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The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird that would identify state housing needs and strategically plan for future growth in Colorado. SB24-174 passed by a vote of 58-6. < Back May 8, 2024 Bipartisan Legislation to Identify State and Local Housing Needs, Plan for Growth Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird that would identify state housing needs and strategically plan for future growth in Colorado. SB24-174 passed by a vote of 58-6. “My community of Westminster has done a lot of work to address the housing crisis by utilizing density planning and transit-oriented development, and this bill helps other communities throughout the state follow our footsteps,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan legislation leverages the state’s resources to work in partnership with local governments to help them build in a smart, strategic way. Providing strategic growth planning resources will benefit all of our residents and create housing options as our population continues to grow.” SB24-174 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would require the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own local or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs. Under the bill, most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents would be required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA would be required to conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The bill would require new housing assessments to be published every six years. SB24-174 would also require most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter. Additionally, the bill would: Require local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication, Require DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl, Require county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements which compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development, and Prioritize state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in this bill. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 BILL TO ABOLISH COLUMBUS DAY MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Adrienne Benavidez’s bill to replace Columbus Day with another holiday was approved by the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. As currently amended, the bill would abolish Columbus Day and replace it with a holiday celebrating Frances Xavier Cabrini on the first Monday in October in recognition of her service and dedication to the wellbeing of children and the Italian American community in Colorado and across the country. The bill passed 6-2. “The memory and legacy of Christopher Columbus are a painful reminder of injustice in the minds of indigenous people across our state,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “Having a day set aside every year to celebrate the life of a rapist and known perpetrator of genocide is cruel and unacceptable. Coloradans deserve a holiday that celebrates someone who shares their values, and Frances Xavier Cabrini fits the bill perfectly.” “We cannot continue to present a revisionist and inaccurate version of history by celebrating Columbus and his ‘discovery’ of America,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood), who chairs the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “Holidays in our state should celebrate individuals who contributed to the progress and wellbeing of our nation and its people — not genocidal colonialists. It is time to end the pain and suffering that this holiday causes and replace it with a holiday celebrating someone worthy of the honor.” As currently amended, HB20-1031 would establish Cabrini Day as a state holiday in place of Columbus Day in recognition of her humanitarian values and lifelong dedication to service, especially to the Italian American immigrant community, who faced untold discrimination and difficulty as they migrated to America. She worked tirelessly to support the Italian-American community in the United States, including through several projects in Colorado. In 1904, Cabrini established Denver’s Queen of Heaven Orphanage for girls. In 1910, she founded a summer camp for the orphanage’s residents in Golden, Colorado. Currently, a shrine stands in her honor in the original location of the summer camp in Golden. The shrine includes the “Stone House”, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COLORADO GENERAL ASSEMBLY REACTS TO COVID-19 Today during a hearing of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly Senate and House leadership from both parties showed a united front in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership submitted a resolution to temporarily suspend the 72nd Session of the General Assembly for two weeks. The session will adjourn on Saturday, March 14 and return on Monday, March 30. FOR UPDATES AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC, PLEASE CLICK HERE. Previous Next

The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. < Back March 26, 2023 Houses Advances Bill to Expand ‘Red Flag’ Law DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. “ We’re expanding Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law to allow district attorneys, mental health professionals and educators to file a petition to remove a firearm from someone who is a danger to themself or others,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This law is a successful tool that has saved lives, but Coloradans need to know how to use it and have better access to the red flag process. This legislation will increase awareness of the law and create additional avenues for qualified individuals to seek a court action to remove a firearm from a dangerous person, which will save lives, reduce gun violence, and help keep our communities safe.” “Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law is working; from 2020 to 2022, law enforcement, close family members, and housemates filed 380 red flag petitions, saving countless lives and avoiding tragedies,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “It’s clear that professionals who understand the legal system are more successful at filing red flag petitions. That’s why this bill creates an education campaign to help people understand how to file a petition. We know we can save more lives and improve public safety by expanding our red flag law, and that’s exactly what this bill does.” 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. With SB23-170 expanding eligible individuals that can file a petition for removal, more lives can be saved by gun violence. Nearly 360 red flag petitions were filed from 2020 to 2022. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Iman Jodeh to encourage responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to have liability insurance for their firearms. HB24-1270 passed by a vote of 33-29. < Back April 21, 2024 House Passes Bill to Promote Responsible Gun Ownership With Firearm Insurance Coverage DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Iman Jodeh to encourage responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to have liability insurance for their firearms. HB24-1270 passed by a vote of 33-29. “The costs of gun violence are staggering, and taxpayers are often left footing the bill. This legislation helps cover costs while promoting responsible gun ownership and safer communities,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This bill would require gun owners to hold liability insurance for their firearms, which many already do through their homeowners’ or renters’ policies. HB-1270 incentivizes responsibility while ensuring victims of gun accidents are compensated.” “We require people to hold homeowners and car insurance, and deadly weapons should not be treated differently,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Our bill adds more protections and strengthens guardrails to increase and promote responsible gun ownership and prevent crime. Colorado has a serious history of gun violence, and this bill is one step that we can take to encourage safe firearm handling to save lives and keep our communities safe.” Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1270 would require gun owners to have liability insurance that covers losses or damages to a person who is injured from the accidental or unintentional discharge of a firearm. Failure to have a firearm liability insurance policy is a civil infraction. The bill allows this coverage to be included under the gun owner’s homeowners, condo unit, or renters policy. A 2023 study found that 75 percent of American consumers believe that gun owners should be required to hold liability insurance for their guns. Previous Next

Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. < Back November 19, 2024 Representative Iman Jodeh and Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie Announce the Launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus to Advocate for Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, North African, South Asian, and Muslim American Communities Denver, CO — November 19, 2024 — Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. Representative Jodeh will be joined by Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie, the first Iranian American elected to the Colorado legislature. In its mission, the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus is committed to protecting civil rights and combating xenophobia and Islamophobia by advocating for equity through legislation, collective action, public engagement, and amplified representation. They will work to advance interests and address the unique challenges of the diverse heritages and religions within Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Muslim communities in Colorado, promoting justice and inclusion for all. “This past year and an impending Trump administration has underscored the need to create a united caucus that ensures our community’s representation and presence is elevated and has an uncompromising agency at the Capitol,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “We are dedicated to advancing and guaranteeing accurate representation of the diverse MENASA population, including groups beyond Muslims, such as Sikh, Baháʼí, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Catholic minorities. These communities also face anti-Arab and anti-Brown hate crimes, xenophobia, and discrimination. Our region and population are unique because we are forced to identify primarily through religious narratives rather than our unified identities. It is time to challenge this monolithic framing. By amplifying representation and advocating for equity, we aim not only to protect the rights of our communities but also to champion initiatives that foster justice, inclusion, and unity.” Representative Jodeh joined the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus in 2020 when she was elected to her first term. “The Black Caucus has given me a home over the past four years that gave me a sense of belonging when I was the only. My time in the Black caucus has been invaluable and one I will carry with me. I am committed to continue to work closely with them and all allied caucus,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “I brought Iman into the Black Caucus because we were all fighting for our communities, regardless of ethnicity. She brought a wealth of knowledge to the caucus, and I know she will still advocate for the Black community,” said Senator Janet Buckner, ranking member of the Black Caucus . “It has been a pleasure to serve with Rep. Jodeh as a member of the BDLC,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Black Caucus. “She joined us as a place of support as she represents a district (Aurora) and an intersectional community (Muslim and Arab) critical for the Black Caucus to uplift. We hope that we served as a place of learning as we wish her success in creating and sustaining the Joint MENASA and Muslim Caucus.” “Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of community support in navigating adversity,” said Representative-elect Yara Zokaie. “Through the caucus, we aim to extend that support and bring meaningful change to our communities. With the approaching Trump presidency, it is more important than ever for our communities to have fierce advocates and mount a proactive and comprehensive defense. Should Trump attempt to reinstate a Muslim ban, we will be ready to put protections in place. We are committed to being a voice for the voiceless and amplifying the perspectives of those who so often go unheard as we fight in solidarity for a more just and equitable society. It’s a privilege to stand alongside Representative Jodeh to make a difference.” “Representative Jodeh has been an incredible advocate for her community and has worked tirelessly to pass critical legislation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I am excited to see her continue her leadership in the capitol with the creation of this new caucus, and it is a privilege to welcome Representative-elect Zokaie to the House. Our caucus reflects the diversity of our state, and policy making in the legislature is strengthened because of our affinity caucuses. I know the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus will be an important resource for lawmakers.” The Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus has partnered with East Meets West , a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization that mobilizes and champions MENASA and SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies. Alongside their partners, they have been an integral part of having MENA included in the upcoming U.S. Census and have built the largest standing Membership Collective and Coalition in history to support MENASA/SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies. East Meets West Senior Advisor Serina Khan expressed their support for this collaboration, saying, “We are so grateful to have partnered with Representative Jodeh and Representative-Elect Zokaie to launch this first-of-its-kind caucus and welcome more communities to join us to support our marginalized and often underrepresented and misrepresented community. Now more than ever, it is time to build new tables with unlimited seating alongside individuals and groups who share our values.” About Iman Jodeh Iman Jodeh, was elected in 2020 as the first Muslim and first Palestinian American. She is a first-generation American and has called Colorado, specifically HD41, her home her entire life. Iman is the first female Spokesperson for the Colorado Muslim Society, the largest and oldest mosque in the Rocky Mountain region, and the founder of Meet the Middle East, a non-profit that fosters relationships between the US and the Middle East through education and immersive travel. She also spent years lecturing about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the University of Denver Enrichment Program. She has passed legislation like medical debt forgiveness, eviction protections, and access to affordable medications. Notably, she also passed landmark legislation establishing the Office of New Americans in Colorado and the Colorado Option, the largest health insurance bill in Colorado’s history. About Yara Zokaie Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie will soon become the first Iranian American sworn into the Colorado State Legislature. Zokaie is a dedicated public servant and accomplished tax attorney, currently serving as Chief Deputy Assessor for Larimer County. She has consistently advocated for transparency, equity, and economic justice in her work. Notably, she successfully organized a community to help pass a paid family leave program in Colorado. About East Meets West East Meets West is a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization founded in October 2023 in response to the rise of anti-Arab, anti-MENASA/SWANASA, islamophobia, anti-semitism, and anti-sikh hate crimes. East Meets West fosters a community that mobilizes, invests, and spotlights Middle Eastern, SouthWest Asian, North African, and South Asian creators, leaders & companies. They have been building the largest Membership Collective and Coalition to lead narrative change and socio-economic empowerment for the MENASA/SWANASA community. Their programming and initiatives include launching safe spaces at major film festivals and business conferences and launching business accelerators and talent pipeline programs across the entertainment, technology, and commerce industry. They have been a vital driver behind MENA being added to the upcoming 2030 U.S. Census. As well as launching MENASA/SWANASA Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Fortune 500 companies. 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New laws will create free pathways to in-demand careers and offer graduating students scholarships for community college programs < Back May 16, 2023 Polis Signs Bills to Save Students Money on Post-Secondary Degrees and Certificate Programs New laws will create free pathways to in-demand careers and offer graduating students scholarships for community college programs SALIDA/ALAMOSA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law that will support Colorado’s workforce by expanding the successful zero-cost credentials program and offering $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school students to help fill jobs in growing industries. HB23-1246 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Representative Pugliese and Senators Buckner and Will, saves Coloradans money and helps meet our state’s workforce needs by breaking down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers. This law invests $45 million over the span of two years and paves the way for Coloradans to receive zero-cost training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in critical fields like early childhood and elementary education, firefighting, law enforcement, nursing and construction. “Colorado’s zero-cost credentials and degree program has already offered thousands of Coloradans a free pathway to degrees in critical fields such as nursing and emergency response,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With the law Gov. Polis just signed, aspiring teachers, child care workers, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement officers and construction workers will soon have a completely free pathway to the career of their dreams. This law will boost our economy, address Colorado’s workforce shortages, and help fill critical jobs – especially in rural communities.” “Colorado continues to struggle with workforce shortages in careers ranging from early childhood education to nursing and firefighting,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Since 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program has made great progress in connecting students with high demand career pathways, but there is much more we can do. With this important bill, we’re further expanding opportunities for Coloradans to land jobs in critical career fields and lowering the barriers to entry for training and education programs.” SB23-205 , sponsored by Senator Bridges and Minority Leader Lundeen and Representatives Martinez and Wilson, creates a new scholarship program to help graduating high school students earn credit toward degrees in growing industries. “Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and this bill gives high school graduates in our state $1,500 to help them earn a good life,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “There are thousands of job openings in Colorado, but not enough trained workers to fill them. With this bill, we’ll get people the certificates, degrees, and apprenticeships they need, which is good for them, good for employers, and good for our economy.” “By creating this scholarship program, nearly 15,000 graduating students will save up to $1,500 toward the next step in their education, training and career development,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “With more job openings than workers in Colorado, we’re looking to provide the next generation of students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Addressing our workforce shortage will create jobs, support small businesses across our state, and grow our economy.” The shortage of trained workers in Colorado leaves thousands of job openings across the state unfilled. SB23-205 provides 15,000 graduating students with a scholarship up to $1,500 for any approved training provider in Colorado, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, trade school, community colleges, colleges and universities. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats today highlighted three bills that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on price gouging for necessities, ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs, and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. < Back January 23, 2025 Colorado Democrats to Crack Down on Junk Fees, Price Gouging, and Rent Algorithms to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today highlighted three bills that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on price gouging for necessities, ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs, and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. “These bills get at the heart of the concerns Coloradans bring to their kitchen table. As lawmakers, we are not putting paychecks first or saving Coloradans money unless we take on the greedy corporations who openly brag about lining their pockets with record profits while regular people struggle to get by. Well we are here to say enough is enough,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004 and cosponsor of HB25-1090. “As an eviction defense attorney, I’ve seen how algorithms can increase rents by thousands of dollars a year while price gouging and hidden fees drive up costs on housing and everyday items. Colorado Democrats are taking action to push back against corporate greed and strengthen consumer protections to save people money. Our legislation will require transparency about the true cost of products and crack down on unfair practices that inflate rent and grocery costs so working people can hold on to more of their hard-earned money." Lawmakers today unveiled new legislation that will be introduced later today to crack down on junk fees. “Pest control, garbage collection, and payment method fees can add hundreds of dollars in monthly costs for renters, yet they are often not disclosed upfront, especially in rental agreements,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1090. “Too many Coloradans are blindsided by these ‘junk fees’ and only find out about these mandatory fees when they’re checking out online or paying their first rental payment. I’m proud to announce that we’re introducing this bill after years of hard work to make prices more transparent, crack down on excessive fees, and save Coloradans money.” “This bill will save Coloradans money by requiring transparency, allowing consumers to compare prices, shop around, and make informed decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB25-1090. “It's not okay for consumers to expect to pay one price, only to be hit with hidden fees at checkout. Addressing deceptive pricing practices protects consumers, builds trust, and puts money back in Coloradans’ pockets.” “Tackling the issue of ‘junk fees’ has been a top priority for me at the Capitol, and I am proud to sponsor this legislation to improve price transparency and help small businesses compete against major corporations,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1090. “This year, we’re cracking down on arbitrary ‘junk fees’ that inflate prices far exceeding the price as it was advertised. This bill will help both consumers and small businesses, saving Coloradans hundreds of dollars a month and making business owners who act in good faith more competitive in the market.” “COVID reminded us that sometimes corporate bad actors hide behind economic disruptions to jack up prices and rip off consumers,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1090 and HB25-1010. “The years since COVID have illustrated that Coloradans deserve transparency about their purchases and protections beyond just declared disaster emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to sponsor legislation to protect working Coloradans by cracking down on surprise ‘junk fees’ that add hidden costs and empowering the Colorado Attorney General to take action against corporations who hike up prices beyond what economic realities justify.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, of property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of the nature or purpose of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Prohibiting a landlord for requiring a tenant to pay certain fees, charges, or amounts. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. HB25-1010 would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase by 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good within 90 days. “Corporations have used inflation and market conditions as an excuse to increase profits for food, diapers, and other household necessities that are essential in Coloradans' day-to-day life,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1010. “We must prioritize people over profits. Corporate greed is hurting families in every corner of our state, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to safeguard our families and ensure our groceries remain affordable.” “Everyone has noticed that grocery prices have gone up while inflation has cooled, which is deeply affecting Colorado families who are just trying to provide everyday necessities for their families,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1010. “Food, diapers, and toothpaste are non-negotiables on the shopping list, and it’s immoral for bad actors to take advantage of rising costs due to inflation to significantly increase their profits and stock prices. Colorado Democrats will not stand by as bad actors profiteer off hardworking Coloradans and drive up costs for families.” A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food prices have increased by 28 percent since 2019, outpacing inflation. HB25-1004 would save Coloradans money by regulating how algorithms are used in establishing rent prices, including prohibiting consciously parallel pricing coordination between two or more landlords. Rent algorithms have been shown to add an average of $130 per month to rental rates in the Metro Denver area. “There is clear evidence that corporations are using algorithmic pricing schemes and collusion to jack up rent prices and line their pockets while hardworking people struggle to find affordable places to live,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004. “Our communities sent us to the Capitol to solve the most pressing issues, and that means cracking down on egregious strategies that manipulate the market to charge renters more. This bill aims to prevent corporations from unjustly colluding to increase their profits on the backs of hardworking Coloradans that need every dollar in their paycheck to pay for groceries, medication, and child care.” “Coloradans are burdened by high rents, which make it harder to make ends meet and puts families at risk of losing their housing,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1004. “This bill will put an end to the algorithms that corporations use to artificially increase rents, allowing us to create a more equitable market and ensure more Colorado families can afford a safe place to call home.” “Colorado families are tired of paying an arm and a leg for rent, and third party companies selling algorithmic price setting products that enable corporate landlords to form a monopolistic trust are making the problem worse, to the tune of $1,300 per year,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1004. “We’re working hard this session to protect renters and address Colorado’s housing crisis. This bill will prevent landlords from using systems that lead to price fixing, and will help save Coloradans money on housing.” A recent report found that coordinated rents from algorithmic pricing increase rent prices by $136 per month for Denver renters. In January 2025, Colorado joined a federal lawsuit to sue six of the largest landlords in the US for participating in algorithmic pricing schemes that harm renters. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also joined a federal lawsuit in August 2024 against RealPage, Inc. for allegedly using illegal agreements with landlords to carry out a price-fixing scheme that has cost Coloradans millions of dollars in rent payments. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 HOUSE DEMS REACT TO SCOTUS PROTECTING A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE DENVER, CO – This morning, the Supreme Court blocked an anti-abortion law in Louisiana that would have required extreme, medically unnecessary burdens to be put on medical professionals, which would have led to the closure of all or most abortion clinics in the state. House Speaker KC Becker and House Health and Insurance Committee Chair Susan Lontine released the following statements. “Last year, anti-abortion legislatures around the country took part in a coordinated effort to do away with a woman’s right to choose through restrictive, unnecessary, and extreme restrictions like this law in Lousiana,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “I’m heartened to see the Supreme Court do the right thing and block this law. First in Roe v. Wade , then in Planned Parenthood v. Casey , and now today with the June Medical Services v. Russo decision, the Supreme Court again has ruled that women in America have the right to access abortion without facing an undue burden. I’m proud to be a part of a pro-choice majority at the Colorado legislature that is committed to protecting that right.” “The combined efforts of anti-abortion legislatures across the country and the Trump Administration’s brute-force appointment of extremist judges like Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court were not enough to undo nearly fifty years of progress on legal, accessible abortions in America,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “We cannot let our guard down. The anti-woman, anti-choice movement is organized and working every single day to take away a woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion, including here in Colorado. We won’t let them win.” Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 LEGISLATION TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE AND INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL ED STUDENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education today passed three bills sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie that will boost Colorado’s workforce and prepare students for success. “The legislation we advanced today will invest $90 million in federal funds to create new pathways into good jobs in growing industries and will boost funding for K-12 public schools by $80 million a year to better serve special education students,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-DIllon. “Through SB22-127, we are significantly increasing resources for public schools that serve special education students to set up all our learners to thrive. HB22-1350 will create new regional partnerships to help address workforce shortages and develop the talent employers need to grow their businesses, and HB22-1215 will expand secondary, postsecondary and work-based learning experiences to save students money as they pursue their education and prepare for good jobs in high-demand industries.” HB22-1350 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Janice Rich, would establish a grant program with $90 million in federal funds to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The competitive grant program will leverage local, federal and private dollars to better align postsecondary credential programs to today’s jobs. The program will take a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will build new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Grants will prioritize projects that enhance collaboration between industry, communities, and higher education institutions. They will also focus on evidence-based best practices and pathways that focus on applying work experience and earned credentials toward postsecondary degrees. HB22-1350 passed 9-0. SB22-127 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Colin Larson, will dramatically increase funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to $300 million per year moving forward. This increase will bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. SB22-127 passed by vote of 9-0. “Secondary, postsecondary and workplace experience programs help students launch their careers in growing industries, and this bill will expand these opportunities to more students in our state,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This legislation will help the state better prepare students for success and create new options for students to earn degrees and thrive in the workforce.” HB22-1215 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Jennifer Bacon, aims to better prepare students for success by creating a task force to recommend policies that will support secondary, postsecondary and workplace learning, which prepare students for careers in high-need industries. The bill will direct education leaders to examine opportunities to expand these opportunities in Colorado and provide postsecondary learning opportunities for students still enrolled in high school. HB22-1215 passed by a vote of 8-1. Previous Next

Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles < Back March 14, 2024 Legislation to Reduce Gun Thefts from Vehicles Passes Committee Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to help prevent firearms from being stolen in cars by requiring them to be secured while unattended in a vehicle. HB24-1348 passed by a vote of 7-3. “As a rural legislator from the Western Slope, I know that so many gun owners value proper training and safety, and that includes safe storage," said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "It’s just common sense to protect valuable property and to keep our communities safe. This bill has broad support from experienced gun owners. I look forward to continuing to improve gun violence prevention measures in Colorado.” “Guns are more likely to be stolen from a car than a house, yet Colorado does not have any laws that require guns to be properly secured when stored in a car," said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. "Our legislation would require guns to be locked in a safe storage container and hidden when left in a vehicle so they can’t be easily accessible during a break-in. This will save countless lives and prevent stolen, untraceable firearms from being found at crime scenes.” HB24-1348 would require firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers that are out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen. The bill would also require the Office of Suicide Prevention to include information for vehicle safe storage on its website and include vehicle safe storage information that must be displayed at gun stores. Antique firearms, peace officers, military service members and people engaged in hunting are exempted from this law. According to the Denver Police Department, 846 of the 1,221 guns that were reported as being stolen were stolen from vehicles in 2023. Of those stolen firearms, 61% were stolen without stealing the vehicle itself. Data from 2020 found that Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs had the highest rates of gun thefts from cars in Colorado. Colorado Democrats passed a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. The law also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the law created the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO HELP RENTERS Titone and Gonzales-Gutierrez’s commonsense bill could help ease housing crunch (Feb. 5) – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee voted in favor of a bill this morning that would protect renters from unnecessarily high rental application fees. “The high cost of unchecked rental application fees has played a role in exacerbating the affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The goal of this bill is to ease the housing crunch, increase transparency in the rental application process and ensure bad actors aren’t harming Coloradans seeking a home for themselves and their families. Under current state law, there are no limits on what landlords can charge for a rental application fee, and there are no safeguards to ensure the fee aligns with the actual costs of screening a prospective tenant. “Rental application fees should actually be used to conduct a consumer credit or reference check, not increase a landlord’s profit,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Our bill aims to provide some relief to individuals or families searching for housing across our state by putting in place a key consumer protection safeguard in the rental process.” More than a dozen states have enacted policies that set reasonable terms for the collection and retention of rental application fees. For hardworking individuals or families struggling to find housing, the high cost of non-refundable application fees can easily exhaust their limited financial resources, sometimes making it impossible for them to pay a security deposit or the first month’s rent. HB19-1106 puts in place commonsense limits on the application fees that renters face as they search for their next rental home. The bill keeps application fees to the price of what is necessary to screen residents—such as credit reports, reference checks or tenant screening reports—and ensures the fee is refunded if the applicant is never screened. The bill was approved on a vote of 7-4 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next