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SB25-236 improves efficiency and expands access to crisis response services by consolidating the Colorado Crisis Line and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line < Back June 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Streamline Crisis Response Services, Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care Takes Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to crisis response services and expand access to behavioral health care will take effect on July 1, 2025. Sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, SB25-236 consolidates crisis response services by moving the Colorado Crisis Services Line under the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise. Starting July 1, 2025, any time someone calls or texts the Colorado Crisis Services line at 1-844-493-8255 or 38255, they will be connected to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for support and services, just as if they had called or texted 988 directly. “Streamling access to mental health care will help save more lives,” said Amabile. “Colorado has amazing crisis response services that help people during their difficult times, and this legislation makes them even stronger. Combining the two separate lines into one will make it that much easier for Coloradans to access quick, supportive services that help them get back on their feet.” “In Colorado, we’re taking steps to improve the efficiency of our crisis response, not tear it down,” said Sirota. “At a time when our youth are experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, the Trump administration plans to cut funding for the 988 crisis hotline, eliminating counselors specifically suited to help LGBTQ+ youth. This law streamlines access to crisis response services so that everyone in Colorado can receive the support they need during a behavioral health emergency.” “In Colorado, efficient government means cutting red tape, not cutting support,” said Bridges. “While lawmakers in Washington slash suicide prevention funding in pursuit of ‘efficiency,’ we’re taking steps to streamline our services and make sure every Coloradan is able to access the help they need in moments of crisis.” The Colorado Crisis Line was created by SB13-266 to respond to and assist individuals who are in a behavioral health emergency. The 988 Crisis Hotline is a national network of local crisis contact centers designated by Congress in 2020. Earlier this month, the Trump administration eliminated funding for specialized support on the 988 Crisis Hotline for young LGBTQ+ callers . Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back April 22, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. “Securing Colorado's water future is paramount. This bill strategically implements recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force to protect the Colorado way of life,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions have jeopardized Colorado’s water future, and this bipartisan legislation works to address some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for our state’s agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. I’m committed to tackling Colorado’s water supply challenges head-on, while working alongside our agriculture and coal-transition communities, to protect our water for generations to come.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, passed committee by a unanimous vote of 10-0. This bill would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. The Colorado River is in the midst of a three-decade drought, the worst in over 1,200 years, and water supplies are decreasing across the state as a result. These diminishing supplies are threatening resources for drinking water, agricultural uses, and environmental and recreational opportunities. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2019 HOUSE DEMOCRATS DELIVER RESULTS FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS (May 3) – House Democrats went into the 2019 session focused on building a fair economy that expands opportunity for all no matter what corner of the state you live in, investing in our future, and protecting the Colorado Way of Life. This year Colorado House Democrats were able to turn many of our popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to build a fair economy, lower the cost of health care, invest in education, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system and help hardworking Coloradans get ahead. “Coloradans can be proud of the work that was accomplished this session. We made historic investments in K-12 and higher-ed and delivered results on climate, health care, and economic security,” said Speaker Becker. “Despite unprecedented obstructionism from the other side of the aisle we were able to deliver results for hardworking families in every corner of our state. My colleagues and I will continue working to expand opportunity, invest in Colorado’s future and enhance our quality of life.” EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY & BUILDING A FAIR ECONOMY Colorado’s economy is booming for some but not for all. Too many hardworking Coloradans aren’t seeing the benefit of our state’s progress and feel like they can’t get ahead. House Democrats made important progress on leveling out the playing field for all Coloradans: Women, especially women of color, should be paid equally for equal work. House Democrats are committed to fighting for every Coloradan to be treated with the dignity, fairness and the respect they deserve. That’s why we passed SB19-085 to continue working on solutions to expand opportunity for all. After years of trying, Democrats passed HB19-1210 to allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage up to address the cost of living in their communities, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard when local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. House Democrats renewed our push to ensure access family and medical leave for hardworking Coloradans who need to take care of a sick relative or a new child. SB188 will help ensure an effective implementation of the best possible family leave policy for Coloradans. INVESTING IN COLORADO’S FUTURE Fighting for historic investments in K-12 and Higher Education: House Democrats passed bills to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners, invest in skills for Colorado’s emergingworkforce, help retain early childhood and rural educators , and allow school capital construction funding to be used for career and technical education projects in public schools. House Democrats also added an additional $100 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor and better invest in our K-12 schools. Democrats also kept higher-ed tuition flat and provided more oversight for student loans. Helping to lower the cost of health care: This session Democrats passed legislation to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals , prohibit budget busting out-of-network billing , reduce the price of insulin and lower prescription drug costs by allowing for the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. House Democrats also reached across the aisle to create a new affordable and competitive health care option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance. Colorado will become the first state in the nation to ever set in place a process for offering a public health insurance option. Democrats also passed a bill that will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions and allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get up and running as soon as possible to provide health care cost relief for Coloradans. PROTECTING & ENHANCING THE COLORADO WAY OF LIFE Protecting Colorado’s Environment Coloradans are concerned about the impacts of climate change on our economy and environment. That’s why Democrats passed reasonable, science-based legislation directing the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring that Colorado leads on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. House Democrats also passed SB181 to update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting our clean air and clean water. Democrats also took steps to deploy more renewable energy, protect clean water and mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. Addressing the Opioid Crisis: The opioid epidemic in the United States has claimed more lives than the entire Vietnam War. House Democrats continued to pass bipartisan bills to help battle this epidemic by getting people the care and treatment they need and addressing prescribing practices. Delivering Transportation Solutions: Coloradans are tired of the lack of investment in roads, bridges, and transit. House Democrats worked on creative and collaborative solutions to our transportation problems. House Democrats worked to secure more than $300 million for transportation funding without jeopardizing education or higher-ed funding. In November, voters will decide on a bipartisan ballot measure better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Standing Up for Rural Colorado: Legislators on both sides of the aisle have worked to address the unique needs of rural Colorado. House Democrats passed legislation to deploy more broadband infrastructure, lower the cost of health care, improve access to mental health resources, increase affordable housing , address the rural teacher shortage , and combat the opioid crisis . Supporting open and transparent government, fair campaigns, and access to the ballot: House Democrats passed bills that would significantly increase access to the ballot and make our elections more secure through the passage of the Colorado Votes Act , Restore Voting Rights to Parolees , and Automatic Voter Registration . House Democrats also took on transparency and fairness in lobbying disclosures , campaign finance reform , electioneering communications disclosure , outreach for a complete count in the upcoming census , and more. House Democrats also delivered on bipartisan efforts to reform Colorado’s criminal justice system and passed life-saving gun safety legislation , put a measure on the ballot to protect Colorado’s water , banned the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and cut through red tape for transgender and non-binary Coloradans to have access to identity documents that reflect their authentic selves. Previous Next

SB25-167 creates a down payment assistance program for public school employees < Back June 4, 2025 Signed! New Law Creates Path to Homeownership for Teachers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to create the Educator First Home Ownership Program to provide down payment assistance for public school employees. SB25-167 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, creates a Community Investment Portfolio within the Public School Fund to be used for a shared equity down payment assistance program and other community investments. The law unlocks at least $100 million by 2028 and $200 million by 2030 to assist public school employees in buying their first home. “SB25-167 uses financial tools already in our toolbox to help teachers and other public school employees afford a down payment,” said Amabile. “This new program will allow teachers, who give so much to our communities, to put down roots, build generational wealth, and have a safe and stable place to call home. It is a win-win, letting participants keep most of their equity if they sell, while sustaining the program and paying it forward for others." “For first-time homebuyers, the initial down payment can be financially intimidating or seemingly impossible,” said Rep. Bird. “This law makes it easier for our teachers to afford to purchase their very first home, making it possible for them to build generational wealth and put down roots in the communities they teach in. Together, we’re investing in our teachers.” “With this law, we’re making owning a home a reality for more Colorado teachers,” said Rep. Lukens. “The lack of affordable housing, especially in rural mountain communities like mine, can be a significant barrier for first-time homebuyers. By creating a new program to help public school teachers afford a down payment, more educators can afford to live in the communities where they teach.” The down payment assistance program will be managed by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) who will establish criteria for participation, prioritizing first-time homebuyers using the home as their primary residence. The new law establishes reporting requirements to the House and Senate Education Committees, the Public School Fund Investment Board (PSFIB), and the Colorado Department of Education. The PSFIB will manage the portfolio. They may contract with investment advisors to provide support and expertise, and one member must have experience in community investments. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. < Back April 25, 2024 Bipartisan Lukens Bill to Improve Access to Safe Housing Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. “Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness, especially for women and children, and it's critical that they have a safe place to call home when they leave their abuser,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This important bipartisan legislation would connect victims of domestic and sexual violence to stable housing, helping some of our most vulnerable Coloradans when they are at risk for further violence.” HB24-1431 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would create the Stable Housing for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Program. The program would coordinate with community-based organizations to provide short-term assistance payments to survivors of abuse and interpersonal violence so they can secure safe housing. A 2023 study found that survivors who received housing support reported a decrease in physical, psychological, and economic abuse for themselves and their children. Previous Next

The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. < Back March 28, 2025 House Advances Construction Defects Reform Bill DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. “Increasing rents and home prices have created a housing affordability crisis and have made it nearly impossible for first-time homebuyers to enter the market,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Home ownership means everything to people who want to build a better, more secure life and future for themselves and their families. By incentivizing high quality construction and creating a less expensive process to resolve construction defect claims, we’re creating a better environment for the construction of housing that has historically been more affordable.” “This legislation aims to boost the number of condos and townhomes across Colorado to create more opportunities for homeownership and save people money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Condos are a great entry-level housing option that allows Coloradans to build equity that comes with a single-family home. Those same benefits make it a great option for those looking to downsize and age in place. This bill would help ramp up condo development while ensuring any problems are remedied so we can create safe homes at a price Coloradans can afford.” HB25-1272 aims to reform construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill would create the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program. Builders could opt into this program if they offer a warranty for any defect and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, builders in the program would receive additional protections against construction defect actions, which can be costly to litigate and discourage condo development. Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchased a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage alleged to be caused by a defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. When a participating construction professional receives a claim, they must provide documentation to the claimant related to building plans, soil reports, maintenance recommendations, and insurance. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim. The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by: Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism, A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, or Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Previous Next

< Back November 29, 2020 SPECIAL SESSION AIMS TO HELP COLORADANS BRIDGE THE GAP, BOOST RECOVERY Bills to focus on small businesses, housing, child care, broadband for students, utilities, & food pantries DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly will convene a special session on Monday, November 30 to pass bi-partisan COVID-19 relief legislation that will support small businesses, increase access to child care and food assistance, help Coloradans cover their housing and utility costs, and improve broadband options for students in need. “Congressional inaction has left millions stranded – completely abandoned in their time of need. Small businesses have been drowning for months waiting for comprehensive federal aid, while hardworking Coloradans anxiously watch housing and unemployment support dissipate,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “The amount the Colorado state government can do to alleviate the burdens of struggling communities is limited, but it’s not nothing. That’s why we are using everything in our power to deliver the support families and businesses need to make it through another couple months. I fully believe that federal relief is on its way, but Coloradans simply can’t wait any longer. This stimulus package will help cover the immediate needs of those hit hardest by the pandemic and buoy us until more help is available.” “We have to do everything possible in Colorado to help families, workers and businesses get through the challenging months ahead,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “This pandemic is taking its toll on nearly every Coloradan, with businesses on the brink of closing and families struggling to avoid eviction or foreclosure. Only Washington can deliver the kind of comprehensive relief our communities need, but Coloradans can’t wait any longer. Our state government will step up with every tool we have, despite our limited budget, to do what we can to help bridge the gap until Congress acts and until a vaccine is ready.” “The lack of federal leadership during the coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than just human life, it’s claimed careers, financial stability, mental health, and our way of existing in community,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This package of bills cannot replace what we’ve lost and it can’t make up for the lack of nation-wide relief, but it can offer a lifeline to those who find themselves fighting to stay afloat. We are committed to implementing any and all solutions that get us over this next hurdle, which will be one of the biggest ones we have faced yet, but together we can make it through.” “Restaurants and bars, small businesses, and hardworking families across our state are struggling to make ends meet as the virus spreads at record levels and essential federal aid has run out,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Our state legislature will get to work Monday on a relief package to support small businesses, help families avoid foreclosure or eviction, and increase access to safe child care options. While we still need Congress to pass a meaningful relief package, we have a responsibility to do what we can to boost our economy and help Coloradans get through this pandemic.” The General Assembly will address seven key areas aimed at providing immediate relief to Coloradans who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each area will include policy proposals focused on meeting the most essential needs of families and businesses. Small Business Aid (Sens. Winter & Priola and Rep. Herod) : Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. To buttress these industries for the difficult winter months ahead, two bills are being proposed. The first will begin in the Senate, sponsored by Senators Winter & Priola and Representatives Herod. This bill will send $57 million in direct aid, grants, and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority-owned businesses. Sales Tax Relief (Reps. A. Valdez & Van Winkle and Sens. Bridges & Tate) : Eating establishments have been hit particularly hard by capacity restrictions. This bill will allow restaurants, bars, and food trucks to retain state sales tax they collect from November 2020 through February 2021. This will provide bars and restaurants from $2,000 to $10,000 in tax reliefeach month to help them make ends meet. Child Care Support (Reps. Kipp & Landgraf and Sens. Pettersen & Sonnenberg) : Colorado’s economic recovery depends on its workforce having access to stable child care. But due to temporary closures and the increased costs of health and safety precautions for child care providers, many are on the brink of financial collapse. This legislation will distribute $45 million to enable existing providers to keep their doors open and new providers to open and meet the needs of working parents, especially in child care deserts. These grant programs are estimated to support 2,600 child care facilities, preserving child care for over 100,000 children and creating capacity for tens of thousands more. Moreover, research shows that for every dollar spent on early childhood programs, $2.25 is contributed to our state’s economy. Housing and Direct Rental Assistance (Sens. Gonzales & Holbert and Reps. Exum, Sr. & Tipper) : The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. This legislation will provide $50 million for emergency housing assistance to individuals and households who are in financial need due to the COVID-19. Of the funding, $500,000 will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter. Increasing Broadband Access (Sens. Donovan & Coram and Reps. Young & Soper) : Internet access is absolutely essential for students during this difficult time. But many families who are struggling with financial stability simply can’t afford to cover the cost, while numerous school districts lack the infrastructure to educate their students remotely. This proposal will dedicate $20 million towards increasing our state’s broadband capacity – connecting more students to their teachers so that they can learn safely in the months ahead. Food Pantry Assistance (Rep. Cutter & Bockenfeld and Sen. Story) : 1 in 3 Coloradans are struggling with food insecurity as more and more families are being forced to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. Food banks and their partners need additional assistance to meet the rising demands, especially as the December expiration for federal hunger-relief looms. A bill beginning in the House would devote $3 million to replenishing these essential community services to increase access to food for Colorado families that fear they’ll go to bed hungry. Utilities Assistance (Sens. Fields & Crowder and Reps. Duran & Landgraf) : As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources continue to dwindle, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. This bill will appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25% increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. Public Health Response (Sens. Moreno & Rankin and Reps. McCluskie) : With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the State’s robust public health response. This legislation will allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the State can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The legislature will convene with the same overall composition and legislative leadership as the 2020 regular legislative session. Lawmakers will have the option of participating remotely for floor work, and there will be limited committee work with remote public testimony options. Other measures will also be adopted to mitigate the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of additional safety measures in the building, such as daily rapid testing and KN95 masks for legislators and staff as well as increased social distancing. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 FOSTER YOUTH DRIVERS ED CRUISES THROUGH THE HOUSE, IS EN ROUTE TO THE SENATE DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Tony Exum’s bipartisan bills to give more of Colorado’s foster youth the opportunity to obtain drivers licenses. The bill passed by a vote of 61-2. “Driving is a rite of passage and a liberating experience for most of Colorado’s teens, and today we voted to ensure foster youth aren’t left out,” said Transportation and Local Government Chair Rep Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs . “Making sure foster kids drive safely and are able to obtain their first drivers licenses will help get them on the road to success. I remain committed to doing everything I can to level the playing field for foster youth in Colorado.” HB21-1084 takes several steps to help foster youth in Colorado learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses. It would ensure that counties are reimbursed for the cost of sending foster youth aged 15 to 21 to driver’s education courses and would remove legal barriers preventing counties and foster youth advocates from teaching foster youth how to drive. Finally, it eases requirements on the types of documentation foster youth must provide when applying for a driver permit or license. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO RETAIN & ASSIST RURAL EDUCATORS (Mar. 25) – Gov. Jared Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to help retain and assist rural educators today. “This bipartisan bill will help invest in our students and in our teachers. We must ensure teachers stay in our rural communities, in our state and in our classrooms,” s aid Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “I’m proud to stand up for our rural teachers and our students.” Rep. McLachlan is the chair of the House Education Committee and is a former public school teacher in Durango. SB19-009 sponsored in the House by Rep. McLachlan and Rep. Jim Wilson, R-Salida, provides financial incentives for educators to work in rural areas, where the teacher shortage is most severe. Under existing law, the department of higher education annually awards up to 40 stipends of not more than $2,800 to students enrolled in teacher preparation programs who agree to teach in a rural school or rural school district. The bill removes the limit on the number of stipends and increases the amount to $4,000. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2020 MORE COMMUNITIES ELIGIBLE FOR WILDFIRE GRANTS UNDER BILL ADVANCED TODAY Legislation would make it easier for projects in lower-income communities to receive grant funding and allow nonprofits and fire districts to also receive grants DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today passed by a vote of 11-0 Representative McCluskie’s bipartisan legislation to make it easier for lower-income communities, nonprofits and fire districts to receive wildfire risk mitigation grants. “With our changing climate, wildfires are growing more common and more intense, and they don’t discriminate based on how much money a community has,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillon). “This bipartisan legislation will allow more communities, especially those with fewer economic resources, to take advantage of wildfire hazard mitigation grants. These grants fund critical projects that reduce the risk that a wildfire will threaten lives and property.” HB20-1057 , which is also sponsored by Representative Terri Carver, would lower the self-finance threshold for the cost of projects from 50 percent to 25 percent in areas with fewer economic resources. Currently, grant applicants must pay for 50 percent of the cost of a project financed by a grant. By lowering the threshold, more lower-income communities will be able to take advantage of wildfire risk mitigation grants. The bill, which advanced from the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, would also allow nonprofits, entities engaged in firefighting, and fire protection districts to apply for the grants. It extends the grant program until September, 2029. Under current law, the program expires in September, 2022. Wildfire risk mitigation grants are used to finance projects that reduce the risk that wildfire will damage property and infrastructure. Projects typically work to reduce the hazardous materials, such as dead trees and brush, that fuel wildfires and threaten people and property in the wildland-urban interface. Grants sizes have ranged from $4,400 to $152,500. Previous Next

Legislation would strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to ensure responsible gun ownership < Back March 8, 2024 Bill to Strengthen Firearm Training, Promote Responsible Gun Ownership Advances Legislation would strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to ensure responsible gun ownership DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits to promote responsible firearm ownership and protect Colorado communities from gun violence. “States that have eliminated their live-fire training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit saw a 32 percent increase in gun assaults,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "The data is clear - live-fire gun training can save lives. This important legislation will ensure that Coloradans with concealed carry permits are properly trained before they bring their firearm into their communities.” “When I received my concealed carry permit years ago, I was surprised to learn that Colorado law did not require live-fire training, a necessary skill to have before carrying a gun in public spaces," said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. "Our bill would create a minimum requirement for concealed carry permit holders, including in-person live-fire training with a certified firearms instructor, to ensure that concealed carry permits are issued with appropriate training. Our commonsense gun violence prevention legislation works to prevent senseless gun deaths by improving firearm training.” In Colorado, a person can be issued a concealed carry permit if they complete a handgun training class by a verified firearms safety instructor, pass a background check, and demonstrate competence with a handgun. HB24-1174 would require handgun training classes to be held in-person and include training on safe handling of firearms and ammunition, safe storage of firearms and child safety, safe firearms shooting fundamentals, federal and state firearm laws, state laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense, interacting with law enforcement who are responding to emergencies, and techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force. Under the bill, the handgun training class would include at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam that the student must receive passing scores on. The bill would also require a concealed handgun refresher class (refresher class) to be completed in order to renew a concealed carry permit. This refresher class must be at least two hours, including a passing score on both the live-fire exercise and written exam. The refresher class must also include instruction on changes to federal or state firearm laws. HB24-1174 prohibits a person from being issued a permit if they have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submitting a concealed carry permit application. The bill also makes it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim to be a verified firearms safety instructor unless they have been verified by a county sheriff. Majority Leader Duran sponsored a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by ensuring that gun owners properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN HEADED TO GOVERNOR’S DESK McLachlan-Wilson bill will help invest in Colorado’s future (Apr. 30) – A bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten is heading to the Governor’s desk. The upcoming state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. “This bill is about setting our kids up for success－the kids who live in rural, urban, and suburban areas, on the Western Slope, on the Eastern Plains and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, chair of the House Education committee. “Access to early childhood education is the best gift we can give to young learners. This is a historic moment and I am proud that we were able to get full-day kindergarten to the governor for his signature. Full-day K will provide terrific benefits for the hardworking families of our state for many years to come.” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. HB19-1262 was approved in the House with a bipartisan vote of 54-11. It was approved unanimously in the Senate. The text of HB19-1262 can be found here . Previous Next