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< Back March 2, 2020 MULTILINGUAL BALLOT ACCESS BILL PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today voted to pass HB20-1081 , Representative Yadira Caraveo’s bill to allow multilingual ballot access, by a vote of 41-20. The bill would ensure that counties with significant minority language speakers provide voters in these communities with ballots in their own languages. “A strong democracy depends on well-informed voters, and this bill will ensure that all Coloradans can fully understand their ballots,” said Rep. Caraveo (D- Thornton). “Improving ballot access and bringing more people into the democratic process while placing minimal responsibilities on our local governments is a resounding win for Colorado.” The bill establishes a hotline run by the Secretary of State’s office to provide access to ballot translation and requires the Secretary of State’s office to have the hotline available for the November 2022 election and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. County clerks are to make available minority language sample ballots when a language is spoken by at least 2,000 or 2.5 percent citizens of voting age who speak English “less than very well” in a county. These sample ballots would be available in-person beginning in November 2022 and for every general election and statewide odd-year election thereafter. There are over 80,000 Colorado voters who speak English “less than very well.”. Ballots are often difficult for minority language speakers to comprehend, even if they do speak and read some English. The United States has no official language. The federal Voting Rights Act only requires the counties of Conejos, Costilla, Denver, and Saguache provide election materials in both English and Spanish, limiting ballot access for Coloradans who are eligible to vote across the state who speak English “less than very well.” Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the first meeting of the Transportation Legislation Review Committee: < Back July 23, 2024 Mauro, Vigil Statements on Transportation Legislation Review Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representatives Tisha Mauro and Stephanie Vigil today released the following statements on the first meeting of the Transportation Legislation Review Committee: Statement from Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo: “As a member of the Transportation Legislation Review Committee, I’m excited that we are getting back to work on a transportation system that better addresses the needs of Coloradans. In our first meeting, we engaged with organizations from across the state about safety standards, air pollution, mass transit ridership, and other important topics to guide us as we consider potential legislation. These important discussions will allow us to better understand the successes and outstanding issues we can work with to expand safe transportation options and continue my hard work on expanding passenger rail services to Pueblo.” Statement from Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs: “Coloradans deserve a transit system that gets them where they need to go safely and affordably, whether it's for school, work, to worship, to access healthcare, or to be an engaged citizen. Today’s meeting was critical in updating our interim committee about recent or ongoing issues with our railroads, highways, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, as well as mass transit services. I look forward to continuing conversations with our community members, transit agencies, environmental organizations, the disability community, and other crucial voices to see how the legislature can better meet our state’s changing needs.” Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON CHILD CARE AND AT THE DMV MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO – Two bills that would save Coloradans money on renewing their driver’s licenses and on child care passed committee today. HB22-1004 will freeze DMV drivers’ license fees into the next fiscal year. HB22-1006 will expand the number of eligible child care facilities exempt from property taxes. “Freezing DMV renewal fees is just one of the many ways we’re working to save Coloradans money this legislative session,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “We know hardworking families across the state are feeling squeezed from every angle. The high cost of living combined with fatigue and pandemic unpredictability is exhausting. Which is why we’re using every tool available to save them money where we can.” “This bill is a great example of our ongoing efforts to save Coloradans money, boost our economy and move our state forward,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “By freezing DMV fees, Coloradans won’t be hit with an unexpected fee increase when they go to renew their license or state ID which means more money back in their pockets.” HB22-1004 , which passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee by a vote of 8 to 5, will save drivers money by freezing the license renewal fee for two years by transferring money to the licensing services cash fund. “Access to affordable, quality child care is top of mind for nearly every family in Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB22-1006 . “This Child Care Center Property Tax Exemption will increase the number of available spaces for child care facilities, driving down the cost of child care for both providers and families. We know the high cost of child care combined with pandemic pressures adds an extra layer of stress for families with children. This bill will help make child care more affordable, help families, and boost our economy.” HB22-1006 , which passed the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1, will increase child care affordability by incentivizing additional property owners through a property tax exemption to lease space to non-profit child care centers. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the amount of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2021 RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP BILL ADVANCES Bill to require gun owners to report lost and stolen firearms passes the House on second reading DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement within five days of realizing their firearms have been lost or stolen. “Mass shootings grab headlines and capture the public’s attention, but the epidemic of gun violence takes lives quietly every single day in communities across the country,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This bill will give law enforcement the information they need to prevent crime and track down perpetrators when crimes are committed. No single proposal will end gun violence for good, but with proposals like this bill, we are continuing to chip away at this violent plague.” “Thousands of lost and stolen firearms end up in crime scenes across the country every day,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “With 30,000 guns being stolen in Colorado over the course of four years, and estimates showing that about 40 percent of those were not reported to police, it’s clear that this bill is timely and necessary. All we’re asking is that all gun owners act the way the majority of gun owners already do. This simple and commonsense proposal can and will save lives.” SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS AND BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP COLORADANS FIND HOUSING AND JOBS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect whistleblowers and help Coloradans with low-level criminal records find secure jobs or housing. In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez and Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, makes these protections permanent. “With the passage of HB 20-1415 we gave workers the protection to speak out about health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation only during public health emergencies,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Essential workers will still be essential after the pandemic, which is why I am proud to champion this new lawl that will extend these protections permanently and help keep workers and the public safe.” “Extending whistleblower protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This law permanently extends protections for workers put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. All Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or the people around them.” “Coloradans shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job or having their hours slashed for reporting unsafe working conditions. These whistleblower protections prioritize the health and safety of our essential workers,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “When the pandemic began, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new law extends those reporting protections for workers regardless of a public health emergency, so they can always feel safe to report dangerous conditions.” SB22-097 protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill, including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. “The pandemic highlighted the need to improve how we take care of our community, and we worked hard this session to help give working folks better protections and opportunities,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “These news laws will ensure that no worker will have to worry about losing their job or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions that threaten them and their colleagues, and allow Coloradans who have paid their debt to society to access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.” Currently, criminal records are a substantial obstacle for people in search of jobs or housing, which punishes Coloradans after they have served their time and exacerbates the state’s workforce shortage. SB22-099 , sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Kerry Tipper and Colin Larson, extends automatic record sealing to all eligible offenses, removing this obstacle to housing and employment for many Coloradans. “This bipartisan law will help Coloradans who are already eligible for record sealing by automatically sealing their records, making it easier for people to find jobs and housing opportunities,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This new law will boost our workforce, increase job opportunities for Coloradans and reduce recidivism by helping people get back on their feet.” The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees and for Coloradans to find adequate housing. Under the law, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. Previous Next

< Back June 19, 2021 HISTORIC GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION PACKAGE BECOMES LAW Bills to curb mass shootings, prevent gun violence and save lives signed into law DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed three gun violence prevention bills into law. The lifesaving new laws will create the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expand and improve our background check system, and allow local governments to implement higher gun violence prevention standards than those of the state. “This has been a banner year for gun violence prevention in Colorado,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB21-1299 . “Today’s bill signing is the culmination of months of hard work finding thoughtful, effective and commonsense ways to prevent mass shootings, promote gun safety and save lives. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will help people learn about the tools available to them like how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order and how to access mental health resources, and it will help inform gun violence prevention in our state for years to come.” “Communities like mine are being devastated every day by gun tragedies that amount to a true public health crisis,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1299. “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention responds to this need by offering community-driven solutions and providing Coloradans with the type of educational and mental health support that will save lives. I’m ecstatic to see Governor Polis sign our proposal into law today.” HB21-1299 establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. “After a mass shooting ravaged my community earlier this year, I pledged to work to bring moments of action following our moments of silence,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB21-1298 . “Today’s bill signing is a resounding moment of action – a demonstration that we can do much more than offer thoughts and prayers. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did this year to curb gun violence and save lives.” “The epidemic of gun violence demands bold action, and that’s exactly what we delivered for the people of Colorado today,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1298 . “The new law created today will save lives and help us prevent mass shootings by making it harder for violent criminals to get their hands on deadly weapons. Today marks a great victory – I’m so grateful to the advocates and gun violence survivors who joined us today and have been standing shoulder to shoulder with us throughout the last few months of hard work.” HB21-1298 prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole,” which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill closes that loophole to ensure that everyone who purchases a firearm has first passed a background check. “Communities like mine deserve the right to establish higher standards for gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-256 . “Today, after months of hard work, we have officially returned this important and life saving tool back to our local governments. I’m so proud of the bold steps we’ve taken this year to address the crisis of gun violence.” “The new law created today ensures that Colorado’s longstanding tradition of local control extends to gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB21-256. “We have done great work on gun violence prevention at the state level, but it makes sense to allow localities to implement additional solutions that meet their communities’ needs.” Current law prohibits a local government from enacting laws, regulations, or ordinances regarding the purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm. Just ten days before the King Soopers shooting, courts struck down Boulder’s citywide assault weapons ban, which had been the result of years of advocacy from community members to help keep residents safer. SB21-256 adjusts the local prohibition by declaring the regulation of firearms a matter of both state and local concern, allowing local governments to set higher standards. Under this bill, local governments would have the authority to enact regulations governing the transfer or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components and accessories that go above and beyond state laws on the subject. These three new laws are a part of a larger six-bill package on gun violence prevention passed by the legislature this year. Additional new laws include the Isabella Joy Thallas Act, which mandates the reporting of lost and stolen firearms, as well as two other laws to promote the safe storage of firearms and help keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2020 DEMOCRATS VOTE TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers, with specific protections for Coloradans who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. The bill was approved by a vote of 7-3. “As so many Coloradans struggle to deal with the economic devastation of COVID19, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have strong and efficient consumer protections,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill stands up for low-income Coloradans who may face being disconnected due to lack of payment and provides protections for those who are eligible for energy assistance due to medical conditions. As we take steps to responsibly get our state back to work and back on track, I’ll continue to make sure consumer protections and health and safety are among my top priorities.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next

New tax would fund crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services < Back April 2, 2024 Bill to Bolster Crime Victim, Behavioral Health Programs Passes House Committee New tax would fund crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry. HB24-1349 passed by a vote of 6-5. “With this measure, Coloradans will have the opportunity to vote to fund critical crime victim services and school safety by creating a new tax on the firearms industry,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act will decrease in Colorado by 40 to 50 percent in the next year, leaving Colorado victims without housing support, legal advocacy, and other services that they depend on. This legislation would create consistent funding for crucial community-based services that help victims of violence and Colorado youth facing a mental health crisis so we can continue providing this life-saving support.” “With nearly half of the funding for victims of crime disappearing next year, we must act now to ensure that safety net services are still available,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “We’re giving Colorado voters the opportunity to approve a tax that would provide necessary funding for youth behavioral health services and support for victims of violence to save Colorado lives.” If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349 would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $54 million annually. If approved by Colorado voters, the funds would be allocated in the following manner: $35 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund to administer grants, $10 million to the School Security Disbursement Program cash fund for grant programs like School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program, School Security Disbursement Grant Program and Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program, $10 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors. Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers and law enforcement agencies are exempt from this bill. Previous Next

Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after Republicans Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd cast the deciding votes to pass the GOP megabill, which will kick Coloradans off their health insurance, increase costs and jeopardize services for the most vulnerable people. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law < Back July 3, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: House GOP Passes Megabill to Slash Medicaid & SNAP, Kick Coloradans Off their Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after Republicans Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd cast the deciding votes to pass the GOP megabill, which will kick Coloradans off their health insurance, increase costs and jeopardize services for the most vulnerable people. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Congressional Republicans’ megabill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans,” said President James Coleman, D-Denver. “Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs passed in the bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. The legislature will have to respond to these cuts and attempt to blunt the harm, but the budget hole caused by Washington’s recklessness will make it extremely difficult to fund our priorities, from health care to K-12 education and beyond.” “The GOP megabill is dangerous and reckless and will have a ripple effect on the health and success of Coloradans for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The billion-dollar impact on our state budget will force the legislature to consider pausing the important progress we’ve made on priorities like education funding, tax credits for working families and efforts to reduce health care premiums. Businesses, rural hospitals, STEM research, food pantries and many others will lose the support that they rely on to serve our communities. This is a disastrous outcome for our state, and it will impact people in every corner of Colorado.” “The GOP megabill bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “While we’re fighting to lower costs for Coloradans, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd are kicking people off their health care, slashing food assistance for children and families, cutting clean energy tax credits and jobs, and increasing the cost of student loans. The bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of billionaires and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public wellbeing." “The GOP Megabill has far-reaching impacts on Colorado and it goes against everything that we stand for as Democrats,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “From hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable Coloradans losing access to health care to draconian cuts to food assistance programs and tax credits for seniors and working families, the destruction caused by the GOP Megabill will be felt by everyone. Rural hospitals and health care providers could close under this budget, and rural Coloradans will lose health care coverage while Republicans in the state legislature continue to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Washington. Years of work to make Colorado more affordable and support the low- and middle-class, families, people of color, seniors, veterans and other Coloradans will be at risk now that the GOP has passed this regressive tax policy that favors the ultra-wealthy.” “Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Every year, the Joint Budget Committee works across the aisle to do so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd just cast the deciding votes on a budget that will hurt Coloradans. This bill slashes Medicaid, hurting families today and shifting costs to people with insurance. We will all pay more for health insurance because of this bill. Finally, this bill will almost certainly force us into a special session to make deep cuts to Colorado’s already tight budget, and those cuts rest entirely at the feet of Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, and Donald Trump.” “The GOP’s cruel megabill will have devastating impacts on our state, and we will do our best to shield Coloradans from as much pain as we can,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “In addition to slashing Medicaid and food assistance, this bill will create a massive hole in our budget and force cuts to other critical programs Coloradans rely on. By passing this bill, Gabe Evans and his GOP colleagues are increasing costs on middle class families and closing the doors of opportunity for hardworking people across our state.” “Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in the newly-passed GOP megabill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.” "The GOP megabill will drive up energy costs, force rural health clinics to shut their doors, and drive up the cost of health insurance for everyone,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. "In a tight budget year, we worked diligently to protect the services Coloradans rely on, but Congressional Republicans are jeopardizing everything from food assistance to health care. Colorado’s state budget simply cannot absorb the $1 billion in Medicaid cuts, revenue reductions and other cost increases, which will put health care, food assistance and services for our most vulnerable at risk. The GOP’s priorities are clear – give massive tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of hungry kids and families.” The most recent nonpartisan CBO analysis estimates that the GOP megabill will kick nearly 12 million Americans off their health care. It places a tax on energy, drives up utility costs, cuts food assistance and will force deep cuts to Medicaid and services for Colorado’s most vulnerable people, including veterans and many lower income families. Colorado Democrats—alongside health care providers, conservationists, and community leaders—have repeatedly asserted that this bill would be devastating to the American people and urged Congress not to pass it. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting estimated that the GOP megabill will decrease state revenues by as much as $500 million and increase costs to the state by around $500 million. Even without passage of the GOP megabill or an economic downturn, nonpartisan economic forecasters estimate the state will face a nearly $700 million deficit and that revenues could drop below the TABOR cap in each of the three years in the forecast window. Under these conditions, the state will not be able to replace the loss of federal funding under the GOP megabill and will be forced to consider difficult trade offs and cuts to core services. Previous Next

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

A group of bipartisan lawmakers from the Western Slope today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to oppose the selling of Colorado’s public lands. < Back June 25, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Western Slope Lawmakers Urge Congress to Oppose Selling Colorado’s Public Lands WESTERN SLOPE, CO – A group of bipartisan lawmakers from the Western Slope today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to oppose the selling of Colorado’s public lands. In the letter, signed by House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, lawmakers said, “We, the undersigned state legislators of Colorado, are writing to you today to express our unwavering opposition to any efforts within the federal budget reconciliation package that include the sale of public lands.” In the letter, lawmakers stated, “Countless Coloradans have stood up in recent weeks to oppose public lands sell-off, and more voices are joining the opposition to this deeply misguided effort every day. The local voices are strong and clear; Coloradans do not support public land sell-off.” “Public lands are vital to Colorado's economy and way of life. These lands drive our regional economy through outdoor recreation, hunting, tourism, and industries, like agriculture and ranching. They provide essential clean air and water, supporting the quality of life that attracts businesses and skilled workers. Colorado's outdoor recreation industry alone generated over $65.8 billion in 2023, supporting 404,000 jobs statewide. Selling off these lands would threaten this economic engine and betray the public trust.” While the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the language to sell-off more than 2 million acres of public land must be stripped from the federal reconciliation bill, Western Slope lawmakers expressed concern about US Senator Mike Lee’s commitment to “...reintroducing new language, demonstrating a determination to push through this deeply unpopular agenda.” Earlier this year, this group of Colorado lawmakers sponsored a resolution to affirm the state's support for public lands and opposition to any efforts to sell-off public lands. SJR25-009 passed both chambers overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Read the full text of the letter below: June 24, 2025 To our esteemed Colorado Congressional Delegation Members: We, the undersigned state legislators of Colorado, are writing to you today to express our unwavering opposition to any efforts within the federal budget reconciliation package that include the sale of public lands. This letter builds upon our previous actions as legislators in opposing public land sell-off and we urge you to stand firmly against this deeply unpopular and misguided effort. Colorado has demonstrated a powerful and broadly bi-partisan stance against federal public land sell-offs. This spring, the Colorado General Assembly overwhelmingly passed bipartisan Senate Joint Resolution 25-009, "Concerning the Protection of Colorado's Public Lands," with near-unanimous support. This resounding legislative statement underscores the statewide consensus on safeguarding these invaluable resources. Following this, multiple counties and municipalities have echoed this sentiment, including Pueblo County, La Plata County, Chaffee County, Routt County, and San Miguel County, among others. Furthermore, over 160 elected leaders from across our state have signed onto a letter publicly opposing public land sell-off. Countless Coloradans have stood up in recent weeks to oppose public lands sell-off, and more voices are joining the opposition to this deeply misguided effort every day. The local voices are strong and clear; Coloradans do not support public land sell-off. Public lands are vital to Colorado's economy and way of life. These lands drive our regional economy through outdoor recreation, hunting, tourism, and industries, like agriculture and ranching. They provide essential clean air and water, supporting the quality of life that attracts businesses and skilled workers. Colorado's outdoor recreation industry alone generated over $65.8 billion in 2023, supporting 404,000 jobs statewide. Selling off these lands would threaten this economic engine and betray the public trust. From the state of Utah’s failed effort in the fall of 2024 to seize 18.5 million acres of public lands through the Supreme Court to the failed House measure earlier this year in the budget reconciliation process and to two failed language attempts in the Senate thus far, the public has repeatedly rejected these proposals. Just recently, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the sell-off language in the budget reconciliation package violates the Byrd Rule and must be stripped. Despite this, Senator Lee has already committed to reintroducing new language, demonstrating a determination to push through this deeply unpopular agenda. This lack of transparency and repeated attempts to bypass public input are unacceptable. Therefore, we, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you, our federal delegation members, to strongly oppose any and all provisions in the budget reconciliation package, or any other legislation, that seeks to sell off our public lands. Thank you for your dedication to our state and for standing with Coloradans to protect our shared public lands for current and future generations. Sincerely, Speaker Julie McCluskie, House District 13 Senator Dylan Roberts, Senate District 8 Representative Rick Taggart, House District 55 Senator Marc Catlin, Senate District 5 Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2021 LIFE SAVING GUN SAFETY BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Two life saving gun safety bills were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis today. The bills seek to prevent suicides, community violence, and tragic accidents by promoting the prompt reporting of lost or stolen firearms and the safe storage of guns when children or other vulnerable populations are present. “There’s no single gun safety policy that can put an end to the epidemic of gun violence in America, but by taking commonsense steps like the two laws signed today, we can start to make a dent and save some lives,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Reporting a missing firearm is a simple measure that will stop firearms from ending up in the wrong hands and give law enforcement more tools to find these weapons before they end up in crime scenes.” “Coloradans are tired of seeing gun violence rip families apart and take precious lives away from us far too soon,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Our bill to require that missing firearms be reported to police is a simple and commonsense request that will hopefully prevent senseless tragedies like the one that took Isabella Joy Thallas’ life. I’m immensely proud that we were able to honor her memory by naming this law after her today.” “Asking all gun owners in Colorado to safely store their firearms the way the majority of responsible gun owners already do is a small measure that can save countless lives,” said Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn . “A simple and affordable lock on a firearm could prevent the type of tragedies and injuries that befall Colorado families every day.” “Responsible gun owners who frequently have children in the home should already be locking their firearms away safely,” said Representative Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “I know that many gun owners, including myself, already take this simple step to prevent tragedies. The bill signed into law by Governor Polis today will get us closer to our goal of ensuring everyone practices safe storage.” SB21-078 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Herod, requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Through an amendment, SB21-078 was renamed the ‘Isabella Joy Thallas Act’, in memory of the young woman who was murdered on June 10, 2020 while she and her boyfriend were walking their dog outside of their apartment in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood. The high-powered semi-automatic rifle used in the killing was stolen. HB21-1106 , sponsored by Representatives Duran and Mullica, will promote responsible gun ownership by creating an educational campaign to encourage gun owners, especially those with children in the home, to properly store their firearms. The bill also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the bill would create the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next