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Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. < Back May 4, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Improve Mental Health Access in Schools, Support our Students DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. “Colorado students are battling a mental health crisis – and we’re committed to getting them the professional support they need,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our educators go above and beyond to support our students, but they can’t do it alone; Colorado schools need more mental health professionals. This law expands schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so our students can access mental health services in school. The bravery of our students never ceases to amaze me, and I’m proud we can streamline the school mental health services they need.” “Without mental health professionals, our overworked educators are stepping up to provide mental health support to our youth,” said Rep. Mary Young, a school psychologist, D-Greeley. “Our law cuts red tape and makes it possible for schools to hire more licensed mental health professionals in schools now. Many Colorado students are combating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues while struggling to find the support they need in schools. This important legislation helps our schools hire more mental health professionals and prioritize the needs of students.” SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license to practice therapeutic services and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This law streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs is ready for Governor Polis’ signature. < Back April 14, 2023 Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Heads to Governor’s Desk DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs is ready for Governor Polis’ signature. “Soon farmers and ranchers will have the freedom to fix their own equipment or hire local technicians which saves them money, time, and gets them back to their work faster,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’ve heard countless stories of farmers being forced to spend outrageous amounts on equipment repairs, waiting weeks for a repair technician or opting for dated technology because they can repair it easier. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and I hope that this legislation can be a blueprint for other states across the nation.” “It is an honor to serve my constituents and stand up for the rights of personal property,” said Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. “I am grateful to work with Rep. Titone on passing legislation that benefits our farmers in Colorado.” HB23-1011 , would require agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, agricultural equipment manufacturers would need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Colorado is the first and only state in the nation to secure a law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. Under this bill, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer cannot upcharge for any repair items. This bill aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Last year, Representatives Titone and David Ortiz, D-Littleton, passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB23-1011. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS HIT THE HOUSE FLOOR Affordable housing, creative industries, and small businesses who hire former inmates to get significant boost under state stimulus bills advanced today DENVER, CO– House committees today advanced three Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals that would provide significant funding for affordable housing; offer grants to artists, venues, and Coloradans in the creative industries, and expand a program that creates jobs by helping formerly incarcerated individuals learn finance skills and start a business. Local governments are on the forefront of building affordable housing, but often lack the tools and resources to increase the available housing stock. HB21-1271 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Jodeh, provides $13 million in incentives and technical assistance to local governments to provide for the rapid deployment of affordable housing projects and to also ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to help them identify and meet their unique housing needs. The bill passed the Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 9-2. “Coloradans across the state continue to tell lawmakers that housing is too expensive and access to affordable places to live is becoming harder and harder to find,” said Rep. Iman Joden, D-Aurora. “I believe in the American Dream, and for many, secure and safe housing or homeownership is a part of realizing that dream. Allowing this dream to come to fruition shouldn’t be a luxury, but rather something within the reach of all. That’s why we’re giving local governments the tools they need to develop more affordable housing and offering financial incentives to make that happen.” “Many of our rural and mountain town economies depend on access to affordable housing as rising costs are forcing out long-time locals and making it harder for businesses to find workers,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We have an affordable housing crisis in Colorado and local governments need additional tools and funding to create more housing. I’m excited to see the legislature tackle this issue and take action to foster construction of more affordable places to live for Coloradans.” HB21-1215 , sponsored by Representatives Ortiz and Holtorf, expands an existing pilot program known as the Community Crime Prevention Initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations to reduce crime and recidivism and promote community economic development. The program also trains formerly incarcerated people in business, finance and entrepreneurship and those who graduate receive access to loans to start their own small business. The program was created by the bipartisan bill HB17-1326, establishing the pilot program in North Aurora and Southeast Colorado Springs. HB21-1215 expands the program sites to Grand Junction and Trinidad. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6-5. “The Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative has successfully created jobs and lowered recidivism rates because it focuses on community-led solutions to the root causes of crime,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Let’s keep up the good work! This bipartisan bill uses state stimulus funds to expand the program to Trinidad and Grand Junction to provide further opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to learn business, finance, and entrepreneurship skills and find employment, reducing the chance they reoffend and return to prison.” Venues, artists, and so many other culturally vital organizations have struggled to make it through the last year. HB21-1285 , sponsored by Representatives Benavidez and Herod, provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. The bill passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee by a vote of 8-5. “For community cultural centers and festivals, artists and so many others in Colorado’s creative economy, this last year has been devastating,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “Our state stimulus plan provides $10 million to help Coloradans in the arts industry get back on their feet, creating jobs in communities all across our state. I’m proud that this bill will target historically marginalized businesses and individuals to provide them the resources they need to recover financially and thrive.” “The pandemic’s impact on concerts, art festivals, and so much more has meant lost income and wages for tens of thousands of Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “By boosting this critical industry, we can help Coloradans recover faster from the pandemic and build back stronger.” Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. < Back May 16, 2023 New Laws Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Create Stronger Pathways for In-Demand Industries CENTENNIAL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1212 improves access to apprenticeships for graduating high schoolers. HB23-1074 identifies strategies to better prepare Colorado workers for industry changes resulting from technology advances and automation. “We’re taking the necessary steps to boost our workforce by connecting graduating high school students to high-demand careers through apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This law is a win-win for aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s future toward a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “Our law saves graduates money on educational training and builds stronger pathways toward high-demand industries. Across Colorado there are many industries searching for skilled workers, and our law helps fill workforce demands and strengthen our economy.” HB23-1212 directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of apprenticeship opportunities in available career planning tools, including individual career and academic plans to better support job preparation for students. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. “As our economy and workforce demands shift, we’re preparing now to ensure Colorado workers are not left behind,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1074 . “This law will identify opportunities for workers to use the skills they already have while transitioning to a more forward-looking economy. We cannot control how innovation and automation will change the labor market, but we can ease the workforce transition so more Coloradans can continue to work and thrive in their own communities.” “Our law creates and preserves jobs for workers in Colorado’s oil and gas industry and other skilled industries as we anticipate future workforce changes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1074. “This workforce study will identify strategies to help workers enter new, up-and-coming career paths as technology-dependent industries adapt and grow with automation. We’re committed to help Coloradans prepare for the career of the future, and this law sets us on a pathway forward.” HB23-1074 creates a workforce study to help better prepare Coloradans for high-demand careers. Through this workforce study, The Office of Future Work (OFW) will partner with research institutions, employers and other stakeholders to explore industry transitions in oil and gas and in industries experiencing disruption due to automation. This law works to ease workforce transitions, identify appropriate interventions and define strategies to help Coloradans prepare and train for careers of the future. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 SIGNED! BUENTELLO’S DISABLED VETERAN PARK ACCESS PROPOSAL BECOMES LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed Representative Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to allow veterans to more easily access State Parks free of charge into law. “This simple new law will ensure that those who have served our country don’t face barriers and red tape when visiting Colorado’s State Parks,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “With Fishers Peak in Southern Colorado becoming our newest State Park, this law could not have come at a better time. I’m proud that we were able to deliver a win for Colorado’s veterans today.” Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Now, under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. It was previously passed by the House by a vote of 60-0. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 RX DRUG SAVINGS COMING TO CONSUMERS, EMPLOYERS, AND STATE GOV DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “This bill is a win win–it will save consumers money on their prescription drug costs and save Colorado money, too,” said Health and Insurance Committee Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “Using innovative technology, we can create a marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers that gets them to compete against each other to offer their services at a lower cost. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and insurance a top priority, and this bill will help our state reduce costs while saving people money on their drugs.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2022 SIGNED! BILLS TO SUPPORT MARSHALL FIRE RECOVERY AND FIREFIGHTER SAFETY Wildfire recovery and prevention bills are part of the JBC’s FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will aid the Marshall Fire recovery and boost firefighter safety. Marshall Fire Property Tax Reimbursement: As one of the many ways that the state is responding to the Marshall Fire, HB22-1183 will transfer $3.7 million to the impacted counties to ensure they don’t face additional revenue shortfalls as a result of the devastation. “Today, we’re making sure that communities are protected from negative financial impacts from the devastation caused by the Marshall Fire,” said Rep. Matt Gray D-Broomfield. “This bill is a step in the right direction towards helping those impacted by wildfires to recover and build back stronger, safer communities. We know the road ahead is long. We’re committed to helping families affected by the Marshall Fire so they can continue to rebuild communities and create a safer, healthier state in the process.” “This bill is a commitment to the people of Boulder County – we are here for you,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of support our community received from our neighbors and strangers across the world after the catastrophic Marshall Fire. This bill is immediate relief for our communities to rebuild stronger than before. We’re dedicated to continuing to help the residents impacted by the Marshall Fire recover and to continue to move Colorado forward.” Firefighter Safety: As part of House Democrats’ commitment to creating healthier and safer communities, HB22-1194 will direct additional resources to help our firefighters access the best equipment available. The bill makes $5 million available this year to provide grants to help local fire departments purchase safety and disease prevention gear, and support firefighter safety training. “We’re committed to building safer, healthier communities and that begins with making sure our firefighters have the equipment to safely combat wildfires,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans rely on firefighters to protect their homes, livelihood and communities. This bill will help firefighters do their job more effectively by giving them access to the best safety equipment available. This is all part of our ongoing wildfire recovery and prevention efforts that will help communities across the state.” Previous Next

< Back Amabile: Teens and parents deserve education to prevent harms of social media Feb 17, 2024 See more This story was originally posted in the Daily Camera here . It’s happened to us all at one point or another. You googled a random kitchen gadget, clicked on a clothing ad or read an online article about a pending “snowmageddon” and paid the algorithmic price. Kitchen gadgets, clothing ads and articles about the weather suddenly inundate your feed. This is obviously annoying and, I might add, intrusive. Yet, we are capable of discerning between the risks and rewards of social media and know why our feeds promote the content that they do. But for teens whose brains are at a crucial developmental stage, the risks of this kind of targeting are dangerous. Clicks, likes or even hovering on a post for too long transforms a child’s social media feed, leading them astray and into a perpetual feed of negative and dark content. Content that promotes bulimia, self-harm, bullying and violence. These are the dangers teens encounter and endure on social media platforms. They are a generation who have grown up with social media, and they don’t know a world without it. But we’ve never provided the support and guidance they need to use social media safely. I, alongside my Republican colleague Rep. Rose Pugliese, have introduced HB24-1136 to tackle this issue and give our kids the information they deserve to make informed choices about healthy social media use. This bipartisan bill is an evidence-based and commonsense approach to mitigating these horrible outcomes. The foundation of HB24-1136 is rooted in a simple concept: When people have access to information, they make informed choices. First, the bill will create a first-ever information and resource bank dedicated to educating Coloradans about safe and healthy social media use. It will be available to teens, parents, teachers and anyone who wants to learn how to prevent the negative side effects of social media. Second, the bill ensures information is provided directly to teens while they use various platforms. When someone ages 13 to 17 reaches a level of unhealthy social media use, they will see a popup label alerting them that their usage is becoming problematic. The social media companies themselves have funded research that proved in-app disruptions, like popup labels, are successful at getting youth to stop scrolling. A lot of social media platforms already allow for popup labels, but it’s not uniform, and it’s certainly not the standard. While social media platforms have existed for more than 20 years, the research is burgeoning, and it’s clearly linking problematic social media use with negative mental health outcomes. The longer teens spend scrolling, it increases their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress. A quarter of teens report spending more than 4.5 hours per day on social media, and 1 in 6 say they use TikTok and YouTube almost constantly. These high levels of usage are dangerous, and teens need to have access to tools that will help them make healthier choices. Another alarming aspect of social media is that the platform features are designed to be addictive. Scrolling can cause your brain to emit dopamine when you view funny or exciting content. But the brain then continues to want the same dopamine hits, which causes teens to scroll for hours. This is fittingly known as the “doom scroll.” It’s fitting because nothing good comes when you scroll for that long. New research is comparing how substance use and gambling addictions change the brain to how social media is changing the brains of teens. This bill will create a standard so teens and parents do not have to continue navigating these highly addictive and complex social media platforms on their own. This is a public health problem that warrants a public health response. HB24-1136 is the foundation we need to begin tackling this public health threat. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES MCLACHLAN-GALINDO BILL TO ENHANCE FOOD SYSTEM ADVISORY COUNCIL Bill will help enhance Colorado’s food system infrastructure (Mar 5) – The House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee gave approval today to Rep. Barbara McLachlan and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to advance recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies. “We need to find a way to increase access to healthy food while also investing in our local, regional, and state economies,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will help increase access to fresh, healthy food for our most vulnerable communities and redirect federal money to Colorado farmers.” HB19-1202 will combine the existing Food System Advisory Council with the Farm to School Task Force and places the reconstituted Colorado Food System Advisory Council within Colorado State University. Through this, the university can also look at increasing and strengthening WIC and SNAP retailers as it relates to the access to and provision of healthy foods. “Our vulnerable populations should have access to a food system that will ensure they have access to healthy foods,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “Leveraging the purchasing power of our school districts and health care systems will create more marketing connections with producers to strengthen the food system.” HB19-1202 passed committee with a bipartisan vote of 9-2 and now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back June 5, 2020 BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS MAKE ENDS MEET ADVANCE Committee passes legislation to provide, housing, utility, and behavioral health assistance; protect consumers from outrageous price gouging DENVER, CO — The House Committee on State, Veterans and Military Affairs today advanced four bills to provide direct assistance to hardworking families and improve access to essential needs, such as housing, utilities and behavioral health care. “Coloradans expect their leaders to deliver results, and that’s why I’m fighting to provide direct assistance to hardworking families to help them make ends meet,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “With COVID-19 upending the lives of Coloradans all across our state, we’re channeling $20 million directly to families to help them afford to stay in their homes.” “Workers are footing the bill for essential protective equipment while some companies continue to charge exorbitant prices for masks and other necessary items without justification,” said Brianna Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “Coloradans are trying to rebuild their lives and can’t afford to pay outrageous prices for essential goods and services. It’s time to give our state the tools we need to crack down on these deceptive and unfair practices that hurt Coloradans.” “Too many hardworking families are struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet, which is why we’re directing $10 million in federal funding to lower utility bills and help Coloradans get through this crisis,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “We’re focused on how we can make a real impact and help our state get back on its feet.” “These are challenging times, and we’re seeing an enormous increase in the demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment services,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “I am grateful we will be able to use federal CARES Act funding to bolster our state’s behavioral health capacity so that more Coloradans can access the care they need.” HB20-1410: Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance ( Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sens. Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger): Housing security for both renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to preserving the health and economic security of Colorado families. The bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. Passed 6-3 HB20-1411: Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment ( Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Rhonda Fields): The need for behavioral health services are compounded by the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the more than half a million individuals who have filed for unemployment in Colorado. Young people have been especially impacted–teachers are reporting an increased need for mental health support for students struggling with schooling at home. The bill allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health and Environment. Passed 8-1. HB20-1412: Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities ( Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger): While most utilities have implemented a moratorium on utility disconnections, the moratoriums do not address the difficulty that a household facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have paying its utility bill once a utility’s disconnection moratorium is lifted. The bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off. Passed 6-3. HB20-1414: Protections Against Price Gouging ( Reps. Mike Weissman and Brianna Titone, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote): Unfortunately, during times of emergency unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to take advantage of scarcity to raise prices on necessary goods to exorbitant levels. This bill establishes that a person engages in an unfair or unconscionable act or practice if they increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services an excessive amount, and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections. Passed 6-3. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT ADVANCES GOP election conspiracy theories on full display as Republican lawmakers oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Colorado Election Security Act on a preliminary vote. “Colorado is taking steps to defend our elections from insider threats and “Big Lie” conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Our gold standard elections system leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and election security. This common sense legislation strengthens our elections system and will hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with election equipment. It also bars anyone convicted of an election crime from overseeing our elections.” “Conservative leaders in the legislature used the debate on this bill to attack our election system and spread baseless and unproven conspiracy theories,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood , chair of the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Committee that held the initial hearing on the bill. “It’s important to pass this common sense legislation, which is supported by the county clerks, to prevent insider threats and protect our democracy. It’s a shame that GOP lawmakers refuse to support this bill and have become too blinded by partisan rhetoric to see that this bill is simply common sense and should have their support.” SB22-153 , the Colorado Election Security Act, is sponsored by Representative Lontine. The bill will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. Republicans ran an amendment that would allow county clerks to copy sensitive hard drives with voting information and provide them to whomever they wish–the exact actions Clerk Tina Peters has been accused of taking that led to her indictment. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to protect Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. < Back March 27, 2025 Law Enforcement Whistleblower Protection Bill Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. “Whistleblower protections ensure that people can report a violation of law or policy without fear, and this is especially necessary within law enforcement agencies,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “After an Edgewater officer was assaulted by a fellow officer in 2019, it was clear that there were gaps in local law enforcement agencies’ policies regarding workplace issues and protections around retaliation. It is crucial that the people who are supposed to protect us can also protect each other, which is exactly what this bill does.” “This bill is about protecting the people who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “After nearly a year of weekly stakeholder meetings with law enforcement, impacted community members and whistleblower advocates, we’ve crafted this policy to better protect those who raise concerns about wrongdoings. This legislation will improve due process and pathways to justice to protect law enforcement officers from retaliation when they report injustices in their workplace.” HB25-1031 would protect whistleblowers in law enforcement by prohibiting retaliation, including requiring disclosures to be made to external oversight agencies and ensuring confidentiality for the reporting officer. The bill would expand retaliation to include discharging, disciplining, demoting, denying a promotion, transferring or reassigning, discriminating against, harassing, suspending, creating a hostile work environment for, subjecting to corrective action, reprimanding, issuing an employment rating that causes a loss of pay or makes ineligible for a promotion, laying off, reducing work hours, or knowingly providing false information regarding a peace officer to negatively impact future employment opportunities. Additionally, the bill would protect a peace officer who shares information to the relevant supervising authority in good faith regarding a danger to public health or safety or an alleged violation of law committed by a fellow peace officer. If the relevant supervising authority is the individual being accused, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to provide an alternative reporting procedure. The bill also creates a private right of action and establishes penalties for employers who engage in retaliation, allowing peace officers to seek reinstatement, back pay with interest, attorney fees, and other remedies. Lastly, the bill outlines the process and deadlines for filing claims and establishes a reporting system to monitor implementation and consistency with existing whistleblower protection laws. Beginning January 1, 2026, all law enforcement agencies that employ POST-certified peace officers must provide annual training and accessible workplace postings about peace officers’ rights and protections under this bill. Employees hired after this date must provide information regarding this bill during their employee orientation. In 2019, an Edgewater police officer was retaliated against and ultimately forced to resign after she reported multiple assaults by a colleague. The perpetrator ultimately pleaded guilty to the assault and the City of Edgewater settled after the officer sued for discrimination. Colorado Democrats have passed whistleblower protection laws in recent years, including protections for essential workers who raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards during a public health emergency and those who report child labor violations . Previous Next