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Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Chair of the Commission on Property Tax, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, to responsibly reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. < Back September 4, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Responsibly Reduce Property Taxes and Protect Colorado’s Future Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Chair of the Commission on Property Tax, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, to responsibly reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. Using SB24-233 as the baseline, HB24B-1001 reduces assessment rates and lowers revenue caps. Also sponsored by House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, the new law also preserves flexibility for school districts and local governments by allowing them to carry forward unused growth capacity into the next assessment cycle while shielding taxpayers from dramatic spikes in value growth. “We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and with this new law we’re delivering additional property tax relief to homeowners and small businesses in a responsible way while protecting funding for our schools, parks, libraries and community institutions,” said McCluskie. “Two initiatives from wealthy special interests on the November ballot would de-fund schools, lengthen emergency response times, and strip health care away from our most vulnerable Coloradans. Stopping these measures with small changes to the bipartisan property tax package from last session is a win for Colorado, our schools and local governments.” “Building on the bipartisan success of SB24-233, this legislation represents the culmination of more than six years of work to craft sustainable, responsible property tax reform in the wake of the Gallagher repeal,” said Hansen. “This new law is the product of partnership, compromise, and a shared commitment to the people of Colorado. The Commission on Property Tax, local governments, schools, and countless other stakeholders all have been involved in a public discussion of an extremely complicated problem – resulting in policy that provides both meaningful relief to taxpayers and stability for essential community services. In recent years, we have been able to secure a stronger future for Colorado by ending the negative factor for education funding, establishing sustainable funding paths for higher education and Medicaid providers, and now with this policy, we can avoid the devastating impacts of Initiatives 50 and 108 and protect the progress we’ve already made.” Additionally, the new law: Reduces the local government revenue cap from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent annual growth, or 10.5 percent over one assessment cycle; Changes the school revenue sharing ratio to a 6 percent annual growth cap, or 12 percent over one assessment cycle; Allows voters to override the local government revenue cap at the ballot box and school districts to override the cap at the state-wide level; and Extends the backfill mechanism in SB24-233 for local government entities most impacted by this measure for one more year, through 2025. The law also directs the Commission on Property Tax to evaluate the property tax changes made in SB24-233 and HB24B-1001 and report on how Colorado’s tax code does or does not deliver relief to the people who need it the most. Importantly, the governor, in partnership with legislative leadership, has directed state departments to develop and recommend new ways to provide sustainable funding to fire districts, many of which are struggling to keep pace with increasing costs and demands on their services. In May, the General Assembly passed SB24-233 to reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion, prevent future spikes in property taxes, and protect critical services that Coloradans rely on. HB24B-1001 makes minor adjustments to SB24-233 in order to avoid devastating ballot measures from wealthy special interests. Irresponsible ballot measures threatened to reduce revenue for public schools, fire departments, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, and public outdoor recreation by nearly $3 billion. They risked the major strides Colorado Democrats have made to boost public education funding and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor, and could have led to deep cuts to emergency services. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE AND CHILD CARE ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed two bills that will save Coloradans money on health care and child care. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: SB22-200, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Matt Soper, creates a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals to increase access to health care and save Coloradans money. The bill will provide millions to improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. The bill passed 10-1. “This legislation will save Coloradans in rural areas money on health care and make it easier to access the services that people need and rely on,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “SB22-200 will direct $10 million in federal economic relief funds to expand the availability of primary and behavioral health care services, telemedicine, and make it easier for Coloradans living in rural areas to access the life saving health care they need to thrive.” The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management, telemedicine, and the expansion of in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and behavioral healthcare. Saving Coloradans Money on Child Care: SB22-213 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Alex Valdez, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care and for parents to get back to work. It will increase capacity across the state and better develop the child care workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care. The bill passed 9-3. “By expanding child care options, we’ll save families money and help parents get back to work,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The high cost of child care is eating into families’ budgets and can leave parents juggling to find someone to care for their children so they can go to work. We’re investing over $50 million to make child care more affordable, support child care providers and save families money.” “Child care is essential for our economic recovery, and increasing funding for providers will expand child care options, keep providers in business, help parents get back to work and save families money,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “With child care costing many hardworking families more than their monthly mortgage payment, we have to act now to help every family afford quality child care.” This bill will help boost child care capacity by providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work. SB22-213 also adds $15 million to a successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program, and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2021 HOUSE CHARTS A COURSE TO IMPROVE FIRST RESPONDER INTERACTIONS WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill to establish a commission charged with creating a plan to improve first responder interactions with people with disabilities. The bill passed by a vote of 53-10. “People with disabilities are disproportionately more likely to be the victim of crimes and have unique needs and considerations that must be taken into account by first responders,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill sets us down a path toward ensuring that first responders have the training and tools necessary to guarantee better outcomes when they interact with people with disabilities. By passing this bill today, we voted in favor of preventing tragedies and ensuring that those tasked with keeping our communities safe are better prepared to protect all community members.” HB21-1122 , also sponsored by Representative Colin Larson, would establish a twelve-person commission tasked with performing a detailed study of existing training for peace officers on interactions with persons with disabilities and provide a report to the POST Board by February 28, 2022. The bill establishes that the resulting training curriculum be implemented for basic training and the annual in-service training by July 1, 2022. Once the curriculum is implemented, the commission would monitor the training process, assess any challenges and the effectiveness of the training to present and suggest to the POST Board. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO CO-CHAIRS’ STATEMENT ON SB8 DENVER, CO– Representatives Lisa Cutter and Monica Duran, the Co-Chairs of Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado, today released the following statement on SB8, the Texas law that will ban abortions as soon as six weeks–before many women know they are pregnant: “The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado strongly supports reproductive rights and the freedom for women to choose what’s best for their bodies. We are outraged at the passage of SB8, the Texas law banning abortions at six weeks. This law is another way to suppress, control, and shame women over their healthcare choices. Despite last week’s unprecedented and unconstitutional attack on abortion rights, Colorado will remain a safe place for patients to access abortion. Coloradans understand that the strength and independence of women promote a healthier and more economically vibrant society by every measure. We will continue to actively work to safeguard women’s rights to have autonomy over their own bodies and uphold the Colorado way of life, putting the health and safety of women first.” Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the Pueblo City Council voting down an ordinance that would have outlawed abortions in Pueblo: < Back October 16, 2024 Rep. Mauro Statement on Pueblo City Council Vote on Abortion Access PUEBLO, CO - Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the Pueblo City Council voting down an ordinance that would have outlawed abortions in Pueblo: “Women in Pueblo deserve access to reproductive health care and the freedom to make their own choices. Last night, our city council defeated a dangerous ordinance that would have banned abortion in Pueblo and put women’s health at risk. I am committed to doing everything I can at the state capitol to protect Coloradans’ freedoms and the right to choose from extreme politicians who would take us backwards.” Previous Next

Legislation will create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back May 12, 2025 SIGNED! Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Legislation will create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process, which is used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. “In a bipartisan way, we’re modernizing Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation while filling vacancies efficiently,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We heard the concerns surrounding our current vacancy process, and our law limits the amount of time someone can serve before facing an election and subjects vacancy candidates to campaign finance laws. Lawmakers resign for many reasons, and this law is the right balance between creating more opportunities for voters to weigh in and ensuring communities aren’t without representation during the legislative session.” "Increasing strains on legislators leading to more frequent resignations have illustrated the need and opportunity to modernize the vacancy process for the Colorado General Assembly," said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. "This policy represents a bipartisan way forward that is consistent with Colorado constitutional requirements, allows more input from voters, and does not excessively burden county clerks responsible for conducting elections. Critically, it will also capture raising and spending of campaign funds by candidates who seek vacancy appointments and run in vacancy elections so that voters can understand what influences may be operating in vacancy situations." HB25-1315 is cosponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County. This law will increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden voter participation when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states, where governors or small commissions make the appointments. The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 will affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place, and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the new vacancy committee process, and then there would be a new vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a new vacancy election can occur in November of that year. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year. In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. Under the law, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the same political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE, INNOVATIVE HOMES SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation invests $40 million of federal pandemic relief dollars to construct new, affordable, innovative homes that will save people money, increase housing supply and create jobs Grand Junction, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senator Jeff Bridges that will jumpstart construction of new, affordable homes to save Coloradans money on housing, increase the housing supply and create jobs. HB22-1282 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Task Force . “The legislation Governor Polis signed today will make housing more affordable in communities across our state and save people money on housing,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Nearly every community in our state is looking at how to reduce the cost of housing. This $40 million investment will attract and expand businesses that build high quality innovative homes that cost less. This will save families money on new homes, expand our supply of affordable homes, and create jobs all across Colorado.” “Hard working Colorado families deserve to have a home they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “But too many Coloradans are getting priced out of the neighborhoods where they work and currently live. This new law will create good-paying jobs while quickly increasing our housing stock with quality, affordable homes that will help drive down housing costs and get roofs over heads as quickly as possible. I am proud to champion this critical legislation as we continue fighting to make sure every Colorado family has a place they can afford to call home.” “This session, we made the largest investment in the state’s history to reduce the cost of housing, help develop more homes, and save families money,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . “I’m proud Governor Polis signed HB22-1282, one of our Task Force recommendations, today to boost the construction of affordable, innovative homes, which will be manufactured right here in Colorado, create jobs, and support rural economies all while significantly increasing our supply of affordable homes.” HB22-1282 deploys $40 million to attract, encourage and support the construction of innovative forms of affordable housing to be built all across Colorado. Examples include modular, pre-fabricated, manufactured and other innovative forms of housing. The funding could be used to build or expand factories, hire additional workers, and expand manufacturers’ ability to produce and construct innovative homes. This will quickly boost the affordable housing stock in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as increase the rate of homeownership in communities that have traditionally lacked access to this important wealth-building tool. The legislation will also create jobs by incentivizing new innovative housing companies to manufacture and place their homes in Colorado. Additionally, HB22-1282 will expand Colorado’s workforce by helping current housing manufacturing companies expand their capacity, operations and number of employees to meet affordable housing demands. Previous Next

HB25-1149 standardizes Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools < Back June 3, 2025 Signed! New Law Establishes Statewide Black History Education Standards DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. HB25-1149 , sponsored by Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, and Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, requires the Colorado Department of Education to develop a standard K-12 curriculum for Black history and cultural studies with support from a 17-member advisory committee. “Black history is American history, and without a Comprehensive Black history curriculum in our public schools, students aren’t receiving the full scope of achievements and contributions of Black Americans,” said English. “We can help our students achieve a well-rounded education by developing and standardizing a comprehensive Black history curriculum in Colorado’s public schools. From politics to engineering, Black Americans’ contributions to society are vast. Our law helps ensure that students learn about the influential Black leaders who changed the course of history and our nation.” “Here in Colorado, we understand the importance of teaching a full, honest history – one that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans,” said Exum. “Implementing a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools ensures that students of all races and backgrounds receive a more complete education that prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens and honors the extensive contributions of Black Americans in shaping our state and nation.” Once approved by the Colorado Board of Education, public K-12 schools will have to adopt the new Black history education standards into their curriculum as part of the state’s social studies standards revision cycle, which concludes in 2028. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen, that will prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed by outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. < Back April 19, 2024 SIGNED! Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen, that will prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed by outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. “Our ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation clearly defines in state law when and why landlords can evict tenants to prevent discriminatory and retaliatory evictions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This new law will create stability for landlords and renters because it does not prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have violated their lease or are behind on their rent, or where a landlord is getting out of the business. With this legislation becoming law, we will save Colorado families money and help keep roofs over their heads and roots in their community.” “Too many families know firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with being evicted from their home, as well as all the difficult consequences that arise because of it,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “We must do more to protect vulnerable renters from being evicted without reason. Our new ‘for cause’ eviction law will improve housing stability, prevent displacement, and keep more of our neighbors in their homes, and I am pleased to see it get signed into law.” “Unnecessary and arbitrary evictions have devastating consequences for Coloradans, which is why we passed legislation to clearly outline reasons landlords can file for an eviction,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Evictions make renters more vulnerable to homelessness, and having an eviction on your record can make it nearly impossible to find housing. I’m excited that our legislation to prevent Coloradans from being displaced is now Colorado law so hardworking Coloradans can remain safely housed.” “Imagine being a respectful neighbor, paying your rent on time, and doing everything right. But your roof leaks, your landlord won’t fix it, and you’re struggling to make ends meet. Do you report it to your local housing authority, so there will be accountability on the landlord to fix it? Or do you keep quiet, knowing that, if you do that, your landlord might not renew your lease? This is just one example of the many cases this bill addresses, to ensure that tenants who are doing the right things don’t lose their housing for arbitrary reasons. It creates stability and financial security for good tenants and their families,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098 , the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, interfering with the right to quiet enjoyment, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement. The law also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ law include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees. Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes . In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: PRESIDENT FENBERG, REPRESENTATIVES AMABILE, HOOTON AND GRAY COMMEMORATE THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE KING SOOPERS SHOOTING BOULDER, CO – Boulder legislators Senate President Steve Fenberg, Representative Judy Amabile, Representative Edie Hooton, and Representative Matt Gray today released a joint statement commemorating the one year anniversary of the King Soopers shooting: “One year ago, the Boulder community suffered a devastating tragedy when a gunman brutally cut short ten innocent lives. Today, our hearts remain heavy for the families of the victims, and for the entire Boulder community. But faced with tragedy, our community has emerged stronger and more resilient than before. We have been profoundly moved by the myriad ways Boulder County has come together to honor the victims of this tragedy and support their families and one another. As we continue to heal, each of us must recommit ourselves in our service to Boulder and Colorado while continuing our work to protect our neighbors and build a stronger, safer community for us all.” Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2019 SULLIVAN, GARNETT INTRODUCE LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Feb 14) – Today, Rep. Tom Sullivan and Majority Leader Alec Garnett were joined by survivors of gun violence, law enforcement officers and state legislators to unveil new legislation to prevent gun violence and protect first responders. “This is why I’m here – I’m here to help save lives and to make sure what happened to my family and my son doesn’t happen to others,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This Extreme Risk Protection Order bill is about saving lives. I wear my son Alex’s jacket every single day I come to the state capitol. Watching your child’s body drop into the ground is as bad as it gets. And I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that none of you have to do that. I don’t care what party you belong to, I’m going to everything I can until this jacket falls off of me.” Rep. Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. “When an individual is in crisis, loved ones and law enforcement are often the first to see signs that they pose a threat to themselves or others. Extreme Risk Protection Orders can save lives by creating a way for family members and law enforcement to act before warning signs escalate into tragedies,” said Rep. Garnett, D-Denver. “This bill has some of the strongest due process provisions of any ERPO bill in the country. Coloradans refuse to maintain the status quo and refuse to simply live with the consequences of doing nothing to address the epidemic of gun violence.” This bill will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe.Through this bill, family or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks. After that, family or law enforcement could petition the judge for a full Extreme Risk Protection Order. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, they could approve the protection order for up to 364 days. During this hearing, respondents will be provided legal counsel at no cost. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during the 364-day time period. The bill, which was introduced during the 2018 legislative session and which passed the House, is once again named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty last New Year’s Eve by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Deputy Parrish was just twenty-nine years old. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, spoke in favor of the bill at a press conference today. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Senators Lois Court, D-Denver, and Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, also spoke at today’s press conference, sharing a statement from Deputy Parrish’s parents Zack and Cris Parrish to remind us all of the need for this life-saving legislation: “It is incumbent upon us to support the Zack S. Parrish, III Law, a measure which will limit the accessibility that a mentally and/or emotionally ill person would have to obtain such weaponry. This is not about taking gun rights away from anyone; it is about protecting our first responders, families, and the community at large, thus reducing these tragedies in the future,” the Parrish family urged. Kaylee Tyner, a senior at Columbine High School spoke at the press conference and led a moment of silence in honor of the one year anniversary of the Parkland High School shooting. Thirteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. Jane Dougherty of Littleton whose sister Mary Sherlach was killed in the 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Conn. And who has been a leader on gun violence prevention efforts here in Colorado and in the capitol also spoke at today’s press conference. Colorado lost over eleven-hundred people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation was enacted. The text of HB19-1177 can be found here. Watch Rep. Sullivan’s remarks here. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez into law to make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back May 15, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Becomes Law EMPIRE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez into law to make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “Habitat Stamps have funded conservation programs across Colorado to protect wildlife, fisheries and critical ecosystems so future generations can hunt, fish and enjoy our beautiful state,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Whether you’re coming from out-of-state or live right here in Colorado, everyone who hunts and fishes knows we have some of the best wildlife areas in the world, and we’re proud to keep them that way. Wildlife conservation ensures that hunting and angling can contribute to our rural economies for many years to come and protects our way of life.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners, local governments and conservation nonprofits that protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, continues the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. Previous Next