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Representative Meghan Lukens and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. < Back August 12, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Explores Challenges and Opportunities DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee . The bipartisan interim committee is investigating cell phone connectivity issues in rural and historically underserved communities to craft legislation for the 2025 legislative session. Chair Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Effective cell phone connectivity is essential for public safety, job growth, and quality of life in rural communities. This committee is hard at work digging deep into the root causes of connectivity issues in our state to address gaps in service, especially rural and mountainous communities. “During today’s meeting we engaged with industry experts, including a community panel, that outlined some of the struggles and challenges in underserved communities. As we develop ideas for legislation, I am committed to working toward a future where everyone in our state can confidently rely on their cell phone in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Cell phone connectivity provides peace of mind, yet for marginalized communities in both urban and rural areas, it has become increasingly difficult to rely on cell phones when you need them the most. We convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee to take a hard look at the gaps in cell phone coverage in our state, including areas most affected by unreliable coverage and the impacts on Coloradans. “Solving connectivity issues will not happen overnight; however, committees like this one allow us to engage with industry experts and those most affected as we work toward crafting future legislation that sets Colorado on a path to more reliable cell phone connectivity.” Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2020 COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO ENABLE MEDICAID MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL TRIALS Legislation would require Medicaid to cover the additional health care services necessary for clinical trial participation DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Larry Liston to facilitate participation in clinical trials for Medicaid members. HB20-1232 passed by a vote of 10-0. “We need the makeup of our clinical trials to reflect the makeup of our communities,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Not only will this bill ensure Colorado’s clinical trial data is more accurate and applicable to a broader population, it will go a long way towards guaranteeing health equity in our state. Ensuring that the more than one million Coloradans on Medicaid can participate in clinical trials is good for them, for their families, and for Colorado as a whole.” Clinical trials are often the only treatment available for some conditions, but under current law, Medicaid participants face nearly impossible barriers to participate. When patients participate in clinical trials, the drug manufacturers cover all of the costs of the treatment, but do not cover the costs of health services necessary to participate, such as laboratory tests or physician follow up visits. HB20-1232 allows Medicaid patients to have their routine costs of care covered while they are participating in a clinical trial. Both private insurers and Medicare are already required to cover these services, but Colorado law doesn’t specifically require Medicaid to cover them. Inclusion of diverse participants is necessary to gather appropriate clinical trial data, and enrollment in clinical trials is particularly low among racial and ethnic minority patients as well as rural patients who make up a large portion of Colorado’s Medicaid beneficiaries. Guaranteeing coverage when Medicaid patients choose to participate in trials will help encourage participation of these underrepresented groups and will help to establish equal access to care for all Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT ADVANCES GOP election conspiracy theories on full display as Republican lawmakers oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Colorado Election Security Act on a preliminary vote. “Colorado is taking steps to defend our elections from insider threats and “Big Lie” conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Our gold standard elections system leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and election security. This common sense legislation strengthens our elections system and will hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with election equipment. It also bars anyone convicted of an election crime from overseeing our elections.” “Conservative leaders in the legislature used the debate on this bill to attack our election system and spread baseless and unproven conspiracy theories,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood , chair of the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Committee that held the initial hearing on the bill. “It’s important to pass this common sense legislation, which is supported by the county clerks, to prevent insider threats and protect our democracy. It’s a shame that GOP lawmakers refuse to support this bill and have become too blinded by partisan rhetoric to see that this bill is simply common sense and should have their support.” SB22-153 , the Colorado Election Security Act, is sponsored by Representative Lontine. The bill will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. Republicans ran an amendment that would allow county clerks to copy sensitive hard drives with voting information and provide them to whomever they wish–the exact actions Clerk Tina Peters has been accused of taking that led to her indictment. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to protect Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES BUENTELLO BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION Buentello’s bill to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Mar. 22) – The House Public Health and Human Services committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “This is a bill that is about saving lives and helping Coloradans who are struggling in the midsts of the opioid epidemic to get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Buentello. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time to expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-1. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Rep. Buentello’s other bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee, with Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, as the co-prime. This bill requires consensus-based recommendations to the legislature and other boards and commissions to remedy the shortage of licensed, safe and affordable childcare options in the state. SB19-063 passed unanimously and now heads to House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “Colorado Democrats are working to save Coloradans money on housing and address Colorado’s housing crisis not only by building more housing but also by maintaining affordable housing units that already exist and have benefitted from public investment,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Many Coloradans are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, and losing affordable housing in the rental market only makes it more difficult for hardworking people to find a place to live. This bill is an important tool for local governments so they can preserve housing Coloradans can afford in our communities while ensuring sellers receive fair compensation for the sale of their property.” “With rental rates increasing much faster than income, the right of first refusal is crucial in protecting housing options that work for every Coloradan’s budget,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our bill gives local governments the opportunity to buy affordable housing properties before private companies and hedge funds grab them, so we can prevent corporate greed from pricing Coloradans out of their communities and displacing our neighbors.” HB24-1175 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying multi-family rental property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. In urban counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than five and less than 100 units. In rural or rural resort counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing property and has more than three and fewer than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Previous Next

The House yesterday passed bipartisan legislation to allow Coloradans 72 years and older to opt out of jury duty. < Back May 1, 2025 ICYMI: Marshall’s Bill to Allow Older Coloradans to Opt Out of Jury Duty Passes House DENVER, CO – The House yesterday passed bipartisan legislation to allow Coloradans 72 years and older to opt out of jury duty. HB25-1065 passed the House by a vote of 50 to 14. “Under this bipartisan bill, older Coloradans can choose whether or not they want to serve on a jury,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “This bill aligns the opt-out age for jury duty with the retirement age for judges. The vast majority of states already allow older residents to opt out of jury duty temporarily or permanently, and this bill allows older Coloradans to choose what is right for them.” HB25-1065 would allow Coloradans aged 72 years and older to temporarily or permanently opt out of jury service. If signed into law, this bill would take effect on January 1, 2026. According to the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP), 41 states offer an exemption from jury service based on age. The minimum age required to request an exemption from jury service ranges from 65 to 80 years old nationwide. Previous Next

< Back January 26, 2023 Water Efficiency and Resiliency Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed legislation to help commercial property owners better finance water and energy efficiency improvements, and increase property resilience. “We’re working to improve an already successful energy efficiency program so more commercial properties in Colorado can save money, on energy, and water,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Our bill expands the C-PACE program to help commercial properties cut down on their energy and water usage, and invest in resilient infrastructure in the face of more frequent and severe weather events caused by climate change. By expanding this favorable financing mechanism we empower building owners to modernize their infrastructure, increase renewable energy deployment and help create good paying jobs.” “We’re committed to preserving and protecting Colorado’s environmental resources, especially water, and our bill makes improvements to the C-PACE program so commercial businesses can improve their resilience and water efficiency,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “We know many commercial properties want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner.” HB23-1005 passed committee by a vote of 8-3 and is part of the Colorado House Democrats' first five bills. HB23-1005 would protect Colorado's environment and preserve water resources by expanding project eligibility and streamlining the approval process so more commercial properties in Colorado can take advantage of Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE’s) financing program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments. The C-PACE program allows certain commercial and industrial buildings to finance energy improvement projects through a voluntary property tax assessment that is repaid over a 25-year term. Since 2016, the program has helped finance 116 different projects across the state, totaling almost $250 million in investments. Previous Next

< Back February 23, 2022 RURAL ED BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE DENVER, CO – Two bills that would address the rural educator shortage and improve access to early childhood education in rural areas today advanced on Second Reading in the House. “We’re serious about addressing the teacher workforce shortage in rural Colorado,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation will boost the rural education workforce by simplifying the path for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other retired staff to return to rural school districts. This will help prepare students for success by making sure they have enough talented, qualified teachers and educators in their schools.” HB22-1101 , sponsored by Representatives McLachlan and Catlin, would make it easier for rural school districts to address the rural educator shortage. It would make permanent a program that is currently scheduled to expire that allows retired public employees to return to full-time work in a rural school district without an impact on their retirement benefits. It also expands the program to include school nurses and paraprofessionals. “This session, we’re making every effort to improve access to early childhood education and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Between pandemic induced-learning loss and educator workforce shortages, this has been a challenging year for parents and students. This bill would make it easier to access quality, community-driven early learning and care solutions which saves parents money and sets our youngest learners up for success.” HB22-1070 , sponsored by Representative McCluskie, would make it easier to form an early childhood development service district. Under current law, a service district must include all of the territory of a political subdivision. For example, a service district established in a municipality or county, would need to include all of that county or municipality. The bill allows a service district to include only a portion of a special district, municipality, county or other existing taxing entity. This bill would also allow for early childhood districts to receive gifts, grants and donations to provide early learning opportunities to students. Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FOR ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS PASSES HOUSE Reps. Benavidez and Herod’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards supporting venues, artists, cultural organizations passed the House today DENVER, CO — The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s creative arts industries, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 40-22. “The story of Colorado is told and maintained through the creative pursuits of our artists and the organizations that support them,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Today, in addition to creating jobs and giving this important economic sector a shot in the arm, we’re ensuring that our state’s cultural legacy lives on for generations to come.” “Music venues, cultural organizations, and other businesses in the creative arts industries were among the most severely impacted by COVID-19,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “As Coloradans start to safely attend gigs, gallery openings, and concerts again, we’re helping to build back stronger by investing in the jobs and livelihoods that are supported by this vibrant industry.” HB21-1285 provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS CELEBRATES WAR HEROES, FIGHTS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced two bills to grant free access to state parks to Purple Heart recipients and to remove a requirement to verify lawful presence in the United States for someone applying for state public housing assistance. HB21-1116 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Like me, so many of my brothers and sisters who served have found a permanent home in Colorado because of its stunning outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant veterans community,” said Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). “I’m proud that today we took the first step towards extending a small sign of gratitude for those who were wounded and received the Purple Heart, so that they may now enjoy our state parks free of charge. They have more than earned this small token, and we believe Purple Heart recipients could benefit enormously from the mental wellness effects that outdoor recreation provides. I consider all of Colorado’s veterans to be my extended family, and I intend to look after them and represent them with honor throughout my time in the legislature.” Current law requires that individuals show proof of lawful presence in the United States to receive state public housing assistance. HB21-1054 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, removes this requirement and allows more families to secure an affordable place to live. In 2016, undocumented immigrants comprised 5 percent of the Colorado workforce and paid an estimated $272.8 million in federal taxes and $156.5 million in state and local taxes in 2018. As housing costs continue to rise across the state, this bill will help stabilize our local economies by ensuring essential workers can afford to live in the communities where they work. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “With so many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, it’s more important than ever that we extend affordable housing benefits to as many people as possible,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora). “I refuse to allow immigration status to be what prevents a mother in Colorado from accessing the housing that will keep her family safe and stable. This bill removes a barrier that currently keeps taxpaying immigrant families from accessing housing, while also supporting our local economies, landlords, and employers by ensuring workers can find affordable places to live near their places of work.” The committee also passed HB21-1075 , Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to replace the term “illegal alien” with the term “worker without authorization” in Colorado’s statutes, and adds a definition of the term “worker without authorization.” Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. “Skilled nursing facilities in Colorado and across the country are facing staffing challenges and funding shortfalls, which is why we are taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are going to distribute $27 million in state and federal funds to nursing facilities to keep them from closing so thousands of Coloradans aren’t forced out of where they live.” “The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on Colorado’s nursing facilities, and some are now at risk of closing because Medicaid reimbursement rates are so low and their costs have increased,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Nurses who care for Medicaid patients in skilled nursing facilities have been through so much the last two years and are vastly underpaid. We need to make sure we have the nursing workforce necessary to care for the patients with the greatest need, and this bill will help. We’re moving quickly to shore up our nursing facilities so that Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 , sponsored by Representatives Herod and McCluskie, passed by a vote of 12-1 and would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. State funding would be matched by federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next