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< Back January 31, 2020 REP. A. VALDEZ & HEROD’S BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION ADVANCES DENVER, CO — Reps. Alex Valdez and Leslie Herod’s bill on HIV Infection Prevention Medications today was approved by the Public Health Care and Human Services Committee. The bill would allow for pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. The bill passed 12-1. “This bill will save lives by preventing new HIV infections in Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver). “With the lifetime healthcare cost for an individual with HIV over $350,000, you can imagine the impact this will have on families and on our healthcare systems. It’s our obligation to do everything we can to prevent any more Coloradans from being affected by HIV. I’m proud to be a sponsor and excited to see the bill move forward.” “I am fighting for the communities that have been devastated by this virus,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This is for the black, latinx, and transgender folks who have seen so many of their peers experience the stigma, cost burden, and health effects of HIV. This bill will bring much-needed relief to these communities. Our work continues as we move to the House for a full floor vote.” If enacted, HB20-1061 would allow Coloradans to go directly to a pharmacy to receive either an initial treatment regimen of PrEP or a full treatment regimen of PEP after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain authorization prior to using their benefits to obtain the medications and also prohibits insurers from requiring that a patient undergo step therapy. More than 14,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in the state of Colorado, according to a 2018 report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO EXTEND CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT FOR COLORADO PARENTS (Jan. 24) – The House Finance committee approved Rep.Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to extend the low-income child care tax credit today. The bill would help ease the childcare burden on hardworking families, roughly 32,000, in Colorado for another eight years. “The high cost of child care places a burden on hardworking families in Colorado Springs and our state,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “I was proud to sponsor this bill when I first got to the state capitol and hope we can continue helping thousands of Coloradan families afford child care every year.” Rep. Exum and then-Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood were the original sponsors of this bill in 2014. HB14-1072 created a tax credit for families that earn $25,000 or less and is equal to 25 percent of the taxpayer’s child care expenses up to $500 for one child or $1,000 for two or more children. This is Rep. Exum’s second time bringing the bill forward for renewal. A recent report released from the State Auditor’s Office stated, “We determined that the Child Care Credit and Low-Income Credit are meeting their purpose of making child care more affordable for working families.” Extending the Low-income Child Care Tax Credit is essential for low-income, working families. Coloradans that do not make enough income to pay federal taxes particularly benefit, as they don’t qualify for other state credits. HB19-1013 passed by 10-1 and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP LOWER MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE (Feb. 13) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, looks to address the increasing rate of maternal deaths. This bill will allow the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) to review cases of maternal deaths in a timely manner to then work on ways to lower these deaths. “Colorado’s maternal mortality rate has dramatically increased,” said Rep. Buckner. “ In fact, it doubled in Colorado since 2008. It is time that we work to stop what is preventable and save lives.” HB19-1122 also imposes diversity requirements for the committee as the maternal mortality rate is higher among African-American women and women in urban areas. “To hear the surprising statistic that 80 percent of maternal deaths in Colorado could have been prevented is a clear indication that we really need this bill,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, chair of the House Public Health Care & Human Services committee. HB19-1122 also funds CDPHE to complete regular reports to the legislature on ways to prevent maternal mortality based on the findings of the MMRC. The bill passed unanimously, 11-0, and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP WELCOMES POLITICAL WORKERS GUILD ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statement following the announcement that Colorado Democratic legislative aides and campaign workers launched the Political Workers Guild, affiliated with CWA Local 37074. “Our aides have tough jobs and do crucial work to keep our Capitol running smoothly so our state government can deliver for the people of Colorado,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, (D-Denver). “I welcome their announcement today; making sure our aides feel fulfilled and cared for in their jobs is good for the General Assembly and good for our state.” “I am a fierce supporter of every Coloradans’ right to collectively bargain and fight for better pay and benefits,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, (D-Pueblo). “I stand in solidarity with our hardworking aides and am proud of them for making their voices heard through the power of a union.” Previous Next

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

< Back May 28, 2020 TELL COMMUNITIES WHEN TOXIC POLLUTION IS RELEASED! Legislation advanced to require public notification and direct outreach when toxic chemicals are released Denver, CO– The House Finance Committee today advanced Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Valdez’s bill to protect Colorado communities from toxic chemicals that are emitted from many refineries, factories, coal plants and other facilities. These air toxins heavily impact the communities that live close by and can cause a number of documented health complications. The bill passed 7-4. “Our communities have a right to know when their industrial neighbors release dangerous levels of toxic and deadly chemicals into our air,” said Rep. Benavidez, D-Brighton. “Every Coloradan has a right to clean air and water, and the communities living in the shadows of these facilities, often communities of color and non-english speakers, must be immediately notified when dangerous chemicals are released.” “For too long, facilities that release toxic chemicals have repeatedly failed to provide timely and accurate information to the communities nearby. This needs to end,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “Our bill will require Suncor and other facilities that release toxic air pollution to notify their neighbors when they release harmful levels of deadly chemicals so that our communities have the information they need to respond appropriately and protect their health.” Toxic air pollution primarily affects those living and working closest to the facilities, which are primarily made up of minorities and lower income Coloradans. Some of these air toxins include Benzene, which can cause a variety of symptoms including respiratory complications, eye and skin irritation, headaches and more. Hydrogen cyanide , another chemical commonly released by factories, refineries and other such entities can cause damage to the central nervous system, which can cause headaches, dizziness, numbness, loss of vision and more symptoms. HB20-1265 requires facilities to conduct outreach in english and spanish and notify the surrounding communities when they release toxic levels of benzene, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide into the air. The requirement applies to anticipated or unanticipated incidents, including as a result of a malfunction, start-up, shutdown, upset or emergency. The bill is supported by: Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA) Sierra Club Conservation Colorado Colorado Latino Forum Earthjustice Western Resource Advocates Healthy Air and Water Colorado Environment Colorado CoPIRG Mi Familia Vota Together Colorado 350 Colorado Colorado Fiscal Institute Mothers Out Front Colorado National Parks Conservation Association Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bill Improving Access to Life-Saving Medicine Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill allowing psychologists to prescribe some mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Treatment for mental illness can take many forms, but when someone needs prescription medication, it can often be costly and take too long to get in to see a prescriber,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Allowing specially-trained psychologists to prescribe medication that best fits their patient’s needs will improve treatment options, reduce costs, and increase access to life-saving care for Coloradans with mental illness.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to expand access to contraception, improve consumer protections for Colorado patients, protect hospitals and health care providers from instability in the health care market. < Back April 29, 2023 Bills to Expand Access to Contraception, Secure Health Insurance Coverage Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to expand access to contraception, improve consumer protections for Colorado patients, protect hospitals and health care providers from instability in the health care market. SB23-284, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Ron Weinberg, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 5. HB23-1303, sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Speaker Julie McCluskie, passed the House by a vote of 52 to 9. “Coloradans should be able to access their twelve month prescribed contraceptive medication at once, but insurers are making it more difficult,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284. “This bill enforces the law that has been in statute since 2017. Allowing access to a twelve month supply of contraceptives at once ensures that Coloradans don’t face additional barriers to accessing their medication, such as not living close to a pharmacy, lacking reliable transportation or many other reasons. Under this legislation, insurance companies and PBM will now be required to comply with the law that they have managed to skirt since 2017.” SB23-284 would require both insurance plans and pharmacy benefit management companies (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and makes sure Colordans can easily access twelve month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and makes it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “Coloradans should be able to trust that their health insurance will be there when they get sick or injured,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1303. “Patients and providers shouldn't be asked to pick up the tab when health insurers go out of business. This bill makes sure that if a health insurer can't pay its bills, patients, doctors, and hospitals won't be stuck with exorbitant costs from unpaid claims for care that's already been provided. It helps protect Coloradans from these insurance company insolvencies so that families can continue to access the care they need.” “When a health insurance company fails, rural communities like mine are especially vulnerable because of the limited choices that rural Coloradans have when it comes to where they can receive care and who their insurer is,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1303. “This legislation brings more insurers into our public safety net, the Colorado Life & Health Guaranty Association, to protect hospitals, health care providers and patients in the event of a failure in the health insurance market. By protecting our rural hospitals and health care providers, we are ensuring that rural communities will continue to have access to the quality care they need.” HB23-1303 would make the distribution of insurance claims a class 1 distribution priority in the case of an insurer’s liquidation, preventing other insurers from becoming impaired or insolvent due to another’s failure. This prioritization adjustment would be repealed on July 1, 2026. The bill also amends the “Life and Health Insurance Protection Association Act” by: Adding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as members of the Colorado Life and Health Insurance Protection Association, bringing HMOs into this public safety net, and subjects HMOs to assessments, Allocating responsibility for long-term care insurance assessments between health and life insurance association members, and Specifying that the Act does not provide coverage to a person that acquires rights to receive, or to a payee or beneficiary that transfers its rights in, a structured settlement factoring transaction, as defined in federal law, regardless of when the transaction occurred. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2021 JUDICIARY SETS LIMITS ON USE OF KETAMINE DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today approved Representatives Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to define the appropriate use of ketamine in law enforcement interactions. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Elijah McClain should still be alive today, and he’s not the only one whose life has been taken by the misuse of ketamine at a scene with law enforcement,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “We can’t allow the prehospital use of these drugs to go unchecked, and I’m glad we were able to come to a solution that works for Colorado. I am so grateful for the brave testimony of Elijah McKnight and others who shared their stories today. Passing this bill will help keep people safe and ensure that people are treated humanely by law enforcement. It’s the right thing to do.” “As a physician, I know that ketamine can have devastating, even deadly, consequences if used incorrectly,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “We shouldn’t be using these drugs lightly, especially outside of a hospital setting where a patient’s weight, medical history, and other relevant factors are unknown. The bill we advanced today will make law enforcement interactions safer and hopefully prevent tragedies like the ones we heard about in committee today.” HB21-1251 limits the use of ketamine to subdue an individual in pre-hospital settings. The federal government has scheduled ketamine as a controlled substance due to its associated risk factors, and emergency medical service providers, here referred to as ‘paramedics’ must seek waivers to administer ketamine since the drug is outside of their standard scope of practice. In one study , nearly a third of patients who received ketamine in a pre-hospital setting were eventually intubated, 16 times the rate of intubation when administered in an emergency department. Another study found that intubation was undertaken for 63% of patients who received ketamine in pre-hospital settings. The bill prohibits law enforcement from directing a paramedic to chemically incapacitate someone by administering ketamine except in limited circumstances. A paramedic must weigh an individual to ensure accurate dosage and if that’s not possible, at least two people present at the scene must agree with their weight estimation. The paramedic must be trained in the administration of ketamine and must attempt to obtain verbal authorization from a medical director before administering it. Lastly, there must be equipment on site to immediately monitor the vital signs and provide urgent transport. Among other changes, the bill requires a law enforcement officer to intervene and report to the POST board if they see another officer using ketamine on someone, which under the bill would constitute excessive use of force and could lead to permanent revocation of an officer’s POST certification if the incident results in death. Absent a justifiable medical emergency, a paramedic would be prohibited from using ketamine to sedate someone to aid in their arrest or restraint for alleged or suspected criminal conduct. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO MODERNIZE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT CLEARS COMMITTEE Teen vaping is an epidemic in Colorado (Feb. 27) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill that modernizes the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City would add hookah smoking, electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited activities in indoor public places and workplaces. “Colorado teens are engaging in e-cigarette and vaping use at an alarming rate. As a parent of teenagers, I share the concern of moms and dads who are worried about this growing public health issue and how it is impacting their children,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “It’s time to show our young people that vaping is harmful for them, their peers and their long term health.” HB19-1076 looks to protect people of all ages against the dangers of secondhand smoking exposure from electronic cigarettes. It will also ensure that existing smoke-free laws are being enforced. In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General called teen vaping an epidemic . In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado a “B” grade for its smoke-free air citing Colorado’s use of electronic smoking devices indoor. The report also suggested strengthening state and local laws around youth access to tobacco products to raise “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. The bill passed the committee 10-1 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2021 STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY MOVES FORWARD New state agency would increase access to apprenticeship programs in Colorado DENVER, CO– Legislation that would create a state apprenticeship agency to oversee, promote and ensure the quality of apprenticeship programs in Colorado today passed the House Business Affairs and Labor committee by a vote of 8-5. “State apprenticeship agencies like the one we’re creating help people learn the skills they need to enter and advance in a trade and ensure they get the training they signed up for,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We can build back stronger by making sure that every worker has access to the tools they need to thrive.” “So many Coloradans would jump at the chance to enter an apprenticeship program, so let’s make it easier for them to do so and improve the quality of these programs at the same time,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This bill would help create jobs by increasing access to critical skills training programs and by expanding these programs to new and emerging industries.” HB21-1007, sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and David Ortiz, would establish a state apprenticeship agency. The agency will collaborate with the US Department of Labor to register and oversee apprenticeship programs, determine standards for apprenticeship programs, and ensure these standards are being met. It will work to promote apprenticeship programs so that more Coloradans can access these critical training opportunities, which to-date have jump-started the careers of nearly 2 million Americans in the last decade. Because Colorado does not have a state apprenticeship agency, apprenticeship programs are currently registered with the US Department of Labor. This new state agency would work with apprenticeship programs to provide technical assistance to help them create and meet standards and provide more flexibility to ensure apprentices are learning the skills they need to advance in their trade. Twenty-five other states have state apprenticeship councils. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. < Back November 17, 2023 Higher Tax Credits Coming Soon for Hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “Our bill will put hard-earned money back into the pockets of 400,000 hardworking Colorado families,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit provides a significant boost to working-class families struggling to buy their children clothing, afford groceries, and otherwise support their families. We’re saving Colorado families money, lifting more families out of poverty, and boosting our local economies.” “Hundreds of dollars in savings can be the difference between missing meals and being able to put food on the table for your family,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our kids perform best in school when they have stable housing and reliable meals. The Earned Income Tax Credit is proven to improve family health and education outcomes, improve child nutrition, and boost parents’ take-home earnings so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.” HB23B-1002 would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average state-level EITC is $521 . By increasing the EITC, families could see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which more than doubled the state's EITC and funded the Child Tax Credit for the first time in Colorado, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Additionally, Colorado Democrats passed HB23-1112 last session to increase the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024. The bill’s demographic note showed that EITC recipients were more likely to be women, people of color, and people living with disabilities. Previous Next