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< Back April 11, 2023 Bills to Combat Deforestation and Improvement Wildfire Evacuations Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to help our forests recover from deforestation and better prepare communities for evacuations following a wildfire or other disaster. “Wildfires have not only devastated Colorado families, ranches, and businesses, but they have also ravaged our forests and caused thousands of acres of deforestation,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of SB23-1060 . “We’re taking steps toward more effective forest restoration by using Colorado-grown nursery seedlings to reforest burned areas and build climate-resilient watersheds. Allocating funding to the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery will help mitigate the risk of wildfires, protect communities and preserve our water resources.” HB23-1060 updates and expands the operations of Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Nursery to help them meet seedling trees and shrubs conservation demands and increase reforestation efforts. In Colorado, seedlings are used for burned forest restoration, creating climate-resilient watersheds and forests and enhancing carbon storage. $5 million was allocated toward the CSFS Nursery last year from HB22-1323 and additional funding would help complete the upgrades and expectations of shade house structures, improve seed storage and seedling processing, amongst other needs that will help meet growing demand. “While Colorado continues to build more homes to keep up with growing demand, we must consider wildfire risk and evacuation plans to ensure the safety of all Coloradans during an emergency,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB23-1075 . “By studying best practices for evacuations, we can gather data to implement effective policy to protect Coloradans from wildfire threats and other dangers to public safety. This bill will help ensure that evacuations are orderly and quick and that communities understand what they’re supposed to do when a major fire breaks out.” HB23-1075 requires the Office of Emergency Management to conduct a study to identify and assess the availability of technology to help with evacuation and clearance time modeling in local emergency management plans. The study will also evaluate the feasibility of requiring developers to perform evacuation and clearance time modeling for proposed developments in a wildfire rise area. The study must be completed by December 1, 2023 and the Department of Public Safety would be required to report the findings during the 2024 legislative session. Previous Next

State departments detail newly updated impacts of the federal budget bill passed by the GOP-led Congress, including increases in health care and energy costs for Coloradans and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that cause Coloradans to lose access to critical safety net programs < Back July 30, 2025 GOP’s Federal Budget Blows Billion Dollar Hole in State Budget, Slashes Medicaid and Raises Costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO – Today, the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council, comprised of the top legislative leadership of the General Assembly, met to understand the impacts of Congressional Republicans' federal budget bill on Colorado’s state budget. State economists anticipate an over $1 billion hole in the state budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1. H.R.1 will mean severe cuts to core services and key priorities for Coloradans. “By pushing through H.R.1, Republicans in Washington recklessly slashed programs that Colorado families count on like Medicaid, food assistance, and children’s health care, and they punted the tough decisions to the states,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “With this irresponsible bill, they dealt a billion-dollar blow to our state budget. We have difficult decisions ahead and will do everything we can to minimize the harm, but there’s no avoiding the fact that these cuts will hurt Colorado families.” “When the General Assembly adjourned three months ago we had a balanced state budget, and now we don't,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Republicans' federal budget has blown a billion dollar hole in our state finances and increased health insurance premiums by nearly 40 percent on the Western Slope. Coloradans are now the collateral damage of the GOP's cruel bill, which could have been stopped by just a single Republican in Congress. The consequences for our state are devastating, and Republicans can’t hide the damage their party has caused.” “Coloradans didn’t choose this. Congressional Republicans - including Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd, and Gabe Evans – chose tax giveaways for billionaires and blind loyalty to President Trump over the needs of their own constituents,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “In addition to cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, their bill will make life more expensive for all Coloradans, increasing utility bills and health insurance costs and killing jobs. They knew the damage this bill would cause and voted for it anyway, leaving us to deal with the consequences.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans cannot afford the GOP's budget," said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Due to the Congressional Republicans’ reckless slashing of core services like Medicaid and SNAP, Colorado is in a far worse budget situation than we were when we adjourned session three months ago. As a result, hardworking families, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and others who rely on critical services might be forced to do without. We'll work hard to minimize the fallout in our communities, but this new $1 billion hole in our state budget will require difficult decisions." H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget Preliminary estimates from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) indicate a revenue reduction of $1.2 billion this fiscal year, FY26, and a reduction of $679 million in FY27 and future years. Forecasts estimate the state will be $914 million below the TABOR cap in this fiscal year (FY26), meaning that taxpayers will not receive TABOR refunds and there will not be surplus revenue available to pay for the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, creating additional pressures on the state General Fund. Lawmakers already had to address a $1.2 billion deficit this year, and now face an additional $1.2 Billion hole from H.R.1. The GOP budget additionally shifts $170M in food assistance costs from the federal government onto Colorado, along with hundreds of millions in Medicaid costs as restrictions on provider fee financing phase in. Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Kicks Coloradans Off Health Insurance, and Raises Premiums Under H.R.1, up to 193,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid health insurance coverage, and many more on the individual market will face higher premiums. Eventually, 377,000 Coloradans will be at risk of disenrollment. The federal budget slashes provider payments and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, programs for Coloradans with Disabilities, and CHP+ coverage for children and pregnant women. It also reduces reimbursements to Colorado hospitals. These cuts are expected to cost the state Medicaid program $2.5 billion by 2032. Due to H.R.1 and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, premiums for private health insurance are forecasted to go up an average of 28 percent with parts of Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, which will see premium increases of 38 percent. Colorado’s successful, bipartisan reinsurance program will be significantly reduced and as a result, every Coloradan will pay more for their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado estimates these changes could cost Colorado consumers $620 million from reduced tax credits and lead to a loss of coverage for 112,000 Coloradans. H.R.1’s Impacts Turn Off EITC and FATC for the Next Two Tax Years Reduced revenue means that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be turned off for the next two tax years, increasing taxes for working people and families and taking money away from some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With the EITC expansion and the FATC in effect, an average family with two children under six-years-old and an earned income of $50,000 would have received approximately $4,870 in tax credits. With the programs turned off, Colorado workers and families will receive $0. Changes to SNAP Will Affect 600,000 Coloradans Who Rely on Food Assistance H.R.1 includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts the burden to states. Colorado expects to see $170 million in cuts to SNAP, affecting the more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. Many participants will lose food assistance or be forced to overcome new administrative hurdles to demonstrate that they meet narrow work requirements. Rollback of Clean Energy Will Result in Higher Costs and Job Losses H.R.1 rolls back, modifies or completely eliminates tax credits for energy-efficient new homes, residential clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). An analysis of the final language estimates these policies will result in 1,950 jobs lost and a household income loss of $190 in Colorado, as well as increased energy costs for consumers. According to the Colorado Energy Office, H.R.1 is projected to increase residential gas prices in Colorado by 3.4 percent by 2029 and electricity prices by up to 10 percent by 2035. Colorado households could see a $500 increase in annual energy costs by 2035. Tomorrow, Senate and House Democrats will hear from providers and organizations about the impact that Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 will have on their ability to provide core services to Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back February 18, 2020 BUENTELLO’S BILL TO SAVE MORE VETERANS MONEY ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to make it easier for service members, their families and veterans to receive in-state tuition at Colorado community colleges today was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee. “If you served our country and you want to go to school in Colorado, you should be able to receive in-state tuition without going through red tape,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “Recently discharged members of the military, veterans or military members and their families who move frequently often face significant bureaucratic hurdles when seeking to qualify for in-state tuition, and today we took an important step towards ending that.” HB20-1275 allows an active or honorably discharged member of the United States armed forces or one of their dependents to be eligible for in-state tuition status at a community college regardless of whether the person satisfies Colorado domicile or residency status. According to militaryspouse.com , military families relocate on average once every two to three years, leading to increased difficulties in satisfying residency requirements. Previous Next

< Back June 26, 2020 BILLS TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRIES AND AT-RISK YOUTH SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to facilitate donations to food pantries, expand access to critical housing services for at-risk youth and permanently allow remote notary services. SB20-090 , sponsored by Representatives Daneya Esgar and Brianna Titone, helps at-risk Colorado youth by allowing youth over the age of 15 to consent to receive shelter or other services from a licensed homeless youth shelter. SB20-106 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone, allows food pantries to expand their sources for goods by allowing food donations from correctional facilities and agricultural producers. “With our state facing devastating budget cuts, we should do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable Coloradans during this pandemic,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The bills signed today will help ensure that at-risk Colorado youth have a roof to sleep under and can access the services they need, and will expand options for food pantries to help them meet the needs of our communities.” “Too many at-risk youth who end up homeless in our state don’t have access to shelter or services,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This new law will mean more of our youth have the housing and support they need to stay safe.” “With over half a million Coloradans seeking health insurance and unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is clearly a serious need in our communities for food support, and our food pantries are stepping up to help,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We’re making it easier for our food pantries to get food donations so they can help Coloradans through this crisis.” As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to necessitate the limitation of public interactions, SB20-096 , sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, facilitates the process for individuals who need to have documents notarized. Rather than requiring an individual to show up in person, the bill allows for remote notarization via video as an option, and includes guardrails to protect consumer privacy. “The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, which means it’s still important to social distance and reduce unnecessary interactions,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Notarization is an important service that people rely on, and this bill will make it easier and safer for Coloradans to have their documents notarized.” The governor also signed SB20-042 , sponsored by Representative Jonathan Singer, which extends the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems and broadens its focus to include behavioral health and thus treatment for substance use disorders. “I’m proud of the important work this committee has done to improve mental health services in our criminal and juvenile justice system,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “It’s clear there’s more work to do, and I am grateful that the legislature and community partners will continue to work together and reduce our recidivism rate by expanding access to critical behavioral health services.” Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin. < Back January 14, 2025 Bills to Increase Access to Medical Equipment, Psilocybin Medication Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin . “As a former first responder, I know how important it is for Coloradans to access the medical treatment they need to live comfortably, which is why I’m carrying this bill to make it easier for people to receive life-saving equipment like wheelchairs and CPAPs,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB25-1016. “This bill would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment to their patients, cutting out the middle man and streamlining access to essential medical equipment, especially in rural areas where people have to travel further to see a provider.” HB25-1016 , which passed by a vote of 13-0, would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, like ventilators and wheelchairs, without requiring a prescription from a licensed physician leading to increased access to medical care and treatment. HB25-1063 , sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, would make a prescription medication that includes crystalline polymorph psilocybin legal to prescribe, dispense, distribute, possess, use, and market in Colorado upon its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Coloradans have shown support for natural psychedelic treatment options when they passed Prop 122, and this bill would help prepare Colorado’s medical industry to start prescribing synthesized psilocybin for Coloradans with certain mental health conditions,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1063. “Research shows that this type of medication can have positive long-term impacts on people suffering from treatment-resistant depression or post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). This bipartisan bill creates guidelines for medical psilocybin treatments in the case that it is approved at the federal level to give Coloradans more controlled treatment options for depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and other conditions.” Colorado became the second state in the nation to legalize psychedelic therapy when voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022. In June 2023, the FDA published guidance for researchers investigating the use of psychedelic therapy for medical treatment, stating that psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown promising results when used to treat mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use disorders. A Johns Hopkins study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can relieve major depressive disorder symptoms in some adults for at least a year. HB25-1063 passed by a vote of 12-1. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. < Back February 28, 2024 Jodeh, Bacon Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. “No one deserves to be forced out of their home over a dead tree in their yard,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Fines and fees from metro districts over minor violations are ultimately resulting in Coloradans losing their homes due to thousands of dollars worth of charges and attorney fees that Coloradans can’t afford to pay. People with disabilities or elders that live on a fixed income are especially vulnerable. Our legislation would shift to have metro districts and homeowners to work together to settle disputes, protecting Coloradans from being displaced for frivolous reasons.” “When there is nothing protecting homeowners in metro districts from being consistently fined for small violations, like an unpainted trim or an oil stain in their driveway, they’re vulnerable to losing all of the equity and security they have invested in their home,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It’s crucial that we keep Coloradans housed, and this bill would help prevent Colorado homeowners from losing their home over resolvable conflicts.” Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including: Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines, Prohibiting metro districts from foreclosing on liens based on delinquent fees and requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials, Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases. HB24-1267 protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices. Previous Next

Law would stand up health care programs at higher education institutions in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Trinidad < Back May 1, 2024 Polis Signs Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School and Boost Health Care Training DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation today to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), and other construction and renovation projects at various higher education institutions across the state to better support both health care and veterinary care education. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty and Senator Kyle Mullica will help address health care workforce shortages in Colorado. “This critical law will help create a new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado, which will serve as a strong economic driver for Greeley and the surrounding communities and meet the physician workforce needs of our rural and underserved neighborhoods,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’ve taken historic steps to increase access to health care Coloradans can afford and this law builds on those efforts to save people money on health care and address our workforce shortages. From CSU Fort Collins and MSU Denver to Trinidad State College, this law supports new higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “Right now, Colorado faces a significant health care provider shortage causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities,” Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, said. “As the only working nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I know how critical it is to build the health care workforce our state needs. I’m proud to have championed this new law that will invest in four institutions committed to addressing the state's health care challenges, and I look forward to continuing my work to ensure every Coloradan has access to the care they need to thrive.” “Across the state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care and veterinary providers, which is why we are standing up new medical and veterinary programs to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “With this law, Colorado will be better positioned to train and educate future osteopathic doctors, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, nurses, and other critical allied health care providers. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” HB24-1231 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, will stand up four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions. Specifically, the law will fund the: · Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) · Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) · Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University (CSU) · Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College This law will jumpstart a second-of-its-kind medical program at UNC, which will streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in economic impact, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. The law will also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care and veterinary care professionals. Colorado is facing a significant health care provider shortage that is causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state’s largest higher education investment aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce so Coloradans can receive the health care they need, when they need it. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. < Back April 20, 2024 Gig Worker Protections Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This legislation would improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. Our bill will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” HB24-1129 aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. When a consumer is prompted to leave a tip for a delivery driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis, DNCs would be required to disclose the amount of money that the consumer paid or will pay for the transaction and how much the driver received or will receive for the transaction. It would also require the DNC to pay the entire tip to the driver. Before a driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis accepts a delivery task, DNCs would be required to disclose to the driver: An estimated or actual amount the driver will earn for the task, including the tip or reimbursement amounts, The number of transactions involved in the task, The address(es) of the food, beverages, or other goods must be picked up from, The direction from where the driver is required to pick up the goods and the location where goods must be delivered, The estimated or actual time it will take for the driver to complete the task, and The estimated or actual distance the driver will travel for the task. If a driver is paid for a block of time for multiple deliveries, DNCs would be required to disclose the following before the driver accepts a task: The minimum amount the DNC will pay the driver for completing deliveries during the specific block of time, The direction from where the driver is located and where the driver must pick up and deliver the products, The estimated or actual distance required to travel to complete the deliveries, Clear information on which products need to be delivered within specific time windows, and The number of items required to be delivered. The bill would also require DNCs to share data with the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics about driver payments and deactivations, delivery tasks, and other information that will be made publicly available. The bill also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. A 2022 report about Denver gig workers found that most gig workers earn $5.49 per hour after expenses. Denver’s 2022 minimum wage was $15.87. The report also found that DoorDash drivers only made $1.23 per hour, and none of the surveyed platforms had hourly wages that surpassed $9. Previous Next

New law requires a three-day waiting period before firearm purchase < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Require a Waiting Period to Prevent Gun Violence Becomes Law New law requires a three-day waiting period before firearm purchase DENVER, CO - Legislation sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to create a minimum three day waiting period to delay immediate access to a firearm and save lives from gun violence was signed into law today. “Waiting periods are a successful tool that are proven to prevent suicide and death by firearm ,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Widely supported by gun owners, waiting periods can provide an opportunity to intervene before an impulsive act of violence is committed. This legislation is one of many ways that we’re addressing gun violence in Colorado and making our communities a safer place to live.” “Previously, if you wanted to get your hands on a gun, you could do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this new law that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.” “Waiting periods are a necessary buffer when someone in a crisis wants a gun to cause harm to themselves or others,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “My son’s life was spared because his background check was delayed when he went to our local gun store. To this day, he is grateful that he didn’t have instant access to a firearm at that moment. I'm confident that this legislation will help save other Colorado lives from senseless and preventable gun death.” “A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am proud to take this meaningful step to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 requires a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, before delivering a gun to the purchaser. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses. The bill would not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military servicemember and their family who is set to deploy overseas. Local governments may establish a waiting period greater than 3 days. Previous Next

The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back March 28, 2025 Election Intimidation Protections, Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Advance DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills that would strengthen protections against firearm intimidation around elections and help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, Trump’s reaction to losing the 2020 election has had a long-term impact on the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225 and SB25-059. “While Republicans defend Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used as a voter suppression tactic to intimidate Coloradans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this bill, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as an election worker, and campaign without fear.” “The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This legislation protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. SB25-059 would direct the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The bill would also define “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. “Mass shootings like Columbine have impacted our communities for decades, and victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward,” continued Rep. Woodrow. “This bill would direct the state to seek funding for victims of mass shooting attacks so we can better provide the support they need.” “It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this bill is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-059. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m committed to passing legislation that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.” Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO END CIVIL STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to SB21-073, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Matt Soper, which would end the civil statute of limitations on claims of sexual misconduct and allow survivors of sexual assault to sue for damages regardless of when the abuse occurred. “Statutes of limitation do nothing to help victims, and today, we took a giant step forward to send statutes of limitations to the dustbins of history,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D- Commerce City. “Justice has no time limit, and now victims will no longer face one in order to seek it. This historic moment has been years in the making and would never have happened without the courageous and fierce advocacy of so many Coloradans who told their painful stories and continued this fight year after year.” SB21-073 would remove the current six year limitation on bringing a civil claim based on sexual misconduct. The bill applies to a cause of action that accrues on or after January 1, 2022, or a cause of action that accrued prior to that date but before the current six year statute of limitations expires. The legislation defines sexual misconduct in statute and eliminates restrictions on civil cases that limit victims to recovering only certain damages. The bill eliminates other restrictions that limit victims’ ability to file a civil action. Previous Next