Search Results

HB25-1291 would establish the strongest ride-share regulations in the nation to keep riders safe < Back April 16, 2025 Willford, Froelich Bill to Improve Ride Share Safety Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to create new safety requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs), including Uber and Lyft. HB25-1291 passed the House by a vote of 59-6. “This bill isn’t just about what happened to me – it’s about the thousands of survivors who have endured so much pain and suffering because ride-share companies aren’t doing enough to keep riders and drivers safe,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “The person who sexually assaulted me during a Lyft ride was borrowing another driver’s account. To this day, I’m not sure if his account is still active. Our bill establishes important safety standards for ride-share companies, including regular background checks, audio and video recording and barring drivers who were previously charged with serious crimes.” “Between 2017 and 2022, more than 15,000 riders were sexually assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride. While this number is staggering, we know the real number is likely much higher, and more must be done to protect riders and drivers,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill aims to improve safety by requiring ride-share companies to respond to complaints within 48 hours and disclose the number of assaults and complaints that happened on their watch every year. We’re serious about improving rider safety, and the passage of this bill is a step in the right direction.” The bill creates new safety requirements for TNCs and their drivers. This bill would require: Enhanced background checks Ride-share companies must procure and pay for privately administered background checks on drivers every six months. Stronger driver vetting and clear disqualifications Drivers with a history of convictions for assault, harassment, kidnapping, menacing, domestic violence, or impersonating a driver would be barred from driving with a ride-share company. If a driver is barred from one ride-share company for serious safety concerns, they would be barred from all TNCs. Audio and video recording for all rides to improve All rides will need to have audio and video recording from pick-up to drop-off. Improved transparency and accountability If a driver is convicted or enters a plea, they must notify the TNC within 48 hours of the conviction TNCs must provide annual reports to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General’s Office and legislative committees. These reports must include the number of assaults, harassment complaints, discrimination complaints and accidents. Additionally, TNCs would need to establish certain polices that: Prevent account sharing, imposter accounts and driver impersonation Ensure the safe transport of minors Prohibit free or paid food and beverages during rides Educate drivers on new safety polices Place those accused of serious crimes on probationary status while their case is being reviewed. More than 15,500 Uber and Lyft riders and drivers were sexually assaulted between 2017 and 2022. This number only represents the number of sexual assaults that were reported. On average, only 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported. In March, a former Lyft driver in Denver was sentenced to 290 years in prison for charges related to kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault of more than a dozen women over four years. Previous Next

House passes two bills to create a teacher apprenticeship program and incentivize employee-owned business models < Back April 22, 2023 Bipartisan Bills to Address Teacher Shortage, Expand Employee-Owned Businesses Pass House House passes two bills to create a teacher apprenticeship program and incentivize employee-owned business models DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bipartisan bills to expand the Employee Ownership Tax Credit and address Colorado’s teacher shortage. SB23-087 passed unanimously by a vote of 60-0 and would create an apprenticeship program to get more qualified educators in classrooms across Colorado. HB23-1081 passed by a vote of 55-4 and would expand employee-owned business incentives. “Colorado’s teacher shortage is dire, and we need to do everything we can to get more qualified, dedicated educators in classrooms across our state,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB23-087. “This bipartisan bill works to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by providing people with paid hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching roles and provide our students with the high-quality learning opportunities they deserve.” SB23-087 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Don Wilson, works to address Colorado’s growing teacher shortage. This bill would allow the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to create an apprenticeship program that builds on elements of existing alternative teacher licensure programs, and would include a bachelor's degree requirement and structured on-the-job training to get more licensed teachers in classrooms across Colorado. According to the Colorado Education Association , teacher and staff shortages remain a persistent and troubling challenge in Colorado’s schools, with 85 percent of educators saying that the teacher shortage is significantly or somewhat worse than previous school years. This bill works to address the teacher shortage in both rural and urban school districts, and would increase the education workforce. “Two years ago, Colorado became the first state in the nation to offer the Employee Ownership Tax Credit, cutting red tape for business owners who are exploring options when planning for retirement,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB23-1081. “Expanding eligibility and strengthening incentives for employee ownership will make this program accessible to a wider range of Colorado businesses, keeping these companies locally-owned and rewarding the hard-working employees that help make the business successful. I’m excited to sponsor this legislation to expand this valuable tax credit to more Coloradans, improving job security and increasing wages to make Colorado more affordable.” In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes business owners to move towards employee-owned business models. It allows business owners who are looking to move on from the company to pass the business on to their employees, allowing the business to stay within the community and giving hard-working Coloradans a stake in the company. HB23-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by: Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership; Expanding methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees; and Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next

< Back April 20, 2022 HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC INVESTMENT TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING Legislation directs $178 million in federal and state funds to build and sustain affordable housing DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to direct the largest investment in state history in affordable housing—$178 million in grants to nonprofits and local governments to build and sustain affordable housing. The vote was 43-20. “This transformational investment of nearly $180 million will help build and sustain thousands of affordable housing options for our teachers, nurses, first responders, and workers and families across Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “Nearly every community in our state is facing an affordable housing crisis, and this bill will help jumpstart projects all over the state to build and maintain affordable housing for hardworking Coloradans. We are excited and thankful to see this bill moving forward with strong and bipartisan support.” HB22-1304 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield, is part of a package of legislation that will direct $428 million to make housing more affordable and save Coloradans money on housing. The bill invests $178 million, a historic sum, to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The bill also makes a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes. The legislation will ensure flexibility of funding, including allowances for operating grants to community-based organizations and qualified local governments, particularly in small, rural, and mountain resort communities, so they can best meet their own development needs according to their community’s workforce and local economy. By building homes closer to where people work, the bill will also save Coloradans money on their transportation costs. Previous Next

Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health < Back February 23, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Advances Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health DENVER, CO - The House today advanced bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. “There has been a significant rise in the cost of housing, especially in the Western Slope, forcing Coloradans to spend more of their money on housing and less on other necessary costs, like health care and groceries,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "Our bipartisan legislation would allow local governments to address the unique challenges that their communities face, like shortages in workforce housing, childcare, mental health care services, and much more.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, and the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: Senate, House Unveil First Slate of Bills to Address Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Legislation includes $168 million to increase access to care for youth, address inequities and improve behavioral health outcomes, & increase school-based resources for kids Denver, CO – Yesterday, the Senate and House introduced a slate of legislation aimed at addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using a portion of the $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The bills were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . The legislation will increase access to behavioral health care for children and youth, help implement innovative community based-programs to address inequities and improve behavioral health outcomes, and increase access to behavioral health resources in schools. “We set off the year with an ambitious goal of addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis and helping folks get the care they need, and this first package of bills is our first step in achieving that goal,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood), Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “With these bills, we are well on our way to providing greater support for our kids and families, as we continue to work toward creating a behavioral health system that is accessible and equitable for all.” HB22-1281 : Funding for Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin & Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez: In an effort to ensure Coloradans across the state—including children, youth and families—have access to the behavioral health care they need, this bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of meeting regional gaps and transforming behavioral health outcomes across the state. “Every community in our state is facing unique challenges when it comes to behavioral health care access, which is why we’ve designed a grant program that will respond to the specific gaps in each of our communities to increase access to care,” said Behavioral Health Care Transformational Task Force Vice Chair Serena Gonzales- Gutierrez (D-Denver). “This legislation will provide resources directly to our communities to support locally-tailored solutions across the entire continuum of care. It will also ensure that there is a care access point for youth and family-oriented care closer to their communities.” “Accessing behavioral health care in our state can be complex and difficult, making it challenging for Coloradans to get the care they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Sen. Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “We recognize that different parts of the state have different needs when it comes to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which is why we’re making a critical investment to address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.” HB22-1283 : Youth and Family Residential Behavioral Health Care, sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola & Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield: Colorado does not have adequate capacity to serve children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. As a result, too many children are sent out-of-state to access treatment, far away from their families and support network. This bill will invest $54 million to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado. “Kids all across Colorado deserve access to quality behavioral health care, but our current system isn’t getting them the care they need,” said Sen. Janet Buckner, (D-Aurora). “I am proud to champion this important legislation that will improve access to behavioral health care for youth in Colorado, and help make sure that every family in our state is able to receive the vital care they need to thrive.” “Colorado youth and families need places to turn for residential and outpatient behavioral health care to get the care they need, but these options are limited and are often hard to access in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City). “My family had to seek out of state education options for our child, and it was hard to have him so far away. Families should be able to access the services they need in Colorado. The legislation we’re advancing will build and fund a youth residential treatment facility at Fort Logan with up to 16 beds and provide operational support for additional 30 beds across the state.” SB22-147 : School and Pediatric Behavioral Health Care Integrations, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker and Jerry Sonnenberg & Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton: Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. The bill will expand behavioral health investments for Colorado youth by $11 million, allowing pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and providing school-based supports for kids and their families. “Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” said Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “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." “We are going to direct over $11 million to expand access to behavioral health resources in schools to help prepare our students for success and provide them the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley), who has spent decades working in behavioral health in Colorado schools. “This legislation will expand school-based health centers across the state, invest in having more mental health professionals in our schools, and significantly boost our capacity to offer critical mental health services to Colorado youth.” Another bill, HB22-1243 , puts an additional $2 million in ARPA funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and extends the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022, paving the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. HB22-1243 will be heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, March 10. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. < Back May 22, 2025 Wage Theft Prevention Legislation Signed Into Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. “This new law is a huge win for hardworking Coloradans and continues our bold efforts to boost wages and create an economy that works for everyone,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Wage theft is the largest source of theft in our state, with women and communities of color disproportionately becoming victims of wage theft. With this new law, we’re allowing workers to more quickly access their owed wages and strengthening protections for whistleblowers so Coloradans can receive the money they have worked hard to earn.” “Colorado workers lose hundreds of millions of dollars per year in wages due to theft from bad-acting employers," said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “Many of these workers are heads of their households already struggling to make ends meet. With this legislation, Colorado’s labor force would more quickly and easily access their owed wages so they are fairly compensated for the work they do.” “When employers refuse to pay their employees for the work they’ve already completed, it is the same thing as stealing money out of their wallet,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Wage theft hurts Colorado workers and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Our new law will help provide better support for workers to ensure they can be fairly paid for the work they do.” “I am committed to making sure every hardworking Coloradan receives the money they earned,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “This new law fights wage theft and protects whistleblowers so all workers can speak up without fear of retaliation.” HB25-1001 helps protect workers who make wage theft claims and prevent wage theft occurrences by holding bad-acting employers accountable and increasing the wage theft claim cap. Currently, wage theft claims are capped at $7,500. This law increases the cap to $13,000 starting July 1, 2026, with that claim amount adjusting for inflation beginning in 2028. Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime, and taking tips that were meant for the employees. The law will expedite the process so the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) can pay wage theft victims more quickly. CDLE can now crack down on worker misclassification, a technique used to avoid providing benefits and overtime wages. To deter employers from stealing wages, CDLE must publish wage theft determinations and update a list of wage theft violators on the division’s website. Under the law, CDLE must report wage theft violations to licensing and permitting bodies if there is a willful violation that is not remedied within sixty days. HB25-1001 allows third parties to bring complaints on a worker’s behalf and extends anti-retaliation and discrimination measures for all workers who raise complaints, allowing for similarly situated employees to speak up for others. A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Reps. Duran and Froelich and Sen. Danielson have championed numerous bills to ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned, including legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally earned wages. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ROBERTS-MCCLUSKIE BILL TO HELP LOWER THE COST OF HEALTH CARE (Apr. 11) – This morning, the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee unanimously approved a bill address the high costs of healthcare in Colorado. The bill is sponsored by Western Slope Representatives Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. SB19-004 will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions. It will also allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get their co-op up and running as soon as possible. The bipartisan bill will help lower healthcare costs by encouraging consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers and offer plans to individuals, business, and other groups that are more affordable than what currently exists on the market. “A key part of lowering the cost of health care will be the formation of health insurance co-ops across the state where consumers collectively negotiate rates directly with providers,” said Rep. Roberts. “This bill will authorize the formation of these co-ops across the state which could result in plans that are significantly cheaper than those available today.” “In the absence of federal solutions to the health care crisis we face, Colorado communities are finding creative, innovative approaches to making health care more accessible. Health care co-ops can be one more viable option to provide relief,” said Rep. McCluskie. “I’m proud of the bipartisan bills we’ve worked to pass this session to help provide solutions to health care challenges hardworking families face every day.” Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, is the Senate sponsor of the bill. The Senate approved the bill on a bipartisan vote of 34-to-1 earlier this month. SB19-004 now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2020 SNYDER & EXUM BILLS RAISE PAY FOR CO MILITARY FORCES, IMPROVE SERVICES FOR VETERANS Legislation advanced today would raise the minimum daily pay for state military forces and improve services for veterans in community living centers DENVER, CO– Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Marc Snyder to raise the minimum daily pay for state military forces and improve services for veterans in community living centers today passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs. “In 2018, 61 Colorado National Guard members were called to serve when the Spring Creek Fire, the third largest wildfire in our state’s history, swept through Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Their pay? Just $20 a day or $1.67 an hour. That is unacceptably low. As a former firefighter, I am appalled that we ask our fellow Coloradans to put themselves in harm’s way for such a low wage. This bill would more than triple the minimum daily pay, and I’m proud to see it move forward.” Under current law, the governor can activate Colorado National Guard units during natural disasters or civil emergencies. The current rate of pay is determined by a member’s rank and years of service. The minimum rate of pay, however, is just $20 a day, and guard members usually work 12 hour shifts. Often, those called upon are enlisted at a level that pays the lowest rate. Under SB20-091, which is also sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf, the minimum rate of pay would be more than tripled to $88 a day. “Our region is home to one in four veterans in our state, and many are older veterans who rely on the services provided by veterans community living centers,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “We must ensure that Colorado veterans have access to the state services they need. This bill will take a deep dive into the services provided by veterans community living centers across the state, and it will help us improve how our state delivers these critical services.” The state operates five veterans community living centers. The facilities provide long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, short-term respite care, memory care for individuals with dementia and end of-life/hospice services. HB20-1220, which is also sponsored by Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs, requires the state to conduct a needs assessment to investigate: The changing demographics of the veteran population in Colorado The treatment needs of younger veterans The best practices for services and treatment of mental health conditions such as PTSD The benefits and limitations of providing services through the existing enters Alternatives models of care, such as constructing a new Colorado State Veterans Home The impact on long-term care facilities of the changing health care needs of veterans. The five centers are located in Aurora, Florence, Monte Vista, Rifle, and Walsenburg. Recently, advocates and officials have begun the process of exploring how to build a Colorado State Veterans Home near Colorado Springs. The report, due in December 2020, will look at alternative models of care, such as a state veterans home. The House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee also passed SB20-082, sponsored by Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, and Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain. The bill would create the Colorado Legion of Merit medal, which would be awarded to any person who has rendered service in a clearly exceptional, unprecedented or superior manner. Previous Next

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

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

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

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