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  • Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes House

    The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 6, 2024 Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Naquetta Ricks that would improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. SB24-075 passed by a vote of 43-19. “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this bill will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency to consumers so they know what their money is paying for.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 would address a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and how much of that the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The bill aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings, and customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, the bill would protect drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next

  • Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee

    The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 25, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. “From safe storage and waiting periods to reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms, I’m proud of the work that Colorado Democrats have done to make our communities safer for all, and this bill ensures that these laws are implemented in gun shows where thousands of firearm and ammunition products are present,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Gun shows can be helpful for Coloradans who are interested in learning more about firearms, and this legislation works to ensure that gun show promoters organize appropriate security for the event and vendors adhere to firearm laws that exist to keep our communities safe.” “One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring firearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing firearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft. With this bill, we’re bolstering Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws to keep our communities safe and save Colorado lives from senseless gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity or have not completed a gun show certification, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill outlines requirements for displaying firearms, including: Keeping the firearms unloaded, Securely attaching firearms to a countertop or wall, Safeguarding ammunition enclosed in a display case, behind the vendor’s counter, or other strategies to restrict customer access without the help of a vendor, and Providing written information regarding safe storage and lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements in Colorado law with each firearm sale. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next

  • English’s Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes Committee

    The House Education Committee today passed legislation to establish statewide Black History education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. < Back February 20, 2025 English’s Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to establish statewide Black History education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. The bill would jumpstart the development and implementation of a standardized Black history curriculum. “You cannot fully understand American history without learning about Black history. Without a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools, students are deprived of an opportunity to learn about all the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to our society,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “By developing and standardizing Black history curriculum in Colorado’s public schools, we can ensure our students receive a well-rounded education. From politics to science, Black Americans’ contributions are vast, and this bill ensures students learn about the influential Black figures who came before them.” HB25-1149 , passed committee by a vote of 8-5 and would improve the consistency and comprehension of Black American history taught in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Education, with support from a 17-member advisory committee, to develop a standard curriculum for Black History and Cultural Studies in line with the state’s social studies standards revision cycle Once approved by the Colorado Board of Education, public K-12 schools would have to adopt the new Black history education standards into their curriculum, which will be incorporated into the social studies standards adopted in 2028. The goal of HB24-1149 is to standardize Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools to promote an accurate and inclusive education curriculum. Previous Next

  • MORE COVID RESPONSE ON THE WAY: HOUSE PASSES BILLS PROHIBITING SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION AND IMPROVING THE 2-1-1 HOTLINE

    < Back June 10, 2020 MORE COVID RESPONSE ON THE WAY: HOUSE PASSES BILLS PROHIBITING SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION AND IMPROVING THE 2-1-1 HOTLINE DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today to support Colorado as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects. The bills include an increase in funding for the 2-1-1 hotline, which has seen a spike in use due to the pandemic, and a bill to prohibit source of income discrimination in housing, which will protect the tens thousands of Coloradans who are newly claiming unemployment benefits. “For many Coloradans, the 2-1-1 hotline was the first place they turned to for support with essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB20-1197. “This bipartisan bill will support the hotline through the end of the year to ensure that it can sustain the sharp increase in calls and continue to provide crucial support to Coloradans. ” “With so many Coloradans claiming unemployment benefits after the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to prohibit discrimination based on source of income,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB20-1332 . “A dollar is a dollar, and no tenant should be denied housing for using the resources available to them to put a roof over their heads.” “Well before this pandemic began, I had already heard from far too many Coloradans who faced unjust barriers while looking to rent a place to live,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB20-1332 . “Now that COVID-19 has forced tens of thousands of Coloradans onto unemployment insurance, it’s more important than ever to pass this bill banning discrimination based on source of income. We need to make sure that Coloradans are protected from this type of discmination while we work to get our state back on track and beyond.” HB20-1197 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for 2-1-1 Information Hotline ( Reps. Marc Snyder and Janice Rich, Sen. Jeff Bridges): 2-1-1, Colorado’s free information hotline, is a critical service for many Coloradans and during the COVID-19 pandemic the line has seen a sharp increase in calls. The bill is will receive $500,000 of CARES Act funding to help expand services through December, including providing information on COVID-19 testing and referrals related to health care or employment discrimination as it relates to the pandemic.. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 47-16. HB20-1332 : Prohibit Housing Discrimination based on Source of Income (Reps. Leslie Herod and Dominique Jackson, Sen. Rhonda Fields): This bill makes discrimination in housing based on a person’s source of income an unfair housing practice. As long as a person’s source of income is lawful and verifiable, including income from any government assistance, grant, or loan program, a landlord cannot refuse to show, rent or lease housing. This is especially important given the sharp increase in the number of Coloradans claiming unemployment benefits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill passed 39-25. Previous Next

  • House Passes Equal Pay for Equal Work

    The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. < Back May 1, 2023 House Passes Equal Pay for Equal Work DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, would strengthen the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, bringing Colorado closer to closing the wage gap. “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same for it, plain and simple,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “In Colorado, despite our progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity and close the wage gap that inevitability hurts women and families. This legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act by further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is already law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “We’re committed to helping communities hit hardest by the pandemic build back stronger, and that begins with equal pay for equal work. The wage gaps between Black women and white men are resounding, and our legislation takes steps to combat wage discrimination and ensure all women are paid fairly. The bill will foster an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages.” SB23-105 , passed the House by a vote of 41 to 21 and would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive accompanied with the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB23-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. Previous Next

  • EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH BILL ADVANCES

    < Back January 24, 2020 EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH BILL ADVANCES Legislation would increase the availability of mental health consultants DENVER, CO — Representatives Julie McCluskie and Emily Sirota’s bill to improve statewide mental health services for children through age eight today advanced from the House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services. The legislation passed 8-4. HB 20-1006 would create a statewide voluntary program of early childhood mental health consultants to increase the number of qualified consultants and improve access to these critical services. Mental health consultants are mental health professionals with experience working with young children and their families in a diversity of early childhood settings. “It’s no secret that Coloradans, especially in rural areas, don’t always have access to the quality mental health care they need,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillion). “We want to invest in the health of future generations by making early childhood mental health services more available and convenient for parents and expectant parents to access, and that’s what this bill would do.” “As a social worker I have seen firsthand the need for mental health care across Colorado,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “This bill would greatly improve services for children and their families, improving the health and wellbeing of young children across our state. As a mother of two young children, I understand the importance of these critical services.” The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants bill would address the need for additional, trained mental health consultants focused on infants’ and young childrens’ mental health across the state. It would also create a standardized model for the program in consultation with key Colorado local community-based stakeholders and the National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Under the bill, early childhood mental health specialists would be available for on-site consultations at preschool and elementary schools, in public health and health care settings and other culturally and regionally appropriate early childhood settings. The visits would include support and appropriate methods for caregivers to implement tested, practical mental health care strategies for long-term success. As a part of the program, the standardized model would include job qualifications and expectations of mental health consultants, expected outcomes of the program and appropriate ratios of consultants for the communities that they support. The program will support the ongoing professional development of mental health specialists in the state to increase access to these critical services. Professional development plans for consultants and a certification process will ensure that mental health consultants are appropriately trained as well as well versed in the expectations of the program. Previous Next

  • COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES FUNDING FOR FISHERS PEAK AND OTHER STATE PARKS

    < Back March 9, 2020 COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES FUNDING FOR FISHERS PEAK AND OTHER STATE PARKS DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today unanimously approved Representative Daneya Esgar’s bipartisan bill to provide funding for Colorado’s State Parks, including Colorado’s newest State Park, Fishers Peak. ”Outdoor recreation and public land conservation are a crucial part of the Colorado Way of Life,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Daneya Esgar. “Today we voted to make lasting, impactful investments in our State Parks, and I expect the return on this investment will benefit Colorado for generations to come. Fishers Peak State Park will bring meaningful economic growth and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities to Southern Colorado, and I’m proud to have played my part in making our newest State Park a reality.” SB20-003 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, appropriates 6 million dollars to the Department of Natural Resources to open a new state park at Fishers Peak and to also improve infrastructure and amenities at existing state parks. Previous Next

  • Signed! Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training Becomes Law

    Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. < Back June 2, 2025 Signed! Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. “Colorado voters made it clear with Proposition 130 they want real investments in public safety,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This bill delivers on that promise by responsibly investing in law enforcement recruitment, retention, and training over the next several years. Even in a tough budget year, made worse by federal chaos and uncertainty, Colorado’s budget reflects our commitment to public education, public health, and public safety.” "This law honors voter intent when they passed Prop 130 and increases the state’s investment in public safety,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Our law will invest $350 million to recruit, retain and train local law enforcement officers and ensure that families of first responders receive death benefits in the event their family member’s life is taken while in the line of duty. Our law ensures that the state is a partner in protecting the safety of every Coloradan and makes certain that local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to do their jobs well." SB25-310 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, will implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 by creating a funding mechanism for the distribution of $350 million for local law enforcement officer recruitment, retention and training. It makes a one-time investment of $500 million of the general fund reserve in PERA and reduces future general fund payments to PERA by the amount of interest earned. It will then divert that amount to the new Peace Officer Training and Support Fund each year, which will be distributed to local police departments. It also implements the death benefit required in Proposition 130 of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee of any first responder who died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and creates the Death Benefit Fund. Previous Next

  • Bills to Increase Health Care Accessibility Pass the House

    The House today advanced two bills to require continuity of health care coverage and expand presumptive eligibility to include long-term care. < Back March 18, 2024 Bills to Increase Health Care Accessibility Pass the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills to require continuity of health care coverage and expand presumptive eligibility to include long-term care. “When Coloradans are transitioning to a new health care plan, they can be at risk of losing continued access to their current provider,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-093. “This legislation improves access to health care by streamlining coverage for the treatment of serious medical conditions when a consumer is transitioning to a new health care plan. We’re ensuring that people can receive the care they need when they need it.” If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days. Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment. SB24-093 passed by a vote of 48-15. “The time it takes to determine a Coloradan’s eligibility for long-term care can delay people with health care needs, like those with disabilities, from receiving the care they need,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1229. “This bill is crucial in streamlining and simplifying the eligibility process, so Coloradans can receive necessary and immediate health care that keeps them healthy.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB24-1229 would remove the requirement for a level of care assessment before a person can access long-term services and supports by allowing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to collect any information required for federal authorization. HB24-1229 passed by a vote of 63-0. Previous Next

  • Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills Becomes Law

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

  • HOUSE PASSES REP. MICHAELSON JENET’S MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMS BILL

    < Back February 20, 2020 HOUSE PASSES REP. MICHAELSON JENET’S MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMS BILL Bipartisan legislation would reinforce Colorado as a national leader in mental health parity DENVER, CO– The House of Representatives today passed HB20-1086, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Colin Larson, by a vote of 45-17. The bill would guarantee insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams. “This is one of the most important bills I have worked on in my time in the legislature, and I am so pleased that it has passed the House,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Too many Coloradans don’t have access to the mental health care they need. This bill will go a long way towards breaking down the barriers, may they be stigma, financial or provider availability, that have made it far too difficult for Coloradans to access life-saving mental health care.” HB20-1086 would require health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness examination as a part of their coverage for preventative health care services. The coverage must be comparable to the coverage for a physical examination, comply with federal mental health parity laws, and not require any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. The legislation aims to further break down barriers to mental health care. Our current system often treats mental health on an expensive crisis-by-crisis basis. By enhancing access to preventative care, the bill would help provide treatment for mental health conditions before someone is faced with a crisis. It would also reduce the stigma around mental health by ensuring we value preventative mental health care in the same way we currently value physical health care. Colorado is experiencing a persistent and rising suicide rate while far too many residents report barriers to accessing the behavioral health care they need. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Colorado. In 2019, 769,301 Coloradans were unable to get mental health services when needed, and 68 percent reported that cost and insurance coverage were barriers, according to the Colorado Health Access Survey. The legislation is supported by Mental Health Colorado, the Colorado AFL-CIO, the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, the Colorado Association for School Based Health Care, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The legislation will now be considered in the Senate. Previous Next

  • SIGNED! Landmark Plan to Provide Urgent Property Tax Relief

    SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes < Back May 24, 2023 SIGNED! Landmark Plan to Provide Urgent Property Tax Relief SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed landmark legislation that will refer a measure to the voters to provide historic property tax relief for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. SB23-303 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes, and implements limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. "Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," Fenberg said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." “Rising home values are leading to dramatic increases in property taxes that many Coloradans simply can’t afford,” said deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Prop HH will reduce property taxes for all homeowners and increase funding for rental support programs while protecting funding for schools, libraries, child welfare offices, water and fire districts, and the services Coloradans rely on. Seniors will see a larger homestead exemption and be able to downsize or sell their home without facing a higher tax bill.” “The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Hansen. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state millions of dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive." “This property tax reduction package will lower housing costs, help seniors on fixed incomes, and put more money back into the pockets of middle and lower-income Coloradans,” said Weissman. “Prop HH is a sustainable, long-term solution to protect Coloradans from rising property taxes while ensuring funding for our public schools and local government services. It’s exciting for our state that voters will soon see a measure on the ballot to keep Colorado property taxes predictable while still funding public services that people expect from their communities.” Coloradans will vote on the package in November, and if approved the proposal will create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000 a year while providing major long-term reductions to property tax rates and delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $50,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance, and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. Previous Next

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