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< Back May 21, 2019 FULL DAY-K ON THE WAY: MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SIGNED INTO LAW Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate (May 21) – Today, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten. The upcoming state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. The program is set to begin this Fall. “Full-day K is coming to a school near you beginning this Fall. This is an historic moment for kids, parents and our state, and this program will provide important benefits for hardworking families for years to come. Full-day kindergarten will put Colorado kids all across our state on the path to success,” said Rep. McLachlan. “Access to early childhood education is the best gift we can provide to our young learners.” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. Full day kindergarten would go into effect beginning in Fall 2019. Previous Next

Based on recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force, the new formula will be more equitable and student-centered to drive more funding for at-risk, special education and English Language Learners < Back April 11, 2024 New School Funding Formula Boosts Support for Colorado Students DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger today introduced legislation that will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula to increase funding for rural schools and at-risk students, special education, and English Language Learners. “Educational opportunities shouldn't depend on a student’s zip code; I’m proud of the broad, bipartisan coalition that has come together to increase funding for students with the greatest needs and provide more resources to rural and remote schools, which have historically been underfunded,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The deeply researched, student-centered updates we’re proposing for 2026 and beyond gained overwhelming consensus in the Public School Finance Task Force. This bipartisan proposal builds on the record funding from eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor to drive more equity into school finance and provide additional resources to rural and smaller districts that do not have the same economies of scale or access to resources as more populated and urban districts. Reforming Colorado's public school financing formula is a huge step toward improving our public schools and ensuring every student in our state receives a high-quality education.” “This change in the school finance formula will help pivot to the critically important effort to make education funding focused on the students,” Senate Minority Leader Lundeen, R-Monument, remarked. “For too long the formula has been about institutions and not about the unique natures of the students we serve. Fully funding K-12 education to our constitutionally mandated responsibility was last year's legislative success. Making the formula about students is this year’s goal.” “Ensuring that every Colorado student and educator has the tools they need for success is important for a stronger future. I applaud Speaker McCluskie and Minority Leader Lundeen for their focus on funding students and achievement rather than empty seats . I look forward to building on the work Colorado has done to improve the classroom experience, strengthen our communities, meet the diverse needs of all learners, and grow Colorado’s economy,” said Governor Jared Polis . “For years, we’ve relied on an inequitable and confusing school funding formula that is no longer responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable students,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We’ve heard from our teachers, families, districts, superintendents and education advocates – it’s time to change the finance formula to improve equity in our public schools by putting students first. This important bill increases the funding weights for at-risk students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs. This formula change will better support the districts with the greatest needs. We’ve taken important steps to increase public education funding to record levels – now is the time to improve the school finance formula to put us on the path to delivering the education every student deserves.” “For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. This year presents an opportunity to update our school funding formula to be reflective of the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. The formula is in urgent need of an update to ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.” Colorado’s school finance formula is outdated, inequitable, and hasn’t been significantly changed in over 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing, overly complex and directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to students who are living in poverty, English Language Learners, or who have special needs. At-risk students, English learners, and special education students are not achieving academically compared to their peers, and yet the current school funding formula from 1993 does not address the needs of those students enough. This legislation ( HB24-1448 ) implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most, specifically at-risk pupils, special education students and English Language Learners. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students and English Language Learners. When fully implemented, there will be $852 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. Remote and rural districts would receive an additional $255 million under this formula, once fully funded. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor. At-risk, English Language Learners, and special education will all be set at a 25-percent weight. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently create cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are extremely challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and a funding floor for all districts that their new funding cannot drop beneath. The legislation is supported by Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), Colorado Succeeds , Stand for Children, The Children’s Campaign, and Ready Colorado. This bill is also supported by the following school districts : Trinidad School District, Weldon Valley School District RE-20J, Lone Star School District. Buffalo School District RE-4J, Platte Valley School District RE-7, Summit School District, Mapleton Public Schools, Haxtun School District RE-J2, Sangre de Cristo School District RE-22J, Colorado Springs Schools D11, Las Animas School District, RE-1, Canon City Schools, Campo School District RE-6, Alamosa School District RE-11J, Weld Re-8 School District, Wiggins School District, Denver Public Schools, Genoa-Hugo School District C-113, Weld County School District 10-J, Briggsdale,Sanford School District, Weld RE-5J School District, Greeley-Evans School District 6, Weld County School District Re-3J, Weld RE-9 School District, Pawnee School District RE-12, Morgan County School District, Sheridan School District 2, Elizabeth School District, Rocky Ford School District, Cheraw School District, Holyoke School District, Westminster Public Schools, Eaton School District, Weld County School District Re-1, Monte Vista School District and Center Consolidated School District 26JT. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Manny Rutinel that would continue the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. SB24-001 passed by a vote of 50 to 13, with the majority of Republicans voting against the bill. < Back April 26, 2024 House Passes Bill to Extend the Successful I Matter Program DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Manny Rutinel that would continue the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. SB24-001 passed by a vote o f 50 to 13, with the majority of Republicans voting against the bill. “We’re one step closer to extending the successful I Matter Program in our state, which means our youth can continue to have access to no-cost therapy when they need it,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Over the years, the I Matter Program has connected over 11,000 kids to therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. Programs like I Matter remove barriers to access and help our youth receive the behavioral and mental care they need.” “By extending the I Matter Program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure our youth can receive the behavioral and mental health care they need,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “No-cost therapy breaks down access barriers for youth and their families. Since its introduction, the I Matter Program has provided more than 50,000 essential therapy sessions – this bill continues this successful, important program to ensure we’re addressing the needs of our youth.” The popular I Matter connects youth with a licensed mental health therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program is currently set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. SB24-001 would continue the I Matter program until June 30, 2034, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no-cost to them or their families. The I Matter program was established in the 2021 legislative session and expanded by HB22-1243 . The legislature also passed a law in 2023 allowing school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools to support student’s access to mental health care. I Matter has served over 11,000 Colorado youth since 2021 and provided over 50,000 sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report , youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2023 First Five Bills Introduced to Save Coloradans Money, Invest in Education and Meet Climate Goals DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today introduced the first five House bills of the 2023 legislative session, which highlight key agenda priorities of the House Democrats: building a Colorado everyone can afford, investing in schools and students, meeting our climate goals and protecting our water and air. “From making housing more affordable to reducing the cost of health care and child care, Colorado Democrats have governed responsibly for the people of Colorado – and we’re ready to continue to build upon that great progress,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This session, we’ll pass legislation to protect our water and air, invest in our schools, improve public safety, and make our state more affordable. Our first five bills are just the beginning, and we’re excited to get to work building a Colorado where everyone can thrive.” “The first bills introduced this session highlight our commitment to making Colorado more affordable for everyone,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “While we’ve made great progress, Coloradans continue to struggle with the high cost of living in our state. Our legislative priorities this year continue our efforts to prioritize students and teachers, save Coloradans money on everything from housing to health care, fund crime victim services and reduce gun violence. We’re ready to step up and serve the great people of Colorado.” Saving educators money ( HB23-1001 ) Representatives Cathy Kipp, Barbara McLachlan and Senator Rachel Zenzinger This bill builds upon last year’s work to save student educators money by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. This bill aims to address Colorado’s teacher shortage, retention and workforce challenges to ensure every student can thrive. Saving Coloradans money on health care ( HB23-1002 ) Representative Javier Mabrey and Senator Dylan Roberts This bill creates an epi-pen affordability program that will provide low-cost epi-pens to Colorado residents with a prescription and who are not enrolled in health care coverage. This bill aims to save Coloradans’ money on life-saving prescription medication by making itmore accessible to those without health insurance. This bill requires insurance carriers that provide coverage for epi-pens to cap the out-of-pocket cost to $60 for a 2-pack. Prioritizing youth mental health ( HB23-1003 ) Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Senator Lisa Cutter This bill creates a Mental Health Assessment Program for Colorado students in grades sixth through twelfth. If schools opt-in to this new program, it will help identify student mental health concerns early and provide additional services or referrals for students, including to the successful iMatter program. This bill aims to prioritize student behavioral health in schools and connect students with the help they need. Promoting language access and equity for Colorado consumers ( HB23-1004 ) Representative Elizabeth Velasco and Senator Julie Gonzales This bill protects Colorado consumers by requiring insurance providers that issue auto, home, and renters insurance to offer the policy, policy application and related documents in the same language they use in advertisements for the policy. The bill allows Coloradans’ to select their preferred language for all insurance documents and ensures policy documents are translated by a professional, so Coloradans understand the coverage they’re entitled to in their first language. Improving Colorado’s energy and water efficiency ( HB23-1005 ) Representatives Jenny Willford, Brianna Titone and Senator Jaquez Lewis This bill protects our environment and water resources by improving Colorado’s water and energy efficiency in commercial properties. Specifically, it makes improvements to the successful C-PACE financing program by enabling certain property owners to more effectively invest in water efficiency and resiliency upgrades. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to combat wage theft and boost the economic security of workers in the construction industry, ensuring construction workers receive pay for their work. < Back February 9, 2024 Wage Theft Prevention Passes House Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to combat wage theft and boost the economic security of workers in the construction industry, ensuring construction workers receive pay for their work. “Wage theft is a serious problem in Colorado, with over $720 million in wages withheld from hardworking Coloradans every single year,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “The construction industry, which includes many Latino and immigrant workers, has disproportionately high rates of wage theft that leave workers questioning how they’re going to pay their bills. This legislation is crucial in ensuring that Coloradans get paid for the work that they do and holding contractors who do not honor commitments to pay their employees accountable.” “We rely on construction workers to build infrastructure that allows our communities to grow, like needed housing supply and transportation projects, and they deserve to get paid for their hard work,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “No one should have to fight for money they are owed. This bill honors the hard work that goes into constructing our housing and transportation projects by ensuring construction workers are paid for their labor.” HB24-1008 improves wage theft accountability by requiring general contractors to cover lost wages if a subcontractor commits wage theft and increases transparency to improve compliance. It also imposes a $2,000 fine on a subcontractor if they do not forward a written demand for payment to the general contractor. Reps. Duran and Froelich also sponsored legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally-earned wages. The law modernizes Colorado’s wage enforcement procedures by streamlining the enforcement of wage theft laws and expanding the Department of Labor and Employment’s ability to investigate wage violators. A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Construction workers are particularly at risk for wage theft due to the high rates of subcontracting and other labor market intermediaries. Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime and taking tips that were meant for the employees. The bill passed in committee by a vote of 8-3. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to improve mass transit options in Colorado. SB25-161, sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Meg Froelich, would make changes to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to expand access to transit and improve accountability and transparency. < Back May 1, 2025 Bill to Expand, Improve Transit Options Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to improve mass transit options in Colorado. SB25-161, sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Meg Froelich, would make changes to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to expand access to transit and improve accountability and transparency. “Coloradans deserve safe, affordable and reliable transportation options,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of SB25-161 and SB25-030. “Colorado’s population has dramatically grown in the past decade, especially in the Front Range, and we must take a strategic approach to build up transit that serves the needs of our communities. I’m proud to sponsor legislation to identify funding gaps, create accountability measures and expand access to low-cost transit passes to improve Colorado’s transit options.” “Transit is a key piece of the puzzle that can help Colorado meet our housing and climate goals, and reliable transit saves Coloradans money,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of SB25-161 and SB25-030. “Colorado Democrats have made major strides to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and provide quality transit systems. These bills will help ease traffic by increasing ridership, reliability, and safety on mass transit so we can get more single-occupancy vehicles off the roads and safely get Coloradans where they need to go.” SB25-161 would require RTD to develop an ambitious 10-year strategic plan to expand and improve transit in the Front Range, aligning its goals with state climate goals and enhancing partnerships with local governments. The bill would increase ridership by directing RTD to expand access to affordable EcoPasses through apartments or employers and set targets for enrollment for low-income discounted transit passes. The bill would improve transparency and accountability by creating public dashboards on its website for riders to access information on transit performance, safety, and reliability. Finally, the bill would also establish an RTD Accountability Committee with fourteen voting members and one ex-officio nonvoting member to evaluate RTD’s governance structure, local and state agency representation, and workforce retention, as well as develop recommendations. The House also passed SB25-030 to increase transportation options, making sustainable transportation more accessible, convenient, and reliable. The bill would better allow the Colorado Department of Transportation and local governments to efficiently identify gaps in transit, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure in state and regional transportation systems. SB25-030 passed by a vote of 40-23. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back April 10, 2025 Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Signed Into Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward. This law will help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.” “Colorado families like mine have experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and heartbreak because of the scourge of gun violence in this country, and it’s our job as lawmakers to support them however we can,” said Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This law clarifies the definition of a mass shooting in order to obtain every possible resource to financially and emotionally support our communities and quantify data analysis to shore up our response in the aftermath of senseless tragedies.” “It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this law is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.” SB25-059 directs the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The law also defines “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE DEMS PASS BILLS TO HELP TEACHERS & STUDENTS (Apr. 27) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that will help provide more resources for Colorado’s teachers and students. “This bill ensures that all teachers who are trained in Colorado are taught best practices through mentorship. Across the board, every department and every teacher should be taught best practices,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “As teachers, we all know what best practices are for teaching, but it’s often not shared with new, incoming teachers. Through this bill, we can have really a great education for our kids that is consistent across the board no matter which Colorado school you graduate from.” Rep. McLachlan is chair of the House Education committee and is a former school teacher. SB19-190 will create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. This bill would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs of alternative teacher programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. This bipartisan bill passed with a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved SB19-216, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, which incentivizes for local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school students. “We live in a dynamic and evolving economy. Making sure our students are well prepared for college or entering the workforce requires every student we educate to have a rich educational experience,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We need strong teachers teaching a strong curriculum in the classroom. We also need innovative learning opportunities like apprenticeships outside of the classroom. This bill gives incentives to school districts to expand opportunities for students so that every child receives a quality education.” The bill creates the high school innovative learning pilot program to support school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools in providing innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Each local education provider that is selected to participate in the pilot program can count high school students who participate in innovative learning opportunities as full-time pupils, for purposes of school finance. SB19-216 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. Previous Next

New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price < Back May 28, 2025 Signed! New Law Will Reduce Property Insurance Costs New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price LOUISVILLE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they can take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about what they can do to reduce their risk and save money. This law promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “I frequently hear from constituents that they are being denied insurance or their premiums have increased dramatically. It has always concerned me that we incentivize and encourage mitigation, but there’s no way to tie these efforts directly to insurance," said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This new law addresses that, requiring insurers to consider mitigation efforts, provide transparency to homeowners on the wildfire risk models they use, and give them the opportunity to appeal directly.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation efforts help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this law helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This new law will improve transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 , also sponsored by Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, requires insurance companies that use risk management models to assess price according to risk of wildfires and other catastrophic events to provide thorough information about how the models impact an individual’s insurance policy with policyholders and the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Insurance companies must also accurately consider mitigation efforts from policyholders when assessing risk, implement and publicize discounts and rewards programs for mitigating risk, and clear a path for policyholders to appeal their risk classification data if they believe it’s inaccurate. Insurers are required to respond to an appeal with a decision within 30 calendar days. Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES SULLIVAN, GARNETT’S LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL Bill Named in Honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Feb. 21) – Tonight, the House Judiciary committee approved the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, advocates for gun violence prevention measures, the mental health community and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “I remember testifying at the capitol in 2013 and in the years since and being hopeful that the right thing was being done,” said Rep. Sullivan. “Today, I felt that hopefulness come once again – that I was sitting in a place where we were going to do the right thing. This is our chance to do the right thing and put us on the path to saving lives and bringing safety back to our communities.” Rep. Sullivan’s son Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and then the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for a full ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during the 364-day time period. “Robust due process protections, a process for families and law enforcement to intervene to avoid the escalation of conflicts before they turn into tragedies, providing legal counsel to the respondent — our approach to the Extreme Risk Protection Order is unique and represents a Colorado solution,” said Rep. Garnett. “Together, we can save lives. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.” The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis Deputy Sheriff Parrish would have been thirty-one years old today. Last week, law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, spoke in favor of the bill at a press conference. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. It would also have been the birthday of two of the students murdered last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, California. A number of young people testified in support of this life-saving legislation. One student described her generation as the “active-shooter generation.” Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee how the language in the bill is legal under the second, fourth, and fifth amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Testimony in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Thirteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. HB19-1177 was approved on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

The House today passed bills in a preliminary vote to expand reverse mortgage protections and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. < Back April 15, 2023 Housing Protections for Victims of Natural Disasters, Local Gov Oversight on Short Term Rentals Advance DENVER, CO - The House today passed bills in a preliminary vote to expand reverse mortgage protections and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. “After the Marshall Fire, homeowners were saddled with unnecessary burdens that prevented them from putting their lives back together,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1266 . “With this bill, homeowners with reverse mortgages won’t have their loan foreclosed upon just because they lost their home in a disaster. Homeowners deserve grace after devastation due to a wildfire or flood.” “Reverse mortgages require a homeowner to live in their home in order to draw money from their equity, which is an impossible ask for people that have lost their home due to a natural disaster,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1266. “Many senior homeowners already have to take advantage of reverse mortgage income just to afford daily expenses like groceries and health care and can’t afford to build back on their own after an environmental disaster. Our bill helps vulnerable communities so they have one less burden after devastation.” Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners to borrow from the equity of their home. Under current law, reverse mortgages may become due and payable if the homeowner does not reside in the home they are borrowing money from as a principal residence, with an exception for temporary absences up to one year. HB23-1266 would create another exception to the residency requirement for homeowners when their property is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or another major incident outside the control of the homeowner. This exception would allow a homeowner who is engaged in repairing the home and plans on reoccupying, listing for sale, or selling the house to live elsewhere for up to five years. “Short term rentals are important to Colorado mountain communities like mine for tourism, but without local governments’ ability to properly regulate these properties, short-term rentals are impacting the livability of our communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “When bad actors in the short-term market create challenging situations for their neighbors, like drying up wells or overflowing septic systems, we have to do more to stick up for those who call our towns home year round. By creating pathways for our counties to collaborate with digital platforms, where short-term rentals are listed, we can increase transparency and create a housing environment that works for everyone in the community.” “Living in a rural resort community, I’ve witnessed the increased popularity of short-term rentals, and short-term rentals play an important role in our local economy,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “Our legislation allows counties to partner with digital platforms that host units, and gives counties the ability to remove a listing if the owners’ license is suspended or revoked, protecting owners, renters, and local communities from violations of local rules and regulations.” A board of county commissioners already has the authority to regulate units that are rented or used for short-term stays. HB23-1287 clarifies the definition of a short-term rental and provides counties with the authority to work with digital platforms to accurately list compliant short-term rentals. HB23-1287 gives counties the ability to require an owner of a property, or the owner’s agent, to include a rental license or permit in any listing for a short-term rental unit on a digital platform. If a county has regulations on short-term rentals, the county would be able to require a digital platform to remove any rental listing if the owner of the listing: Has their local short-term rental license or permit suspended or revoked, Has received a notice violation, or a similar legal process, for not holding a valid local short-term rental license or permit, or Is not allowed to list their unit as a short-term rental due to county rules. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 169 LAWS FROM THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION GO INTO EFFECT New laws include measures to address gun violence, protect free speech, prevent discrimination, foster affordable housing and ban legacy admissions at state universities DENVER, CO– Nearly 170 of the 502 laws passed during the 2021 legislative session go into effect today, with acts subject to petition becoming effective 90 days after the legislature adjourns. “From passing new laws to combat climate change and improve our air quality to working to prevent gun violence and lower the cost of housing, the 2021 session was one of the most productive in history,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud of the work lawmakers did last session to support their communities, revitalize our state and help Colorado build back stronger.” “I’m excited to see so much of what we accomplished last session go into effect today, and I’m especially proud of what we passed to support our Southern Colorado communities,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today, Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws are more inclusive and insurers can no longer use consumer data to discriminate. Communities across our state will start to see improved mental health services and better schools, and more Coloradans will be able to visit our state parks for less money.” The laws going into effect today require retailers to accept cash, update the state’s protections against discrimination , promote financial literacy in K-12 education, and prohibit legacy admissions. Also among the laws going into effect today are measures to combat climate change, bolster the state’s utility assistance program and mitigate natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires. All or portions of the following laws take effect today: HB21-1286 (Kipp, A. Valdez)– Energy Performance for Buildings HB21-1048 (Valdez A)– Retail Business Must Accept Cash HB21-1084 (Exum, Van Winkle)– Drivers Licenses For Foster Children HB21-1108 (Esgar)– Gender Identity Expression Anti-discrimination HB21-1116 (Holtorf, Ortiz)– Purple Heart Recipient Free State Park Access HB21-1117 (Lontine, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units HB21-1119 (Rich, Daugherty)– Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention HB21-1142 (Bacon)– Eyewitness Identification Showup Regulations HB21-1173 (Mullica)– Prohibiting Legacy Preferences in Higher Ed Insts HB21-1181 (McCormick, Will)– Agricultural Soil Health Program HB21-1200 (Kipp, Rich)– Revise Student Financial Literacy Standards HB21-1223 (McLachlan, Soper)– Create Outdoor Recreation Industry Office HB21-1238 (Bernett)– Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility Demand-side Management Standards HB21-1280 (Woodrow, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Pre-trial Detention Reform HB21-1307 (Roberts)– Prescription Insulin Pricing And Access HB21-1310 (Cutter)– Homeowners’ Association Regulation of Flags and Signs SB21-006 (Soper, Titone)– Human Remains Natural Reduction Soil SB21-011 (Mullica and Pelton)– Pharmacist Prescribe Dispense Opiate Antagonist SB21-025 (Tipper and Will)– Family Planning Service For Eligible Individuals SB21-075 (Tipper, Young)– Supported Decision-making Agreement SB21-077 (Benavidez, Kipp)– Remove Lawful Presence Verification Credentialing SB21-078 (Sullivan, Herod)– Lost or Stolen Firearms SB21-123 (McCormick)– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program SB21-154 (Cutter, Soper)– 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network SB21-185 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Supporting Educator Workforce in Colorado SB21-249 (Will, Tipper)– Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass HB21-1009 (Bernett)– Update Division of Housing Function & Local Development HB21-1010 (Ricks, Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Diverse K-12 Educator Workforce Report HB21-1012 (Mullica, Rich)– Expand Prescription Drug Monitoring Program HB21-1013 (Snyder, Van Winkle)– Division of Domestic Stock Insurer HB21-1016 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Transfer Jurisdiction To Veteran’s Speciality Court HB21-1019 (Hooton)– Modification to Regulations of Factory-built Structures HB21-1021 (Pelton, Caraveo)– Peer Support Professionals Behavioral Health HB21-1025 (Arndt)– Nonsubstantive Emails And Open Meetings Law HB21-1028 (Bird, Rich)– Annual Public Report Affordable Housing HB21-1030 (McCluskie, McKean)– Expanding Peace Officers Mental Health Grant Program HB21-1044 (Hooton, Larson)– Winery License Include Noncontiguous Areas HB21-1045 (Young, Valdez D)– Invasive Pest Control Administration HB21-1046 (Arndt, Catlin)– Water Share Right Mutual Ditch Corporation HB21-1050 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Workers Compensation HB21-1051 (Geitner, Bird)– Public Info Applicants For Public Employment HB21-1052 (McKean)– Define Pumped Hydroelectricity As Renewable Energy HB21-1056 (Pelton)– Cost Thresholds For Public Project Bidding Reqmnts HB21-1061 (Gray)– Residential Land Property Tax Certification HB21-1063 (Lontine)– Model Law Credit Extraterritorial Reinsurance HB21-1065 (Ortiz, Carver)– Veterans’ Hiring Preference HB21-1066 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– CDOT Financial Reporting Requirements HB21-1069 (Carver, Roberts)– Enforcement of Sexual Exploitation of A Child HB21-1073 (Van Beber, Michaelson Jenet)– Support Foster Families License Plate HB21-1075 (Lontine)– Replace The Term Illegal Alien HB21-1099 (Ransom, Michaelson Jenet)– Policies & Procedures To Identify Domestic Abuse HB21-1100 (Soper)– Electronic Filing Of Documents With Governmental Entities HB21-1102 (Duran, Soper)– Consumer Protection For Dog & Cat Purchasers HB21-1104 (Larson, McLachlan)– Professional Educator Licensure Renewal Period HB21-1105 (Kennedy)– Low-income Utility Payment Assistance Contributions HB21-1111 (McKean)– Consent Collection Personal Information HB21-1115 (Kipp, Mullica)– Board Of Health Member Requirements HB21-1123 (Michaelson Jenet, Larson)– CAPS Checks For Substantiated Mistreatment Of Adult HB21-1128 (Michaelson Jenet)– Hospice And Palliative Care License Plate HB21-1131 (Amabile)– Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements HB21-1137 (Weissman, Van Winkle)– Limit Notification General Assembly Regarding Adoption Of Rules HB21-1140 (Titone)– Eliminate Donor Costs For Living Organ Donations HB21-1141 (Hooton)– Electric Vehicle License Plate HB21-1145 (Kipp and Soper)– Support Pollinator Special License Plate HB21-1147 (Valdez, D and Van Winkle)– Simplify Architects Continuing Education Requirement HB21-1148 (Bockenfeld, Michaelson Jenet)– Colorado State Fair Annual Report Submission Date Change HB21-1150 (Jodeh)– Create The Colorado Office Of New Americans HB21-1151 (McLachlan, Catlin)– Indian Tribes To Certify Own Foster Homes HB21-1152 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Repeal Obsolete Capitol Dome Restoration Fund HB21-1153 (Arndt, Valdez D.)– Enter Zone Child Care Income Tax Credit HB21-1154 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Modification To Child Care Tax Credit To Address Defects HB21-1156 (Lynch, Pico)– Fix Defects Related To Severance Withholdings HB21-1157 (Arndt, Lynch)– Accurate References For Department of Revenue Tax Administration HB21-1158 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Special Fuel Farm Equipment Sales Use Tax HB21-1160 (Duran, Soper)– Care Of Dogs And Cats In Pet Animal Facilities HB21-1167 (Duran, Will)– Private Construction Contract Payments HB21-1177 (Valdez D., Lynch)– Add Use Tax Exemption to Some Sales Tax Exemption HB21-1178 (Pico and Valdez, D)– Correcting Errors in the Colorado Marijuana Code HB21-1180 (Valdez D., Will)– Measures to Increase Biomass Utilization HB21-1186 (Gray, Sullivan)– Regional Transportation District Operation HB21-1187(Young and Pelton)– Long-term Services and Support Case Management Redesign HB21-1188 (Kennedy)– Additional Liability Under Respondeat Superior HB21-1193 (Gray)– Consumer Protection Supplemental Restraint Systems HB21-1194 (Tipper, Ricks)– Immigration Legal Defense Fund HB21-1195 (Van Winkle, Michaelson Jenet)– Regulation of Radon Professionals HB21-1198 (Jodeh)– Healthcare Billing Requirements for Indigent Patients HB21-1208 (Cutter, Gray)– Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise HB21-1209 (Gonzales-Gutierrez)– Parole Eligibility for Youthful Offenders HB21-1212 (Soper)– Diversity of Governor’s Appointments to Boards HB21-1214 (Weissman, Bacon)– Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction HB21-1217 (Bockenfeld, Bacon)– Military Family Open Enrollment in Public Schools HB21-1218 (Duran, Bockenfeld)– Professional Firefighter License Plate HB21-1219 (Esgar, Mullica)– Nurse Special License Plate HB21-1222 (A.Valdez, Van Winkle)– Regulation of Family Child Care Homes HB21-1225 (Bird, Will)– Electronic Recording Technology Board HB21-1226 (Esgar, Will)– More Robust Check Station Aquatic Nuisance Species HB21-1227 (Lontine)– Medicaid Nursing Facilities Demonstration Of Need HB21-1229 (Titone, Ricks)– Home Owners’ Associations Governance Funding Record Keeping HB21-1236 (Titone, Baisley)– State Information Technology HB21-1241 (Daugherty, Lynch)– Employee-owned Business Loan Program Modifications HB21-1245 (Sullivan)– On-track Equipment Railroad Crossings HB21-1247 (Jackson, McKean)– Colorado Department Of Public Health And Environment Contract Pay To Grantees Up Front HB21-1248 (Amabile)– Colorado Children’s Trust Fund Act HB21-1249 (Roberts, Michaelson Jenet)– Repeal Gaming City Audit Requirement HB21-1267 (Lontine, Larson)– County Authority To Delegate Mill Levy Certification HB21-1274 (Titone)– Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use HB21-1275 (Lontine and Will)– Medicaid Reimbursement For Services By Pharmacists HB21-1284 (Valdez A, Van Winkle)– Limit Fee Install Active Solar Energy System HB21-1291 (Van Winkle, Exum)– Insurer Agent Branded Vehicle Title HB21-1293 (Snyder, Larson)– Banks Modify Threshold Credentialed Appraiser HB21-1300 (Weissman, Neville)– Health-care Provider Liens For Injured Persons HB21-1301 (Esgar)– Cannabis Outdoor Cultivation Measures HB21-1303 (Bernett, McLachlan)– Global Warming Potential For Public Project Material HB21-1306 (Garnett, Geitner)– Accreditation Of Postsecondary Institutions HB21-1323 (Cutter, Amabile)– Special Olympics License Plate HB21-1324 (Pelton, Roberts,)– Promote Innovative And Clean Energy Technologies SB21-004 (Esgar, Luck)– Jurisdiction Over Pueblo Chemical Depot. SB21-008 (Valdez D., Holtorf)– Remove Junior From Certain College Names SB21-009 (Caraveo)– Reproductive Health Care Program SB21-015 (Ortiz, Lynch)– Veterans Service Organization Stipend For Funeral Services SB21-017 (Larson, Bradfield)– Sexual Contact By An Educator SB21-020 (Valdez A, Soper)– Energy Equipment and Facility Property Tax Valuation SB21-021 (Young and Carver)– Audiology And Speech-language Interstate Compact SB21-022 (Snyder, McKean)– Notification Requirements For Health Care Policy And Financing Audit SB21-032 (Ortiz)– Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program SB21-035 (Bird)– Restrictions On Third-party Food Delivery Services SB21-038 (Kennedy, Van Winkle)– Expansion of Complementary And Alternative Medicine SB21-040 (Rich)– Driver’s History Profession Or Occupation Decision SB21-056 (Gray, Van Winkle)– Expand Cannabis-based Medicine At Schools SB21-063 (Hooton and Pelton)– Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Offer Insurance SB21-065 (Mullica)– Gasoline and Special Fuels Tax Information Disclosure SB21-067 (McLachlan, Carver)– Strengthening Civics Education SB21-069 (A Valdez, Ortiz)– License Plate Expiration On Change Of Ownership SB21-070 (Bird)– County Authority To Register Businesses SB21-082 (Mullica)– Alcohol Beverage Festival for Tastings and Sales SB21-084 (Gray)– Local government authority roughed-in roads. SB21-090 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act SB21-107 (Young and McLachlan)– Honoring Carrie Ann Lucas SB21-115 (Titone, Larson)– Annual Funding for Talking Book Library Services SB21-119 (Esgar, Geitner)– Increasing Access To High-Quality Credentials SB21-126 (Michaelson Jenet, Soper)– Timely Credentialing Of Physicians By Insurers SB21-129 (Ortiz)– Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program SB21-133 (Catlin, Will)– Donated Alcohol Beverages for Special Events SB21-135 (Duran, Froelich)– Prohibit Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Act. SB21-145 (Valdez D)– Extending Expiring Tax Check-offs SB21-153 (Ortiz, Tipper)– Department of Corrections Offender Identification Assistance Program SB21-155 (Amabile, Baisley)– Limited Gaming Commission Member From Gaming Area SB21-157 (Michaelson Jenet, Baisley)– Increase Cap Charter School Moral Obligation Bonds SB21-158 (Titone and Duran)– Increase Medical Providers For Senior Citizens SB21-160 (Snyder)– Modification to Local Government Election Codes SB21-162 (Snyder, Soper)– Colorado Uniform Trust Code Part 5 SB21-167 (Gray, Larson)– Regulation of Child Care Centers SB21-169 (Ricks and Esgar)– Restrict Insurers’ Use Of External Consumer Data SB21-174 (Cooke, Ginal)– Policies For Peace Officer Credibility Disclosures SB21-188 (Duran, Ortiz)– Ballot access for voters with disabilities. SB21-191 (McLachlan, McCluskie)– Residency Requirement Western Colorado University Board SB21-192 (Amabile)– Housing Mentors In Youthful Offender Facility SB21-193 (Herod)– Protection of Pregnant People in the Criminal Justice System SB21-194 (Herod)– Maternal Health Providers SB21-198 (Roberts, Bockenfeld)– Repeal Capital Construction Education Fund Report Requirement SB21-217 (McCluskie)– Market Rate Study for Child care Assistance Program SB21-246 (Valdez, Froelich)– Electric Utility Promote Beneficial Electrification SB21-253 (Carver, Michaelson Jenet)– Women Veterans With Disabilities License Plate SB21-254 (Lynch, Pico)– Eliminate Obsolete Committee Child Care Licensing SB21-255 (Titone, Herod)– Free Menstrual Hygiene Products To Students SB21-262 (Bird, McKean)– Special District Transparency SB21-269 (Michaelson Jenet, Van Beber)– Licensing Of Respite Child Care Centers SB21-270 (Valdez A, Larson)– Increase Alcohol Beverages On-premises Production SB21-284 (Herod and Ransom)– Evidence-based Evaluations For Budget Previous Next