Search Results

SB25-129 would strengthen Colorado's shield laws to protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action < Back March 19, 2025 Bill to Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Protections Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to strengthen Colorado’s shield law to protect patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on accessible reproductive health care. SB25-129 passed by a vote of 7-4. “Now’s the time to fight back against sweeping civil restrictions, out-of-state interference, and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our bill expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. As attacks on reproductive rights ripple throughout our nation, we must strengthen Colorado's ability to fight back against hostile attacks on your right to an abortion, whether you’re a resident or not.” “By fortifying our shield laws, we reaffirm Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal, and protected reproductive and gender-affirming health care,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our state stands resolute, with no obligation to comply with hostile investigations. This bill embodies Colorado’s unwavering commitment to bodily autonomy, firmly opposing out-of-state attempts to erode these fundamental human rights. As access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care faces relentless attacks nationwide, we must act decisively to preserve these essential freedoms in Colorado.” SB25-129 protects providers by allowing a practitioner to request to have their name excluded from a medication abortion label, and instead, list the prescribing health-care practice. The bill would also prohibit Colorado entities, or a person or entity licensed or regulated by the state from cooperating with hostile out-of-state investigations related to legally protected health care. Additionally, the bill would enhance privacy protections for patients by placing restrictions on health data collecting and published reports published by the Office of the State Registrar. Colorado Democrats passed SB23-188 to establish a shield law to protect those receiving, providing or assisting with reproductive or gender-affirming care from criminal prosecutions. Given recent legal action surrounding out-of-state abortion access, this bill aims to fight back against hostile attacks to keep patients and providers safe while accessing legal health care. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2021 FROELICH BILLS TO DEFEND COLORADO FAMILIES ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY Two proposals from Rep. Meg Froelich to support domestic violence survivors and parents in custody court were approved by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed two of Representative Meg Froelich’s bills to increase domestic violence training requirements and update child support statues. “Giving court personnel the training they need to identify and assess instances of domestic violence will make their jobs easier and hopefully save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The many tragic stories we heard in committee today demonstrate how critical it is for us to be better prepared to deal with domestic violence in the courts. I’m proud of the work the committee did today to stand up for families and ensure our statutes and courts are up-to-date and ready to serve Colorado.” HB21-1228 would clarify and increase domestic violence training requirements for court personnel who frequently deal with cases related to domestic matters, such as custody disputes. Training for all personnel includes both an initial training as well as an ongoing annual continuing education. The training would encompass domestic violence and its traumatic effects on children, adults and families. This bill is directly responsive to cases of domestic violence in Colorado, including the tragic murder of 10 year old Ty Tesoriero . The bill passed 13-0. HB21-1220 would update Colorado’s statutes by enacting the recommendations of the Colorado Child Support Commission regarding how child support is enforced and calculated. Among the changes made are provisions that would reduce the interest rate on unpaid child support, clarify which courts that have jurisdiction over child support matters, as well as technical amendments and provisions updating outdated language. The bill passed 13-0. Previous Next

< Back June 16, 2021 SIGNED! FUNDING FOR CHILD CARE, SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING DENVER, CO- – Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that will invest $100 million to expand access to affordable child care, fix and improve air quality filtration systems in public schools and provide Colorado students with high-impact tutoring to address disrupted learning from COVID-19. “Child care costs are overwhelming Colorado families and make it harder for parents, especially working moms, to get back to work and find a safe place for their children to learn,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, a prime sponsor of both SB21-236 and HB21-1234. “By creating affordable child care options and supporting the child care professional workforce, we are going to boost our economy and help Coloradans get back to work while providing more young kids the early childhood education they need to thrive. I’m also proud that the governor signed critical legislation to provide $5 million to fund high-impact tutoring for K-12 students to address pandemic-related learning disruptions.” SB21-236 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Tonya Van Bener, provides $100 million to support child care providers and young families in Colorado. First, it creates the new innovative Employer-based Child Care Facility Grant Program and funds it with Colorado Comeback state stimulus dollars. The program would award matching grants to nonprofit, private, and government employers to retrofit and develop new, on-site or near-site licensed child care facilities. The bill also sets up a framework to ensure hundreds of millions of federal dollars directed to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) can be spent effectively and efficiently by the Department of Human Services. SB21-236 sets up several new programs and adequately funds several others to ensure Colorado’s youngest kids, as well as their parents and early childhood professionals, can thrive. HB21-1234 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Mary Bradfield, would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four or fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning disruption. “Every student in Colorado should have a safe and comfortable school environment that is conducive to learning, but there are schools in our state that lack adequate air filtration and ventilation,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We are going to build back stronger by using state stimulus funds to make critical school improvements that will create jobs and help provide more students with the school facilities they need to learn and excel.” SB21-202 , also sponsored by Rep. Colin Larson, would allocate $10 million for Building Excellent Schools Today grants to fund much-needed public school air quality improvement projects to improve air quality in as many public and charter school facilities as possible. Kids learn better in environments that are safe, clean, and healthy. Unfortunately, over the years, Colorado’s deferred maintenance of school facilities has grown, particularly in rural areas. These construction and capital projects will create good jobs, make long-term improvements to Colorado schools’ infrastructures, and provide safer, more constructive learning environments for students. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL BANNING GAY AND TRANS PANIC LEGAL DEFENSE DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper’s bipartisan bill to ban the use of the gay and transgender “panic” defense. The bill passed 63-1. “It’s time for this defense strategy to be abolished,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada . “We cannot say that we value the lives and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ population if we allow legal defense strategies that rely on prejudice to be practiced in our courts. This bill shows that we’re willing to take action and prove that we truly value the LGBTQ+ community, especially the vulnerable lives of black trans women. Everyone deserves a just and fair trial and this will go a long way to show that we are ready and willing to take the safety of the LGBTQ+ community seriously.” SB20-221 would virtually abolish the use of a victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation as a legal defense in which the perpetrator could use a ‘sudden heat of passion’ as an excuse for criminal wrongdoings. If this bill is signed into law, Colorado would join California, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Washington as states that have banned the gay and trans panic defense strategy. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). < Back March 20, 2024 Bill to Create a State Office for Coloradans with Disabilities Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). “With 20 percent of Coloradans living with at least one disability, lack of basic access can make it difficult to find or maintain a career that accommodates their needs and pays their bills,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’re creating a permanent state office that will advocate for stronger support for Coloradans with disabilities so they have the same access opportunities as able-bodied Coloradans. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation so we can continue breaking down barriers to success and create a more equitable Colorado for all.” “People with disabilities have higher rates of poverty and employment, which is why this legislation is crucial in helping Coloradans build a successful life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at building a strong future.” HB24-1360 would create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The goal of this office would be to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right to repair laws for wheelchair users. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BUENTELLO BILL TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello to address the opioid crisis. SB20-007 passed the House 48-17, and SB20-028 received initial approval on second reading. The bills would enhance access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and help more Coloradans through their SUD recovery. “The opioid crisis didn’t go away when the pandemic hit, and it’s clear our communities still need help increasing access to treatment and helping Coloradans stay in recovery,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “These bills will help Coloradans get the care they need to overcome substance use disorders. I am grateful for the bipartisan work that went into crafting these bills and getting them across the finish line.” SB20-007, which passed 48-17, requires insurance carriers to provide coverage for the treatment of a SUD in accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine or other evidence-based guidelines. It also encourages access to medical or substance use disorder treatment services, including recovery services, to people participating in prescribed medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for a SUD and prohibits courts, probation or community corrections from prohibiting MAT as a condition of participation or placement. It also requires the Insurance Commissioner to ensure that insurance carriers’ formularies include medications for MAT and coverage for the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan). SB20-028 , which received preliminary approval from the House on second reading, furthers the work of the Opioid and Other Substance Abuse Disorder Interim Committee by convening a group of stakeholders to review progress on opioid legislation and recommend additional policies to address opioid use. It would also modify the determination of child abuse, neglect or dependency to ensure that a positive toxicology test cannot be the sole reason for deciding that a child born affected by alcohol or other substance exposure is abused or neglected, instead allowing families, moms and babies to bond and remain together if a pregnant or new mom is participating in prescribed medication assisted treatment and a newborn child’s welfare isn’t threatened by substance use, in accord with current best practice for maternal and child health. Previous Next

School Finance Act will increase average per pupil funding by $780 < Back May 23, 2024 SIGNED! 2024 School Finance Act to Pay Off Budget Stabilization Factor, Increase Education Funding to Historic Levels AURORA, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed the 2024 School Finance Act, which sets funding levels for Colorado’s public school districts. Sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, SB24-188 raises the base level of per-pupil funding by $780 to $11,450 per-pupil on average. This year’s School Finance Act increases total funding for public schools by more than $500 million to $9.7 billion and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that helps ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve. "Fully funding our schools is one of the main reasons I ran for the state senate, and I am absolutely thrilled that the 2024 School Finance Act will make it happen,” Zenzinger said. “All our students deserve a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. While we have much more to do to truly fully fund our schools, this year’s School Finance Act represents a great start, and will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth." “After years of strategic budgeting and planning, the 2024 School Finance Act finally pays off the budget stabilization factor which means schools can increase teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and better support our students living with disabilities,” said Bird. “This is a record-breaking increase of $780 per-pupil funding which brings the total per-pupil funding to more than $11,450 on average. My passion for public service began with the drive to fully fund our K-12 public schools and support our hardworking educators – this bill fulfills that promise and more to support each and every student in Colorado.” “As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me, and this year’s School Finance Act will do just that,” said Buckner. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.” “This year’s School Finance Act is historic because it fully eliminates the budget stabilization factor, increases per-pupil funding by nearly $780 on average and supports our rural school districts directly,” said McLachlan. “Our commitment to improving educational outcomes for each and every student is unwavering, and this year we’re stepping up to help recruit, retain, and support the educators who make all the difference in the education our kids receive. I’m beyond proud of our legislative efforts to drive resources to small rural schools and those who serve students with the greatest needs.” Increased Funding for Rural Schools: Colorado’s small and large rural school districts often have a difficult time recruiting and maintaining a high-quality workforce needed to support Colorado students and school functions. In conjunction with legislation passed this year to update Colorado’s school funding formula, the 2024 School Finance Act eliminates rural school districts’ reliance on one-time funding, which makes it difficult for districts to plan ahead using multi-year budgets. Ninth Grade Success Program: This important program helps ninth grade students with the skills they need to successfully reach tenth grade on-track, on-time and with their peers. This year’s School Finance Act increases funding for this program to support our students’ growth and educational trajectory. Support for Students Living with a Disability: The 2024 School Finance Act amends the definition of “concurrent enrollment” to include students in special education. This means students living with a disability and those who receive transition services on their Individualized Education Program can access college-level courses for credit as well as some credential and apprenticeship programs to create stronger workforce pathways and opportunities. Previous Next

< Back August 24, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: SB19-181 SPONSORS TESTIFY AT COGCC DENVER, CO – After testifying in front of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) during their pivotal rulemaking process for SB19-181, bill sponsors Speaker KC Becker, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, and Sen. Mike Foote today released the following statement: “We worked with a broad coalition of stakeholders to pass SB19-181, which represented the most sweeping reforms to Colorado’s oil and gas industry in decades. We greatly appreciated the opportunity today to continue engaging in these reforms and ensure the intent of the legislature is interpreted appropriately. We are grateful to the Commission and their staff for developing the draft rules to change the mission and fundamentally alter the way the Commission regulates the oil and gas industry. It is a monumental task and we value their careful deliberation during this process. “As we’ve made clear in the past, our intent with SB19-181, was to prioritize public health, safety and welfare, and the environment instead of “fostering” development of the industry. If a proposed oil and gas development cannot occur in a manner that is consistent with this new mission, it should not be approved. We believe this will and should represent a sea change in our state’s oil and gas industry, not just a course correction. “During this rulemaking process, the portion of this bill that has generated the most debate is the role of local governments in regulating oil and gas production in Colorado. SB19-181 makes it crystal clear that while both the COGCC and local governments have the authority to regulate surface oil and gas operations, local government regulations can only be stricter, or more protective, than state regulations. While the COGCC is now charged with creating a statewide standard to protect public health, safety and welfare, and the environment, local governments have the ability to go above and beyond this statewide ‘floor’. “We understand that there has been some opposition to this specific provision, and as elected representatives in a democracy, we welcome policy debates. However, disagreeing with a piece of legislation does not give an industry the ability to change a bill’s intent after it has become law. We look forward to seeing the COGCC continue to implement this critical piece of legislation and ensuring that health, safety and welfare, and the environment are our top priorities.” Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2019 COLORADO’S LARGEST INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 3) — A pair of bills that will make large investments in Colorado’s affordable housing crisis are now heading to the Governor’s desk. HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, passed by a bipartisan vote of 37-27. This bill would contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This bill is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “I am thrilled this bill has now passed both chambers with bipartisan support. This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them and get support for important projects from the state,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” Both bills head to Governor’s Polis’ office. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2021 USE OF RESTRICTIVE HOUSING IN JAILS RESTRICTED BY THE HOUSE DENVER, CO– Today the House passed Representative Judy Amabile’s bill to prohibit local jails from placing certain individuals, like people with serious mental health disorders or pregnant women, in solitary confinement. The bill passed third reading by a vote of X-X. “The psychological stressors of solitary confinement are tantamount to torture, and can have deep, devastating consequences for minors and individuals with serious mental illness,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “By putting guard rails around the use of restrictive housing, we can prevent tragic suicides and instances of self harm. Incarcerated individuals don’t check their human rights at the county jail’s door- I’m proud that we voted in favor of a more compassionate criminal justice system today.” Multiple studies have shown that restrictive housing, also known as solitary confinement, can create psychological stress that clinically compares to the distress of physical torture. According to the National Commission on Correctional Health Care , prolonged solitary confinement is cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, and harmful to an individual’s health. A 2012 study commissioned by the US Attorney General found that “confined youth who spend extended periods isolated are among the most likely to attempt or actually commit suicide.” The Colorado Department of Corrections and Division of Youth Services both banned the use of long-term solitary confinement in 2017. HB21-1211 would prohibit local jails with a bed capacity of 400 beds or more from placing individuals in restrictive housing if they meet one of several characteristics, including if the individuals are under 18 years old, have a serious mental illness or neurocognitive, visual or auditory impairment, or are pregnant or in the postpartum period. The bill requires that when individuals are placed in solitary confinement involuntarily, jail staff checks on them multiple times an hour and notifies a medical or mental health professional within an hour of placement, as well as the individual’s legal representative or emergency contact within 12 hours of placement. To keep someone in solitary confinement for more than 15 days in a 30-day period would require the sheriff’s office to obtain a written court order. The bill also requires jails to keep records of data regarding individuals placed in restrictive housing. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 REP. HEROD STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER STATE SEN. GLORIA TANNER DENVER, CO – Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver, the chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, today released the following statement on the passing of former State Senator Gloria Tanner, the first Black woman elected to the Colorado Senate: “Senator Tanner was a trailblazer whose determination and commitment to Colorado improved the lives of all people in our state, and I join Coloradans in mourning her passing. Gloria’s tireless devotion to serving our community uplifted the lives of so many Coloradans and families. Gloria was a mentor to us all. As the founder of Colorado Black Women for Political Action and the co-creator of the National Organization of Back Elected Legislators, she fostered an entire generation of leaders who will continue her legacy and make their mark on our state and nation– just as she would have wished. Topday, we celebrate her life and legacy as she ascends to join our ancestors.” Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2022 LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation today to help prevent catalytic converter theft. HB22-1217, sponsored by Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Rod Bockenfeld, would create a grant program to award grants to increase public awareness around theft and provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. “This session, we’re working to prevent crime before it happens and that starts by changing our current laws to reflect the realities of catalytic converter theft,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Denver. “Catalytic converter theft is costing Coloradans a lot of money, which is why we’re working to pass legislation that will provide assistance to those who’ve experienced this misfortune. This bill would cut down on theft, save Coloradans money, and make our communities safer.” HB22-1217 , which passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3, would create the catalytic converter identification and theft prevention grant program to award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft. This grant program would also provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Part of HB22-1217 works in conjunction with SB22-009 and only takes effect upon SB22-009’s passage. It would require the commodity metals theft task force to audit all dealers related to compliance with selling catalytic converters and report those findings by December 31, 2024. SB22-009 would require dealers to keep books and registrations of catalytic converter transactions in the same manner they already keep for commodity metals. Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values. If passed, HB22-1217 would award grants to eligible recipients for public awareness campaigns regarding catalytic converter theft, catalytic converter theft prevention parts as well as provide assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. Previous Next