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< Back May 10, 2019 GOV SIGNS PAIR OF BILLS TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITY FOR COLORADO STUDENTS Rep. Shannon Bird’s bill to incentivizes local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school students also signed into law (May 10) – Gov. Polis signed a pair of bills at Overland High School today that will increase educational opportunities for students across the state. House Democrats were committed to investing in education this legislative session. “It was always a priority of my late husband John to help students grow and succeed in their academia. This new law continues his legacy and will help kids realize their full potential.” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. Rep. Buckner’s children and grandchildren joined the signing ceremony. The bill signing took place at Overland High School where the late John Buckner served as a dedicated school principal for 17 years. The school gymnasium is also named after him. Rep. Janet Buckner’s bill, SB19-059, creates a pilot program to increase the number of students taking advanced, honor, or accelerated courses. A grant program would be created under the Colorado Department of Education that will provide support for districts who want to automatically enroll students in advanced courses for subjects in which they have demonstrated proficiency or above on state assessments. During the third reading of the bill, Republican Reps. Colin Larson and Jim Wilson offered an amendment to rename the bill after former Rep. John Buckner. Rep. John Buckner passed away in 2015 after a battle with sarcoidosis, a chronic respiratory illness. Rep. Janet Buckner succeeded him and now holds the seat. SB19-059 passed unanimously in the House and Senate. Governor Polis also signed Rep. Shannon Bird’s bill, SB19-216, which incentivizes local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school students. “We live in a dynamic and evolving economy. Making sure our students are well prepared for college or entering the workforce requires every student we educate to have a rich educational experience,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We need strong teachers teaching a strong curriculum in the classroom. We also need innovative learning opportunities like apprenticeships outside of the classroom. We can now incentivize our school districts to expand opportunities for students so that every child receives a quality education.” The bill creates the high school innovative learning pilot program to support school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools in providing innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Each local education provider that is selected to participate in the pilot program can count high school students who participate in innovative learning opportunities as full-time pupils, for purposes of school finance. SB19-216, also sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bridges, passed by a vote of 51-16 in the House and unanimously in the Senate. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bill to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. < Back June 3, 2025 Bill to Combat Predatory Vehicle Booting, Increase Consumer Protections Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bill to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB25-1117 , sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will improve oversight, transparency, and fairness surrounding vehicle immobilization, including booting. “Booting can be a useful tool for property owners, but it must be done fairly, with clear rules and oversight,” said Joseph. “This new law protects Coloradans from predatory booting practices while giving responsible companies the clarity they need to operate legally and transparently. By empowering the Public Utilities Commission to oversee booting, we’re making sure companies follow the rules and consumers are treated with respect.” “Lack of oversight has enabled predatory and abusive practices in the vehicle booting industry, and it’s time for Colorado law to catch up,” said Gonzales. “In previous years, we have made important progress to protect Coloradans from predatory towing practices, and this law is a step toward doing the same for vehicle booting. It establishes clear guidelines including prohibiting indiscriminate patrolling of parking lots and providing advanced notice before a car is immobilized, ensuring that no Coloradan unfairly loses access to their vehicle.” “Right now, vehicle booting companies are taking advantage of a lack of regulations to immobilize Coloradans’ vehicles for profit,” said Boesenecker. “Our law cracks down on booting companies that patrol parking lots and authorize their own booting practices that typically end up costing Coloradans money and time. To improve transparency and strengthen consumer protections, booting companies would be required to give consumers a fair warning and place a written notice on vehicles at least 24 hours before immobilizing them.” “For most Coloradans, a car is not a convenience – it is a livelihood. Cars are how Coloradans get to work, buy groceries and medicine, and take their kids to school,” said Weissman. “This new law is about preventing abuse by the vehicle booting industry, which currently operates with very little oversight, and establishing basic protections for Colorado drivers like clear signage and access to a payment plan. These protections prevent predatory booting and ensure that hardworking Coloradans can quickly restore access to their cars.” The law gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) additional oversight to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit to a vehicle booting company if the company is violating specific guidelines. Under the law, vehicle booting companies will be required to: Document a vehicle’s condition and the reason for immobilization before they immobilize it, Display the name of the company, the permit number, and a phone number of the company on each company vehicle used for immobilization, Not charge more than once for the removal of more than one immobilization device, and Remove an immobilization device if at least $60 of the total amount owed is paid. Additionally, vehicle booting companies must refrain from immobilizing a vehicle if: It has already been immobilized by another company, It is on private property, unless given appropriate permission, There is inadequate signage posted by the property owner, or Less than 24 hours notice has been given for a vehicle in a parking space or common parking area, with certain exceptions including if a vehicle is in a spot reserved for people with disabilities, is blocking a fire hydrant or roadway, or is in a spot designated for a specific individual. In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation to protect consumers against predatory towing practices, including HB21-1283 , HB22-1314 , and HB24-1051. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 SCORE! COLLEGE ATHLETES A STEP CLOSER TO EARNING COMPENSATION FOR THEIR LIKENESS The House Committee on Education today passed landmark legislation to allow collegiate athletes to be compensated for the use of their likeness. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and James Coleman, passed by 11-2. “College sports are a cash cow for institutions and corporations alike, but the athletes who diligently train, work and perform every week aren’t sharing in the prosperity,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will support those college athletes by allowing them to profit off of their image and likeness and to monetize the brand they have worked so hard to cultivate.” “College athletes work their whole life to earn the right to play at this level,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “America loves to cheer on their favorite athletes, and more and more Americans are turning to college sports for entertainment. This is a substantive way to support the hard work of the young athletes who so many of us follow and admire.” Last October, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Board of Governors announced their intention to permit student athletes to profit from the use of their likeness. Prior to the NCAA announcement, California passed a bill that banned in-state schools from preventing athletes from accepting compensation from advertisers. It also allows them to hire agents. Illinois , New York , Florida and now Colorado have introduced bills to allow for athletes to profit from their likeness. SB20-123 would prevent higher education institutions in Colorado from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of the institution from earning compensation from the use of the athlete’s name, image or likeness. The bill would also prevent collegiate institutions from providing prospective athletes with compensation prior to their signing. Additionally, athletes will be able to secure athletic and legal representation, and any compensation the athlete receives cannot affect their eligibility to participate in collegiate sports. Athletes who decide to enter into an endorsement deal would have to let the athletic directors of their institutions know 72 hours after the contract is signed. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO IMPROVE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENT CRIME DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed SB22-057, sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, which would improve brain injury screenings for survivors of violent crimes in Colorado. “For those with a brain injury as a result of a violent crime, the effects can be long-lasting and life-altering,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill will help us more fully uncover and understand the impacts of brain injury on survivors of crimes, so we can better support their needs. It is our responsibility to make sure the road to recovery for crime survivors is paved with proper resources and treatment and this bill will give us the knowledge needed to get the job done.” SB22-057 , which passed committee unanimously, creates a task force to improve brain injury screenings for survivors and bring awareness to the consequential, life-altering effects of a brain injury. Brain injuries are associated with changes in emotions and behaviors that can lead to behavioral health conditions such as depression. Survivors of brain injuries may also have reduced ability to advocate for themselves and seek treatment due to the nature of their injury. This bill aims to support survivors of violent crime by studying the long-lasting effects a brain injury has on a person’s mood and behaviors. This bill would also improve support and resources for Coloradans with brain injuries. A study conducted by the University of Denver found nearly all survivors of intimate partner violence reported being struck in the head, and four out of five reported alterations in consciousness as a result. Previous Next

SB25-041 would refine competency restoration and services to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and more quickly bring cases to trial < Back April 22, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Improve Competency Restoration Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to restore competency to more individuals with behavioral health disorders in the criminal justice system. SB25-041 passed committee by a vote of 9-2. “To create safer communities, we need to make sure Coloradans in the criminal justice system with behavioral health disorders receive the care they need to effectively stand trial,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “Without consistent behavioral health care for these individuals, criminal trials are likely to be delayed, which hinders our justice system. This bill streamlines access to inpatient services for those in the criminal justice system to help reduce recidivism and prioritize justice for survivors.” SB25-041 is also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County. This bill would allow the state to provide inpatient services for an additional 90 days after an individual’s case is dismissed because the person is deemed “incompetent to proceed.” The bill also allows the state to work with community organizations to provide permanent supportive housing for these individuals or those who complete the Bridges of Colorado program. Without streamlined access to inpatient services, such as psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, or addiction treatment, the overall health of those with behavioral health disorders could regress, resulting in a delayed competency restoration and ultimately extending the time before individuals can even stand trial. This bill aims to provide consistent inpatient services to those with behavioral health disorders, provide clarification for courts, and pause the statute of limitations for those seeking competency diversion programs in Colorado’s criminal justice system. The bill was recommended last interim by the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee , which is responsible for overseeing its associated task force and implementing recommendations regarding the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems until 2027. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE MEDICAID IMPROVEMENT BILL PASSES COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY Legislation would allow children in the child welfare system to more easily access health care close to home DENVER, CO– The House committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representative Mary Young’s bill to codify the practice of keeping children in the child welfare and juvenile justice system in the Medicaid regional entity where they were originally placed. This will shorten delays in getting these children and youth the behavioral and physical health services that they need near where they are living. The committee approved the bill unanimously. “Managing the Medicaid and child welfare systems is complicated enough– I’m proud to work to simplify these systems and deliver better behavioral and physical health care outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “A simple codification in statute will go a long way towards preventing coverage lapses and improving care for some of our most vulnerable groups.” Many children in the child welfare system rely on Medicaid for physical and behavioral health services. Once enrolled into Medicaid, these children are assigned to a Regional Accountability Entity (RAE) based on the physical location of the child’s primary care physician. Many children are enrolled in Medicaid prior to their involvement with child welfare and juvenile justice. However, if the child is later placed by the child welfare or juvenile system in a different county, a common occurrence with high need children, the child may change to a new primary care physician. If the primary care physician is in a different RAE, sometimes the child’s RAE changes which can result in delays in getting services to the child that were already approved under the former RAE. HB20-1237 codifies the state’s intended policy to keep children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in the RAE in which they were originally enrolled. Given the relative infancy of the RAEs, there was confusion that led to counties being encouraged to switch RAEs when the child’s placement changed. HB20-1237 clears up this confusion for counties, RAEs and providers so that vulnerable children maintain services and do not risk delays in receiving services. Previous Next

Bill updates the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Chemicals Protection Act to include more consumer products < Back April 4, 2024 Legislation to Reduce “Forever Chemicals” Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to build upon efforts to reduce harmful “forever chemicals” in many household products. SB24-081, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Manny Rutinel, would help prevent highly toxic chemicals from seeping into our environment and negatively affecting Coloradans’ health. “We continue work to reduce the harmful proliferation of PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’” said Rep Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “While we’ve made great progress, we must continue to phase out these dangerous chemicals in our everyday household items. This bill continues our 2022 efforts and helps us transition away from this toxic chemical and better protect Colorado’s water supply. Together, we’re protecting Colorado’s environment and public health by establishing a reasonable timeline for businesses to phase out their reliance on ‘forever chemicals’”. “PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’ are dangerous for our water supply, environment, and can have adverse effects on our health,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This bill builds upon important work to reduce ‘forever chemicals’ in items found in most homes. Eliminating ‘forever chemicals’ is the right thing to do for our environment and public health – this bill brings us closer to ridding Colorado of this toxic chemical once and for all.” SB24-081 , passed committee by a vote of 8-2, and would make updates to the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Chemicals Protection Act . This 2022 law prohibits the sale or distribution of certain consumer products that contain intentionally-added PFAS chemicals and regulates the use and storage of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS. PFAS are synthetic chemicals developed to coat products to make them resistant to heat, water and oil. They are prevalent in a variety of products including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, and firefighting foams. PFAS break down very slowly in the environment and make their way into water sources, both poisoning the water supply and burdening water districts with billions of dollars in clean-up costs. Scientific research also suggests that exposure may lead to adverse health outcomes. The bill adds additional products with intentionally added PFAS to the scheduled phase-out, including certain outdoor gear and cookware, ski wax, personal hygiene products, artificial turf and other textile articles. The bill also requires a disclosure to consumers of intentionally added PFAS in certain consumer products. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation, sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey and Elizabeth Velasco, on a preliminary vote to improve rail safety in Colorado. < Back May 1, 2025 Rail Safety Bill Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation, sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey and Elizabeth Velasco, on a preliminary vote to improve rail safety in Colorado. “This is data-informed policy to make Colorado’s railroads safer to better protect railroad workers, Colorado communities and our environment,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats took a major step to improve safe rail operations last year by creating the Office of Rail Safety, and their work has been critical in identifying gaps in existing emergency response and preparedness. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to improve rail safety across our state.” “Train incidents can have catastrophic impacts on the economic vitality of our communities and the environment, which is why it’s crucial that we ensure local communities have the resources to prevent and effectively respond to train derailments and accidents,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Glenwood Springs is the gateway to the West, with daily freight trains and world-class passenger routes significantly contributing to our local economy and tourism. This bill is important for my district to protect our recreational economy and access to clean water by avoiding preventable rail accidents.” SB25-162 would centralize the inspection and regulation of Colorado’s class I and passenger railroads within the Public Utilities Commission, outline communication requirements for emergency response and protect railroad employees from being civilly liable for damages for actions taken in good faith when responding to an emergency situation. The bill also creates the Office of Rail Safety Fund to create a single funding source to improve railroad infrastructure by hiring safety inspectors, equipping emergency response teams, ensuring proper rail maintenance and oversight. The bill requires the Office to assess best practices for ensuring financial responsibility for response, cleanup, and damages from major rail events so that communities are not stuck footing the bill for accidents. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Mabrey, to create the Office of Rail Safety and direct it to compile a report including information on rail safety, emergency response, financial responsibility for cleanups of hazardous material incidents and necessary staffing and equipment levels for implementation of safety measures. Previous Next

Legislation requires HOAs to provide homeowners with a slate of water-wise landscape designs for lawn replacement < Back May 17, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Water Efficient Landscaping Legislation requires HOAs to provide homeowners with a slate of water-wise landscape designs for lawn replacement BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Polis signed into law Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Mandy Lindsay’s, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to reduce barriers for Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping. Also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-178 promotes water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystems while requiring little or no irrigation. Many homeowners in HOAs want to replace their lawn and save water, but are deterred by obscure HOA approval processes. The bill streamlines this by requiring HOAs to select and pre-approve water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from, as an alternative to getting HOA permission for their own design. “Colorado, like many states in the West, is experiencing prolonged drought. Combined with chronic water overuse, the American West is running out of water,” Jaquez Lewis said. “By making it easier for Colorado homeowners to replace their water-guzzling lawns with water-wise landscapes, we can drastically cut down on our overall water usage while maintaining beautiful, unique yards natural to Colorado's climate.” “As Colorado combats historic drought conditions, water-wise landscaping is a great place to cut back our freshwater usage,” said McCormick. “This law allows almost 3 million Coloradans living in HOAs to have drought-tolerant landscaping options for their lawns, which saves them money and conserves our most precious resource. Beautiful yards don’t have to be water-intensive lawns, and this law reduces barriers to having landscaping that’s eco-conscious, sustainable and biodiverse.” “There are many homeowners who are interested in replacing their water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping, but until now it didn’t align with their HOA regulations,” said Lindsay. “Under our new law, homeowners living in HOAs can install and enjoy water-wise yards that require less maintenance than traditional turf lawns and utilize native plants to contribute to our state’s beauty. As we face drought head on, cutting back on our freshwater usage is good for the planet and our wallets.” The bill also prevents an HOA from requiring hardscape on more than 20 percent of a landscape area, and prevents an HOA from prohibiting vegetable gardens in a homeowner’s yard. About half of the water used in single-family homes in Denver goes toward “outdoor use,” according to Denver Water . Last year, the legislature passed legislation to create the Turf Replacement Program , which provides financial incentives for voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. SB23-178 complements that initiative by helping homeowners who may not need financial incentives but are hindered by other barriers. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING ADVANCE House and Senate committees advance legislation to invest over $200 million to build and sustain affordable housing and boost affordable workforce housing options DENVER, CO – Legislation to save people money on housing by building thousands more homes and expanding access to critical workforce housing today passed House and Senate Committees. “The lack of affordable housing is at a crisis level in Colorado, and I am so glad the state legislature is doing something to help increase affordable housing stock in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This historic, transformational legislation will provide nearly $180 million directly to local governments and nonprofits all across the state to construct thousands of new units and retain existing affordable housing for our teachers, our nurses, our first responders, and workers and families all over the state. This bill is part of the historic $400 million we are allocating this year for housing - the single largest investment the state has ever made to get homes built and drive down the cost of housing to save people money.” “As Colorado’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure communities have the land and resources required to develop affordable housing now and in the future,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver. “Local governments and nonprofits are the experts when it comes to pinpointing their communities’ unique needs. That’s why this bill is targeted at uplifting their work and providing the necessary tools to achieve their housing development goals.” “Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This bill will help local governments and nonprofits access the space and funding that communities need to equitably accommodate that growth. By helping communities increase their housing supply we can make sure every Coloradan has access to a home they can afford.” Nonprofit and Local Government Grants and Strong Communities : HB22-1304 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield and Senators James Coleman and Julie Gonzales, passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 9-3. The bill invests $178 million, a historic sum, to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The bill also makes a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes. The legislation will ensure flexibility of funding, including allowances for operating grants to community-based organizations and qualified local governments, particularly in small, rural, and mountain resort communities, so they can best meet their own development needs according to their community’s workforce and local economy. By building homes closer to where people work, the bill will also save Coloradans money on their transportation costs. “The housing crisis is impacting businesses large and small across the state, making it harder to attract workers and fill critical positions,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “As part of our strategy to drive down the cost of housing and save people money, we will target resources to expand workforce housing for middle income Coloradans. This will build affordable places to live for workers in communities that are experiencing workforce housing shortages, which is becoming common in nearly every part of our state.” “Coloradans across the state are struggling to afford a place to live, and the time to act is now,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will improve support systems for middle income families whose modest resources squeeze them between skyrocketing housing costs and ineligibility for assistance, save people money, and help more Colorado families thrive.” CHFA Middle Income Access Program: SB22-146 , sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Marc Snyder and Marc Catlin, passed the Senate Local Government Committee by a vote of 5-0. The bill will expand critical workforce housing so that more Coloradans and communities have access to affordable housing that allows them to live in the communities where they work. The legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program , which finances projects to build housing for middle income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits but too low to afford market rates. Specifically, this funding will provide financing to developers seeking to build rental housing affordable to Coloradans earning 80 percent or more of the area median income through acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of existing properties. To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million of CHFA-invested funds to support five developments comprising over 600 units. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Gypsum, and Denver. Previous Next

Bill aims to create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back April 1, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Introduced DENVER, CO – A bipartisan group of lawmakers yesterday introduced new legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. HB25-1315 is sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota, House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, and Senators Mike Weissman and Barbara Kirkmeyer. “This bipartisan legislation will democratize Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation and efficiently fill vacancies so all communities maintain representation at the Capitol during the legislative session,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “As lawmaker resignations occur for a variety of reasons, we’ve heard the concerns about our current process and are taking action to increase campaign finance transparency for vacancy elections and limit the time someone can serve before facing an election.” “Vacancies in the General Assembly are an issue I heard about as I traveled the state as the Minority Leader,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-El Paso. “The people want to preserve the vacancy committee process while also having the opportunity to vote for their legislators. This bill will do both. It addresses increased engagement with our grassroots while still allowing the people an opportunity to vote in a November odd-year primary election.” "Increasing strains on legislators leading to more frequent resignations have illustrated the need and opportunity to modernize the vacancy process for the Colorado General Assembly," said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. "This legislation represents a bipartisan way forward that is consistent with Colorado constitutional requirements, allows more input from voters, and does not excessively burden county clerks responsible for conducting elections. Critically, it will also capture raising and spending of campaign funds by candidates who seek vacancy appointments and run in vacancy elections so that voters can understand what influences may be operating in vacancy situations." “For the past few years, voters have grown increasingly alarmed with our vacancy laws for important elected government offices,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County. “A handful of political insiders should not determine who sits in a state legislative seat for years at a time without voters being able to express their will. I’m pleased to be part of a bipartisan coalition that brings impactful reform to this process. This is an important first step in reforming vacancies for important government offices in Colorado.” HB25-1315 aims to increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden participation amongst voters when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states where governors or small commissions make the appointments. The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 would affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the vacancy committee. Then there would be a vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a vacancy election can occur in November of that year. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year. In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. Under the bill, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2019 HOUSE SENDS LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Apr. 1) – The House gave final approval today to the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This life-saving bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “Today, the House and the legislature stood up and did the right thing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “One of the reasons I ran for office was so I could tell all of you about my son Alex who lit up rooms and was beloved, and so I could tell all of you about other victims and families of gun violence. This bill will give law enforcement and families the tools that they need to stop tragedies from constantly happening and save lives.” Rep. Sullivan’s son, Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. “Colorado took a big step forward today. Today, we rejected the status quo and finally put forward meaningful change that can truly save a life,” said Majority Leader Garnett. “I am grateful for the support of Rep. Sullivan, who championed this carefully crafted bill and all those who stood shoulder to shoulder with us every step of the way. This bill is supported by the majority of Coloradans because it will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities.” HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or is at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for an ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House with bipartisan support, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, testified at a Feb. 21 House hearing on the bill. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee during the hearing how the language in the bill is legal under the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Hours of testimony during House and Senate committee hearings in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Fourteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. A U.S. Senate committee held a hearing on an ERPO bill this March. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. The House concurred with Senate amendments to the bill and it was approved on a final vote of 38-25. The bill now goes to Gov. Polis for his signature. Previous Next