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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

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