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On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. < Back December 20, 2023 Stronger Colorado Consumer Protections Coming this January DENVER, CO - On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans. “Every Coloradan deserves insurance coverage that best fits their needs, which is why we passed legislation to require professionally translated insurance documents for non-English speakers,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB23-1004. “It’s disappointing that some insurers have threatened to suspend non-English language services, preventing communities from understanding insurance documents that can be difficult to comprehend even without a language barrier. Our law gives Coloradans the tools they need to choose an insurance plan that works best for themselves and their families, no matter what language they speak.” “The laws going into effect today will help Coloradans by making insurance more accessible and loan fees less predatory,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1004 and HB23-1229. “HB1004 ensures that when insurance companies advertise in languages other than English, that they also translate the policy documents, because consumers should be able to understand what they’re signing and the terms of their policies. Additionally, HB1229 closes predatory payday loan loopholes and brings Colorado in accordance with the will of the voters. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits these laws will have in my district and across the state.” HB23-1004 requires insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified by 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. HB23-1229 protects consumers by limiting lender fees on alternative charge loans, which are short-term loans capped at $1,000. The law also increases the minimum term of an alternative charge loan from 90 days to 6 months, allowing more time for repayment. Separately, it ensures that out-of-state, state-chartered banks are subject to applicable Colorado lending laws when lending to Coloradans to protect borrowers and create uniformity within the state. “Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 111 to protect against predatory payday loans in Colorado, but until now, a loophole has allowed some lenders to continue related high-interest lending practices,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1229. “With this law going into effect, we’re aligning Colorado law with the will of the voters and saving hardworking Coloradans money on these financial products.” “Alternative charge loan fees can often top 100% for APR, penalizing low-income Coloradans for taking out small loans that help them afford basic necessities until the next paycheck comes in,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1229. “Coloradans voted in 2018 to cap rates on these types of loans to 36%, but out-of-state banks have taken advantage of a loophole that allows them to circumvent our laws. Our new law will hold out-of-state banks to the rates voters approved of, protecting Coloradans from these predatory lending practices that exacerbate economic insecurity.” In 2018, Colorado voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 111 to crack down on predatory payday loans with high annual percentage rates (APRs). Since then, some Colorado lenders have replaced their payday loans with alternative charge loans, which are not subject to the same consumer protections. This bill would close that workaround to prevent lenders from overcharging Coloradans for credit that is often sought by borrowers already in duress. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BILLS SIGNED TO ADDRESS AND PREVENT HOMELESSNESS Laws direct $155 million to create a statewide grant program and regional navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will provide $155 million to address and prevent homelessness across Colorado. HB22-1377 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Tony Exum and Senators Chris Kolker and Julie Gonzales, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These initiatives may include emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion, as well as wraparound services and care coordination. “This package of legislation works to address and prevent homelessness across Colorado by funding innovative measures that provide shelter and help people transition to permanent housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Local governments and nonprofits can’t fill this need on their own, so the state is stepping up to fund the programs and projects we know will help provide the housing and supports people need to get back on their feet and thrive.” “The crisis of unhoused Coloradans has only grown, and we must take action,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This law will enable local communities to better tackle this crisis, and arm them with resources to implement innovative, community-driven strategies that address and prevent homelessness and get more Coloradans the help they need.” “Too many Coloradans, including over 1,000 veterans, are experiencing homelessness across our state,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This legislation provides funding for critical services and shelter for people in immediate need of a safe place to sleep and will also help people transition out of homelessness. We worked to ensure that each community in Colorado would have an opportunity to access this funding. From reducing the cost of housing and increasing access to behavioral health care to making Colorado more affordable and boosting skills training programs, we’re doing everything we can to address the root causes of homelessness and create opportunity for everyone in Colorado.” “We’ve seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality. As our state’s housing issues have worsened significantly, even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . “This new law is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential support and resources. It’s only a start – but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.” HB22-1378, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivan and Senators James Coleman and Chris Hansen, directs $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. “The homelessness crisis in our communities demands an innovative approach that will deploy best practices and comprehensive strategies, and that’s what we’re doing by creating a central location where people can get the wraparound services they need to avoid homelessness,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “I am proud of this legislation that creates and funds a regional navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area that will integrate health care, job services and housing supports – some of the best practices available to reduce and prevent homelessness.” “The homelessness crisis has hit our communities hard, and addressing it requires all hands on deck, which is exactly the approach this legislation takes,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver . “This law will connect folks without stable housing to the services, care and housing they need, and give more Coloradans support to help them move forward and thrive.” “As a veteran, it is deeply troubling to see so many people who served our nation struggle to find safe and stable housing and access to the job services and health care they need,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “I’m proud Governor Polis has signed our legislation into law to invest in proven strategies that will reduce and prevent homelessness. This new regional campus will be a one-stop-location for people experiencing homelessness to be connected with behavioral health care, job training, housing options and other critical services that we know help people find long-term housing and employment.” “Too many of our neighbors are struggling to find a place to call home, and they need assistance,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver . “This law will provide significant new resources to support folks experiencing homelessness, and give nonprofits and local governments more capacity to address this crisis and help more Coloradans get back on their feet.” Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation that would create a refundable state income tax credit to support employee-owned businesses. HB24-1157 would also make the Employee Ownership Office a permanent resource for small businesses as they transition into employee-owned businesses. The bill passed by a vote of 9-2. < Back February 22, 2024 Bill to Save Employee-Owned Businesses Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation that would create a refundable state income tax credit to support employee-owned businesses. HB24-1157 would also make the Employee Ownership Office a permanent resource for small businesses as they transition into employee-owned businesses. The bill passed by a vote of 9-2. “Employee-owned business models allow locally-owned businesses to stay within their communities; however, the costs and resources that are needed during transition can create barriers for employees seeking to purchase the business,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This legislation would make the Employee Ownership Office a permanent resource and create a state income tax credit to save employee-owned businesses money. We’re continuing the work we’ve done in recent years to make Colorado a national leader in providing support to employee-owned business owners so they can thrive in their communities.” “Employee-owned business models are not only beneficial for retiring business owners, but they also reward hard-working employees for their dedication to the company, promote higher wages, and keep businesses rooted in their communities,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “By offering tax credits to new employee-owned businesses, we can incentivize more businesses to stay local and ensure that working people keep more of the value of their own labor." HB24-1157 would make the Employee Ownership Office, temporarily created by Governor Polis in an executive order , a permanent office to continue supporting small business owners who are transitioning to an employee-owned business model. The bill would also create a refundable state income tax credit for costs that come with running a new employee-owned business. The tax credit would be available for tax years 2025 through 2033 and businesses would be eligible if they have been partially or wholly owned by employees for fewer than seven years. This tax credit would cover 50 percent of qualifying costs, granting up to $50,000 a year in savings. In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes business owners to move towards employee-owned business models. It provides support to business owners who are looking to move on from their ownership by passing their business onto their employees, allowing communities to retain homegrown economic opportunities while giving hard-working Coloradans new entrepreneurship roles. Rep. Lindstedt also passed a law in the 2023 legislative session that expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by including partially employee-owned businesses, allowing new methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees, and strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2020 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HIGHER ED INVESTMENT PROTECTIONS Bill would allow prospective students to access information regarding the expected return on investment of a private occupational school degree. DENVER, CO– The House voted 63-0 today to pass Representative Cathy Kipp’s bipartisan bill to collect and distribute information related to the return on investment (ROI) that students can expect from private occupational schools and other institutions of higher education. “An investment in education is one of the most important financial decisions that a young person will make,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill will level the playing field and help us give students looking to earn any type of degree the tools they need to avoid making a bad investment. With many for-profit colleges making promises to prospective students that their degrees can’t keep, this bill is more important than ever.” Currently, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) has the authority to prepare an annual ROI report for undergraduate degree and certificate programs. HB20-1280 would further allow the Department to collect the data necessary to calculate ROI for degree and certificates offered by private occupational schools, seminaries, religious training institutions, as well as by public and private out-of-state higher education institutions. ### Previous Next

Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado < Back August 21, 2025 Democrats Advance Bills to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Funding for Core Services Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed two bills that would close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies and allow corporations to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1004 allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR, and HB25B-1003 would repeal a special tax break for insurance companies. “Congressional Republicans passed a budget bill that created a billion-dollar revenue shortfall in Colorado in order to give tax breaks to the ultra-rich, and we’re doing everything we can to combat the destruction that the GOP budget will cause for hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “This bill would allow companies to pre-pay future taxes to boost revenue now and save them money in the process. This is crucial to protect funding for core services that Coloradans depend on.” “Our legislation utilizes a proven, business-friendly method to offset the draconian GOP budget bill,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “Colorado’s budget funds essential services that all Coloradans benefit from, like our K-12 public schools and transportation infrastructure, and the GOP budget blew a massive hole in it that we have to address now. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to safeguard our state from the impacts of Trump’s budget bill, and by allowing businesses to pay their future taxes now, they can save money and help us protect core services.” HB25B-1004 , which passed by a vote of 7-4, would allow a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now and offsetting the immediate impacts of the GOP budget bill. This does shift state revenue out of future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecasted to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Under the current law established in the 1950s, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5-percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this reduction. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “While the GOP sides with corporations, Colorado Democrats fight for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s budget bill, they carved out massive tax breaks for the 1 percent and corporations by increasing costs for everyone else. Colorado Democrats are ending special interest tax breaks like this that aren’t effective, don’t create jobs, and are nothing more than corporate handouts that come at the expense of everyone else.” “The data shows this special interest corporate loophole doesn’t create jobs and is clearly unnecessary,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “While it was created to increase jobs, this corporate tax loophole has had the opposite outcome, and data shows that most insurance companies are receiving tax breaks while actually eliminating Colorado jobs. We’re eliminating this special interest tax break and putting hardworking Coloradans first.” A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance agency, yet it has impacted state revenue by $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 DEMS DRIVING COLORADO TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE (May 31) – Gov. Polis signed a package of bills led by House Democrats to get more electric vehicles on the road in Colorado. In recent years, House Democrats successfully passed a law promoting electric vehicles that has made Colorado one of the best states in the country to purchase one. The Gov. signed a law sponsored by Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, to extend the electric vehicle (EV) tax credit from 2022 to 2025 as it is currently set to expire in 2021. “Electric vehicles save consumers money and can improve air quality while reducing carbon pollution emissions,” said Rep. Gray, chair of the House Transportation and Local Government committee. “We need to ensure we are supporting these vehicles, getting more of them on the road, and making a cleaner future for our state.” The state innovative motor vehicle income tax credit is intended to reduce the cost of alternative fuel vehicles and incentivize their purchase. This tax credit is especially accessible because customers may work with the auto dealer to receive the tax credit immediately at the time of purchase. “We are living in a critical time for the adoption of cleaner vehicles. The irrefutable scientific data says we must act now. More Coloradans driving cleaner cars will lead to cleaner air, improve public health and help protect our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis. “This new law extends the innovative motor vehicle tax credits for the cleanest vehicles on the market. More Coloradans will be able to purchase or lease these vehicles and our communities will benefit from this growing technology.” Cars and trucks account for one-fifth of the United States carbon pollution emissions. HB19-1159 modifies the amount of the tax credit and extends the number of years the credit is available for the purchase or lease of an electric motor vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric motor vehicle, an original equipment manufacturer electric truck and plug-in hybrid electric truck. This modest tax credit will help more drivers make the decision to go electric and thus reduce the amount of harmful carbon emissions in our atmosphere. The Gov. also signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, to support EV infrastructure. “It’s critical that we continue our commitment to clean air, climate action, consumer choice, and a robust economy,” said Rep. Hansen. “This new law will invest in EV charging infrastructure and support the transition to zero emission vehicles.” Rep. Hansen is the coprime sponsor of SB19-239 which was also signed today. The Gov. also signed a bipartisan bill to increase the penalties for parking in an electric vehicle charging parking space. The new law authorizes the owner of a plug-in electric motor vehicle (electric vehicle) charging station to install a sign that identifies the station. HB19-1298 is sponsored by Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, and Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Brighton. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING, SUPPORT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile homeowners purchase the land they live on FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-160 , legislation to support mobile home owners and save people money on housing. Championed by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, SB22-160 will invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land their homes sit on and convert it into a resident-owned community. “Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This new law will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.” “Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we worked hard this session to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This new law will provide critical protections for mobile homeowners by making sure mobile home residents have the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.” “Today, we’re putting mobile homeowners above corporate profits,” Boesenecker said. “Our law invests critical resources to keep mobile home parks affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase and manage the land their homes sit on. I’m incredibly proud to see this law through the finish line because resident owned communities are the key to affordable, resilient mobile homes.” “With this law, we’re making sure mobile homeowners have the tools to organize and combat displacement and exorbitant lot rent increases,” said Lindsay. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to prioritize mobile homeowners so they can invest in their own communities. Our $35 million investment will go toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents to keep their homes affordable.” The new law further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. < Back April 22, 2024 Lt. Governor Signs Bipartisan Bill To Save Lives, Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths DENVER, CO – Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “I’m so proud to have worked closely with the students from both Durango and Animas High Schools to create this life-saving law,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Too often, Colorado youth have seen their classmates suffer from the current opioid crisis, which is why our new law will increase availability and training for the administration of opiate antagonists. The advocacy from these students on this topic who have seen the challenges their peers face will make a significant impact throughout our state and save countless lives.” “Our young people have not escaped being harmed by the opioid crisis that is impacting every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, said. “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted directly by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more badly-needed tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.” “As a school psychologist, I understand how serious and common overdoses can be in our schools, and this new law will make it easier for schools to prevent these overdoses from becoming fatal,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Research shows that overdose education for students, teachers, staff, and families leads to increased involvement in treatment and this legislation empowers students, educators, and other school personnel to know how to respond to an overdose. This student-initiated law gives schools life-saving harm reduction tools to decrease the number of student overdoses across Colorado.” HB24-1003 , will allow trained bus drivers and other employees present on buses to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators and staff receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill permits school districts to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 will allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. Previous Next

The House today passed gun violence prevention legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, passed by a vote of 38-27. < Back February 25, 2025 House Passes Bill to Create Safeguards on Ammunition Purchases DENVER, CO - The House today passed gun violence prevention legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, passed by a vote of 38-27. “As a survivor of domestic violence and gun intimidation, I am proud that our bill to reduce gun violence and save lives has passed the House,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill increases the age to purchase long gun ammunition and strengthens display requirements, helping reduce theft and keeping ammunition out of the wrong hands. Our legislation is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to protect our communities from senseless gun violence and improve public safety.” “It takes a single bullet to take a life, which is why we’re passing this bill to bring down ammunition theft and raise the age of purchase so we can prevent senseless firearm deaths,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “From suicide to accidental firings, too many lives have been tragically taken from their loved ones. As a mother to young kids, I know that our communities will be safer by making it just a little harder for 18-21-year-old youth to acquire ammo that could be used in a violent crime.” Under current law, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase any firearm but only 18 years old to purchase ammunition. HB25-1133 would raise the minimum age to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition to 21 years old with limited exceptions. Sellers would be required to verify that the buyer is at least 21 years old using a valid government-issued photo identification. The bill also requires sellers to display ammunition in a position where an employee must assist the buyer, like in an enclosed display case or behind a counter, to help prevent theft. Any person delivering ammunition would be required to verify that the person receiving the delivery is at least 21 years old and obtain written proof of receipt of the delivery from the recipient. The bill exempts an active member or veteran of the US military or Colorado National Guard as well as Coloradans with a valid hunter education certificate or an expired or unexpired hunting license. Coloradans between 18 and 21 years old would be allowed to purchase ammunition at a shooting range if they use it on-site. It would also exempt Coloradans under 21 years old if they were born on or before January 28, 2007. Unlawful sale of ammunition would be a civil infraction, while subsequent violations would classify as a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased by a staggering 41 percent in the last decade. Majority Leader Duran passed a law in 2023 to raise the minimum age to purchase a long gun firearm to 21, which was already the minimum age to purchase a handgun. She also passed a safe storage law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back May 3, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. SB24-197 passed by a vote of 63 to 0. “By implementing recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force, we’re taking steps now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions in the high country have jeopardized our way of life, and this bipartisan legislation addresses some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. To protect our water for generations to come, we need to tackle supply challenges head-on, and this bill works alongside community and industry leaders to protect this vital resource for all.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. In response to drought conditions, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 THE COLORADO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTION ADVANCES DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Health and Insurance advanced legislation today to create the Colorado Affordable Health Care Option. HB20-1349 passed the committee by a vote of 7-4. “The number one issue I hear about across my district and in the Capitol is the high cost of health care and the lack of choices on the individual market,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The Colorado Option is a common sense and financially responsible way to create a new choice for consumers. It’s expected to reduce premiums on the individual market by up to 20 percent and ensure that more Coloradans across the state have access to affordable, high quality health care. The status quo in health care is hurting too many Coloradans and it is well past time we pass this bill.” “Hospital and health insurance lobbyists and CEOs are attacking the Colorado Option and the prospect of lower health care premiums because the status quo protects their profits – at the expense of consumers,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Hospitals in Colorado have the second highest profit margins in the country and it’s time to end the status quo and bring relief to Colorado consumers.” The Colorado Affordable Health Care Option aims to lower the cost of health care and increase competition. The Colorado Option will offer a similar benefit design and structure to existing plans offered on the exchange while reducing premiums by nine to 20 percent, depending on the region, by holding the skyrocketing profit margins at the state’s largest hospitals in check. It also asks insurance companies to spend less on overhead and more on patient care and ensures prescription drug rebates are passed along to consumers to lower the cost of insurance. Coloradans face some of the highest health care costs in the nation. In 22 of 64 counties, consumers only have one carrier to choose from, and cost barriers have led to one in five Coloradans forgoing needed care. High consumer spending on health care means Coloradans have less money to spend elsewhere in the economy. The Colorado Option will also allow more Coloradans to start their own business without the fear of losing affordable health insurance. The high cost of health care is largely driven by unprecedented growth in hospital profits. Between 2009 and 2018, hospital profits in Colorado increased 280 percent, and hospital prices increased 71 percent while patient growth increased just 16.6 percent. Hospitals account for over one-third of health care spending in the state, which is approaching $50 billion a year. Because hospital corporations account for some of the highest profits in the health care industry in Colorado, the Colorado Option asks some of the largest, most profitable hospitals in the state to take a small cut in their profits to reduce the cost of care and pass along the savings to consumers. The hospital reimbursement rates set by the Division of Insurance will be public and transparent and will start at a base rate that guarantees hospitals a profit and then increases if hospitals meet certain criteria. The bill also supports rural and critical access hospitals by ensuring that they still have a profitable reimbursement rate under this plan. Notably, some critical access and independent hospitals are actually poised to see an increase in their overall reimbursement rates under the Colorado Option. Instead of cutting back on their exorbitant profits to keep care affordable, the largest hospitals have threatened to further raise costs on consumers. Hospitals have deployed this policy, known as cost-shifting, in the past to recoup spending on care provided to uninsured patients. HB20-1349 anticipates that hospitals will try to protect their profits, and the bill includes robust protections to help prevent cost-shifting. Hospitals have engaged in an expensive lobbying and public relations campaign to protect their bottom line. They are once again expending resources to pad their own profits, pay high-priced lobbyists and buy countless television and online ads that instead could be spent on reducing the cost of care for Coloradans who are suffering under unaffordable health care prices. The Colorado Option bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee for further action. Previous Next

< Back May 6, 2022 HOUSE PASSES $48 MILLION FOR CRIME VICTIM SERVICES DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation that will provide critical resources to programs that support victims of crime. The bill passed 43-20, with 20 of 24 House Republicans voting against the bill, which previously passed the Senate 34-1. “I’m proud that Colorado is putting additional resources toward helping survivors of crime,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill will provide critical support to survivors of crime, including survivors of domestic violence, to help people get back on their feet. This funding fills a gap in the resources available for these programs that was created when the Trump administration cut off their funding.” “This legislation directs $48 million of pandemic economic relief and state funds to support survivors of crime to improve access to the services they need,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “The pandemic has placed enormous strain on our society, and we’ve seen an increase in domestic violence and other crimes as a result. This legislation continues essential crime victim services and programs to help survivors of crime access the assistance they need.” SB22-183 , sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Mike Weissman, would fill a revenue gap in federal funding for crime victims to continue providing lifesaving services for child and adult victims of crime through a one-time investment of pandemic relief funding. The bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $42 million in pandemic relief funding to the Colorado crime victim services fund to ensure essential victim services can continue for the next four years. SB22-183 also invests an additional $6 million to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as recommended by the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. Previous Next