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The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 36-27, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back April 25, 2025 Bill to Identify and Prevent the Sale of Stolen Firearms Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 36-27, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “This bill allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers who want to help keep our communities safe can help identify guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “We’re passing this bill for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Running serial numbers checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. This bill would allow firearm dealers to protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 would establish a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the bill, local county sheriff’s offices would have to complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they would be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours.Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES ELECTRIC AND GAS CONSUMER PROTECTIONS DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on Second Reading that will create new consumer protections to prohibit service disconnections in the middle of the night. “No one should unexpectedly have their heat or electricity cut off with no ability to reconnect their service the same day,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Disconnections and disruptions take an economic and emotional toll on households, and these issues have only been exacerbated by the tremendous pressures of the last two years. This legislation will protect consumers and also save them money by connecting them with critical utility bill payment assistance programs.” HB22-1018 , sponsored by Representative Chris Kennedy, would create new rules for service disconnections and reconnections and better connect eligible consumers with utility assistance programs which may cover the cost of their utility bills. The bill prohibits electric and gas utilities from disconnecting a customer’s service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and after 11:59 PM during the week. It also, under certain circumstances, requires utilities to reconnect service on the same day a consumer makes a payment agreement. The bill requires better communication between utilities and consumers to ensure consumers have access to the utility bill payment assistance programs they are eligible for. The bill also expands eligibility for utility assistance programs by aligning income qualification definitions with legislation passed last session. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2025 House Advances SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. “The gun violence epidemic requires meaningful action, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to protect all Coloradans from gun violence,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado has a tragic history of mass shootings and our state's high-capacity magazine ban needs to be enforced to save lives. This legislation will help ensure these deadly weapons won’t get into the wrong hands.” “Preventing gun violence is one of the most effective ways that we can make our communities safer and save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines are uniquely lethal and dangerous. This bill is a commonsense solution to ensure that people receive effective training and meet the requirements under state and federal firearm laws before purchasing the most lethal weapons on the market. From background checks and waiting periods to limits on high-capacity magazines, Colorado Democrats have enacted multiple laws to protect Coloradans from future gun violence.” Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact the possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, individuals seeking to bypass existing law can legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. ### Previous Next

SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back May 29, 2025 ICYMI: Legislation to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Signed Into Law SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill to ensure safe housing and strengthen renter protections by expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to enforce landlord-tenant laws. SB25-020 is sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. It allows the Colorado Attorney General to seek any penalties or use any enforcement mechanisms available under landlord-tenant laws to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, as well as documentation requirements for housing agreements, and extends protections regarding bed bug infestations in residential homes. The bill gives counties and municipalities the ability to enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. “In recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen renters’ protections and level the playing field between tenants and landlords,” said Gonzales. “When apartment buildings fall into disrepair because of neglect and mismanagement, it throws tenants’ lives into chaos, jeopardizes safe living conditions, and disrupts their ability to simply get through their day. This new law empowers local governments and the Attorney General to enforce the laws we already have on the books by holding neglectful management companies who have a pattern and practice of disregarding our safe housing laws to account, with the goal of ensuring that all Coloradans can live in safe and healthy housing.” “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Lindsay. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This law builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by empowering counties and municipalities to enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this law will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “For too long, bad actors in property management have ignored tenant complaints, neglected basic repairs, and left communities in crisis. This must end,” said Weissman. “Recent events in Aurora and Denver highlight the urgent need for stronger tools to protect renters. Violations of our state’s safe housing laws cannot be ignored – especially in a housing crisis where every rental unit matters. SB20 is narrowly focused on tackling cases of chronic neglect where tenants have been left without options for far too long.” “This law will hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Mabrey. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters will have more advocates in their corner to fight for safe housing. Colorado Democrats are committed to not only making housing more affordable, but also ensuring that these affordable housing options are a safe and healthy place to live.” SB25-020 also establishes a process where, only in severe cases with a pattern of neglect, residential housing may be placed into receivership – a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The law outlines the process for receivership cases, including providing proper notice to parties, defining powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and establishing the process for ending receiverships. Previous Next

< Back December 12, 2022 Speaker-Designate McCluskie Announces Committee Appointments DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced the chairs, vice chairs and committee appointments for the 11 House committees of reference, appointing six new committee chairs. Of the 22 members in committee leadership, 14 are women—a milestone that is consistent with the historic nature of Colorado having the second majority female legislature in the country. “I’m so proud of our historic majority and all the lawmakers who are taking on leadership positions on committees,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The size of our caucus is a recognition that Democrats deliver on behalf of every Coloradan. Our new chairs and vice chairs, alongside our historically diverse, women-led leadership team, will work hard to make life more affordable, improve health and safety in our communities, protect our air and water, and help every person live their Colorado dream.” Last month, Representative Julie McCluskie was designated Speaker of the House of the 74th General Assembly by her Democratic colleagues. Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, will serve as Majority Leader while Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, will serve as Assistant Majority Leader. Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora and Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins will serve as Majority Co-Whips, while Reps. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada will be the Majority Co-Caucus Chairs. Committee structure, leadership and majority caucus appointments are made by the Speaker. "I want to join Speaker-designate McCluskie in celebrating our new chairs, vice chairs and committee members—we know they will do fantastic work this session to move Colorado forward," said Majority Leader-elect, Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Our historically large and diverse class of new lawmakers are going to bring fresh voices and new ideas to our committees, and the leadership team is excited to see so many newly-elected members with experience in public service take on the responsibility of vice chair. Of the 22 committee leadership positions, 14 will be women, recognizing the historic role women will play in mentoring new members and shaping the future of our state.” “For the first time, the House will be led by three women, and there are a historic number of women of color in leadership positions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our chairs and vice chairs all share a deep commitment to helping our colleagues advance legislation that responds to the needs of our communities across the state. I’m excited to serve as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and on the Education Committee where I know we will deliver meaningful policy solutions to improve public education and work towards a future where all Coloradans feel safe in their communities.” “I am grateful for the current chairs and outgoing members of leadership who are pursuing new ways to serve their communities in the new year; Coloradans are better off because of what they’ve accomplished with their work in the legislature,” continued Speaker-designate McCluskie. The complete list of Majority committee assignments is below: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Aurora Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative-Elect Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Aravada Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2023 House Dems Pass Bills to Reduce Premiums and Lower Drug Costs DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation that will save Coloradans money on health insurance premiums for Colorado Option plans and make prescription drugs more affordable. “We’re building on the success of the Colorado Option to continue to drive down health care premiums and make it easier to find high value plans on the exchange,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1224 .” The Colorado Option is helping Colorado families and businesses keep more of their hard-earned money and has increased access to high quality health care, especially for lower income people who have disproportionately faced barriers to getting the care they need.” “We’ve made bold progress to drive down the cost of health care and create new options for consumers,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1224 . “The legislation we passed today ensures that excessive profits and administrative costs won’t be passed down to consumers while also improving the rate review process to ensure that these plans actually reduce premiums for consumers.” HB23-1224 , which passed by a vote of 8-1, will lower insurance premiums and make it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The updates to the Colorado Option strengthen the Division of Insurance’s (DOI) ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI to: Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses; Structure the public hearings process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate; Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs. “Colorado is leading the nation with innovative ways to save people money on prescription drugs and lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "We established the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2021 to ensure that consumers can afford the highest cost drugs. Now, we’re expanding these cost saving measures to reduce out-of-pocket prices for more medications by increasing the board’s efficacy and saving Coloradans more money on their essential prescriptions.” “Coloradans should never have to ration life-saving prescription drugs due to price gouging from big pharmaceutical companies,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “This legislation will limit out-of-pocket costs for more life-saving prescriptions and help more Coloradans avoid the difficult decision of paying for the medication they need and other necessities.” HB23-1225 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation introduced today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It removes the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2019 HOUSE SENDS LIFE-SAVING EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER BILL TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bill named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III (Apr. 1) – The House gave final approval today to the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. This life-saving bill would provide a critical tool to help prevent gun violence and suicide and protect families and first responders. The bill has been in the works for over a year and includes input from law enforcement, the mental health community, advocates for gun violence prevention and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. “Today, the House and the legislature stood up and did the right thing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “One of the reasons I ran for office was so I could tell all of you about my son Alex who lit up rooms and was beloved, and so I could tell all of you about other victims and families of gun violence. This bill will give law enforcement and families the tools that they need to stop tragedies from constantly happening and save lives.” Rep. Sullivan’s son, Alex was murdered in the Aurora theater shooting on his twenty-seventh birthday. Sullivan wears Alex’s jacket every day and wore it during the course of the debate in the House. “Colorado took a big step forward today. Today, we rejected the status quo and finally put forward meaningful change that can truly save a life,” said Majority Leader Garnett. “I am grateful for the support of Rep. Sullivan, who championed this carefully crafted bill and all those who stood shoulder to shoulder with us every step of the way. This bill is supported by the majority of Coloradans because it will help save the lives of law enforcement and members of our communities.” HB19-1177 will give law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe. Through this bill, family members or law enforcement can petition a judge for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) for someone who is exhibiting violent or dangerous behavior or is at significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If approved, a temporary order would be placed for up to two weeks and the court would hold a hearing to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for an ERPO. During this hearing, respondents will be provided with legal counsel at no cost to ensure due process rights are protected. If the judge determines, by a clear and convincing evidence standard, that the respondent poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others, the protection order may be approved for up to 364 days. The respondent can also request to have the order terminated at any point during that time period. The bill, which was also introduced during the 2018 legislative session and passed the House with bipartisan support, is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III, who was killed in the line of duty New Year’s Eve in 2017 by an individual in the middle of a mental health crisis. Law enforcement officials, including Deputy Parrish’s Sheriff, Tony Spurlock, and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, testified at a Feb. 21 House hearing on the bill. Pelle’s son Jeff is a Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy who was also seriously injured responding to the same call with Deputy Parrish. Attorney General Phil Weiser submitted a letter in support of the legislation. Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh explained to the committee during the hearing how the language in the bill is legal under the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Hours of testimony during House and Senate committee hearings in support of the bill included survivors and their families as well as gun owners and members of law enforcement. Fourteen states have enacted bipartisan ERPO laws (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). At least 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have considered ERPO laws. A U.S. Senate committee held a hearing on an ERPO bill this March. Colorado lost over 1,100 people to suicide in 2017. Studies show that access to a gun in a home triples the risk of death by suicide. Indiana’s firearm suicide rate decreased by nearly eight percent in the ten years after their ERPO legislation was enacted. The House concurred with Senate amendments to the bill and it was approved on a final vote of 38-25. The bill now goes to Gov. Polis for his signature. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. The bill would reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. HB25-1002 passed by a vote of 54-9. < Back February 10, 2025 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Mental Health Care Passes DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. The bill would reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. HB25-1002 passed by a vote of 54-9. “Health care coverage decisions should be made based on the best evidence based recommendations of health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to receive the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral health care. This bill helps standardize insurance coverage decisions so Coloradans can actually access the behavioral health services they pay for.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When insurance doesn’t cover claims, that drives up costs for families, and it makes it harder for Coloradans, especially young people, to receive critical care, as too many still don’t receive care at all. Colorado has made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care, and this bill carries on this work by ensuring providers can’t deny insurance coverage for medically necessary health care. We’re saving Coloradans money on health care and improving access to the care people need.” HB25-1002 would make sure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This bill would also codify the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act into state law, requiring mental health services to see the same amount of coverage as physical health services. The goal of HB24-1002 is to ensure that insurance providers are covering mental health care and to limit gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. The bill also clarifies state law around mental health parity and requires the use of clinical standards from select national organizations to ensure parity. Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2020 GOV. SIGNS BILLS TO PROTECT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS Broomfield, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect mobile homeowners by creating a pathway for them to purchase the land under their properties and by protecting mobile homeowners from retaliation or massive penalties for minor rule violations. “This bill gives mobile homeowners a path forward to purchase the land they live on in the event a mobile home park owner decides to sell or redevelop a park,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder . “All Coloradans should have access to a safe, affordable place to live, and this new law will protect Coloradans who live in mobile home parks, our state’s largest source of unsubsidized, affordable housing, at a time when affordable housing is difficult to find.” “Coloradans, many of whom have put everything into purchasing their mobile homes, should have a fair shot at owning their home and protecting the investments they’ve made,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “Unlike other homeowners, most mobile homeowners do not always have the security of owning the land they live on and can be forced out of their homes at nearly any time. This new law will help ensure that more Coloradans can stay in the homes that they’ve built their lives around.” HB20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, creates a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 14 days notice if a park is for sale or 12 months notice if they intend to redevelop the land. Residents thereafter have 90 days to make a qualifying offer to purchase the park and enter into negotiations with the park owner. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. “Coloradans need to feel safe in their own homes, and this new law will help protect them from being forced out of their homes for a minor rule infraction,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Many Coloradans are feeling the pressure of paying their rent or mortgage during these difficult times, and this bill will protect the rights that mobile homeowners and all tenants should have and stop unwanted and costly penalties.” HB20-1196 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Julie McCluskie, protects residents from retaliation when they complain about park owner violations. It prevents park owners from removing tenants over minor rule violations, thereby protecting mobile home residents from unwarranted and arbitrary evictions that can destroy their lives. The bill also requires transparency in utility billing so that residents can ensure that the money they pay for essential services goes towards its intended purpose, and secures a right to privacy for tenants, mandating that park owners provide adequate notice and obtain tenant consent before entering their homes. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. < Back January 29, 2025 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Mental Health Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. The bill would reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. HB25-1002 passed by a vote of 13-0. “Coloradans, especially our youth, struggle to access mental health care, and it’s crucial that we increase access to evidence-based mental health care so people can receive the care and treatment they need,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Colorado Democrats have worked hard to improve access to mental health care that Coloradans can afford. This bill will make sure Colorado families get the health care they pay for.” “Inconsistent mental health care coverage leads to delays, denials and treatments being cut short – this bill aims to bridge the gap so Coloradans can receive the care they need when they need it,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “Coloradans are nine times as likely to be forced to seek care from an out-of-network provider for mental health care than for primary care – which drives up costs for Coloradans and undermines the importance of mental health care. Our bill standardizes insurance coverage surrounding mental health care, saves Coloradans money and will improve the overall quality of life of those impacted.” HB25-1002 would make sure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This bill would also codify the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act into state law, requiring mental health services to see the same amount of coverage as physical health services. The goal of HB24-1002 is to ensure that insurance providers are covering mental health care and to limit gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. The bill also clarifies state law around mental health parity and requires the use of clinical standards from select national organizations to ensure parity. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY, FOSTER VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND BOOST NONPROFITS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect; invest $20 million in the Community Revitalization Grant Program, and direct $35 million in pandemic relief funds to small, community-based nonprofits in Colorado. HB22-1406 was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts and Senators James Coleman and Nick Hinrichsen. The law will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “This session, we took bold action to save Coloradans and businesses money, and that’s what these new laws will do,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today addresses the pressing needs in our communities by boosting the businesses, nonprofits and community groups that are the heart of our culture and our communities. This will create jobs, expand access to essential and affordable services that Coloradans need, increase affordable housing options and help build vibrant communities.” “Today is a great day for Colorado restaurants and small businesses – the cornerstones of all Colorado communities. Our bill that got signed today will allow each restaurant to save up to $70,000 this summer that they can use to address rising costs, hire or retain employees or expand their business,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With all that restaurants went through during the pandemic and now with what they face with pandemic-induced inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges, this support is so valuable. This tax relief will allow restaurants to keep more of the money they make and offset some of the cost increases they are experiencing.” HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone and Senators James Coleman and Dennis Hisey, directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan . This will fund projects in creative districts, historic districts, main streets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding from the grant program can be found here . “The Community Revitalization Grant Program has created jobs, boosted local economies and funded critical projects that build vibrant, livable and healthy communities,” said Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that the legislature is investing an additional $20 million to fund additional projects in communities all across Colorado. From Trinidad and Naturita to the Denver metro area, cities and towns in all parts of our state have seen residents and businesses thrive from the initiatives funded through this grant program.” HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton and Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. “Colorado’s nonprofits serve our state’s residents and provide essential services that people need, but often cannot afford,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “When the pandemic hit, these organizations did everything they could amid new pressures to meet the demand for services in their communities. Even as the pandemic has subsided, the need for Colorado’s nonprofits has remained. This new law directs $35 million in federal economic relief funds to help Colorado's’ nonprofits expand and deliver the services people need to get back to work, care for themselves or their families and thrive.” Nonprofit organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

Representative David Ortiz, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Executive Director of Disability Law Colorado, Andrew Romanoff, and other disability advocates today outlined priority legislation and revealed the new Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities. < Back March 7, 2024 Disability Advocacy Day Highlights New State Office and Key Legislation DENVER, CO – Representative David Ortiz, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Executive Director of Disability Law Colorado, Andrew Romanoff, and other disability advocates today outlined priority legislation and revealed the new Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities. “As I enter my final legislative session, I’m beyond proud of the laws we’ve passed over the years to improve basic access and look forward to a future where the accessibility issues faced by my community are fully addressed,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Today, we highlighted some of our priority legislation, including a new bill that would create the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities. Alongside disability advocates and state leaders, we’re taking the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers faced by our neighbors to create a safer, more equitable Colorado for all.” Some of the bills Rep. Ortiz highlighted during the press conference include: HB24-1360 , Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. This bill would create a new office within the Department of Labor and Employment. The goal of this office would be to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. HB24-1067 , Ballot Access for Candidates with Disabilities. This bill would require the continuation of the caucus process to make it more accessible for people with disabilities to run for office. The bill would also require video conferencing participation options for a precinct caucus or a party assembly, unless they do not have access to a broadband network provider. HB24-1165, Accessibility at Denver International Airport (DIA). This bill would mandate basic access in specific areas of DIA, including certain minimum accessibility features such as way-finding features and accessible bathrooms with changing tables in each concourse. This bill would also establish an advisory committee within the airport to support expanding and improving accessibility features as the airport grows. Other priority bills outlined by Rep. Ortiz include preventing evictions ( HB24-1098 ), curbing workplace violence against health care professionals ( HB24-1066 ), updating prescription drug labels to be more accessible to those who have a difficult time seeing or reading ( HB24-1115 ), modifying rental units for those with a disability ( HB24-1318 ), improving access to EV charging stations ( HB24-1161 ), increasing access to testifying in public meetings ( HB24-1168 ), and supporting youth with disabilities in school ( HB24-1063 ), among others. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, in addition to two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. Previous Next