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< Back April 24, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING PASSES HOUSE EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING PASSES HOUSE Around $150 billion is wagered illegally on sports every year in the U.S. (Apr. 24) – The House passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. This bill would require voter approval if passed by the General Assembly. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets in the playoffs or the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup. This funding will go toward our most precious resource – our water and this is something everyone can get behind,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “It is our hope that this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting.” HB19-1327 would provide a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to support Colorado Water Plan projects that will keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. If approved, the measure would go to on the 2019 November ballot. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. The bill is sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. John Cooke. HB19-1327 passed out of House Finance committee with a bipartisan vote of 9-1. The House approved it on a vote of 58-6. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2023 House Passes Bill to Limit Fees on Payments to Health Care Providers DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to expand payment options for health care insurance providers to reduce fees charged by insurance carriers. The bill passed by a vote of 57-4. “Colorado health care providers have been forced to pay fees on every electronic payment transaction with insurance companies, which are often passed on to the patient to cover,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies often require health care providers to accept payments through virtual credit cards so they can take advantage of ‘cash back’ features that boost their profits at the expense of consumers. This bill would allow providers to choose a payment option that works best for them, saving them and their patients money and protecting smaller providers that are struggling to keep their doors open in our communities.” Virtual credit cards (VCC) are one-time-use payment cards that don’t require bank account information for a health care claim payment to be made. The use of VCC became popular in 2014 after the Affordable Care Act required all health care insurers to allow providers to pay electronically. Insurance companies favored VCC payment options because of utilizing “cash back” or other revenue share features that came with VCCs, but VCCs charge providers fees between 2-5% to accept payments. Currently, some Colorado providers are forced to accept reimbursement payments through VCC payments, which makes the care they provide more expensive because of the high fees associated with the VCC method. This bill expands payment options and requires Colorado providers to offer a method of payment that is not a credit card and does not require an additional fee paid by consumers. The bill also prevents the imposition of a fee for changing a payment method and requires an explanation of benefits be shared with each payment. The bill will now move to the Colorado State Senate. Previous Next

The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. < Back April 20, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality, Reduce Harmful Emissions Passes House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the emissions permitting process. SB23-016 would propel Colorado’s clean energy transition by establishing interim greenhouse gas emissions targets and incentivizing investments in electrification. “Coloradans face some of the worst air quality in the nation, and we need to stand firm in our plan to reduce harmful emissions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “High levels of ozone are dangerous for our children and our neighbors to breathe, often leading to significant health issues.This is not just a Denver problem, this is also a Front Range problem that we must address, and our bill is a significant step towards transparency around our air quality problem and potential solutions. This legislation gives impacted communities more of a say in the permitting and enforcement processes and ensures that we will continue working to find meaningful solutions.” “As ozone season approaches, Coloradans across the Front Range will once again battle poor air quality that affects their day-to-day life,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “In Colorado, we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reduce harmful emissions and that includes strengthening our permitting processes. This important legislation gives Coloradans a voice when it comes to reporting poor air quality in their community and works to create a path forward that will not only improve Colorado’s air quality, but aid in our state’s clean energy transition.” HB23-1294 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for air permits in Colorado. The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. This bill works to improve public engagement in permitting processes by giving impacted communities a voice in the enforcement process, and sets clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. To address the poor air quality in the nonattainment area, HB23-1294 would lead to stronger emissions control measures to help the state meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with these federal standards. HB23-1294 would also create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. “From record breaking droughts, destructive wildfire and poor air quality across Colorado – it’s important we implement bold policies that bring us closer to reaching our climate goals,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation creates targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize the use of clean alternatives in our homes and businesses. We need to ensure Colorado’s on a strong path forward to combat climate change, and this legislation brings us closer to a decarbonized economy.” “Coloradans are demanding action, and we’re committed to doing our part in the fight against climate change to protect our children and neighbors,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver. “This bill sets crucial greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals to improve the air we breathe now and in the years to come. Under this bill, we can mitigate the effects of climate change by encouraging electrification and speeding up our transition to a decarbonized economy. Our important legislation takes action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, prioritize clean energy and protect our families.” SB23-016 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update the state’s emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utilities Commission to prioritize the renovation, rebuilding, and reconditioning of electrical transmission lines, enabling and improving electrification across the state. Permitting for these projects would be expedited and the construction would be subject to the state’s labor standards. To further expedite electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirements of a major local ozone contributor: lawn equipment. Purchasers of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers would qualify for 30 percent off at the point-of-sale and a corresponding tax credit would be provided to the retailer. SB23-016 would also encourage climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey. Finally, the bill would expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the EPA for Class VI injection well primacy. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO END CIVIL STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to SB21-073, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Matt Soper, which would end the civil statute of limitations on claims of sexual misconduct and allow survivors of sexual assault to sue for damages regardless of when the abuse occurred. “Statutes of limitation do nothing to help victims, and today, we took a giant step forward to send statutes of limitations to the dustbins of history,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D- Commerce City. “Justice has no time limit, and now victims will no longer face one in order to seek it. This historic moment has been years in the making and would never have happened without the courageous and fierce advocacy of so many Coloradans who told their painful stories and continued this fight year after year.” SB21-073 would remove the current six year limitation on bringing a civil claim based on sexual misconduct. The bill applies to a cause of action that accrues on or after January 1, 2022, or a cause of action that accrued prior to that date but before the current six year statute of limitations expires. The legislation defines sexual misconduct in statute and eliminates restrictions on civil cases that limit victims to recovering only certain damages. The bill eliminates other restrictions that limit victims’ ability to file a civil action. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ACCESS TO FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS This bill maintains dignity to women while in custody (Mar. 20) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who are in custody immediately and free of charge. “If you can’t say the word tampon, then don’t restrict access to one,” said Rep. Herod. “Women’s bodies are different, and we need to ensure that we are treating all women, especially those that are in custody, with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” Under current policies, some county jails provide limited menstrual hygiene products to inmates, while some provide none. HB 19-1224 requires all local jails, multijurisdictional jails, and municipal jails to provide menstrual hygiene products to people in custody at no expense. HB19-1224 passed by a unanimous vote of 65-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill follows legislation from 2017, sponsored by Rep. Herod and Senator Winter, which required that the Department of Corrections provide free menstrual hygiene products to those in state prisons and other DOC facilities. Previous Next

< Back April 24, 2019 HOUSE MOVES BILL TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 24) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “This bill is about the safety of our students. Colorado ranks last in the country for kindergarten immunizations. That’s unacceptable and we need to do better,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This bill formalizes the process. Colorado needs to be proactive – not reactive. We are in the midst of public health crisis and we can’t wait for a tragedy to occur.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. What HB19-1312 does: · Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. · Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. · Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. · Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified at a House hearing earlier this month in support of this common-sense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination rate. Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country, most recently in Washington and New York states. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level of reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a widespread, public outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential in protecting vulnerable people, including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee hearing by a vote of 7-4 on April 15. It was approved today on a voice-vote in the House. A recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. < Back March 4, 2025 House Cracks Down on ‘Junk Fees’ to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB24-1090 passed by a vote of 41 to 21 with every House Republican opposing the effort to rein in unpopular, surprise junk fees. “Hidden ‘junk fees’ often add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses for Coloradans, so we are taking action to crack down on these surprise costs to save people money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to cracking down on junk fees so Coloradans know the upfront cost of products, goods and services.” “It is estimated that ‘junk fees’ add up to $90 billion per year in our country, costing households more than $650 annually that could be better spent on groceries, health care, and child care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Junk fees are often not disclosed until a consumer is ready to check out or after they’ve paid a non-refundable security deposit, which means Coloradans end up paying higher prices than they are expecting. Addressing junk fees in our state has been one of my biggest priorities, and this legislation brings us closer to honest pricing so Coloradans can make buying decisions that fit their budget.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation 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 Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. 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. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2024 Majority Leader Duran, Rep. Froelich Release Statements on Proposition KK DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich today released the following statement on the passage of Proposition KK. HB24-1349 referred a measure to that ballot that will place 6.5-percent excise tax on firearms to support Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services: Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “Tonight really is a full circle moment for me; without the support from crime victim services as a young single mother trapped in an abusive relationship, there is no way I’d be here today celebrating the passage of Prop KK. I’d like to thank our volunteers, advocates and non-profit organizations who helped get the word out about this modest, 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms. As federal dollars dwindle, Coloradans made the right choice this evening to step up and help fill the funding gaps in crime victim services. From navigating the challenging judicial system to helping secure child care, crime victim services play a major role in uplifting survivors by providing them the resources they need to start anew. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support of Prop KK.” Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood: “I’m beyond proud of the passage of Prop KK, and I’d like to personally thank each and every volunteer and advocate who made this possible. We know survivors of domestic abuse often face an uphill battle when navigating the judicial system, securing housing and obtaining financial security and crime victim services often play a vital role in connecting survivors to resources they need. Prop KK’s modest excise tax will go directly to Colorado’s crime victim services, which will help offset drastic cuts in federal funding for life-saving services. Tonight, Coloradans stepped up to support survivors and their children, and I couldn’t be more proud.” ### Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2021 BIPARTISAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISASTER RESPONSE ADVANCES Bill would establish the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program to support Coloradans after major disasters and emergencies DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services today passed Representative Cutter’s bipartisan bill to support the work of behavioral health organizations responding to community behavioral health needs in the wake of an emergency or disaster. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “There is a clear need for a more holistic response to disasters like wildfires, pandemics, floods, and even mass shootings,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This bill will support the great work of our state’s behavioral health organizations striving to meet the needs of communities left reeling in the wake of a disaster or an emergency. With many community mental health centers already operating programs to help Coloradans deal with the effects of COVID-19, today we’re seizing a unique opportunity to help them continue their important work and build resiliency.” HB21-1281 , also sponsored by Representative Perry Will, creates the Community Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness and Response Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The program is intended to enhance, support, and formalize behavioral health disaster preparedness and response activities of community behavioral health organizations. Community mental health centers are already operating a number of programs that would fall within the scope of this fund, especially as they relate to COVID-19, but funding for them is fragmented and much of the federal funding will soon be withdrawn. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that will save Coloradans money by making housing more affordable and creating affordable child care opportunities. HB24-1316 passed by a vote of 44-19, HB24-1434 passed by a vote of 47-15, and HB24-1237 passed by a vote of 39-12. < Back May 1, 2024 RELEASE: House Passes Bills to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that will save Coloradans money by making housing more affordable and creating affordable child care opportunities. HB24-1316 passed by a vote of 44-19, HB24-1434 passed by a vote of 47-15, and HB24-1237 passed by a vote of 39-12. “Housing affordability is a top priority for Colorado Democrats, and this legislation would increase our housing stock for our lower- and middle-income Coloradans,” Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB24-1316. “The middle class is not immune to the rising cost of housing. Our legislation would save Coloradans money on housing by building more homes for our teachers, first responders, and other essential workers so they can afford to live in the communities where they work.” “Colorado Democrats have passed a variety of laws that encourage the development and preservation of affordable housing options, but we also need more housing for middle-income Coloradans that don’t qualify for housing support,” Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1316. “Coloradans need more housing options that work for their budget and allow them to live in the community where they work and raise their kids. With this bill, we can add more middle-income housing opportunities throughout Colorado to support our workforce and address the housing crisis.” HB24-1316 would create the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation to boost the development of rental housing for middle-income Coloradans. This pilot program would direct the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to award up to $10 million per year in five-year state income tax credits for tax years 2025 through 2027. A total of $150 million in tax credits may be allocated through this program. “The Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been the most successful affordable housing program in our state, and I’m proud to carry this bill that will expand on the relief that this tax credit can provide to hardworking Coloradans,” Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1434. “This tax credit program is our most effective tool in addressing housing affordability throughout Colorado. This bipartisan effort will continue to boost affordable housing projects so more Coloradans can access housing that works for their budget.” HB24-1434 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, is a bipartisan bill that would increase Colorado’s Affordable Housing Income Tax Credit (AHTC) annually by $20 million for 2024-2026, $16 million for 2027-2029, and $10 million for 2023-2031. Administered by CHFA, the state AHTC is paired with federal incentives to create greater statewide impact. The AHTC Program was created in 2021 to support affordable housing developments across the state and has been renewed numerous times since then. From 2015 to 2021, the program has aided the development of over 8,000 housing units, supported nearly 24,000 jobs, and had an economic impact of $3.6 billion . HB24-1237 , also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, would help reduce costs for developing child care facilities by providing technical planning, building, construction, and development support to increase child care providers. “Increasing affordable child care options will save Colorado families money and make it easier for new families to return to the workforce and support our thriving economies,” Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB24-1237. “This bipartisan legislation would make it easier to build new child care facilities and find safe ways to reuse existing spaces to boost child care options for Colorado families.” Specifically, this legislation would create the framework to provide planning and capital grants and technical support for local governments, institutions of higher education, public schools, employers, private partners, builders, and child care providers. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL ADVANCES Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would, for the first time, allow state employees to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits DENVER, CO — Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today released the following statement after HB20-1153, the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3: “This is a great step forward for the tens of thousands of hardworking Colorado state employees who deserve the essential right to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits. This bill is long overdue and will foster important partnerships between the state and front line state employees to improve state services. “House Democrats are committed to improving pay and benefits for our state employees, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal. It will help us fill the hundreds of state positions that are currently vacant while improving retention rates. I will always fight for our state employees, and I’m pleased to see this bill move forward.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues and improve state services by fostering new partnerships between frontline workers and the state. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES WIN COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation will invest nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve access to behavioral health resources in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services and House Judiciary Committees gave approval to four bills to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and invests nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “Together, we’re making a $72 million investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address staffing shortages, get patients access to the care they need and build a healthier Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-181 . “To meet the behavioral health needs of Coloradans, we are devoting the resources necessary to recruit, train and support psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other behavioral health care workers in every community in our state.” Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 2. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “Accessing behavioral health care services in Colorado shouldn’t be a challenge, but often people seeking care have trouble navigating the system,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-177 . “Our bipartisan bill invests more than $12 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients can receive quality care faster. The behavioral health care system should not be a barrier for Coloradans seeking services, and our bill makes accessing services easier.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “Accessing treatment, recovery and behavioral health care services can be more difficult for those experiencing homelessness,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-211 . “We are utilizing federal pandemic relief dollars to create a space where Coloradans experiencing homelessness can access all types of health care, including behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment as well as transitional housing This approach will help us meet our neighbors where they are and build stronger Colorado communities.” Repurpose The Ridge View Campus: SB22-211 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would invest $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness access services for physical and mental health and substance use disorder treatment along with transitional housing. “Too many Coloradans struggling with substance use disorder and serious mental health issues are spending time behind bars when they should be receiving treatment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill invests millions to divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them to critical services which will reduce recidivism and make it easier for Coloradans to receive the treatment they need.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is alarming and we need to invest in resources that get people the treatment, services and care they need,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill approaches behavioral health intervention by diverting Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment. Behind bars, Coloradans’ behavioral health can worsen–let’s get them the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program: SB22-196 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would invest $62 million to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system and instead, redirect individuals into appropriate treatment. Previous Next