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More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable < Back June 5, 2024 SIGNED! New Law Will Improve Black Maternal Health Care Coverage More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation that aims to improve perinatal health outcomes, especially in Black and historically marginalized communities. SB24-175 , sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, requires large employer health benefit plans to cover doula services in alignment with Medicaid. The law also instructs hospitals that provide labor and delivery or neonatal care services to participate in at least one maternal or infant health quality improvement initiative. Additionally, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will contract with a Colorado perinatal care quality collaborative to provide maternal and infant health equity improvement initiatives to hospitals; track disparity and health outcome data; and address disparate outcomes particularly among American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Black birthing populations. “The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any rich country and significant disparities in outcomes – and the crisis will continue to worsen unless we act,” said Fields. “This law is incredibly important as it addresses gaps in coverage and holds hospitals accountable for ensuring equitable care for all people, and I’m proud to see it signed today.” “Addressing the access gap in health care coverage is the first step we can take to reduce our country’s maternal mortality rate, which is far too high and disproportionately high for Black, American Indian and rural mothers,” said McLachlan. “To improve health outcomes for expecting mothers, including those in rural and remote areas, we need to ensure they have access to a range of perinatal care and that it’s covered by their insurance. I’m proud to have sponsored this law to keep expecting mothers and their newborns safe.” “No Black woman should lose their life, or come close to losing their life, in an attempt to birth their child,” Buckner said. “While maternal mortality rates around the world fell 44 percent, maternal mortality rates in the United States increased by 16.7 percent during that same period of time. It's unacceptable. Working to solve our maternal health crisis – especially for Black and historically marginalized communities – will lead to better economic, health, and social outcomes while saving lives.” “As a new mother myself, I want the best possible outcomes for all expecting mothers. Yet, our country’s maternal mortality rate reflects a different reality, especially for Black mothers,” said Jodeh. “This law works to combat the maternal mortality rate by encouraging hospitals to focus on improving their maternal or infant health outcomes, expanding insurance coverage for doula services and improving health equity training for birthing health care providers.” Under this law, CDPHE will create a program that provides financial support to hospitals in rural areas, hospitals serving a higher percentage of Medicaid and uninsured patients, or hospitals with lower-acuity maternal and neonatal care. Lastly, it requires coverage of over-the-counter and prescribed choline supplements for pregnant people. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. According to the CDC, multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality health care, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. SB24-175 intends to address systemic racism in health care and develop better and more culturally informed care for historically marginalized communities. Previous Next

SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable < Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to make reproductive health care, including abortion, more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “The last thing on anyone’s mind when receiving life-saving care, including an abortion, should be – can I afford this? However, financial barriers keep that question top of mind for too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill will increase access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but you shouldn’t have to be in my shoes to receive the health care you need. Our bill ensures that all Coloradans, regardless of income level or zip code, are supported in accessing reproductive health care and STI treatments.” “Inequity in health care access is a systemic problem, which is why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and making it possible for all Coloradans to receive the reproductive health care they need,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our bill makes accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatment, more equitable and affordable. To achieve reproductive freedom for all, we need to prioritize health care access for underserved communities and communities of color, and uproot the barriers that hold people back from receiving the care they need.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. 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 April 18, 2019 IT’S UNANIMOUS: HOUSE PASSES EXUM’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS AND COLORADANS (Apr. 18) – The House unanimously approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bipartisan bill to protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. “As a former battalion chief, we often used the material during training and this toxic material increased the health concerns of my fellow firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate the drinking water of the surrounding communities. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters who fight for us and protect the health of people in our communities.” PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. HB19-1279 was approved on a vote of 64-0. It now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills aimed at building strong career pathways for students and Colorado’s health care workforce. < Back April 25, 2024 House Passes Bills to Create New, Strong Pathways for Students and Physician Assistants DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills aimed at building strong career pathways for students and Colorado’s health care workforce. HB24-1364, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would streamline career pathways for high school graduates. SB24-018 sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile would make it easier for licensed physician assistants to begin practicing in Colorado. “With this bill, we’re one step closer to strengthening career pathways that will make it easier for Coloradans to secure good-paying jobs in communities they love,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re improving access to existing programs that offer college credits, industry credentials, or quality work-based learning experiences. Together, we’re investing in our workforce, boosting local economies, and making it easier for our learners to find and succeed in a career that will help them not just get by, but thrive in a well-paying job.” “To meet Colorado’s workforce and education demands, we need to make it easier for our learners to plan and succeed for their next career steps,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “This bill makes a data system that will make it easier for Colorado learners, school districts and higher education to connect to college credit, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs.Our bill invests in learners by connecting them to careers that have significant growth and earning potential.” HB24-1364 passed the House by a vote of 51 to 11 and would implement recommendations from the 1215 Task Force to help meet workforce demands and foster career pathways for Coloradans. HB24-1364 would create a detailed study to uncover the cost benefits of streamlining the administration and financing of postsecondary workforce readiness programs to state and local education providers. This bill would also lay the foundation of a data system to measure the impact and outcomes of education and workforce programs. The data collected by this program would be more accessible to learners, families, and other decision-makers when it comes to choosing a career pathway. “This bill brings us one step closer to recruiting more health care professionals to contribute to a safer, healthier state for everyone,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This legislation creates an interstate compact to make it easier for licensed physician assistants to practice in Colorado. By easing the state-to-state licensure process, physician assistants’ practicing in other states within the compact can begin providing critical health care to Coloradans sooner.” SB24-018 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, passed the House by a vote of 60 to 2. This bill creates the "Physician Assistant Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed physician assistants in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for physician assistants by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing health care access in Colorado, particularly for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state. Colorado lawmakers have championed nine mobility compact laws over the years, not including this year’s mobility compact legislation highlighted in HB24-1002 , HB24-1096 , HB24-1111 , SB24-010 and SB24-125 . Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2021 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST CO CHAIRS DENVER, CO– The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado today announced that Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) would serve as the inaugural Co Chairs of the organization. “I’m proud to have founded the Democratic Women’s Caucus along with my wonderful colleagues in the legislature, and I’m honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead it in our first year,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Our caucus will work hard to support policies that seek to improve equity, justice and the economic wellbeing of women in Colorado.” “It’s an honor to serve as the inaugural Co Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus,” said Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County . “Our organization is dedicated to advancing the policy priorities of Democratic women legislators, ranging from increasing safety, wellness and justice in our communities, to forging an equitable economic recovery that puts families first, and so much more. As Co Chair, I’ll work to listen to and elevate the voices of our members and make lasting change for the women of Colorado.” The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado is a newly formed policy organization made of Democratic women members of both chambers of the General Assembly. Members of the organization include Senators Faith Winter, Brittany Pettersen, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Julie Gonzales, Rhonda Fields, Tammy Story, Janet Buckner, and Kerry Donovan, as well as Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representatives Adrienne Benavidez, Cathy Kipp, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Edie Hooton, Iman Jodeh, Jennifer Bacon, Judy Amabile, Karen McCormick, Naquetta Ricks, Brianna Titone, Barbara McLachlan, Sharon Bird, Yadira Caraveo, Emily Sirota, Meg Froelich, Lindsey Doherty, Julie McCluskie, Mary Young, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Susan Lontine, Tracey Bernett, and Kerry Tipper. Previous Next

The bipartisan Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee today advanced bills to improve health outcomes for Coloradans. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Improve Treatment for People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System Advance DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee today advanced bills to improve health outcomes for Coloradans. This includes bills to streamline juvenile justice services and support for Coloradans with behavioral health care needs in jail and those experiencing a mental health crisis. “Coloradans seeking help deserve well-resourced and widely available care,” said Chair Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of Bills 1, 4, 5. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve services for Coloradans in the juvenile justice system, provide behavioral health supports for people incarcerated in jails, and ensure Coloradans deemed incompetent by the judicial system have access to the behavioral health resources they need. These are all important ways we can support some of our most vulnerable Coloradans and equip them with the resources they need to heal.” “We know the criminal justice system can only exacerbate mental health crises, and these bills aim to intervene and provide Coloradans with the behavioral health care they need,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 2. “The bills we advanced today work to streamline behavioral health care services, treatment, and support to those who need it the most, including juveniles and those considered incompetent. Healing and recovery is not possible without proper treatment and these bills work to improve access, build confidence in our justice system, and hopefully improve outcomes for those in our criminal justice systems.” “Too often, Coloradans in the criminal justice system who seek out behavioral health support are woefully underserved,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of Bill 4. “The more we can do to aid in the healing and recovery of folks in the criminal justice system, the better. That’s why I’m sponsoring legislation to bolster behavioral health resources for people incarcerated in jails and ensure they’re getting the support they need, when and where they need it.” “Without the correct treatment, medication and support – the mental and behavioral health of those in the criminal justice system can rapidly decline,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 1, 4, and 5. “The bills we passed today will help streamline services for our youth in the juvenile justice system, including treatment, rehabilitation and diversion, so they can spend time healing. Another bill we passed would extend behavioral health care services to those considered incompetent by a judge to ensure they’re receiving the treatment they need. This committee is focused on reducing recidivism and bringing the support directly to the people who need it the most, and I believe these bills bring us closer to that reality.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Sen. Michaelson Jenet, Rep. English, and Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, aims to support Colorado youth in the juvenile justice system by streamlining services. Specifically, this bill would improve juvenile justice diversion services, rehabilitation, the competency process and establish presentence credits. Bill 1 would also establish a community grant program to implement a mixed-delivery system of trauma-informed health and development deflection programs for youth. The goal of Bill 1 is to boost community intervention before youth become involved in the juvenile justice system, provide youth with better mental and behavioral health care resources if they are in the juvenile justice system and streamline support services. Bill 4 , sponsored by Rep. English, Rep. Bradfield, and Sens. Michaelson Jenet and Cutter would roll existing grant program funding in the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to provide complementary behavioral health services to Coloradans in jail. Bill 4 aims to improve behavioral health outcomes for Coloradans in jail by connecting them with the services, support and treatment they need on-site. Bill 5 , sponsored by Sen. Michaelson Jenet, Rep. English, and Rep. Bradfield would help connect Coloradans in the criminal justice system with the behavioral health care services they need, specifically if they are considered incompetent by a judge. This bill would clarify what courts must consider when setting bail for defendants declared incompetent to proceed. Additionally, under this bill, defendants would receive inpatient services from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for additional time after charges are dropped. If criminal charges are dropped against a defendant receiving inpatient services from the CDHS, the bill would allow the defendant to receive inpatient services for an additional 90 days. The committee also advanced two other pieces of legislation, including two more bills to create a crisis subcommittee and update technical language surrounding a ruling of Not Guilty by Reasoning of Insanity . The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to help Colorado communities prepare for and mitigate wildfires. < Back May 12, 2023 Signed! New Laws to Protect Colorado Communities from Wildfires MORRISON, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to help Colorado communities prepare for and mitigate wildfires. SB23-166 , sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, will help communities and Coloradans living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) defend homes and property from catastrophic wildfires by establishing a statewide wildfire resiliency code board charged with establishing proven building codes to better protect structures against increasingly common wildfires. Local governments in the new WUI area will be required to adopt the model code or a code of their own that meets or exceeds minimum standards. “An increasing number of wildfires that burn hotter and move faster are our new reality, so we must act now to protect our homes and businesses and create more resilient communities,” said Cutter, sponsor of SB23-166, SB23-013, and SB23-005. “Fires anywhere in Colorado affect all of us -- our water, air, economy and recreation. Creating minimum building standards and working to better understand the origins of fires just makes sense. These new laws will help us provide the tools and workforce necessary to better defend our communities against wildfires, and I'm thrilled to see them signed into law.” “We’re building smart to protect Coloradans who live in the wildland-urban interface from catastrophic wildfires,” said Froelich. “Wildfires do not recognize local boundaries, which is why our law will develop evidence-based minimum building standards to protect our homes and businesses. Smart and flexible building standards will fortify our neighborhoods and reduce wildfire destruction." “Wildfires do not respect boundaries, and when it comes to growth in the wildland-urban interface we need a statewide policy that reflects that,” Exum Sr. said. “Our legislation will set smart and flexible standards that protect families, homes, and businesses against increasingly dangerous wildfires. I am proud to champion this important new law that will defend people and property.” “With destructive wildfires repeatedly devastating Western Slope communities, it’s important that we build strong, resilient structures to safeguard our neighborhoods and livelihoods,” said Velasco. “This law establishes a plan to implement wildfire-resilient building codes across local governments to ensure we’re reducing the risk of wildfire displacement and destruction. We’re taking an important step forward protecting our communities now against the threat of wildfire.” SB23-166 creates the Wildfire Resiliency Code board made up of 21 voting members and three non-voting members representing local governments, utilities, insurers, and other relevant disciplines such as fire and building professionals that would work to define the WUI and establish minimum standards that better defend those areas from dangerous wildfires. The bill also requires the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to support local governments in conducting inspections and enforcing their local code if they don’t have rules and regulations in place to enforce their code and request the assistance. SB23-013 , sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, and Cutter, and Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, creates a fire investigation fund and provides nearly $3 million to help investigate the causes and origins of fires, including wildfires. The new law also requires the Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to report on fire investigations to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee. “Fire season is no longer confined to a few months,” Ginal said. “It’s essential that we act now to prepare for and mitigate future wildfire disasters. By creating a new reporting protocol and a wildfire investigation fund, we are providing local fire departments with the tools they need to better understand the origins of fires, which will better protect our communities and enhance public safety across Colorado.” “Colorado has a devastating history of wildfires that have wiped out entire neighborhoods,” said Story. “Currently, Colorado’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control only has the resources to staff one full-time fire investigator to dig into the cause and origin of fires across the state, making it difficult to mitigate future wildfires. This law creates a wildfire investigation fund to better understand how fires are started so we can better prevent them and respond to them in the future.” The Director of DFPC will report annually to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee regarding the current magnitude of the state’s wildfire situation, including the number of wildfire investigations and their statuses, the status of prescribed burns, available resources, and more. Additionally, the fire investigation fund will provide support to local fire departments investigating the cause and origin of fires. SB23-005 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, will improve Colorado’s forestry workforce by directing the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry and create a workforce development program in the State Forest Service. “Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat, but right now we don’t have the workforce needed to keep us safe,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This new law will improve pathways to critical jobs and help Colorado communities stay safe by training more firefighters who will protect our people and our property from increasingly dangerous wildfires.” “Colorado’s state forest service plays an important role in helping mitigate wildfires by maintaining healthy forests,” said Snyder. “From cutting down dead trees to removing excess brush, the state forest service steps up to provide the year-round mitigation efforts we need to keep our communities safe from wildfires. This law ramps up workforce development and recruitment within the state forest service so we can continue these important wildfire prevention efforts.” SB23-005 also bolsters the state’s wildfire mitigation capacity development fund and creates and expands forestry programs at state colleges. Finally, the new law will work to increase the number of qualified educators at colleges that deliver a wildfire prevention and mitigation program or course. SB23-005 and SB23-013 were developed and recommended by the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee . Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango that will more efficiently conserve water by prohibiting the use of water intensive non-native turf grass on seldom used areas. < Back March 15, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Water Conservation in Landscaping Bill Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango that will more efficiently conserve water by prohibiting the use of water intensive non-native turf grass on seldom used areas. SB24-005 , co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf in any newly developed commercial, institutional, industrial, and state property. It also applies to other little-used areas like parking lots and medians. This would help the environment not only by saving water, but by reducing reliance on pesticides and gas-powered lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that naturally thrive in Colorado’s climate and support our local birds and bees. “With this law, we're cutting back on unnecessary water usage on nonfunctional turf used in medians, greenways and parking lots,” said McCormick. “Water-wise landscaping conserves our precious water resources and encourages communities to embrace Colorado's natural landscapes. Our law sets us on a path forward to more effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.” “Protecting our limited and threatened water supply is one of the biggest priorities for the communities I represent on the Western Slope,” said Roberts. “As we work to conserve our water resources, it’s essential that we make smart decisions now to prevent overuse in the future. This new law will reduce unnecessary landscape water usage and further position Colorado as a leader in effective water management.” “Cutting back on the amount of water we use on nonfunctional turf will help us conserve our precious water resources across the state,” said McLachlan. “This law helps us effectively and efficiently manage our water resources by encouraging water-wise landscaping on little-used areas like parking lots and medians. We're stepping up to conserve water while embracing the native plants and species that thrive in Colorado." Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. By transitioning away from non-native turf grass, the bill encourages developers, city planners, and managers to choose plants that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate, as opposed to non-native, water-intensive plants such as Kentucky bluegrass or invasive species. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed two bipartisan bills, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, to conserve water and improve access to Colorado's state parks. < Back March 25, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Water Conservation and Parks Access Bills Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed two bipartisan bills, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, to conserve water and improve access to Colorado's state parks. “We’re taking steps to conserve our water resources and to save Coloradans money on state park passes, hunting and fishing licenses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “These bipartisan bills encourage local governments to use graywater in communities and reduce the cost of park passes for older Coloradans and veterans with disabilities. I’m committed to protecting our water and public lands, and these bills encourage both sustainability and preservation.” HB24-1362 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, passed committee by a vote of 10-0. This bill would encourage the use of graywater in Colorado to conserve our state’s scarce water supply by authorizing the installation of graywater systems statewide. It also offers flexibility for local governments to opt-out with an ordinance or resolution prohibiting the installation of graywater systems for some or all categories of use in newly constructed residential buildings for indoor use. Water that has been used for washing dishes, laundering clothes, or bathing is considered graywater. Although it might be on its second or third round of usage, graywater can be used for non-drinking purposes such as landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. SB24-161 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed committee by a vote of 10-0. This bill would make several changes to certain fees, requirements, and procedures related to licenses and passes issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The goal of SB24-161 is to make hunting, fishing and park passes in Colorado more accessible to those living with a disability and to save older Coloradans money on their passes. Specifically, the bill: lowers the age threshold for senior annual fishing licenses from 65 to 64 years of age; lowers the cost of youth big game and youth small game resident and nonresident hunting licenses by $0.25; Increases eligibility for discounted licenses to veterans with disabilities; allows CPW to establish a harvest permit surcharge of up to $5; and allows revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild pass sales to be used for capital construction costs. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS ADVANCE Bills would provide residents with a path forward to purchase the land under their homes; secure new privacy, billing and retaliation protections DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Transportation and Local Government today passed HB20-1196 and HB20-1201, critical legislation that will secure new protections for mobile home park residents and provide a path forward for residents to purchase the land under their homes. “Buying and owning a home is a huge achievement, but for nearly 100,000 Coloradans across the state, it’s not so simple,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “With few exceptions, Coloradans who live in mobile home parks don’t own the land underneath. That means that with the stroke of a pen, hard working Colorado families can lose their most cherished asset- their home.” “If a park owner decides to sell the property that their residents live on, residents have to figure out the often impossible task of moving their homes or forego them altogether,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The Right to Purchase Act would give homeowners a path forward to purchase the land that they have been living on so that they don’t have to go through the heartbreaking process of uprooting children from school and dismantling the stability that they have spent years building.” “From unwarranted evictions to retaliation against residents, park owners have had the upper hand over mobile home communities and the residents who call them home,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Homeowners deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This bill will secure critical new rights for mobile home park residents such as protections against retaliation and the right to privacy.” Over 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, and they are the single largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. Park residents, however, have been subject to arbitrary evictions and retaliation when they file complaints. Furthermore, park owners can sell the land they live on or redevelop it without even notifying residents or giving them the opportunity to make an offer on the real estate. HB 20-1196 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Julie McCluskie, would define retaliation against residents and would outline a process to protect residents from retaliation when they complain about park owner violations. It prevents park owners from removing tenants over minor rule violations, protecting mobile home residents from unwarranted evictions that can destroy their lives. Furthermore, it requires transparency in utility billing so that residents can ensure that the money they pay for essential services goes towards what it is supposed to. The bill also secures a right to privacy for tenants, mandating that park owners provide adequate notice and obtain tenant consent before entering their homes. HB 20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would create a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 90 days notice if a park is for sale or if they intend to redevelop the land. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. HB20-1196 passed by a vote of 7-4 with the Republican members of the committee opposing common sense protections for mobile home owners. HB20-1201 passed 7-4 with the Republican members of the committee standing in the way of providing the opportunity for mobile home residents to purchase the land they live on in the face of a mass eviction. HB20-1196 and HB20-1201 are supported by: 9 to 5 Colorado, Adams County, B-Konnected, Boulder County, Call to Action-CO, CatholicNetwork, City of Aurora, City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Disability Law, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Poverty Law Project, Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Senior Lobby, Colorado Village Collaboration, GES Coalition, The Denver Foundation, Disability Law Colorado, Elevation Land Trust, Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters of Colorado, Livewell Colorado, Mile High Connects, Prosperity Now, Rodefei Tzedek, United for a New Economy, Westwood Unidos, Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Together Colorado, The Chaffee Housing Trust. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2021 PENAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ADVANCES Bill would gather data around penal telecommunications service providers and limit the costs of phone calls for inmates and their families DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Representative Kerry Tipper and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to increase transparency and accountability in telecommunication costs for incarcerated individuals in Colorado. The bill would instruct the Public Utilities Commission to gather and report data on penal telecommunications providers and establish a maximum per-minute rate for phone calls in jails and prisons. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9-2. “Affordable phone calls mean incarcerated people can more easily access the legal resources and support networks they need to serve out their sentences and more smoothly reintegrate into their communities upon release,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Increasing transparency and regulating the exorbitant fees that are wrapped into the prices of these calls will massively improve the wellbeing of both incarcerated individuals and their families on the outside. This bill is a rational, sensible, and humane step forward for Colorado.” “Phone calls are a lifeline for incarcerated individuals, and we shouldn’t be profiting off of their contact with the outside world,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Studies have shown that being in touch with loved ones reduces recidivism. Given Colorado’s high recidivism rate and the Department of Corrections’ stated goal of reducing it, we should be removing barriers to communication, not making it harder for families to stay in touch. This bill would bring much-needed transparency to begin the process of rooting out profits in our criminal justice system.” HB21-1201 would require telecommunications providers that service correctional facilities to track and maintain data related to the services they provide and report it to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC would then be in charge of making the information public and ensuring accountability and transparency surrounding the providers’ practices. Finally, the PUC would also be charged with establishing a maximum per-minute rate for phone calls placed by incarcerated individuals. Previous Next