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< Back March 8, 2019 HOUSE GIVES GREENLIGHT TO THE VALDEZ’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE BILL (Mar. 8) – The House gave final approval today to Rep. Alex Valdez and Rep. Donald Valdez’s bill to modify existing statute governing the existing electric vehicle grant fund. “We must act on climate and do our part to cut carbon pollution emissions by encouraging more Coloradans to purchase electric vehicles and help to increase the travel range of EV’s,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “These upgrades will help our rural communities because when drivers stop in to charge their vehicles, they are going to shop and dine in our rural towns and open their wallets, and contribute to the local economy.” HB19-1198 allows the fund to be used to fully fund the installation of more charging stations for electric vehicles and help offset operation costs. “Rural Colorado needs more EV charging stations. Our bill will help protect our way of life and expand the accessibility of electric vehicles and their benefits to all Colorado communities,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. HB19-1198 passed the House floor with a vote of 39-23 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced legislation to increase student access to mental health services in schools. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back April 6, 2023 Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Support in Schools Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced legislation to increase student access to mental health services in schools. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. “ S uicide is the leading cause of death for 10 to 18-years-olds in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We need to do everything we can to remove unnecessary barriers for Colorado students so they can access the resources they need. With this bill, schools will have greater flexibility to hire mental health professionals so we can provide essential, life-saving services to our kids.” “As a school psychologist, I know how difficult it can be to provide comprehensive mental health services to every student that needs them,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’re making it easier for schools to hire qualified, licensed mental health professionals to improve students’ access to the mental health support person they need.” Current Colorado law requires a mental health professional to be licensed by the Department of Education in order to work in a school, making it more difficult for schools to hire enough licensed professionals to address students’ mental health needs. SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This bill streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

SB25-008 would make it easier for Colorado residents who are survivors of crime or natural disasters, low-income or older to obtain government IDs < Back April 30, 2025 Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes SB25-008 would make it easier for Colorado residents who are survivors of crime or natural disasters, low-income or older to obtain government IDs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich that would streamline access to necessary identification documents for vulnerable and low-income Coloradans. SB25-008 passed by a vote of 43-22. “For 20 years, the Necessary Document Program has provided life-changing services to vulnerable Coloradans, and this bill would improve the program by streamlining free access to these important documents,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans who survive house fires, domestic violence, homelessness and other dangerous circumstances often can’t access important identification documents that are required to fulfill everyday needs, like housing, health care and food. By updating this program, we can better protect Coloradans in their darkest moments.” Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program helps Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly afford necessary documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. SB25-008 would update the program to allow eligible individuals to acquire these documents for free directly at the point of service, including participating DMVs. Eligible individuals still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States. SB25-008 would streamline the administration of the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Administrative challenges tend to delay vouchers. Additionally, vouchers are time-limited to 30 days after they are distributed to the client, which means they are often not able to be utilized before they expire. This bill would simplify some of the complicated program structure that makes it more difficult for Coloradans to receive vouchers and expand the number of locations where individuals can obtain necessary documents. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 GOV. SIGNS MCLACHLAN-ROBERTS BILL TO PROTECT CLEAN WATER (Apr. 5) – This week, Gov. Jared Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan and Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to help prevent water pollution from future hardrock mining operations in Colorado. “This is good for our environment, and keeps a thriving mining industry moving forward,” said Rep. McLachlan, whose district was impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill. “We can’t go back in time but we can ensure we have a brighter, safer future and one that protects our precious water.” “Mining is a part of our history and always has been. For a long time, it has shaped our economy, our water rights system, and our communities,” said Rep. Roberts. “However, water is our state’s most precious resource and must be protected. This new law will modernize our hard-rock mining laws to protect clean water and ensure that taxpayers are never left on the hook for a private company’s spills.” Mining operations have polluted more than 1,600 miles of Colorado rivers and streams, and our state is one of just seven that allow “self-bonding,” which allows mines to operate with insufficient recoverable assets, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to potential cleanup costs. HB19-1113 will ensure that when new mining permits are issued, sufficient and secure bonds are in place to ensure cleanup and better protect public health and the environment. The new law will end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and will explicitly include water quality protection in the calculation for the amount of bonding required. It will also require mining license applicants to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation, so that they can no longer just to do water treatment into perpetuity. Numerous small business owners, rafting outfitters, farmers, local elected officials and others from across western and southern Colorado testified at a House hearing in support of the bill and it passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Previous Next

The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! New Law Will Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. “Colorado families are counting on us to put their health and safety first,” Michaelson Jenet said. “This new law will ensure that all Coloradans, especially those who rely on rural hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, don’t lose access to the services they depend on to stay safe and healthy.” “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Martinez. “This bipartisan law ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on the federal 340B program and serve our rural communities.” “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, and pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “At the legislature, we've taken steps to lower health care costs for Coloradans. By improving transparency and accountability, we are continuing to take steps to expand access so that more Coloradans can receive high-quality health care." SB25-071 , cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Rick Taggart, D-Grand Junction, will ensure prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities – such as pharmacies and clinics – that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, and will require hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The new reporting requirements, including the hospitals' reported 340b savings and how they utilized those savings, aim to improve transparency. SB25-071 aims to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, this law will help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. To improve accountability and ensure 340b savings are passed down to the consumer, this law prohibits hospitals from spending the 340b savings on executive salaries, gifts, lobbying, and advertising. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of health care for low-income individuals. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2019 REP. LISA CUTTER’S MEDIA LITERACY BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE Bill will help invest in the next generation of Coloradans (Feb. 7) – The House Education Committee approved a bill sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County that creates a media literacy advisory committee within the Department of Education. It’s important for Colorado students become more educated about the media and the role it plays in our society “Our kids are immersed in media with an increasing degree of intensity and frequency. A healthy society is dependent on people being educated and informed, so it’s critical that we help them develop the tools to make sense of the information they are taking in,” said Rep. Cutter. “The goal of this bill is to ultimately provide educators with the tools necessary to help our youth better understand the world around them and be equipped to navigate it more effectively.” This effort will help enrich Colorado’s students and their overall learning experience. The bill creates a media literacy advisory committee within the state Department of Education that is responsible for studying media literacy, including best practices and available resources, and then reporting back with recommendations for the House and Senate Education Committees. Cutter hopes to sponsor legislation in the future using these recommendations to implement media literacy studies in elementary and secondary education. The Associated Press and Colorado Press Association testified in support of this bill, among others. A recent academic study shows that 82 percent of middle school students could not distinguish the difference between real news stories and advertisements. HB19-1110 passed on a bipartisan vote of 8-5 and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2021 JACKSON CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF MONUMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION DENVER, CO– Rep. Dominique Jackson released the following statement after the passage of HB 21-1266. The bill re-passed in the House by a vote of 37-27. “Colorado leads the nation on many environmental efforts, but to continue our leadership role we need to get serious about meeting our climate goals and we must ensure that disproportionately impacted communities have a seat at the table,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill gives communities that seat at the table and takes real, tangible steps to reduce carbon pollution. There can be no environmental justice in Colorado without significantly improving our air quality, and I’m so proud that we took this bold step forward.” Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments < Back March 16, 2023 Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance. “This legislation will help Colorado achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040 by making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Streamlining the local government approval process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using this clean and renewable power source for their homes. This bill saves local governments time and money, cuts bureaucratic red tape and speeds up clean energy projects – it’s a win-win-win.” HB23-1234 passed committee unanimously and would establish the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This software would help local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy. This legislation is part of a broader energy bill package unveiled by Colorado Democrats last week to accelerate the clean energy transition and make Colorado a leader in budding clean energy technologies. Previous Next

HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale < Back August 1, 2024 New Law Goes Into Effect to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale DENVER, CO - On August 7, legislation goes into effect to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “With our new law going into effect, local governments will now be able to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. This legislation better allows us to maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.” “Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market and attainable for Coloradans.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.” Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher-priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175 , owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market. For non-subsidized multifamily rental properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This right applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units, and the property must be used as long-term affordable housing. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days of receiving notice of intent to sell from the seller and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. Previous Next

Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies < Back May 1, 2024 House Passes Bill to License Funeral Industry Workers Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. SB24-173, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone, would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists and embalmers. “We’re the only state in the nation that does not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – it’s time to fix that to ensure our funeral homes and crematories are safe and operating legally,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would help ensure Colorado funeral homes and crematories have proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has been at the center of many egregious and heartbreaking instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Colorado’s public health and safety depends upon our action which will ensure every funeral home and crematory in our state is operated by a licensed professional.” SB24-173 would establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Currently, Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. This bill passed the House by a vote of 59 to 3. This bill would require an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2027. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. Those currently working in the industry can obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check, and after two years will qualify for full licensure. In addition to SB24-173, another bill moving through the legislature ( HB24-1335 ) would require recurring inspections of state-operated funeral homes and crematories. In recent years, several funeral homes and operators in Colorado have been at the root of disturbing instances of mishandling human remains and bodies. These bills aim to add consistent regulation of Colorado’s funeral home industry to ensure public health and safety. Previous Next

< Back July 2, 2021 LANDMARK ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION SIGNED DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed HB21-1266, Representatives Dominique Jackson and Mike Weissman’s bill to promote environmental justice in Colorado and help our state meet our emissions reduction goals. “Environmental Justice means making sure that our solutions to tackling climate change acknowledge and address the systemic disparities of years of pollution and the impacts of climate change,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This new law takes concrete steps to help us improve air quality and meet our emissions reductions goals while giving disproportionately impacted communities a seat at the table where these decisions are being made. With these new steps, Colorado will set an example for the nation on how best to address pollution and climate change in a holistic and just way.” “Today marks an important step toward guaranteeing true environmental justice in Colorado,” said Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Communities of color, low income Coloradans and other groups uniquely affected by pollution and the effects of climate change deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met as we work toward cleaner air and a greener state. I’m enormously proud of and grateful for the tireless advocacy and hard work that was required to make this new law a reality.” HB21-1266 supports communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution by creating the Environmental Justice Advisory Board and Ombudsperson within the Department of Public Health and Environment. The law eliminates the “polluter pay loophole” that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, and directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to update permitting requirements for sources that affect disproportionately impacted communities, and requires electric utilities to file clean energy plans with the Public Utilities Commission. Utilities with significant emissions are required to reduce emissions at least 80% by 2030, the oil and gas sector is required to reduce emissions by 36% by 2025 and 60% by 2030 and the industrial and manufacturing sectors are required to reduce emissions by at least 20% by 2030. The law also codifies outreach best practices to impacted communities and requires the development of a comprehensive, statewide environmental justice plan. Previous Next

Representative Matthew Martinez and Senators Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Julie Gonzales today hosted a press conference to discuss new legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. < Back January 24, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Lawmakers Step Up to Protect Environment, Sangre De Cristo Land Grants DENVER, CO – Representative Matthew Martinez and Senators Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Julie Gonzales today hosted a press conference to discuss new legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. “This legislation is necessary to fight back against the negative impacts of unauthorized fence construction on our community, to protect our environment and Colorado Way of Life," said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “When I visited the newly constructed fence, I was appalled by the negative impact on our environment and our local community. Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood. This bill will boost local control and require individuals to submit an application before construction – further prioritizing local and environmental protections.” “As Co-Chair of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus, I am so proud to sponsor HB1023,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Ensuring local governments have a say in how San Luis Valley communities are able to access their land is simply the right thing to do. I want to uplift the leadership of Representative Martinez on this important issue and I look forward to carrying this policy when it reaches the Senate." HB25-1023 , would require individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. Under the bill, local governments would be responsible for determining if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms. Additionally, local governments may pass an ordinance or resolution opting out of these requirements altogether. Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This bill takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley. Previous Next