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< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (May 1) – Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications passed in the House on second reading. The bill will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for hardworking families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the House Health and Insurance committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under federal law to contract with a vendor. The vendor will design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. “Republicans in Congress are failing to help lower the cost of health care, and this is a commonsense approach that can help Colorado cut the cost of medication,” Rep. Jaquez Lewis added. SB19-005 passed on a a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. If approved, the bill goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BIPARTISAN BILLS TO INVEST IN STUDENT AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS Legislation includes nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs and expand in-state tuition for more students DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to better align postsecondary programs, save students money on higher education tuition and improve educational outcomes for Coloradans. HB22-1350 was crafted based on recommendations from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force . “Every Coloradan should have access to educational opportunities that set them up to thrive, and these new laws prioritize our workforce needs and students’ success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m incredibly proud to stand behind two bills Governor Polis signed into law to address workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado by creating high impact postsecondary credential programs and reducing the cost of higher education for Colorado high school graduates. When given the right tools, our students can grow, achieve and secure better paying jobs, and that’s what this legislation is designed to do.” “Industries across the state continue to face workforce shortages as they recover from the pandemic’s effects on the economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Investing in our workforce will have a transformational effect on workforce shortages today and well into the future. We are delivering Colorado the workforce it needs to continue moving our economy forward.” The Regional Talent Development Grant Program, HB22-1350 , establishes a $91 million grant program to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to fill good jobs in growing industries. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative McCluskie and Senator Bridges, as well as Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, utilizes federal pandemic relief dollars to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The program takes a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will create new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, R-New Castle and Senators Dominick Moreno and Julie Gonzales, to expand access to in-state tuition for Colorado high school students. “The cost of higher education shouldn’t deter Colorado’s students from pursuing a postsecondary degree at one of the excellent colleges and universities in the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By expanding the pool of students who qualify for in-state tuition, we lower the cost of education and empower students to make decisions for their future based on their goals rather than the price tag.” “We know that access to higher education can be transformational for a young person’s life, but during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease in enrollment,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Immigrant Colorado high school graduates should be able to access our public higher education institutions in the same manner as their U.S. citizen friends and neighbors. This is a common sense, bipartisan measure, and it also has the benefit of being good for our economy, particularly in corners of the state that are desperate for young, educated workers. I was honored to work alongside a broad coalition of business groups, higher education institutions, and immigrant rights organizations to get this bill signed into law.” Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bipartisan legislation changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families, saving them money on higher education tuition. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would create the right to visitation for Coloradans who are incarcerated. HB25-1013 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 5, 2025 Right to Visitation, Family Connection Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would create the right to visitation for Coloradans who are incarcerated . HB25-1013 passed by a vote of 7-4. “ Family support and connection can have a powerful impact on the success of incarcerated Coloradans, with studies showing it can reduce recidivism by 26 percent so we can help them build a thriving future and keep our communities safer ,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “Support from one's closest friends and family can help them cope with the stress of incarceration and foster optimism about life outside of prison. We’re bringing this bill to build stronger, more resilient communities and ensure that Coloradans, no matter if they are incarcerated or not, can stay connected with their support system.” “Currently, withholding family connection is being used as a form of punishment for incarcerated Coloradans who choose not to work or as a tool to control their behavior, which not only exacerbates the mental health crisis in Colorado prisons but also violates the abolishment of slavery,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Visitation is an important aspect of rehabilitation, and phone calls and visits from family and loved ones can help incarcerated people survive their sentence. Our bill makes it clear that incarceration does not strip Coloradans of their right to maintain connections with their families and loved ones.” HB25-1013 would create the right to visitation for incarcerated Coloradans to ensure they can stay connected with their family, friends, and loved ones and be set up for success after they serve time and re-enter the community. Visitation includes social visits including in-person visits, family time visits, phone calls, and video calls. The bill extends this right to any incarcerated person who has been restricted privileges, especially for those who have been placed in restrictive housing like solitary confinement or those who choose not to work. Under the bill, an incarcerated person could file a grievance with the Department of Corrections if they are not allowed visitations, and those grievances would be shared with the Colorado legislature. A study found that visitation in prison results in a 26 percent decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28 percent reduction in new convictions overall. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. HEROD’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REINSTATE VOTING RIGHTS FOR PAROLEES Colorado would join 14 other states in allowing those on parole to vote (Apr. 10) — The House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, with bipartisan support, that would reinstate the voting rights of individuals on parole. “Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to voter turnout and voter enfranchisement. We should be very proud of that fact,” said Rep. Herod. “Today we took another step towards expanding access to the ballot box. Parolees are hardworking individuals who pay taxes, take care of their families, contribute to their communities, and it’s past time we allow them to fully participate in our democracy.” HB19-1266 clarifies that people who are on parole have completed their “full term of imprisonment” upon release from prison, thereby restoring their right to vote. The bill would restore voting rights to approximately 10,000 Coloradans who are now disenfranchised. Parolees are denied the ability to vote because current law defines the “full term of imprisonment” to include the period of parole. The Colorado Supreme Court has stated that the state legislature has the authority to redefine the “full term of imprisonment.” The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 45-19 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2019 GOV SIGNS MICHAELSON JENET BILL TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR COLORADO’S KIDS (May 10) – Gov. Polis signed Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill today at North Middle School that will increase access to mental health services for children. Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bill would create a pilot program that provides a social worker in participating schools to follow kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. “Our hearts break for the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch and their families. We know that our students need more access to mental health services and we know that services provided sooner rather than later yield greater results,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Social workers can check-in and prevent an emotional cycle that may spiral out of control. This new law will help ensure support is provided sooner rather than later, and no child falls through the cracks.” HB19-1017 asks the Department of Education to select up to 10 pilot schools that meet the necessary characteristics, including high poverty, ethnic diversity, and a large concentration of students in the foster care system. One social worker for every 250 students in the schools will be readily available to those students throughout their elementary period. This bill, also sponsored by Sen. Rhonda Fields, was approved in the Senate with bipartisan support, and passed in the House on a vote of 40-23. The Governor also signed another bill to ensure Colorado’s children have more security and safety in the food they eat. HB19-1171, sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, would expand school meal programs. When students skip meals it affects their academic performance. Colorado currently pays a forty-cent copay on reduced price lunches for K-8 students through the School Lunch Protection Program. The bill would expand copay coverage through high school. Rep. Michaelson Jenet was the co-prime sponsor of a new law last year that expanded the school meal program to grades 6-8. HB19-1171 passed with bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. < Back April 20, 2023 Improvements to Domestic Violence Cases, Access to Resources Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how imperative it is to have comprehensive protections for victims while they seek accountability in court,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our current law doesn’t hold county and municipal courts to the same standards for domestic violence cases and doesn’t require them to share case information between one another, letting past criminal activity fall through the cracks when considering the threat that an abuser poses to the victim and the community. By improving the way that municipal courts handle domestic violence cases, Coloradans will have equal protections and services under the law, no matter where they live.” “Municipal courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence cases in several large Front Range cities, but they aren’t required by law to have the same procedural requirements or Victims Rights Amendment protections as county courts do," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “That means that over 1.5 million Coloradans aren't guaranteed the protections for domestic violence survivors that we’ve deemed necessary to keep victims safe and assist their recovery. This legislation would require municipal courts to provide the same victim protections and apply equivalent sentencing requirements as county courts to ensure that Coloradans receive equal treatment for domestic violence cases.” HB23-1222 would create new requirements for municipal courts for domestic violence cases. These requirements include that: Victims, victims’ families, and witnesses of a domestic violence violation will receive protections and rights under the “Victim Rights Act”, Sentencing, probation, and release on bond for a violation must be consistent with state law, Guidelines and standards are consistent with those adopted by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board, and The prosecuting attorney that originally meets with the victim should make an effort to stay on the case throughout the proceeding. If there is a domestic violence violation, municipal courts would be required to issue a protection order, report the violation to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and search the CBI and National Crime Information Center System databases to identify potential past domestic violence violations. The Department of Public Safety would report the total number of reports and inquiries submitted to the CBI, the Colorado Crime Information Center database, and the National Crime Information Center database during the annual SMART Act hearing so the General Assembly can determine if further action can be taken to improve how domestic violence cases are handled. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (board) reported that there were 91 fatalities due to domestic violence in 2021, the highest the state has seen since the board was founded in 2017. By improving how municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensuring victims are afforded protections by the Victims Rights Act, Colorado can reduce and prevent domestic violence. Previous Next

Legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services was introduced in the Senate today. < Back February 27, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Implement Voter-Approved Protections for Abortion Care & Pregnancy-Related Services Introduced in Senate DENVER, CO – Legislation to implement voter-approved protections for abortion care and pregnancy-related services was introduced in the Senate today. In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-183 would implement the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage. “Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” said Rodriguez. “Our state has a long history of standing up for reproductive health care freedoms, and this represents another chapter in that story. I am honored to sponsor this legislation that implements the will of the voters and ensures reproductive health care is protected in both our state law and our constitution.” “Colorado Democrats believe you should decide what’s right for your body and your future, and voters agree, abortion must remain legal and protected in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Given the uncertain future of abortion access in our nation, Colorado Democrats stepped up in recent years to protect reproductive health care in our state. Now, we’re building upon those efforts by upholding the will of the voters to protect your fundamental right to access abortion care.” “Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” said Daugherty. “Amidst a dangerous national landscape, we have worked hard to ensure that Colorado is a beacon for access to safe and affordable reproductive health care. Last November, Coloradans resoundingly voted to build on that work and permanently protect the fundamental right to abortion care in our state’s constitution.” “It’s clear – Coloradans believe it is your constitutional right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion,” said Garcia. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion care and access, Colorado remains a beacon for reproductive freedom. This bill upholds the will of the voters by ensuring your fundamental right to access reproductive health care is never ripped away.” Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill would ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado, and the Reproductive Health Care Program. SB25-183 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be scheduled for its first committee hearing in the coming weeks. Track its progress HERE . Previous Next

Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis < Back October 30, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Opioid Committee Advances Bills to Save Lives and Prevent Overdose Deaths Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis DENVER, CO - The Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee today advanced four bills to bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. “Too many Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorders, and in many cases, dying of preventable overdoses,” said Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 4 . “Colorado has made remarkable progress on building a comprehensive response since this committee was established in 2017. I am proud that we have again risen to the challenge, engaging stakeholders over an intensive process to identify the next set of policy changes that are needed to turn the tide on this crisis and build a healthier, safer Colorado.” "More than 1,500 of our neighbors died from a drug overdose here in Colorado last year, a heartbreaking number we must do more to reduce," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 2. "We've worked hard this interim to develop a menu of options for tackling this crisis, including legislation I am sponsoring that will expand treatment options for folks struggling with substance use disorders. I am proud of the work we've done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track." Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ryan Armagost and Senators Kyle Mullica and Perry Will would expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The bill: Directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to apply for Medicaid waivers to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities; Reduces insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment, Expands the treatment workforce by increasing training opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors and licenses clinical social workers; Authorizes pharmacists to diagnose opioid use disorders, prescribe medications, and make referrals to comprehensive treatment programs, creating new access points, especially in rural Colorado; Supports rural treatment providers by creating a shared infrastructure for administrative functions and allowing them to compare their reimbursements with metro area providers and negotiate better contracts; Creates a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober; Invests in criminal justice diversion programs to provide individuals charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option; and Studies additional barriers to treatment access, including inadequate insurance networks and federal regulations around methadone services. "Addressing the overdose and substance use disorder crisis that impacts many Coloradans and their families requires us to dig deep and consider many approaches, especially data driven initiatives, and this prevention bill starts with doing a better job on the front end by preventing folks from getting hooked at all,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of Bill 1. “These resources will empower community organizations and folks on the ground as they work to prevent substance use and abuse while connecting folks who are struggling with the treatment and support they need." “The best way to protect Coloradans from developing substance use disorders is to promote proven prevention methods to stop people from using dangerous substances in the first place,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our bill takes a multi-pronged approach at substance use prevention by funding grant programs that connect residents to community-based resources and establishing screening and treatment referrals within our schools and pediatric settings.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola and Representatives Mary Young and Elisabeth Epps, would boost SUD prevention efforts. The bill: Updates Colorado’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, support safer prescribing, and reduce misuse of prescription medication; Funds community-based organizations to provide prevention services for youth, families, and communities; Establishes a grant program for substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to help identify youth who may need to seek treatment or resources; Continues the statewide perinatal substance use data linkage project for experts to develop legislative recommendations on improving outcomes for families impacted by substance use during pregnancy; and Launches a new data linkage project for opioid use disorders to better target investments to parts of Colorado with the greatest needs. “Preventable overdoses are rising across our state; we need to take action now to save lives,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3 . “Prevention and harm reduction efforts like those included in these bills are proven to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health. We’re working to fund community-based prevention organizations, interrupt the spread of communicable disease, improve community safety, and protect all our neighbors—including the front line direct services workers who provide support and care as they prevent and reverse drug overdoses.” “We have lost far too many Coloradans to accidental overdoses and substance use disorders. Something has to change,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of Bills 1, 3 and 4. “We have worked hard to develop legislation that will result in meaningful harm reduction for people using substances, protect Coloradans stepping in to help those in crisis, and cultivate more supportive recovery programs to help Coloradans thrive. The bills we’re advancing today will save lives, and I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll make next session.” Bill 3 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, and Senator Priola, focuses on harm reduction strategies. It would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment, expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, ensure that drug users know they can go to the hospital without fear of arrest, and broaden existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado like xylazine, or “tranq”. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, would foster more recovery-friendly workplaces, clear barriers for sober living residences, and urge grocery stores to avoid in-your-face alcohol advertizing that makes it harder for people in recovery to simply buy food for their families. The four bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

Legislation would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which provides low interest loans to Colorado small businesses < Back April 18, 2024 Ricks’ Bill to Support Small Business, Create Jobs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance today passed legislation to support Colorado small businesses. HB24-1453 would permanently extend the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund to better support small businesses. By the end of 2024, the CLIMBER Program will provide $250 million in loans to Colorado small businesses. “Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone to our thriving, growing economy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill extends the successful small business loan program, CLIMBER, to uplift our small businesses, create jobs and boost local economies. The CLIMBER Program provides low-interest loans up to $500,000 to help Colorado small businesses expand, increase pay for their employees, open up new locations and more. Our small businesses make Colorado unique – and this bill gives our small businesses a leg up as they positively impact our communities.” HB24-1453 , passed by a vote of 11-0. This bill would extend the successful CLIMBER Program which is set to expire later this year. The goal of HB24-1453 is to make the CLIMBER Program permanent and to better support underserved businesses with the resources and expertise needed to secure these favorable loans. The bill would transfer the program from the Colorado Department of Treasury to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, which houses various programs and resources to support and ensure the success of under-capitalized businesses.To extend the CLIMBER Program and keep it operating long-term, this bill would also ensure $35 million in allocated funds stay with the program and allow for the recapture of repaid loans and other funds to be used for future loans to small businesses. Under the program, small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. These loans can be used to hire more employees, start or expand brick-and-mortar storefronts, get new businesses off the ground and more. Of the loans already distributed by the CLIMBER Program, it is estimated to have supported 1,098 jobs and provided capital to create at least 86 positions. Since its creation in 2020, the CLIMBER Program has provided 246 small business loans across 26 counties totaling over $18 million dollars. Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. < Back April 21, 2023 Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. HB23-1210 is part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step toward combating climate change and boosting our state’s economy," said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “This legislation helps us develop a strategic plan surrounding the emerging technologies for carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage. We are strategically positioning Colorado to be a national leader in carbon management, attracting new companies and innovative solutions to save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” HB23-1210 would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. Using public input, the roadmap will also identify early investment opportunities to minimize community risks associated with projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: < Back August 1, 2024 Story and Amabile Statements on Frontrange Wildfires CONIFER, CO – Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: Statement from Rep. Story, D-Conifer: “There is almost no mutual aid system in the country as well organized and effective as the state of Colorado. We have done this before and we are in good care. Yesterday I visited an evacuation center in Dakota Ridge organized due to the Quarry Fire. I spoke to authorities on the ground and those who had been evacuated from their homes, and the message I received was a reminder that our community is fearless, strong, and endlessly resistant. I want to personally thank Sheriff Reggie Marinelli for working around the clock to protect our neighbors, as well as the firefighters, first responders, pilots, and support staff working to mitigate the impact this wildfire has on our communities– they have my full confidence. The seriousness of the situation can not be understated. Please sign up for Lookout Alerts and remain vigilant to emergency orders. I urge everyone near the Quarry Fire to follow directions from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.” Statement from Rep. Amabile, D-Boulder: “I am deeply concerned by the ongoing wildfires in our communities. My thoughts are with everyone who has been evacuated, the Coloradans who have lost their homes, and all those who are bravely battling the fires in extreme heat and difficult terrain. I am in close contact with fire response officials, and I am closely monitoring the situation. The Boulder Office of Disaster Management has set up a donation process to assist those in need, and I encourage everyone who can help to do what they can.” To access the Boulder Office of Disaster Management donation form, click here . Previous Next

SB25-130 would ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected < Back May 2, 2025 House Advances Legislation to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. SB25-130 would safeguard emergency care for pregnant patients since the Trump administration announced they were no longer enforcing the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). “Federal protections for reproductive healthcare have been deeply eroded by the Trump administration, and it’s our responsibility to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people in Colorado,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill ensures that emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives. This bill rules out all ambiguity so pregnant people can receive the life-saving emergency care they need, including an abortion. Abortion is safe, legal and protected in Colorado.” “Our state has been a leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care saves lives,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “As the federal EMTALA law crumbles under the Trump administration, this bill stands up to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant patients. In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are being denied emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late; we won't let that happen in Colorado.” SB25-130 would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It would also create clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, and guidelines for transfers and discharges. The federal EMTALA is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care, regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Moyle vs United States has allowed states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies. In addition, the Trump administration recently dropped the federal lawsuit against Idaho for refusing to provide abortion care in the emergency room. In response to these federal actions, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado. The federal landscape surrounding abortion care has been under attack. States with strict abortion bans argue that their state laws override their federal EMTALA law. Without access to care, pregnant people risk miscarriage, sepsis, or even death. Previous Next