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< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO BOOST RURAL ECONOMIES Legislation would extend and improve the Rural Jump-Start Program and cement the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bipartisan bills to boost rural economies. HB20-1003, which passed 51-13, would extend and expand the rural Jump-Start program, and HB20-1191, which passed 44-20, would promote the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado. “The Rural Jump-Start Program helps small businesses open and creates jobs in rural areas across our state, including right in Routt County, and this bill will improve and extend this successful program so that more businesses can participate,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “We need to make sure that we have an economy that works in all parts of Colorado, and this bipartisan legislation brings us closer to that important goal.” HB20-1003, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich, would eliminate provisions that limit eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program in order to enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. It also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. The Rural Jump-Start Program incentivizes businesses to create and maintain jobs in rural parts of Colorado by providing tax relief both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. These businesses must be located in designated economically distressed areas of Colorado known as Rural Jump-Start Zones. “Outdoor recreation creates jobs, fosters businesses and is critically important for economic growth in our state’s rural communities,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Today, we passed bipartisan legislation to promote the outdoor recreation industry and ensure that it continues to grow while we also protect our state’s natural beauty.” HB20-1191 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Matt Soper, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It asks the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. The outdoor industry accounts for 10 percent of Colorado’s economy, with $37 billion in consumer spending supporting more than 511,000 jobs. Since 2015, the outdoor recreation office has worked to attract and retain businesses, offered workforce training programs, fostered product manufacturing and entrepreneurialism, and brought high-tech and advanced industries to the state. The Office created the Rural Technical Assistance Program, which leverages state partnerships to further economic development in rural Colorado. It also sponsored the 2019 Colorado Classic, the only all-women professional bike race in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Next

The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. < Back October 25, 2023 Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety DENVER, CO - The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system. “In order to effectively understand and utilize data on recidivism, we have to start on the same page,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “The legislation we’re advancing today will ensure agencies operate with the same definition and understanding of ‘recidivism’, and that the legislature has a comprehensive knowledge of the way Coloradans move through our criminal justice system. With these updates to help us better understand our criminal justice system, we’ll be able to develop more effective legislation that results in just outcomes for Coloradans and safer communities for all.” “Agencies throughout Colorado use varying definitions for ‘recidivism’, making it more difficult to use as a data point when drafting legislation to address public safety concerns,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bill 1 and 3. “We’re streamlining the definition across Colorado agencies to make ‘recidivism’ a useful tool in policy-making and continued evaluation of our justice system to create a safer Colorado.” Currently, the definition of “recidivism” fluctuates greatly between the Division of Youth Services, Department of Corrections, community corrections, and other agencies. Bill 1 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Judy Amabile and Matthew Martinez, would require the Division of Criminal Justice to create a working group with the purpose of establishing a definition of “recidivism” that can be used by all state entities, making it easier to use data to understand the efficacy of current procedures and legislative or policy changes. “Understanding recidivism rates is a useful tool in measuring successful strategies to decrease future criminal activity, and with this legislation, we are considering additional metrics to create meaningful and effective policy,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 1 and 2. “Factors like housing status, education, mental health, and social considerations can contribute to the likelihood of someone committing a crime. By expanding our scope and using a consistent definition of ‘recidivism’, we can identify what factors have a positive influence on individuals so we can reduce crime and slow the revolving door of people in and out of prison.” “Time and time again, data has shown us that the most successful strategies to decrease crime are comprehensive approaches,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “Our new legislation will bring in diverse voices and provide the necessary resources to take a close look at the efficiency of Colorado’s criminal justice system and, going forward, will help us determine more holistic methods to decrease crime and help Coloradans successfully reintegrate into their communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Judy Amabile, would create the Alternative Metrics to Measure Criminal Justice System Performance Working Group to study metrics and methods other than recidivism. These alternative metrics and methods, used in addition to recidivism data, would measure risk-reduction outcomes and life factors that influence successful outcomes, and more effectively determine the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The working group would be required to submit a report to the House Health and Insurance, House Judiciary, Senate Health and Human Services, and Senate Judiciary committees by July 1, 2025 with a summary of their work and any recommendations. The committee also voted to advance Bill 3 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Matthew Martinez, requiring the Division of Criminal Justice (division) to conduct a study to examine how individuals proceed through the stages of criminal and juvenile justice proceedings, including sentences and alternative sentencing programs, and make recommendations for creating a more efficient system. The division must submit a report of its findings by June 30, 2025. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2019 REP. CARAVEO’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS SPOT CHILD ABUSE PASSES COMMITTEE (Feb. 27) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton that creates a program to help coordinate a medical response to suspected child abuse passed in the House Public Health and Human Services committee today. “This has been an important bill to work on because as a pediatrician, I ran for office to improve the resources for the children I see everyday and this bill will do just that,” said Rep. Caraveo. “Our state has limited resources when it comes to evaluating a suspected case of child abuse and neglect. We need this program because every child that may have experienced physical or sexual abuse deserves access to high-quality medical care and treatment to ensure the best outcome.” HB19-1133 would create the Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Network (CARENetwork) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This network would develop and maintain a standardized and coordinated medical response to a child suspected of abuse or neglect with a network of designated health care and behavioral health providers. In 2017, over 35,000 child welfare cases were referred for investigation in Colorado. Currently, there are only six board-certified specialists in the field of child abuse pediatrics in Colorado–five in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. This leaves the other 62 counties without providers willing or able to conduct medical exams for suspected physical and sexual abuse or neglect on children. HB19-1133 passed committee with a vote of 11-0. It now goes to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statements on President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection: < Back July 21, 2024 McCluskie, Duran Statements on President Biden DILLON/WHEAT RIDGE, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statements on President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection: Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “I am grateful for President Biden’s many years of service and deep commitment to the American people, and I believe this decision is what’s best for our country. In the last four years, the president has provided stable global leadership while passing bipartisan legislation to invest in our infrastructure, create jobs, and support schools and local governments through the pandemic. Colorado House Democrats are focused on our vision for Colorado and will continue delivering results that build a more affordable state where everyone can thrive.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “Under President Biden’s leadership, job creation is reaching record highs, and unions and workers have made historic gains. I’m proud of the progress this administration has made to advance gun violence prevention policies and increase services for victims of domestic violence. For Latinos and people of color, this administration has continually tackled the critical issues facing our communities. However, it is time to focus on our future and what’s at stake.” Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bipartisan bill that would make state grant programs and tax credits more accessible. HB24-1287 passed unanimously by a vote of 8-0. < Back March 8, 2024 Bipartisan Rural Grant and Tax Credit Accessibility Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bipartisan bill that would make state grant programs and tax credits more accessible. HB24-1287 passed unanimously by a vote of 8-0. “From workforce to wildfire mitigation, we’ve created numerous grant programs and tax credits with the basic benefits of being a Colorado resident which frequently are unknown and unused,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “Through this legislation, we’re making grant program and tax credit information more accessible to everyone, especially in our rural communities, so we can connect more Coloradans with these resources.” HB24-1287 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, would require state-funded or state-administered grant and tax credit opportunities to be made publicly accessible on a website. The bill would also create the Grant Assistance to Rural Communities Program to assist rural Coloradans in finding and applying for grants and tax credits. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2020 COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILL TO STOP CORPORATE TAX HANDOUTS, FUND EDUCATION INSTEAD DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Finance today passed HB20-1420, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matt Gray, which would end state tax handouts for corporations and the very wealthy in order to protect funding for K-12 education. The bill preserves economic relief for hardworking Coloradans and small businesses. “Our schools are facing devastating cuts while Washington is forcing Colorado to give away millions in state tax handouts to wealthy corporations and millionaires,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “It’s time to pick a side. In Colorado, we don’t need tax policy for the wealthy. Let’s make sure our state supports teachers and students, not special interests.” “The pandemic has left our state with a $3.3 billion shortfall as schools struggle to retain teachers and meet the needs of our students,” said Rep. Gray, D-Bloomfield. “This bill will provide a significant boost to hardworking families. It preserves economic relief for those who need it while closing tax loopholes in order to protect funding for K-12 education.” Several provisions in Colorado’s tax code follow federal law and cost the state hundreds of millions a year, but primarily benefit the wealthy. This legislation makes means-tested changes to eliminate state handouts for special interests and the wealthiest individuals while protecting them for hardworking families to avoid devastating cuts to education. CARES Act Loopholes: Eighty-two percent of the benefits from a provision of the CARES Act that allows for the deduction of excess business losses (CARES Act Section 2304) goes to filers with incomes above $1 million. Only three percent of the benefits go to filers with incomes under $100,000. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans under that threshold while eliminating it for millionaires. The bill also limits the amount of net operating loss deductions a company can claim in one year to $400,000, preserving the deduction for 98 percent of filers while capping them for the wealthiest businesses. Finally, it rejects a CARES Act hand out of interest expense deductions (CARES Act Section 2306) for corporations larger than $25 million, saving the state $2 million a year. Trump Tax Scam “Pass Through” Loophole: The 2017 federal tax bill, pass-through businesses can take a 20 percent deduction off their qualified business income (QBI), essentially reducing the amount of taxable income. In Colorado, a quarter of the benefit of this tax break goes to households with incomes above $1 million, while households with incomes below $75,000 receive only 11 percent of the benefit. The average millionaire gets nearly a $9,000 break from the state while someone making $30,000 to $40,000 may get $70 or $90. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans making under $75,000 while eliminating it for those who don’t need it. Insurance Company Handouts: The bill removes a tax break for insurance companies who maintain an in-state office. Just 85 insurance companies in Colorado get a 50 percent tax break averaging $1 million because of an outdated provision that the State Auditor has found is ineffective at its intended purpose. Capital Gains: Colorado allows a tax break for income on investments in personal property and other capital gains, even if that property isn’t in Colorado. It costs the state $8-$20 million a year, and only 0.2% of all Colorado tax filers get this benefit. The very wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans—taxpayers with AGI over $2 million—received almost half, or 49 percent, of all capital gains income. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado. SB24-190 passed by a vote of 8-2. < Back April 25, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Incentivize Economic Development in NW Colorado and Advance Mountain Passenger Rail DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado. SB24-190 passed by a vote of 8-2. “From new job opportunities to more transportation options, our Western Slope communities would greatly benefit from this bill,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “In addition to our Front Range passenger rail legislation, this bill will bring our mountain and rural communities closer to an expanded rail system for transit and goods. We’re supporting the Western Slope, especially those in coal transition communities, to boost the economic security of our mountain and rural resort towns.” “Connecting Steamboat Springs to Hayden to Craig through an expanded rail system would significantly boost our local economies by creating jobs and improving transit between our Colorado communities,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Our legislation is a community-driven effort and would provide financial incentives to businesses in coal transition communities like Craig and Hayden when they use freight rail lines so we can keep those lines active and operational. By supporting diverse industries in our district, this would make a difference to the issues that are most impacting rural and rural resort communities, like housing supply and workforce shortages.” SB24-190 would make the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly in Craig and Hayden. The bill would incentivizer businesses and operators to utilizefreight lines that are at risk of inactivity due to declining usage as a result of the transition away from coal. Through SB24-184 , also sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Colorado has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring passenger rail to Northwest Colorado and connect the region as well as generate new economic opportunities for communities facing economic transition. The federal government has already committed billions of dollars to rail development nationwide, and there is a growing coalition of support throughout Northwest Colorado. The region is uniquely prepared for this moment, with an existing rail line that can be expanded and equipped for passenger use. The proposed mountain line would connect Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allow for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line. SB24-190 would create two income tax credits – one for businesses that use rail to transport their freight into or out of a coal transition community, and one for rail carriers that utilize a rail line at risk of inactivity or abandonment due to lack of demand. It would also make more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely between Winter Park and Craig, with stops in between. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie today met with the Lake County Board of Commissioners in Leadville for a presentation on the county’s legislative priorities. < Back August 13, 2024 McCluskie Meets with Lake County Commissioners LEADVILLE, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today met with the Lake County Board of Commissioners in Leadville for a presentation on the county’s legislative priorities. The commissioners’ legislative priorities included school finance, improving access to grant opportunities for local governments, and a desire to engage with implementation of recent legislation. Commissioners also focused on funding for public safety and courthouses, housing affordability, and improvements to human services benefits delivery. “I always enjoy meeting with our county commissioners and hearing their priorities for the upcoming legislative session,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m committed to supporting our schools, local governments and Lake County residents, and I’m excited to continue working to invest in K-12 education and make our communities more affordable. I look forward to collaborating with the board of commissioners during the legislative session next year on these important priorities for Lake County.” Speaker McCluskie sponsored the new school finance formula, which significantly increases funding for rural schools and districts that serve more at-risk and special education students. The new formula will increase funding for Lake County R-1 by 14.4 percent a year by the time it is fully implemented. She has also sponsored legislation to protect residents in mobile home communities, increase housing affordability , and make it easier for high country communities to access Prop 123 affordable housing funds. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BILL ADVANCES Legislation would give more parents resources to support their children with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young to expand eligibility for a program to support children or youth with severe intellectual disabilities today advanced the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. The legislation passed 13-0. “Parents should never be faced with the prospect of having to give up their child with severe intellectual disabilities to the state in order to ensure that child gets the best possible care for their condition,” said Rep. Young, (D-Greeley). “As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find their kids the help they need. I’m grateful and pleased that we have taken this important step forward today.” HB20-1012 expands eligibility and improves the scope of an existing program for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current law only allows for a county department of human or social services to submit applications to the program on behalf of a child or youth. Rep. Young’s bill extends this option to the parent or guardian of the child or youth, meaning that for the first time children who have not been surrendered to the Department of Human Services will be able to access the program’s benefits. The bill also asks the Department of Human Services to promulgate rules related to the expansion of the program. These rules include planning for services for children and youth who become 18 years of age while in the program; access to behavioral health services; waitlist management; process for a child or youth who is at risk for out-of-home placement; and program evaluation. Previous Next

< Back June 19, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: JBC DEMS TOUT STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH AFTER NEWLY RELEASED BUDGET FORECAST (June 19) – This morning, the members of the Joint Budget Committee heard the June quarterly budget forecasts which showed a strong economy in the state of Colorado, an increase in expected revenue, and high wage growth. While the state economy was projected to continue growing, the forecasts also showed uncertainty and potential negative impacts due to federal tax policy changes and the potential for tariffs and trade wars. In response, members of the JBC released the following statements: “I am encouraged by the strong budget forecasts presented this morning; however, we will need to address the challenges resulting from prolonged TABOR refunds which mean fewer opportunities to invest in healthcare, education, and transportation. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to protect our state’s finances while delivering for hardworking Colorado families in the coming year,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Originally, we were only expecting a TABOR refund for the current fiscal year, but due to tight labor market and rising wages, this new forecast shows a refund for the foreseeable future ,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We have a great opportunity to strengthen our state’s resources for hardworking individuals and families, especially in Southern Colorado. These increases can strengthen our state’s K-12 education, transportation and help lower the cost of healthcare, leaving a state for our kids to thrive in.” “With more revenue predicted for the 2019-20 fiscal year, I believe that we will be able to build on the successes of this past legislative session and make much needed investments in our state’s education and transportation systems. As always, members of the JBC will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to balance competing priorities, make smart investments to address our state’s biggest financial needs, and prioritize fiscal responsibility,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “While this new forecast shows an increase in revenue, it also shows a slight economic slowdown on the horizon,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Uncertainty at the federal level from rising trade tensions with the Chinese and tariffs with Mexico is dragging down our economy, hurting our agricultural sector and creating uncertainty for businesses across the board. If this uncertainty continues at the federal level with this administration, we will see a slowing rate of growth and less ability to invest in the key needs of our state.” A full copy of the Legislative Council forecast can be found here . A copy of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting forecast can be found here . Previous Next

< Back May 7, 2023 House Passes Colorado River Drought Task Force DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. “On the Western Slope, the Colorado River speaks to the very spirit of our Colorado way of life,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This bipartisan legislation brings every voice to the table, uplifts the needs of Coloradans from around the state and ensures collaboration between the state and local voices to find solutions to the devastating impacts of a hotter, drier climate. Troubling drought conditions have put the water we use for agriculture, outdoor recreation and drinking in jeopardy and threatens our economic future. This bill will help us craft a robust plan to ensure our water future.” SB23-295 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, passed the House by a vote of 63 to 2. This bill creates the Colorado River Drought Task Force that would include representatives from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, regional water conservation districts, local governmental officials, agricultural producers, environmental non-profit organizations, and others that have diverse experiences with complex water issues. By December of 2023, after an extensive stakeholding process open to public comment, the task force would make policy recommendations to the General Assembly to: Proactively address the impact of droughts on the Colorado River and its tributaries, Avoid disproportionate economic and environmental impacts to any one region of the state, Ensure that any program related to the acquisition of agricultural water rights is voluntary, temporary, and compensated, Assure meaningful collaboration among the Colorado River District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the State of Colorado in the design and implementation of drought security programs, and Evaluate sources of revenue for the acquisition of program water. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources would also be established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. These recommendations would consider the unique nature of tribal water rights and tribal water use. The Colorado River provides water to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Mexico. Over 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for their water supply, and record-breaking heatwaves and droughts in the Southwestern US have only exacerbated water conservation issues. SB23-295 will rely on water experts and relevant stakeholders to provide effective solutions to the General Assembly so our state can protect the Colorado River and its tributaries through meaningful collaboration with local voices and without disproportionate impacts on certain regions of the state. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to protect and conserve Colorado’s water resources. < Back May 15, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Protect Colorado’s Water DILLON, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to protect and conserve Colorado’s water resources. HB25-1115 will improve how Colorado measures snowpack and our water supply HB25-1311 will phase out sports betting tax incentives to capture more revenue for water conservation, and SB25-040 studies the future of severance tax revenue to create a sustainable funding stream for water projects. “Water is a part of our Western identity, and we must take steps now to preserve and protect the water resources we have,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB25-1115 and HB25-1311. “To effectively manage Colorado's water supply, we need all the research and data available to inform our decisions. These bipartisan laws increase funding for essential water conservation efforts and research. We’re taking action now to better protect the freshwater Coloradans rely on for outdoor recreation, agriculture and household use.” “Securing our state’s water future is one of the most pressing issues facing Colorado, especially for the rural and mountain communities I represent,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB25-1115, HB25-1311, and SB25-040. “I’m proud to have sponsored these bipartisan laws, which will ensure we have accurate data and sustainable funding sources to conserve and manage Colorado’s water supply. We’re working today to make sure that our communities have the water we need for generations to come.” HB25-1115 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, will help protect and preserve Colorado’s fresh water resources by empowering the Colorado Water Conservation Board to to oversee a statewide water supply measurement and forecasting program. This statewide approach includes collecting and disseminating data on snowpack levels and investigating the latest advances in snowpack measurement and water supply forecasting. When voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, they legalized sports betting and set an effective tax rate of 10 percent on betting to be used for industry regulation, gambling addiction services, and water projects. However, casinos are only paying an effective 5.89 percent tax rate due to allowable deductions for payouts to customers, federal excise tax, and “free bets”. HB25-1311 , also sponsored by Representative Soper, will bring sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent by prohibiting sports betting operators from deducting “free bets” as a tax write-off, increasing funding for the Colorado Water Plan by a projected $3.2 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $12.9 million in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. “This new law sets Colorado on the right path for creating reliable and sustainable funding for our future water projects,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB25-040. “Every sector of our economy relies on water, and we’re taking the step now to preserve and conserve this precious resource.” “From agriculture, recreation and household use – the Colorado way of life depends on our freshwater resources,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of SB25-040. “Our new bipartisan law will make sure Colorado has a sustainable and dependable funding stream dedicated to water projects for generations to come.” SB25-040 will help Colorado create a sustainable and reliable funding stream for water projects. This new law permits the Department of Natural Resources to study the future of severance tax revenue and energy grants. Severance tax revenue is volatile and incredibly unpredictable; this law will help Colorado identify new, reliable ways to fund water projects. The task force must develop and deliver recommendations by July 2026. Previous Next