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Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back June 30, 2025 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Takes Effect Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution COLORADO - Legislation goes into effect today to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion. HB24-1304, also sponsored by Former Rep. Steph Vigil and Former Senator Kevin Priola, eliminates parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. “Parking minimums add to building costs that then get passed down to potential homebuyers and renters, increasing housing costs for everyone,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can add tens of thousands of dollars and reduce the number of units that we can build—restricting supply and driving up costs. This law going into effect, coupled with the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats passed in recent years, will help alleviate our affordability crisis.” “Parking spots cost tens of thousands of dollars each to build - an unacceptable amount at a time when too many Coloradans are struggling to find housing they can afford,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “We must do more to encourage the construction of new housing in our state, including for Pueblo which has a large amount of land devoted to parking that could be redeveloped as housing and businesses. I am incredibly proud of our new law that will make it easier to do just that while reducing traffic, bolstering economic development, and freeing up valuable space for our communities while enhancing our downtowns.” Beginning June 30, 2025, HB24-1304 prohibits a county or municipality within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) from enacting or enforcing minimum parking requirements for most new multifamily residential properties that are within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station. The law still allows a local government to impose a parking minimum of up to one space per unit on proposed housing developments with more than 20 units or that include any units classified as affordable housing. To impose this mandate, they must show that the parking minimum is required to avoid a substantial negative impact. HB24-1304 does not allow a county or municipality to decrease required parking spaces for people with disabilities and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes. Lastly, the law required the Colorado Department of Transportation and other state agencies to publish a map of the applicable transit services area and technical assistance materials and best practices for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. In 2020, new structured parking spaces in Denver cost $25,000 each. The city of Minneapolis, which eliminated parking minimums in 2021 and has enacted a suite of other land use reforms, saw rents increase by just one percent between 2017 and 2022, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver increased by almost 25 percent over the same time period. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis, leading to lower rent increases, to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with passenger vehicles such as cars and light-duty trucks contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Previous Next

HB23-1228 allocates more than $62 million toward nursing facilities and updates Medicaid reimbursement rates < Back March 21, 2023 Bill to Support Nursing Facilities, Update Reimbursement Rates Passes Committee HB23-1228 allocates more than $62 million toward nursing facilities and updates Medicaid reimbursement rates DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to increase annual funding for nursing facilities and prioritize reimbursement for facilities that serve a higher rate of Medicaid patients. “We need to ensure Colorado’s nursing facilities are properly funded so they can provide world-class care to our grandparents, parents, and neighbors,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Colorado has hit a breaking point–if nursing facilities don’t have the funding they need, they’ll be forced to close their doors and residents who need their care will be forced to find it elsewhere. This legislation boosts funding for nursing facilities so they have the resources they need to stay open and provide essential care to Coloradans. We’re working to help identify an innovative long term solution to nursing facility funding, so facilities are no longer reliant on additional federal and state funds to keep providing critical care to patients.” “Nursing facilities in Colorado play a vital role in caring for our loved ones, but they’re in desperate need of funding to continue meeting the needs of their residents,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Our bill outlines stronger financial transparency to ensure nursing facilities and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing are working in tandem to properly allocate funding. Streamlining this funding to nursing facilities ensures they’re able to keep the doors open, accept new residents and provide them all with critical care, treatment and services.” HB23-1228 , sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Jenny Willford, passed committee unanimously. This bill would make several changes to the Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement rates to ensure Colorado’s nursing facilities are getting the proper funding to care for high-need residents, accept new residents and maintain their operation. Specifically, this bill repeals the standard core per diem rate of 3-percent annually and increases it to 10-percent next fiscal year, 3-percent in fiscal year 2024-25, 1.5-percent in 2025-2026 and then a rate to be determined by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) in the following years. Targeted funding will supplement the needs of facilities that serve residents with severe mental health conditions, severe dementia and brain injuries. Increasing the core per diem rate combined with a new supplemental payment for facilities with disproportionately high Medicaid utilization, facilities that are geographically critical to ensuring access to care, and facilities that admit compassion release individuals will result in HCPF receiving more than $62 million this year to support Colorado’s nursing facilities. To ensure and increase financial transparency, nursing facilities will be required to submit audited financial statements to HCPF. Currently, Colorado’s nursing home facilities can report costs that have already been reimbursed by Medicare for Medicaid reimbursement, but due to complications from funding sources, nursing facilities are not currently being reimbursed for their full costs. HB23-1228 changes this Medicaid reimbursement structure by directing HCPF to undertake a three-year stakeholding process to create a more sustainable, flexible, and innovative reimbursement structure so nursing facilities are getting the full reimbursement they deserve. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 NO MORE SURPRISES: HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN BILL TO END OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLING (Mar. 22) – A bipartisan bill to address the out of control practice of sending consumers out-of-network bills, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was approved today by the House. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” s aid Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I am responding to to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise and often expensive bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” HB19-1174 prohibits out-of-network billing by providers when the patient unknowingly received the care from an out-of-network provider or facility. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out of network costs when they intentionally go out of network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than thirty times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The House approved the bipartisan bill on a vote of 60-4. The bill now goes to the Senate. The bill also has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate by Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. < Back May 16, 2023 New Laws Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Create Stronger Pathways for In-Demand Industries CENTENNIAL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1212 improves access to apprenticeships for graduating high schoolers. HB23-1074 identifies strategies to better prepare Colorado workers for industry changes resulting from technology advances and automation. “We’re taking the necessary steps to boost our workforce by connecting graduating high school students to high-demand careers through apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This law is a win-win for aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s future toward a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “Our law saves graduates money on educational training and builds stronger pathways toward high-demand industries. Across Colorado there are many industries searching for skilled workers, and our law helps fill workforce demands and strengthen our economy.” HB23-1212 directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of apprenticeship opportunities in available career planning tools, including individual career and academic plans to better support job preparation for students. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. “As our economy and workforce demands shift, we’re preparing now to ensure Colorado workers are not left behind,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1074 . “This law will identify opportunities for workers to use the skills they already have while transitioning to a more forward-looking economy. We cannot control how innovation and automation will change the labor market, but we can ease the workforce transition so more Coloradans can continue to work and thrive in their own communities.” “Our law creates and preserves jobs for workers in Colorado’s oil and gas industry and other skilled industries as we anticipate future workforce changes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1074. “This workforce study will identify strategies to help workers enter new, up-and-coming career paths as technology-dependent industries adapt and grow with automation. We’re committed to help Coloradans prepare for the career of the future, and this law sets us on a pathway forward.” HB23-1074 creates a workforce study to help better prepare Coloradans for high-demand careers. Through this workforce study, The Office of Future Work (OFW) will partner with research institutions, employers and other stakeholders to explore industry transitions in oil and gas and in industries experiencing disruption due to automation. This law works to ease workforce transitions, identify appropriate interventions and define strategies to help Coloradans prepare and train for careers of the future. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Yara Zokaie that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person. SB25-145 passed 41-22, with 22 House Republicans voting to make it harder to cancel subscriptions. < Back April 23, 2025 House Approves Bill to Make it Easier to Cancel Automatic Renewals DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Yara Zokaie that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person. SB25-145 passed 41-22, with 22 House Republicans voting to make it harder to cancel subscriptions. “There is nothing more annoying than checking your credit card statement and seeing charges for a subscription service that you can’t find a way to cancel,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “This legislation would require businesses to make the cancellation process straightforward for consumers, saving Coloradans time cancelling unwanted subscriptions and money on services or products they don’t need.” “While companies make it simple to start a subscription online, they often add extra steps to cancel,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “We live in an era where more services are subscription-based, and if you’re forced to pay a subscription just to access your home security cameras or watch TV, it shouldn’t be impossible to cancel. With this bill, we’re ensuring Coloradans can easily end their subscription services and prevent unwanted charges.” SB25-145 would require sellers of goods and services to implement simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel automatic renewal contracts and trial periods either online or in person. Failure to do so would constitute a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION Democrats working to expand voter access (May 1) – The House gave preliminary approval to an automatic voter registration bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Kyle Mullica. This will make Colorado voter rolls more accurate as information is updated. “Colorado already has a leading elections system in the country, however, there are ways we can improve it even more. This bill ensures our voter roles are secure, accurate, up to date and that everyone who is eligible to vote can not only receive their ballot but send and access their ballot,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We need to make sure that anyone who is eligible to vote has no barriers to access the ballot and this bill ensures an accurate and secure way to accomplish this. Democracy works when we all get to participate and that’s what this bill does.” SB19-235 will streamline the voter registration process at the DMV and reduce the opportunity for human error. Data from the DMV will be sent to the Secretary of State’s office to register only eligible voters. Those voters would be sent a postcard informing them that they will be registered if they take no action and gives them the options to decline the registration or affiliate with a political party at that time. Additionally, SB19-235 expands the automated voter registration from the current DMV system to add Medicaid services applicants, while ensuring security and medical privacy issues. This process would add only eligible voters who do not opt out of the registration. Through this process, more voters will get their ballots at the correct address therefore saving counties money from postage wasted on incorrect addresses. “Automatic voter registration will be a good thing for Colorado. Our democracy at its very best when we have the most eligible voters participate in our elections,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “We are doing away with barriers to ensure a more accessible and inclusive election. Through this, we can continue to allow Colorado to take a lead in elections in our nation.” Secretary of State Jena Griswold testified in committee is support of SB19-235. SB19-235 was approved on a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2023 House Advances Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “No one should have to put off life-saving, reproductive health care because they can’t afford it,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “We’re one step closer to securing expanded access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was able to pay for my own abortion, but not everyone can access or afford the care they need. Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full range of reproductive health care services.” “Accessing the health care you need shouldn’t rely upon how much money you have or if you can find a provider in your community,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our legislation works to break down accessibility barriers to receiving reproductive health care, which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments. We are committed to securing reproductive justice for all and breaking down the systematic barriers that keep our neighbors from accessing care.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, STI and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. ### Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2022 BILL TO CONTINUE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan to continue critical whistleblower protections regarding workers’ health and safety. “Extending protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill will permanently extend the worker reporting protections we put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation. Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or their colleagues and this bill prioritizes their protection.” “Essential workers shouldn’t be worried about losing their job or having their wages slashed for reporting unsafe or unhygienic working conditions,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “During the 2020 statewide public health emergencies, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new bill extends those reporting protections for workers so they can feel safe on the job whether we’re experiencing a pandemic or not.” In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 would make these protections permanent. The bill protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee by a vote of 8 to 4. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens yesterday was honored as a Legislative Rural Schools Champion by the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance. < Back October 3, 2024 Rep. Lukens Honored as Legislative Rural Schools Champion HAYDEN, CO – Representative Meghan Lukens yesterday was honored as a Legislative Rural Schools Champion by the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance . Rep. Lukens was recognized for her legislative efforts to increase public school funding and drive more resources to mountain schools. “Thank you for selecting me as a Legislative Rural Schools Champion, it’s a true honor to be recognized for my work to boost funding for our rural K-12 schools,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Increasing funding, resources and support for our public schools has been one of my top priorities as a legislator, and I’m incredibly proud of our legislative efforts to modernize the school finance formula to better support our rural and underserved districts. This session, we also fully paid off the budget stabilization factor, which means our schools can receive the funding they need to hire and retain staff as well as purchase much needed supplies. Thank you, Colorado Rural Schools Alliance!” During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Lukens supported groundbreaking education legislation including HB24-1448 , the new public school finance formula, which will increase funding for rural and underfunded districts and SB24-188 , the 2024 School Finance Act, which boosts funding for schools by eliminating the budget stabilization factor (BSF). The 2024 School Finance Act will help school districts increase teacher pay, recruit school staff, reduce classroom sizes and purchase new textbooks. Rep. Lukens also supported legislation to make permanent the successful iMatter Program which provides six, free therapy sessions to Colorado students under 18-years-old. In addition to HB24-1448 and SB24-188, Rep. Lukens was the prime sponsor of education legislation to bring more school psychologists to Colorado, establish an Educator Safety Task Force and extend privacy protections for our educators. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. SB25-006 passed by a vote of 42-20. < Back April 11, 2025 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. SB25-006 passed by a vote of 42-20. “Every Coloradan deserves the chance to realize their dream of becoming a homeowner,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “I’m proudly sponsoring this bipartisan effort to help build more ‘starter housing’ for hardworking Coloradans. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access stable housing and build equity and generational wealth.” SB25-006 , also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. Previous Next

SB25-038 would keep personal information confidential after filing a wildlife damage compensation claim < Back February 24, 2025 House Ag Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Issues with Wolf Reintroduction DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Coloradans from having their private information shared after a wildlife incident on their property. “In support of our agricultural communities, who are dealing with the consequences of wolf reintroduction on the Western Slope, we’re championing bipartisan legislation to protect their personal information when filing a claim for compensation following depredation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill ensures that the cell phone numbers, addresses, or any other personal information of those filing a wildlife damage compensation claim is kept confidential. Given the political landscape surrounding wolf reintroduction in our state, we must ensure Coloradans can file wildlife compensation claims without fear of retaliation or trespassing on their property.” SB25-038 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would require that personal information be kept confidential after an individual files a wildlife damage compensation claim with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). When individuals file wildlife compensation claims with the CPW, their personal information, including cell phone number, name and address, is currently subject to the "Colorado Open Records Act". This bill would not disclose personal information to keep Coloradans safe and offer privacy to filing individuals. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES, CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR ASSAULT SURVIVORS DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that will improve statewide protections for Coloradans with disabilities and create new rights for sexual assault survivors to have access to rape kit evidence. HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would update Colorado’s disability laws to ensure they are as protective as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It would ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have equal access to all government services, including government-managed webpages. It would also prohibit state agencies from promulgating rules that are less protective than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It passed 11-0. “While the federal ADA was a critical start to equity in basic human rights and accessibility in Colorado, there’s more we can do to align our state’s anti-discrimination laws with federal protections for people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, the first Coloradan to serve in the General Assembly who uses a wheelchair. “Government websites are major access points for critical state services, and we know that Coloradans with significant disabilities are more likely to need these services. This bill will require government websites to be ADA-accessible because we know too many Coloradans have found it difficult to access state services online.” HB21-1143 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Matt Soper, creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. The bill passed 10-0. “No survivor should ever have to find out that their case has been closed and the rape kit evidence destroyed without their input,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The bill we advanced today will create important new rights for sexual assault survivors to preserve invaluable evidence, prevent lost rape kit evidence and advance justice.” Previous Next