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< Back June 23, 2020 SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF IS ON ITS WAY TO MAIN STREET! Denver, CO– The Governor today signed two bills, passed by the General Assembly, to provide much-needed relief to small businesses across Colorado. Representatives Lisa Cutter and Shannon Bird sponsored HB20-1413, which establishes a loan program for small businesses. Representative Mary Young sponsored SB20-222, which enacts a small business grant program. “This session, Democrats worked to get Colorado back on its feet and on the way to economic recovery,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County . “The loan program signed into law today will give Colorado’s small businesses a leg up by providing a responsible and effective way to keep their doors open while our state recovers.” “Colorado’s small businesses need all the help they can get,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster . “This new law will put yet another tool in the toolbelt of businesses struggling to stay afloat during these unpredictable times. Small businesses employ 40% of our state’s workforce, and it is critical to keep small businesses open and people employed. By investing in our small businesses, we’re taking important steps toward recovering Colorado’s strong and bustling economy.” HB20-1413 establishes a small business loan program for which $250 million of private and public funding is allocated to Colorado’s small businesses over the next two years. Loans of between $30,000 to $500,000 with a maturation of up to five years will be awarded to small businesses with between five to 100 employees and Loans must carry a lower interest rate than what would normally be available on the commercial market. In order to ensure as much fiscal equity as possible, counties across Colorado will be allocated loans that are proportionate to the number of small businesses in the county.. “All small businesses need our help, but I’m proud that this grant program will specifically support rural, women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “We can’t leave any Coloradan behind, and this bill will give special attention to businesses that were overlooked by the Paycheck Protection Program while investing in our tourism industry, which is greatly suffering.” SB20-222 creates a grant program funded by $20 million of the CARES Act for small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. $5 million will be set aside for the recovery of the tourism sector. To qualify for the grant program, businesses must have less than 25 employees. Businesses that did not qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program will be given preference. Women, minority and veteran-owned businesses will also be given priority as well as businesses that are located in rural areas. Previous Next

The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year < Back May 1, 2023 House Passes Record School Funding Bill The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year DENVER, CO – The House today passed the 2023 School Finance Act, increasing per pupil funding by $1,018. This record investment toward K-12 public schools also reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, mapping out a course to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor by the 2024-2025 school year. “Increasing funding for our schools is one of the smartest investments we can make because it sets our students on the path to success,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “The 2023 School Finance Act reaffirms our commitment to our schools through a record-breaking investment of $665 million more, resulting in $10,614 per pupil. Every school district has different needs, which is why this legislation invests $30 million toward rural schools to help them recruit educators and support the enrichment courses that make education in Colorado well-rounded.” “We’re committed to supporting our teachers and students and this year’s School Finance Act includes the largest buydown ever of Colorado's debt to our K-12 public schools,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Investing in our schools better prepares Colorado's next generation of leaders, and this legislation increases per pupil funding by nearly $1,100 and puts our state on a sustainable path to fully fund K-12 public schools in the next two years. Colorado needs a strong education system, and this bill invests in our schools so they can continue to prepare our students to thrive.” 2023 School Finance Act : SB23-287 passed the House by a vote of 52 to 10 and invests a record-breaking $665 million more in total program funding and raises the statewide average of per pupil funding by $1,018, equating up to $10,614 per pupil. It reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, while committing lawmakers to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year. With this funding, school districts can reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students succeed. Additional allocations include: $30 million specifically for large and small rural schools $10 million toward special education preschool support $1 million for gifted and talented universal screening for students $500,000 to support English language learning students and the translation of Individualized Education Programs program documents within special education $300,000 to reimburse schools for expenses related to replacing an American Indian mascot The bill will also create a task force charged with examining Colorado's public school financing system and making recommendations to improve the school finance formula to make it more equitable and student-centered. An additional study will explore what it takes to adequately provide a free and uniform public education for students in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back August 1, 2019 DELIVERING RESULTS FOR COLORADANS: HOUSE DEMS TOUT NEW LAWS Suite of bills going into effect Friday address health care costs, affordable housing, environment, and more (August 1) – 221 new state laws are set to go into effect on Friday, representing key components of the Colorado House Democrats’ agenda focused on building a fair economy that expands opportunity for all; investing in our future; and protecting the Colorado way of life. Over half of the new laws going into effect tomorrow had bipartisan sponsors, and the vast majority passed with bipartisan support. “I’m proud of what we accomplished this year – we were able to make progress on a wide range of issues including health care, climate change and the environment, education, transportation, election access and fair campaigns,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “The laws going into effect tomorrow will help Coloradans get ahead and ensure that Colorado continues to be the best state in the nation to live, work and play.” A selection of highlights on key issues is below, and a full list can be found here . ✓ Expanding Opportunity & Building a Fair Economy Too many hardworking Coloradans aren’t seeing the benefit of our state’s economic success and feel like they can’t get ahead. This year Democrats made important progress on leveling the playing field for all Coloradans. One new law going into effect on Friday will help families with the high cost of child care. Another new law will help kick-start college savings for every baby born or adopted in Colorado, helping address the burden of higher education costs on students and their families. HB19-1013 (Exum), HB19-1280 (Herod & Becker) Also going into effect on Friday is a bill increasing protections for student loan borrowers by establishing licensing requirements for loan service providers and increasing enforcement of complaints. SB19-002 (Roberts & Jackson) ✓ Helping to Lower the Cost of Health Care Democrats focused on lowering health care costs this year, improving transparency and enacting cost-cutting measures. Multiple bills going into effect on Friday require increased cost transparency by hospitals , implement protections for consumers when accessing freestanding emergency departments , and streamline access to care . HB19-1001 (Kennedy), HB19-1010 (Mullica & Landgraf), HB19-1211 (Michaelson Jenet & Caraveo) Democrats also focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs by capping co-pays for life-saving insulin , allowing importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, and increasing transparency of prescription costs for both prescribers and patients. HB19-1216 (Roberts), SB19-005 (Jaquez Lewis), HB19-1131 (Jaquez Lewis) Also going into effect this week, but for a different reason, is the landmark Reinsurance bill, which is expected to decrease health insurance premiums on the individual market by 18.2% statewide next year. HB19-1168 (McCluskie & Rich) Click here to see our release announcing the approval of a federal waiver allowing the program to proceed. ✓ Increasing Access to Jobs & Workforce Training The SHOP Act, which goes into effect this week, will help Colorado schools build or renovate career & technical education facilities , expanding opportunities for students to explore skills training and a range of career options. HB19-1008 (Kraft-Tharp & Larson) Another new law will help students and adults pursuing careers in the trades access opportunity by building a directory of apprenticeship programs and coordinating with local workforce centers, businesses, and education institutions. SB19-171 (Sullivan & Galindo) ✓ Protecting Colorado’s Environment & Promoting Clean Energy Clean air and water are key to Colorado’s unique quality of life. This year Colorado Democrats took action to protect our environment and promote clean energy. Two key bills that go into effect on Friday will prevent pollution of precious water resources from future hardrock mining operations and protect water sources and firefighters from dangerous PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. HB 19-1113 (Roberts & McLachlan), HB19-1279 (Exum & Landgraf) Also going into effect is a bill to increase access to renewable energy for Coloradans by expanding and streamlining the community solar gardens program. HB19-1003 (Hansen & Valdez A.) ✓ Increasing Affordable Housing and Renters’ Rights One of the major issues impacting hardworking Coloradans is the cost of living, and in particular the lack of affordable housing. Two key components of the House Democrats’ efforts to boost investment in affordable housing go into effect on Friday and will provide much-needed relief in areas across the state. HB19-1245 (Weissman), HB19-1322 (Roberts & Will) Another important component of the housing crisis is the lack of protections for renters. Also going into effect on Friday are a law to improve a renter’s rights if their home becomes uninhabitable or unfit for human habitation, and a law to put reasonable limitations on the application fees landlords can charge prospective tenants. HB19-1170 (Jackson & Weissman), HB19-1106 (Titone & Gonzales-Gutierrez). ✓ Investing in Student Success On top of historic investments in K-12 and higher education this year, House Democrats have been working to invest in targeted strategies to improve student success. This Friday, two new laws will go into effect increasing access to AP and IB courses for low-income students. Also going into effect is a bill to support local accountability systems to ensure high quality education programs in schools. SB19-059 (Buckner), HB19-1222 (Kipp & McCluskie), SB19-204 (Arndt & Bird). Another bill going into effect Friday will expand access to concurrent enrollment opportunities for students to earn higher education course credit while enrolled in high school and improve workforce readiness. SB19-176 (McCluskie & Geitner) ✓ Improving Access to Mental Health Services An important part of the House Democrats’ legislative agenda this year was to improve mental health care in Colorado and increase access to services. The K-5 Social and Emotional Health Act , which goes into effect this week, will increase access to mental health services for children through a pilot program that provides a social worker in participating elementary schools. HB19-1017 (Michaelson Jenet) Another bill going into effect on Friday creates a new mental health facility to provide residential care, treatment, and services for individuals with mental or physical health diagnoses, to provide treatment options that are more tailored and cost-effective than acute care hospitals. HB19-1160 (Landgraf & Singer) In addition, the new law banning the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy” against LGBTQ individuals partially goes into effect on Friday. This discredited practice has been found to make young people three times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, six times more likely to fall into depression, and eight times more likely to attempt suicide. The bill will be in full effect by October 1st. HB19-1129 (Michaelson Jenet & Esgar) ✓ Pursuing Criminal Justice Reform This year, Colorado made great progress in a significantly bipartisan fashion on reasonable reforms to our criminal justice system. One new law going into effect expands access to record sealing to help more people successfully obtain and maintain housing and employment and move on from their past mistakes after they have served their sentences. HB19-1275 (Weissman & Soper) The legislature also passed a “Ban the Box” bill giving former offenders a chance to demonstrate their qualifications for a job based on their merit and skill during an interview, rather than being immediately passed over because they checked “the box” indicating criminal history on an initial application form. HB19-1025 (Herod & Melton) Another new law creates a scholarship program for former youth offenders who are pursuing a higher education, lowering the chance of recidivism and helping them become productive members of society. SB19-231 (Exum & Tipper) The legislature also passed a bill to increase mental health support for peace officers , as well as training and prevention programs, peer support groups, and other services. HB19-1244 (Coleman & Carver) ✓ Standing Up for Rural Colorado Legislators also continued to work together to address the unique needs of rural Colorado. On Friday, a new law will continue the legislature’s efforts to expand the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the state and close the digital divide. SB19-107 (Roberts) Another bill going into effect promotes both Colorado agriculture and healthy eating by encouraging schools to use food grown in our state. Also going into effect is a bill to improve produce safety standards . HB19-1132 (Buentello & Pelton), HB19-1114 (Catlin & Valdez D.) ✓ Supporting Open & Transparent Government, Fair Campaigns, and Access to the Ballot The legislature passed a range of bills this year to significantly increase access to the ballot and make our elections more secure and transparent. Two particularly notable bills go into effect this week that require expanded disclosure of funding behind campaign communications and increased transparency of political spending . Another bill establishes contribution limits for county candidates to better ensure a level playing field. SB19-068 (Weissman & Cutter), HB19-1318 (Weissman), HB19-1007 (Sirota) Also going into effect are three bills that expand access to the ballot by updating our elections laws, reducing wait times at voting centers, expanding automatic voter registration, and improving access for voters with disabilities. HB19-1278 (Lontine), SB19-235 (Esgar & Mullica), SB19-202 (Froelich) See full list of bills going into effect on Friday, August 2nd, here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo2mOp8gF14OSaEpQsgbB8LDVWSDnaC9 Previous Next

The House Education Committee last evening passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. < Back March 7, 2025 Legislation to Improve Public Safety, Reduce Youth Violence Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee last evening passed legislation to make gun violence prevention and public safety efforts more accessible to parents and legal guardians of students. HB25-1250 aims to keep Colorado youth and our communities safe . “As a long-time educator and an advocate for gun violence prevention under the gold dome, I know that parents and legal guardians want access to tools that help mitigate youth violence and senseless gun deaths,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “We know that increasing awareness within our communities makes parents and guardians better equipped to seek prevention or intervention services, and to communicate with their child about this topic. This bill takes a public health approach, coupled with our previous gun violence prevention efforts, to help connect our communities with the resources they need to create a safer, more supportive Colorado for all youth.” HB25-1250 passed by a vote of 7-5. The bill would increase education on gun violence prevention and public safety efforts by requiring the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to accessibly list gun violence prevention materials on their website. Specifically, these materials would be posted or linked online so school districts, charter schools, facility schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind could distribute these materials at the beginning of each school year to each parent, guardian, and legal custodian of an enrolled student. Under the bill, materials could be provided in written or electronic format, and local education providers would be required to also post the materials to their websites. Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors ,intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence. In 2023, Rep. Hamrick also sponsored a law to combat youth gun violence by raising the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21. That same year, a bipartisan group of legislators created the Office of School Safety which provides rapid response grants to support safety efforts in public schools, public charter schools, community-based organizations, and cities and counties. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back April 5, 2024 House Advances Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our bill would allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that they have invested public dollars into. With this legislation, we can preserve and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Our bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we’re carrying this legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” HB24-1175 would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. A property qualifies for the right of first offer under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than 15 and less than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal would give local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. The House also advanced SB24-094 , sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Meg Froelich, that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 would make modifications to existing warranty of habitability laws, including renter protections against retaliation, requiring necessary repairs to be completed in seven days for serious conditions, and clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Previous Next

Bill aims to create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back April 23, 2025 Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. HB25-1315, sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed by a vote of 55-9. “In a bipartisan way, we’re modernizing Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation while filling vacancies efficiently,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We’ve heard the concerns surrounding our current vacancy process, and our bill limits the amount of time someone can serve before facing an election and subjects vacancy candidates to campaign finance laws. Lawmakers resign for many reasons, and this bill is the right balance between creating more opportunities for voters to weigh in and ensuring communities aren’t without representation during the legislative session.” HB25-1315 aims to increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden voter participation 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 new vacancy committee process, and then there would be a new 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 new 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. The House also passed HB25-1319 by a vote of 52-12. This bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge and Minority Leader Pugliese, would apply the same vacancy committee process and subsequent vacancy elections to county commissioners. Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Incarcerated Coloradans to Pursue College Credits DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez to allow incarcerated Coloradans to earn time off their sentence by pursuing higher education. HB23-1037 passed the House with nearly unanimous support by a vote of 61-1. “This bill is about preparing incarcerated Coloradans for success when they’re released from prison by giving them the tools they need to thrive,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez D-Monte Vista. “I’m beyond proud to champion this bipartisan bill that received nearly unanimous support from Republicans and Democrats. This bill will reduce recidivism in Colorado by creating pathways for incarcerated people to earn credits toward degrees and certificates that create opportunities for good paying careers after they have served their time.” HB23-1037 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would allow inmates sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while the inmate is incarcerated in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Specifically, inmates could receive one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 6 months for an earned credential or certificate of 30 credit hours worth, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree. Right now, offenders in the DOC can reduce their sentence through earned time by participating in group living, counseling sessions and through specific work and training. Generally, inmates cannot reduce their sentence by more than 30 percent. This bill would add higher education to the list of ways inmates can reduce their sentence through earned time. HB23-1037 aims to encourage incarcerated Coloradans to pursue higher education and better prepare them for a high-earning career post-sentence. Access to education opportunities while in prison is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools to reduce recidivism. Colorado’s recidivism rate is 50 percent , one of the highest in the nation. A comprehensive, nationwide study showed that the recidivism rate among incarcerated individuals who earn associate's degrees is around 14 percent and just 5.6 percent for those who earn bachelor's degrees. These recidivism rates are significantly lower than interacted individuals who receive no education while in prison. Previous Next

SB25-006 invests up to $50 million to activate development of affordable for-sale housing < Back May 15, 2025 Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing Signed Into Law FRISCO, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, to unlock Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing was signed into law. Cosponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, SB25-006 will allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds will give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability protections and low mortgage rates to low- and middle-income buyers to ease their way into the housing market. “We know that affordable and attainable housing is a challenge facing our whole state,” said Roberts. “This law will allow us to use existing resources to help build more ‘starter homes’ which is key to giving hardworking Coloradans the opportunity to own a home and accumulate generational wealth.” “This bipartisan law will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget,” said Rutinel. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis. More ‘starter homes’ in our communities will support local workforces and make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.” The $50 million is expected to finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. Previous Next

Colorado’s federally recognized tribes joined the state legislature for third annual address < Back January 16, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats Welcome Tribes for Annual Address DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly today was joined by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe for their annual State of the Tribes. Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe spoke to the legislature about their priorities, successes and challenges, and the importance of Colorado’s strong partnership between the Tribes and the state legislature. “We are honored to be joined by the leaders of Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes for the third annual State of the Tribes address,” said Senate President Coleman, D-Denver. “We are committed to partnering with the Tribes and following their lead on what is most needed in their communities. This address is a yearly reminder of our strong government-to-government relationship, and I look forward to working closely with Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker during my time as Senate President.” “The State of the Tribes is an important tradition in the legislature and a crucial reminder of the needs and priorities of our Tribal communities as we kick off the legislative session,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I value collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe on many issues, most importantly on securing Colorado’s water future and uplifting the unique challenges of Tribal water access. I’m grateful for the leadership of Chairman Manuel Heart and Chairman Melvin J. Baker and I look forward to future conversations on how we can continue to collaborate on policies that impact the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes.” “It is crucial that we as legislators listen to and take action on the priorities of our Tribal partners, always recognizing the foundational principles of mutual recognition and respect of sovereignty,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “It is my honor to partner with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes on legislation to strengthen our partnership. The Chairmen mentioned several bills that I am proud to lead on, including the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, strengthening the Indian Child Welfare Act, and enforcing Tribal court orders. I am also sponsoring legislation to protect wild bison and make the Indian Affairs Interim Committee permanent. I look forward to our continued collaboration this year and in years ahead.” "Today, we had the great privilege of welcoming back the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to address the General Assembly,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “As we work to strengthen our government-to-government relationship, addresses like this one allow us to learn more about the issues faced by Tribal communities. This year, through the American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, we created a dedicated space to elevate tribal concerns and seek solutions. Reflecting on this third annual address, I look forward to continuing our great work and keeping an open line of communication between the sovereignty of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the state of Colorado.” “The State of the Tribes, now three years running, has become a highlight of the start of the legislative session,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “It reaffirms our commitment to an open and collaborative relationship between the legislature and our Tribal partners and is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate, listen to, and learn from Colorado’s Native American communities. The legislation I’m sponsoring that was mentioned during today’s address, SB25-009, will ensure the state recognizes decisions by Tribal courts, helping to honor the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and improving public safety.” “I’d like to thank the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for joining us at the capitol today – their remarks provided valuable and important insight,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “The annual address helps not only strengthen our relationship, but highlights the priorities of the Tribal communities. It’s important to remember, the Ute people were here long before Colorado’s statehood, and their voices and concerns deserve to be heard. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Chairman Manuel Heart for joining us for the third annual address as we foster a united pathway forward.” This year, the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee advanced three bills to extend the interim committee for an additional five years, reclassify bison as big game and recognize Tribal legal authority in arrest warrants and civil commitments. SB25-009 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would change Colorado state law to ensure that a state court gives full faith and credit to an arrest warrant and civil commitment issued by a Tribal court of a federally recognized Tribe with a reservation within the exterior boundaries of the state. Civil commitment orders include orders from law enforcement agencies, behavioral health facilities and health care providers. In 2022, SB22-105 , sponsored by former Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and former Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, created the annual Tribal Governments address to the General Assembly. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 GALLAGHER REPEAL PASSES THE HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Chair Daneya Esgar’s bipartisan bill to repeal the Gallagher Amendment. The bill would ask Colorado voters to decide whether to repeal the Gallagher amendment. The bill passed by a vote of 47-18. “Colorado’s schools, libraries, firefighters, police officers, and special districts can’t afford the Gallagher amendment,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today we’re asking voters to decide whether we do away with a policy that is no longer delivering on its original intent. I’ve worked on this issue for long enough to know first hand that the Gallagher Amendment is hampering our local governments’ ability to properly fund needed services. It’s time to relegate it to the history books.” Passed in 1982, the Gallagher amendment requires local jurisdictions to adjust property taxes in order to maintain a 45/55 statewide ratio between residential and commercial property tax collections. Gallagher originally intended for local governments to be able to raise and lower their local property taxes in response to fluctuating property values to ensure adequate local tax collections to support vital services including our K-12 schools and fire districts. However, the passage of TABOR in 1992 prevents local jurisdictions from raising property taxes without voter approval. Consequently, the rise in local property values has drastically reduced the residential assessment rate from 21% in 1987 to 7.15% today and shifted the tax burden to commercial properties, increasing costs for our small businesses across the state. SCR20-001 refers a question to Colorado voters to decide whether to repeal the Gallagher amendment in order to prevent a further decline in the residential assessment rate, as required by Gallagher. Failure to pass the repeal will result in a further decrease in local property taxes, increased state obligation to fund K-12 education, and heightened pressure to cut other services to maintain a balanced budget. SB20-223 is a companion bill to SCR-001 that will freeze the property tax assessment rate if Coloradans approve the ballot measure. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. < Back April 8, 2025 Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. “Our health care workers have dedicated their livelihood to keeping our communities healthy, and they deserve to feel safe in their workplace,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “Health care workers experience higher workplace violence rates than police officers, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to incentivize hospitals to create a safer work environment for health care workers. This will help retain Colorado’s health care workforce so Coloradans can continue to receive the life-saving health care they deserve.” SB25-166 would add a workplace violence performance metric to the state’s quality incentive program and empower the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to consult with stakeholders to address workplace violence. In consultation with stakeholders, HCPF would develop workplace violence performance metrics, explore funding opportunities, and provide legislative recommendations. The group would include Medicaid providers, hospital associations, rural hospital representatives, nurse representatives, and relevant state agencies. HCPF would be required to consult with the Department of Public Health and Environment and other stakeholders by September 1, 2025. The bill would also empower HCPF to assess hospitals’ adoption of a formal workplace violence policy. Health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence-related injuries and are five times more likely to be injured on the job compared to other industries. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2021 COLORADO PROUD GETS A BOOST DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today passed legislation by a vote of 11-0 to help Colorado agriculture producers increase sales in markets across the globe. “CO Proud promotes buying locally grown, raised, and processed food and Rural agricultural products. It teaches and educates consumers that when they buy Colorado Proud they are receiving high-quality fresh products and helping Colorado’s economy, farmers, ranchers, greenhouses, manufacturers and processors. Colorado Proud has helped our state’s agriculture producers sell their products all across Colorado, the US and the world,” said Rep Donald Valdez, D- La Jara. “This bill is going to help rural Colorado recover faster from the pandemic and build back stronger. I’m proud that we were able to come together in a bipartisan way to give Colorado Proud a boost and help our farmers sell their goods in markets all across the globe.” Colorado’s robust agricultural sector has been the backbone of our economy for decades, and the pandemic has burdened the industry with unique challenges that require additional resources to overcome. To accelerate the economic recovery of our agricultural and rural communities, SB21-203 , which is sponsored by Representatives Donald Valdez and Rod Pelton, provides $2.5 million to the Department of Agriculture for the Colorado Proud program. Colorado Proud provides new opportunities for Colorado’s food and agricultural producers to increase sales globally and helps support the growth and resiliency of Colorado food systems. Previous Next