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Two laws improve hospital reporting and price transparency to save Coloradans money < Back June 2, 2023 Bipartisan Health Care Transparency Bills Become Law Two laws improve hospital reporting and price transparency to save Coloradans money DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law to increase transparency in hospital reporting requirements and increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. "Colorado Democrats have been committed to making health care more affordable for Coloradans, and this new law will improve hospital transparency requirements so we can build future policies that save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1226. “Hospitals can move money around and between states, making it hard to know where profits are going and why the cost of care continues to increase faster than inflation. With this new law, we’ll have a more thorough understanding of Colorado hospitals’ cash flow so we can craft cost saving measures for patients and businesses.” “In the communities I represent in Western Colorado, affordable health care can be too hard to come by or impossible to find,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1226. “I’m proud of our bipartisan bill to enhance hospital financial transparency reporting, increase compliance, and collect data that will give us the best information possible to help inform new policies to improve health care administration and save Coloradans money.” HB23-1226 , also sponsored by Republicans Senator Perry Will and Representative Matt Soper, builds off of hospital transparency legislation also carried by Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy in 2019 to bolster price transparency and reduce health care costs. Under HB23-1226, hospitals will have to disclose an annual summary of the hospital’s transfers of cash, equity, investments, or other assets to and from related parties, a hospital-specific statement of cash flow, a narrative report of capital investments greater than 25 million dollars, the salary and total compensation of the top 5 highest paid administrative positions of each nonprofit hospital, and more. The transparency data will identify underlying drivers of high hospital costs and strengthen data collection on the financial health and performance of Colorado hospitals. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will have the power to apply corrective action plans or fines to hospitals that do not comply with data collection procedures. Hospitals will also be required to provide patients with a detailed list of billed services and the associated charges and disclose the patient’s right to receive more detailed information about the billed services. “Coloradans deserve to know what their medical bills will look like before going into treatment or surgery,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-252. “We’ve made great progress in our work to protect consumers and lower the costs of health care, but there’s still more we can do. It’s time to take the next step and increase medical price transparency so Coloradans aren’t blindsided with big bills after receiving care.” “Price transparency for health care services is critical so Colorado patients aren’t blindsided by large hospital bills that they have no choice but to pay,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB23-252. “This transparency law allows patients to budget for inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, and prescription drug costs so they can receive the care they need at a price they can expect. We’re building the federal transparency requirement into Colorado law, which will save patients money on health care.” SB23-252 was also sponsored by Republicans Senator Kevin Van Winkle and Representative Anthony Hartsook. In 2022, the General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must publicly post standard charges and provide an out-of-pocket cost estimator tool for patients. This bill builds on the federal transparency requirements by having hospitals post their Medicare reimbursement rates and requiring the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to conduct performance assessments on Colorado hospitals to check for compliance. Any violation under SB23-252 is a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act . Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE POLITICAL PARTIES FLEXIBILITY ON TIMING DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1359, sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, in order to provide political parties flexibility to safely continue the primary process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is part of several steps the General Assembly is taking to prepare for a potential recess in the session. “While we work to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Colorado, our democratic process needs to be able to continue in the safest way possible,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett,D-Denver. “This bill takes into consideration that large groups of delegates would have to meet in public gatherings and that many of these delegates are members of high-risk populations that are vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. Please follow the advice of medical and public health experts who have urged us all to take simple precautions.” With county assemblies beginning as early as this weekend, legislation is needed urgently to allow parties the flexibility to ensure that the process can continue without requiring a high number of at-risk individuals to meet in large public gatherings, often held in schools. HB20-1359 extends various deadlines related to ballot access requirements in 2020. It allows political parties to amend their bylaws as needed during 2020 to allow remote participation in assemblies and conventions and to fill vacancies. Delegates to assemblies may participate remotely if allowed by the party, and parties may reduce or waive any quorum requirements to allow assemblies to proceed. The modifications are repealed effective December 31, 2020 Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The law: Requires the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. Expands enforcement actions and develops new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. Establishes additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions. Codifies the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030, which will be achieved through methods established in Air Quality Control Commission rules promulgated by August 31, 2026. Provides additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This law is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids." “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” Bacon said. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After years of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – our plan will improve air quality by having stricter permitting guidelines, increased accountability for bad emitters, plugging wells, and investing in transportation efficiencies.” “Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark policy,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This law is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all." “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” Willford said. “This landmark law enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this law helps us get there.” Governor Polis also signed SB24-230 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, which generates significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. "Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes these new laws all the more exciting," said Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of policy we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these laws will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come." “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” McCluskie said. “I’d like to thank the Governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These laws give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” Velasco said. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this law is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” The law creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including the Northwest and North rail lines. To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on supporting native biodiversity impacted by oil and gas operations. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 WILDFIRE MITIGATION, BACKCOUNTRY SEARCH AND RESCUE AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS BILLS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to direct funding to local governments for wildfire mitigation efforts, extend whistleblower protections and improve backcountry search and rescue operations. “I’m proud that we took action today to help local governments better mitigate the risks of wildfire by providing $10 million in state matching funds for these critical efforts,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “With climate change causing increasingly devastating wildfires, it’s paramount that we take aggressive action. This program will ensure state and local government are working together to address the threat of wildfire and better leverage state funding.” “Local governments are on the frontlines of our state’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires, which is why we are dedicating $10 million to local governments to incentivise them to establish dedicated wildfire mitigation funding,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This legislation will direct additional and badly needed resources to local governments to protect properties and lives.” Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 48-16 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. “Each year, we are seeing more and more tragic avalanche deaths and backcountry rescues, and I stand in awe of the brave men and women who work in these dangerous situations to save people’s lives,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The legislation we passed today will improve backcountry search and rescue operations and help ensure that these critical programs have the resources they need.” Backcountry Search and Rescue: SB22-168 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, passed by vote of 57-8. The bill will improve back country search and rescue operations in Colorado by moving these responsibilities to the Colorado Parks andWildlife within the Department of Natural Resources and boosting funding by $1 million to support search and rescue efforts. The bill also establishes a sustainable funding stream for search and rescue efforts and makes the dependent of a person who died or was permanently disable while conducting rescue efforts eligible for free tuition at state higher education institutions. “The whistleblower protections we created during the pandemic have allowed workers to raise critical concerns without the fear of retaliation,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “No one should ever be afraid to stand up for their health and safety or the health and safety of their colleagues. Today, the House continued these important protections to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and can continue to speak out when they need to.” “The legislation we passed today will protect workers from retaliation when they raise concerns about workplace health and safety,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should be fired or retaliated against because they raised the alarm about dangerous conditions or unfair practices. Workers need these protections, and I’m proud we’re making them permanent in Colorado.” Whistleblower Protections: In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, passed by a vote of 41 to 24. It would make these protections permanent. The bill protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. Previous Next

SB25-276 seeks to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans < Back May 2, 2025 Legislation to Protect Civil Rights Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect civil rights and Colorado’s immigrant communities. SB25-276 would strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. “Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The Trump administration’s attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities – parents are afraid to pick up their children from day care, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesn’t just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado’s economy. We’re taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status.” “Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administration’s immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, we’re limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities.” This legislation would build on existing data privacy law by prohibiting public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. The bill would repeal outdated affidavit requirements to access a Colorado driver’s license or in-state tuition to protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies. The bill would clarify protections for immigrants at public locations, including hospitals, schools, public institutions of higher education, public health care facilities, libraries, and public child care centers. It reaffirms current law that the continued detention of an individual after bond is posted and processed is considered an unconstitutional and warrantless arrest. Additionally, the bill would limit the use of local and state resources for federal immigration enforcement to those situations explicitly required by law. Previous Next

Legislation carries out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force < Back May 28, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Address Long-Standing Environmental Injustices in Colorado COMMERCE CITY, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to address some of Colorado’s long-standing environmental injustices that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities. HB24-1338 , sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Elizabeth Velasco, will direct the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to carry out recommendations from the Environmental Justice Action Task Force, created by HB21-1266 . "Everyone has the right to clean air and environment for themselves and their families. That is why, for nearly a year, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force met with community members and collected data-driven information to create a comprehensive checklist to clean up our air and support communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This new law implements key task force recommendations, including increased oversight of known polluters, like refineries, and better response time to community complaints of air pollution. By diving deeper into the cumulative impacts of environmental injustice, we can create policy that addresses the pollution negatively affecting our neighbors of color and low-income neighbors.” “Poor air quality and other environmental factors can lead to breathing issues, such as asthma,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We owe it to our neighbors to implement the recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force to clean up our air, take air pollution complaints seriously and combat long-standing environmental injustices. Environmental justice is a statewide issue, and we all deserve access to clean air and water. Our new law implements the task force recommendations to help our neighbors most affected by poor air quality lead healthy lives.” HB24-1338 will authorize CDPHE to carry out recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force and address long-standing environmental injustices. Specifically, this law would: Increase oversight of petroleum refineries. The law would fund the hiring of an expert in air pollution control for petroleum refineries. This expert would assess gaps in public health protections and identify the best regulatory tools to fill those gaps. The law would also require refineries to provide near real-time emissions monitoring and compliance data. Improve response to air pollution complaints. The department’s Air Pollution Control Division would house a new rapid response inspection team to support quicker responses to air pollution complaints by impacted communities. Analyze the cumulative impacts of pollution . The law would implement recommendations of the Environmental Justice Action Task Force by formally establishing and authorizing the creation of at least two Environmental Equity and Cumulative Impact Analyses to analyze the cumulative air, water, soil, and demographic impacts in specific disproportionately impacted communities. Founded in 2021 through HB21-1266, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force hosted several in-person meetings and gatherings with Coloradans in Commerce City, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo in addition to receiving more than 300 written comments and survey responses. The task force provided its final recommendations to Governor Polis, the legislature and the CDPHE in 2022. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2020 NEW HOUSE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TEAM ELECTED Garnett elected to serve as Speaker, Esgar as Majority Leader DENVER, CO — Colorado House Democrats today elected Rep. Alec Garnett, D-Denver, to serve as Speaker of the Colorado House; Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, to serve as Majority Leader; Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, to serve as Assistant Majority Leader; Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Chairs, and Reps. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Whips. With 41 members, the caucus will continue to hold the largest Democratic majority since 1965. Speaker-designee Garnett served as the House Majority Leader in the 72nd General Assembly in which Democrats passed historic and ambitious legislation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our environment and lower the cost of health care. He represents HD-02, which includes parts of Denver and is the youngest House district in the state. His election will be official when the House convenes for the first day of the 2021 legislative session in January. “In this election, Coloradans continued to place their trust in Democratic leadership, and it is a privilege to lead our state forward to help Colorado build back stronger,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “House Democrats are committed to forging an economic recovery where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. We will put students and teachers first and protect the Colorado we love by preserving our clean air and water. With a diverse caucus that is 68 percent women, we will fight for all our communities, regardless of party, and advance justice for those who too often have seen it denied.” House Democrats elected Rep. Esgar to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Esgar is the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and represents HD-46, which includes parts of Pueblo County. She led the JBC as it responsibly crafted a balanced state budget during the worst economic and public health crisis in a generation and has been a strong voice for Southern Colorado at the state capitol. She is a founding member and former chair of the Colorado LGBTQ legislative caucus. “We have a lot of hard work ahead, and I am humbled Coloradans have overwhelmingly chosen Democrats to continue leading in the House.” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and bring my Southern Colorado values to the leadership table and to continue fighting for our essential and hardworking state employees. I’m excited to get to work for families and for Coloradans across our state to lower the cost of health care, build an economy that works for all, and always prioritize our students and teachers.” Rounding out the leadership team are: Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, as Assistant Majority Leader: Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, as Caucus Co-Chairs: Representatives Monica Duran, D-Wheat-Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, as Caucus Co-Whips: Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 HOUSE BOOSTS LOW-INCOME UTILITY ASSISTANCE & SNAP ENROLLMENT DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to significantly boost low-income utility bill payment assistance across Colorado. “Too many Coloradans don’t have enough resources right now to make ends meet and are at risk of falling further behind as our economy recovers,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Our direct assistance programs are badly underfunded and rely on a volatile funding mechanism that isn’t meeting the needs of our communities. This bill will help Colorado build back stronger and forge a more inclusive recovery by boosting direct utility bill payment assistance to low income Coloradans.” HB21-1105 creates a sustainable funding source and expands eligibility for low-income assistance programs. The existing funding mechanism for low-income utility assistance is volatile and is not keeping up with the need in Colorado communities for direct assistance. Dozens of counties receive less than 50 percent of their requested energy assistance funds. While exempting low-income customers, the bill directs utilities to collect a $1 fee on electricity customers and a $1 fee on gas customers, which will be used to finance direct utility bill payment assistance and weatherization retrofits to low-income households. The bill also creates a mechanism for cross enrollment with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to maximize the number of eligible Colorado recipients. It also allows water utilities to collect a charge to finance direct water utility assistance for low-income customers. Even before the pandemic hit, one in four Colorado households struggled to pay monthly utility bills. In the last year, Energy Outreach Colorado, which has received federal and state stimulus funding through recent legislation, paid $13 million in bills for 25,000 households, indicating the need for a sustainable funding source. Among the tens of thousands the energy assistance nonprofit serves are seniors, Coloradans with disabilities, and essential frontline workers. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill that would expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. < Back March 26, 2025 Lindsay, Zokaie Bill to Protect Renters Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill that would expand housing application savings and protections for Colorado renters. “This bill will make the housing search process more affordable for Colorado renters,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting renters and making Colorado a more affordable place to live. This legislation saves renters money on rental application fees and helps low-income renters find safe and stable housing.” “This bill supports people of color, women, and low-income Coloradans who have no credit score or a weakened credit history by helping them secure safe and affordable housing,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Searching for housing shouldn't be expensive, but currently Coloradans are paying duplicative fees just to have their same personal information collected and shared with potential landlords. With this legislation, we’re allowing tenants to receive and share their own screening reports and expanding protections for Coloradans on housing subsidies." HB25-1236 specifies that a prospective renter who receives a housing subsidy cannot be required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event in their tenant screening reports. The bill also expands the definition of an “adverse credit event” to include past late rent payments and collections. The bill would remove a requirement that reports received by landlords from tenants be made directly available by reporting agencies, creating more options for providing this information. It would also expand the number of days that a prospective renter can reuse a rental application from 30 days to 60 days, reducing the number of times that this report must be purchased throughout a person’s housing search. Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2023 that allows prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. Additionally, the law minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. Previous Next

Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections < Back April 24, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Support Coloradans with a Disability, Expand Workers Protections Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed legislation to support Coloradans living with a disability and expand worker’s rights and protections. “Twenty-percent of Coloradans live with a disability, yet we’re failing to meet their right to access basic services,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Our legislation creates a diverse taskforce that will bring forward meaningful ways we can improve basic access to housing, employment, governmental services and the outdoors for those living with a disability. Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and we’re working toward achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan.” “When it comes to participating in government, securing housing, starting a new career or getting outside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, Coloradans living with a disability often face significant accessibility barriers,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “From housing to employment, our legislation creates an innovative taskforce to dig into the accessibility issues faced by the disability community and work toward solutions. Securing basic access for those living with a disability is just the beginning, and we’re committed to developing solutions that work for everyone.” HB23-1296 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. “When we passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019, Colorado made significant strides toward equity in the workplace, however, more must be done to ensure women are paid fairly for their work,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105. “We’re working hard to fight inequity, and this legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to further address the wage gap. This legislation combats wage discrimination that keeps our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends from earning less; if men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job, and the wage gaps between Black women and white men are staggering,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105 . “This important legislation would require the state to investigate, take action, and follow up when wage discrimination cases are filed so we can come closer to achieving pay equity. This bill requires that job opportunities and their salaries are posted and shared with employees. Not only does this improve wage transparency, but fosters an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages as we build back from the pandemic to uplift communities hit the hardest. When women succeed, we all succeed, and creating stronger communities begins with equal pay for equal work.” SB23-105 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB230-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. “Plain and simple, public sector employees deserve the same workplace protections already offered to private sector employees,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, Chair of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and sponsor of SB23-111. “Colorado’s public workers – firefighters, teachers, public defenders – keep our communities safe and thriving. Public workers should be allowed to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization and participate in our political process without the fear of losing their job, and this legislation guarantees them that right.” SB23-111 , sponsored by Representative Woodrow, passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. Previous Next

< Back April 24, 2019 HOUSE MOVES BILL TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 24) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “This bill is about the safety of our students. Colorado ranks last in the country for kindergarten immunizations. That’s unacceptable and we need to do better,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This bill formalizes the process. Colorado needs to be proactive – not reactive. We are in the midst of public health crisis and we can’t wait for a tragedy to occur.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. What HB19-1312 does: · Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. · Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. · Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. · Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified at a House hearing earlier this month in support of this common-sense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination rate. Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country, most recently in Washington and New York states. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level of reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a widespread, public outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential in protecting vulnerable people, including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee hearing by a vote of 7-4 on April 15. It was approved today on a voice-vote in the House. A recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. < Back October 24, 2025 General Assembly Democrats Condemn Rising Antisemitism DENVER, CO - Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. In an open letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. The full text of the letter is below: To Our Communities: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. Earlier this year, an assailant murdered a woman and injured fifteen people in an anti-Jewish firebombing attack in Boulder during a march calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This month, a giant swastika was displayed on the side of a mountain along I-70 for thousands of people to see. Since January alone, there have been several acts of antisemitic vandalism where people either drew or displayed swastikas in public spaces, including in Denver, Jefferson County and Elizabeth. In July, the Anti-Defamation League flagged a social media account to the FBI due to concerns about comments that mimicked neo-Nazi extremist groups. Two months later, the teenager behind those posts opened fire at Evergreen High School and injured two of his classmates before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a private Young Republicans group chat, elected officials made racist comments and sent antisemitic messages that included pro-Hitler statements and “jokes” about putting opponents in gas chambers. Instead of speaking out against this, Vice President JD Vance downplayed it. A Colorado Libertarian Party leader and candidate for Secretary of State baselessly accused Israel of assassinating Charlie Kirk and President Kennedy and created an antisemitic website and social media account. One of President Trump’s nominees sent several racist texts and bragged that, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time.” These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. Sincerely, Representative Emily Sirota Representative Steven Woodrow Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet Senator Matt Ball Senator Mike Weissman Speaker Julie McCluskie President James Coleman House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Senator Judy Amabile Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Jessie Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Tony Exum, Sr. Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Nick Hinrichsen Senator Cathy Kipp Senator Chris Kolker Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Janice Marchman Senator Kyle Mullica Senator Dylan Roberts Senator Marc Snyder Senator Tom Sullivan Senator Katie Wallace Senator Faith Winter Representative Shannon Bird Representative Kyle Brown Representative Sean Camacho Representative Michael Carter Representative Chad Clifford Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Lisa Feret Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Junie Joseph Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Mandy Lindsay Representative William Lindstedt Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Javier Mabrey Representative Bob Marshall Representative Matthew Martinez Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Karen McCormick Representative Amy Paschal Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Lesley Smith Representative Katie Stewart Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Tammy Story Representative Brianna Titone Representative Elizabeth Velasco Representative Jenny Willford Representative Yara Zokaie Previous Next