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The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Meg Froelich that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other government housing subsidies. HB25-1240 passed by a vote of 37-22. < Back March 11, 2025 Housing Protections for Vulnerable Coloradans Pass House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Meg Froelich that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other government housing subsidies. HB25-1240 passed by a vote of 37-22. “Coloradans who receive housing vouchers and disability assistance are especially vulnerable to housing instability, and our bill would reduce barriers to housing for those who are the most vulnerable to homelessness,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “The rising cost of living has been tough on Coloradans, especially for the seniors, young families, and people with disabilities who rely on financial assistance. With this bill, we’re improving access to stable and affordable housing so all Coloradans can have a safe place to live, regardless of whether or not they live on a fixed income.” “We’re strengthening the CARES Act to protect Coloradans from housing discrimination to keep Coloradans safely housed,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The 127,000 Coloradans who rely on anti-poverty assistance to afford housing are often survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, or marginalized communities. This legislation extends Colorado’s housing discrimination safeguards to reduce costly and traumatic evictions, protecting thousands of Colorado households from being denied housing opportunities due to rental assistance.” HB25-1240 would add protections for Coloradans who receive housing subsidy support by making it an unfair housing practice for any landlord who fails to: Make reasonable efforts to timely respond to requests for information and necessary documentation for a rental assistance application process, or Cooperate with tenants and rental assistance administrators in good faith regarding applications, including by refusing to provide documents that are required by a state government agency, a local government agency, or other administrating entity to support the tenant’s application. The bill would require a landlord who owns four or more units to comply with the eviction notice requirements under the CARES Act. Additionally, landlords would be required to reimburse tenants for the difference between rent paid and the fair rental value when a breach in the warrant of habitability is proved, regardless of if a tenant uses a housing subsidy. HB25-1240 would also direct the Division of Housing to compile and publish a list of resources for landlords, including helping determine if a landlord’s property is covered under the bill and outlining financial resources available to them. Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2020 that prevents housing discrimination for Coloradans who receive government subsidies like housing assistance programs, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and veterans benefits. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. < Back February 6, 2025 House Passes Bill to Strengthen Local Fence Construction Laws DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. HB25-1023 passed by a vote of 45-19. “With this bill, we’re protecting our environment and the Colorado Way of Life in the San Luis Valley,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood, and now they’re barred from accessing the land. This bill, rooted in local control, will require individuals to submit an application before construction begins to prioritize local voices and environmental protections.” “Communities in the San Luis Valley have long had the legal right to access lands they held before Colorado became a state, but a massive, private fence now encircles this property, limiting access and damaging the environment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would prevent further ecological damage and ensure access for animal grazing caused by unauthorized fence construction. With this legislation, we’re making sure Coloradans, and their livestock, can access the land their families have called home for generations.” HB25-1023 would require individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. The bill would make local governments responsible for determining if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms. Additionally, local governments may pass an ordinance or resolution opting in to these requirements altogether. Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This bill takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. “The Economic Development Rate allows utilities to offer competitive electric rates to large customers and can be a powerful tool to help drive business to Colorado and create more jobs, but the current qualification requirements severely limit eligible projects,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill expands eligible project size and reduces application review timelines to increase the number of projects that can benefit from these lower rates. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses, and generate more economic growth in our state.” HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would make adjustments to the economic development rate (EDR) tariff by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses would have to undergo the societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community, as well as an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, allowing regulated electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation to prevent youth overdoses and save lives. < Back February 8, 2024 Bill to Prevent Youth Overdoses and Save Lives Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to prevent youth overdoses and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young, would make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “The idea for this life-saving legislation came directly from students at Durango and Animas High Schools, and I am proud to see it through at the Capitol,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our students, bus drivers and educators need harm reduction tools to prevent overdoses and save lives. This legislation would allow trained bus drivers to administer opiate antagonists and encourage schools to keep a supply of drug testing strips. Keeping our students safe from accidental overdoses is a top priority, and this bill ensures schools have the tools needed to save a life.” “Overdoses are preventable, and it’s vital we make it easier for schools to develop plans and policies to save lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This bill would extend current law to allow opiate antagonists, such as Narcan, to be used on school buses, at school events and by trained staff. Our students have not been immune to the preventable overdose crisis in our country, and this important legislation is student-driven and will save lives.” HB24-1003 , which passed committee by a unanimous vote, would allow trained bus drivers to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill would also allow school boards to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 would allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. The House Education Committee also passed HB24-1009 by a vote of 9-1, to make early childhood education more inclusive and accessible. This bill would expand bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood to help provide services and education for child care licensing in prevalent languages. HB24-1009 would additionally make Spanish language licensing services, including documents, applications, and outreach, more available to communities across the state. Previous Next

< Back March 23, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO PREVENT IDENTITY-BASED CRIMES DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on a preliminary vote that would prevent crime before it happens and improve public safety. HB22-1234 would help prevent identity-based crimes and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ public safety package. “The increase of targeted threats and crimes against specific communities is extremely alarming and cannot continue in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe at their place of worship and in their neighborhood. We’re making strides towards improving public safety by investing in smart, preventative measures. This bill will make it easier for law enforcement to solve and put a stop to identity-based crimes and keep all Coloradans safe.” “Colorado does not tolerate targeted crimes and threats against specific communities,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill focuses on preventing identity-based violence in our state through strengthening local collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations. We’re intent on improving public safety and our legislation will work to stop identity-based crimes before they happen.” HB22-1234 would create a grant program to prevent identity-based violence. The grants will focus on building strong communities and preventing acts of violence that target a specific population of people, and on building awareness of these crimes to prevent them from happening in the first place. The bill positions law enforcement to develop the strategies needed to solve serious crimes that have widespread ramifications on a community’s sense of safety. This could include projects that strengthen local collaboration and capabilities to prevent and intervene in identity-based violence. The bill is supported by the Department of Public Safety, One Colorado, the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab, the Center on Colfax, Out Boulder County and other organizations. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 SWEEPING POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY REFORM PASSES THE HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Leslie Herod and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability of Colorado’s law enforcement, and to finally make justice possible for victims of police brutality. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 52-13. “This historic bill stands as a testament to the tireless work that advocates, protestors, and justice-seeking Coloradans have done for generations,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “We’ve come a long way and we still have a long way to go. But today I’m proud to say that my co-sponsor Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez and I took action to enact sweeping reform and correct the injustices that Black and Brown communities have suffered at the hands of law enforcement for far too long.” “It’s not every day we have the opportunity to vote on a true life or death issue in the legislature, but that’s exactly what we did today,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “The bill we passed today will make lasting, overdue change to our law enforcement system and will hopefully prevent the deaths of Black and Brown people at the hands of police in Colorado. I am honored to have accomplished this work with another woman of color, Representative Herod. This long-fought struggle for true justice has been going on for generations, and although this is a great victory for the movement, our work is nowhere near done.” SB20-217 , the Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act, would enact several provisions to prevent police brutality and increase transparency and accountability in our law enforcement. Among these provisions are the following: Mandate body cameras. The bill requires officers to wear body cameras and record interactions with members of the public that have potential for enforcement, and for footage of an incident of misconduct to be released to the public within 21 days. The bill includes privacy provisions for victims, witnesses, and juveniles, or when footage contains highly personal circumstances such as nudity, and it ensures the victim of the officer misconduct and the victim’s family receive the footage 24 hours prior to public release. Require public reporting on policing. All law enforcement agencies would be required to track and publicly report data for any contacts they initiate for law enforcement purposes. That data would include any use of force (both the type and severity), civilian searches, forced entries into homes, the unholstering and discharge of a firearm, and demographic information on race, ethnicity, sex and age of the person contacted. Rein in use of deadly force by officers. It would bring Colorado law in line with Supreme Court precedent holding that an officer may only use deadly force, including on someone who is fleeing the police, when there is an imminent risk of danger to human life if their apprehension is delayed. It also repeals an officer’s authority to ever use dangerous tactics like the chokehold. Prevent the rehiring of bad actors. If an officer is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, any inappropriate use of physical force, their POST certification would be revoked. Officers who are found untruthful, terminated for cause, or decertified would be listed in a public database to prevent them from moving from one agency to another. Hold individual officers liable for their actions. It would allow victims of police misconduct to bring a lawsuit for the violation of their constitutional rights within a two-year statute of limitations, and officers convicted of misconduct would no longer be shielded by the doctrine of qualified immunity. It would make the failure to intervene during another officer’s inappropriate use of physical force a class 1 misdemeanor Restricts the use of chemical agents and projectiles. In light of incidents at recent protests, this bill would prohibit law enforcement officers from using tear gas without first verbalizing orders to disperse a crowd and allowing individuals adequate time to comply. The bill prohibits officers from targeting rubber bullets at someone’s head, torso, or back. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO BAN JUVENILE JUSTICE FEES Herod bill to end cycles of poverty for families in the juvenile justice system gets preliminary House approval DENVER, CO– The House today advanced a bill to eliminate court fees for juveniles in the justice system. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “There are thousands of kids in Colorado’s juvenile courts every year. And every year these youth are charged administrative fees that can sabotage their reform and set them up to fail,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Young people will still be held accountable for their crimes, and they’ll still be required to pay restitution to their victims, but the court system will no longer be perpetuating the poverty that often explains why kids get in trouble in the first place. It’s time to take away the obstacles standing in the way of our youth bouncing back and succeeding.” HB21-1315 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Soper, eliminates certain fees levied on individuals and families in the juvenile justice system. The average fees per case total about $300 in Colorado, despite studies showing that about 40% of Americans would be unable to cover a $400 emergency. Further, it is estimated that the state of Colorado spends about 75% of juvenile fee revenue on collection, meaning only 25 cents out of every dollar paid by families ends up contributing to the courts. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP CONDUCT BUSINESS ELECTRONICALLY PASSESS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Matt Soper that would make it easier for entities to conduct business electronically. “With so much in our lives being conducted online at the moment, it just makes sense to give businesses the tools they need to conduct their affairs remotely,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Building back a stronger Colorado means supporting small businesses in every area we can- big and small. Today we made strides towards bringing Colorado’s corporate and business law into the modern digital age, and I’m proud to have played a part.” HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. HB21-1124 updates state law to allow businesses to conduct statutorily required activities electronically. The bill would update the Colorado Business Corporations Act and the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act to allow businesses and entities to electronically distribute notices required under these laws. It would also allow business to conduct shareholder meetings via remote attendance. Previous Next

< Back September 21, 2019 ON PUPPY MILL AWARENESS DAY, REP. DURAN & FIRST GENTLEMAN REIS DRAW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR CANINE FRIENDS Representative Monica Duran and First Gentleman Marlon Reis today spotlighted the inhumane conditions at puppy mills in Colorado and across the country. “I’m honored to be partnering with First Gentleman Reis to shed light on the abhorrent conditions at puppy mills,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge.“Every dog deserves to live in happiness and safety. Our furry friends demand very little in exchange for unconditional love and attention, and I look forward to taking action to address the inhumane treatment of animals in our state.” “Helping animals has long been the work that inspires me. In my advocacy on behalf of Colorado’s animals, I strive to turn good ideas into meaningful actions. I am proud to support efforts at the government level that help to ensure animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve while providing for their overall wellbeing and happiness,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. “We look forward to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell, and are thrilled to see Colorado lead the way and create more humane standards,” said Aubyn Royall, Colorado State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We thank both Representative Duran and our First Gentleman for their commitment to protecting consumers and animals.” Puppy Mill Awareness Day is a national day of action to raise awareness about puppy mills and to encourage advocates to make their voices heard in opposition to canine abuse. First Gentleman Reis and Representative Duran are exploring legislative proposals to ensure the health and safety of dogs and cats. Previous Next

< Back June 24, 2021 STATEMENTS ON THE PASSING OF FORMER STATE REP. MIKE MCLACHLAN DENVER, CO — State Representative Barbara McLachlan and Speaker Alec Garnett today released the following statements celebrating the life of former State Representative Mike McLachlan, who passed away on June 23. “Mike was the smartest, funniest, kindest and most loving person I will ever know,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “He spent his life serving, helping and advocating, and has been a true role model for me, our family and our community. I will miss him dearly.” “Mike was a great friend, a dedicated public servant, and a man of immeasurable talent who served his country as a Vietnam Veteran, as Colorado’s Solicitor General, and as a State Representative,” said House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “He stood up for his community and his fellow Coloradans at every turn, going as far as the Supreme Court of the United States to speak up for what he knew was right. My heart and my thoughts are with my dear friend and colleague Barbara, who has been working tirelessly for over a year to both care for Mike and serve her district, and their children Kate and Brian.” Michael Edward McLachlan was born on April 18, 1946. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and attended law school shortly after his service. He used his legal talents to serve the state of Colorado first as a prosecutor and then as Solicitor General starting in 1999. In his role as Solicitor General, he successfully argued before the United States Supreme Court in Hill v Colorado, where he protected the rights of women seeking reproductive health care. He was elected to represent House District 59 in November of 2012 and served as State Representative from 2013-14, after which he returned to his private law practice. Former Rep. McLachlan was also a former president of the Durango Rotary Club and served on the Southern Ute Tribe-State of Colorado Environmental Control Commission. Previously, he had also served as the chairman of the Judicial Performance Commission for the Sixth Judicial District and as the chair of the Supreme Court Grievance Committee. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his two children, Brian and Kate. Previous Next

Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement: < Back October 13, 2025 Jefferson County Lawmakers Statement on Lookout Mountain Swastika DENVER, CO – Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement: “We, the legislative delegation from Jeffco, are horrified and deeply saddened by the hateful display of a giant swastika along I-70 near Lookout Mountain. This appalling act is more than vandalism, it is an attempt to spread fear and division in a community that stands for respect, inclusion, and human dignity. “We strongly stand against hate in all its forms. Every person, regardless of race, creed, or religion, deserves the freedom to live without fear. Staining our beautiful open spaces with symbols of antisemitic hate and Nazi propaganda is not who we are and it will never define Jefferson County. “We thank the Jeffco Open Space Rangers, local law enforcement, and community members who acted swiftly to remove the symbol and restore peace. But our work cannot stop there. When hate shows its face, we must respond not only with outrage but with unity, education, and courage. “Let this serve as a reminder that the forces of hate and division have no place here and when they rise, we will meet them together, with resolve and love for one another. “Jefferson County is, and must remain, a place where all people are welcome and safe. We will not be divided by hate. We will rise stronger together.” The following lawmakers represent Jefferson County: House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Senator Jesse Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Chris Kolker Representative Tammy Story Representative Shannon Bird Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lisa Feret Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Brianna Titone Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English on a preliminary vote that would help Coloradans receive the care they need by addressing gaps in crisis response resources. < Back March 12, 2025 Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English on a preliminary vote that would help Coloradans receive the care they need by addressing gaps in crisis response resources . “All Coloradans benefit when our communities have the tools they need to provide life-saving behavioral health care,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “This legislation seeks to improve responses to behavioral health crises by facilitating collaboration between communities and behavioral health professionals, increasing inpatient care, and identifying areas of improvement. With our bipartisan solution, more Coloradans can benefit from the evidence-based treatment and resources that they deserve.” SB25-042 , also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, would help people experiencing a behavioral health crisis access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also direct the Department of Public Safety and the Behavioral Health Administration to convene a stakeholder group to identify existing resources and programs and compile and publish information on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. The stakeholders must consult with representatives from communities that have existing resources and programs, behavioral health safety net providers, and community programs like domestic violence programs, substance use treatment providers, and law enforcement agencies. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. Previous Next