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< Back June 24, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM TOXIC POLLUTION DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect communities from toxic pollution. “Everyone should have access to clean air and water, but toxic pollution threatens the health of too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “Under the bill governor Polis signed today, we’ll collect more real-time data through fenceline monitoring in communities, and more people will know when facilities release air toxins. We’ll also better understand the cumulative health effects of toxic pollution on disproportionately impacted communities, often lower-income Coloradans or people of color.” HB21-1189 requires facilities to collect and publicly report real time air monitoring data and fund community-based monitoring programs to better understand the cumulative health impacts of air toxics emissions from multiple sources. Air toxics are pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as adverse reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental and economical effects. Specifically, the law expands the type of facilities covered by air toxin pollution limits. Importantly, the law requires real-time “fenceline” monitoring and public reporting on the results of the monitoring. Facilities are required to notify the public when emissions breach thresholds for toxic levels or exposure. Covered facilities must take corrective action within 15 days of a violation. The law requires covered facilities to conduct outreach to communities near the facilities, in particular disproportionately impacted communities. Outreach must be conducted in the two most prevalent languages spoken in the communities. Disproportionately impacted communities often include low-income neighborhoods and residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS AND COLORADANS (Apr. 11) – The House Energy and Environment committee approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bipartisan bill to protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. “As a former battalion chief, I saw not only how often we used this material during training but also the health damage it caused to our firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate our drinking water. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters and protect the health of people in our communities.” PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. HB19-1279 passed with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILLS TO IMPROVE DISASTER MITIGATION, PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will help communities mitigate the threat from natural disasters like wildfires and promote the use of building materials for public projects that reduce emissions and help address climate change. “Colorado is seeing more intense natural disasters, often fueled by climate change, that are threatening people’s homes, lives and our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “The bill Governor Polis signed today will help our communities access federal funds to pay for mitigation projects that will reduce damage and destruction and prevent greater losses from wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.” “Mitigation projects are some of the best tools we have to reduce the threat of dangerous wildfires, floods and other disasters,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “Now, Colorado communities will have a new way to fund and access federal resources for these critical efforts to protect homes, property and infrastructure.” HB21-1208, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Gray, creates a natural disaster enterprise to draw down federal funds to help Colorado communities mitigate the impact and reduce the threat of climate-related natural disasters, such as wildfires. The bill establishes a small $2 per year flat fee on certain disaster related insurance policies that will be leveraged for three times as much federal funding. The funding will be used to finance disaster mitigation projects in communities that are actively working to increase their resiliency. The grant program will also provide technical assistance to local governments to help them address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “This new law signed today will help Colorado’s departments and agencies meet our climate goals by promoting the use of building materials that are made with and produce less carbon emissions,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “I’m proud Colorado is looking at how we can use more climate-friendly building materials and create jobs along the way in rural areas and in growing industries.” HB21-1303 , sponsored by Representative Tracey Bernett and Representative Barbara McLachlan, also known as the “Buy Clean Colorado Act,” requires state agencies to look at public infrastructure projects and how the state can encourage the use of certain materials that are manufactured in a way that releases fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Under the bill, state departments would accept and evaluate Environmental Product Declaration information from contractors when materials are specified in bids, and define policies that prioritize purchasing the cleanest materials available. By selecting materials that are manufactured with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), state agencies will reduce the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, helping meet Colorado’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This encourages use of recycled materials, lower GWP emissions materials and manufacturing processes, use of renewable energy, and use of low emissions fuels. By selecting more environmentally friendly materials, Colorado can reduce smog, toxic emissions, particular matter, and greenhouse gasses released into our atmosphere, and reduce respiratory and other public health issues. Colorado is home to some of the greenest cement and steel manufacturers in the country. Previous Next

< Back May 29, 2019 GOV SIGNS DEM BILLS TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY & EXPAND ACCESS TO BALLOT BOX Reps. Froelich, Lontine, Weissman, Esgar, Mullica delivering results (May 29) – Gov. Polis signed bills led by House Democrats to expand access to voting and protect democracy. First up was HB19-1278, Colorado Votes Act (COVA). This new law will expand access to voting and minimize long lines on Election Day. “While some states are passing restrictive election laws, Colorado again has expanded access to the ballot. Colorado voters are the winners after the signing of the Colorado Votes Act to modernize our elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Many thanks go to Sec. Jena Griswold and the Colorado County Clerks Association for making this new law more effective.” Read more about how this new law will expand access to voting here . The Gov then signed a new law sponsored by Rep. Meg Froelich to increase voting access for people with disabilities. This important law will give voters with disabilities greater access to the ballot box in order to fit their specific needs. “It’s important that we provide equal and secure access to the ballot box for all Coloradans and stop the disenfranchisement of voters,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood when the bill passed the House. “We should never disqualify individuals from voting and participating in our democratic process based on a disability.” SB19-202 passed unanimously out of the House. The Gov then signed the Clean Campaign Act of 2019. HB19-1318 increases the transparency of money in elections consistent with the First Amendment to the United States constitution. “Coloradans have the right to be able to follow the dollars in our elections,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora when the bill passed the House. “All voters deserve to know who or what is trying to influence their vote. This bill will make Colorado a national leader in campaign finance transparency. I thank Secretary Griswold for working with us on this important reform.” This new law prohibits an issue committee or small-scale issue committee from knowingly accepting contributions from any natural person who is not a citizen of the United States, a foreign government or any foreign corporation that does not have the authority to transact business in this state. The Gov also signed Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Kyle Mullica’s automatic voter registration bill will make Colorado voter rolls more accurate as information is updated. “Democracy works when we all get to participate and that’s what this new law does,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our state has the leading elections system in the country and this is a way to improve it even more. This new law ensures our voter roles are secure, accurate, up to date and that everyone who is eligible to vote can vote.” Read more about how SB19-235 will streamline the voter registration process at the DMV, save counties money and reduce the opportunity for human error here . “Our democracy can truly thrive when we have the most eligible voters participate in our elections,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “We are breaking barriers to ensure a more accessible and inclusive election. Through this, we can continue to allow Colorado to take a lead in elections in our nation.” The Gov also signed Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to better enforce Colorado’s campaign finance laws. “Unaffiliated voters, Republicans and Democrats are tired of the expanding influence of money in politics and are demanding a fix,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This law will help give voters more confidence that the system works for them – not special interests and deep pocketed mystery money groups.” SB19-232 would codify within the Fair Campaign Practices Act the rules of the Secretary of State to enforce state laws concerning campaign finance. This includes specifying procedures for filing complaints, review of complaints by the elections division, processes for curing campaign finance law violations, the investigation of unresolved complaints, the conduct of hearings, audits by the division of campaign finance, and the issuance of advisory opinions by the Secretary of State. Together, these provisions create a robust system to make sure that political campaigns and organizations abide by Colorado’s disclosure Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE PASSES EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK ACT For years, bills to ensure pay equity were blocked at legislature (Apr. 27) – The House passed Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez’s bill to help close the wage gap in Colorado. Currently, the gender wage gap is projected to not close until 2057 in Colorado and 2059 nationally. “This bill is extremely important to me on a personal level. Black women make 56.1 cents on the dollar compared to white men. Pay discrimination is a real and persistent issue that short changes women and their families,” Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora, said. “Women are the sole breadwinners in a growing number of hardworking families in Colorado.We believe we are taking a bold step to help close the gender wage gap by addressing the root cause of pay disparity.” Colorado women are paid 86 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job and African-American women earn 63 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the same job. The bill, SB19-085, provides an avenue by which Coloradans can, through mediation via the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and through the court system, seek relief if they have been discriminated against in their compensation based on their sex. The bill puts proactive measures to reduce the gender pay gap and prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on sex. “In order to solve the pay gap, we must address unintentional wage disparity. This bill implements common sense prevention and transparency measures to fight the pay gap,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “We are fighting for women to be treated with the dignity, fairness and respect they deserve. This bill is a Colorado solution that strikes a balance between workers and employers. It’s time for our state to take the lead in achieving equal pay for equal work.” The House was approved the bill on a vote of 40-21. Every House Republican voted to maintain the status quo. The bill goes back to the Senate for consideration of amendments. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO SAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MONEY, EXPAND YOUTH ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills into law that would reduce licensing fees for mental health professionals and increase access to behavioral health for Colorado youth. HB22-1299 championed by Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley, as well as Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would reduce license fees ranging from $62 to $262 for mental health professionals regulated by state boards. “This is a thank-you to the frontline mental health workers who have seen firsthand the increase in mental health needs that began pre-COVID and have only accelerated with COVID in our lives,” said Kolker. “We need to keep these essential workers in the profession, and this bill acknowledges their hard work and gives them a break so they can focus on their jobs, and care for patients that desperately need their help and support.” “This session, we prioritized improving behavioral health access, especially for youth and families,” said Young. “We’re waiving licensing fees for psychologists, professional counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals not only to save them money but in recognition of their tireless efforts to provide Coloradans with essential behavioral health services. We are also investing more than $11 million of federal pandemic relief dollars toward addressing Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis by making it easier for families and youth to access treatment in their own communities. Together, these bills are part of our transformational investment to build a healthier Colorado for all.” “The pandemic has not only exacerbated stress for Coloradans, it has significantly increased the workload for our mental health workers,” said Fields. “To help them out, we’re going to make it easier and cheaper for mental health workers to apply or renew their licenses so our psychologists, counselors, therapists, and social workers can focus on providing critical services to patients, not on paperwork and fees.” Under HB22-1299, Colorado’s hardworking mental health professionals renewing or seeking a license will collectively save nearly $3.7 million. Pandemic pressures have contributed to an increase of Colorado adults seeking mental health services for symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The Governor also signed SB22-147 , championed by Senator Kolker and Representative Young, which will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and provide school-based support for kids and their families. “Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” Kolker said. “We must act urgently to address this crisis and provide critical support to our state’s young people where and when they need it most. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.” Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. SB22-147 aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families through three programs: $4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP): This program provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat behavioral health needs. The program connects pediatricians with pediatric psychiatrists who can provide consultations, resources, and referrals for children with mental health or substance use disorder needs. $5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program : The bill contributes $5 million to an existing grant program to help schools increase the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students. $1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program: The bill invests $1.5 million in funding to expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HEALTH CARE Legislation would boost hospital transparency and improve protections from surprise medical bills DENVER, CO – The House passed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar that will increase hospital billing transparency and save Coloradans money on health care. HB22-1285 passed the House today by a vote of 63 to 1 and would increase hospital pricing transparency practices. HB22-1284 passed the House yesterday by a vote of 63 to 0 and will improve surprise medical billing protections in Colorado. “These bills work to save Coloradans money on health care by improving hospital price transparency and protecting patients from surprise billing,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hospitals are required to be open and honest about what they’re changing patients, and our bill not only ensures transparency but limits the hospital’s ability to collect medical debt if they’re not in compliance. Coloradans deserve to know what they’re getting when it comes to health care, and our legislation protects them against surprise medical bills that are often outrageously expensive.” HB22-1285 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Patrick Neville, would save Coloradans money on their health care costs by increasing hospital transparency and prohibiting hospitals that are out of compliance with federal price transparency laws from referring medical debt to collections. In July 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop detailed rules to increase hospital billing transparency. Hospitals must now publicly post their “standard charges,” which are the gross charges, discounted cash prizes, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for health care services. Under the bill, hospitals that are not in compliance with federal hospital price transparency regulations will be prohibited from referring, assigning or selling medical debt to collectors, and they will be prohibited from using the courts to obtain a judgment for an outstanding medical debt. The bill would award damages to patients if the courts find that the hospital has violated the provisions of the bill. HB22-1284 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Marc Catlin, would improve Colorado’s surprise medical billing protections by aligning them with recently passed federal legislation. The bill provides clarity to consumers, providers and insurance carriers about how to move forward with surprise billing protections. It adds balance billing protections for post-stabilization services to ensure that patients are protected from surprise bills until they can consent and be safely transferred to an in-network facility. It mirrors the federal law’s notice and consent requirements to ensure that out-of-network providers and facilities provide notice to a consumer before a scheduled service, including an estimate of the total charges the consumer will be responsible for. Finally, it updates Colorado laws to allow for a 90-day period of continued coverage at in-network rates for transitional care. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO ENSURE COLORADO LEADS ON CLIMATE ACTION Becker-Galindo also introduce companion bill to ensure just transition for workers (Apr. 5) – Today, the House Energy and Environment committee passed Speaker of the House KC Becker and Rep. Dominique Jackson’s legislation to take meaningful action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. Speaker Becker also introduced a companion bill to support Colorado workers affected by the energy transition. “Colorado can act on climate, create clean energy jobs, cut carbon pollution and grow our economy at the same time,” said Speaker Becker of HB19-1261. “We can’t afford to wait. Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries. I thank everyone who came to testify on this bill and all of the stakeholder input throughout this process.” “When I look outside the capitol and in my community, I frequently see the smog, the hazy, bad air quality affecting our public health and the air we breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora, said during the hearing. “As the effects of climate change increase, the harms to communities of color will continue to worsen. Sadly, we are not seeing any movement on the federal level so we have no time to waste.” Rep. Jackson is Chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. Speaker Becker and Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, also introduced HB 19-1314 today, a companion bill to create the Just Transition Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood of coal transition workers, their families and their communities, and to help provide these workers access to training and job opportunities. “The time to take action on climate is now, but we cannot work towards a clean energy economy without also working on solutions to support workers who are affected by this transition,” Speaker Becker, D-Boulder, said of the companion bill. “Workers and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by shifting economic tides and advancements in technology need support. We can support these communities in this transition, and today I introduced HB19-1314 to address this issue.” Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. At today’s hearing on HB19-1261, proponent after proponent testified in support of taking action to address climate change, reducing carbon pollution and creating clean energy jobs. House Republicans remain in denial about the economic and moral impacts of climate change. HB19-1261 passed through the committee with a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. HB 19-1314 , a bill to ensure a just transition for Colorado workers, was assigned to the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. Previous Next

Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. < Back May 22, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Develop Innovative Clean Energy and Create Jobs DENVER, CO - Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. “The need to address the climate crisis is only becoming more urgent, which is why I am so pleased to see these bills be signed into law,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of SB23-285, HB23-1210, and HB23-1281. “This package of bills will help Colorado remain on the right path to net-zero emissions by helping us create jobs while encouraging better carbon management and clean energy initiatives. I am proud of our work to help build a healthier more sustainable future for us all.” “Climate change is a very real threat to Colorado. We need these laws to manage carbon emissions, push toward cleaner energy, and meet our climate goals,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-285 and HB23-1210 . “These laws will help us reach net zero carbon emissions by encouraging innovative methods for energy generation and carbon management. I’m happy to champion these efforts to create good-paying jobs, meet our climate goals, and make Colorado a leader in clean tech.” SB23-285 , sponsored by Senators Hansen and Priola and Representatives Dickson and McCormick, renames the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission and directs the Commission to regulate energy and carbon management areas beyond oil and gas. The Commission will now include new energy generation and storage technologies like deep geothermal and underground natural gas storage. The law also directs the Commission to undertake studies to ensure the safe development and regulation of these new technologies and others, including transportation and storage of hydrogen. “Climate change impacts our communities each and every day, and we must expand our reach to take advantage of innovative ways to improve our air quality and protect our way of life,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-285 . “This law will expand opportunities for new carbon management and geothermal technologies to reduce our air pollution, protect public health and help meet our climate goals.” HB23-1210 , sponsored by Representative Dickson and Senators Hansen and Priola, directs the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The law will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. “Achieving Colorado’s bold climate goals requires innovation,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Carbon removal is emerging as an innovative, successful technology to be used in the pursuit of a net-zero economy. I’m proud to help Colorado become a leader in carbon management and I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law.” HB23-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Stephanie Vigil and Senator Lisa Cutter, sets first in the nation standards for the production of hydrogen energy that will help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel driven sources of energy and create good paying jobs. This law encourages the development of hydrogen projects by building on federal investments and incentives and creating an income tax credit for the use of hydrogen fuel. It also establishes several safeguards to ensure that hydrogen fuel production doesn’t create new emissions by requiring that it be powered by dedicated renewable energy resources, located in close proximity to power hydrogen plants. “With this bill being signed into law today, we’re unlocking an innovative and affordable source of green energy in Colorado to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1281. “Hydrogen will provide affordable and reliable electricity as Colorado works toward our net zero carbon emission goal. This law protects consumers and our environment while spurring innovation in hard-to-decarbonize industries.” “With this legislation, we will be able to leverage federal funds to support the transition to hydrogen for specific industrial uses,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1281. “We worked hard to create a balance; incentivizing innovative energy options while creating a framework to provide the critical environmental protections necessary. I'm proud that Colorado is leading the way and providing a model for other states as we work towards a carbon neutral future." “This innovative approach to clean energy production creates a framework for a clean hydrogen economy in Colorado,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1281. “This law helps us compete for federal funds and incentivizes clean hydrogen in sectors that can’t rely on other forms of renewable energy so we can move away from the use of fossil fuels and reach our carbon and climate goals. I’m proud Colorado is leading the way to promote and reduce the cost of new technologies and more affordable clean energy while creating good paying jobs.” The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap states that we need innovative methods to bring down costs to reach Colorado’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2050. Cement and steel production, heavy duty trucking, and aviation fuel are difficult to decarbonize, which is why investing in clean hydrogen energy is promising in efforts to meet Colorado’s climate goals. In February 2022, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming developed the Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub to secure federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to fight against climate change. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL Wildfires continue to threaten homes across Colorado (May 31) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. “We’re quickly approaching wildfire season and this new law will help small businesses, homes and hardworking people who depend on having healthy forests,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “ It’s critically important to fight wildfires and this law will help mitigate the scope and severity of wildfires.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan is a member of the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. HB19-1006 creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). Colorado has the third highest percentage of households deemed high or extreme risk from wildfires in the entire country. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2021 HOUSE INVESTS IN SCHOOLS, STATE PARKS, WILDFIRE PREVENTION, AND MORE DENVER, CO- Today the House Approved the Joint Budget Committee’s (JBC) mid year funding package on third reading. The crucial set of 21 funding bills makes much needed mid-year investments in education, wildfire prevention, main street revitalization, and much more. “To build our state back stronger than before, we must make thoughtful and precise investments in our communities,” said JBC Vice Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Today we did right by our school districts and state parks, and ensured that our purchase of a firehawk helicopter better prepares us for wildfire seasons to come. The pandemic has taken a toll on our schools and educators and put our state parks through the ringer as more and more people took to the outdoors to recreate. Boosting resources for the schools that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic while also making investments in our state park infrastructure was exactly the right thing to do.” “Today we made important investments in the Colorado comeback,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, (D-Denver). “By channeling funds towards mainstreet revitalization and giving a leg up to entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately affected by unfair drug laws, we’re boosting local economies and ensuring small businesses can continue to grow. At the same time, we put millions towards a program that seeks to attract innovative, job-creating industries to the state. I’m determined to build Colorado back stronger than before.” SB21-042 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, invests in job creation by appropriating $10 million to the Advanced Industries Acceleration Cash Fund, which provides incentives for Colorado’s seven advanced industries to either move to or expand their operations in Colorado, including incentives for the biosciences industry performing a critical role in the state’s public health recovery. It also provides $15 million to the Colorado Economic Development Fund with the purpose of attracting large corporate headquarters to Colorado or supporting other efforts to create new jobs and bolster the economy. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 42-21. SB21-112 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, would provide badly needed funding to help increase capacity at our state parks and improve our park infrastructure so Coloradans can continue to enjoy them. The bill moves $20 million from the General Fund to the Capital Construction Fund and designates the funds to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for state parks infrastructure development. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 48-15. SB21-113 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, will make crucial investments in Colorado’s firefighting response by providing $30 million to purchase a firehawk helicopter and to lease additional aviation resources for upcoming fire seasons. The bill passed by a vote of 59-4. SB21-053 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan, would buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $121 million and ensure that schools do not lose funding that otherwise would have been reduced due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. In addition, the bill allocates an additional $85 million to districts in need, including $25 million to rural schools. Last week, Democrats on the Education Committee defeated a Republican proposal (HB21-1080) to voucherize Colorado Schools that would have cost over $660 million. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11. “Colorado schools, students and parents have been through enough; we can’t let our schools lose funding right now because of pandemic-related enrollment drops. It’s time to build back stronger and put our students, teachers, and parents first,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. SB21-111 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and David Ortiz, appropriates $4 Million to OEDIT for the Marijuana Entrepreneur Program, which consists of three major components: Loans for social equity licensees for seed capital and ongoing costs, including but not limited to, rent, leases, application and licensing fees, regulatory adherence, testing, equipment, capital improvements, and training and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce; Grants for social equity licensees for support of job creation and innovation or for organizations that support innovation and job creation of social equity licensees; and Technical Assistance for marijuana entrepreneurs, with a preference for social equity licensees that have been provided a grant or loan under this program, which consists of business plan development and ongoing consulting services. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Colorado has created a thriving voter-approved, government regulated marijuana industry, but the economic gains forged by this industry have not reached all Coloradans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, (D-Littleton). “The communities that have been disproportionately impacted by unfair drug laws– drug laws that have largely been repealed– have not been able take part in the economic growth driven by our legal marijuana industry. This bill is about creating jobs, righting historic injustices and doing what we can to help communities who have been hit the hardest recover stronger.” SB21-110 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tony Exum, will transfer an additional $30 million in immediate economic stimulus to shovel-ready projects that will help revitalize main streets across Colorado. This funding will create jobs, sustain economies, and help Colorado build back stronger cities, towns, and other public agencies with creative modifications to state highways, local roadways, or other community spaces while promoting social distancing and economic activity. “Across our state, the revitalizing mainstreets program is creating jobs, improving critical infrastructure, and boosting rural economies,” said Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum, (D-Colorado Springs). “These projects will spur new businesses, make our streets and sidewalks safer, and help local governments forge the towns and communities they want to see.” Since July 2020, CDOT has issued over 65 grants to communities across the state. Just some of these communities include: Alamosa, Bennet, Buena Vista, Boulder, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Durango, Estes Park, Fort Morgan, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Hugo, La Junta, Lake City, Lamar, Olathe, Ridgeway, Silt and Windsor. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. Previous Next

Complementary bills would reform reporting, transparency and accountability for health care facilities that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program < Back May 6, 2025 House Passes Bills to Lower the Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO — The House today passed two complementary bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Coloradans. Both SB25-124 and SB25-071 improve transparency in reporting, guard against profiteering, and work to save low and middle income Coloradans' money on health care. “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, while pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-124. “This important bill adds accountability measures on how non-profit hospitals can spend 340B revenue to ensure they are investing in lowering health care costs for low-income Coloradans, as the program was intended. SB25-124 also ramps up transparency by requiring hospitals to provide an annual report on how their 340B revenue was spent.” SB25-124 would improve transparency and establish revenue spending guardrails for Colorado hospitals that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Under this bill, non-profit hospitals would be required to reinvest at least 80 percent of their 340B revenue toward lowering the cost of health care for low and middle income Coloradans. Additionally, non-profit hospitals would not be allowed to use 340B revenue for certain expenses, including administrative compensation, penalties and fines, advertising, and lobbying. To preserve access to life-saving prescription medications, manufacturers or providers of 340B drugs could not limit 340B prescription drugs to community hospitals and safety net providers. To improve transparency, non-profit hospitals must submit an annual report on their 340B program profits, including their operating costs for the 340B program, and charity care. SB25-124 passed by a vote of 42-23. “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of SB25-071. “This bipartisan bill ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on 340B and serve our rural communities.” The House also passed SB25-071 , which ensures prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities, such as pharmacies and clinics, that utilize 340B prescription drug pricing, and requires hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The goal of SB25-071 is to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. This bill would help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. SB25-071 passed by a vote of 57 to 8and is also sponsored by Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grant Junction. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of healthcare for low-income individuals. Previous Next