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< Back February 11, 2020 EXTENSION OF CONTRACTING SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ADVANCES Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) helps small businesses obtain state and federal contracts The House today passed Representatives Daneya Esgar and Tom Sullivan’s legislation to extend the Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for the next five years. The vote was 49-12. “PTAC is an invaluable resource for small businesses across Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo . “Minority, veteran and women-owned businesses need and deserve our support. Now that the House has passed PTAC, we’re one step closer to giving these businesses five more years of invaluable assistance.” “Entering the world of government contracting can be a nerve-wracking endeavor for a small business,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial . “PTAC is a resource that guides small businesses through the complex process and improves their chances of getting the funds they need. When small businesses succeed, Colorado succeeds.” HB20-1116 would extend the Colorado Procurement Assistance Center for five years. The state currently contracts with a nonprofit to provide procurement assistance services, and that contract will end in September 2020. The bill will also allow the state to contribute additional resources to the program if the nonprofit agrees to match that investment 100 percent. PTAC provides free consulting with procurement counselors, as well as a variety of subject matter experts, to Colorado’s small, women, veteran and minority-owned businesses applying for and performing government contracts at the federal, state and local levels. PTAC also runs free workshops and host events, including a training series, a speaker series and networking events with major federal contractors. The program, which started in 2009, has served over 5,000 clients and helped support 55,000 jobs in Colorado. In 2018 alone, the program helped companies earn a combined $419 million in government contracts and helped create/retain over 8,000 jobs. The program has consistently outperformed its statutorily required performance metrics, serving six times the number of active businesses required by law. It has provided over 1,000 more counseling hours than required by law and sponsored twice as many events. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back February 9, 2024 House Passes Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. The bill passed by a vote of 40-20. “The scarcity of housing is a problem for Coloradans in every corner of our state, forcing people to live paycheck to paycheck just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Unnecessary housing limits often prevent Coloradans from living with friends or distant family members, reducing housing options and pushing people out of their communities. By allowing more Coloradans to legally share living spaces, we can increase the availability of housing options and ensure that Coloradans have a place to call home.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence. Limits would be permitted if based on demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits typically cap the number of people that can live in a residence based on whether or not they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five unrelated people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit to five unrelated people. Previous Next

< Back February 18, 2020 BUENTELLO’S BILL TO SAVE MORE VETERANS MONEY ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to make it easier for service members, their families and veterans to receive in-state tuition at Colorado community colleges today was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee. “If you served our country and you want to go to school in Colorado, you should be able to receive in-state tuition without going through red tape,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “Recently discharged members of the military, veterans or military members and their families who move frequently often face significant bureaucratic hurdles when seeking to qualify for in-state tuition, and today we took an important step towards ending that.” HB20-1275 allows an active or honorably discharged member of the United States armed forces or one of their dependents to be eligible for in-state tuition status at a community college regardless of whether the person satisfies Colorado domicile or residency status. According to militaryspouse.com , military families relocate on average once every two to three years, leading to increased difficulties in satisfying residency requirements. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next

Legislation would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to improve public access and protect landowners < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Improve Access to Outdoor Recreation Areas Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to expand public access to hiking, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreation on private lands. SB24-058, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Shannon Bird, would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners from personal injury lawsuits. “From hiking and biking to backcountry skiing and backpacking, Colorado is known for its elite outdoor recreation,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This bill makes it easier for Colorado landowners to open their land to those eager to explore the great outdoors and maybe bag a 14er along the way.” “Many of Colorado’s world-class hiking trails and other outdoor recreation areas are privately owned, and although landowners are willing to allow outdoor recreation on their land, our current laws make it difficult for them to do so, ” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill updates Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners and expand access to the beautiful trails and outdoor space that makes Colorado unique.” SB24-058 , passed committee by a vote of 9-1, and works to improve access to privately-owned outdoor recreation sites by protecting landowners from personal injury lawsuits. This bill would require landowners to display and maintain warning signs to disclose any dangerous conditions on the property that could lead to injury or death. The bill does not limit a private landowner from imposing restrictions or prohibitions on the use of their land. If passed, landowners who properly display warning signs would not face personal injury lawsuits. Those who access private land for recreation purposes must stay on designated trails, routes, areas or roadways to avoid trespassing charges. This bill aims to improve public access to outdoor recreation sites, including hiking and backpacking trails, popular long-distance races, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and more. In 2019, a Colorado court decision prompted the closure of many privately owned outdoor recreation sites, including popular 14ers , after property owners feared costly personal injury lawsuits. Previous Next

On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1004 will strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans involved with the criminal legal system can re-enter the workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. HB24-1291 will make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. < Back July 29, 2024 New Laws Go Into Effect to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Equity in Legal Representation DENVER, CO - On August 7, two new laws will go into effect. HB24-1004 will strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans involved with the criminal legal system can re-enter the workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. HB24-1291 will make certain civil legal services more accessible and affordable to Coloradans. “This legislation is crucial in bridging the gap between workforce shortages and Coloradans involved with the criminal legal system who are trying to break their way out of cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1004. “Current Colorado law makes it difficult for Coloradans with criminal records to qualify for certain careers, reducing their ability to find a good-paying job. With this legislation, we’re making it easier for Coloradans to successfully re-enter our communities and reduce recidivism.” “We’re committed to addressing workforce shortages in critical industries, which is why we passed this legislation to enhance career opportunities in sectors that are crucial for our economy,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1004. “With this legislation, previously incarcerated Coloradans will have an easier path to success and industries will have more qualified candidates to choose from to fill job vacancies. We’re committed to keeping Coloradans safe, and this law helps more people enter the workforce while prioritizing public safety.” HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The law includes a wide range of careers, from the construction and banking industries to IT. It prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element of the occupation and is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application. Representatives Bacon and Bird also passed a 2022 law ensuring that applicants could only be denied based on their criminal history if it affected their ability to perform their job safely and competently. In a second bill going into effect next week, HB24-1291 , a rule change adopted by the Colorado Supreme Court in 2023 allowing legal paraprofessionals to represent clients in some civil matters will be codified in Colorado law. “Legal services like legal separations can be costly, especially when attorney fees get added to the bill,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1291. "With our new law going into effect, we’re codifying into Colorado law that licensed legal paraprofessionals can perform certain civil services, making legal access more equitable for low-income Coloradans, seniors, people with disabilities, and other communities that can’t easily afford these services.” “Money should not stand in the way of someone accessing the legal services they need to move forward in life,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1291. "By allowing licensed legal paraprofessionals to practice a limited scope of law, our law ensures that more Coloradans, regardless of their economic status, can access legal representation for important life-changing matters.” Under the law, a licensed legal paraprofessional will be able to represent a client in: A legal separation, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or dissolution of marriage or civil union, A matter involving the establishment or modification of child support or maintenance, Seeking, modifying, or terminating a civil protection order, A name change, and A request to amend a birth certificate to change the sex designation of an adult. Previous Next

Laws aim to help address the behavioral health crisis, help more Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders access treatment < Back July 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: NEW LAWS TO BOLSTER COLORADO’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE, HELP STREAMLINE VITAL SERVICES GO INTO EFFECT Laws aim to help address the behavioral health crisis, help more Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders access treatment DENVER, CO – Today, two laws signed by Governor Jared Polis to help transform Colorado’s behavioral health system officially went into effect. HB22-1278 , sponsored by Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley, will help increase and streamline access to behavioral health services through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders “Our law uplifts Colorado’s new Behavioral Health Administration, to make mental health care and substance use disorder treatment less expensive and easier to access,” said Young. “The pandemic has only exacerbated the long-standing challenges Coloradans’ have faced when trying to find the behavioral health care they need. The BHA works to streamline behavioral health care so Coloradans seeking care can find and receive high-quality treatment.” “Coloradans deserve easy access to the behavioral health care they need to maintain their health and well-being, but far too many folks are left with limited or no options for help,” said Lee . “Accessing our behavioral health system can be complex and difficult. The Behavioral Health Administration will help streamline services for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. With this law, we will be able to ensure accessible, equitable and high quality care for all.” HB22-1278 establishes a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes over 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use treatment, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services, and more. Another new law, championed by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, and Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, also went into effect today. SB22-181 directs the BHA to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. “If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, then we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said Bridges . “This new law is a significant investment that will expand our behavioral health workforce and allow us to address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.” “This year, we worked to address the most pressing issues in our community. In Colorado, too many people are struggling to access or pay for the behavioral health care they need to thrive,” said Cutter . “This law is part of the total $450 million investment of federal funds to help us meet this challenge by boosting our health care workforce and recruiting and retaining the providers Colorado needs. It will also create new pathways for people entering mental health professions and save providers money as they pursue their education and go through the credentialing process.” The BHA’s workforce plan must include efforts to diversify the behavioral health workforce, expand the peer support professional workforce, reduce the administrative burden on providers, and support the existing workforce. The law also provides funding to the community college system to build a robust career pathway for the behavioral health field. SB22-181 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

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