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< Back February 15, 2022 BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON FERTILITY TREATMENTS PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to save Coloradans money on fertility treatments today passed the House on Third Reading and final passage. HB22-1008, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Matt Soper, would ensure insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment passed by a vote of 45 to 20. “We are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on starting or growing their family by expanding health care coverage to include fertility treatments and diagnosis,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper D-Lakewood. “For many families around Colorado, the high cost of fertility and reproductive health care is often a financial barrier for starting a family. This bill aims to break down those barriers by making fertility diagnosis and treatment more affordable.” HB22-1008 would update legislation passed in 2020 to ensure that insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the revised bill language would implement coverage requirements for fertility treatment to take place under some Colorado health care plans, with coverage extending to all Colorado health plans pending a decision from the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their families. If passed, HB22-1008 would save Coloradans money by covering fertility treatments in large employer plans beginning January 1, 2023. It also applies to individual and small group policies within a 12-month decision from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Previous Next

On September 1, two new laws go into effect to lower the cost of phone communication between people that are incarcerated and their friends and family and improve accessibility in court proceedings by allowing remote participation. < Back August 31, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Improve Contact with Loved Ones While Incarcerated, Remote Accessibility for Court Proceedings Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On September 1, two new laws go into effect to lower the cost of phone communication between people that are incarcerated and their friends and family and improve accessibility in court proceedings by allowing remote participation. “I've seen firsthand how complicated and expensive it can be to try to communicate with a family member who is serving time in prison,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Too many incarcerated Coloradans have had to limit communication with their parents, spouse, kids, and friends. Our law removes this unnecessary financial barrier to let Colorado families maintain and build their relationships with their loved ones, leading to a more successful transition back into their community and lower rates of recidivism.” “Maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family helps incarcerated people envision a full life outside of the carceral system,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Eliminating the costs of prison phone calls for incarcerated people and their loved ones will help restore hope for those in our corrections system. I am proud to champion this legislation, a low cost effort to reduce the likelihood of recidivism and help people maintain dignity while incarcerated.” “Research shows that people who have more contact with their families while they are incarcerated have lower rates of re-arrest after they return to their community,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Prison can be a very isolating place to be and people in custody deserve the ability to seek comfort and connection with their family and friends that will support them when they are re-integrated into society. With this law going into effect, we’re improving public safety, creating healthier communities, and ensuring that families can stay connected.” “No cost prison phone calls will help incarcerated Coloradans stay connected to resources that can help them succeed outside of prison,” said Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1133. “Data shows that people who are able to maintain connections with their support system are more likely to succeed and less likely to return to the prison system. Making prison phone calls free is the right thing to do for incarcerated Coloradans and their families and friends.” Under HB23-1133 , the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) must provide free voice, video, and electronic messaging communication services to people that are incarcerated and in DOC custody in either a correctional facility or a private prison. Starting September 1, the new law reduces the cost of phone calls by 25 percent. These communication services must cover outgoing and incoming attempts. Lowering the cost of prison phone calls has been shown to reduce recidivism and better prepare people who are incarcerated for their release by helping them maintain critical connections. This law develops a plan to cover the full cost of communication services for people in state custody, allowing incarcerated Coloradans to use these services for free starting July 1, 2025. “As someone who has spent thousands of hours observing court across our state, I know how unpredictable and inconsistent court access can be for everyday Coloradans, ” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “Public access to court observation should not require physical presence in court. By requiring criminal courts to offer consistent remote observation in all judicial districts, this legislation helps move us closer to a criminal legal system that is more transparent, equitable, and accountable for all Coloradans.” “The more the public is able to access our courts, the better and more transparent they are,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “This new law will help the public better understand what is happening in our courtrooms, give folks without transportation more options, and help ensure every Coloradan who wants to is able to engage with our court system.” “As a housing and eviction attorney, I’ve seen the strain that mandatory in-person attendance has on people that lack reliable transportation,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1182. “The COVID-19 pandemic required court proceedings to take place virtually, and although they were successful, many courts across Colorado have discontinued remote observation. Because of our new law, Colorado courts must reasonably provide remote access for observers of a criminal court proceeding, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and public discourse within our criminal justice system.” HB23-1182 , also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, requires all Colorado courts to provide a remote access option for the public to observe any criminal court proceeding taking place in an open court, unless a court order prohibits the public from observing the case. Under this law, the court must post links for remote observation on its website to make it easier for the public to access the court proceedings. This law does not require courts to provide remote participation for plaintiffs, defendants, prosecutors, and other judicial personnel. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REFORM CRIMINAL JUSTICE, GIVE PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE Bill was approved on a bipartisan vote 59-3 (Apr. 26) – The House approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Mike Weissman to broaden access to record sealing. HB19-1275 will allow more people to successfully obtain and maintain housing and employment, to help them move on from their past mistakes after they have served their sentences. “This bill will help give people who have served their time for lower level offenses and paid their debt to society a second chance. I thank my co-sponsor Rep. Soper for his work on this bill and I am glad that we have broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. More than 1.8 million Coloradans are in the state criminal record database. For many of these individuals, involvement with the justice system has led to a cycle of unemployment or underemployment, housing insecurity, or a loss of income for themselves or their families. The bill will streamline record sealing processes for individuals eligible under existing law. It will also allow some individuals who would be newly eligible under the bill to petition the court to seal their existing case as opposed to having to file a new civil case, helping to make our court system more efficient.. Victims and prosecutors will be able to provide input to a judge who will ultimately decide whether a case will be sealed. The Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Violence Free Colorado all support the bill. The bill was approved by the House by a bipartisan vote of 59-3. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

SB25-200 will require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado < Back May 23, 2025 Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia Signed Into Law SB25-200 will require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado WESTMINSTER, CO – The Governor today signed into law bipartisan legislation to jumpstart early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia SB25-200 is sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Matt Soper, R-Delta. This new law will require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia, adding to existing reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act . “Supporting students with dyslexia requires a different approach than supporting those with general reading challenges – they need specific tools to succeed,” said Kolker. “The vast majority of other states already require universal dyslexia screenings, and with this law, Colorado is stepping up. Early intervention is everything, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right information and support.” “Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability, yet Colorado schools do not have a universal screening process,” said Hamrick. “As a former teacher, I know early intervention is key to setting our students on a pathway to success. Our new, bipartisan law will require Colorado schools to implement a universal dyslexia screening to ensure our elementary students receive the support, resources and tools they need to thrive.” “My ‘why’ for this bill is my amazing daughter, who has dyslexia,” said Mullica. “Even as a family actively involved in her education, we struggled to get her the support she needed to thrive. The screenings schools currently use for reading challenges don’t go far enough, and one-size-fits-all interventions simply don’t work. By implementing universal, early dyslexia screenings through this law, we can ensure that no child – regardless of their background or circumstance – falls through the cracks.” According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Before this law, Colorado was one of only seven states that did not mandate screenings for dyslexia. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BILL ADVANCES Legislation would give more parents resources to support their children with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young to expand eligibility for a program to support children or youth with severe intellectual disabilities today advanced the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. The legislation passed 13-0. “Parents should never be faced with the prospect of having to give up their child with severe intellectual disabilities to the state in order to ensure that child gets the best possible care for their condition,” said Rep. Young, (D-Greeley). “As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find their kids the help they need. I’m grateful and pleased that we have taken this important step forward today.” HB20-1012 expands eligibility and improves the scope of an existing program for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current law only allows for a county department of human or social services to submit applications to the program on behalf of a child or youth. Rep. Young’s bill extends this option to the parent or guardian of the child or youth, meaning that for the first time children who have not been surrendered to the Department of Human Services will be able to access the program’s benefits. The bill also asks the Department of Human Services to promulgate rules related to the expansion of the program. These rules include planning for services for children and youth who become 18 years of age while in the program; access to behavioral health services; waitlist management; process for a child or youth who is at risk for out-of-home placement; and program evaluation. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 “KEEP COLORADO WILD” PASS AND FREE STATE PARK ACCESS FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO– Two laws passed last session to make it easier for Coloradans to access state parks and recreation areas go into effect today. SB21-249 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Perry Will, creates a discounted Keep Colorado Wild Pass to increase access to and funding for Colorado’s state parks and public lands. HB21-1116 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, allows Colorado veterans with purple heart license plates and their passengers free entry to state parks and recreation areas. “The ‘Keep Colorado Pass’ will make it easier for people to enjoy some of the most incredible state parks and public lands in the country,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Starting soon, Colorado drivers will have access to cheaper park passes that will help us ensure our parks have the resources they need to flourish, protect visitors and remain open for all to enjoy.” SB21-249, also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, creates the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, a discounted state park pass which can be paid for at the time a vehicle is registered or during the registration renewal process. The pass grants entry into state parks and other public lands and the revenue collected from the pass will go toward investments in our public lands and state parks, which have taken a toll from a surge in outdoor recreation during the COVID pandemic. Also going into effect today is a bill to expand access to our state parks for veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal, sponsored by Rep. David Ortiz. “Colorado’s spectacular state parks offer tremendous benefits and recreation opportunities for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “ While we can never repay the debt we owe to all of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients, this small token of gratitude honors our veterans and ensures that cost will never be a barrier for them to access and enjoy our state parks.” HB21-1116, a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. Previous Next

Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand < Back February 28, 2024 Committee Passes ADU Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). HB24-1152 passed by a vote of 9-2. “Nearly 80 percent of Coloradans agree that this bipartisan bill can help solve Colorado’s housing crisis and save people money,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Giving Coloradans the freedom to build an ADU on their own property allows them to care for a loved one with a disability, house an aging parent, or bring in some extra money all while providing much needed housing in our communities. We need to take a multi-faceted approach to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and this bill will create more housing options Coloradans can afford and make it easier to live in this great state.” HB24-1152 , also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would allow homeowners in jurisdictions defined under the bill to build an ADU and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote the construction of ADUs. The bill would provide local governments with access to grants that support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate or ADUs intended to serve demonstrated housing needs in the community. The bill also provides grants to increase housing accessibility and availability for Coloradans with disabilities. Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 REP. SULLIVAN’S BILL TO CONNECT STUDENTS WITH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan legislation would connect students and school personnel with apprenticeship programs to facilitate placement in apprenticeships DENVER, CO— The House Committee on Education today advanced Representative Tom Sullivan’s bipartisan legislation to connect students and school personnel with apprenticeship programs. The bill passed out of committee unanimously. “Last year, we created the state’s first apprenticeship directory to collect and make available information about the hundreds of apprenticeships open to Coloradans,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “These programs are so important for teaching students the skills they need to work in good-paying jobs. This bill would ensure that we’re doing all we can to connect students and school personnel with these critical apprenticeship programs.” SB20-081, which is also sponsored by Representative Colin Larson, R-Littleton, would ensure that apprenticeship programs can better connect with interested students through school personnel. Currently, the state’s apprenticeship directory does not include contact information for schools. By adding that information, apprenticeship programs will be able to reach more students who may have an interest in learning a trade. The bill will help students and parents know who to talk to at their school if they are interested in these programs and who can help them determine which program might be right for them. It also aims to raise awareness of the availability of apprenticeship programs among school administrators who may not currently know that the directory exists. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO HELP VICTIMS OF STRANGULATION Bill will open Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act to victims of strangulation DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver to open the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act to victims of strangulation. The vote was 64-0. “The cost of forensic medical examinations is often a barrier for victims of strangulation, and can prevent them from helping law enforcement investigate the crime,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D- Wheat Ridge. “This bill takes an important step forward to advance justice. With this bill, victims of strangulation will be eligible for compensation for cooperating with law enforcement by undergoing a forensic medical examination for this heinous crime.” The Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act allows crime victims to receive compensation for cooperating with law enforcement officials. Under HB21-1165 , victims of strangulation would also be eligible for compensation to help cover the costs of forensic examinations to aid in law enforcement investigations. Costs can be a significant barrier to obtaining a forensic medical examination, and sometimes the physical effects don’t appear for several days after the crime was committed. Previous Next

< Back July 16, 2020 BECKER, GARNETT: MASK UP, COLORADO! House Dem leadership supports Governor Polis’s executive order on masks Denver, CO — House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, and House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, today released the following statements encouraging Coloradans to wear a mask following Governor Jared Polis’s announcement of a statewide order on face coverings and recent trends in hospitalization and infection rates. “Getting through this pandemic is a team effort,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Wearing a mask is a tool to help us return to a more normal life, keep businesses open and avoid the devastating impacts that would come from having to close down again. Our economy, our health, and so much of what we love and enjoy about our state depends on us coming together and taking this step. I support the governor for his actions today to save lives.” “Whenever we’re around other people, we need to wear a mask–it’s just that simple,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “To stay on the right track and recover from this pandemic, we need to be smart and put on our masks. It helps our small businesses stay open, protects riders on public transit, and reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19 by 65 percent. This order is the right decision for Colorado, and I’m grateful for the leadership of so many counties, local officials and Governor Polis to encourage Coloradans to do their part. Mask up, Colorado!” Previous Next

Two new laws seek to prevent youth violence and deaths linked to firearm theft < Back July 29, 2025 Legislation to Prevent Gun Violence Goes Into Effect Two new laws seek to prevent youth violence and deaths linked to firearm theft DENVER, CO – Two new laws will go into effect on August 6 to prevent gun violence among youth and violence related to firearm theft. HB25-1250 , sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, will standardize the distribution of educational materials about gun violence prevention to caregivers of Colorado kids. The new law will require the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment to accessibly post educational materials about preventing gun violence on its website to be distributed to school districts, charter schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind at the beginning of each school year. Under the bill, local education providers would also be required to post the materials on their websites. “Every student deserves a safe learning environment, which is why we crafted this law with the help of student advocates to protect our students and educators from gun violence,” Hamrick said. “As a gun violence prevention advocate and a former teacher, I know our students are counting on us to boost access to the tools that help mitigate youth violence and senseless gun deaths. This legislation works to increase community awareness and better inform parents and guardians about safe storage laws and resources available to them in their communities. Together, we’re taking a public health approach to connect our communities with resources to create a safer, more supportive space for our youth.” “Preventing acts of gun violence begins at home,” Cutter said. “Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies in our nation’s history have happened in Colorado schools, and one in three Colorado Middle and High School students say they can access a firearm in their home. Safe storage dramatically reduces firearm suicides and overall youth firearm fatalities. Information is power, and this bill simply helps inform and educate students and their families about gun violence and how to prevent it." “Between raising the minimum age to purchase firearms to improve safe storage, we’re taking a multi-prong approach to addressing gun violence in our communities and schools,” Duran said. “This law boosts awareness for parents and guardians by providing them with resources, specifically prevention or intervention services, to help them better communicate with their children about gun violence. Building upon my safe storage legislation from 2021, this law works to spread awareness, making sure firearms are properly stored to keep our communities safe.” Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors, intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence. SB25-205 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, will help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “SB25-205 comes from concerns raised by firearm dealers in my district, and is a win for both public safety and responsible small businesses,” Hinrichsen said. “It ensures that when someone wants to trade in or sell a used firearm, dealers have a clear process and safeguards while they check if a gun is lost or stolen. By guaranteeing timely law enforcement checks, we keep firearm transactions aboveboard and help people buy and sell through safe, legitimate channels. This law also protects dealers from making costly, unintentional purchases that could hurt their business.” “This law allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” Espenoza said. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers have better tools to help keep our communities safe by identifying guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “We’ve created this law for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” Lindstedt said. “Running serial number checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. Now that this law is in effect, firearm dealers can better protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 establishes a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the law, local county sheriff’s offices must complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they will be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours. Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next