The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to create a Chicana/o license plate. HB24-1105 passed by a vote of 9-2. < Back February 29, 2024 Legislation to Create the Chicana/o License Plate Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to create a Chicana/o license plate. HB24-1105 passed by a vote of 9-2. “The Chicano/a community has a rich history in Colorado and we have made significant contributions to the social, political, and cultural landscape in our state,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “Coloradans who support this license plate will donate to local non-profits that provide essential services and resources to the Chicana/o community, from youth violence prevention programs to higher education support. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that can celebrate and honor our people.” Beginning on January 1, 2025, HB24-1105 would add the Chicana/o special license plate as an option when obtaining a Colorado license plate. Before an applicant can receive this license plate, they would be required to provide a certification that proves that they donated to a non-profit organization that: Provides Chicana/o youth leadership training, Promotes and facilitates access to higher education for Chicana/o students, Provides Chicana/o youth violence prevention programs, Works to increase the social, political, and economic well-being of the Chicana/o community, or Provides ethnic studies educational programs, including those related to Chicana/o history, institutional racism, and immigration. Artists across Colorado have submitted designs to be used for the license plate art. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO ENSURE COLORADO LEADS ON CLIMATE ACTION Becker-Galindo also introduce companion bill to ensure just transition for workers (Apr. 5) – Today, the House Energy and Environment committee passed Speaker of the House KC Becker and Rep. Dominique Jackson’s legislation to take meaningful action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. Speaker Becker also introduced a companion bill to support Colorado workers affected by the energy transition. “Colorado can act on climate, create clean energy jobs, cut carbon pollution and grow our economy at the same time,” said Speaker Becker of HB19-1261. “We can’t afford to wait. Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries. I thank everyone who came to testify on this bill and all of the stakeholder input throughout this process.” “When I look outside the capitol and in my community, I frequently see the smog, the hazy, bad air quality affecting our public health and the air we breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora, said during the hearing. “As the effects of climate change increase, the harms to communities of color will continue to worsen. Sadly, we are not seeing any movement on the federal level so we have no time to waste.” Rep. Jackson is Chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. Speaker Becker and Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, also introduced HB 19-1314 today, a companion bill to create the Just Transition Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood of coal transition workers, their families and their communities, and to help provide these workers access to training and job opportunities. “The time to take action on climate is now, but we cannot work towards a clean energy economy without also working on solutions to support workers who are affected by this transition,” Speaker Becker, D-Boulder, said of the companion bill. “Workers and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by shifting economic tides and advancements in technology need support. We can support these communities in this transition, and today I introduced HB19-1314 to address this issue.” Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. At today’s hearing on HB19-1261, proponent after proponent testified in support of taking action to address climate change, reducing carbon pollution and creating clean energy jobs. House Republicans remain in denial about the economic and moral impacts of climate change. HB19-1261 passed through the committee with a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. HB 19-1314 , a bill to ensure a just transition for Colorado workers, was assigned to the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 BILL TO PROTECT RURAL AND SMALL COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AND LOWER DRUG COSTS ADVANCES DENVER, CO — Reps. Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kyle Mullica’s bill, Concerning Prescription Drug Claims Submitted by a Pharmacy, today was approved by House of Representatives on second reading. The bipartisan bill seeks to lower prescription drug costs and support rural and small community pharmacies by establishing requirements for the rates paid by pharmacy benefit management (PBM) firms to pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know this bill is critical for saving rural and smaller community pharmacies that are being hit with exorbitant fees,” said Rep Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). “We will save these vital health care centers from closing and reduce the cost of prescription drugs for pharmacies and patients with this bill. As a former pharmacist, I understand this system well and I know we need to bring as much transparency to it as possible. ” “As an ER nurse, I know first hand how crucial it is to get a patient the best possible medication when they need it,” said Rep. Mullica (D-Northglenn). “But even the best prescription drug is completely ineffective when it’s not affordable or not accessible in your community. This bill would save people money on prescription drugs and help keep pharmacies in smaller communities in business. I’m very pleased to see it move forward today.” HB20-1078 specifies the amount that a PBM is required to reimburse a pharmacy for ‘clean claims’ and reasonable dispensing fees. Specifically, the bill would prohibit pharmaceutical middle management companies, known as PBMs, from collecting retroactive fees, which increase the cost of prescription drugs to pharmacies and patients in Colorado. Retroactive billing hits pharmacies in rural communities the hardest because they have less financial capacity to absorb retroactive losses on prescriptions that are needed by rural Coloradans.The bill was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee unanimously before being referred to the Committee of the Whole. Previous Next

< Back July 7, 2020 BILLS TO BOOST TRADE WORK, SUPPORT CHARITABLE GIVING, AND IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY SIGNED INTO LAW These new laws will improve the plumber and electrician apprenticeship licensure system, extend the period of time during which charitable giving options appear on individual tax forms, and create a working group to make Colorado’s schools safer, among others. DENVER, CO– During a virtual bill signing today, Governor Jared Polis signed several bills into law, including bills that will support Coloradans by improving the apprenticeship system for trade work, extending the option to support charitable organizations through tax filings and create a commission focused on school safety. SB20-120 , sponsored by Representative Tom Sullivan, will make it easier to complete plumbing and electrician apprenticeships and fill good-paying skilled electrician and plumbing journeyman jobs. Currently, many plumbing and electrician apprentices are prevented from getting their journeyman’s licenses when their practical hours aren’t counted or when they are not allowed to test out of apprenticeships even though they already have the experience necessary. This new law will change that by requiring board-registered apprentices who have met certain requirements to test for their journeyman license every 2 or 3 years, depending on the profession, until the apprentice passes. The law requires accommodations for persons with learning disabilities to provide them the necessary support to pass the exams “This new law will allow qualified trade workers to fill better-paying journeyman positions and free up more apprenticeship slots for Coloradans hoping to take on these crucial and promising jobs,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial . “With COVID-19 sending unemployment numbers through the roof, it’s more important than ever to support workers and create good job opportunities for hardworking Coloradans.” Governor Polis also signed SB20-208 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Monica Duran, to extend the time that specific voluntary contribution programs appear on state income tax returns. These contribution programs, which were set to expire this year, include options to give to the American Red Cross of Colorado, the Western Slope Military Veterans’ Cemetary, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, the Colorado Domestic Abuse Program Fund, and the Pet Overpopulation Fund. “Even in difficult times, Coloradans are caring and charitable,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “This simple law will make sure that taxpayers who wish to do so can easily contribute to organizations like the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, whose crucial work is more important than ever.” “Every year, countless Coloradans make much-needed donations by simply checking a box on their individual tax returns,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “The law signed by Governor Polis today will guarantee that these gifts can continue to be made with ease for years to come. I’m particularly heartened to know that Coloradans will continue to have the option to donate to the state’s domestic abuse and pet overpopulation funds, whose missions are near and dear to my heart.” Finally, Governor Polis signed SB20-023 , Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill to create a specialized, interagency working group focused on school safety. The working group, which will be comprised of 14 members and be required to meet at least four times annually, is required to study and implement recommendations of the 2019 Office of the State Auditor’s report regarding school safety. This bill was the product of the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. “Colorado is a national leader in school safety, but there’s plenty of work left to do to ensure our children are safe and healthy in school,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “The working group created by this law is the product of the hard work of my fellow committee members on both sides of the aisle and people all across the state who are working to make our schools safer. I am hopeful that we will be able to deliver results to keep Colorado’s students safe.” Governor Polis also signed SB20-085 , Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s bill to update the requirements for sex offenders being released on parole to be placed in community corrections programs. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase access to health care by allowing physician assistants to enter collaborative agreements with a physician licensed to provide care without supervision. < Back March 27, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Health Care DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase access to health care by allowing physician assistants to enter collaborative agreements with a physician licensed to provide care without supervision. SB23-083 passed by a vote of 60-2. “Coloradans across our state are struggling to access quality health care in their community,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our legislation allows collaborative agreements between physicians and physician assistants to create a stronger health care team, increase access to care and reduce costs for patients. We’re working to increase access to health care, especially for Coloradans living in underserved or rural communities.” SB23-083 , also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, increases access to health care by removing the requirement for physician assistants to be supervised by a physician. This bill allows physician assistants to continue to practice under a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician or a physician group that is in good standing. The collaborative agreement has to include a description of the collaboration, performance evaluation process, and other additional requirements in order to ensure whole health care. If the physician assistant has less than 5,000 practice hours, the agreement must include additional provisions like completing additional practice hours, defining expectations under the collaboration, and requiring a performance evaluation. Physician assistants who have been practicing for under three years must meet certain financial responsibility requirements that they are currently exempt from under the law. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2019 HOUSE GIVES GREENLIGHT TO THE VALDEZ’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE BILL (Mar. 8) – The House gave final approval today to Rep. Alex Valdez and Rep. Donald Valdez’s bill to modify existing statute governing the existing electric vehicle grant fund. “We must act on climate and do our part to cut carbon pollution emissions by encouraging more Coloradans to purchase electric vehicles and help to increase the travel range of EV’s,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “These upgrades will help our rural communities because when drivers stop in to charge their vehicles, they are going to shop and dine in our rural towns and open their wallets, and contribute to the local economy.” HB19-1198 allows the fund to be used to fully fund the installation of more charging stations for electric vehicles and help offset operation costs. “Rural Colorado needs more EV charging stations. Our bill will help protect our way of life and expand the accessibility of electric vehicles and their benefits to all Colorado communities,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. HB19-1198 passed the House floor with a vote of 39-23 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $65 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments < Back May 11, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Save People Money and Expand Clean Energy HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $65 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments AURORA, CO – Today, legislation to implement tax incentives to reduce the costs of adopting clean energy technologies for Colorado residents and businesses was signed by Governor Jared Polis. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenber, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, is part of a package of legislation to incentivize the adoption of clean energy technologies and build upon federal initiatives to save Coloradans money, create good-paying jobs, and help the state meet its climate goals. The bill includes incentives to advance and adopt clean transportation methods, high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Tax incentives in the bill are expected to average around $65 million each year with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” said Fenberg. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “This legislation is pivotal in helping Colorado reach its climate goals while significantly lowering energy costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “From electric vehicles to heat pumps, this law creates clean energy tax incentives to improve our air quality and save Coloradans money. Colorado Democrats are committed to investing in innovative, clean energy solutions across the board to help power our economy and heat and cool our homes.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation signed into law.” “Under this law, more Coloradans can take advantage of clean energy technology in their homes, vehicles and businesses,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder . “A wide range of tax credits will soon be available to businesses and every day Coloradans that will save them money on energy efficient upgrades and streamline our transition to a clean energy economy in Colorado. With smart investments and strong clean technology adoption, we can move Colorado forward, reduce costs for consumers and protect our environment.” HB23-1272 : Extends and expands electric vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for electric vehicles under $35,000. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the truck’s weight starting in 2024. Creates a $450 consumer credit for qualified e-bike purchases while supporting local retailers. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Extends incentives for industrial and manufacturing facilities in Colorado to reduce air pollution through various qualifying efficiency, onsite energy generation, carbon capture, electrification, and other eligible measures. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-3 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. The law compliments and builds on incentives included in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and helps Colorado residents and businesses maximize their ability to utilize federal investments. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent child labor violations. < Back March 17, 2023 House Advances Bill to Prevent Child Labor Violations DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent child labor violations. “Currently, underage employees are only able to pursue legal action for workers compensation violations, meaning that victims of child labor violations like dangerous working conditions and illegal working hours can’t seek accountability in court,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Teens across the state find part-time work for many reasons, such as gaining work experience or saving for college expenses. This bill expands legal options for underage workers to hold their workplace accountable for child labor violations and unsafe working conditions that no child should be subjected to.” Current Colorado law only allows a child worker to pursue legal action against a company for workers’ compensation. HB23-1196 amends language in the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 to expand the legal action that a child, or a parent of a child, can take to hold a company accountable for breaking child labor laws. The bill is in response to many recent child labor law violations, including a food sanitation corporation with Colorado facilities that was fined $1.5 million in penalties. Teens have twice the risk of nonfatal on-the-job injuries than older workers, making it especially necessary for this legal expansion for underage workers. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2022 BILL TO ENHANCE COLORADO'S AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Livestock & Water Committee today passed legislation to better inform agricultural workers and employers of their rights to improved working conditions and other educational resources. HB22-1308 would create a multilingual online portal for workers to access critical labor resources and provide grants to employers for workplace improvements. “We’re taking the necessary steps to build a safer, healthier Colorado through improving agricultural workplaces and resources for employees,” said Rep. Karen McCormick (D-Longmont). “This bill is designed to build a stronger workplace relationship between employers and employees by centralizing critical workplace information, including mental health resources and updated labor regulations. Agriculture is a critical industry for Colorado and our goal is to streamline the outreach process so employers and employees can work together to build safer workplaces for everyone.” HB22-1308 passed committee unanimously and would create an online resource portal for agricultural employees to access workplace resources, technical assistance and education. Examples of workplace resources include mental health resources, injury prevention, unemployment assistance and training. Employees would also be able to report workplace misconduct and abuse including discrimination, harassment and labor law violations. The second portion of this bill would create a grant program for workplace improvements, changes or modifications to infrastructure or programming. Employers could use grants for in-person training, workforce housing improvements and building structures for sun protection, among other improvements. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill to share additional information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot measures. HB26-1084 passed by a vote of 40-22. < Back March 6, 2026 House Passes Bill to Provide Additional Information on Ballot DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to share additional information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot measures. HB26-1084 passed by a vote of 40-22. “We’re taking steps to provide voters with additional information on ballot measures to better describe the costs and fiscal impacts of a proposed ballot measure,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “Colorado values the initiative process and this bill provides more information about initiatives that require state expenditures. The bill empowers voters by sharing essential information with voters to help them make informed decisions.” “Coloradans deserve to know how a proposed ballot measure could impact K-12 education and health care, and this bill shares necessary information with Colorado voters,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “We’re strengthening transparency in elections by making sure voters have the resources available to them about the budgetary trade-offs of citizen-initiated ballot measures. Colorado’s elections are the gold standard, and this bill will help voters make well-informed decisions when they cast their ballot.” HB26-1084 would help share information with voters about how much proposed ballot measures could cost the state and taxpayers, as well as the impacts on essential state services. Specifically, this bill would require that voters be informed when citizen-initiated ballot measures would likely increase state expenditures. This would only apply to referred ballot measures that do not identify sufficient revenue sources or specific state-run programs and services to be reduced to pay for the cost of the measure. Under this bill, a ballot measure that increases state expenditures must include language identifying the three largest state programs and services by name that could be reduced if the ballot measure passes. This could include K-12 education, health care and the Department of Corrections (DOC). If signed into law, this language would be added to the title of the measure and to the Ballot Information Booklet, also known as the Blue Book. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have worked to safeguard and strengthen Colorado’s gold standard election system. In 2021, Colorado Democrats championed a law to inform voters of the core programs and services that would be impacted by citizen-initiated ballot measures that reduce taxes. Last year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Voting Rights Act to codify stronger voter protections and expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities. Under this law, even if federal voting protections are rolled back, Colorado will still prohibit discriminatory election practices. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects < Back May 11, 2023 SIGNED! Brown’s Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects BOULDER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This law, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance. “With this law, it will be easier and cheaper for Coloradans to transition to solar energy and take climate action,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “Permitting can be a huge barrier to bringing new solar energy sources online, and this legislation speeds up the permitting process, so more Coloradans can begin powering their homes with clean, renewable energy. Streamlining this permitting process saves local governments and their residents time and money, cuts bureaucratic red tape and boosts the transition to renewable energy.” HB23-1234 , establishes the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This program would offer one-time financial assistance to implement the software, helping local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and local governments and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy. Previous Next

The House advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more accessible to Colorado’s college students. < Back April 24, 2026 House Advances Bill to Expand Access to Abortion Care for College Students DENVER, CO - The House advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more accessible to Colorado’s college students. “Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to outlaw abortion entirely, Colorado remains a beacon for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care,” said Rep. Lorena Garíca D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When voters approved Amendment 79, they enshrined the right to an abortion into the Colorado Constitution, and this bill makes sure college students can easily access their constitutionally-protected right to reproductive health care. For college students, their entire lives center around campus, and this bill makes medication abortion accessible through a student health clinic or pharmacy.” “In a post-Dobbs era where patients and providers navigate a frightening national landscape, Colorado has stepped up to safeguard reproductive health care,” said Rep. Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield . “While abortion is legal, it’s not always accessible, and this bill makes it easier for college students to access abortion medication on campus. College students shouldn’t have to go through hoops to receive their constitutionally-protected right to an abortion. This bill streamlines access to medication abortion so college students can receive life-saving care.” HB26-1335 bill would expand college students’ access to reproductive health care by requiring public and private higher education institutions with student health centers to provide on-site abortion medication services. If the college has an on-campus pharmacy, abortion medication must be available to enrolled students. If the college does not have a pharmacy on campus, health care providers would be required to submit a prescription for abortion medication to a pharmacy or other prescription drug outlet located off campus. The bill also adds privacy protections by requiring institutions to comply with preexisting personally identifying information maintenance and disclosure protections in state law. The bill exempts higher education institutions from the requirement to stock or dispense abortion medication if doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs or practices. Colorado Democrats have championed multiple laws to expand and safeguard abortion access in Colorado. This includes legislation to strengthen Colorado's shield laws , protecting patients and providers from hostile out-of-state actions. Last year, Colorado Democrats implemented the will of the voters by enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution. Previous Next