Search Results

Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed two pieces of legislation that will improve maternal health care in Colorado and streamline access to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program. < Back June 5, 2024 ICYMI: Governor Signs Bills to Support Colorado Families DENVER, CO - Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed two pieces of legislation that will improve maternal health care in Colorado and streamline access to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program. HB24-1223 , sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, increases access to childcare through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program by creating a simplified universal application and limiting the application information to only what is necessary to determine eligibility. “Child care is critical to getting parents back into the workforce so they can earn income that helps them keep a roof over their head,” said Willford. “This legislation will connect Colorado parents to affordable child care so they can more easily advance in their career and support their family.” “Navigating work, appointments, and day-to-day activities can be a challenge for young families, especially if they don’t have access to child care,” Cutter said. “HB-1223 will remove time-consuming, unnecessary information from the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program application, making it easier for families to sign up and access the child care they need.” “Lack of access to child care can be a barrier that prevents parents from returning to work, which is why we’re passing this legislation to simplify the process to receive child care assistance,” said Garcia. “HB24-1223 streamlines and simplifies the process parents have to take to benefit from the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program so they can get their kids in affordable, quality care easier. I'm also proud that our legislation to address the maternal health crisis is now law after a report found that 89 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Colorado were deemed preventable, especially for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. This new law works to increase access to maternal care, including midwives, to provide trauma-informed care, safe transitions, and other wraparound services so pregnant Coloradans can receive the care they need.” HB24-1262 , also sponsored by Representative Garcia and Senator Michaelson Jenet, as well as Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, requires collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period and mandates advance notice be given to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. “The maternal mortality crisis disproportionately impacts Black and immigrant communities, which is especially important to diverse families in my district,” said Buckner. “This law takes a holistic approach to addressing the crisis by increasing the number of maternal health care providers, collecting data on mistreatment, and studying the ways we can improve care.” “As a new mom, I know how important it is to have quality health care providers by your side that will advocate for the best health outcomes for you and your baby,” said Jodeh. “Families should have the freedom to choose a health care provider that best fits their needs, especially for the Black and Indigenous Coloradans that are two to three times as likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth. This law will help improve Coloradans’ access to life-saving health care to keep Colorado families safe and healthy.” “The bills signed into law will be huge for Colorado’s families,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We’re not only implementing measures to combat the maternal mortality crisis, but we’re also making it easier for families to access affordable child care when they get to that stage of life. These laws will save and improve lives – especially in historically marginalized communities who are disproportionately impacted by the maternal health crisis and child care deserts.” The law also: Directs the Civil Rights Commission to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination; Adds a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board; Requires a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide public notice at least 90 days before the discontinuation of these services; Requires the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study the availability of perinatal health care, facility and practice closures and the impacts on maternal and infant health, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly; and Adds pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous Coloradans are three times as likely. Previous Next

The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports.  < Back February 20, 2024 Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports Passed Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. “Youth sports are incredibly popular in Colorado at all ages and skill levels. This legislation expands the use of background checks, CPR and First Aid training to ensure our kids can learn, play and compete in the safest environment possible,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . "An important part of protecting kids is working to ensure harm doesn’t happen in the first place.” “Keeping our youth safe while participating in non-school related sports is a top priority,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “This legislation would require youth sports organizations to run criminal background checks on coaches and other leading personnel as well as require personnel to receive First Aid certifications to keep our kids safe.” HB24-1080 , which passed committee by a vote of 9 to 3, would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR and First Aid/AED certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase awareness of services, resources, and benefits for veterans. The bill passed in committee by a vote of 7-3. < Back February 8, 2024 Bill to Raise Awareness of Veterans Resources Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase awareness of services, resources, and benefits for veterans. The bill passed in committee by a vote of 7-3. “Veterans disproportionately suffer from mental health struggles, and they should know there are plenty of services available to them,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “We’ve passed legislation in recent years to expand resources for veterans, but many people don’t know how to take advantage of these services. By sharing veteran resource information with employees, we can raise awareness of available resources to access mental health services, save them money, and other beneficial programs.” “There are a lot of resources out there for veterans that can help them find a job, access mental health care, and save them money, but they may not know that this information is available to them,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill would require this information to be available in Colorado workplaces, increasing awareness of the services available to veterans.” HB24-1110 would require businesses to create and distribute information about veterans’ services, resources, and benefits and post the information in the workplace if they have more than 50 employees. In recent years, the Colorado General Assembly has passed legislation to expand property tax exemptions for veterans with a disability ( HB23-1052 ), expand access to behavioral health services ( HB23-1088 ), continue state income tax deductions for military retirement benefits ( HB23-1084 ), and implement housing protections for veterans and active military members ( HB22-1102 ). Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 FAMILIES FIRST! COMMITTEE VOTES TO PROVIDE LOW-INCOME COLORADANS WITH DIAPERS AND EXPAND FAMILY PLANNING COVERAGE DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today advanced two bills to help parents with newborns afford diapers and ensure more Coloradans have the support they need to plan for their families’ future. “As a new mom, I’ve become more acutely aware of the difficulties that families struggle with while trying to provide a great life for their babies,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, sponsor of both SB21-025 and SB21-027. “That’s why I’m so proud that today we moved to help families afford diapers – one of the most basic necessities that a young family has. I’m also excited that more Coloradans will soon be eligible for family planning services that will ensure they are empowered to make their own decisions about when and how to start a family.” “Even before the pandemic began, far too many families in Colorado were struggling to afford diapers for their kids,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, sponsor of SB21-027. “The pandemic’s devastating impact on jobs and hardworking families only made matters worse and put moms and kids in further danger. As moms and lawmakers, my co-prime sponsors and I decided we wouldn’t accept this heartbreaking reality in our state. Today, we’re one step closer to giving young families the support they deserve.” SB21-027 would help new and recent parents care for their children by ensuring that diaper essentials are available to all low-income families in Colorado. The bill provides $4 million for this purpose and asks the Colorado Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers. Despite the high cost of diapers and estimates that show about 1 in 3 U.S. families report needing more diapers, diapers cannot be purchased through public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). The bill passed by a vote of 7-5. SB21-025 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, would expand Medicaid coverage for family planning services to more individuals who are currently prevented from accessing care because they are just above the eligibility limit. The coverage would give more Coloradans the resources and information necessary to make decisions about how and when to start a family by providing counseling services, access to contraceptives, and information regarding available health care coverage. A majority of states across the country have already taken up the option to raise the Medicaid eligibility. The bill passed by a vote of 7-5. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2023 Bill Closes Corporate Tax Loophole to Boost Food Assistance and Small Businesses DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to close tax loopholes that allow wealthy corporations to deduct business meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. It passed by a vote of 7-4. “Everyday Coloradans don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and neither should wealthy corporations,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D- Aurora. “Hard-working Coloradans are pinching pennies to feed their families while CEOs get a tax break on their ‘three martini’ lunches. One in three adults living with children have reported skipping meals or eating smaller portions so their kids have enough food to eat. This bill would close this tax loophole and use the savings to provide food assistance to under-served communities and support our local farmers and food producers.” Currently, Colorado taxpayers collectively cover the cost of the “business meals deduction” because state tax deductions are linked to federal tax deductions. HB23-1008 would “decouple” from these federal income tax deductions, ending the resulting state tax loophole that allows wealthy corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions would create revenue to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers access necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. This bill builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. It allocates $1 million annually to the Healthy Food Incentive Fund, which provides healthy eating incentives for low-income Coloradans and makes it easier for these communities to access fresh, local fruits and vegetables. The fund created by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demand. HB23-1008 also creates an income tax credit for small food retailers and small family farms to cover 75% of the cost of new systems and equipment. Partnering with Colorado farms and food producers boosts revenue and cycles money into local economies. The Double Up Food Bucks Program provides a 2.5% economic multiplier, putting more money into the pockets of Colorado farmers and the local agricultural industry and expanding access to healthy foods. Increased subscriptions means that local farmers can afford to expand their operations, grow varied produce, and improve farming equipment. Previous Next

On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws Take Effect to Strengthen Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence DENVER, CO - On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1168. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep survivors safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows survivors to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep survivors housed. This is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking often face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman, sponsor of HB25-1168. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease not to be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector, with exemptions, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. SB25-116 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders. “Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB25-116. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions..” “As a survivor, I am proud that this legislation is now in effect to ensure that courts can make an informed decision and better support survivors who are leaving their abusers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB25-116. “Leaving an abusive partner is one of the most dangerous things a survivor of domestic violence can do, and it is important that the justice system can access the reported history of abuse during divorce and separation proceedings. By increasing the disclosure window and including a variety of abusive actions that must be considered during a case involving spousal support, we can lift up survivors and their stories during the scariest time of their lives.” Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. < Back May 6, 2025 House Passes Willford, Froelich Bill to Address CBI Backlog DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4. "CBI’s backlog exceeding 550 days is unacceptable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “There are over 1,300 survivors waiting for their results, and each number is a real person who is seeking the answers they need to pursue accountability and justice. Survivors deserve better, and this bill demonstrates that Colorado stands with them in their fight.” "The CBI backlog has had devastating consequences on survivors and victims, and this bill would help create a system that puts them at the forefront,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “I have proudly sponsored numerous laws to bolster how Colorado handles and processes sexual assault kits, including allowing victims to track the status of their case. This legislation would improve accountability and address the backlog so survivors can seek the justice they deserve." SB25-304 , titled the “Miranda Gordon Justice For Survivors Act of 2025”, would create the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board, whose mission mirrors that of the existing Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board . The board would review and monitor the effectiveness of current protocols, standards, and training practices in the criminal legal system response to sexual assault. Under the bill, it would be required to make victim-centered recommendations for improvement in accordance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill would: Create a notification requirement under the Victim Rights Act that a law enforcement agency must notify victims at least once every 90 days if they have not received DNA test results for their case, Require that crime labs endeavor to analyze test kits and upload results within 60 days, Instruct CBI to create a public-facing dashboard that provides reports on the forensic medical evidence and DNA evidence backlog within 90 days, and Expand existing reporting rules to require that each member of the General Assembly receives updated information about turn around times and backlog progress twice each year. Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304 and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system. Previous Next

Two laws improve hospital reporting and price transparency to save Coloradans money < Back June 2, 2023 Bipartisan Health Care Transparency Bills Become Law Two laws improve hospital reporting and price transparency to save Coloradans money DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law to increase transparency in hospital reporting requirements and increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. "Colorado Democrats have been committed to making health care more affordable for Coloradans, and this new law will improve hospital transparency requirements so we can build future policies that save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1226. “Hospitals can move money around and between states, making it hard to know where profits are going and why the cost of care continues to increase faster than inflation. With this new law, we’ll have a more thorough understanding of Colorado hospitals’ cash flow so we can craft cost saving measures for patients and businesses.” “In the communities I represent in Western Colorado, affordable health care can be too hard to come by or impossible to find,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1226. “I’m proud of our bipartisan bill to enhance hospital financial transparency reporting, increase compliance, and collect data that will give us the best information possible to help inform new policies to improve health care administration and save Coloradans money.” HB23-1226 , also sponsored by Republicans Senator Perry Will and Representative Matt Soper, builds off of hospital transparency legislation also carried by Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy in 2019 to bolster price transparency and reduce health care costs. Under HB23-1226, hospitals will have to disclose an annual summary of the hospital’s transfers of cash, equity, investments, or other assets to and from related parties, a hospital-specific statement of cash flow, a narrative report of capital investments greater than 25 million dollars, the salary and total compensation of the top 5 highest paid administrative positions of each nonprofit hospital, and more. The transparency data will identify underlying drivers of high hospital costs and strengthen data collection on the financial health and performance of Colorado hospitals. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will have the power to apply corrective action plans or fines to hospitals that do not comply with data collection procedures. Hospitals will also be required to provide patients with a detailed list of billed services and the associated charges and disclose the patient’s right to receive more detailed information about the billed services. “Coloradans deserve to know what their medical bills will look like before going into treatment or surgery,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-252. “We’ve made great progress in our work to protect consumers and lower the costs of health care, but there’s still more we can do. It’s time to take the next step and increase medical price transparency so Coloradans aren’t blindsided with big bills after receiving care.” “Price transparency for health care services is critical so Colorado patients aren’t blindsided by large hospital bills that they have no choice but to pay,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB23-252. “This transparency law allows patients to budget for inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, and prescription drug costs so they can receive the care they need at a price they can expect. We’re building the federal transparency requirement into Colorado law, which will save patients money on health care.” SB23-252 was also sponsored by Republicans Senator Kevin Van Winkle and Representative Anthony Hartsook. In 2022, the General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must publicly post standard charges and provide an out-of-pocket cost estimator tool for patients. This bill builds on the federal transparency requirements by having hospitals post their Medicare reimbursement rates and requiring the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to conduct performance assessments on Colorado hospitals to check for compliance. Any violation under SB23-252 is a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act . Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE POLITICAL PARTIES FLEXIBILITY ON TIMING DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1359, sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, in order to provide political parties flexibility to safely continue the primary process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is part of several steps the General Assembly is taking to prepare for a potential recess in the session. “While we work to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Colorado, our democratic process needs to be able to continue in the safest way possible,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett,D-Denver. “This bill takes into consideration that large groups of delegates would have to meet in public gatherings and that many of these delegates are members of high-risk populations that are vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. Please follow the advice of medical and public health experts who have urged us all to take simple precautions.” With county assemblies beginning as early as this weekend, legislation is needed urgently to allow parties the flexibility to ensure that the process can continue without requiring a high number of at-risk individuals to meet in large public gatherings, often held in schools. HB20-1359 extends various deadlines related to ballot access requirements in 2020. It allows political parties to amend their bylaws as needed during 2020 to allow remote participation in assemblies and conventions and to fill vacancies. Delegates to assemblies may participate remotely if allowed by the party, and parties may reduce or waive any quorum requirements to allow assemblies to proceed. The modifications are repealed effective December 31, 2020 Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 16, 2024 Governor Signs Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit WESTMINSTER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills to make near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, establishes more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The law: Requires the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. Expands enforcement actions and develops new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. Establishes additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions. Codifies the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030, which will be achieved through methods established in Air Quality Control Commission rules promulgated by August 31, 2026. Provides additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This law is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids." “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” Bacon said. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After years of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – our plan will improve air quality by having stricter permitting guidelines, increased accountability for bad emitters, plugging wells, and investing in transportation efficiencies.” “Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark policy,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This law is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all." “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” Willford said. “This landmark law enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this law helps us get there.” Governor Polis also signed SB24-230 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, which generates significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. "Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes these new laws all the more exciting," said Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of policy we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these laws will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come." “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” McCluskie said. “I’d like to thank the Governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These laws give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” Velasco said. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this law is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” The law creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including the Northwest and North rail lines. To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on supporting native biodiversity impacted by oil and gas operations. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 WILDFIRE MITIGATION, BACKCOUNTRY SEARCH AND RESCUE AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS BILLS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to direct funding to local governments for wildfire mitigation efforts, extend whistleblower protections and improve backcountry search and rescue operations. “I’m proud that we took action today to help local governments better mitigate the risks of wildfire by providing $10 million in state matching funds for these critical efforts,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “With climate change causing increasingly devastating wildfires, it’s paramount that we take aggressive action. This program will ensure state and local government are working together to address the threat of wildfire and better leverage state funding.” “Local governments are on the frontlines of our state’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires, which is why we are dedicating $10 million to local governments to incentivise them to establish dedicated wildfire mitigation funding,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This legislation will direct additional and badly needed resources to local governments to protect properties and lives.” Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 48-16 and would leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the bill makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. “Each year, we are seeing more and more tragic avalanche deaths and backcountry rescues, and I stand in awe of the brave men and women who work in these dangerous situations to save people’s lives,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The legislation we passed today will improve backcountry search and rescue operations and help ensure that these critical programs have the resources they need.” Backcountry Search and Rescue: SB22-168 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, passed by vote of 57-8. The bill will improve back country search and rescue operations in Colorado by moving these responsibilities to the Colorado Parks andWildlife within the Department of Natural Resources and boosting funding by $1 million to support search and rescue efforts. The bill also establishes a sustainable funding stream for search and rescue efforts and makes the dependent of a person who died or was permanently disable while conducting rescue efforts eligible for free tuition at state higher education institutions. “The whistleblower protections we created during the pandemic have allowed workers to raise critical concerns without the fear of retaliation,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “No one should ever be afraid to stand up for their health and safety or the health and safety of their colleagues. Today, the House continued these important protections to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and can continue to speak out when they need to.” “The legislation we passed today will protect workers from retaliation when they raise concerns about workplace health and safety,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should be fired or retaliated against because they raised the alarm about dangerous conditions or unfair practices. Workers need these protections, and I’m proud we’re making them permanent in Colorado.” Whistleblower Protections: In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, passed by a vote of 41 to 24. It 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 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

SB25-276 seeks to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans < Back May 2, 2025 Legislation to Protect Civil Rights Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect civil rights and Colorado’s immigrant communities. SB25-276 would strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. “Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The Trump administration’s attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities – parents are afraid to pick up their children from day care, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesn’t just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado’s economy. We’re taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status.” “Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administration’s immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, we’re limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities.” This legislation would build on existing data privacy law by prohibiting public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. The bill would repeal outdated affidavit requirements to access a Colorado driver’s license or in-state tuition to protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies. The bill would clarify protections for immigrants at public locations, including hospitals, schools, public institutions of higher education, public health care facilities, libraries, and public child care centers. It reaffirms current law that the continued detention of an individual after bond is posted and processed is considered an unconstitutional and warrantless arrest. Additionally, the bill would limit the use of local and state resources for federal immigration enforcement to those situations explicitly required by law. Previous Next