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New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all < Back April 14, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, that improves access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and makes reproductive health care more equitable was signed into law today. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. “Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “This new law breaks down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and helps ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.” “Under this law, it will be easier for all Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care services,” said Michaelson Jenet. “I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but accessing the life-saving care you need shouldn’t be financially out of reach for Coloradans. Unlike other states across the nation, Colorado is securing and expanding access to reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments, not restricting it." “Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to champion this new law that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone." “Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, but systemic barriers rooted in racism and oppression can stand in the way,” said Garcia. “This law works to break down those accessibility barriers to receiving abortions, STI treatments and other forms of reproductive health care which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Securing reproductive justice is vital for Coloradans to lead self-sufficient, prosperous lives and I’m beyond proud to bring us closer to achieving that goal.” SB23-189 limits surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code, and increasing additional family-planning related services. Finally, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2020 MORE COMMUNITIES ELIGIBLE FOR WILDFIRE GRANTS UNDER BILL ADVANCED TODAY Legislation would make it easier for projects in lower-income communities to receive grant funding and allow nonprofits and fire districts to also receive grants DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today passed by a vote of 11-0 Representative McCluskie’s bipartisan legislation to make it easier for lower-income communities, nonprofits and fire districts to receive wildfire risk mitigation grants. “With our changing climate, wildfires are growing more common and more intense, and they don’t discriminate based on how much money a community has,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillon). “This bipartisan legislation will allow more communities, especially those with fewer economic resources, to take advantage of wildfire hazard mitigation grants. These grants fund critical projects that reduce the risk that a wildfire will threaten lives and property.” HB20-1057 , which is also sponsored by Representative Terri Carver, would lower the self-finance threshold for the cost of projects from 50 percent to 25 percent in areas with fewer economic resources. Currently, grant applicants must pay for 50 percent of the cost of a project financed by a grant. By lowering the threshold, more lower-income communities will be able to take advantage of wildfire risk mitigation grants. The bill, which advanced from the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, would also allow nonprofits, entities engaged in firefighting, and fire protection districts to apply for the grants. It extends the grant program until September, 2029. Under current law, the program expires in September, 2022. Wildfire risk mitigation grants are used to finance projects that reduce the risk that wildfire will damage property and infrastructure. Projects typically work to reduce the hazardous materials, such as dead trees and brush, that fuel wildfires and threaten people and property in the wildland-urban interface. Grants sizes have ranged from $4,400 to $152,500. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2023 House Advances Bill to Streamline Mental Health Treatment DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote allowing psychologists to prescribe limited mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. “If medication is part of a mental health treatment plan, patients often wait months or pay large out-of-pocket costs to find a licensed prescriber to write their prescription,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill will improve access to the medication patients need by creating a path for psychologists to prescribe mental health treatment. Psychologists have a close relationship with their patients and a thorough understanding of how to treat mental illness, offering them important insight when it comes to the appropriate treatment.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, 750 hours of practicum work, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians or specialty provider if wanting to work with the pediatric or geriatric population. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE COLORADO’S RED FLAG LAW BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law landmark legislation that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law. SB23-170 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur. “Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence, but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” Fenberg said. “This new law will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.” “This expansion of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order will improve one of the best tools we have to help prevent more Coloradans from being a victim of the next gun violence tragedy,” Bacon said. “Now, more qualified individuals will be able to file a petition if they believe someone poses a serious threat to the community. This law brings us one step closer to keeping guns out of the hands of those who would do harm to themselves or others.” “Our Red Flag law has already saved lives in Colorado, and this commonsense law will strengthen it so that it can be even more effective,” Sullivan said. “Expanding and improving our Red Flag law will create more opportunities for qualified individuals to assess the danger and act appropriately to prevent further violence and ultimately save more lives.” “Since Colorado passed the Red Flag law in 2019, it has been an effective yet underutilized tool to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” Weissman said. “Teachers, licensed mental health professionals, district attorneys, and medical professionals throughout our communities often have insight into the potential dangers that someone poses, making them essential in Colorado’s fight against gun violence. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re improving awareness of this tool and expanding eligibility to file a petition so we can reduce deaths by suicide and protect more Coloradans from the threat of gun violence.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. Previous Next

State departments detail newly updated impacts of the federal budget bill passed by the GOP-led Congress, including increases in health care and energy costs for Coloradans and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that cause Coloradans to lose access to critical safety net programs < Back July 30, 2025 GOP’s Federal Budget Blows Billion Dollar Hole in State Budget, Slashes Medicaid and Raises Costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO – Today, the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council, comprised of the top legislative leadership of the General Assembly, met to understand the impacts of Congressional Republicans' federal budget bill on Colorado’s state budget. State economists anticipate an over $1 billion hole in the state budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1. H.R.1 will mean severe cuts to core services and key priorities for Coloradans. “By pushing through H.R.1, Republicans in Washington recklessly slashed programs that Colorado families count on like Medicaid, food assistance, and children’s health care, and they punted the tough decisions to the states,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “With this irresponsible bill, they dealt a billion-dollar blow to our state budget. We have difficult decisions ahead and will do everything we can to minimize the harm, but there’s no avoiding the fact that these cuts will hurt Colorado families.” “When the General Assembly adjourned three months ago we had a balanced state budget, and now we don't,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Republicans' federal budget has blown a billion dollar hole in our state finances and increased health insurance premiums by nearly 40 percent on the Western Slope. Coloradans are now the collateral damage of the GOP's cruel bill, which could have been stopped by just a single Republican in Congress. The consequences for our state are devastating, and Republicans can’t hide the damage their party has caused.” “Coloradans didn’t choose this. Congressional Republicans - including Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd, and Gabe Evans – chose tax giveaways for billionaires and blind loyalty to President Trump over the needs of their own constituents,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “In addition to cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, their bill will make life more expensive for all Coloradans, increasing utility bills and health insurance costs and killing jobs. They knew the damage this bill would cause and voted for it anyway, leaving us to deal with the consequences.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans cannot afford the GOP's budget," said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Due to the Congressional Republicans’ reckless slashing of core services like Medicaid and SNAP, Colorado is in a far worse budget situation than we were when we adjourned session three months ago. As a result, hardworking families, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and others who rely on critical services might be forced to do without. We'll work hard to minimize the fallout in our communities, but this new $1 billion hole in our state budget will require difficult decisions." H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget Preliminary estimates from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) indicate a revenue reduction of $1.2 billion this fiscal year, FY26, and a reduction of $679 million in FY27 and future years. Forecasts estimate the state will be $914 million below the TABOR cap in this fiscal year (FY26), meaning that taxpayers will not receive TABOR refunds and there will not be surplus revenue available to pay for the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, creating additional pressures on the state General Fund. Lawmakers already had to address a $1.2 billion deficit this year, and now face an additional $1.2 Billion hole from H.R.1. The GOP budget additionally shifts $170M in food assistance costs from the federal government onto Colorado, along with hundreds of millions in Medicaid costs as restrictions on provider fee financing phase in. Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Kicks Coloradans Off Health Insurance, and Raises Premiums Under H.R.1, up to 193,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid health insurance coverage, and many more on the individual market will face higher premiums. Eventually, 377,000 Coloradans will be at risk of disenrollment. The federal budget slashes provider payments and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, programs for Coloradans with Disabilities, and CHP+ coverage for children and pregnant women. It also reduces reimbursements to Colorado hospitals. These cuts are expected to cost the state Medicaid program $2.5 billion by 2032. Due to H.R.1 and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, premiums for private health insurance are forecasted to go up an average of 28 percent with parts of Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, which will see premium increases of 38 percent. Colorado’s successful, bipartisan reinsurance program will be significantly reduced and as a result, every Coloradan will pay more for their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado estimates these changes could cost Colorado consumers $620 million from reduced tax credits and lead to a loss of coverage for 112,000 Coloradans. H.R.1’s Impacts Turn Off EITC and FATC for the Next Two Tax Years Reduced revenue means that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be turned off for the next two tax years, increasing taxes for working people and families and taking money away from some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With the EITC expansion and the FATC in effect, an average family with two children under six-years-old and an earned income of $50,000 would have received approximately $4,870 in tax credits. With the programs turned off, Colorado workers and families will receive $0. Changes to SNAP Will Affect 600,000 Coloradans Who Rely on Food Assistance H.R.1 includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts the burden to states. Colorado expects to see $170 million in cuts to SNAP, affecting the more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. Many participants will lose food assistance or be forced to overcome new administrative hurdles to demonstrate that they meet narrow work requirements. Rollback of Clean Energy Will Result in Higher Costs and Job Losses H.R.1 rolls back, modifies or completely eliminates tax credits for energy-efficient new homes, residential clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). An analysis of the final language estimates these policies will result in 1,950 jobs lost and a household income loss of $190 in Colorado, as well as increased energy costs for consumers. According to the Colorado Energy Office, H.R.1 is projected to increase residential gas prices in Colorado by 3.4 percent by 2029 and electricity prices by up to 10 percent by 2035. Colorado households could see a $500 increase in annual energy costs by 2035. Tomorrow, Senate and House Democrats will hear from providers and organizations about the impact that Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 will have on their ability to provide core services to Coloradans. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs within good-paying, in-demand fields. < Back April 20, 2023 Martinez’s Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Career Pathways, Strengthen Workforce Sails Through Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs within good-paying, in-demand fields. “We’re breaking down the financial barriers students face after graduation, boosting our workforce and creating strong pathways to in-demand careers,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This legislation provides a $1,500 scholarship to graduating students for universities and community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training so they can jumpstart the career of their dreams. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill that will foster meaningful career planning while helping meet Colorado’s growing workforce needs.” SB23-205 , sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create a Universal High School Scholarship Program to make it easier and more affordable to access postsecondary education and training opportunities for Colorado students. The program will provide each qualifying applicant with a scholarship up to $1,500 to take to any approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeships and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, and colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the class of 2024, more than 25 percent of all high school graduates statewide. Scholarships are available to Colorado residents who graduated from a Colorado high school or earned a high school equivalency credential in the 2023-2024 academic year, completes the state or federal financial aid application, submits the scholarship application, and has not received a grant or other scholarship. On April 3, the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, visited the Colorado State Capitol to discuss SB23-205 and other pieces of legislation that prioritize workforce training and uplift aspiring professionals to pursue quality career paths by breaking down financial barriers to earning a degree or credential to increase the workforce and grow Colorado’s economy. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB22-1102 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Ortiz, which would establish new housing protections for veterans. The vote was 50-12. “Right now in Colorado, veterans and active service members are facing housing discrimination when they go to rent or buy a home,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This bill will make it illegal for landlords and lenders to withhold housing and discriminate against veterans and active service members. It’s already difficult enough to find affordable housing; with this bill, we’re breaking down barriers to ensure sure discrimination based on military status isn’t one of the hurdles they face.” “Housing discrimination based on veteran or military status is flat out wrong,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “This bill makes sure the men and women who served our county aren’t denied a place to live when they return home to Colorado.” Over 400,000 veterans call Colorado home. HB22-1102 prohibits anyone selling or leasing a dwelling from discriminating against an individual based on their veteran or military status. The bill also prohibits someone from refusing to negotiate for housing with a veteran or otherwise denying or withholding housing based on someone’s veteran or military status. The bill would add veteran or military status to Colorado law that currently prohibits housing discrimination because of a person’s disability, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry or familial status. The bill does not extend these protections to those who have been dishonorably discharged. Previous Next

Legislation would safeguard voting rights in Colorado law amid federal uncertainty < Back April 28, 2025 Colorado Voting Rights Act Passes Legislation would safeguard voting rights in Colorado law amid federal uncertainty DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Junie Joseph to codify stronger voter protections into Colorado law. SB25-001 passed by a vote of 43-22. “With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, it’s imperative that we act now to protect the constitutional right to vote. This bill makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.” “I would not be here today as a member of the Colorado House without the Voting Rights Act, and I’m proudly sponsoring this legislation so future Coloradans like me have the opportunity to engage in the political process,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Voting is one of the most important ways Coloradans can make their voices heard, and it’s crucial that we ensure voter protections are in place in Colorado in the event that this federal administration rolls them back. I’m proud to carry this bill to expand access to the ballot, especially for tribal members and the LGBTQ+ community, and codify protections for our vulnerable community members.” In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1986, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, SB25-001 would protect and strengthen the right to vote in Colorado. This bill would codify stronger voter protections, expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibit discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back. The bill would expand access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections, protect access for eligible voters confined in local jails, require residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empower the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. The bill would also prohibit impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and would create a publicly available, statewide database of election information without compromising any personal voter data. On March 25, President Trump signed an executive order requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship in order to vote. The order also allows federal review of voter registration lists to verify citizenship and withholds funding from states that do not comply. Colorado joined 18 other states to challenge the constitutionality of this executive order. This month, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act that would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening the future of mail voter registration and disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, especially the almost 70 million Americans who have changed their name. This would make it impossible for many Americans who do not have a passport, REAL ID, or access to their birth certificates to vote. Colorado is a national role model for administering secure, accessible and fair elections. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to reduce barriers to voting access for Native Americans and Indigenous people, incarcerated Coloradans and college students. In 2021, Colorado Democrats also passed a law to expand minority language ballot access beyond federal requirements. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country and voter registration rates. Over 93-percent of eligible Coloradans are registered to vote, which is nearly 10-percent higher than the national average. Previous Next

< Back January 26, 2023 Bill to Save Educators Money, Address Teacher Shortage Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to save teachers money through loan forgiveness and stipends by expanding the pool of student educators who qualify for these state programs. “Colorado’s teacher shortage is dire and eliminating financial barriers to entering the profession is one of the proven ways to get more qualified teachers in classrooms,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “Under this new bill, more educators than before will be able to take advantage of loan forgiveness programs and student educator stipends. Our bill saves educators money and sets students across the state up for success.” “Addressing our teacher shortage means breaking down financial barriers to entering the profession,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Just this week, teachers voiced once again that they are facing critical challenges in the classroom and are feeling considerable burnout as a result. Building upon the work of last year, our bill expands the applicant pool of new teachers who can apply for loan forgiveness and stipends. Investing in our teachers creates stronger schools, more workforce retention and better prepared students.” HB23-1001 passed committee unanimously and is part of the Colorado House Democrats' first five bills. HB23-1001 builds upon last year’s work to save student educators money by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. This includes more than $52 million in federal pandemic relief funds for the student educator stipend program, the educator test stipend program, and the temporary educator loan forgiveness programs made possible through HB22-1220 . Previous Next

House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. < Back July 9, 2024 Lukens, Bacon Highlight First Meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Committee CORRECTION The Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee was created through an interim committee request letter (2024-04), rather than HB24-1265 as previously stated. DENVER, CO - House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee . Created through HB24-1265, this bipartisan interim committee aims to study cell phone connectivity issues in rural and historically underserved communities of color in Colorado. Chair Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Whether it’s for work, school, meeting virtually with your doctor, searching for directions, or contacting emergency services — quality cell phone connectivity is vital. However, many of our neighbors living in rural and mountainous communities are stuck with unreliable cell services. Gaps in cell phone connectivity means Coloradans can find themselves on their own in a dangerous, emergency situation. “Our first meeting allowed us to dive deeper into the cell phone connectivity issues encountered by many in our state. These gaps were widely exposed during the pandemic, and our goal this interim is to better understand how we can improve connectivity for those living in and visiting Colorado’s mountainous communities.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “No matter your zip code, everyone deserves peace of mind and a strong sense of security that cell phones provide. “However, marginalized communities in urban and rural areas feel as if they experience a lack of reliable cell phone coverage. It has been increasingly difficult for many in these communities to rely on cell phones in emergency situations or everyday life. “We convened this Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee to uncover the gaps in cell phone coverage across our state. Today’s first meeting set us on a path forward to understanding the connectivity issues as we work towards framing up future legislation.” Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS, IMPROVE 2-1-1 HOTLINE DENVER, CO– The House has passed two bills on Third Reading and final passage that would better connect Coloradans with critical behavioral health support. “For every person who dies by suicide, there are 280 people who seriously consider suicide but do not attempt it,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Suicide in general, and particularly teen suicide, has risen dramatically in Colorado over the last several years. Establishing the 988 suicide prevention network in Colorado will provide a lifeline for people having a mental health crisis. I’m thrilled that this critical bill is almost to the finish line.” SB21-154 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper, would implement the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline network in Colorado. By calling this number, individuals will be provided with crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care that aims to prevent suicide deaths. The bill aims to establish the new hotline by January 20222. The bill passed unanimously. The bill passed today by a vote of 53-10. “The 2-1-1 human services referral system connects Coloradans with critical resources such as housing assistance, vaccination information, and nutrition support, and now, it will refer Coloradans to behavioral health services, too,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Navigating the behavioral health system is sometimes the single most significant barrier to accessing care. By adding behavioral health services to the 2-1-1 hotline, we’re creating a new entry point for Coloradans to be connected to the mental health care and services they need.” “Colorado has a mental health crisis, and the pandemic has only made it more challenging for people to connect with behavioral health providers and access the care they need,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Soon, Coloradans will be able to dial 2-1-1 and be connected with critical mental health care services. This, in addition to the 2-1-1 system, will benefit a lot of Coloradans, and especially people who are unemployed or do not have health care.” SB21-239 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Young, would improve the 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System. The bill appropriates $1 million to expand referral services authorized by the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to include referrals for behavioral health services and other resources in the state. By doing so, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to connect more Coloradans with the mental health services they need. The bill additionally focuses on connecting Coloradans who are unemployed or who do not have health benefits to mental and behavioral health services. The bill passed Tuesday by a vote of 48-15. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO ALLOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY-DRIVEN GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION SOLUTIONS Reps. Hooton and Daugherty’s bill would adjust the state preemption on gun violence prevention laws, empowering local governments to implement their own solutions DENVER, CO — The House today advanced a bill to declare that the regulation of the sale and transfer of firearms is a matter of both state and local concern, repealing the state-level preemption that currently prevents localities from enacting stricter gun violence laws than those of the state. The bill passed on Second Reading. “We’ve been working to end mass shootings and stem the tide of gun violence in Colorado for years now, and the tragic shooting that reeled my Boulder community this year only made the need to act that much more pressing,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “The critical bill we advanced today will give local governments the ability to raise gun safety standards in their communities to meet the needs of their residents.” “Colorado’s vast regional diversity means that the gun violence prevention solutions that come up in Custer County are probably going to look a lot different to those in Denver,” said Rep. Lindsey Daughtery, D-Arvada. “This bill respects the rights of gun owners and follows in our longstanding tradition of local control to allow localities to implement the solutions that make sense for their individual communities.” Current law prohibits a local government from enacting laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit the purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm. SB21-256 adjusts this prohibition by declaring the regulation of firearms a matter of state and local concern, allowing local governments to set higher standards. Under this bill, local governments would have the authority to enact regulations governing the transfer or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components and accessories, so long as the regulations are more restrictive than state laws on the subject. The bill stipulates that criminal penalties for a violation of local regulations cannot be brought for a person who did not know or could not be reasonably expected to know that they were in violation of the local regulations. And that only civil penalties can be brought for a person violating a local concealed carry regulations with a maximum first offense penalty of $50. Recently, in the weeks leading up to the tragic shooting in Boulder, a court struck down Boulder’s local assault weapons ban. If it had been law at the time, SB21-256 would have allowed Boulder to keep this ban in place. The bill does not change existing law that allows Coloradans to travel freely throughout the state with a firearm in their vehicle. Previous Next