative efforts to increase public school funding and drive more resources to Greeley schools.  < Back August 7, 2024 Rep. Young, Greeley-Evans School District 6 Leaders Host Roundtable Discussion on New Education Funding GREELEY, CO – Representative Mary Young today moderated a roundtable discussion at Greeley Central High School with Greeley-Evans School District 6 leaders on recent legislative efforts to increase public school funding and drive more resources to Greeley schools. Panelists discussed the positive local impact of HB24-1448 , the new public school finance formula, which will increase funding for rural and underfunded districts and SB24-188 , the 2024 School Finance Act, which boosts funding for schools by eliminating the budget stabilization factor (BSF). “Increasing funding for public schools has been one of my top priorities, and I’m so proud that Greeley schools will soon see significantly more state resources because of recent legislation I supported,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This roundtable discussion allowed us to dive deeper into our recent efforts to modernize Colorado’s school finance formula to better support our students. I’m extremely proud of our law to pay off the budget stabilization factor and invest more than ever in public education because our students and teachers deserve it.” “I’d like to thank Rep. Young for bringing us all together to discuss some of the positive legislative efforts to uplift and invest in our state’s public schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch . “The new school finance formula will directly impact our students with the greatest needs and direct more funding to Greeley-Evans School District 6 to help make up for the shortfalls we have seen in past years due to the Budget Stabilization Factor. We know modernizing the school finance formula didn’t happen overnight and this is a great first step. This formula will better support our students, teachers, and families.” “When it comes to education funding, HB24-1448 took a students-first approach, which meets our students where they are in Greeley 6,” said Chief Financial Officer Meggan Sponsler . “This roundtable discussion offered some insight into the new funding plan, which benefits districts like ours by allowing us to direct resources to our most impacted students and provide additional learning opportunities for all. I’m proud of our lawmakers’ efforts to not only invest in public education, but to ensure those investments prioritized students first.” “Education funding should be top of mind for our elected officials and this year’s impressive legislative efforts directly and positively impact Greeley-Evans School District 6,” said School Board President Michael Matthews . “The new funding formula will allow our district to enhance wrap-around services to students and their families, provide more learning opportunities for our students and support the social and emotional needs of the students we serve.” Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Greeley-Evans School District 6 will receive nearly $3.2 million more per year or $19.1 million more once the new formula is fully implemented after six years. Additionally, this district will receive a 1.2 percent increase in per pupil funding, bringing the average to $11,894 per pupil and a 72.1 percent increase in English Language Learner, at-risk, and special education funding. Representative Young has championed additional education legislation in 2024 including laws to create a new medical school in Northern Colorado, remove barriers for school psychologists to work in Colorado schools, ensure students with disabilities receive a full day of instruction, and combat the overdose epidemic in Colorado schools. Previous Next

< Back February 17, 2022 WILDFIRE MITIGATION MEASURES ADVANCE, WILL SAVE COLORADANS MONEY DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed three bills that will save Coloradans money on wildfire mitigation efforts and help prevent wildfires. The bills passed today continue to build on the legislature’s work from prior sessions to invest additional resources in wildfire mitigation and recovery. Last session , the legislature dedicated over $100 million to prevent and mitigate the destructive impact of wildfires in our state and help our natural environment recover from previous fires. “As wildfires become more frequent, we’re working in a bipartisan way to help homeowners save money on mitigation measures to protect their property and prevent wildfires,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “These bills will help our communities move forward after wildfires and fund local efforts to remove debris and restore damaged lands after a fire.” Saving Homeowners Money on Wildfire Mitigation: HB22-1007 , sponsored by Representatives Donald Valdez and Mike Lunch, passed unanimously and would save people money on wildfire mitigation measures. The bill extends an existing income tax deduction and creates a state income tax credit to reimburse landowners for the costs incurred in performing wildfire mitigation measures on their property. A landowner with a federal taxable income at or below $120,000 is allowed a state income tax credit equal to 25% of mitigation costs, up to $625 per year. It also creates a grant program to fund local outreach efforts to communicate best practices in wildfire mitigation and prevention to landowners. “Colorado is seeing more frequent and intense wildfires as a result of our changing climate; with these bills, Coloradans will save money on their mitigation efforts and help prevent wildfires,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery is going to be a big focus of our work this session, and I’m excited to see the hard work begin to support homeowners and local governments to help us meet the challenges ahead.” Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery: HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez, passed by a vote of 11-1. The bill expands the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program to support efforts by counties to promote the recovery of forested lands from wildfires by removing deadwood and other potential fuels as well as debris from wildfires. “I’m proud of the bipartisan legislation we’re working on this session to save people money on wildfire mitigation and prevention and support local governments,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “Wildfire isn’t a Republican or a Democratic idea. That’s why we’re working together to support our communities and continue the progress we’ve made to reduce the threat communities face from wildfires.” Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 9-3 and would leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the bill makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. Previous Next

On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to improve concealed carry permit training to encourage responsible gun ownership, reduce gun violence and keep Coloradans safe. < Back June 25, 2025 Law to Improve Concealed Carry Training Takes Effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to improve concealed carry permit training to encourage responsible gun ownership, reduce gun violence and keep Coloradans safe. “The data is clear - live-fire gun training can save lives,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "States that have eliminated their live-fire training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit saw a 32 percent increase in gun assaults. With this lifesaving law going into effect, we’re ensuring that Coloradans with concealed carry permits are properly trained and educated on current laws, like Colorado's safe storage requirements, before they bring their firearm into their communities.” “Responsible gun ownership takes work,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Creating minimum training requirements for safe handling of firearms, shooting fundamentals and more ensures we’re treating concealed carry permits with the seriousness they deserve. I’m proud to see this law go into effect to advance gun safety and help prevent gun violence.” “When I received my concealed carry permit years ago, I was surprised to learn that Colorado law did not require live-fire training, a necessary skill to have before carrying a gun in public spaces," said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This law creates a minimum requirement for concealed carry permit holders, including in-person live-fire training with a certified firearms instructor, to ensure that concealed carry permits are issued with appropriate training. Many dedicated and qualified firearm instructors already exceed these minimum requirements, and this law will close that gap to ensure that everyone with a concealed carry permit has the proper training and qualifications.” HB24-1174 , sponsored by House Majority Leader Duran and Senators Snyder and Mullica, aims to reduce gun violence by improving concealed carry permit training requirements. On August 7, 2024, portions of the law went into effect to set guidelines for handgun training, instructor qualifications and judicial review for the denial, suspension or revocation of instructor verification. This includes requiring handgun training classes to contain at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam with a minimum passing score. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim to be a verified firearms safety instructor unless they have been verified by a county sheriff. Under the law, handgun training classes must be held in-person and include training on the safe handling of firearms and ammunition, safe storage of firearms and child safety, safe firearms shooting fundamentals, federal and state firearm laws, state laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense, interacting with law enforcement who are responding to emergencies, and techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force. Beginning July 1, 2025, portions of HB24-1174 go into effect that prohibit a person from being issued a permit if they have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submitting a concealed carry permit application. Updates to the concealed carry permit renewal process also go into effect to ensure that current permit holders also meet the new training requirements under Colorado law. HB24-1174 protects law enforcement officers and agencies, medical staff and firearm instructors from liability for damages related to the issuance or denial of a permit. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 GOV. SIGNS MCLACHLAN-ROBERTS BILL TO PROTECT CLEAN WATER (Apr. 5) – This week, Gov. Jared Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan and Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to help prevent water pollution from future hardrock mining operations in Colorado. “This is good for our environment, and keeps a thriving mining industry moving forward,” said Rep. McLachlan, whose district was impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill. “We can’t go back in time but we can ensure we have a brighter, safer future and one that protects our precious water.” “Mining is a part of our history and always has been. For a long time, it has shaped our economy, our water rights system, and our communities,” said Rep. Roberts. “However, water is our state’s most precious resource and must be protected. This new law will modernize our hard-rock mining laws to protect clean water and ensure that taxpayers are never left on the hook for a private company’s spills.” Mining operations have polluted more than 1,600 miles of Colorado rivers and streams, and our state is one of just seven that allow “self-bonding,” which allows mines to operate with insufficient recoverable assets, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to potential cleanup costs. HB19-1113 will ensure that when new mining permits are issued, sufficient and secure bonds are in place to ensure cleanup and better protect public health and the environment. The new law will end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and will explicitly include water quality protection in the calculation for the amount of bonding required. It will also require mining license applicants to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation, so that they can no longer just to do water treatment into perpetuity. Numerous small business owners, rafting outfitters, farmers, local elected officials and others from across western and southern Colorado testified at a House hearing in support of the bill and it passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 COLORADO BILL TO PROTECT NET NEUTRALITY TO BE SIGNED TODAY Hansen-Herod bill protects taxpayer dollars (May 17) – Gov. Jared Polis will sign a bill today to protect net neutrality and safeguard taxpayer dollars in Colorado. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Chris Hansen and Rep. Leslie Herod. “This new law will protect taxpayer dollars from being used to support throttled or blocked internet service. It will serve as an important tool to ensure the internet remains open for small businesses, innovators and consumers,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “With Republicans in Congress rolling back net neutrality protections, it’s on states like Colorado stand up and fight back.” “The internet is an indispensable part of our lives and it’s time that we step up to protect it,” Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, said when the bill passed the House in April. “I thank my colleagues for their support and we will continue working to ensure the internet remains open and accessible for all.” The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail and Rep. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. SB19-078 would ensure that: companies that receive assistance to expand rural broadband provide net-neutral service; state contracting gives preference to internet service providers that deliver net neutrality; and consumers know how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to allege that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) has interfered with the open internet. Not a single House or Senate Republican voted to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect net neutrality. The Trump administration recently rolled back Obama-era rules ensuring a free and open internet. Washington, Montana and Oregon have passed legislation or taken other steps to protect net neutrality. ### Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and strengthen Colorado’s biodiversity. < Back May 2, 2024 Bill to Reintroduce Wolverines in Colorado Advances House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and strengthen Colorado’s biodiversity. “Aiding in the restoration of wolverines in Colorado is a win-win for our state’s biodiversity and this threatened species,” said Rep. Barbara Mclachlan, D-Durango. “This reintroduction is backed by biologists alongside a broad coalition of stakeholders and has been deliberated upon for years to effectively and safely bring wolverines back to Colorado. Our beautiful state provides the ideal mountainous habitat for wolverines, who live in solidarity and are built to withstand our cold, snowy winters.” “Wolverines were a part of our state’s natural ecosystem for generations, this bill would responsibly and thoughtfully reintroduce them into the mountainous landscapes in Colorado they once called home,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Adapted for scavenging and surviving cold, alpine temperatures, wolverines would strengthen our state’s biodiversity. This reintroduction effort is years in the making with CPW leaders, including my Dad, John Singletary, working to ensure the wolverine reintroduction would be science-based and what’s best for our state’s ecosystem.” SB24-171 would authorize the reintroduction of wolverines in Colorado. Wolverines are the largest terrestrial species of weasel in the world and live solitary lives in high alpine, mountainous regions. Colorado’s geography offers some of the best remaining habitat for wolverines in the United States. Wolverines were listed as “threatened” in 2023 under the Endangered Species Act. The bill would also require CPW to create rules around reintroduction and to create a robust public communications plan. Reintroduction would be contingent on the federal government designating wolverines as a “nonessential experimental population” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Previous Next

< Back January 30, 2020 REP. TIPPER & COLEMAN’S BILL TO END PRISON GERRYMANDERING ADVANCES Bill would ensure the Census Bureau counts people in prison as residents of their home address DENVER, CO — Reps. James Coleman and Kerry Tipper’s bill, the Colorado Accurate Residence for Redistricting Act, today was approved by the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee. The bill would count people in prison as residents of their home addresses for purposes of state redistricting, ending the practice of counting those individuals as residents of the localities where the corrections facilities are.. “More accurate district maps and a fairer count of Coloradans means a stronger democracy,” said Rep Tipper (D-Lakewood). “This bill will make a difference not only for the 18,000 or so incarcerated individuals in Colorado, but for everyone who wants to make sure their districts have the most accurate representation possible. I’m pleased to see it move forward in committee today.” “This bill is about fairness, plain and simple,” said Rep. Coleman (D-Denver). “We want to ensure that Colorado has accurate and fair representation in the next decade and beyond, and that means counting incarcerated individuals in their home communities.” HB20-1010 would, for purposes of census redistricting counts, reassign prisoners in correctional facilities to their last known residence in Colorado prior to incarceration. Only in the instance that a prisoner does not have a Colorado address do they get counted in the locality where the prison is located. Prisoners are currently assigned to voting districts based on where they are incarcerated instead of where they live their lives, even though they cannot vote. Per the Colorado Constitution—which declares that a prison cell is not a residence—people in prison are legal constituents of their home address representatives and not the correctional facility they have been placed in. Additionally, the average length of stay in Colorado prisons is three years , while redistricting guidelines last an entire decade. Other states including Maryland, New York, Washington, Delaware and California have passed legislation to address prison gerrymandering. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively that will improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively that will improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. “All workers deserve to know how much they get paid and what their job entails, but currently rideshare and delivery gig workers aren’t given that information,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rogriguez, D-Denver. “Our new law gives basic rights to TNC drivers and provides much-needed transparency for customers.” “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this law will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Many gig workers rely on this industry as their main source of income, and providing better transparency in their workplace gives them more freedom and better support. This law improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency and collecting data that will give us a better picture of the gig working industry to make future improvements for workers.” “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to craft this legislation, which increases transparency for drivers and the public as it relates to TNCs,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, said. “SB 75 will provide essential details, like pay, destination, and direction, that all app-based drivers deserve.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This new law aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare fee is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 addresses a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and the amount the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The law aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings while providing customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, it protects drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants and streamline the process of receiving a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. < Back June 5, 2024 Gov Signs Bills to Support New Immigrants, Streamline Their Driver’s License Process DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants and streamline the process of receiving a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. “Diversity makes our Colorado communities stronger and we must set up new immigrants for success so they can create a better and safer life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB24-1280 and SB24-182. “By strengthening Colorado’s existing community-based resources and streamlining the eligibility process to receive a driver’s license, new immigrants will have a better chance of building a thriving life, just like the generations of immigrants before them did.” “Colorado’s immigrant communities make our state stronger,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1280 “With the recent increase of new immigrants to our state, community organizations and local governments are struggling to keep up with the high demand for services. Increasing access to resources like employment and housing services will help new immigrants build successful lives in Colorado.” “Colorado has seen a significant increase in new immigrants, and counties and organizations across the state are struggling to keep up with the demand for necessary services and resources,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1280. “Resources like referrals to housing, employment assistance, and school enrollment support have a significant impact on new residents achieving stability here. Our law aims to better support the good work that community organizations are already doing to aid new immigrants as they transition to life in Colorado.” “Colorado has seen a recent influx of new immigrants, and they often arrive with very little and no knowledge or connections to help them integrate,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1280. “This critical bill will better resource existing community-based organizations so they can support new immigrants and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in Colorado.” HB24-1280 creates the Statewide Welcome, Reception, and Integration Grant Program to grant funds to community-based organizations that provide services to new immigrants within their first year in the United States. Grant money can be used for: Conducting an intake and assessment of needs, Providing cultural orientation and case management, Services or referrals to employment services, immigration legal assistance, housing-related services, transportation services, financial orientation, mental and physical health services, interpretation and translation services, and English as a second language courses, Distributing emergency and transitional supplies, and Assisting new immigrant parents to enroll their kids in public schools or summer programs. “For over a decade, I have worked to ensure immigrants have access to driver’s licenses,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-182. “I’m proud of our progress this year to remove barriers to these driver’s licenses – because it shouldn’t matter where you’re born, what matters is whether you know the rules of the road. Facilitating immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses will make us all safer – and I am proud to have worked with law enforcement and immigrant rights organizations to pass this bill into law.” “For undocumented people, the average wait time to get a driver's license is 12-30 months, yet they still need to drive to work or drive their kids to school,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This new law allows us to address the needs of newcomers that have been present for decades but have grown more pronounced with the recent arrival of migrants across the state. I’m thankful to have been a part of removing oppressive barriers for our community through this legislation.” “Right now, undocumented folks must wait years to become eligible for a driver’s license. On top of that, it’s often difficult to obtain the particular kinds of identifying information needed to receive a license,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB24-182. “With this new law, we’re removing unnecessary barriers for folks that are on our roads anyway, which increases the number of licensed drivers with car insurance – ultimately lowering insurance costs for all Colroadans. The most important thing we can do is make sure everyone on our roads knows the rules of roads, has access to the insurance coverage they need, and is able to obtain state identification – and this law does just that.” SB24-182 amends the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act to make it easier for new immigrants to obtain a driver's license or state identification card for residents who do not have legal resident status in the United States. This law changes the requirements to receive a driver's license or state identification card by: Removing a requirement to file a Colorado resident income tax return for the prior year, Removing a requirement to demonstrate residence in the state for the previous two years, Removing a requirement to provide a documented social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and Creating a process by which people without the required documentation can prove they are eligible by alternative means of documentation. Previous Next