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Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect < Back June 25, 2025 Gun Violence Prevention Law Goes Into Effect Law to require a permit to sell a firearm goes into effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license. “This law is crucial in setting up firearm dealers for success to help us reduce gun violence and crime in our communities, especially as the Trump Administration threatens to slash the number of federal gun sale inspectors by 67 percent ,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “From hairdressers and auto dealers to liquor store owners, state licenses are required to conduct business, and we believe that people who sell firearms should be held to the same standard. This law establishes a state permitting system for firearm dealers, requires dealers and employees to undergo training to better identify suspicious activity, and ensures compliance with business standards to prevent illegal firearm sales. Dealers who violate state laws could lose their permit to sell firearms, preventing illegal guns from terrorizing our communities.” “Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.” "This is an important gun violence prevention law that will equip Colorado firearm dealers and their employees with safety training and protocols that can save lives," said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. "Training requirements for the proper storage of firearms, background checks, and identifying potentially dangerous behavior will help keep guns out of the hands of people who may otherwise harm themselves or someone else. This new statewide permitting process for firearm sales allows the state to thoroughly vet and inspect firearm dealers, ensuring they have taken necessary steps to reduce crime and save lives.” “Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” said Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I was proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.” Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 requires firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit is an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000. Under the law, firearm dealers must apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants are ineligible for the permit if they have had an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They are also ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms. Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include: Fingerprint-based background checks for employees every three years; Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit; Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law; Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident. Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent . Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES VALDEZ BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 11) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. After hearing testimony in support from farmers the bill will directly impact, HB19-1114 unanimously passed the committee 11-0 and now heads to House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO BOOST RURAL ECONOMIES Legislation would extend and improve the Rural Jump-Start Program and cement the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bipartisan bills to boost rural economies. HB20-1003, which passed 51-13, would extend and expand the rural Jump-Start program, and HB20-1191, which passed 44-20, would promote the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado. “The Rural Jump-Start Program helps small businesses open and creates jobs in rural areas across our state, including right in Routt County, and this bill will improve and extend this successful program so that more businesses can participate,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “We need to make sure that we have an economy that works in all parts of Colorado, and this bipartisan legislation brings us closer to that important goal.” HB20-1003, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich, would eliminate provisions that limit eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program in order to enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. It also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. The Rural Jump-Start Program incentivizes businesses to create and maintain jobs in rural parts of Colorado by providing tax relief both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. These businesses must be located in designated economically distressed areas of Colorado known as Rural Jump-Start Zones. “Outdoor recreation creates jobs, fosters businesses and is critically important for economic growth in our state’s rural communities,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Today, we passed bipartisan legislation to promote the outdoor recreation industry and ensure that it continues to grow while we also protect our state’s natural beauty.” HB20-1191 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Matt Soper, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It asks the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. The outdoor industry accounts for 10 percent of Colorado’s economy, with $37 billion in consumer spending supporting more than 511,000 jobs. Since 2015, the outdoor recreation office has worked to attract and retain businesses, offered workforce training programs, fostered product manufacturing and entrepreneurialism, and brought high-tech and advanced industries to the state. The Office created the Rural Technical Assistance Program, which leverages state partnerships to further economic development in rural Colorado. It also sponsored the 2019 Colorado Classic, the only all-women professional bike race in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Next

Legislation includes designated support for youth with complex behavioral health care needs, system accountability tools and improved access to services for non-english speakers < Back October 26, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Interim Committee Passes Bipartisan Bills to Support Children and Youth in Foster Care Legislation includes designated support for youth with complex behavioral health care needs, system accountability tools and improved access to services for non-english speakers DENVER, CO – Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee yesterday passed five bipartisan bills to support children and youth in foster care or at risk of out-of-home placement. “We need to improve access to care to ensure our children and youth with complex behavioral health needs are receiving the treatment they deserve,” said Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee, Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 5. “This bill would create a system of care, including training for residential child care providers, specifically designed to support children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Our goal is to make sure our youth can get access to the care they need, when they need it, from high-quality professionals to improve their overall health care outcomes.” “Caring for your behavioral health is just as important as physical health - but behavioral health care needs are often complex, and caring for them can be difficult, especially for young people in foster care,” said Vice Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 5. “Our bill will require the state to expand and improve treatment options and services for those individuals, and will help more children and youth in foster care get the critical treatment they deserve,” Bill 5 , sponsored by Representatives Young and Brandi Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, Senator Fields and Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement with complex behavioral health needs. Specifically, Bill 5 would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, expanded supportive services and expanded access to alternatives to residential treatment. Bill 5 aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill would create a training academy and help create a talent pipeline of high-quality residential child care providers. “When it comes to accessibility, Colorado needs to do a better job to support our children and families involved in dependency and neglect court cases,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 6. “This important piece of legislation will improve our state’s language standards, so that all families and guardians have the court-ordered information they need in a format they can readily understand. Certain accommodations, including language standards, are necessary to support Coloradans as they navigate our judicial and welfare system, and this bill will help in closing this widening gap.” “Neglect and abuse cases are already stressful and challenging for children and families, which is why we must do more to support these families and break down language barriers,” said Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of Bill 6. “Bill 6’s accommodations are a no-brainer. Every Coloradan – regardless of their primary language – deserves access to translation services that will help them better navigate the family judicial system and care for children involved.” To improve accessibility for children, families and guardians involved in abuse and neglect legal cases, Bill 6 , sponsored by Representatives Joseph and Bradley, and Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer, would require the Colorado Department of Human Services to translate court-ordered documents, including treatment plans, into the primary language used by the family. The services would include language translation and interpretation services. “Domestic violence deaths are on the rise, we need to do everything in our power to protect survivors and their innocent children,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of Bill 7. “My son and I survived domestic violence, but others across our state are not as fortunate. This important bill works to add another layer of protection for children living in homes with domestic abuse by requiring mandatory reporters to report suspected and known DV situations. This bill, combined with other legislative efforts, will help keep our communities safer while supporting our survivors.” “It’s past time we take a close look at how we’re tracking instances of child abuse and domestic violence,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 7. “Our new bill requires a comprehensive audit of the state’s current reporting and tracking tools to ensure we’re getting a complete picture of the problem at hand and so that we can better determine best practices going forward. This is a critical step we can take to ensure we’re doing everything we can to accurately track child abuse and, ultimately, keep our kids safe.” To support children in suspected domestic violence situations, Bill 7 would require mandatory reporters, including teachers, medical professionals, and law enforcement, to report any evidence of known or suspected domestic violence in a child's home including evidence from previous cases. Bill 7, sponsored by Majority Leader Duran and Representative Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, and Senators Kolker and Kirkmeyer, also outlines the framework for the Colorado State Department of Human Services to develop and implement a screening process for counties to follow when responding to a hotline report, including questions regarding domestic violence and a disclaimer that calls are recorded. Additionally, the bill requires an audit on the current tools used to report and track child abuse to ensure best practices and increase child safety. The committee also passed two additional pieces of legislation, including Bill 1 and Bill 2 . Bill 1, sponsored by Senators Zenzigner and Kirkmeyer and Representatives Young and Pugliese, aims to improve measures for kinship foster care homes, including establishing a process for kinship foster care homes to become certified and securing assistance for providing a child’s basic care. Bill 2, sponsored by Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer and Majority Leader Duran and Representative Pugliese would lay down the groundwork toward creating a more streamlined and expansive system of care with focus on prevention so that behavioral health needs can be addressed earlier in the process. Previous Next

< Back January 4, 2019 HOUSE DEMS INTRO FIRST TEN BILLS Focus on Health Care, Renewable Energy, Education, Problem Solving (Jan. 4) – Colorado House Democrats introduced their first ten bills of the first session of the 72nd General Assembly today. “We’re excited to get to work this session. These bills are a reflection of the issues Coloradans sent us here to make bipartisan progress on,” said Speaker KC Becker. “We are focused on expanding opportunity, lowering the cost of and improving access to healthcare, incentivizing more renewable energy, investing in education programs to support educators and students and helping to provide solutions to the challenges facing our communities.” HB 19-1001 – Hospital Transparency Measures to Analyze Efficiency – Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood This bill will increase transparency in hospital billing and spending practices across our state. At a time when health care costs are out of control, it is important that we are able to identify inefficiencies and wasteful spending in our health care system and address them accordingly. HB 19-1002 – Leadership Professional Development for School Principals – Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Rep. Jim Wilson, R-Salida This bill creates a pilot program to provide professional development training for school principals, to build strong leadership in our education system and provide support for teachers and students. HB 19-1003 – Community Solar Gardens Modernization Act – Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver This bill will expand access to renewable energy for communities and individuals across Colorado. It will update Colorado’s community solar statute to allow customers to benefit from clean, low-cost energy even if they don’t have a rooftop solar option. HB 19-1004 – Proposal for Affordable Health Coverage Option – Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose This bill will propose a public health insurance option to provide people in Colorado with a competitive and affordable choice when they’re purchasing health insurance. HB 19-1005 – Income Tax Credit for Early Childhood Educators – Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora This bill will help address a shortage in early childhood child care providers by creating a refundable income tax credit for educators with professional credentials who work at family child care homes or other high quality child care programs. HB 19-1006 – Wildfire Mitigation Wildland Urban Interface Areas – Rep. Mclachlan, D-Durango and Rep. Terri Carver, R-Colorado Springs This bill creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). HB 19-1007 – Contribution Limits for County Offices – Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver This bill sets in place common sense campaign finance limits to protect the integrity of county-level campaigns such as those for sheriff, commissioner, clerk and recorder, assessor, and others. HB 19-1008 – Include Career & Technical Ed in BEST Program – Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada and Rep. Colin Larson, R-Littleton This bill allows school capital construction funding to be used for career and technical education projects in public schools, investing in skills for Colorado’s emerging workforce. HB 19-1009 – Substance Use Disorders Recovery – Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont This bill improves support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders by expanding housing assistance for people transitioning out of treatment; increasing oversight of recovery residences to ensure high quality care; and investing in recovery services for people who have sought care and treatment. HB 19-1010 – Freestanding Emergency Departments Licensure – Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn and Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain This bill will bring freestanding emergency departments under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional hospital emergency rooms so that we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. This will ultimately improve the quality of care for patients and increase health care affordability. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. EXUM & DURAN’S DRIVING INSTRUCTION FOR FOSTER CHILDREN BILL ADVANCES Bill would cover the cost of driver’s ed courses for foster children DENVER, CO — Reps. Tony Exum Sr. and Monica Duran’s Bill, Driving Instruction for Foster Children, today passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee. The bill would provide grants to pay for driving education costs of children in custody of the state from ages 15-20. The bill passed committee unanimously. “We should strive to guarantee that every child in Colorado has equal opportunity to succeed,” said Rep Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs). “Ensuring that foster children are able to learn how to drive goes a long way towards leveling the playing field. From getting to and from work, or to and from college, driving can truly make a lasting and important impact on a teenager’s life.” “Foster children have more to deal with than the average teenager in Colorado,” said Rep. Duran (D-Wheat Ridge). “As these teens navigate through the rites of passage of driving for the first time and receiving their permit, we’re hoping to provide them with some relief from the associated financial stress.” HB20-1071 requires the state Department of Human Services directly reimburse county departments for the costs to provide public or private driver’s education courses to foster youth. It would also grant counties immunity from related liability. The bill advanced through the Transportation Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) during the interim . Last year, House Democrats passed HB19-1023 and removed barriers for those in foster care applying for a driver’s license and insurance. Now, HB20-1071 would remove the financial burden associated with taking driver’s ed lessons. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support military families. < Back February 16, 2024 House Advances Bills to Recognize and Support Military Families DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support military families. HB24-1076 would create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families. HB24-1097 would extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and Gold Star spouses of military members. “Children that are a part of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “When I served in the Marine Corps, my own daughter once changed schools three times in one year. This legislation will help students that are part of military families during the transition process so they can focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.” “These important bills uplift our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076 and HB24-1097. “As the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, the two pieces of legislation that advanced today will help ease the school transition for kids in military families and extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and spouses of military members.” HB24-1076 establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. The Purple State School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments. To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must: Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison, Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families, Maintain student-led transition programs, and Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students. HB24-1097 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program. It also changes the Occupational Credential Portability Program by: Eliminating the temporary nature of the licensing program, Requiring that regulators, when reviewing an application, focus on whether an applicant has a license in good standing, and Increases the validity of licenses from 3 to 6 years and makes them renewable. The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by bipartisan 2020 legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. Previous Next

< Back September 20, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC GROWTH TO CONTINUE IN COLORADO; YET INVESTMENTS CONSTRAINED JBC Dems, Speaker highlight need for critical investments in K-12, higher education, and transportation infrastructure DENVER, CO — Members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today received the September quarterly budget forecasts, which once again predicts continued, but slowing, economic expansion in Colorado, wage growth, and an unemployment rate that is well below the national average. Revenue caps continue to constrain the ability of the state to fully invest in critical priorities like education and transportation infrastructure. The projections from economists in both the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly anticipate slower growth in state revenues due to the economic slowdown triggered by the Trump Administration’s trade war and a tight labor market. These conditions may lead to slower growth in critical sectors of the state’s economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and our outdoor recreation economy. “We made critical investments this past legislative session to make healthcare more affordable, invest in education, and support hardworking Coloradans. Given that many of these investments are long-term commitments and that TABOR refunds are predicted for the foreseeable future, we need to be cautious in how we continue to make investments to support Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “However, the constraints imposed by TABOR caps may change depending on what Coloradans decide this fall when Prop CC is on the ballot.” “I’m cautiously optimistic about the strength of our state’s overall economy, and I remain committed to building an economy that works for all Coloradans in all corners of the state,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m glad to see that the economic success of Colorado is now being seen in most areas of the state, but it’s a shame that policies at the federal level are threatening the financial security of Colorado’s working families, small businesses and agricultural and manufacturing sectors primarily in rural areas. “As Colorado’s economy and population continue to grow, it’s a shame that the full benefits of our state’s economic success can’t be invested in key priorities due to arbitrary revenue caps,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “It makes no sense that at a time when our economy is growing and revenue is increasing, our schools continue to be severely underfunded, our students bear too large a share of college expenses, and our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.” “I am proud of all that we accomplished this legislative session for hardworking Coloradans families while protecting the state’s finances. Given the forecasts presented this morning, it is clear that we need to think pragmatically and carefully examine our budget restrictions so that we can make fiscally responsible investments with our limited dollars,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I will continue to work across the aisle to make smart investments that have the biggest impact on Coloradans in every corner of the state.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast shows the General Fund is projected to end FY18-19 with $428.3 million above the Referendum C cap. The LCS report estimates that revenue will be over the Ref C Cap by $264.3 million in FY19-20, and by $142.9 million in FY20-21. The OSPB forecast shows revenue expected to exceed the Referendum C cap by $428.3 million in FY18-19, by $348.1 million in FY19-20, and $551.6 million in FY20-21. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to boost Colorado’s education workforce. < Back February 5, 2024 Hamrick’s Bipartisan Bill to Boost Educator Workforce Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044 , sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick, would allow school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. “To address Colorado’s educator and school staff shortage in Colorado’s districts, we need to use every tool available to us,” said Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This legislation would allow more retired educators to return to the classroom, without the risk of losing their PERA retirement benefits. Success in the classroom begins with a great teacher, and this bill would make it easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom and begin positively impacting students.” HB24-1044 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would expand the number of service retirees that school districts may hire while still being eligible for PERA benefits. HB24-1044 passed committee by a vote 10 to 1. Under current law, school districts may only hire retirees when a “critical shortage of qualified instructors” is established. This bill aims to streamline placing educators in classrooms by instead allowing school districts to hire up to 10 retirees if the district identifies a “need” for additional instructors. Previous Next

< Back September 20, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Economy Continues to Grow DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. “Colorado’s economy continues to grow with new jobs being created every day, our unemployment rate well below the national average, and continued wage growth outpacing inflation,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Colorado is making strides to bring down the cost of living and make our state more affordable as housing costs and nationally high gas prices continue to impact Coloradans’ quality of life. I’m excited to get to work crafting a balanced budget that keeps our state’s economy strong, invests in education, improves public safety, and responds to the needs of Colorado’s families while continuing our state’s responsible growth into the future.” “Today’s forecast shows us that, despite some turbulence, Colorado’s economic outlook remains positive,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we begin the process of drafting next year's budget, we remain focused on supporting Colorado’s families by investing in priorities like housing, health care, and education, and ensuring that Colorado remains on a sound and sensible economic path now and into the future." “These forecasts will guide our work as we begin to develop next year’s budget and prioritize our limited state resources toward the issues that matter most to Coloradans – increasing funding for public schools, protecting our air and water, and building an equitable economy that delivers for Colorado’s working people,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’m committed to continuing our work to provide high quality, free universal preschool, improve our air quality, and invest in the critical services our communities need to thrive.” “My top takeaway from this forecast is something that everyone already knows: housing is far too expensive in Colorado, and we have to do more to address it so that more families can afford to live here,” JBC Member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. "This forecast will help guide our discussions as we roll up our sleeves and get to work crafting a budget that will lower the cost of housing while meeting the needs of families and communities across our state. I am proud of the work we’ve done to support Coloradans during this volatile economic period, and I look forward to continuing our work to set Colorado on a path to further economic success.” Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent, which is lower than before the pandemic and below the national average of 3.8 percent, with total employment growth clocking in at around 1.4 percent. Workers in the mountain region, which includes Colorado, saw 7.2 percent wage growth – the highest among US regions, and business activity remains near historic highs. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $18 billion in FY 2022-2023 and $17.44 billion in FY 2023-2024 – a $306 million increase for FY 2022-2023 and a $324 million decrease for FY 2023-2024 as compared with the earlier June revenue forecast. The LCS forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $18.49 billion for FY 2024-2025, an $82.3 million decrease from the June forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $18 billion for FY 2022-2023, a $223 million increase over the June forecast. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB revised up its projected General Fund revenue by $793 million to $17.3 billion. For FY 2024-2025, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $18.3 billion, an increase of $137.8 million as compared with the June forecast. The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Previous Next

HB25-1222 and SB25-069 will improve health and safety in Colorado’s mountain and rural communities < Back July 25, 2025 Pair of Bills to Support Rural Coloradans Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two bills championed by Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to bolster public health and safety in rural Colorado communities will go into effect on August 6. HB25-1222 , cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, preserves access to rural health care by: Enabling the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities, Clarifying fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close, Allowing remote supervision for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans, and Beginning on January 1, 2026, ensuring fair reimbursement rates for rural independent pharmacies. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these modifications maintain access to vital prescriptions and healthcare services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. The implementation of HB25-1222 serves as a lifeline for rural pharmacies in the wake of Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill , which experts warn puts rural health care facilities at an increased risk of cuts and closure . “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan bill would ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Lukens. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, our local and independent pharmacies are a lifeline to our communities. This bipartisan law aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in the rural corners of our state by establishing fair reimbursement rates and permitting telehealth for our local pharmacies.” SB25-069 , sponsored by Sen. Roberts, Rep. Lukens, and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, allows the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles. “Preventing avoidable crashes, spinouts, and delays on I-70 and highways across the state is crucial for public safety and saving Coloradans time and money,” continued Roberts. “This bipartisan bill will authorize a proven chain-assist program for commercial trucks that is working in other states as well as close a loophole that will ensure passenger vehicles have proper tires. It is another significant step we are taking to prevent crashes and reduce unnecessary delays on our roads during the winter.” “Western Slope highways can be treacherous in the winter, and this law makes our roads safer by expanding access to winter driving tools, including tire chains, that are proven to help prevent accidents,” continued Lukens. “Communities in my district, like Vail and Avon, are home to world-class skiing resorts that attract visitors from across the globe who might not have experience in driving in mountainous, snowy conditions. This law will improve road safety by creating a controlled environment for drivers to receive assistance installing or removing tire chains and other traction devices.” “Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers,” said Velasco. “Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. With this law going into effect soon, we can keep Coloradans safer on our roads.” The law, cosponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, includes procedures and guardrails for issuing a permit to vendors and a requirement that those installing tire chains or traction devices wear reflective clothing and use traffic control devices. The law also requires that, between September 1 and May 31, rental car companies notify their renters of Colorado’s traction laws and the penalties for any violation of the law. Previous Next