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< Back May 28, 2020 PROTECTING OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND OUR WATER Bills advance to prevent PFAS contamination and to provide additional benefits for firefighters DENVER, CO — The House Finance Committee today passed Representative Tony Exum’s legislation to protect communities and firefighters from PFAS contamination by a vote of 11-0. The committee also passed Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder’s bill to provide health benefits for firefighters who suffer cardiac complications in response to an emergency by a vote of 10-1. “PFAS is a highly dangerous chemical that puts our firefighters and communities at risk,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “Our firefighters deserve better. This bill will help us identify all the facilities that use PFAS substances and ensure that they are tested, collected and disposed of properly.” Training and testing with AFFF fire fighting foam is one of the leading causes of PFAS contamination and exposure. HB20-1119 sets out clear guidelines for when AFFF fire fighting foam (PFAS-based firefighting foam) can be tested, requiring that all AFFF foam be collected and properly disposed of after testing so that it doesn’t enter drinking water sources. The bill also requires the state to certify and register every facility that possesses PFAS fire fighting substances and to create standards for the disposal and capture of these substances when they are used so that they do not contaminate groundwater. SB20-057 would protect wildland firefighters by providing benefits to them for circulatory malfunctions in connection with a stressful or strenuous activity that took place while responding to an emergency as well as provide benefits for certain kinds of cancers. Currently, only some employers are required to provide insurance benefits to firefighters who suffer from heart conditions that are directly related to the strenuous activities of their job. This bill expands benefits to employees of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control who respond to wildfires in our state. “Firefighters deserve our support, and this bill is one way to show that we care about their health and safety as much as they care about ours,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County . “Suffering through a cardiac emergency or cancer is already an ordeal that nobody should have to go through, and with this bill, we hope to provide some relief and critical health benefits to our heroes who get sick while serving our communities.” “We have an obligation to care for those who have protected us,” said Rep. Snyder, D-Manitou Springs . “I’m pleased to see this bill move forward to provide the health benefits our firefighters have earned.” Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 PASSED! NATURAL DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will that would create the Community Behavioral Health DIsaster Preparedness and Response Program to ensure mental health services are a component of the state’s natural disaster response planning. The vote was 43-20. “As the realities of climate change have worsened, Colorado has had to respond to too many devastating tragedies – wildfires, floods, droughts and mass shootings – that have left our communities reeling and our neighbors in need of immediate physical and mental health care,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “By incorporating behavioral health into our state’s disaster response and preparedness plans, we can offer more of the services Coloradans impacted by disasters need during some of their most difficult moments. Connecting people with the services they need in the aftermath of a disaster can ensure that they have support in the long run to rebuild and recover.” HB21-1281 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, creates the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The program is intended to enhance, support, and formalize behavioral health disaster preparedness and response activities of community behavioral health organizations. Disaster behavioral health response differs from traditional psychotherapeutic interventions. The goal is to support normal behavioral functions and decrease stress, which allows for more normal brain activities, such as decision-making, problem solving, and cognitive processing. The intent of disaster response is to promote individual, family, and community resilience and it helps affected individuals return to a pre-disaster level of activity as quickly as possible. Disaster response methods include triage, basic support, psychological first aid, and making appropriate professional referrals in the community. Community mental health centers are already operating a number of programs that would fall within the scope of this fund, especially as they relate to COVID-19, but funding for these programs is fragmented and much of the federal funding is expected to discontinue. The bill would provide funding to community behavioral health organizations for the disaster response services they provide. Previous Next

Four bills improve judicial processes in abuse and domestic violence cases < Back May 25, 2023 SIGNED! Victim Protections in Assault, Domestic Violence Cases Becomes Law Four bills improve judicial processes in abuse and domestic violence cases DENVER, CO - Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed four bills into law to improve victim protections in the justice system. HB23-1107 provides funding to services and programs that support crime survivors, including survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. HB23-1222 improves court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. HB23-1108 better equips the judicial system and judicial personnel with the tools needed to understand the complex issues faced by victims of crimes like sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. “I know firsthand how crucial it is to improve protections for survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and with these bills becoming law today, Colorado is making huge strides toward a safer environment for survivors while they navigate the judicial system ,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB23-1107, HB23-1108, and HB23-1222 . “With these new laws, we’re boosting funding for victim services, improving training for judicial personnel that work on crime victim cases, and improving victim protections in municipal court proceedings. Passing these laws has been one of my top priorities as a legislator, and I’m proud that Colorado will better support victims of crime.” HB23-1107 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, and Senators Bob Gardner and Faith Winter, designates $3 million to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program inside the Department of Human Services. This program directly funds community-based domestic violence and sexual assault programs statewide. These programs provide critical services for victims and survivors of crime including shelter, counseling, safety planning, and support for medical appointments. “I’m proud to be a part of multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and outcomes for survivors of intimate violence,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “These bills help ensure that survivors are safe during their court proceedings, and have community-based support systems to help them get back on their feet. Today’s signing signals our commitment to furthering support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Colorado.” In many Front Range cities, domestic violence cases can be heard by municipal courts, which handle these cases as lower level offenses, unlike county courts. HB23-1222 , sponsored by Majority Leader Duran, Representative Mike Weissman, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Faith Winter creates new requirements for municipal courts for domestic violence cases so these cases are treated as seriously as they are in county court. The law ensures provisions of the Victims’ Rights Act are applied in municipal courts, instructs judges to check a defendant for prior charges before issuing a verdict, and ensures all cases in municipal courts have the same resources and safety precautions available that they would in a county court, among other requirements. “This bill will improve how domestic violence cases are handled in municipal court to guarantee Victim Rights Amendment protections apply as they do in county courts," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1222. “Our new law requires municipal courts to provide the same protections and apply equivalent sentencing requirements as county courts so all Coloradans can expect equal treatment under the law.” “Since the pandemic, domestic violence cases have surged across the United States, including here in Colorado,” Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, said. “Previously, county and municipal courts weren’t held to the same procedural standards for domestic violence cases, which allowed perpetrators and survivors to fall through the cracks. This new law will improve the way municipal courts handle domestic violence cases – ensuring survivors are given the protections they deserve while creating a safer state for all Coloradans.” HB23-1108 , sponsored by Majority Leader Duran, Representative Gabe Evans, and Senators Chris Hansen and Bob Gardner, creates a task force in the Office for Victims Programs to examine current victim and survivor awareness and responsiveness trainings for judicial personnel. The task force will report their findings and make recommendations on how to improve trainings for judicial personnel to better serve victims and survivors of crimes including sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence. “For victims and survivors of crime, seeking accountability through the justice system can be difficult and retraumatizing,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This legislation gives judges and other judicial personnel the tools needed to approach domestic violence and sexual assault cases with care and a deeper understanding of those crimes. As the bill moved through the legislative process, we were also able to secure new supports for Colorado families by establishing a working group of experts that will make recommendations on how to best improve judicial trainings and programs for folks working on family cases. I’m proud to see this critical policy signed into law which will lead to better, safer outcomes for Coloradans seeking justice.” Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera also signed HB23-1178 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Senator Faith Winter, into law. The bill improves protections for Colorado children by adopting a federal law that requires judges and court personnel to receive training about child abuse, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence, in addition to considering certain evidence when determining custody decisions. The bill directs the task force created in HB23-1108 to study the federal training requirements in Kayden’s Law for a judge or magistrate who presides over family law cases and study current judicial training that is exercised successfully across the country. The bill also requires certain court personnel to complete ongoing trainings regarding domestic violence and child abuse issues. “When judicial personnel do not take child abuse and child sexual abuse allegations seriously, abusers gain custody of their children,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1178. “We are sending a message that in Colorado we intend to keep children safe from family violence, and are proud to be the first state to enact a state version of Kayden’s Law. To avoid the tragic consequences we have seen in Colorado and across the country, all judicial personnel, including judges, need to be trained to recognize domestic violence, child abuse and child sex abuse.” Congress passed Kayden’s Law in March 2022 after a seven-year-old girl was killed by her father after a judge awarded partial, unsupervised custody despite a lengthy history of violence and a pending restraining order from the mother. This federal law offers financial incentives to states to adopt child safety legislation including testimony requirements and evidence-based training requirements for judicial personnel. Local concern over child custody laws arose in 2022 when a Colorado family court custody evaluator was suspended after he was quoted questioning the legitimacy of 90% of the child abuse allegations he evaluated. Previous Next

SB23-190 would prohibit deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, including the so-called “medication abortion reversal” < Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Prohibit Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers, Protect Patients SB23-190 would prohibit deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, including the so-called “medication abortion reversal” DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to protect those seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs). Part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package, SB23-190 cracks down on AACs, also known as crisis pregnancy centers, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to mislead patients seeking abortion care. “Patients seeking reproductive health care are often misled or outright lied to by anti-abortion clinics – our bill puts an end to those deceptive practices,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Every patient deserves access to real, accurate medical information so they can make informed decisions about their own reproductive health care. AACs purposely blur the line between health care and misinformation, making it difficult for patients to know if the care they’re receiving is based on fact and science or fueled by the anti-abortion movement. Our bill cracks down on these misleading practices to ensure Coloradans are able to make informed decisions about their own care.” “In Colorado, we’ve made important progress in protecting reproductive health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Abortion is legal, but legality doesn’t mean accessibility and anti-abortion centers impede access to care, especially for our most marginalized communities. Our legislation helps make sure patients receive accurate, honest information about what is being offered at anti-abortion centers and what is not. Taking these steps to protect patients from the misinformation that some AACs spread will help Coloradans' make informed medical decisions about their reproductive health care.” Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers: SB23-190 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 5. This bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or for referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies it is unprofessional for a health care professional to provide or administer a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and explains that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care. Earlier this legislative session, Colorado Democrats on the House Health and Insurance Committee defeated HB23-1150 which would have required physicians and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to spread and maintain information about the so-called “medication abortion reversal”. In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20 and Custer, Fremont, Las Animas, Otero and Rio Blanco counties have AACs but no state or federally funded birth-control options. AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services, such as ultrasounds and counseling, to low-income communities. Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. < Back January 31, 2024 Lieder’s Bipartisan Bill to Boost Public Safety, Recognize 911 Operators as First Responders Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. HB24-1016, sponsored by Representative Sheila Lieder, passed committee unanimously. “911 professionals are a lifeline in the public safety system and work to provide critical resources to those in crisis,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This important legislation would reclassify 911 operators as first responders to recognize their dedication and service to Coloradans. 911 operators are the first ones to connect with a person in crisis, and this bill recognizes their above-and-beyond efforts to streamline public safety in communities across the state.” HB24-1016 , also sponsored by Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would define emergency communications specialists as first responders. Specifically, this would include emergency communications specialists who receive, triage, process, transmit or dispatch emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for public safety services. This also includes those emergency communications specialists who provide resources to field responders or emergency medical dispatch. Previous Next

Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. < Back December 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Fenberg, McCluskie Make Appointments to the Commission on Property Tax DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. The Commission on Property Tax, created through HB23B-1003 , will bring leaders from across the state together to identify long-term property tax solutions. “Property tax spikes have hit Colorado homeowners hard, especially economically vulnerable folks like seniors and those on fixed incomes,” President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That's why we created this important, bipartisan Commission, and I know my appointments will work hard to find long-term, comprehensive solutions to address property taxes in Colorado. I am excited about the possibilities this opportunity presents, and will be closely watching to ensure we find a responsible, long-term solution that will keep Colorado affordable for years to come." “To establish long-term property tax solutions, we need to bring all voices to the table so we can lay the groundwork for our ultimate goal of making Colorado more affordable for everyone,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The appointments I made to the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax bring a wealth of knowledge to this policy space and are well-aligned with the different needs of Coloradans living around the state, including in our mountain towns and low-income communities. Addressing the rising cost of living is a top priority for Colorado Democrats and this commission is an important step toward making it easier to not only live in our beautiful state, but thrive.” President Fenberg’s Appointments: Senator Chris Hansen Commissioner Andy Kerr Kevin Vick Speaker McCluskie’s Appointments: Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue Jonathan Cappelli The Commission on Property Tax was created through HB23B-1003 and will outline plans for long and short-term property tax relief and to evaluate property tax ballot initiatives filings for the 2024 election. The bipartisan Commission includes legislators, county commissioners from across the state, a property tax administrator and different local government, business, and community leaders representing constituencies impacted by property tax revenue. The goal of the Commission on Property Tax is to map out potential long-term solutions to property taxes that have been rising since Coloradans voted to repeal the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. Under HB23B-1003, the Commission will convene by the week of December 18, 2023, and deliver an initial report to the General Assembly and Governor by March 15, 2024. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. < Back April 20, 2024 Gig Worker Protections Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This legislation would improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. Our bill will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” HB24-1129 aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. When a consumer is prompted to leave a tip for a delivery driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis, DNCs would be required to disclose the amount of money that the consumer paid or will pay for the transaction and how much the driver received or will receive for the transaction. It would also require the DNC to pay the entire tip to the driver. Before a driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis accepts a delivery task, DNCs would be required to disclose to the driver: An estimated or actual amount the driver will earn for the task, including the tip or reimbursement amounts, The number of transactions involved in the task, The address(es) of the food, beverages, or other goods must be picked up from, The direction from where the driver is required to pick up the goods and the location where goods must be delivered, The estimated or actual time it will take for the driver to complete the task, and The estimated or actual distance the driver will travel for the task. If a driver is paid for a block of time for multiple deliveries, DNCs would be required to disclose the following before the driver accepts a task: The minimum amount the DNC will pay the driver for completing deliveries during the specific block of time, The direction from where the driver is located and where the driver must pick up and deliver the products, The estimated or actual distance required to travel to complete the deliveries, Clear information on which products need to be delivered within specific time windows, and The number of items required to be delivered. The bill would also require DNCs to share data with the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics about driver payments and deactivations, delivery tasks, and other information that will be made publicly available. The bill also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. A 2022 report about Denver gig workers found that most gig workers earn $5.49 per hour after expenses. Denver’s 2022 minimum wage was $15.87. The report also found that DoorDash drivers only made $1.23 per hour, and none of the surveyed platforms had hourly wages that surpassed $9. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to prevent Colorado homeowners from being underinsured in the event of property loss. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. < Back March 9, 2023 Consumer Protections from Homeowner Underinsurance Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to prevent Colorado homeowners from being underinsured in the event of property loss. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Coloradans shouldn’t be blindsided by the reality of their home insurance coverage after they’ve suffered devastating property loss,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Our communities have experienced catastrophic wildfire damage in recent years, displacing thousands of people from their homes and saddling them with the responsibility of recovering with minimal financial assistance from their home insurance company. This bill prevents Coloradans from being under insured and allows them to choose a coverage option that provides them peace of mind.” “Coloradans are being driven out of the community they know and love because they lost their home in a wildfire and can’t afford to rebuild,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “Many Coloradans believed they had enough home insurance coverage, but more than half of homeowners who lost their home in the Marshall fire didn’t have enough to rebuild. This bill helps our neighbors stay in their community and rebuild their life after devastation.” HB23-1174 would require home insurance companies to offer a variety of coverages to protect them, covering the cost of repair or replacement for a damaged or destroyed structure. If a homeowner wants additional coverage, the insurer must offer coverage for extended replacement, law and ordinance, and inflation protection. It would also extend the length of time in which an insurer would have to notify a homeowner of a cancellation or refusal to renew a homeowner’s policy from 30 days to 60 days. The Division of Insurance would contract with an independent third party to put together an annual report detailing reconstruction costs in every region of the state. Representative Judy Amabile passed similar legislation in the 2022 Legislative Session in response to the Marshall Fire that destroyed over 1,000 homes in Boulder County. The bill ensured that homeowners received fair compensation for the loss of their property and streamlined the insurance claims process for underinsured disaster victims. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 ALL ABOARD! FRONT RANGE RAIL FRAMEWORK LEAVES THE STATION House passes bill to establish the framework for the development of Front Range Rail DENVER, CO– The House today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Rep. Matt Gray’s bill to lay the groundwork for the development of a passenger rail to connect Colorado from our Northern to our Southern borders. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “This bill ensures that Colorado has a framework in place to take advantage of federal transportation funds efficiently and effectively,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Developing a passenger rail system from our Northern to our Southern border will keep Colorado connected and improve our state’s economy for years to come. I’m proud that the House voted to set in motion a project that has been a Southern Colorado priority for years.” “Colorado is in dire need of more and better transportation options to keep our state competitive and connected,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Front Range Rail has the potential to revitalize economies across the front range, improve congestion on our state’s highways and lower our state’s emissions. The bill we passed today gets us one step closer to making this vision a reality.” SB21-238 would create the Front Range Passenger Rail District and tasks it with conducting the necessary research, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the Front Range Rail system, which would connect Coloradans living and working along the I-25 corridor. The bill outlines funding options, and authorizes the District to pursue a sales and use tax that would be subject to voter approval. The District would be overseen by a board of directors that would be instructed to work closely with RTD and Amtrak to ensure the passenger rail and transit systems are compatible and work well for travelers. The bill ensures Colorado will be in position to benefit from the federal government’s proposed investment in railroad development. Previous Next

The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced five bills to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. < Back November 1, 2023 Wildfire Matters Review Committee Advances Bills to Better Prepare Colorado for Wildfires DENVER, CO - The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced five bills to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Bill 1 , sponsored by Vice Chair Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, Chair Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, directs Colorado State University (CSU) to study the use of biochar in wildfire mitigation efforts. The study would evaluate beneficial uses for biochar, its impacts on forest health and best practices in creating it, with a report due on its findings by July 1, 2026. “Coloradans are counting on us to help reduce wildfire-risk in their backyard, and these bills put us on a path forward to improving statewide mitigation efforts and education,” said Chair Velasco, sponsor of Bills 1, 2, 5 and 9. “Colorado rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage and are especially vulnerable to high workforce shortages and a lack of resources needed to prevent and combat wildfires. Today, we passed five bills to support communities in boosting their wildfire mitigation efforts, creating emergency preparedness plans, and increasing awareness surrounding residential mitigation efforts.” “I represent many communities on the wildland-urban interface, and they are at an increased risk of wildfires as we continue to feel the impacts of climate change,” Vice Chair Cutter said, sponsor of all five bills. “I'm excited about the bills we advanced today, which will look at innovative ways to remove and utilize biomass, help homeowners with costly slash and debris removal, protect pets, help rural communities apply for grants and raise community awareness about what actions people can take to mitigate their risk. As Vice Chair and longtime member of the Wildfire Matters interim committee, I'm always thrilled to work with stakeholders and colleagues to forward policy to help protect our forests and our communities.” Bill 2 , sponsored by Reps. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Velasco, and Sens. Cutter and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would encourage agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during an emergency, and also include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. “Preventing destructive wildfires and protecting our communities begins with good mitigation methods and resources at the local level,” said Snyder, sponsor of Bills 2, 5 and 6. “The bills we advanced today would establish programs to aid local governments with wildfire mitigation, better connect rural communities with grant money to close the gap in their wildfire mitigation and response efforts, and encourage cities and counties to provide pet-friendly emergency shelters and emergency resources. Wildfires are a very serious risk in our state, and these policies will save lives, prevent devastating damage, and protect Coloradans from wildfire threats.” “I saw first hand as the Senator for Louisville during the Marshall Fire, how important responding to the threat of wildfires really is, which is why I am sponsoring two bills to help Colorado families and communities be better prepared,” said Jaquez Lewis, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “These bills will provide resources to help folks make plans to ensure that everyone in their families, including their pets, are safe during an emergency, and will improve the aftermath for victims in the cleanup process. I promised I would be there for my community then, and I will continue to work to reduce the risks from wildfires." Sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Snyder, and Sens. Cutter and Will, Bill 5 aims to help rural communities obtain wildfire-related grants. The bill requires that the Rural Opportunity Office provide assistance to rural communities to identify and apply for state and federal grants related to wildfire mitigation, prevention, response, and risk-management efforts. Additionally, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade would maintain a list of government grant programs on its website to further ease the process. The committee also approved Bill 9 , sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Sen. Cutter. The bill would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan living in the foothills and forested areas to know how they can protect their homes,” said Story, sponsor of Bill 9. “Living in the wildland-urban interface means we need to take extra precautions to protect our personal property and our neighbors. This includes reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes and keeping gutters clean. This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies that will keep our beloved communities safer in the wake of a wildfire event. The bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these science-based strategies, which are our strongest barrier against wildfires.” Bill 6 , sponsored by Sens. Cutter and Jaquez Lewis, and Reps. Snyder and Dickson, would create two programs to support local governments in wildfire risk mitigation. The first program would support county efforts to remove slash, which is a residue created by wildfire mitigation efforts. If passed, the Department of Natural Resources would select counties to participate in the program, and provide information and resources to facilitate slash removal. The second program would help local governments with post-disaster debris removal for residences. Under this bill, the Department of Public Safety would be in charge of providing guidance to local governments to facilitate debris removal. “We’re dedicated to keeping Coloradans safe from the risk of wildfire, and today we advanced bills that will do just that,” said Dickson, sponsor of Bills 1 and 6. “Our bills will help prevent wildfires by keeping our forests healthy and delivering data on the use of biochar to sustainably protect our communities. We'll also help local governments to deal with the aftermath of wildfires, including streamlining cleanup and coordinating federal disaster assistance. I am so pleased these evidence-focused policies will move forward to keep our communities and our forests safe.” The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

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

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back April 17, 2024 House Advances Vigil, Woodrow Bill to Reduce the Cost of Housing Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. "Parking lots may look inexpensive to build and maintain, but requiring a minimum number of parking spots per housing development can add hundreds of dollars to housing costs and a tenant’s rental rate," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Parking minimums prioritize asphalt over community, spreading people away from their place of employment, worship, and recreation. Our bill shifts our focus back to the needs of our community by using available land in a strategic way so we can build more housing, create alternative transportation options, and make it easier for small business owners to be successful.” “From housing to businesses, the financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can cost tens of thousands of dollars and reduces the number of units that we can build, which reduces supply and drives up costs. This bill, in addition to the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats are passing this year, will help alleviate the impacts of the housing crisis.” Beginning June 30, 2025, HB24-1304 would prohibit counties or municipalities from establishing or enforcing minimum parking requirements within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Energy Office to collaborate in order to develop and publish best practices and technical assistance materials to aid local governments in optimizing parking supply and managing parking. The materials must include strategies for developers to manage the supply and price of parking based on location and land use characteristics. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. With new structured parking spaces costing $25,000 each in the Denver Metro Area in 2020, developers are disincentivized from building new residential projects or must reduce the number of units that are developed as a direct result of strict parking minimums. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased 1 percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly 5 percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Denver and the Northern Front Range as having unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, which can lead to negative health impacts like asthma and bronchitis, especially for vulnerable Coloradans. Additionally, replacing wildlife habitats to build massive surface lots for parking harms the environment by increasing soil and water pollution, flooding, and the heat island effect. The bill does not impact parking spaces required for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previous Next