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House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. < Back December 9, 2024 Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. “I’m honored to take on the role of Speaker Pro Tempore, and I am excited to serve the chamber in this new capacity,” said Speaker Pro-Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “By working together, we will make important progress to protect and build on our accomplishments, which Coloradans overwhelmingly support. When called upon to preside over the House, I’m committed to doing so fairly and with respect for every member. Coloradans are counting on us to govern responsibly with limited state resources and deliver results– and I know we will.” “I’m excited to appoint Rep. Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore, and I look forward to working with him to make Colorado more affordable and protect our rights and freedoms,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “He is deeply respected in the chamber, works openly and honestly with colleagues, and has been a leader on groundbreaking laws to reduce the cost of housing, protect renters and address gun violence. We have important work ahead, and it is a privilege to lead the House alongside House Democrats’ diverse leadership team.” The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House as the Speaker’s proxy and serves on the Majority Leadership team. Representative Boesenecker has passed legislation to protect mobile homeowners , increase consumer protections for towed vehicles , and preserve affordable housing . He has also sponsored to create a firearm dealer permit to better enforce state laws and protect communities from gun violence. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 GET COVERED! HEALTH CARE EASY ENROLLMENT ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would facilitate enrolment in health plans DENVER, CO– Representative Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to establish a program that would make it easier for health care consumers to find affordable health care coverage today was approved by the House Finance Committee by a vote of 8-2. This measure would help connect uninsured Coloradans to coverage options that they may have been unaware of or for which they may not have known they were eligible. “Over 400,000 Coloradans are currently uninsured, and we believe many of them are already eligible for some type of financial assistance whether they know it or not,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver . “Determining eligibility through the tax filing process is a great way to connect uninsured Coloradans with the health care coverage that best fits their needs. I will continue to work to make this proposal a reality.” HB20-1236 establishes a program that allows Colorado taxpayers to opt into allowing information about their uninsured household members to be evaluated for eligibility for certain affordable health insurance plans. Specifically, the program would allow individuals to indicate on the state income tax filings that they’d like the Colorado health benefit exchange (Connect for Health Colorado) to assess whether uninsured members of their household are eligible for free or subsidized health care coverage, such as the Advanced Premium Tax Credit or the state’s Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). The bill would also create the affordable health care coverage easy enrollment advisory committee to guide implementation of the program and study the feasibility of automatic enrollment. According to the Colorado Health Institute, more than half of Coloradans who don’t have health insurance qualify for public health insurance programs or subsidies such as premium tax credits or cost sharing reductions. One of the key reasons people may not enroll in coverage is that they don’t know how. This bill would allow Connect for Health Colorado to reach out to these individuals, if they checked the box on their tax return, and help them obtain free or subsidized coverage. The number of Coloradans eligible for subsidies but that haven’t enrolled in coverage has not fallen in recent years. ### Previous Next

A bipartisan law to support retired military members and their families will go into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 21, 2023 Law to Support Retired Military Members and their Families Goes into Effect DENVER, CO - A bipartisan law to support retired military members and their families will go into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1084 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Centennial, and Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Bob Gardner, R-El Paso County, extends the income tax deduction for military retirement benefits through 2028. Under this law, veterans under the age of 55 are able to deduct up to $15,000 from their state income taxes. “Veterans make great sacrifices to defend our country, so it's essential that we do the same for them,” said Zenzinger. “With this law, we’re reducing the amount of taxes retired veterans owe and keeping money in their pockets. I look forward to seeing this law continue to improve economic security for thousands of veterans and their families.” “Colorado is an amazing place to live, work, and explore the outdoors, but rising costs make it harder for people to call Colorado home,” said Ortiz. “Senior enlisted and junior officers, who are more likely to be people of color and women, are especially vulnerable to being priced out of Colorado. Our law continues state income tax deductions for military retirement benefits to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” This law continues the tax deduction for retired military members created by HB18-1060 for an additional five years, which was set to expire in 2023. The Department of Revenue reported that around 7,000 veterans took advantage of this deduction in 2020. Previous Next

SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health or gender affirming care < Back March 28, 2023 Legislation to Protect Reproductive Health Care Providers and Patients Passes Committee SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health or gender affirming care DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to establish that the state of Colorado will not recognize any criminal prosecutions for those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care. SB23-188 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to protect health care providers and patients from overreaching interstate criminal and civil threats. “When we passed RHEA, we knew the fight to defend our reproductive freedoms wasn’t over,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “This bill codifies important protections to make sure our patients, providers, and helpers are shielded from interstate prosecution threats, retaliation and imprisonment. In Colorado, we respect your bodily autonomy and the right to make your own medical decisions. Our bill makes it clear that Colorado will never extradite a provider or patient to another state, further protecting Coloradans from other states’ attempts to enforce their restrictive abortion laws.” “Across the country and even here in Colorado, our fundamental freedoms are under attack from harmful transphobic rhetoric, anti-trans bills, and egregious attempts to limit who we are,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our legislation protects those seeking gender-affirming and reproductive health care from politically-motivated, legal overreach by other states. For many people, having access to gender-affirming care is not only validating, but life-saving. This bill prioritizes patients and providers, protects our privacy and upholds your fundamental rights to reproductive and gender-affirming health care.” Protections For Accessing Reproductive Health Care: SB23-188 passed committee by a vote of 9 to 4. This bill prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. For 1.2 million people, Colorado is the closest state to receive legal abortion and reproductive health care. In order to protect patients, providers and assistors from anti-abortion lawsuits or legal action, this bill establishes a shield law to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected abortion and gender-affirming health care. This includes protections for out-of-state patients and providers. Across the nation, many states are enacting strict laws to limit access to abortion and gender-affirming care. In both Texas and Oklahoma , anyone providing, assisting, or paying for an abortion that occurs within the state are subject to criminal and civil penalties. Under these laws, residents and non residents of these two states are subject to penalties. During the 2023 legislative session, 431 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country. Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa , Florida and Tennessee have joined, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, in passing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care. The bills included in the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package are part of an effort to make Colorado one of the safest states in the nation to receive reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PASSES THE TEST McLachlan-Wilson bill will help invest in Colorado’s future (Apr. 9) – A bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners was unanimously approved by the House Education committee today. The upcoming state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. “ This bill is about setting kids up for success－the kids who live in rural, urban, and suburban areas, on the Western Slope, on the Eastern Plains and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, chair of the House Education committee. “As a former teacher, I can definitively say that early childhood education is the best gift we can give a child. Full-day Kindergarten will reap profound benefits for the hardworking families of our state for many years to come. ” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. HB19-1262 was unanimously approved by the committee. The text of HB19-1262 can be found here. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COVERAGE FOR ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAM DENVER, CO– The House passed legislation by a vote of 54-11 that would make Colorado the first state in the country to require health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness exam. “By passing this bill, Colorado will be the first state in the country to cover an annual mental health wellness exam in the same way that physical exams are covered,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We shouldn’t wait until people are in crisis to get them the care they need. Annual mental health wellness exams can detect and prevent mental health issues earlier. By doing so, Coloradans will be given the tools to address mental health challenges they may be facing early, preventing them from getting to crisis.” “By making mental health a top priority this session, we can help Colorado build back stronger and ensure that everyone in our state has access to the care they need,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Coverage for annual mental health wellness exams will save lives and bring critical mental health services to Coloradans. By detecting and treating mental health conditions, we can provide Coloradans with critical care and prevent the mental health crises that have led to tragedies in every community in our state.” HB21-1068 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Brianna Titone, would require health insurance plans in Colorado to cover an annual mental health wellness exam of up to 60 minutes that is performed by a qualified mental health care provider. Under the bill, coverage for the annual exam must be comparable to coverage for an annual physical exam, and insurance plans may not require deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for the annual mental health wellness exams. Research shows that the prevention and early detection of a mental health condition can lead to better health outcomes. Annual wellness exams allow individuals to be offered services and supports that address their needs before an issue progresses or becomes a crisis. Mental health conditions occur at all stages in life, and by integrating mental health into primary care, more Coloradans will have access to the care they need. Previous Next

< Back October 1, 2019 IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF NEW LAWS BECOME EFFECTIVE TODAY New policies to combat the opioid crisis, protect children’s health and begin remittance of online sales taxes from marketplace facilitators take effect today DENVER, CO— Important provisions from Colorado House Democrats’ 2019 legislative agenda, including new policies to mandate opioid prescriber training, prohibit minors from entering cigar-tobacco bars and to begin remittance of online sales taxes from marketplace facilitators became effective today. Under Section 14 of SB19-228 Substance Use Disorders Prevention Measures, the state licensing board must now establish new rules that require health care providers to complete four new trainings to demonstrate competencies in opioid prescribing, recognition of substance use disorder (SUD), referral for SUD treatment programs and the use of electronic prescription drug monitoring programs. SB19-228, a package of provisions to address the opioid crisis, was sponsored by Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “From doctors and lawmakers to state licensing boards, everyone has a role to play in addressing the deadly opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across our state,” said Rep. Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), the prime House sponsor of SB19-228. “Opioid prescribers will now have to demonstrate the competencies necessary to recognize potential substance use disorder in their patients, prescribe opioids appropriately, and ensure access to treatment. I’m working with my colleagues on the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee to advance new legislation to keep combating this crisis with the urgency it demands.” Also going into effect today is a critical section of HB19-1076 which modified the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act and was sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Janet. The provision prohibits persons under the age of 18 from entering cigar-tobacco bars. Previously, minors could enter cigar-tobacco bars if accompanied by a parent. HB19-1076 also requires establishments to post clear signage that says “Smoking allowed. Children under eighteen years of age may not enter.” House Democrats passed several bills last session to reduce teen tobacco use and protect the health and safety of children. “Our state is facing an alarming rise in teen tobacco and nicotine use, and we have an urgent obligation to take action to stop this,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), the prime House sponsor of HB19-1076. “Children and teenagers should not be exposed to dangerous second hand smoke inside commercial establishments. Starting today, cigar-tobacco bars will have to be crystal clear that these venues are for adults, not minors. I’ll continue working to reduce teen nicotine use and protect the health and safety of Colorado’s children.” “This new law would not have happened without the tireless work of countless advocates. I’m particularly proud of my constituent who came to testify in memory of her brother who died from opioid use disorder,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, the co-prime House sponsor of SB19-228. “The desperately needed grant funding in the bill is partly named after him, ‘The Charlie Hughes and Nathan Gauna Opioid Prevention Grant Program.’ I am also pleased to see the new training requirements for prescribers move forward. Nathan’s sister didn’t deserve to lose her brother, but her work will ensure others will live in his memory.” Finally, out-of-state online market facilitators will begin collecting and remitting sales taxes to state and local governments in accordance with HB19-1240, one of the first state laws enacted in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision. Colorado has taken a leading role on this issue. Wayfairallows states to collect online sales taxes from retailers that do not have a physical presence in the state. “This new law brings critical revenue already owed from marketplace facilitators, such as Amazon and Google, to state and local governments,” said Rep, Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada), the prime sponsor of HB19-1240 and chair of the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force. “The law evens the playing field between online retailers and brick and mortar stores, and helps us invest in our state’s future. Tax simplification is essential for small businesses, and I’ll continue working to make it easier for everyone to navigate our sales tax system.” Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICES ADVANCES Bipartisan bill would, for the first time, provide state support to homeless youth services providers HB20-1122 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooten and Colin Larson, today passed the House Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The bill passed 13-0. “With nearly 10,000 vulnerable homeless youth across our state, it’s time for Colorado to put some skin in the game and finally fund the programs that we know will help,” said Rep. Edie Hooton (D-Boulder). “Our youth deserve access to the critical services, such as supportive housing and emergency shelters that we know can make a real dent in reducing the number of youth experiencing homelessness.” Youth experiencing homelessness may face health and safety risks, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and exposure to drugs and alcohol. During the 2017-2018 school year, 23,089 students in Colorado experienced homelessness at some point, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Currently, Colorado’s five nonprofit homeless youth services providers are funded mostly through private donations and federal grant funding. They do not receive funding from the state to provide critical services, such as community outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelters, and transitional living programs. The bill would create the Services for Youth Experiencing or At Risk of Experiencing Homelessness Grant Program in the Division of Housing under the Department of Local Affairs. The maximum grant would be $125,000 per organization, and the grants would be available to the five nonprofit youth services providers currently operating in the state and would be funded from the Division of Housing’s Housing Development Grant Fund. The grants would fund programs that provide direct services to youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. It specifies the services the organizations may provide, including street outreach, criteria for emergency shelters, and supportive housing and transitional living programs. The bill is supported by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Spark Community Foundation, Urban Peak, The Place, One Colorado, Attention Homes, Shiloh Home, Karis Inc. and Volunteers of America. Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS CLEARS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bill that would allow 529 account funds to be used on post-secondary apprenticeships and programs. This switch would save Coloradans money on pursuing post-secondary learning beyond traditional higher education models. “This bill will save Coloradans money on apprenticeship programs and boost our growing workforce,” said Cathy Kipp, D-Ft. Collins. “Expanding the usage of 529 funds to include apprenticeships makes it easier for Coloradans to enter high-demand careers as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians among other skilled trades. Career paths aren’t set in stone and this bill gives Coloradans the choice to pursue their own educational path, whether it guides them to an apprenticeship program or traditional higher education.” HB22-1310 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Colin Larson, passed committee unanimously. This bill would allow 529 funds to be spent on post-secondary opportunities beyond higher education, including apprenticeships. 529 accounts operate similarly to Roth retirement accounts, they grow tax free for the purpose of investments in future education or retirement. However, under current law, qualified education expenses only include certain post-secondary education, such as higher education and college. This bill would extend the use of 529 funds to be used for other post-secondary education, such as apprenticeships and trades work. If signed into law, 529 funds can be spent on fees, books, supplies and equipment for certain apprenticeship programs. Previous Next

< Back April 17, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES ROBERTS-MCCLUSKIE BILL TO HELP LOWER THE COST OF HEALTH CARE WITH STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT (Apr. 17) – This morning, the House approved a bill with strong bipartisan support to address the high costs of health care in Colorado. The bill is sponsored by Western Slope state Representatives Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. SB19-004 will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions. It will also allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get their co-op up and running as soon as possible. “The formation of health insurance co-ops across our state where Coloradans collectively negotiate rates directly with providers will help lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “Let’s get this bill to the Governor’s desk so we can start saving people in Colorado money on health care.” This bipartisan bill will authorize the formation of these co-ops across the state which could result in plans that are significantly cheaper than those available today. The bill will also help lower healthcare costs by encouraging consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers and offer plans to individuals, business, and other groups that are more affordable than what currently exists on the market. “Without any action on the federal level to the health care crisis, Colorado communities are finding creative, innovative approaches to making health care more accessible,” said Rep. McCluskie. “This bipartisan bill will help provide solutions to the complicated health care challenges hardworking families face everyday.” Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, is the Senate sponsor of the bill. The Senate approved the bill on a bipartisan vote of 34-to-1 earlier this month. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 61-2. The bill now heads back to the Senate to approve amendments adopted in the House. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS WINS PRELIMINARY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act. HB20-1153 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus, would allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and terms of employment. “This bill would enshrine in our laws the Colorado value of empowering workers to fight for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, the prime sponsor of HB20-1153. “Across Colorado, our dedicated state employees serve our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water, but their pay and benefits haven’t kept pace. It’s time to rewrite the rules so that our state workers can innovate on the job to improve state services and negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It would foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Under the bill, the state is required to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. Membership in the union would be completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. For more than a decade, WINS has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2022 BILL FROM REP. YOUNG TO SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee today passed HB22-1035, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield to bolster supports for older Coloradans. The legislation passed 10-1. “As the number of older Coloradans rises, we have to rethink how we provide the support and services they need to be productive and live the way they want,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set clear goals that will guide our state to bolster services for older Coloradans. Our goal is to provide the social services, jobs and skills training programs, health care services and so much more that prepares all Coloradans to live productive lives as they grow older.” HB22-1035 updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. Previous Next