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The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. < Back February 25, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Support Older Coloradans Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to support older Coloradans. HB25-1184 would support Coloradans by allowing certain senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted. “As the demand for senior living facilities increases, we’re creating more options for older Coloradans on the waiting list so that they may access the programs and services offered by the facility,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. This bill gives communities another option for older Coloradans to access community-based services that help them lead healthier, stronger lives.” HB25-1184 is also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker and passed committee by a vote of 11-2. This bill would allow for the expansion of community-based services to older Coloradans who are awaiting admission to a life care institution. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are a supportive living facility to seniors who pay a one-time admission. Waiting lists for life care institutions in Colorado can be long. This bill empowers these facilities to include older Coloradans on the waiting list in their programs and services. Some examples of community-based services including transportation, social programs and nutrition counseling. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 SIGNED! BILL TO INVITE COLORADO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS TO ADDRESS GENERAL ASSEMBLY DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed a bill today that invites Tribal governments from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to address a joint session of the Colorado general assembly on an annual basis. “Representation matters and this law makes space for leaders of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to share their priorities and voices in the Colorado general assembly,” said Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado is the home to generations of native Ute people, many of whom led and represented the people long before the legislature we know today existed. This law expands our state’s governmental inclusion and equity to ensure we’re listening to and representing all Coloradans.” SB22-105 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Senator Kerry Donovan, invites representatives from the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to give an address to a joint session of the general assembly on an annual basis. This important law makes space for the Tribal governments of Colorado to share their priorities and voices with the general assembly. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the savings from the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences for the next two years. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 60-3. < Back May 8, 2024 Lieder, Young Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money, Make Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption Savings Portable Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the savings from the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences for the next two years. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 60-3. “The Senior Homestead Exemption helps seniors, Gold Star families, and veterans afford housing on their fixed income, and our legislation would expand eligibility so more people save money,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “We’re making the savings from this exemption portable so seniors have the freedom to move or downsize without losing this important cost-saving benefit, making larger homes available for new families. This bill is a major priority of mine and I am proud to carry this bill that will help address the housing affordability crisis.” “Seniors increasingly want to age in place, and moving may allow them to be closer to family and benefit from downsizing,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This is a straightforward, commonsense bill that makes this senior tax exemption portable, giving seniors the freedom to move closer to family or downsize and preventing seniors who want to move from losing eligibility for tax relief.” SB24-111 would create a new subclass of property called "qualified-senior primary residence real property" for an individual who has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption. For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the relief provided under the current senior homestead exemption. Under this bill, eligible seniors will benefit from this relief during the 2025 and 2206 property tax years. This bill helps provide financial sustainability and housing security to seniors who no longer qualify for the senior homestead exemption because they moved residences. In a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless report, Colorado was ranked first for housing instability for older adults. Previous Next

< Back February 18, 2022 REASONABLE INDEPENDENCE FOR CHILDREN BILL PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to foster youth independence in Colorado passed the House today on Third and Final Reading by a unanimous vote. HB22-1090, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Kim Ransom, would tighten the definition of child neglect giving kids reasonable independence to walk to school, ride their bikes and play in their neighborhood without adult supervision. “We’re working diligently to foster everyday independence for Colorado’s youth and this bill is a wonderful step in the right direction,” said Rep. Mary Young D-Greeley. “This bill makes it clear that there is no need to get the authorities involved when kids are out and about in their neighborhood, walking to school or playing on the playground. When youth are given independence they grow, learn and thrive and we’re pleased to pass legislation that empowers their right to independence.” HB22-1090 passed out of the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services unanimously and would tighten Colorado’s broad definition of neglect to exclude everyday activities deemed as reasonable independence that formerly would be constructed as neglect or abuse. This bill also aims to cut back on the amount of unnecessary involvement from child protective services and law enforcement officials. Colorado’s vague definition of neglect has left some parents worried that allowing their kids to walk to school alone could be misconstrued as neglect or abuse. HB22-1090 would allow parents to make family decisions when their child is “of sufficient maturity, physical condition, and mental abilities to avoid substantial risk of physical harm” to participate in activities without their supervision. Examples of these reasonable independence activities include playing outside, traveling to and from sports practices and staying home alone for a reasonable amount of time. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 ESGAR’S MONUMENTAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING EXPANSION BILL WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation would expand collective bargaining rights to more than 37,000 public service workers and builds upon the 2020 state workers bill DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a monumental collective bargaining bill sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar. SB22-230 would expand collective bargaining rights to more than 37,000 county workers. Under this bill, county workers would receive recognized collective bargaining rights that private-sector and state employees in Colorado already have. “Colorado’s county workers protect our communities while providing services we all rely on—this bill has their backs,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Under this bill, our county public service workers would have the right to form a union to improve their workplace conditions, negotiate better pay and boost critical services communities need. This bill stands up for nearly 40,000 county workers who fix our roads, staff our public health departments and keep Coloradans safe. These workers deserve to have a seat at the table to improve their lives and the lives of their families, and I’m beyond proud to champion this bill in the House.” Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act: SB22-230 passed committee by a vote of 7-4 and builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 , also sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar. This bill extends collective bargaining rights to county workers, more than doubling the current number of public workers with recognized collective barging rights in Colorado. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, high turnover, and improving public services. This bill is a historic step forward in Colorado’s labor and workers’ rights movement. Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize their workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee Colorado statutory county workers the ability to organize and form a union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services if they so choose. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and strengthen Colorado’s biodiversity. < Back May 2, 2024 Bill to Reintroduce Wolverines in Colorado Advances House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and strengthen Colorado’s biodiversity. “Aiding in the restoration of wolverines in Colorado is a win-win for our state’s biodiversity and this threatened species,” said Rep. Barbara Mclachlan, D-Durango. “This reintroduction is backed by biologists alongside a broad coalition of stakeholders and has been deliberated upon for years to effectively and safely bring wolverines back to Colorado. Our beautiful state provides the ideal mountainous habitat for wolverines, who live in solidarity and are built to withstand our cold, snowy winters.” “Wolverines were a part of our state’s natural ecosystem for generations, this bill would responsibly and thoughtfully reintroduce them into the mountainous landscapes in Colorado they once called home,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Adapted for scavenging and surviving cold, alpine temperatures, wolverines would strengthen our state’s biodiversity. This reintroduction effort is years in the making with CPW leaders, including my Dad, John Singletary, working to ensure the wolverine reintroduction would be science-based and what’s best for our state’s ecosystem.” SB24-171 would authorize the reintroduction of wolverines in Colorado. Wolverines are the largest terrestrial species of weasel in the world and live solitary lives in high alpine, mountainous regions. Colorado’s geography offers some of the best remaining habitat for wolverines in the United States. Wolverines were listed as “threatened” in 2023 under the Endangered Species Act. The bill would also require CPW to create rules around reintroduction and to create a robust public communications plan. Reintroduction would be contingent on the federal government designating wolverines as a “nonessential experimental population” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Previous Next

The Governor today signed into law the “Freedom to Read Act.” Sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-063 creates safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. < Back May 1, 2025 “Freedom to Read Act” Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law the “Freedom to Read Act.” Sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-063 creates safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. “Free societies don’t ban books,” said Cutter. “The Freedom to Read Act will ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature, including works that might challenge preconceived notions or present uncomfortable truths. By doing so, we empower Colorado's children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As diverse identities are being erased and marginalized throughout the country, it has never been more important to protect the freedom to read.” “Knowledge is power, and our law preserves access to age-appropriate literature in Colorado public schools,” said Willford. “This legislation creates a standard process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library, further shielding our public school libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights. Schools are for learning, and our students deserve access to age-appropriate books that encourage them to think broadly and critically about the world.” “As an author and owner of a publishing company, I am committed to telling stories that would not otherwise be told,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These are the stories that end up on banned book lists. While other states enact laws to criminalize educators and restrict access to books, this policy sends a strong message that Colorado values our students’ freedom to access diverse voices and opinions.” “This law ensures a transparent policy to avoid discriminatory censorship and protects students’ access to books that share the voices and experiences of marginalized communities,” said García. “Books offer a window to the world where students can explore new places, discover different cultures and dive deep into a new experience. The freedom to read is a cornerstone to a strong democracy, and we’re making sure our students have access to age-appropriate literature.” SB25-063 will create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a standard policy on the acquisition, use and removal of library resources. The policy would ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the Charter School Institute could not remove a library resource from its collection. SB25-063 will also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. Previous Next

The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. < Back April 21, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Housing Affordability Introduced DENVER, CO – The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. “We’re working hard to help Coloradans across the state find a place to live that they can afford,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The goal of this legislation is to effectively deliver on voters’ intent, while increasing flexibility for rural resort communities and addressing any potential administrative challenges with implementing the new initiatives. Every Coloradan deserves to live in the communities they work in, and this bill will help us build a Colorado for all by creating additional housing options that are affordable for hardworking people in all corners of our state.” "Folks who live in rural communities like the ones I represent know firsthand just how hard it is to find a home they can afford," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. "This bill will ensure that the funds are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and deliver increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met so that more of our neighbors can afford to live in the communities where they work. I'm excited to see this important legislation move forward with bipartisan support, and to help ensure that every Colorado family has a safe and affordable place to call home." HB23-1304 will ensure the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible. The bill ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. These communities will also be able to partner with neighboring local governments to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent. In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness. Previous Next

Representative Stephanie Vigil today released the following statement on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee meeting: < Back August 15, 2024 Vigil Statement on Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Stephanie Vigil today released the following statement on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee meeting: Statement from Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs: “As a member and Vice Chair of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee, I have the honor of engaging with Colorado youth about their most pressing issues. These hardworking students are Colorado’s future leaders, and I am impressed with their interest in the legislative process and all of the work that they put in to present their ideas to the committee. It is an honor to work alongside them to draft potential legislation that can make a real difference in our schools and communities, like reducing food waste in our schools and ensuring our school buildings are accessible for people with disabilities, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together.” Previous Next

< Back March 24, 2022 MULLICA’S BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY PASS COMMITTEE Representative Kyle Mullica sponsored two bills to save Coloradans money on housing and to provide licensing fee relief for nurses DENVER, CO – Two bills sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica to save Coloradans money passed committee today. HB22-1282 would increase housing affordability, homeownership rates and create jobs through innovative housing solutions and is part of the package of bills from the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. HB22-1298 would provide licensing fee relief for nurses. “Making housing more affordable is a top priority,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights . “We’re investing to build thousands of new, affordable homes across the state and boost homeownership in the process. This bipartisan bill will foster new construction and manufacturing jobs that result in more affordable homes for Coloradans. We’re also working to save our nurses money. Our health care professionals have been working tirelessly for more than two years to keep Coloradans safe and healthy. A second bill would cut fees for professional licensing or certification for nurses, aides and technicians so they can save money and have one less thing to worry about.” Innovative Housing Incentive Program: HB22-1282 , sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Mike Lynch, deploys $40 million to attract, encourage and support the construction of innovative forms of affordable housing to be built all across Colorado. Examples include modular, pre-fabricated, manufactured and other innovative forms of housing. This will quickly boost the affordable housing stock in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as increase the rate of homeownership in communities that have traditionally lacked access to this important wealth-building tool. The legislation will also create jobs by incentivizing new innovative housing companies to manufacture and place their homes in Colorado. HB22-1282 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 9 to 4. Fee Relief for Nurses: HB22-1298 , also sponsored by Representative Mullica, would provide licensure and certification fee relief for nurses, nurse aides and psychiatric technicians. Colorado’s health care workforce is experiencing a major shortage of qualified health care professionals. In addition, above-capacity patient levels and frequent exposure to COVID-19 have only added to the stress for health care professionals working at hospitals, assisted living residences and mental health facilities. This bill aims to save health care workers money on their professional licensing and certification. HB22-1298 passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 7 to 3. Previous Next

< Back June 14, 2021 SIGNED! $33M STIMULUS FOR CREATIVE ARTS, MEETINGS AND EVENTS INDUSTRIES DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed HB21-1263 and HB21-1285, which will create jobs in the creative arts and meetings and events industries. The new laws are part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “This has been a tough year for artists, venues and the creative industry,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “While federal relief has been critical, many individuals and small businesses in the arts industry couldn’t access it and are struggling to bounce back. This funding will create jobs and will help us build back a vibrant creative arts industry that is vital to Colorado’s economy.” “Cultural facilities strengthen our communities, but many have been shuttered or have had productions put on pause,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “By boosting funding for cultural groups, we will help keep people employed at these critical centers of public life and help our communities thrive.” Sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Adrienne Benavidez, HB21-1285 provides $23M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities that provide programming for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities and the CO Creative Industries grant program that provides relief for artists and arts organizations. “Everyone can see that Colorado is an incredible place to host a conference, festival, wedding and much more,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill will help jumpstart our tourism economy by helping to make Colorado the first choice for anyone looking for a place to host an event. I’m grateful Governor Polis has signed this bill into law that will help our restaurants, hotels, bars and so many other small businesses that are connected to the events and meetings industry.” HB21-1263 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Matt Soper, reates the Meeting & Events Incentive Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s Colorado Tourism Office. The program would provide rebates to incentivize planners to host events in Colorado, bolstering the tourism economy and industry and supporting thousands of small businesses across the State. The bill appropriates $10 million for the program. Eligible events must generate at least 25 overnight stays. The bill stipulates that the Tourism Office must support events equitably and proportionally across the state and prioritize events with potential to generate local business earnings and tax revenues. Eligible events would receive up to a 10 percent rebate of the hard costs of the event and a 25 percent rebate of the COVID-19 related costs. Finally, a small portion of the funds may be used to provide up-front support to attract large events that impact multiple counties and have potential to generate significant economic impact. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 MCLACHLAN BILL KICKS OFF COLORADO COMEBACK Proposal would save thousands of Colorado educators money in license fee renewals DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to extend the duration for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, to include current five-year licenses that are partially completed. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. It is the first bill from the package to be considered in the House. “By extending the license renewal period, we’re ensuring that nearly 40,000 educators across the state don’t have to worry about license fees while they have so much else on their plate,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado’s educators have been through the wringer this past year, and as a former teacher myself I know how far a few extra dollars can go during difficult times. Easing some of the many burdens on our educators is a simple way to help build back a stronger Colorado.” HB21-1104 would extend the renewal period for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, without lowering the standards or requirements for licensure. This includes teacher, special services educator, principal, and administrator licenses. The bill would apply to educators who are partially through their current five-year licensing cycle and ensure that those teachers who are approaching the end of the renewal cycle will not have to worry about renewing their license for another two years. Rep. McLachlan’s bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next