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< Back March 10, 2022 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT PASSES COMMITTEE Legislation will protect the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act. “Time and time again GOP politicians have tried to take away abortion rights; it’s not going to happen in Colorado,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Their dystopian vision of our post Roe world would see the government control women's bodies and put politicians in charge of the health care we’re allowed to access. Over 560 abortion restrictions have been introduced in the last year in all but three states, and nineteen states have enacted 106 restrictions, including 12 abortion bans. That’s why we are going to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act now to protect access to abortion in Colorado.” "Tonight, we're one step closer to enshrining access to abortion in Colorado law," said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . "Politicians have no place in deciding whether or not someone is ready to be a parent, but that's exactly what's happening in states across the country. In Colorado, we trust patients to make their own choices. With the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we're taking action now to protect the fundamental right to reproductive health care, regardless of what happens at the federal level. We’re committed to keeping abortion safe, legal and protected in Colorado.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have imprisoned providers who perform an abortion. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! FUNDING TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS CENTERS AND NONPROFITS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1077 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaleson Jenet and Iman Jodeh and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, creates a grant program to enhance security for nonprofits. “Today, we’re making Colorado communities safer by providing grant funding to boost security at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “With violence and threats on the rise, I am worried about the safety of my community. Antisemitic incidents are increasing to new records, and reported incidents in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021. This law secures funding to protect our communities from violence now by creating a grant program to improve security and help make Colorado safer for everyone.” “We worked tirelessly this session to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this effort builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this new law will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.” “With this law, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “We’re not waiting around for the next incident or threat of violence at community centers, places of worship, schools and community spaces. This law provides funding to help the pillars of our communities improve security and keep people safe.” HB22-1077 creates the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s nonprofit and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. The law provides $500,000 for these grants to additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next

< Back September 9, 2020 $4.8 MILLION UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAUNCHES Critical relief funds available for struggling Coloradans in the wake of COVID-19 DENVER, CO – Today, state lawmakers and Energy Outreach Colorado announced that $4.8 million in utility assistance for consumers is now available. HB20-1412 , sponsored by Senators Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger and Representatives Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, directed the federal CARES Act funding to Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance Program to provide critical relief to those who are facing economic hardship due to COVID-19. “In the wake of COVID-19, Coloradans are facing unemployment at unprecedented rates. This in turn, is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people’s basic needs at risk,” said Sen. Zenzinger, D- Arvada. “And with winter barreling towards us, it is more important than ever that we protect home energy reliability. I encourage anyone that is struggling to afford their utilities to apply today!” “As temperatures swing from near 100 degrees to below freezing, many Coloradans are looking for a little help to pay their utility bills and make ends meet during this pandemic,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Energy Outreach Colorado will use the funding we allocated to help thousands of hardworking Coloradans avoid having to choose between putting food on their table or falling behind on their bills, and I urge anyone who may need help to reach out for assistance.” “Falling behind on utility bills isn’t just stressful, it’s debilitating. And unfortunately, it’s all too common for hardworking families right now,” said Sen. Story, D-Evergreen. “People need to know that their heating isn’t just going to disappear one day because they haven’t been able to make payments. That’s why we have dedicated millions to utility assistance programs– so families aren’t forced to choose between rent and their electricity.” “The need for utility assistance has never been higher, and winter is just around the corner,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we passed set aside $4.8 million for direct utility relief for consumers. If you need help paying your utility bills, Energy Outreach can provide some assistance, especially if you haven’t been able to access other forms of relief, such as unemployment benefits or direct stimulus payments from the IRS.” In May, the General Assembly passed HB20-1412, which put $4.8 million of federal CARES Act funding towards bolstering energy assistance initiatives. Energy Outreach Colorado, a local nonprofit that leads a network of industry, state, and local partners to assist Coloradans in affording their energy needs, is working in conjunction with state officials to allocate the funds to those in need. “People are struggling to get safely through this pandemic, and EOC is committed to providing as much support and assistance as we can to relieve some of their worries,” said Jennifer Gremmert, Executive Director of EOC. To be eligible, residents must meet certain income qualifications and be currently facing a utility shortage or impending shutoff. People can apply at https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs or call 1-866-432-8435 for help. Applicants will then work directly with a caseworker at a corresponding partner agency, who will guide them through the process, determine eligibility, and authorize bill payments. Previous Next

< Back November 2, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: JBC DEMS PRAISE BUDGET’S FOCUS ON EDUCATION, FAMILIES AND COVID-19 RECOVERY Denver, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements in response to Governor Jared Polis’s FY2021-FY2022 budget request, which prioritizes funding to help hardworking Coloradans and small businesses persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic and protects essential services for those who need them the most. “After our unprecedented action to responsibly balance the budget in the face of dire economic forecasts, we now have a window of opportunity to both restore some of the major cuts and also stimulate our economy to provide critical relief to hardworking Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “The governor’s proposal prioritizes supports for hardworking families, small businesses, and students to revitalize our state’s economy and build back stronger. As budget chair, I am still cautious, as we await the results of ballot initiatives and two additional economic forecasts before the budget is finalized, but the goal is right on, helping people. I am committed to working across the aisle to boost Southern Colorado’s recovery and help those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.” “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to mitigate the economic impacts of the coronavirus in Colorado. We acted quickly and prudently to address the biggest challenges in the state budget and because of that work we are primed for a rapid recovery,” said JBC Vice-Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I look forward to continued collaboration with the governor in order to aid hardworking Coloradans and invest in our state’s most critical needs.” “Our mountain and rural communities have been drastically hit by this pandemic and need Congress to act to support small businesses, boost our recovery and provide critical funding to our schools,” said JBC member Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “As state revenues begin to improve and Congress continues to negotiate, this budget proposal bridges the gap by restoring essential services, prioritizing students, enhancing wildfire prevention and investing in jobs and our outdoor economy. There are a lot of good proposals in the governor’s plan, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues on the JBC to craft a balanced budget that helps Colorado recover faster and build back stronger.” “COVID has decimated our country, and thousands of Coloradans are still struggling. But thanks to our coming together as a state, we are seeing an even more promising recovery than expected,” said JBC member Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “There is still so much work to be done and so much restoration that needs to occur, but I am confident that alongside the governor, we will be able to create a budget that reinvigorates our most crucial community pillars and leads Colorado into a more hopeful future.” For FY 2020-2021, the General Assembly took unprecedented action to responsibly balance the state’s budget and protect essential services for hardworking Coloradans, including closing tax loopholes for special interests in order to fund K-12 education. Because of these steps, and as state revenues begin to recover, the governor’s budget request for FY 2021-2022 responsibly restores reductions to essential services and state support for K-12 and higher education. It offers ideas to stimulate Colorado’s economy, including additional assistance for housing, broadband, small businesses, and middle and lower income Coloradans. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to support and maintain Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. < Back April 21, 2023 House Advances Support for Universal PreK DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to support and maintain Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. HB23-1290, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Emily Sirota, would refer a measure to the ballot to allow the state to direct all the revenue collected under a sales tax on tobacco and other tobacco products to support Colorado’s early childhood learners instead of refunding nearly $24 million to the tobacco industry. “The support for voter-approved universal preschool has been overwhelming because it will save families money, help parents get back to work, and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Supporting young learners sets them up for a lifetime of success, and funding universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and we want to confirm voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all children in the state. That’s precisely what this legislation accomplishes.” “Universal preschool will be here in the fall, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to begin to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado voters widely support free universal preschool, and our legislation reaffirms that commitment by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry. Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success.” HB23-1290 helps Colorado rise to the challenge of providing early education to every child in Colorado the year before they are eligible for kindergarten. The demand for universal preschool is high: more than 29,000 families and over 1,800 early care and education providers have already signed up to participate in the first year of Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program. Specifically, this bill would refer a measure to the ballot that asks voters to approve of the state keeping the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund universal preschool in Colorado. In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE, which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s priorities - nicotine cessation programs, affordable housing, rural K-12 public schools, and Universal Pre-K. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters with overwhelming support, it was estimated that this measure would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in the first year (FY 2021-22). However, actual revenues from the new tobacco taxes exceeded that predicted amount by $22 million. If passed, voters will see a measure on their 2024 ballots confirming the original intent of the voter-approved Proposition EE and clarifying that voters want the state to retain the full amount of nicotine sales tax revenue to put toward universal preschool. Previous Next

HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills < Back May 19, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills Becomes Law HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills DENVER, CO – Gov. Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to help local communities mitigate environmental damage caused by landfills. HB23-1194 invests $15 million toward a statewide grant program to support communities to reduce environmental and public health risks surrounding closed landfills. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation today to keep rural Coloradans safe from health hazards caused by closed landfills,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “No Coloradan should have to worry about health and safety issues stemming from landfills, and many local governments lack the financial resources to properly remediate them. This law, which responds to concerns from communities in Southwest Colorado, ensures our landfills will comply with state and federal laws to keep everyone safe from contaminants that damage our water, soil and ecosystems.” HB23-1194 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Rose Pugliese, helps local governments by supporting the environmental remediation and management of closed landfills. Specifically, this bill allocates $15 million to create the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program Fund to help communities mitigate hazardous environments caused by older landfills that are no longer accepting new waste. This bipartisan legislation will keep Colorado communities safe and healthy by mitigating the harmful environmental effects of closed landfills. Some environmental risk factors that can be caused by closed landfills include groundwater, soil and farmland contamination, hazardous gas accumulation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws to Streamline and Improve Medicaid Coverage Go into Effect DENVER, CO — Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. The laws will make health care more accessible for patients by reducing administrative barriers and expanding coverage options for certain conditions. "As a former case manager for Medicaid members, I understand firsthand the barriers people experience trying to keep their insurance,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This law will help streamline the recertification process by reducing paperwork. This will allow for more providers to complete required paperwork and request permission from the federal government to allow for Medicaid members with stable income to recertify every three years. Health care works best when it’s accessible to patients – and this law is an important step toward a healthier, safer Colorado.” “While Republicans in DC are creating new hoops to jump through to access basic Medicaid coverage, here in Colorado we’re reducing barriers and making it easier for Coloradans to access the care they need,” said Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This new law makes commonsense improvements to our administration of Medicaid to improve efficiency for providers and ease the burden on Colorado workers and families to ensure that everyone who is eligible is able access care. I’m proud of our work this year to protect access to affordable, quality health care for every Coloradan.” HB25-1162 removes unnecessary administrative barriers to streamline health care for Coloradans. Specifically, this law narrows the questions providers are required to ask patients that determine Medicaid eligibility, mainly for long-term care needs. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has until December 31, 2026, to create and implement the new questions. This law also streamlines Medicaid reenrollment for patients with stable incomes to further reduce red tape for Coloradans. To help prevent accidental disenrollment from Medicaid, this law also allows the HCPF to submit requests to allow a patient's redetermination, or eligibility for Medicaid, timeline to be extended three years. Colorado’s HCPF is permitted to submit three-year extensions; however, it is dependent upon the federal government to approve them. “We’ve made important progress toward lowering the cost of health care in Colorado, and this law will save patients who receive parenteral nutrition both time and money,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, R-Littleton, sponsor of SB25-084. “This law, going into effect soon, will expand provider options for Medicaid patients who need parenteral nutrition. In Colorado, we’re focused on making sure Medicaid patients can receive the care they need." SB25-084 , also sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, will expand access to and save Coloradans money on parenteral nutrition services. Parenteral nutrition is nutritional support provided to patients directly into their bloodstream through a catheter. This law establishes Medicaid reimbursement rates for parenteral nutrition to help diversify the number of infusion pharmacies that offer this service to Colorado patients. This will make it easier for Coloradans using Medicaid to find an infusion pharmacy that accepts their insurance, saving them time and money. Under the new law, dispensing fee rates are capped at 30 percent of the infusion pharmacy’s administrative cost to prepare and dispense for the first year. HB25-1213 , also sponsored by Rep. Feret, Sen. Daugherty, as well as Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver and Rep. Weinberg, R-Loveland, goes into effect on August 6, 2025, and makes important Medicaid program updates so Coloradans can receive consistent, accessible health care coverage. This law improves access and streamlines health care coverage through several administrative, eligibility, billing and review changes to the Medicaid program. The GOP budget will have devastating effects on every sector of Colorado’s health care system, including Colorado hospitals, clinics, and other providers that could lose up to $900 million in annual federal Medicaid funding – mainly caused by a forced reduction in provider fees. The cuts to Medicaid will result in an estimated 140,000-230,000 Coloradans suddenly losing health care coverage. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE VOTING OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE New law preserves voting access for both renters and property owners displaced by the fire DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed. “The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this law will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.” “With Colorado’s primaries just around the corner, this law assures voters displaced by the Marshall Fire that they’ll be able to vote in their communities, regardless of if they owned a home or rented before being forced to evacuate,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This law will preserve access to Colorado’s gold standard elections for every voter displaced by the Marshall Fire and ensures they have a voice in who represents them.” “This important bill will provide Colorado voters who are temporarily displaced by natural disasters like the Marshall Fire the certainty they need to continue using their home address to vote,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “No person should have to worry about accessing the ballot box during such an incredibly difficult time, and these voters should be able to cast a ballot on the issues and candidates for the community that they truly call home.” “Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County said. “This law will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.” “My heart still breaks for the Coloradans who are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing everything they had,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “ This law offers voters displaced by the fire the peace of mind that they will still be able to easily cast their ballot in their communities.” SB22-152 , allows registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched. The law preserves voting options for both renters and homeowners. This law will also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and will extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans. Previous Next

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back May 10, 2024 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Becomes Law Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. "Minimum parking mandates drive up costs by forcing every builder to provide more spaces than the market demands. They can add hundreds of dollars to monthly rents and make many smaller scale developments completely impossible," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “These mandates, which are being challenged all over the country, have created to an abundance of asphalt, a shortage of housing and transportation choices, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. We have quite literally paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Our new law scales back this onerous regulation, allowing builders to right size parking supply based on the context and unique characteristics of every project.” “Parking mandates drive up housing costs, increase traffic congestion, and make it harder for Colorado to hit its climate goals,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, said. “Developers can always choose to include parking, but eliminating minimum requirements will increase the availability of housing, drive down prices, and help ensure more Coloradans have a place to call home.” “The financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans through higher housing costs,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can add tens of thousands of dollars and reduce the number of units that we can build—restricting supply and driving up costs. This law, coupled with the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats passed this year, will help alleviate our affordability crisis.” “Parking spots cost tens of thousands of dollars each to build - an unacceptable amount at a time when too many Coloradans are struggling to find housing they can afford,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “We must do more to encourage the construction of new housing in our state, including for Pueblo which has a large amount of land devoted to parking that could be redeveloped as housing and businesses. I am incredibly proud of our new law that will make it easier to do just that while reducing traffic, bolstering economic development, and freeing up valuable space for our communities while enhancing our downtowns.” HB24-1304 prohibits a county or municipality from enacting or enforcing minimum parking requirements for most multifamily residential properties within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) that are within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station. The bill still allows a local government to impose a parking minimum of up to one space per unit on proposed housing developments with more than 20 units or that include any units classified as affordable housing. To impose this mandate, they must show that the parking minimum is required to avoid a substantial negative impact. HB24-1304 does not allow a county or municipality to lower protections for people with disabilities and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes. Lastly, the bill requires the Colorado Department of Transportation and other state agencies to publish technical assistance materials and best practices for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. In 2020, each new structured parking space in Denver cost $25,000 each. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased one percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly five percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO ADDRESS RETAIL CRIME AND THEFT ADVANCES DENVER, CO – A bill to address the rise in retail crime and protect Coloradans from fraudulent online marketplace sellers advanced today in the House on Second Reading. HB22-1099, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, would require online marketplaces to verify personal seller information and allow buyers to report suspicious activity. “This is a smart-on-crime bill that will make it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods online and it will reduce theft from Colorado businesses,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon . “This bill attacks the root cause of large-scale retail theft requiring online marketplaces to verify personal seller information which would knock down suspicious online sellers. This common-sense bill works to build a safer Colorado for everyone by protecting businesses from theft and consumers from purchasing stolen or counterfeit goods.” If passed HB22-1099 would require online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. This bill would also require sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2022 BILLS TO PREVENT DOXXING OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to strengthen services provided to older Coloradans and to prevent the doxxing of health care workers today passed the House on Third Reading and final passage. “As Colorado’s older population grows, we’re working hard to rethink the type of programs and supportive services they need to live productive lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set defined goals that will guide our state to strengthen services for older Coloradans. This bill aims to provide social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy programs and much more to make it easier for older Coloradans to lead impactful lives.” HB22-1035 , which passed by a vote of 53-9, updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. “No one should feel unsafe when they’re just doing their job, but we’ve seen a significant increase in atrocious threats to health care workers and their families,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Ft. Collins . “This bill would protect our essential workers from doxxing by allowing them to remove their name and address from public databases.” HB22-1041 , which passed by a vote of 52-10, would protect code enforcement officers from doxxing, a practice of sharing someone’s sensitive information online with malicious intent. This bill would also add health care workers, animal control officers, code enforcement officers and more to the list of protected persons whose personal information may be withheld from the public if they receive a threat. HB22-1041 would create a new process for workers to redact their full name and address from online records. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English on a preliminary vote that would help Coloradans receive the care they need by addressing gaps in crisis response resources. < Back March 12, 2025 Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English on a preliminary vote that would help Coloradans receive the care they need by addressing gaps in crisis response resources . “All Coloradans benefit when our communities have the tools they need to provide life-saving behavioral health care,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “This legislation seeks to improve responses to behavioral health crises by facilitating collaboration between communities and behavioral health professionals, increasing inpatient care, and identifying areas of improvement. With our bipartisan solution, more Coloradans can benefit from the evidence-based treatment and resources that they deserve.” SB25-042 , also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, would help people experiencing a behavioral health crisis access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also direct the Department of Public Safety and the Behavioral Health Administration to convene a stakeholder group to identify existing resources and programs and compile and publish information on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. The stakeholders must consult with representatives from communities that have existing resources and programs, behavioral health safety net providers, and community programs like domestic violence programs, substance use treatment providers, and law enforcement agencies. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. Previous Next