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The House today passed legislation to evaluate a comprehensive system that could connect Coloradans with a serious mental illness with behavioral health care resources that lead to long-term recovery. The bill passed by a vote of 59-5. < Back April 13, 2023 House Passes Amabile Bill to Boost Access to Mental Health Resources DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to evaluate a comprehensive system that could connect Coloradans with a serious mental illness with behavioral health care resources that lead to long-term recovery. The bill passed by a vote of 59-5. “Many Coloradans with a serious mental illness end up in our hospitals, jails or without a place to live because they lack access to services that keep them housed, healthy, and employed,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’ve invested over $400 million in the last couple of years to increase access to mental health care and substance use treatment. This bill continues to move us forward by working to establish a comprehensive system to treat mental illnesses, prevent cycling in and out of jails, hospitals, and homelessness, and allow all Coloradans the chance to build a better life for themselves.” HB23-1153 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, would conduct a study to determine the state’s ability to establish a system that connects Coloradans with serious mental illness with necessary behavioral health care and housing support services. The study would consider statewide data regarding the number of unhoused people living with a serious mental illness, current capacity for inpatient psychiatric units, financial barriers that prevent Coloradans from seeking treatment, behavioral health care workforce shortages, and other factors. Previous Next

Two bills aimed at supporting students in military families and ensuring surviving spouses of state employees will receive lifetime death benefits if their spouse is killed on the job will go into effect on August 7. < Back July 30, 2024 New Laws to Support Military, First Responder Families Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - Two bills aimed at supporting students in military families and ensuring surviving spouses of state employees will receive lifetime death benefits if their spouse is killed on the job will go into effect on August 7. “Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help students that are part of military families during the transition process, allowing them to focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive at school. I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation that will help military family members get connected to the support and resources they deserve.” “This important law uplifts our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “As a representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, this bill will help ease the school transition for kids in military families, making it easier to call our great state home.” HB24-1076 , also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must: Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison, Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families, Maintain student-led transition programs, and Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students. “When the surviving spouses of firefighters, Colorado State Patrol officers, and other first responders remarry, they lose the death benefits they are entitled to,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1139. “Death benefits for spouses are crucial in supporting widows and widowers during these times of need. This law ensures that surviving spouses will continue to see death benefits, even if they remarry, to help them heal from the trauma of losing their spouse while allowing them to move forward with their life.” “Having served for over 35 years as a firefighter, I know the difficulties spouses of lost employees go through in the wake of their passing – and death benefits are critical for them during their times of need,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1139. “The current remarriage penalty forces a surviving spouse to relive the trauma of their loss and prevents them from moving forward with their lives. With this law, widows can choose to remarry without sacrificing financial security.” HB24-1139 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, ensures lifetime workers’ death benefits for surviving spouses of state employees with high-risk jobs, even if they remarry. Prior to this law, a surviving spouse could be eligible to receive workers’ compensation death benefits for the rest of their life, but if they remarry, they forfeit the right to these benefits. The new law defines a job with high-risk classification as State Troopers, Colorado Bureau of Investigations officers, corrections officers, community parole officers, state firefighters, port of entry officers, parks and wildlife officers, and Colorado Department of Transportation safety and maintenance workers. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE CONSUMERS AND STATE GOV $$ ON RX DRUGS DENVER, CO– The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11 “By creating a competitive marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers, we can reduce prescription drug costs for Coloradans and save our state money on the prescription drug plans it purchases,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This innovative policy is saving other states and consumers millions while increasing transparency. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance a top priority, and we’re committed to continuing this progress and saving consumers money on their health care.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next

Bills will protect patients & providers, prohibit deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers, and ensure critical care remains affordable & accessible < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Democrats Introduce Historic Package to Secure Safe Access to Protected Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers today introduced an historic package of bills that will allow all Coloradans safe access to the essential and affirming health care they need to thrive. Democrats introduced legislation that will improve protections for patients and providers, prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. “The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, which puts critical reproductive care for too many of our neighbors out of reach,” Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver said. “I am proud to be part of the coalition championing the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package. The bills we are introducing today will protect the rights and privacy of patients and providers who seek abortion or gender affirming care, prohibit deliberate health care misinformation in our communities, and make it easier and more affordable for folks to access the health care they need to thrive.” "This landmark package of legislation breaks down the barriers that too often prevent Coloradans from accessing our legal right to protected health care, abortion and gender affirming care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our comprehensive approach to protected health care improves access to safe, legal reproductive and gender affirming health care. Our rights are under attack across the country, and it’s important for Colorado to lead the way in not only protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, but to do everything in our power to break down the inequitable economic and social barriers that stand in the way of the care people need.” “Everyone should be able to seek life-saving reproductive and affirming care without interference or shame - it is a fundamental expression of the American values of freedom, privacy, and self-determination that we all hold dear,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Longmont. “These bills represent an important step forward in our goal to keep abortion safe, transparent, and accessible in Colorado, and will help improve the health and well-being of communities across our state.” “Abortion is legal in Colorado but legality does not equal accessibility. Lower income communities and Coloradans of color face larger barriers and a disproportionate lack of access to protected health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Today, we’re rolling out an historic reproductive health care package that will help break down systemic barriers that have made it harder for people of color in Colorado to receive the care they need. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve access to health care, protect patients and providers, and stop the spread of dangerous anti-abortion misinformation to secure reproductive justice for all.” Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills introduced Thursday include: Protecting Health Care Patients, Providers, and Assistors Sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, this bill establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. It also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care Services Sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, this bill works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. It would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. The bill also expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. It also makes it possible for patients to utilize Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation service to get to and from their abortion services, further breaking down accessibility barriers faced by many Colorado Medicaid patients. Finally, in order to protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality on shared insurance coverage, this bill further creates a state fund that providers can bill directly for their patient’s reproductive health care services. It also priotizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers Sponsored by Sens. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, this bill will protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers. It declares prescribing, offering, or facilitating a “medication abortion reversal” unprofessional conduct for licensed or certified health care providers. Previous Next

The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year < Back April 27, 2023 House Education Committee Passes School Finance Act and Support for Preschool Providers The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed the 2023 School Finance Act, increasing per pupil funding by $1,018. This record investment toward K-12 public schools also reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, mapping out a course to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor by the 2024-2025 school year. “The 2023 School Finance Act is another record investment in our public schools that will improve educational outcomes for students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Chair of the House Education Committee, D-Durango . “This bill increases per pupil funding by more than $1,000 per student, and sets us on a path to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor in the next two years. I’m also pleased that this legislation allocates more than $30 million specifically for rural school districts to help them hire more qualified teachers and set our students up for success. This bill reaffirms our commitment to funding and supporting our students, teachers, and schools.” “This year’s School Finance Act invests $665 million more in Colorado’s K-12 public schools to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay and ensure schools have the resources they need to provide every student the high quality education they deserve,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “A strong public education system is essential for the future of our state, and this bill will improve our schools by increasing support for students and teachers while putting us on a sustainable path to fully fund K-12 education. I’m proud to champion this legislation that sets up our students to thrive.” 2023 School Finance Act : SB23-287 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Cathy Kipp, passed committee unanimously. This bill invests a record-breaking $665 million more in total program funding and raises the statewide average of per pupil funding by $1,018, up to $10,614 per pupil. It reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, while committing lawmakers to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year. With this funding, school districts can reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students succeed. Additional allocations include: $30 million specifically for large and small rural schools $10 million toward special education preschool support $1 million for gifted and talented universal screening for students $500,000 to support English language learning students and the translation of Individualized Education Programs program documents within special education $300,000 to reimburse schools for expenses related to replacing an American Indian mascot Supporting Universal Preschool Providers : The House Education Committee also passed SB23-269 unanimously. Sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens and Mary Bradfield, this bill invests $2.5 million in bonus payments for Universal Preschool (UPK) providers to support their programs, staff and facilities. “As Colorado gears up for Universal Preschool, providers across the state have been working tirelessly to support our youngest learners,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “This bipartisan bill will help recruit more providers and will send UPK providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Each and every participating provider is vital to implementing UPK, and we’re grateful for all the effort and planning that goes into educating our children.” This bill would provide one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program . The bonuses must be used to implement the UPK, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. This bill will help ensure there are enough providers in the state so all families who want to participate in UPK can choose the right setting for their child, and provides support to child care providers in licensed community-based and home-based programs who are participating in state-run preschools for the first time. Yesterday, the Polis administration announced that more than 25,000 families who signed up for the first round of UPK Colorado have been matched with a provider, with more than 90-percent being matched with one of their top five providers. It is estimated that families who participate in UPK Colorado will save $6,000 per year. UPK sign up is available online on a rolling basis. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2020 PRESCRIPTION-FREE HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING A REALITY Bill would improve access to life-saving preventative care. DENVER, CO — Representatives Alex Valdez and Leslie Herod’s bill to improve access to HIV Infection Prevention Medications today was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill would allow pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. “We’re one step closer to making accessible preventative care for LGBTQ people and other at-risk groups a reality in Colorado,” said LGBTQ Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We will save lives.” “HIV hits our most vulnerable populations the hardest, and that’s who we’re fighting for today,” said Black Legislative Caucus Chair Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will save lives and move our communities forward. I’m proud to help bring much-needed relief and preventative care to the fight against the scourge of HIV.” If enacted, HB20-1061 would allow Coloradans to go directly to a pharmacy to receive either an initial treatment regimen of PrEP or a full treatment regimen of PEP after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain authorization prior to using their benefits to obtain the medications and also prohibits insurers from requiring that a patient undergo step therapy. More than 14,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in the state of Colorado, according to a 2018 report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to protect survivors of sexual assault. < Back March 10, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to protect survivors of sexual assault. HB25-1185 would establish a clearer process for parents to legally relinquish their rights while protecting the child's best interest. “No one should have to co-parent with their assailant, yet Colorado’s current law makes it nearly impossible for survivors to access the justice they deserve,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill bridges some of the gaps in current law to make sure survivors are not legally locked into co-parenting with their assailant. This bill prioritizes what’s best for the survivor and child by establishing a clearer process for relinquishing parental rights.” “Co-parenting with the person who sexually assaulted you can be traumatic, stressful and nightmarish for survivors,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “With the passage of this bill, we’re prioritizing survivors by creating an easier and clearer process for survivors to terminate their assailant's parental rights. We must take steps now to modernize and streamline Colorado’s juvenile court proceedings because survivors and their children are depending on it.” HB25-1185 passed the House by a vote of 62-0. This bill aims to protect survivors and children conceived through sexual assault. Specifically, this legislation outlines new procedures for parents who are a survivor of sexual assault to file a petition to prevent contact with the person who committed the assault. Additionally, it would set up clear guidelines for assailants to relinquish their parental rights, including all legal obligations, such as child support. The goal of HB25-1185 is to protect children conceived through sexual assault and ensure they receive the support they need, including their right to inheritance, unless adoption procedures follow. This bill updates current law by clarifying and reducing the number of requirements parents petitioning to relinquish their parental rights must prove in juvenile court. There are between 17,000 and 32,000 sexual assault-related pregnancy cases that occur in the United States each year, leaving survivors legally-bound to their assailant in some cases. This bill aims to remove and simplify legal barriers in Colorado to ensure survivors have access to court proceedings to protect them and their child. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to close tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Boost Food Assistance by Closing Tax Loopholes Becomes Law AURORA, CO - Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to close tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. “Everyday Coloradans don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and neither should wealthy corporations,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. This new law will boost small food producers, local farmers and food assistance to support everyday Coloradans by closing a loophole only available to a select few.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora . “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo . “This bill will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” Currently, Colorado taxpayers collectively cover the cost of the “business meals deduction” because state tax deductions are linked to federal tax deductions. HB23-1008 would “decouple” from these federal income tax deductions, ending the resulting state tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions supports efforts to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers acquire necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. This bill builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. HB23-1008 supports and extends these efforts by creating an income tax credit for small food retailers, small family farms and Community Food Consortium members worth 85% of the cost of new systems, equipment, and food distribution in 2024, and 75% in following years. Partnerships between Colorado food producers and small retailers boost revenue and cycle money into local economies. It also appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment to provide healthy eating program incentives for low-income Coloradans and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO ENSURE CULTURALLY COMPETENT HISTORY IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS (Mar. 18) – The House approved a bill by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, and Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to ensure the inclusion of American-Indians, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans in social studies courses in Colorado’s classrooms. “Our state and our country are comprised of the diverse individuals and communities that have moved or immigrated here and those that have been here for many centuries. That is what makes us strong but for too long, these communities have been excluded from our teaching of history,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “With an increase in division among some of our communities, it would be beneficial for all children and youth to learn about each other’s background and to be able to see themselves in the history books.” This bill would establish a sixteen member commission to provide recommendations to the Department of Education so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions, and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans and reflecting them accurately and inclusively. “Teaching inclusive curriculum boosts test scores and student engagement,” said Rep. Buentello. “I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that the history taught in our state is truly inclusive and tells our country’s full story.” Parents, teachers, administrators and school board members testified in support of the bill at a hearing this month. HB19-1192 passed on a vote of 40-24. The bill now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and Gold Star spouses of military members. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back February 15, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Support Military Families DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and Gold Star spouses of military members. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. “The Occupational Credential Portability Program has supported many military families' transition when they make the move to Colorado by streamlining the licensure process for skilled job seekers,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Our legislation expands the program to include the kids and spouses of military members, boosting our workforces and making it easier for military families to build their careers in Colorado.” HB24-1097 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program. It also changes the Occupational Credential Portability Program by: Eliminating the temporary nature of the licensing program, Requiring that regulators, when reviewing an application, focus on whether an applicant has a license in good standing and not whether the applicant has committed an act that would be subject to discipline in Colorado if that act is not prohibited in the home state, and Increases the validity of licenses from 3 to 6 years and makes them renewable. The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by bipartisan 2020 legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. Previous Next

< Back August 29, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: STORY, CUTTER & TITONE JOIN LOCAL LEADERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR TOWN HALL ON ELECTION INTEGRITY Lawmakers tout Colorado Election Security Act championed by Colorado Democrats EVERGREEN, CO – State lawmakers, including Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, and Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, recently held a town hall and community discussion on election integrity at the Evergreen Fire Rescue. The event was also attended by Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper and Andy Kerr as well as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern. Colorado is known for its free and fair gold standard election system, yet Republican-driven election conspiracies in recent years continue to threaten and undermine our democracy. The town hall discussion served as an opportunity for community members to raise their concerns about the impact of these misconceptions as well as learn about the work the state legislature is doing to ensure our elections remain free and fair while continuing to strengthen our democracy. “As state legislators, we must do everything in our power to strengthen our democracy and make sure our elections remain free and fair,” said Story. “Colorado leads the nation in election security, and with the Colorado Election Security Act signed into law this year, we made sure our gold standard election system is even stronger. Every Coloradan should feel comfortable knowing their vote counts and their vote matters. The actions we took this session and the actions we will take going forward will ensure that.” “Our democratic process has been dangerously damaged by lies, and it is more important than ever to stand firm for the truth,” said Cutter. “The truth is that elections in Colorado are amongst the most secure in the nation, and we acted this year to further strengthen our system. Public trust is imperative for a high functioning democracy, so we will continue to pursue commonsense policy solutions so all Coloradans have access to voting and can exercise that right without fear.” "When we passed the Colorado Election Security Act, we took critical steps to defend our elections from those using their positions to undermine and dismantle our free and fair election system," said Titone. "Colorado's voter access and election security are top-tier, and we're pleased to say people who tamper with election equipment or break the laws surrounding elections will be held accountable for their undemocratic actions." This year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Election Security Act , which improves election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. The Colorado Election Security Act further secures Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The law also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the Colorado District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE BILL BOOSTS VETERAN EMPLOYMENT DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would encourage private employers to hire veterans by establishing a veterans hiring preference. “We have an all volunteer fighting force, and to keep it that way, we need to ensure that veterans have the opportunity to thrive after leaving military service,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Veterans, especially from our recent military engagements, face higher rates of unemployment, which can lead to challenges reentering civilian life. We can ensure that more veterans find good jobs and smoothly transition out of the armed forces by encouraging private employers to hire more veterans, which is a policy already in place in the public sector.” Under HB21-1065 , which is sponsored by Rep. David Ortriz, a private employer can give a preference to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran when hiring a new employee as long as the veterans or spouse is qualified. To address higher rates of unemployment among post-9/11 veterans, the bill allows an employer’s policy to include the preferential hiring of veterans who have been discharged in the last 10 years. Establishing a veterans hiring preference policy would be optional for employers. The bill includes safeguards against discrimination by still allowing a job applicant who is in a protected class to file a discrimination claim. This ensures that the bill will encourage the hiring of veterans without having unintended discriminatory impacts against women and people of color. Furthermore, the bill would offer businesses creating the hiring preference educational tools to help them navigate anti-discrimination laws so they can implement the policy fairly. Previous Next