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< Back March 10, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES: HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS MUST DISCLOSE CONVICTIONS OR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT The House Committee on Health and Insurance today unanimously passed Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Brianna Titone’s bill to require specified health care providers to disclose when they are convicted or professionally disciplined for a sex offense after the effective date of this bill. “Patients deserve the right to be informed of their health care providers’ backgrounds– especially in allegations as serious as sexual misconduct,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thorton . “As a pediatrician, I know first hand how important it is to build strong patient-doctor relationships based on trust. These disclosures will ensure that patients have all of the information they need to make their own decisions.” “Patients need to have as much information as possible when deciding who they are trusting to take care of them,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada . “We as patients need to know if a health care provider who we trust to take care of us and our wellbeing, has taken advantage of that trust.” SB20-102 would require that, for sexual misconduct occurring after the effective date of this bill, certain health care providers would have to disclose to patients, in writing, sexual misconduct resulting in a conviction for a sex offense or a plea agreement. Providers would also have to disclose findings by a regulator that the provider engaged in sexual misconduct that was determined to be grounds for final agency action. Patients would then have to sign an agreement to receive care from the health care provider. If convicted of a sex offense or entering a plea agreement to a sex offense, health care providers must disclose the date of the conviction or acceptance of the plea agreement, the penalties that were imposed and the jurisdiction of the conviction or plea agreement. Similarly, if a health care provider was subject to a final agency action for sexual misconduct, the provider must disclose the offense that took place, the type of professional disciplinary action that resulted from the offense, the date that the disciplinary action was issued and the contact information of the regulator who imposed the disciplinary actions. The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate by a vote of 33-0 and by the House Committee on Health and Insurance 9-0. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES VALDEZ’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 15) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed on the House floor today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. The bipartisan bill unanimously passed 63-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. ATTACHED: Headshot of Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 BIPARTISAN AGRICULTURE STIMULUS BILLS ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support the agriculture industry, invest in sustainability and drought resiliency that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed unanimously. “Colorado’s agriculture industry is what has allowed our state to grow and prosper, but the industry needs our help to continue to be a major economic driver,” said Committee Chair Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-248 and SB21-235 . “The Agriculture Future Loan Program will provide new and existing agriculture operations with crucial funding that will help create jobs and provide a boost to this critical industry. At the same time, by investing in the ACRE3 program, we’re investing in the long-term sustainability of the industry by encouraging more energy efficient agriculture operations to ensure that Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can continue to contribute so much to our state.” SB21-248 , also sponsored by Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would create the Colorado Agriculture Future Loan Program and direct $30 million of state stimulus funds into it. The Program is designed to provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers and farm-to-market infrastructure loans and grants for businesses. Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado, and this program is intended to ensure that the industry has a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Supporting our agriculture industry and protecting the environment are not at odds – this bill is proof that we can do both at the same time,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-235. “Investing in the ACRE3 program will help Colorado’s agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency and cutting costs. In fact solar panels and crops have a symbiotic relationship that means more efficient panels, better crop yields, and increased water retention. I’m proud of the work we did today to ensure Colorado’s agricultural comeback is sustainable.” SB21-235 , sponsored by Ag Committee Chair Karen McCormick and Representative Tracey Bernett, allocates $5 million to the Department of Agriculture, with at least $3 million going to the ACRE3 energy efficiency program and at least $2 million going to conservation districts to implement voluntary soil health programs. ACRE3 is Colorado’s premier state-level program for agricultural energy management and provides financial aid, technical assistance, and education to help the agriculture industry cut energy costs and develop their own energy resources. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Every single county in Colorado experienced drought last year, and we need to be doing more to ensure our state is prepared to anticipate and respond,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of SB21-234. “As climate change worsens, the effects of drought on our agriculture industry will only become more and more severe, and we have to make sure we’re providing this critical industry with the support it needs.” SB21-234 , sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, provides $3 million to the Department of Agriculture to ensure the state is better prepared to anticipate, mitigate, or respond to droughts. Colorado’s drought was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a severe economic toll on the agriculture industry. This bill will help the state plan for and mitigate future droughts and climate disturbances. SB21-234 passed through the Senate with unanimous support. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. The House Finance committee also passed SB21-229 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, which invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY New state agency would increase access to apprenticeship programs in Colorado DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would create a state apprenticeship agency to oversee, promote and ensure the quality of apprenticeship programs in Colorado. “Making sure workers have the tools and skills they need to get back to work will help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Apprenticeship programs are a proven way to help train our workforce and fill positions in growing industries. By creating a state apprenticeship agency, we can help more Coloradans access quality programs, expand their careers, and get back to work.” “This bill will create good paying jobs and help Coloradans get back to work by creating a state apprenticeship agency,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Coloradans across our state would jump at the chance to enter a quality apprenticeship program. These critical training opportunities lead to good jobs and careers, and by creating this agency, we can expand these programs to new and growing industries.” HB21-1007 , sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and David Ortiz, would establish a state apprenticeship agency. The agency will collaborate with the US Department of Labor to register and oversee apprenticeship programs at the state level, determine standards for apprenticeship programs, and ensure these standards are being met. It will work to promote apprenticeship programs so that more Coloradans can access these critical training opportunities, which to-date have jump-started the careers of nearly 2 million Americans in the last decade. Because Colorado does not have a state apprenticeship agency, apprenticeship programs are currently registered with the US Department of Labor. This new state agency would work with businesses and organizations offering apprenticeship programs to provide technical assistance to help them create and meet standards and provide more flexibility to ensure apprentices are learning the skills they need to advance in their trade. Twenty-five other states have state apprenticeship councils. Previous Next

< Back October 30, 2019 PRISON POPULATION MANAGEMENT INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSALS TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON PRIVATE PRISONS AND REFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM DENVER, CO — Today the Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee advanced three legislative proposals to reduce Colorado’s dependence on private prisons and lay the groundwork for criminal justice reforms to come. This is the first step in the process for the legislature to review these proposals during the next session. “I’m fully committed to moving away from Colorado’s dependence on private prisons and lowering our state’s incarceration rate in a way that improves public safety and decreases recidivism,” said Prison Population Committee Chair Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “The legislation we passed over the last few years has slowed the tide of incarceration in Colorado. Now, we’re focusing on transitioning away from private prisons and on finding ways to reintegrate incarcerated people in a safe and effective way. These bills can provide a roadmap towards a more effective and humane criminal justice system, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders on these proposals.” “Our committee today advanced important proposals to reform the way young adults are treated in the correctional system and reduce the use of private prisons in Colorado,” s aid committee member Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver). “These bills are an important first step towards making change and providing a national example for criminal justice reform. I look forward to working with stakeholders including District Attorneys, Victim’s Rights Groups, Public Defenders, and others involved in this process to make sure the legislation is airtight in ensuring justice is carried out. We have a great deal of work left to do, but I remain optimistic and am very pleased with our committee’s progress.” 1. Young Adult Criminal Justice Reforms. The committee advanced a bill that creates a process for adults between the ages of 18 and 25 to petition to have certain types of felony criminal cases transferred to juvenile court. Research shows that young adults’ brains do not mature fully until after the age of 25. The bill proposes a new sentencing grid for felonies committed between the ages of 18 and 25; would create broadened probation guidelines for nonviolent, first-time felony offenders and would create a process for courts to consider vacating a felony and entering a misdemeanor conviction for these types of offenses. The bill would better align the state’s criminal justice system with what researchers are reporting on brain development in young adults. Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sen. Gonzales, Sen. Rodriguez 2. Prison Population Reduction and Management. The committee also advanced an important piece of legislation to transition Colorado away from the use of private prisons. If enacted, the Department of Corrections (DOC) may use the Centennial Correctional Facility (CSP II) to house close custody inmates, but for each state inmate housed at CSP II, one inmate must be removed from one of the three private prisons used by the state to house inmates until CSP II reaches full capacity. The bill would also create efficiencies in the Parole Board’s review measures when the prison vacancy rate falls below 3 percent for 30 consecutive days. Importantly, the bill would also require a DOC study on ending the use of private prisons in Colorado by 2025. Sponsors: Rep. Herod, Sen. Gonzales 3. Criminal Justice System Operational Processes Study. Finally, the committee approved a bill that would require the DOC to take a deep look into how individuals proceed through the stages of the criminal justice system. It lays out parameters for the DOC study and sets a strict time period for the study to be completed. This would allow the state to identify roadblocks in the system to improve efficiency. The study would also make recommendations on best practices found both in Colorado and in other states for creating more efficient operational and technological systems and procedures for use in the criminal justice system. Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sen. Gonzales, Sen. Rodriguez Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would stabilize Colorado’s homeowner insurance market to create more affordable property insurance options. < Back April 22, 2025 House Advances Bill to Make Property Insurance More Affordable DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would stabilize Colorado’s homeowner insurance market to create more affordable property insurance options. “Finding insurance has been increasingly difficult for Colorado property owners, especially on the Western Slope, and this legislation would stabilize the insurance market to create more affordable coverage,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From catastrophic wildfires to hail storms that cause billions of dollars of damage in minutes, extreme weather events can upend entire communities. This legislation would create more competition in the insurance market to drive down costs and save Coloradans money on their property insurance." “Colorado is one of the least affordable states for homeowners insurance, which is why we’re bringing this bill to make insurance more accessible and affordable for Colorado homeowners,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “After the Marshall Fire devastated my community, many Coloradans found it difficult to find affordable home insurance. Through this legislation, we’re helping Colorado homeowners protect their properties from damage and expanding insurance coverage options that work for hardworking Coloradans.” HB25-1302 would stabilize the insurance market by transferring a portion of catastrophic wildfire insurance risk to the Wildfire Catastrophe Reinsurance Enterprise, reducing volatility in the insurance market that drives up costs. The enterprise would also provide reinsurance payments to eligible insurers to mitigate their risk and losses in the event of a wildfire disaster. Colorado’s insurance market is statewide, however, competition is lagging. To boost competition and drive down costs, this bill would require insurance companies benefiting from the reinsurance program to provide coverage to homeowners living in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill would provide grants to homeowners to help them protect their properties from hail damage by installing fortified roofs, which are better able to withstand hailstorms than traditional roofs. Speaker McCluskie passed a 2023 law creating the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association to ensure Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones or otherwise subject to high-risk factors can receive homeowners or commercial property insurance. Previous Next

< Back October 30, 2022 Speaker Garnett and Majority Leader Esgar Statements on Passing of Minority Leader McKean DENVER, CO – House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today released the following statements on the passing of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. Statement from Speaker Garnett: Emily and I are shocked and heartbroken by the passing of Minority Leader Hugh McKean. We will miss his kindness, the joy that he brought to the capitol every day, and the care that he showed every person he ever met. Hugh was the very definition of a statesman– a genuinely nice guy who always wanted the best for our state and his constituents. His integrity and the deep respect with which he treated every member of the House were a model for every lawmaker he worked with. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Democratic Caucus are with Leader McKean’s family and loved ones. Statement from Majority Leader Esgar: Heather and I join our entire caucus and every Coloradan in mourning the sudden passing of my friend and colleague Leader McKean. Hugh worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents and cared deeply about our state and our future. In our roles as Majority and Minority Leader, we worked closely together every day, with a shared commitment to doing the people’s work. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the House Republican Caucus. ### Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2021 BILL TO REDUCE WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS, MAKE SHOWUPS MORE FAIR CLEARS HOUSE DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1142, legislation sponsored by Representative Bacon that would ensure fairness in police showups and reduce wrongful convictions based on unreliable identifications. “When most people hear about a showup, they think of Law and Order or other police shows, but in reality, these practices are often abused in unfair ways that lead to convictions based on unreliable identifications of people who did not commit a crime,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Charles Battle spent six months trying to clear his name for a crime he did not commit. We cannot allow bias in eyewitness identifications and unreliable showup practices to ruin people’s lives. There have been too many times where law enforcement has unfairly influenced the outcome of the process by engaging in tactics like dressing suspects in the specific clothes described by a witness or even asking the individual in custody to speak a certain way.” A showup is a tactic used by law enforcement to identify a suspect. An eyewitness is asked if the lone individual in police custody is the person they saw commit the crime. It is not the same as a lineup where an eyewitness chooses a suspect from a group of individuals. The Battle family has worked closely with the Denver Police Department to help develop new procedures for showups. The bill was developed in close collaboration with police chiefs and community leaders and passed on a bipartisan vote of 45-17. It requires law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies and procedures aligning their use of show-ups with research-based best practices. This includes explaining the parameters of the protocol to the eyewitness, not making suggestive comments, separating eyewitnesses from one another if there are multiple, and obtaining the services of an interpreter when appropriate. HB21-1142 also directs law enforcement to collect specific information on each showup, including the date and location, the individual’s gender and race, and whether the technique leads to an identification. It would also prohibit courts from admitting evidence from a showup unless the court finds the showup was conducted according to Colorado law. Previous Next

Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. < Back January 17, 2025 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate Federal Investment to Secure Shoshone Water Rights DENVER, CO – Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Water Rights provide an invaluable freshwater resource for Western Slope residents, agriculture, tourism, local economies and the Colorado Way of Life. “Today is an exciting day for Colorado’s water future!,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From agriculture and outdoor recreation to protecting natural habitats and supporting local economies — securing our water future is essential. Last year, we stepped up to allocate $20 million to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure the flow of fresh water in the high country. I’m grateful for the collaboration of local leaders and governments, including the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, Governor Polis and our federal delegation, that helped secure critical funding. This is a historic opportunity to protect Colorado River water, and I applaud the Biden Administration for delivering the final piece of the funding needed for this deal.” “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights is absolutely critical for the future of water security on the Western Slope and for the entire state, and today’s announcement of a $40 million federal investment that will close the financial gap to secure the right is monumental win for Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Last year, the state legislature made a bipartisan $20 million investment in this effort, and our local partners have offered over $56 million. I want to extend my gratitude to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and the Biden administration for their advocacy to get us across the finish line.” "Permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights is a multi-generational investment in our farms and ranches, and our thriving rural economies,” said Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “Today's announcement builds upon decades of work by our predecessors to protect the river as we have known it for more than a century." “One key piece to protecting Colorado’s water future has been the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights and today, the federal government announced they’ll invest $40 million to seal the deal,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Securing one of Colorado’s oldest water rights protects the Colorado way of life on the Western Slope. The Colorado River powers local economies, preserves natural habitats and supports tourism. As a lawmaker from the Western Slope, I’m committed to preserving our freshwater resources that keep our communities powered and thriving.” “The federal government’s investment to secure the Shoshone Water Rights is a huge win for Colorado water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Last year, we worked diligently to allocate $20 million in crucial funding for the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights because we understood the necessity of protecting Colorado’s water future now. I’m thrilled the federal government has decided to fulfill the Colorado River District’s funding request. Securing our water future is essential for everything from agriculture to local development, and I’m proud Colorado will be well-positioned to secure this deal.” “Securing Shoshone’s water rights is critical to farms, ranches, outdoor recreation, and communities that depend on the Colorado River!,” said Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta . “Western Colorado is very thankful for the Federal investment in protecting the largest and most senior water right on the main stem of the Colorado River. These water rights will ensure year-round flows for healthy riparian habitats and good faith in compact compliance.” Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant holds one of Colorado’s oldest Colorado River water rights. The Shoshone ensures a steady flow of fresh water used for electricity, agriculture, recreation and local economies, and reaches as far as Grand Junction and other Western Slope communities in between. Valued at $99 million, securing the Shoshone Water Rights is vital to Colorado’s water future. Last year, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition; a combination of local leaders and governments. In November, the Colorado River District submitted a funding application to the federal government to help bridge a $40 million funding gap to purchase and protect Shoshone Water Rights, and both state and federal leaders pushed for its approval. Today, the federal government has committed to fulfilling the request. With these federal dollars, Colorado can permanently protect the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure fresh water from the Colorado River flows to the high county. Previous Next

New medical school will strengthen Colorado’s health care workforce, increase access to care for Coloradans < Back September 30, 2024 Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Medical School at University of Northern Colorado GREELEY - Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera celebrated the groundbreaking for the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). This new Medical school, the third medical school in the state, will help support Colorado’s healthcare workforce, ensuring that Coloradans have access to high-quality care. The Lt. Governor joined UNC President Andy Feinstein, Greeley Mayor John Gates, UNC Board of Trustees Chairman Dick Monfort, and other community leaders for the groundbreaking. “I am thrilled to be here at my Alma Mater to celebrate this monumental opportunity for our students, our economy, and our future healthcare workers. The new College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC will train 150 new doctors each year, ensuring our healthcare workforce is able to provide Coloradans with the high-quality care they deserve. As our state continues to grow, it is critical for communities in every corner of the state to have highly skilled providers to care for us and our family members,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. This new medical school will attract students from across the country to Colorado, strengthening the healthcare workforce and supporting Colorado’s economy. On May 1, 2024, Governor Polis signed HB24-1231 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Kyle Mullica providing funding for Colorado’s third medical school, new veterinarian training facilities at CSU, and program expansions at MSU and Trinidad State. “I’m thrilled to be here as we begin construction on the new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This new medical college will serve as a strong economic driver for Greeley, as well as the surrounding communities, and help meet the medical workforce needs of our rural and underserved neighborhoods. At the legislature, we’ve taken historic steps to increase access to affordable health care and address our workforce shortages in the industry. Today is a historic day as we invest in the future of higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “Across the state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care providers, which is why we are standing up a new medical college in Greeley to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the osteopathic medical college means we’re one step closer to training more critical health care providers in our state. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” “This new medical school will be a hub that helps Coloradans get the training needed to provide care and serve their communities, filling critical health care jobs around the state. This groundbreaking is another important step and I can’t wait to see the doors open on this facility,” said Senator Barb Kirkmeyer. "Colorado is facing a critical shortage of healthcare providers, leading to gaps in care, longer wait times, and limited access to essential services in both rural and urban areas," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. "As the only practicing nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I’ve seen firsthand how urgent it is to strengthen our healthcare workforce. The establishment of the College of Osteopathic Medicine will be a game-changer in this effort. It will play a pivotal role in addressing our state’s healthcare challenges and ensuring that every Coloradan has access to the quality care they deserve to lead healthy, thriving lives." Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. < Back March 1, 2024 House Advances Bill to Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths and Improve Public Health DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. HB24-1037, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, would help stop the spread of disease, ensure protections for those who administer opioid antagonists, and expand access to testing strips and other drug testing equipment. “Each year, our state’s fatal overdose count climbs higher; we need to invest in smart, data-driven harm reduction tactics to keep Coloradans alive,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, Chair of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, D-Lakewood. “This bill would expand access to testing strips and harm reduction tools to combat overdoses and the spread of disease, and expand protections for those acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist to save someone’s life. We’re committed to combating Colorado’s overdose crisis and working toward building a safer, healthier state.” “Life-saving harm reduction work prevents the spread of communicable diseases, improves public health, and increases community safety,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver . “This bill helps vulnerable Coloradans and frontline harm reduction workers by improving access to test strips, clean equipment, and opioid antagonists – all of which are proven to prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.” HB24-1037 , which was created through the 2023 Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee , would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment and would expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to prevent a fatal overdose. This bill would also ensure that people who use drugs know they can go to the hospital for care without fear of arrest by removing the requirement that health care providers call law enforcement if the patient is possessing drugs or paraphernalia. This legislation also broadens existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado, like xylazine or “tranq”. Previous Next

Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide < Back August 28, 2025 Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Becomes Law Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to Congress’s refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. “This legislation will blunt Congressional Republicans’ nearly 30 percent increase in health care premium hikes and prevent 20,000 Coloradans from losing their health care coverage,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “If we don’t act now, Republicans’ failure to extend tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance will lead to over 100,000 Coloradans losing coverage next year and increased costs for businesses and families.” “Coloradans cannot afford these insurance premium hikes, so we are doing what needs to be done to keep costs down and protect coverage,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Skyrocketing premiums mean that hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will be forced to spend more of their paycheck on essential health care, and many will lose their coverage altogether. We can’t wait. We must act now to shield families from these unaffordable premium increases and keep Coloradans insured.” “Only Congress can fully prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing health care next year and stop these outrageous premium increases, but we are doing what we can for one year in Colorado to protect care for as many people as possible,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When people don’t have health insurance, they either aren’t able to see a doctor, or when they do, everyone else has to pay for that care. This drives up costs for everyone and leads to worse health outcomes. Congress must act now to prevent massive price hikes for health insurance.” “Coloradans in every corner of the state have struggled to make ends meet to pay for costly health care coverage,” said Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend premium tax credits that help keep insurance premiums affordable, tens of thousands of lives are at stake. We simply cannot gamble with life-saving health care coverage. That’s why we’re taking action and doing everything we can this year to protect Coloradans’ care.” “The reinsurance program has saved Coloradans billions on health insurance, especially on the Western Slope, where Congressional Republicans’ inaction will leave us facing nearly 40 percent increases in insurance premiums,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This law will help us avoid even higher price hikes and preserve coverage for Coloradans who will lose access to health care if we do not act now. Congress has failed our state, and I urge Jeff Hurd, Gabe Evans and the Republicans in our delegation to act now to prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing access to health care and to stop the 40 percent premium increases on the individual market that are coming next year as a result of their budget.” If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 will make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by: Boosting funds in the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund to blunt serious increases in insurance premiums and protect coverage. Funding sources would include up to $110 million, plus administrative costs, from a combination of tax credit pre-sales and the Refinance Discretionary Account. The State Treasurer would manage the tax credit pre-sales; should they not raise $100 million in revenue, the General Fund Reserve would serve as a backstop, Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to utilize their reserves to support the Enterprise’s programs, Allowing the Board and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics and authorizing the State Auditor to audit the programs. HB25B-1006 helps the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance is projected to keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are not eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly all of them will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. Previous Next