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< Back February 1, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON CHILD CARE AND AT THE DMV MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO – Two bills that would save Coloradans money on renewing their driver’s licenses and on child care passed committee today. HB22-1004 will freeze DMV drivers’ license fees into the next fiscal year. HB22-1006 will expand the number of eligible child care facilities exempt from property taxes. “Freezing DMV renewal fees is just one of the many ways we’re working to save Coloradans money this legislative session,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “We know hardworking families across the state are feeling squeezed from every angle. The high cost of living combined with fatigue and pandemic unpredictability is exhausting. Which is why we’re using every tool available to save them money where we can.” “This bill is a great example of our ongoing efforts to save Coloradans money, boost our economy and move our state forward,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “By freezing DMV fees, Coloradans won’t be hit with an unexpected fee increase when they go to renew their license or state ID which means more money back in their pockets.” HB22-1004 , which passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee by a vote of 8 to 5, will save drivers money by freezing the license renewal fee for two years by transferring money to the licensing services cash fund. “Access to affordable, quality child care is top of mind for nearly every family in Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB22-1006 . “This Child Care Center Property Tax Exemption will increase the number of available spaces for child care facilities, driving down the cost of child care for both providers and families. We know the high cost of child care combined with pandemic pressures adds an extra layer of stress for families with children. This bill will help make child care more affordable, help families, and boost our economy.” HB22-1006 , which passed the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1, will increase child care affordability by incentivizing additional property owners through a property tax exemption to lease space to non-profit child care centers. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the amount of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. < Back June 3, 2025 Bill to Continue Healthy School Meals for All Program Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. “Colorado children should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has improved the health and educational success of Colorado students. Now, Colorado voters will be able to decide if we continue this program to reduce childhood hunger or will have to scale it back. At a time when Congressional Republicans are considering deep cuts to nutrition assistance, we should be doing all we can to make sure our students have food to eat in school.” “Kids in school should be thinking about their next math test – not worrying about going hungry,” said Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “In 2022, voters approved the Healthy School Meals for All program, which made a significant positive impact on Colorado students and their families. This law will allow the voters to reaffirm their support for our state’s children and their educational success.” “Every single Colorado kid, regardless of their income, should be able to eat a healthy, filling breakfast and lunch without worrying about the cost,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has been extremely successful in Colorado – it has reduced the stigma associated with free and reduced lunch, helped Colorado kids succeed, and allowed families breathe a little easier with less strain on their budgets. This law empowers Colorado voters to decide on the future of this beneficial program.” HB25-1274 will refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election to determine whether or not to continue funding the program as is, increase funding for the program or scale it back. One ballot measure asks voters if they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All Program above the original estimate, which will otherwise need to be refunded to taxpayers who earn over $300,000 a year. The second ballot measure asks voters if they want to expand the program by further limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. If at least one of the two measures is approved by Colorado voters, the law will extend the local school purchasing program, which is set to repeal after FY 2025-2026. In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, creating the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide all Colorado students free breakfast and lunch. The program was funded by limiting income tax reductions for taxpayers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more. The 2025-2026 budget, approved by the Colorado General Assembly in April 2025, fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year. As Colorado works to expand access to healthy school meals for children, Congress is considering the GOP budget proposal that would significantly pare back SNAP benefits for children and families. Under this proposal, state and county costs across Colorado are expected to increase by approximately $260 million annually. The GOP budget proposal also heightens eligibility requirements for food assistance programs, making it more difficult for Coloradans over 55 and families with children between 8 and 18 years old to receive the support they need. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 HOUSE COMMITTEE TACKLES YOUTH VAPING Bipartisan legislation would prohibit sales to those under age 21, license retailers, close the online sales loophole and prohibit electronic advertising in stores, which targets teens DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed critical legislation to address the youth vaping epidemic in Colorado. HB20-1001, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Colin Larson would raise the age of sale to 21, require cigarette, tobacco and nicotine product retailers to obtain a license and increase enforcement to prevent underage sales. “The youth vaping epidemic in Colorado is threatening lives and risks reversing the decades of progress we’ve made reducing teen smoking,” said Rep. Mullica (D-Northglen). “These electronic smoking products are dangerous and extremely appealing to minors. There’s a lot more we can do to keep them out of the hands of our youth, and this bill takes several bold steps forward to do just that.” The bill would significantly enhance underage sales enforcement by requiring retailers to obtain a state license. Under current law, fines are often too low to dissuade retailers from cracking down on underage sales, and no process exists to take away a retailer’s ability to sell nicotine products if they repeatedly sell products to minors. Under HB20-1001, the state could suspend a retailer’s license for repeatedly violating state law. The bill would also mandate more frequent compliance checks and moves that responsibility to the Department of Revenue (DOR). In addition to raising the age of sale, increasing compliance checks and creating a robust enforcement mechanism, the bill would close a loophole that allows for the sale of vaping products online. The online loophole makes it far easier for Colorado youth to purchase vaping products and then sell them in schools. During the committee hearing, a nine year old testified about how easy it is for a fourth grader to buy vaping devices online and have them delivered directly. In an effort to further combat youth nicotine use, the bill would prohibit flashy advertising in stores that appeals to youth. It would also prohibit new tobacco product retailers from opening within 500 feet of a school. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and many youth who begin using vaping products transition to combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Colorado has the highest rate of youth e-cigarette use in the nation, and 27 percent of Colorado high school students report that they use these products, a rate twice the national average. E-cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals and toxic heavy metal particles such as zinc, lead and nickel. Furthermore, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development, including working memory, attention and learning. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON FERTILITY TREATMENTS, BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE ADVANCE DENVER, CO – Two health care bills, one to save Coloradans money on fertility treatments and one to boost the health care workforce, passed the House Health and Insurance Committee today. HB22-1008, Implementation Of Fertility Coverage passed by a vote of 9 to 2. HB22-1050, International Medical Graduate Integrate Healthcare Workforce passed by a vote of 7-4. “We’re working diligently to save Coloradans money on starting or growing their family by expanding health care coverage to include fertility treatments and diagnosis,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper D-Lakewood sponsor of HB22-1008. “We know the high cost of fertility treatments is a barrier for many Coloradans wanting to start a family. This bill will help thousands access more affordable fertility coverage.” HB22-1008 would update legislation passed in 2020 to ensure that insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the revised bill language would implement federal requirements for fertility coverage to take place under some Colorado health care plans. Fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their families. If passed, HB22-1008 would save Coloradans money by covering fertility treatments in large employer plans beginning January 1, 2023. It also applies to individual and small group policies within a 12-month decision from Colorado Health and Human Services (HHS). “Boosting our health care workforce is a top priority this legislative session,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1050 . “Colorado’s health care workforce shortage is very real, especially to those living in rural and underserved communities that often lack access to essential and preventative care. This bill aims to address the shortage of doctors, nurses and other critical health care workers by making it easier for qualified International Medical Graduates to enter the workforce and provide everything from routine check-ups to life saving care.” HB22-1050 would improve the integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into Colorado’s health care workforce. IMGs are qualified medical professionals who have completed medical training outside of the United States. However, they often face barriers to re-entering the health care workforce because of licensing requirements. HB22-1050 will create pathways to assist IMGs to navigate re-entry through readiness programs and equalizing licensing programs. Pandemic pressures combined with workforce shortages have caused a strain on Colorado’s health care workers. This bill would combat the shortages by assisting qualified medical professionals to enter Colorado’s healthcare workforce. Previous Next

The House today advanced a legislative package aimed at making near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. < Back May 6, 2024 Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Fund Transit Pass House DENVER, CO – The House today advanced a legislative package aimed at making near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come. SB24-229 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Jenny Willford, would establish more permitting and enforcement authority over oil and gas operations for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. SB24-230 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, would generate significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado that will be tied to oil and gas production. This package, announced last week, is an agreement between Democratic Legislative Leadership, Governor Jared Polis, a broad coalition of major environmental nongovernmental organizations and large operators in Colorado’s oil and gas industry. “Breathing shouldn’t be dangerous, yet the air quality in many Colorado neighborhoods triggers asthma attacks and nosebleeds,” said Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, D-Denver. “We need to act now to clean up Colorado’s air quality that for more than a decade has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and people of color. After months of conversations with industry, environmental organizations and state agencies – we’ve come up with a plan to improve our air quality and mitigate some of the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities.” “Colorado’s poor air quality is leading to long-term health risks for our community – we need to take steps now to reduce air pollution and keep our neighbors safe,” said Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “This landmark package enables us to crack down on repeat violators, improve our air quality and establish important timelines for new pollution reduction measures. To achieve our climate goals, we need to reduce emissions and this bill brings us there.” SB24-229 , passed the House by a vote of 43 to 18. The bill will: Improve the oil and gas permitting process with more robust modeling and review of the latest control measures Expand enforcement actions and develop new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future emissions violations. Establish additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report about investigations and enforcement actions as well as an email notification system to alert interested parties of violations and settlements. Codify rulemaking to achieve reductions in ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030 through a proposed rule to the Air Quality Control Commission no later than August 31, 2026. Provide additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. “With this legislative package, we’ve achieved an agreement that puts Colorado’s land, water, and air first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’d like to thank the governor, bill sponsors and all the groups that worked together to reach an agreement that will increase transit options for everyone in the state, including our rural and mountain communities. Taking steps now to improve our air quality, restore our lands, and boost transportation options will preserve the Colorado way of life for generations to come.” “Destructive wildfires, floods and other extreme climate events are disproportionately impacting communities like mine, which is why we need policy changes that protect our environment,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We’ve made important progress over the years to clean up our air and the harmful effects of oil and gas production has been consequential on my community. However, this legislative package is a monumental agreement that will increase transit options, advance conservation efforts, and reduce harmful pollution that threatens our Colorado way of life.” SB24-230 , passed the House by 40 to 18. The bill creates a new fee tied to oil and gas production with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to transit and administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise, and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent will support the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including Northwest and North rail lines. Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas emissions while improving quality of life and alleviating traffic. To address the impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will use the fee revenue to provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on benefitting native biodiversity. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO RESTRICT LAW ENFORCEMENT’S USE OF KETAMINE DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representatives Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to define the appropriate use of ketamine in law enforcement interactions. The bill passed on second reading. “For too long, ketamine has been misused during law enforcement interactions and outside of medical settings, and it has had dangerous, even deadly, consequences for Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill represents a bold step forward in our efforts to improve policing in our state and ensure all Coloradans feel safe and protected by law enforcement.” “Ketamine is not a drug that should be used lightly or without being able to verify basic medical information like a patient’s weight, medical history, and other relevant factors.” said Doctor Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “Colorado has already lost far too many lives due to the misuse of this powerful drug. My hope is that by passing this bill we’ll prevent the type of tragedy that took the life of Elijah McClain and so many more from ever happening again.” HB21-1251 limits the use of ketamine to subdue an individual in pre-hospital settings. The federal government has scheduled ketamine as a controlled substance due to its associated risk factors, and emergency medical service providers, here referred to as ‘paramedics,’ must seek waivers to administer ketamine since the drug is outside of their standard scope of practice. Studies show that rates of intubation for people injected with ketamine in a prehospital setting are dramatically higher than when it’s administered in an emergency department. The bill prohibits law enforcement from compelling, directing or unduly influencing a paramedic to chemically incapacitate someone by administering ketamine. For a paramedic to administer ketamine in a prehospital setting with law enforcement present, the paramedic must weigh an individual to ensure accurate dosage and if that’s not possible, at least two people present at the scene must agree with their weight estimation. The paramedic must be trained in the administration of ketamine and must attempt to obtain verbal authorization from a medical director before administering it. Lastly, there must be equipment on site to immediately monitor the person’s vital signs and provide urgent transport to a hospital. Among other changes, the bill requires a law enforcement officer to intervene and report to the POST board if they see another officer using ketamine on someone, which under the bill would constitute excessive use of force and could lead to permanent revocation of an officer’s POST certification if the incident results in death. Absent a justifiable medical emergency, a paramedic would be prohibited from using ketamine to sedate someone to aid in their arrest or restraint for alleged or suspected criminal conduct Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to conserve water through more widespread adoption of graywater use. < Back April 5, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to conserve water through more widespread adoption of graywater use. HB24-1362 passed unanimously. “With the passage of this bill, we’re conserving our water resources, protecting our environment and upholding the Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill encourages local governments to use graywater in irrigation and for non-drinking household purposes, which is a great option for getting the most out of our water. Living on the Western Slope, I’m committed to protecting and conserving our precious water resources – and this bill makes it easier for our communities to recycle water.” HB24-1362 is also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose. This bill would encourage the use of graywater in Colorado to conserve our state’s scarce water supply by authorizing the installation of graywater systems statewide. It also offers flexibility for local governments to opt-out with an ordinance or resolution prohibiting the installation of graywater systems for use in newly constructed residential buildings for indoor use. Water that has been used for washing dishes, laundering clothes, or bathing is considered graywater. Although it might be on its second or third round of use, graywater can be used for non-drinking purposes such as landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts. < Back June 20, 2024 Economic Outlook Shows Continued Economic Growth in Colorado DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts. “Our economy continues to do better than the rest of the country, and slowing prices, lower taxes, and increased wages mean Coloradans can keep more of their hard-earned money,” said JBC Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m proud that teacher pay is reaching all time highs from our work to increase funding for our public schools and eliminate the budget stabilization factor. Additionally, we’re seeing a faster decrease in our inflation rate than most other states across the nation. We will continue responsible budget decisions to make Colorado more affordable, boost our economy and reduce the cost of housing, health care and child care.” “Colorado’s economy continues to outperform the nation’s with a strong labor market and low inflation rate,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that this year we were able to take bold action to set Colorado up for success by eliminating the budget stabilization factor, expanding access to behavioral health resources, and building safer communities. Going forward, however, the JBC will have to work carefully within the predicted constrained budget to ensure we continue to live within our fiscal means and deliver the essential services Coloradans rely on.” “I’m encouraged by Colorado’s promising economic outlook, and I am excited to continue our work to make our state more affordable and build an economy that works for all families in our state,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “While housing costs and price increases are slowing, they are still too high. This year, we passed breakthrough legislation to reduce the cost of housing and boosted tax refunds and credits for hardworking people and families by thousands of dollars. I remain concerned that irresponsible property tax cuts being proposed will require enormous state backfill and will put these and other critical investments, like education funding, at risk. I look forward to crafting a responsible budget that addresses the needs of our most vulnerable Coloradans and makes Colorado more affordable.” Today’s economic outlook shows a sustained, strong Colorado economy with low unemployment rates, job growth, and slowing price increases,” said JBC Member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “However, the forecast also contains a cautionary prediction of a challenging budgetary landscape for the 2025 legislative session. The JBC will have its work cut out for it to deliver results for Coloradans while ensuring our state remains on strong financial footing in the years to come.” Colorado’s economy continues to grow and outperform the nation’s economy. Colorado’s unemployment rate of 3.7 percent remains lower than the national average of 4 percent. Wage growth for the mountain region, which includes Colorado, is at 5.9 percent compared to 5.2 percent nationwide. The national inflation rate has stabilized at 3.3 percent, down from a peak of 8.2 percent in March 2023. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17 billion in FY 2024-2025 and $18.37 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $1.64 billion decrease for FY 2024-2025 and a $1.28 billion decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the earlier March revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.4 billion for FY 2024-2025 and $18.1 for FY 2025-2026 – a $677 million decrease for FY 2024-2025 and a $1.05 billion decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the March revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates continued modest growth and the risk of a near-term recession has decreased. Factors that could improve the forecast include a fast resolution to inflationary pressures, more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve, and a resolution to international conflicts that impact our country and state’s economy. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include deteriorating household finances hurting consumer consumption, high borrowing costs discouraging investment, accelerating unemployment, and poor global economy impacts on U.S. growth. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO INCREASE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCESS AND DIVERT COLORADANS IN NEED AWAY FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Legislation invests over $61 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-196 , legislation that makes major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system. SB22-196 , sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, implements recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force by investing nearly $62 million in early intervention and diversion efforts to get individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders into needed treatment rather than getting involved in the criminal justice system. “For far too long, Colorado has tried to arrest and jail our way out of the behavioral health crisis, and it simply hasn’t worked,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales. “Criminalizing people with behavioral health needs is the most expensive and least effective way to provide mental health care services to the folks who need it most. I am proud of the approaches we take in SB22-196 to intentionally intervene, deflect, and divert people out of the criminal justice system in order to get them the behavioral health resources they need.” “This bill makes significant efforts in proven programs to help divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them with critical services,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon. “Putting people in jail who need treatment won’t help them get better. The legislation signed into law today is an effective way to reduce recidivism and help Coloradans receive the treatment they need.” “Far too many Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders are struggling in jail cells without proper care and treatment to get them back on their feet, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Sen. Pete Lee. “Jailing folks with behavioral health needs will only exacerbate their condition and lead to more recidivism, which is why this new law helps ensure these individuals get the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is critical, and it’s leading to more people who need treatment but are instead channeled into our criminal justice system where they don’t get the necessary services to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez. “This new law will divert Coloradans away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment because we know that these strategies are effective at addressing the root causes and helping avoid recidivism.” Nearly $51 million of the funding in this bill will go toward the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program at the Department of Human Services to support community responses to behavioral health and mitigate individuals’ involvement with the criminal justice system related to their behavioral health needs. The bill also directs $3 million to the Department of Corrections to provide medication-assisted treatment to individuals in custody in FY22-23 & FY23-24; $4 million to Judicial Department for pretrial diversion programs; and $3.5 million to the Behavioral Information and Data-Sharing Program in the Department of Public Safety to enable counties to integrate their jail data system to exchange behavioral health information with the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 LOBBYING TRANSPARENCY ACT SIGNED BY GOV Cutter and Weissman bill will increase reporting requirements (May 20) – Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to improve lobbyist transparency was signed into law today. This new law will increase the reporting requirements for lobbyists. “Recent reports show that special interests spent over $30 million to lobby the legislature. That’s an exorbitant amount of money. The danger of this is that it gives lobbyist access and influence that the general public doesn’t have,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “If money equals speech, then the public deserves to know where that money is coming from.” HB19-1248 requires more frequent reporting of relevant information by professional lobbyists, clarifies that lobbyists that are also attorneys are not privy to attorney-client confidentiality, and it clarifies that a professional lobbyist must disclose who their ultimate client is, i.e., disclose the name of the client who employs or retains the professional services of the lobbyist. “We as elected officials serve as guardians and protectors of the public trust. There is not a tremendous amount of public trust in political processes right now,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This new law will bring commonsense transparency to lobbying practices at the capitol.” Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, is the Senate co-prime sponsor of the new law. ### Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back May 3, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. SB24-197 passed by a vote of 63 to 0. “By implementing recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force, we’re taking steps now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions in the high country have jeopardized our way of life, and this bipartisan legislation addresses some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. To protect our water for generations to come, we need to tackle supply challenges head-on, and this bill works alongside community and industry leaders to protect this vital resource for all.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. In response to drought conditions, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2020 ENHANCEMENTS TO SAFE2TELL PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE The House Committee on Education today passed HB20-1005 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kevin Van Winkle, by a vote of 13-0. The bill would enhance Colorado’s Safe2Tell program. “The Safe2Tell program saves lives and is a critical resource for Colorado youth,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City). “This bill would ensure that when a student reaches out for help, that the person who answers the line is equipped to address either the student’s mental or physical health concerns. I’m proud of the legislation we’ve drafted to improve school safety, and I’m pleased to see these bills begin to move forward.” Safe2Tell, developed in Colorado after the Columbine tragedy, provides students a confidential way to report and talk with someone about behavioral health issues and has become a national model. Other states have taken Colorado’s lead, adapting the now 20-year-old program for new technologies and best practices developed in recent years. The Safe2Tell enhancements would include aligning the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to ensure that individuals in crisis can rapidly access crisis counseling. It would also align the processes for all types of incoming tips and adjust the annual advertising campaign to most efficiently raise awareness about the program and reduce its misuse. Finally, it would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. Today, the Senate Committee on Education also passed SB20-001, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields and Representatives Emily Sirota and Van Winkle, which would expand access to behavioral health training for educators so that more students can get the behavioral health care they need. Previous Next