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< Back April 27, 2019 CUTTER-JACKSON BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP IMPROVE RECYCLING GETS EARLY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado ranks low among other states when it comes to recycling (Apr. 27) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Dominique Jackson, and Rep. Lisa Cutter, that aimed at improving recycling and will administer a fee-based waste diversion grant program received preliminary approval today in the House. Waste management and reduction are critical tools that will help protect Colorado’s resources and natural beauty and help address climate change. “Only about 12 percent of people in Colorado recycle. That is well below the national average of 34 percent,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill attempts to create a dedicated funding source to encourage people to recycle by empowering local communities in their recycling efforts.” SB19-192 creates the Front Range Waste Diversion Enterprise in the Department of Public Health and Environment to help facilitate the increase in recycling rates in the Front Range by providing financial and technical assistance to local communities to implement specific waste reduction and waste diversion strategies and practices. The enterprise will collect a user fee on each load of waste disposed of at a landfill in the front range and credit it to the new front range waste diversion cash fund to finance the front range waste diversion grant program. “I was born and raised here in Colorado. We’re not being good stewards of our environment. This is not acceptable,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Evergreen. “We are near the bottom nationally in recycling efforts and this bill is one part of the solution. These efforts will have tremendous a impact on climate change goals.” According to a recent report , Colorado ranks low among other states when it comes to recycling. The Front Range is defined as the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo, Teller, and Weld and the cities and counties of Broomfield and Denver. SB19-192 passed on a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation by a vote of 42-23 to change the property tax categories and responsibly provide property tax relief to Coloradans without devastating local government revenue. “Local governments, schools, fire districts, police and local libraries would be devastated by permanently losing nearly $1 billion in revenue every year,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today, we passed legislation that will responsibly reduce property tax rates and target assistance to the Coloradans and businesses that need it the most. We can’t allow rural Colorado to take a substantial hit as property values rise in more populated areas of the state.” “Today, we passed legislation that will responsibly reduce property tax rates,” said Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “By thoughtfully creating new categories for properties such as for agricultural properties or single family homes, we can direct relief where it’s needed the most.” Sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Matt Gray, SB21-293 would temporarily lower property tax assessment rates on several classes of residential and commercial property. The bill creates three new subclasses of non-residential property: agricultural, lodging, and renewable energy production property. It also establishes multi-family residential property as a new subclass of residential property. The bill applies new, lower assessment rates to these property classes. The assessment rate on multi-family residences (apartment buildings, condominium buildings) would be lowered from 7.15 percent to 6.95 percent. The assessment rate on single family owner occupied primary residences would also drop from 7.15 percent to 6.95 percent. For second homes and short term rental properties, the assessment rate would remain the same. The bill also expands the property tax deferral program to allow homeowners whose tax bills grow by more than four percent over the last two years to defer the amount that exceeds the four percent growth, up to to $10,000. If a statewide measure passes to reduce residential property rates, it would only apply to multi-family properties. For non-residential properties, agricultural and renewal energy production properties would see their rate reduced from 29 percent to 26.4 percent. If a statewide measure passes to reduce nonresidential property rates, it would only apply to lodging properties. Remaining commercial property rates would remain at 29 percent. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO FOSTER EMPLOYEE-OWNED CORPORATIONS DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1241 , sponsored by Representatives Daugherty and Lynch, which would improve the state’s program that facilitates business conversions to employee-owned corporations by opening it up to more businesses. The vote was 50-13. “By fostering new employee-owned businesses, we can create jobs, raise wages and salaries, and boost employees’ wealth,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill makes it easier for businesses that want to convert to employee-owned to use Colorado’s Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Fund, which helps finance these types of transactions. If employees are ready and willing to take over a business, we should be here to help them make that dream a reality.” The Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program provides financial assistance to businesses looking to convert to employee-owned. HB21-1241 extends this program and makes critical changes to ensure more business, and thus their employees, can benefit from the program and follow through on their desire to convert to employee-owned. Employee-owned businesses often grow faster, provide greater job stability, and are better positioned to withstand an economic downturn. The over 50,000 employee-owned businesses in Colorado employ nearly 420,000 people and have retained a greater number of workers during the pandemic. HB21-1241 would allow the Office of Economic and International Trade the flexibility to change eligibility criteria for businesses applying for the Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program to allow more businesses to apply. It would allow businesses to enter into employee-ownership agreements with less than 50 percent of its employees, which is more in line with industry standards. It also allows the funds to go directly toward the purchase of the business by employees, increasing access to capital for employees to start the conversion process. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSED BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – Earlier today, the House passed a bill on Third and Final Reading to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth celebrations have existed in Colorado for generations, it’s time we make our celebration official with a state holiday,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud of our tremendous efforts that went into giving the Juneteenth holiday the statewide recognition it deserves. The historical legacy of Juneteenth educates Coloradans about the horrors of slavery and celebrates the perseverance of our Black ancestors, and I couldn’t be happier to champion this important legislation.” “Juneteenth is our country’s second Independence Day and I’m proud we’re making it an official state holiday,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This important emancipation day has been celebrated by the Black community for years and reminds us all of our freedom. Juneteenth recognizes the atrocities of slavery, educates Coloradans on the past and uplifts the voices of the Black community.” The House passed SB22-139 by a vote of 61 to 2. This legislation would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

New law establishes a study on the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans < Back June 4, 2024 Governor Signs Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law legislation to create a study examining racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, SB24-053 creates the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. “Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” Coleman said. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and will give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.” “Generations of systemic racism cannot be eliminated by a few policy changes – we need data-driven research to define the structural inequities Black Coloradans are still experiencing to this day,” said Herod . “From redlining to limited educational opportunities, we know Black Coloradans have combated blatant discrimination and racism for decades. This important, community led legislation will help Colorado develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial inequities and give us the tools we need to craft forward-thinking policy that will support Black Coloradans into the future.” “Uncovering the historical harm done against Black Coloradans is an important step forward in our healing and creating a more equitable future for us all,” said Ricks . “This new law instructs History Colorado to research decades of systemic inequalities in our schools, our neighborhoods and in statewide policies that will help us better understand their lasting impacts on Black Coloradans today. While painful, this racial equity study will help us craft future policies that uplift Black families instead of putting barriers in front of them.” SB24-053 establishes a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study will also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under the new law, History Colorado will submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study will rely on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER REACTS TO TRI-STATE CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today issued the following statement reacting to an announcement from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association outlining the retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico: “I applaud Tri-State’s commitment to Colorado’s clean energy future and am impressed by the bold carbon emissions reduction target they set. Meeting our state’s targets requires immediate collective action, and I’m happy to see Tri-State take their role seriously. As our state transitions toward a clean, renewable energy future, we must always keep in mind that this change will bring difficult transitions for Colorado’s energy workers, their families and communities. A commitment to a clean energy future also requires a commitment to a fair and just transition for Colorado’s workers. Protecting and supporting workers and communities through these shifting economic tides remains a top priority for the legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of stakeholders to find ways to support and protect working families affected by a changing energy economy. The Just Transition Office created by the legislature last year will work with impacted communities and worker representatives across the state on a plan to support those impacted by the transition away from coal.” Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY, FOSTER VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND BOOST NONPROFITS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect; invest $20 million in the Community Revitalization Grant Program, and direct $35 million in pandemic relief funds to small, community-based nonprofits in Colorado. HB22-1406 was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts and Senators James Coleman and Nick Hinrichsen. The law will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “This session, we took bold action to save Coloradans and businesses money, and that’s what these new laws will do,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today addresses the pressing needs in our communities by boosting the businesses, nonprofits and community groups that are the heart of our culture and our communities. This will create jobs, expand access to essential and affordable services that Coloradans need, increase affordable housing options and help build vibrant communities.” “Today is a great day for Colorado restaurants and small businesses – the cornerstones of all Colorado communities. Our bill that got signed today will allow each restaurant to save up to $70,000 this summer that they can use to address rising costs, hire or retain employees or expand their business,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With all that restaurants went through during the pandemic and now with what they face with pandemic-induced inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges, this support is so valuable. This tax relief will allow restaurants to keep more of the money they make and offset some of the cost increases they are experiencing.” HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone and Senators James Coleman and Dennis Hisey, directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan . This will fund projects in creative districts, historic districts, main streets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding from the grant program can be found here . “The Community Revitalization Grant Program has created jobs, boosted local economies and funded critical projects that build vibrant, livable and healthy communities,” said Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that the legislature is investing an additional $20 million to fund additional projects in communities all across Colorado. From Trinidad and Naturita to the Denver metro area, cities and towns in all parts of our state have seen residents and businesses thrive from the initiatives funded through this grant program.” HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton and Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. “Colorado’s nonprofits serve our state’s residents and provide essential services that people need, but often cannot afford,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “When the pandemic hit, these organizations did everything they could amid new pressures to meet the demand for services in their communities. Even as the pandemic has subsided, the need for Colorado’s nonprofits has remained. This new law directs $35 million in federal economic relief funds to help Colorado's’ nonprofits expand and deliver the services people need to get back to work, care for themselves or their families and thrive.” Nonprofit organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2023 House Passes Bill to Ensure Language Access for Insurance Coverage DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers. “With this legislation, more Coloradans will have access to critical insurance documents in the language in which they are most comfortable,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Insurance documents can be complicated to understand. Ensuring that all Coloradans have accurately-translated information allows them to choose the best plans and coverage for themselves and their families.” HB23-1004 , which passed by a vote of 49 to 14, would require insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified from a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy and any related documents in any language upon request. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES FUNDING FOR FISHERS PEAK AND OTHER STATE PARKS DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today unanimously approved Representative Daneya Esgar’s bipartisan bill to provide funding for Colorado’s State Parks, including Colorado’s newest State Park, Fishers Peak. ”Outdoor recreation and public land conservation are a crucial part of the Colorado Way of Life,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Daneya Esgar. “Today we voted to make lasting, impactful investments in our State Parks, and I expect the return on this investment will benefit Colorado for generations to come. Fishers Peak State Park will bring meaningful economic growth and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities to Southern Colorado, and I’m proud to have played my part in making our newest State Park a reality.” SB20-003 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, appropriates 6 million dollars to the Department of Natural Resources to open a new state park at Fishers Peak and to also improve infrastructure and amenities at existing state parks. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! SLATE OF BIPARTISAN EDUCATION BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS BECOME LAW ARVADA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bipartisan bills into law that support foster youth seeking higher education opportunities, better enable Colorado students to train for high-demand jobs, and increase funding for special education. SB22-008 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Priola as well as Representatives McLachlan and McKean, helps college-bound students who have been in foster care afford the cost of attending college by requiring higher education institutions to waive their undergraduate fees and tuition. “Through no fault of their own, foster children typically face extraordinary challenges, and it’s our duty to help eliminate the ones that we can,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Of all the assets we can provide for foster children, education is the one they can leverage most effectively. In the end, everyone benefits.” “This law ensures that Colorado does right by the thousands of youth in our foster care system by covering the cost of their degrees,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We are serious about setting every student up for success and that includes kids in our foster system. I’m incredibly proud of our bipartisan efforts to make it easier for foster youth to chase their dreams and attend a higher education institution in Colorado.” To increase the likelihood of student enrollment in postsecondary education, the law also designates navigators at school districts and universities to serve as points-of-contact to help students choose programs, navigate the grant and tuition assistance programs, and submit applications. Polis also signed SB22-192 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Simpson, and House Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Catlin, which streamlines educational pathways and better connects students with high-paying, in-demand jobs. “Expanding stackable credential pathways will set Colorado’s students up for success and help workers upskill and reskill to land the high-paying jobs they are seeking,” Zenzinger said. “Colorado students – adults and youth alike – need efficient and effective pathways to gain the experience and training necessary to earn a degree and, ultimately, a good-paying job. This new law will accelerate our economic recovery and help businesses fill the critical gaps in our state’s workforce.” “Sometimes life gets in the way of educational plans, so we’re revamping career pathways to be more efficient, flexible and attainable for Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan stackable credentials law makes it easier for students seeking high-demand careers to have their on-the-job training and previous experience count toward degrees and professional credentials as they upskill and reskill. Whether you’ve taken a break from school or switched careers entirely, this law works to make sure Coloradans can enter and re-enter the workforce easier.” SB22-192 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force , which aims to make Colorado more affordable and create student success in today’s work environment. Finally, Polis signed SB22-127 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Kirkmeyer as well as Representatives McCluskie and Larson, which increases funding for special education students by more than $80 million per year to help ensure that every Colorado student has the resources and support they need to thrive. “Every Colorado student deserves a quality, public education, but the current level of state support for schools just isn’t getting the job done,” said Zenzinger. “We’ve been working to fix that, and this new law will help us get critical resources to the classrooms that need them most while making sure every student, regardless of ability, has what they need to succeed.” “Education needs to be tailored to each and every student, which is why we allocated an additional $80 million for special education,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “Investing more in special education along with record investments in K-12 public schools through this year’s School Finance Act fills funding gaps in Colorado’s education system and better prepares all of our students for success.” SB22-127 dramatically increases funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to more than $300 million per year moving forward. This increase brings down student-teacher ratios, decreases class sizes, and helps schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. Previous Next

In special session, Dems eliminated corporate tax loopholes and protected access to services to responsibly close budget deficit caused by GOP’s corporate tax cuts < Back August 26, 2025 Dems Pick Up the Pieces from Trump’s Big Ugly Budget Hole In special session, Dems eliminated corporate tax loopholes and protected access to services to responsibly close budget deficit caused by GOP’s corporate tax cuts DENVER, CO – After Republicans in Congress blasted a billion dollar hole in Colorado’s state budget, Democrats responsibly picked up the pieces with a balanced approach that closed corporate tax loopholes and established a framework to cut spending where possible and use some of the state’s budget reserve to protect the core services people rely on. “Colorado Democrats have responsibly picked up the pieces from Trump and Washington Republicans’ big ugly budget, which any one of the GOP members of our Congressional delegation could have stopped,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Their bill gave corporations massive tax cuts that blew a billion dollar hole in our budget. We took a balanced approach that closed corporate tax loopholes, established a process to cut some spending, and used some of our rainy-day savings to protect funding for health care, roads and education. I’m especially proud that we were able to blunt some of the massive health care premium increases we expect to see on the Western Slope as a result of the Congress’s failure to act.” “The GOP’s federal budget handed out a billion dollars of corporate tax breaks while making life more expensive for everyone else through higher health costs, energy costs, and grocery costs,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “That’s why we returned to the Capitol: to stand up for Colorado families, listen to those on the frontlines of providing services, and work to maximize every dollar. I’m proud that we're leaving this special session having achieved a balanced, responsible response to the budget shortfall that closes corporate tax loopholes and protects services that Coloradans rely on rather than the interests of corporations.” “Trump’s budget bill handed out massive tax cuts to corporations at the expense of working people while raising costs on everyone, which is why it’s only fair that we closed corporate tax loopholes and preserved funding for education, health care and public safety,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Coloradans shouldn't lose out to protect corporations who just got $1 billion in tax cuts from Trump and the GOP Congress. In the special session we cracked down on offshore tax havens, eliminated special interest tax breaks, and protected the core services Coloradans rely on to get ahead and thrive.” “Trump and the Congressional Republicans’ big tax bill let corporations dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes that they owe Colorado to help pay for essentials like health care, schools, and roads,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “While they put corporations and the wealthiest Americans first, we chose the hardworking people of Colorado by closing corporate tax loopholes and protecting essential services.” Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes HB25B-1003 repeals special corporate tax breaks for insurance companies with a “Regional Home Office”: Under current law, insurance companies with a headquarters/regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can take a special tax break that allows them to pay a lower tax rate. To qualify, 2.5 percent of an insurer’s domestic workforce must be located in Colorado. While intended to incentivize job creation in the insurance industry in Colorado, the State Auditor found in March 2025 that the tax credit is not achieving this goal, and most insurance companies have actually eliminated jobs while claiming this special interest tax break that only exists for them. The bill repealed this corporate tax break. HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens, offshore bank accounts, and tax loopholes for US companies that dodge Colorado taxes with foreign assets: Expand the list of foreign tax havens: Colorado applies extra scrutiny to companies incorporated in common tax havens like the Cayman Islands and Panama, requiring these companies to still pay Colorado taxes unless they can prove they are legitimately operating in the foreign country (see HB21-1311 ). Updated information about international tax avoidance has indicated additional countries used for this purpose, and the bill applies the extra scrutiny to these countries. No Colorado tax breaks for companies investing in other states: Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy created a special tax break for multinational businesses that keep their intangible assets in the US, including patents, software, and trademarks. As a federal credit, the majority of claims are from corporations whose assets aren’t even located in Colorado. If the state allows the changes to apply to Colorado taxes as well, it would give a larger Colorado tax break to corporations for investments in other states. The bill decoupled the state from this federal credit entirely. HB25B-1004 allows companies to pre-pay taxes at a discount: This bill allows an auction of a limited amount of future tax credits. Companies that buy the tax credits can effectively pre-pay a portion of their future taxes now, at a small discount, creating savings and flexibility for them while helping to fill the revenue hole created by H.R. 1 for the state. This was done in HB20-1413 to raise money for CLIMBER small business loans. Several of the tax giveaways in H.R. 1, such as the changes to business depreciation rules, are retroactive or front-loaded to have a much bigger impact in the current fiscal year (2025-26) than future years; allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now partially offsets this effect. HB25B-1001 limits tax breaks for higher-earning business owners: Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy allowed certain business owners to deduct (not pay taxes on) 20 percent of “qualified business income” (QBI) through 2025. The QBI deduction applies to pass-through businesses, such as partnerships, S corporations, and real estate investment trusts. H.R. 1 made this deduction permanent and made some modifications. In 2020, Colorado decoupled from this federal tax change for business owners with incomes over $500,000 per year (or $1 million per year for joint filers), maintaining that they still needed to pay taxes on all of their business income ( HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 ). The bill for the special session makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent; without taking action, the decoupling is currently scheduled to expire after 2025. HB25B-1005 ends subsidies for collecting sales taxes by modernizing sales tax collection: Retailers and other companies that collect sales tax are currently allowed to retain a portion of that state sales tax, which was originally intended to cover the costs of collecting and remitting the tax. Currently, vendors can retain 4 percent of the sales tax they collect. Nowadays, electronic point-of-sale technology is ubiquitous even for small vendors, and it cheaply and easily automates the collection and payment of state sales tax. Since this burden has gone away, the bill repeals this subsidy – about one cent on every $10 of sales. Preserving Access to Services HB25B-1006 blunts large health insurance premium increases: With Congressional Republicans failing to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28 percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33 percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38 percent. This bill invests in reinsurance to keep premium increases to a statewide average of 20 percent. SB25B-002 restores access to health care for Medicaid recipients at Planned Parenthood : H.R. 1 immediately removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program, forcing PPRM providers to cancel thousands of appointments. Weeks later, a Temporary Restraining Order reversed this federal prohibition, though the issue is still working its way through the courts. This bill authorizes state-funded reimbursement to Planned Parenthood for certain services, including cancer screenings, birth control consultations, and STI checks. SB25B-003 preserves SNAP funding by adjusting Healthy School Meals for All ballot question: The GOP budget cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and hundreds of thousands of recipients may now lose access to food. This bill amends the language of a ballot measure ( HB25-1274 ) that will be put before the voters this November. If it passes, it will allow funds raised for the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program to be used to support SNAP, so long as the HSMA program is fully funded first. Making Responsible Decisions for Colorado’s Fiscal Future SB25B-001 updates spending reduction processes during revenue shortfalls: Under current law, the Governor has broad unilateral authority to suspend programs and services during a revenue shortfall via executive order. The bill requires the Governor to notify the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) of executive orders to reduce spending and requires the JBC to promptly meet to discuss the plan. The bill balances the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly by ensuring the JBC is involved in decision-making processes early on and by adding guardrails to the executive branch’s existing authority to help ensure that they continue to meet and implement legislative directives. The bill also updates the triggers requiring spending reductions to more accurately reflect economic pressures and the current status of the reserve, which Democrats have worked to build up to 15 percent since the COVID pandemic when it fell below four percent. In addition to the triggers in existing law, the bill adds that if a revenue estimate indicates that the state is on track to use an amount of the reserve equal to three percent of the general fund appropriations for that fiscal year (e.g. around $490 million for FY26), the Governor must take action to reduce spending. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to save Coloradans money on health care. < Back March 20, 2025 SIGNED! Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Mental Health Care DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to save Coloradans money on health care. The new law will reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. “Health care coverage decisions should be made using the best evidence based recommendations of health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to receive the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral health care. This new law helps standardize insurance coverage decisions so Coloradans can actually access the behavioral health services they pay for.” “Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and well-being of Colorado families,” said Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This legislation will help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When insurance doesn’t cover claims, that drives up costs for families, and it makes it harder for Coloradans, especially young people, to receive critical care, as too many still don’t receive care at all. Colorado has made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care, and this law carries on this work by ensuring providers can’t deny insurance coverage for medically necessary health care. We’re saving Coloradans money on health care and improving access to the care people need.” HB25-1002 , also sponsored by Senator Bryon Pelton, R-Sterling, will ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This law also codifies the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act into state law, requiring insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health services as they do for physical health services. The goal of HB24-1002 is to ensure that insurance providers are covering mental health care and to limit gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. The law also clarifies state law around mental health parity and requires the use of clinical standards from select national organizations to ensure parity. Previous Next