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- House Passes Bill to Ensure Language Access for Insurance Coverage
< Back January 31, 2023 House Passes Bill to Ensure Language Access for Insurance Coverage DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers. “With this legislation, more Coloradans will have access to critical insurance documents in the language in which they are most comfortable,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Insurance documents can be complicated to understand. Ensuring that all Coloradans have accurately-translated information allows them to choose the best plans and coverage for themselves and their families.” HB23-1004 , which passed by a vote of 49 to 14, would require insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified from a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy and any related documents in any language upon request. Previous Next
- NATIONAL TEST SCORE BILL EASES BURDENS ON STUDENTS
< Back March 26, 2021 NATIONAL TEST SCORE BILL EASES BURDENS ON STUDENTS Bill would remove the requirement that a national assessment test score be used for admissions DENVER, CO– Representative Cathy Kipp and Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to remove the requirement that Colorado colleges and universities require national assessment test scores like the SAT and ACT as an eligibility criterion for admission passed the House on third reading today by a vote of 42-22. “This bill breaks down barriers for students and brings greater equity to our college admissions process,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “As institutions of higher education across the country do away with the national assessment test score requirement, this bill will allow Colorado’s own great colleges and universities to remain competitive in prospective student recruitment. This bill is a win-win for both students and schools.” “ACT and SAT tests often represent an additional barrier for already disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill gives colleges and universities in Colorado the option to do away with standardized test scores as an admissions requirement, allowing them to strengthen, diversify, and enrich their student bodies. There’s plenty in a student’s college application besides a test score to gauge achievement and the potential for success, and I’m glad we’re allowing more students the opportunity to shine.” HB21-1067 stipulates that the governing boards of state institutions of higher education are no longer required to use a national assessment test score as an eligibility criterion for admission. Schools still may choose to use the scores if they so desire, and if a student chooses to submit their test score when it’s not required, the institution must consider it. Under this bill, each institution would report annually on the demographic breakdown of their incoming freshman class to better understand how this policy impacts its diversity. Previous Next
- HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL TO PREVENT EXTORTION, PROTECT IMMIGRANTS, WORKERS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
< Back March 2, 2021 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL TO PREVENT EXTORTION, PROTECT IMMIGRANTS, WORKERS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill to prevent the extortion of undocumented immigrants by closing a gap in current statute. The bill was passed by a vote of 64-0. “This simple bill will ensure that everyone in our communities, regardless of citizenship status, is protected from extortion by our laws,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The current gap in statutes has left immigrants, especially workers and victims of domestic and sexual violence, vulnerable. By expanding the definition of extortion in our laws, we’re giving prosecutors a crucial tool to make our communities safer.” “While this bill specifically protects immigrants from extortion, advancing the cause of justice and public safety is a goal we should all work towards together,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The bill we passed today will give prosecutors like me the tools we need to protect vulnerable members of our communities from extortion and hopefully prevent some of these crimes from happening in the first place. I’m proud of the step we took to make our communities safer.” The current definition of criminal extortion already includes the practice of threatening to disclose a person’s immigration status to law enforcement in order to force them to give up something of value. HB21-1057 expands this definition to include coercing another person to either engage in or refrain from engaging in what would otherwise be a legal act. This expanded definition would address instances of wage theft, domestic violence and other instances where a person’s immigration status is used to deny them what is lawfully theirs. Previous Next
- Legislation to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral and Complex Health Care Passes
The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 64-0. < Back February 3, 2025 Legislation to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral and Complex Health Care Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 64-0. “I’ve seen the positive impact that access to essential health care and services has on children with IDD, behavioral health, and long-term medical needs, which is why it's so important that we expand and streamline the process of receiving care,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill is near and dear to my heart, and I am excited that we are one step closer to expanding the services available to Colorado kids and families so they can enjoy life at home while receiving the health care they need and deserve.” HB25-1003 , also sponsored by Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, would create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver by merging the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) and the Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI) waivers. This would help streamline waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with behavioral health conditions or complex needs. The CHCBS provides home and community-based services for families with children with significant medical needs so they can continue to live at home and prevent institutionalization. The CLLI provides in-home services and treatments for families with children with a complex health need, including respite care and pain management. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to improve access to behavioral and mental health care, including creating the I Matter program to offer no-cost mental health services to students, training for first responders and community leaders to identify and respond to symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorders, and expanding mental health care coverage for Colorado youth. Previous Next
- Legislation to Increase Tax Credit Accessibility Passes Committee
The House Finance Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Emily Sirota that would increase accessibility to tax credits that save Coloradans cash. HB24-1288 passed by a vote of 6-5. < Back March 4, 2024 Legislation to Increase Tax Credit Accessibility Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Emily Sirota that would increase accessibility to tax credits that save Coloradans cash. HB24-1288 passed by a vote of 6-5. “The Earned Income Tax Credit is a powerful anti-poverty tool that puts money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, and there are more resources out there that can boost their incomes that they deserve,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Our legislation would make these resources more accessible to Coloradans who may not make enough annually to file their taxes by making it easier for state agencies to do targeted outreach to uplift lower-income Coloradans.” “Social safety net services are important in helping lower-income Coloradans afford housing, child care, and groceries,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Some Coloradans don’t know that they qualify for certain tax credits that can put hundreds of dollars back into their wallets. This bill takes a proactive approach by notifying Coloradans about the resources they qualify for, making public assistance more accessible to those who need it the most.” Under HB24-1288 , the Department of Revenue would share the contact information of an individual who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Child Tax Credit with other state agencies so they can notify filers of other benefits that they may qualify for. Subject to the approval by the IRS, the bill also creates a program to identify and assist individuals who have not filed a federal income tax return for the 2022 income tax year to claim the state Earned Income Tax Credit. Previous Next
- JOINT RELEASE: Water and Agriculture Review Committee Advances Bills to Remove Mining Waste, Protect Habitats, and Plan for Future Water Projects
The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to facilitate the removal of harmful mining waste, protect fish and wildlife habitats, and explore a sustainable funding plan for future water projects. < Back September 18, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Water and Agriculture Review Committee Advances Bills to Remove Mining Waste, Protect Habitats, and Plan for Future Water Projects DENVER, CO – The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to facilitate the removal of harmful mining waste, protect fish and wildlife habitats, and explore a sustainable funding plan for future water projects. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, would create a new permit process in the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to facilitate the removal of mining waste piles and refuse, both of which have significant negative impacts on the environment. The new reclamation-only permit would lower barriers to cleanup efforts to reduce the backlog of over 20,000 abandoned mines in Colorado. Also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bipartisan bill would enter Colorado into the Interstate Mining Compact. States in the compact agree to establish a program for the conservation and use of mined lands, including the conduct of mining and handling of waste. “Waste and runoff from mine tailings can have detrimental impacts on downstream waters,” said Bridges, sponsor of Bill 4. “The bill we advanced today will promote the cleanup of pollution-causing tailings while expanding economic opportunities for the companies that do these cleanups. By making a simple change to permitting processes and entering Colorado into the Interstate Mining Compact, we can expedite mining reclamation and ensure our environment remains clean and safe for generations to come.” “Colorado’s outdoors is part of our identity, and without resources for our water and agricultural lands, our identity and way of life is threatened,” said Chair McCormick, sponsor of Bills 4 and 12. “One of our new bills will add Colorado as a member of the Interstate Mining Compact and will incentivize the cleanup of abandoned mines to improve and protect our precious waters. We also moved forward with legislation that would create the Future of Severance Taxes and Water Funding Task Force to help secure water funding.” “From agricultural needs to recreational use, access to clean water is crucial for Southwest Colorado,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bills 4, 12, and 13. “As a member of the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, I’ve heard from organizations and community members throughout the state about concerns and requests for policy solutions that can help support Colorado’s agricultural sector. Today, we advanced legislation that will improve water quality, identify possible funding sources to support important water projects, and continue funding for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program to support rural Colorado.” The committee also advanced Bill 12 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Senator Simpson, and Representatives McCormick and Martinez, which would create the Future of Severance Taxes and Water Funding Task Force in the DNR. The nine-member task force created by the bill would hire a contractor to conduct a study and develop recommendations to present to the legislature. The contractor would explore options to continue funding water needs for the state while severance tax revenue is expected to decrease. “Protecting Colorado’s vital resources and habitats is one of my top priorities,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bills 12 and 13. “The legislation we’re advancing today will explore how we can future-proof funding sources for critical water projects and make permanent our financial support for fish and wildlife habitats throughout the state. Colorado’s natural resources power everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, and I’m excited about the potential of these new bipartisan bills to secure funding and support critical preservation projects.” Sponsored by Roberts, Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Martinez and Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, Bill 13 would make permanent the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. The program provides funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts to work with private landowners, local governments, and conservation organizations to protect fish and wildlife habitats. Funding comes from the CPW’s habitat stamp sales, which must be purchased in order to buy a hunting or fishing license. The Committee is charged with reviewing relevant habitat projects and making recommendations to the CPW. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program is a great tool to raise funding for critical habitat conservation projects,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bill 13. “This program and its accompanying committee have had proven success in past years, which is why I’m excited that we’re now bringing forward legislation to make them permanent. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation is an important way for us to invest in Colorado's future and ensure our natural spaces remain natural.” The committee also approved five additional bills. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next
- McCormick Legislation to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Advances in House
The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities < Back February 9, 2024 McCormick Legislation to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Advances in House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. HB24-1047 would allow veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists to perform additional tasks related to the care and treatment of animals. “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,” said Veterinarian Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation will allow veterinary technicians to practice to the full extent of their training and expertise, thereby extending access to veterinary care across the state. My goal with this legislation is to ensure our pets and animals, especially in rural and underserved communities, have access to the veterinary care they need to keep them safe and healthy.” HB24-1047 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would help 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 bill aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the veterinary crisis 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 would establish a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. The House also passed HB24-1048 on a preliminary vote, sponsored by Representatives McCormick and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to establish a framework and guidelines for the use of telehealth for veterinary services. Previous Next
- SIGNED! Bill to Develop Long-Term Property Tax Solutions
Legislation creates a bipartisan commission to identify long-term solutions to rising property taxes < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Develop Long-Term Property Tax Solutions DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, that creates a bipartisan commission to develop long-term solutions to rising property taxes in Colorado. HB23B-1003 creates the Commission on Property Tax to outline plans for long and short-term property tax relief and to evaluate property tax ballot initiatives filings for the 2024 election. The bipartisan Commission includes legislators, county commissioners from across the state, a property tax administrator and different local government, business, and community leaders representing constituencies impacted by property tax revenue. The goal of HB23B-1003 is to map out potential long-term solutions to property taxes that have been rising since Coloradans voted to repeal the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. “Steep property tax increases over the past several years have hit Colorado homeowners hard, especially economically vulnerable folks like seniors and those on fixed incomes,” Fenberg said. “The legislation we passed during the special session delivers meaningful short-term relief, but this is not a short-term problem. We’re committed to working in a bipartisan way to find long-term, comprehensive solutions to address property taxes in Colorado, and this task force ensures we’ll do so hand in hand with partners across the state.” “I’m proud of the responsible property tax relief we delivered for Coloradans this special session and look forward to more long-term solutions that will make our state more affordable,” said Snyder. “The task force, outlined in my legislation, will be composed of bipartisan local and statewide leaders and will develop ongoing short-term and long-term solutions to rising property taxes. Everyone deserves to thrive in their communities, and this law is an important step forward in our mission to create a Colorado everyone can afford.” “Democrats have worked hard to meet the moment and answer the Governor’s special session call by delivering short-term property tax relief to Coloradans,” said Mullica. “Steep property tax increases have stretched families’ budgets for several years now, and if we don’t find a long-term solution it’s only going to get worse. That’s why I’m working on legislation that will convene a bipartisan Commission made up of balanced representation to develop long-term, transformational solutions to rising property taxes that will make Colorado more affordable in the years to come.” Under HB23B-1003, the Commission will convene by the week of December 18, 2023, and deliver an initial report to the General Assembly and Governor by March 15, 2024. Previous Next
- Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Advances
The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. < Back March 7, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. “Gun violence has touched all of our communities, including my community of Boulder that tragically lost innocent lives in the Boulder King Soopers shooting in 2021, and I vow to do everything I can to prevent future mass shootings to protect Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “That’s why I’m proudly sponsoring this bill that improves safety at gun shows, like requiring vendors to hold valid federal and state permits and properly securing firearms and ammunition, to prevent theft and illegal sales. It takes a multi-faceted approach to reduce gun violence, and this bill is one of the ways Colorado Democrats are working to improve safety in our communities and prevent senseless firearm deaths.” “Colorado Democrats have spent years passing laws that help prevent gun violence, and this law helps improve compliance with the lifesaving laws we have passed around background checks, safe storage, and lost and stolen reporting requirements,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation will close loopholes to ensure gun laws are followed at gun shows, where thousands of guns, ammunition, and other gun products are present and available to the public. We’re helping vendors keep guns out of the wrong hands to protect Colorado communities from gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit or have not completed a gun show certification. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill exempts gun collectors shows that only offer curios, relics or antique firearms. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next
- Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Passes Committee
Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health. < Back February 13, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. SB24-002 passed committee unanimously. “We’re working hand-in-hand with rural and mountain communities, like my home county of Summit County, to address the affordability crisis in Colorado and save people money on housing, child care and health care,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "This bipartisan bill provides local governments with new tools to create more workforce housing, high-quality child care options and economic development.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next
- EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK TAKES BIG STEP IN HOUSE
< Back April 17, 2019 EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK TAKES BIG STEP IN HOUSE (Apr. 17) – The House Business Affairs and Labor committee approved Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to help close the wage gap in Colorado. Currently, the gender wage gap is projected to not close until 2057 in Colorado and 2059 nationally. “This bill is extremely important to me on a personal level. Black women make 56.1 cents on the dollar compared to white men. Pay discrimination is a real and persistent issue that short changes women and their families. Women are the sole breadwinners in a growing number of hardworking families in Colorado,” Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora, said. “We believe we are taking a bold step to help close the gender wage gap by addressing the root cause of pay disparity.” Colorado women are paid 86 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job and African-American women earn 63 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job. The bill, SB19-085, provides an avenue by which Coloradans can, through mediation via the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and through the court system, seek relief if they have been discriminated against in their compensation based on their sex. The bill puts proactive measures to reduce the gender pay gap and prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on sex. “In order to solve the pay gap, we must address unintentional wage disparity. This bill implements common sense prevention and transparency measures to fight the pay gap,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “ We are fighting for women to be treated with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. This bill is a Colorado solution that strikes a balance between workers and employers. It’s time for our state to take the lead in achieving equal pay for equal work.” SB19-085, the Equal Pay For Equal Work Act, passed on a vote of 7-3 and now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next
- JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE VOTING OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE
< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE VOTING OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE New law preserves voting access for both renters and property owners displaced by the fire DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed. “The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this law will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.” “With Colorado’s primaries just around the corner, this law assures voters displaced by the Marshall Fire that they’ll be able to vote in their communities, regardless of if they owned a home or rented before being forced to evacuate,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This law will preserve access to Colorado’s gold standard elections for every voter displaced by the Marshall Fire and ensures they have a voice in who represents them.” “This important bill will provide Colorado voters who are temporarily displaced by natural disasters like the Marshall Fire the certainty they need to continue using their home address to vote,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “No person should have to worry about accessing the ballot box during such an incredibly difficult time, and these voters should be able to cast a ballot on the issues and candidates for the community that they truly call home.” “Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County said. “This law will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.” “My heart still breaks for the Coloradans who are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing everything they had,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “ This law offers voters displaced by the fire the peace of mind that they will still be able to easily cast their ballot in their communities.” SB22-152 , allows registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched. The law preserves voting options for both renters and homeowners. This law will also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and will extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans. Previous Next
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