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< Back May 24, 2019 GOV SIGNS DEM-LED BILLS ADDRESSING OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid crisis (May 23) – Today, Gov. Polis signed a package of bills that are part of House Democrats’ efforts to combat the opioid crisis. First, Gov. Polis signed HB19-1009 sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “This law is focused on people who are going through substance use recovery and are at the end of that spectrum,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Through this bill, we are trying to reintegrate these folks back into the community and break down the barriers they face, like access to housing.” “The majority of people with a substance use disorder are currently in recovery today. Supporting recovery is the right thing to do, costing the state far less in the long run,” said Rep. Singer, when the bill passed the House. “This will play a huge role in ending the opioid crisis.” The new law 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. Gov. Polis then signed SB19-008, Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s common sense bill that examines alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of sitting in jail for drug-related offenses. SB19-008 is a product of the opioid interim committee and also looks to provide medication-assistance treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “We need to think collaboratively and strategically in order to address this crisis” said Rep. Kennedy. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that people struggling with addiction released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to our community once again.” “Coloradans are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This law will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers. I’m thankful to the counselors, law enforcement, my colleagues and people across the state who came to support this bill.” Gov. Polis then signed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. This bill authorizes schools to obtain a supply of opiate antagonists, specifies that a licensed or certified hospital may be used as a clean syringe exchange site, creates the opiate antagonist purchase fund and expands the household medication take-back program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. “Addiction is a public health issue and harm reduction is an important and vital step to combating this epidemic in our communities. This new law will save lives and expand treatment and recovery options across Colorado,” said Rep. Herod. Finally, Gov. Polis signed SB19-228, Rep. Bri Buentello’s bill requiring certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibiting a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This new law will give Southern Colorado more of the tools we need to address the opioid crisis, prevent addiction and give people more access to treatment and recovery” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. SB19-228 also requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders; improves youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorders prevention. The Governor also signed HB19-1193 sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod to provide behavioral health support for high-risk families. “We can’t incarcerate our way out of this crisis,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that moms struggling with addiction will be able to rebuild their lives and take care of their children in a healthy and loving way.” HB19-1193 expands existing programs that provide access to substance use disorder treatment to pregnant and parenting women. This bill creates a child care pilot program for parenting women engaged in substance use disorder treatment. All of these bills were signed at the Sobriety House in Denver. Previous Next

< Back June 22, 2020 GOV. SIGNS SIX COVID RELIEF BILLS INTO LAW Denver, CO– Today, six bills passed by the General Assembly in response to the global pandemic were signed into law by the Governor. The Governor also signed the bipartisan budget or “long bill” into law this morning. “Coloradans are hurting, and I’m truly proud that we were able to pass crucial legislation to address those needs in a matter of weeks,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder . “These bills will go a long way towards helping Coloradans keep the lights on, keep food on the table, and stay in their homes during these unprecedented times. The House found important solutions that address this crisis head-on, and I’m thrilled that the Governor signed them into law today.” “Despite the unprecedented nature of this session, the legislature came together to support our state and deliver bipartisan results for the people of Colorado,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “Coloradans are struggling to keep their heads above water, and the signing of these bills into law will help soften the blow that this global pandemic has dealt. The hardships of the pandemic are by no means over, but this legislation will support Colorado’s hardworking individuals and small businesses as we kick off our recovery.” Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Assistance HB20-1410 — Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sr. This bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utility Assistance HB20-1412 — Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter The bill allocates $4.8 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off catch up on their utility payments.\ Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs HB20-1411 — Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp This bill dedicates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment. 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System HB20-1197 — Reps. Marc Snyder and Janice Rich This bill provides an additional $500,000 to extend 2-1-1 information hotline to provide human services referrals related to the pandemic, including information on COVID test sites, emergency assistance, housing support, and information related to worker protections and health care discrimination through the end of 2020. Food Pantry Assistance HB20-1422 — Reps. Daneya Esgar and Lisa Cutter This bill provides $500,000 in funding for food banks to purchase more food and make it available across the state, and to create new market opportunities for Colorado’s agricultural producers. CARES Subfund HB20-1417 — Speaker KC Becker This bill establishes that the $70 million the governor allocated to the General Fund from the CARES Act will be set aside in an account called the CARESare Subfund and reiterates that the funds can only be used for CARES Act approved expenditures. Previous Next

New law prohibits deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers < Back April 14, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Crack Down on Deceptive Practices by Anti-Abortion Centers Becomes Law New law prohibits deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs). SB23-190 makes it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies it is a deceptive practice to advertise providing a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and says that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care. “We’ve made tremendous progress in Colorado to protect reproductive rights, but marginalized communities like people of color, low-income folks, young people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and immigrants still struggle to obtain the care they need - and AACs only make matters worse,” said Winter. “AACs use deceptive advertising practices to lure folks in and steer people away from abortions and other time-sensitive care by not providing them with the full, medically accurate spectrum of options. I’m proud of this new law that cracks down on AACs’ deceptive practices and makes reproductive health care more attainable and equitable for all Coloradans.” "Patients across Colorado deserve access to honest, factual medical information so they can make informed decisions about their own reproductive health care,” said McCormick. “Our law protects patients by putting an end to the deceptive advertising practices used by some anti-abortion centers to lure patients in under the guise that they offer the full range of reproductive health care when they do not. Deceptive practices put Coloradans at risk, limit their access to care and spread misinformation about the so-called ‘medication abortion reversal’ which is medically unethical and unproven.” “In Colorado and across America, maternal outcomes are declining, and anti-abortion centers that use deceptive advertising to draw in vulnerable people seeking care and misleading them with biased and inaccurate information about abortions and contraceptives are only making the problem worse,” Marchman said. “People who go to these centers looking for help are often misled and stigmatized – the exact opposite of the safe and essential care we are beholden to protect as elected officials. This new law will crack down on deceptive practices used by some of these bad actors, and is a proactive step we can take towards a future where Coloradans’ freedom to access essential and affirming reproductive health care is truly protected.” In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20. Further, AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services to low-income communities. Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement. Also known as crisis pregnancy centers or anti-abortion counseling centers, AACs pose as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 TWO ESSENTIAL CHILD CARE BILLS PASS HOUSE Denver, CO– The House today passed two bills that would give Colorado families much-needed flexible child care options. Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill would allow home-based child care in Homeowners’ Association Communities, and Representatives Mary Young and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill would extend the licensure exemption for family child care homes to September 2026. Rep. Roberts’ bill passed 62-2. Rep. Young’s bill passed 48-16. “As we work to recover Colorado’s strong economy, Colorado workers and families need access to child care more than ever,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “I’m thrilled that this bill passed with bipartisan support. Colorado families need flexible child care options, and this bill eases some of the licensure requirements for certain family care homes. Now more than ever, it’s important that we take steps to get back to work safely and responsibly.” “This bill gives parents more options and more information about home-based child care facilities,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder . “With daycare and preschool costs doubling almost twice as fast as overall inflation, this bill will also keep child care costs lower.” “This bill will give Colorado families even more child care options, something we desperately need as we take steps to support workers and small businesses and strengthen the economy,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “This is a win, win bill. Not only can Coloradans be assured that their children are being taken care of by a licensed establishment, but this bill also paves the way for more child care businesses to open, giving people the chance to open their home child care businesses more easily.” SB20-126 , Rep. Roberts’ bill, would allow a homeowner in a community organized under the “Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act” to operate a licensed family child care home notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the community’s guidelines. Community guidelines on parking, noise, landscaping continue to apply but communities must make reasonable accommodations for fences required by state child care home licensing laws. Licensure requirements for family child care homes are extensive and must include background checks, required training, inspections and more. HB20-1347 , Rep. Young’s and Rep Jaquez-Lewis’ bill would prolong the time period in which certain family child care homes can receive licensure exemptions from the state to September 1, 2026. Under HB20-1347, family care homes are homes where less than 24-hours of child care is provided. A family care home cannot exceed four children, and no more than two children can be under the age of two. Additionally, the children are not required to be related to the caregiver, but if the caregiver is caring for their own children in addition to non-family members, their own children are included in the four child limit. Caregivers are required to notify parents that they are operating under a legal license exemption. The state is required to provide educational information on the state licensing website for caregivers who are interested in becoming licensed. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: HISTORIC LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES General Assembly passes Colorado Comeback stimulus plan, historic transportation package & bills to reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs DENVER, CO – House and Senate leadership tonight released the following statements after the gavels fell on the historic First Session of the 73rd General Assembly. “This was an ambitious and historic session,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “From the very beginning, we were clear about what we set out to do, and we delivered on our promises. Democrats demonstrated that we have earned the trust Coloradans put in us to govern responsibly. Sometimes, history makes us. This year, we made history.” “There is no doubt that this last year was marred by tragedy, but it was also marked by triumph,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Rather than succumb to the weight of a pandemic and economic recession, we used all of our resources to not only persevere but build back stronger than we were before. From transformational infrastructure investments to landmark stimulus policies, we used this session as an opportunity to take on the big challenges and make generational change. I am incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish and I can’t wait to see our work in action.” “This session will be remembered for decades as one of the most ambitious and productive in recent memory,” said House Majority Leader, D-Pueblo . “We made investments and reforms that will create a more prosperous Colorado for working families for decades to come. As I go home to Pueblo to welcome the newest member of my family, I’ll go home knowing that the work we did this session will make life better for my future child, and for Coloradans of every background across the state.” “After an unprecedented year in Colorado, we returned to the Capitol with an ambitious to-do list. I’m so proud to celebrate each and every accomplishment coming out of this session – and they are many,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “From immediate small business relief and housing assistance, to landmark transportation legislation and gun violence prevention measures, we were truly responsive to both today’s needs and tomorrow’s prosperity. The hard work from Democrats over the past few months has resulted in one of the most productive and consequential legislative sessions in recent memory.” Revitalizing Our Economy, Delivering Urgent Relief, Forging a More Prosperous Future for Coloradans In the midst of a global pandemic and challenging year that has severely impacted the lives of Coloradans, Democrats came together to not only deliver urgent relief to struggling Coloradans but build our state back stronger. By focusing on r evitalizing our economy, delivering urgent relief, and forging a more prosperous future for all Coloradans, the legislature was able to deliver on promises that were years in the making – passing transformational legislation that will pave the way for a Colorado where everyone can thrive. This was accomplished by putting people over politics and working across the aisle to accomplish great things, resulting in 91% of our passed legislation receiving bipartisan support. In order to recover faster and build back stronger, lawmakers prioritized addressing our most pressing challenges head-on. This meant developing a bipartisan state stimulus package to foster the Colorado Comeback, making monumental investments to strengthen small businesses, supporting Colorado families, investing in rural Colorado, and developing our workforce. Specifically, lawmakers passed bills to create a $30 million startup loan fund for businesses across the state, provide $15 million in grants to small businesses, and invested $22 million to support artists and arts and culture organizations. We also championed legislation that will provide more than $100 million to increase child care capacity and affordability, create a $30 million loan and grant program for Colorado’s agricultural sector, add $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative, and allocate $25 million in funding for upskilling and reskilling our state’s workforce. In addition to passing state stimulus policies, state leaders worked collaboratively to enact Colorado’s roadmap to Building Back Stronger – embarking on a statewide listening tour to gather input on how to allocate nearly $4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The resulting legislation immediately deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to make housing more affordable, provide emergency behavioral health services and help workers complete degree or skills-training programs. The roadmap also dedicated $1.3 billion in federal funds to protect critical state services in future years and set aside nearly $1.8 billion for future transformational investments in housing, behavioral health, and workforce development that will be crafted through bipartisan interim processes. Beyond tackling urgent needs and enacting once-in-a-generation stimulative plans, lawmakers prioritized addressing longstanding issues that have burdened Colorado for decades. One such issue is the inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care. With skyrocketing health care costs and limited options, lawmakers crafted legislation to implement the Colorado Option, a policy that is set to save Coloradans 15 percent on their insurance premiums and create a guaranteed plan for consumers. Lawmakers also passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Board, which will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and ensure that no Coloradan is forced to forgo life-saving medication. Another long-standing issue that has held Colorado’s economy back for decades is transportation. After booming population growth yet stagnant funding, Colorado’s infrastructure is in desperate need of significant repair and modernization. That’s why the 73rd General Assembly prioritized passing a groundbreaking transportation plan – finally ending the deadlock that has plagued our state for years. Supported by a large, bipartisan coalition, this historic legislation will help connect people and goods from all corners of the state, ensure our economy can compete on the national stage, and allow Coloradans to get where they’re going faster and more safely. Sadly, the legislature was also confronted with the all-too-familiar issue of gun violence during the legislative session. After 10 people lost their lives in the Boulder King Sooper shooting, Democratic lawmakers crafted and passed three measures designed to curb the gun violence epidemic in our state. These policies together will save lives by expanding background checks, closing loopholes, and giving local governments the tools they need to craft community-based solutions to gun violence. The three bills passed in addition to three other measures that address firearm safety including safe storage, lost and stolen reporting, and protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence. In 2021 General Assembly Democrats rose to the occasion and championed policies that will not only support people in the aftermath of the pandemic but pave a hopeful path forward by creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado for all. Revitalizing our economy: Thanks to the swift and bold action of our federal delegation, Colorado was afforded a once-in-a-generation opportunity to jumpstart our struggling economy and strengthen our recovery. From rebuilding our workforce by giving Coloradans the tools they need to fill good-paying jobs, to investing in up-and-coming businesses and revitalizing mainstreets we have delivered on our promise to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. Strengthening small businesses and community centers: HB21-1288 — Colorado Startup Loan Program ** SB21-241 — Small Business Accelerated Growth Program ** HB21-1302 –– Continue COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program ** HB21-1265 — Qualified Retailer Retain Sales Tax For Assistance ** HB21-1312 — Increase to Business Personal Property Tax Exemption ** SB21-252 — Community Revitalization Grant Program ** HB21-1263 — Meeting And Events Incentive Program** SB21-110 — Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets ** Investing in rural Colorado and agriculture: SB21-203 — Funding For Colorado Proud ** SB21-204 — Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program Funding ** SB21-229 — Rural Jump-start Zone Grant Program ** SB21-248 — Loan Program For Colorado Agriculture ** SB21-234 — General Fund Transfer Agriculture And Drought Resiliency ** SB21-235 — Stimulus Funding Department Of Agriculture Efficiency Programs ** HB21-1290 — Additional Funding For Just Transition ** Developing our workforce: HB21-1264 — Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills ** HB21-1270 — SNAP workforce ** HB21-1330 — Higher Education Student Success ** SB21-232 — Displaced Workers Grant ** HB21-1149 — Energy Sector Career Pathway In Higher Education ** HB21-1007 — State Apprenticeship Agency HB21-1215 –– Business Training for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals** Stock Show, State Fair, Agriculture Fairs and Events, Arts and Creative Industries: HB21-1262 — Money Support Agricultural Events Organization ** HB21-1285 — Funding To Support Creative Arts Industries ** Delivering urgent relief: With sky-high unemployment, social isolation, and prolonged uncertainty, too many Coloradans were being crushed under the weight of the pandemic. That’s why we prioritized providing direct relief to struggling families – allocating funds for housing, childcare, and food assistance efforts; and bolstering mental and behavioral healthcare services. K-12 and Higher Education: 2021 School Finance Act: The 2021 school finance act increases total program funding by $750.8 million. Per pupil funding for the 2021-2022 school year will be $8,991, an increase of $868 (10.7 percent) over the current school year. This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive. The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support. 2021-2022 State Budget: The Long Appropriations bill resumes state support for institutions of higher education, increasing funding by $494 million over last year’s budget. The budget invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST) to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures and directs an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF), which funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Supporting Colorado families and youth: SB21-236 — Increase Capacity Early Childhood Care & Education ** SB21-027 — Emergency Supplies For Colorado Babies And Families ** SB21-202 –– Funding Public School Air Quality Projects** HB21-1311 — Boosting Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit HB21-1161 — Suspend Statewide Assessments For Select Grades HB21-1259 –– Extended Learning Opportunities SB21-013 –– Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss HB21-1234 –– Supplemental Education High-impact Tutoring Programs** SB21-053 — Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21 SB21-292 — Federal COVID Funding For Victim’s Services** Helping Coloradans avoid eviction and making housing more affordable: HB21-1271 — Department Of Local Affairs Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies ** HB21-1329 — American Rescue Plan Act Money To Invest Affordable Housing ** HB21-1117 –– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units HB21-1054 –– Housing Public Benefit Verification Requirement SB21-173 — Rights In Residential Lease Agreements SB21-242 — Housing Development Grants Hotels Tenancy Support Program ** HB21-1121 — Residential Tenancy Procedures HB21-1274 — Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use Increasing access to mental health care: HB21-1258 — Rapid Mental Health Response For Colorado Youth ** SB21-137 — Behavioral Health Recovery Act ** SB21-239 — 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System ** HB21-1119 — Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention HB21-1068 — Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam HB21-1281 — Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program Protecting communities from wildfire SB21-258 — Wildfire Risk Mitigation ** SB21-240 — Watershed Restoration Grant Program Stimulus ** HB21-1260 –– Funding for the State Water Plan** HB21-1208 — Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise ** SB21-054 — Transfers For Wildfire Mitigation And Response SB21-113 — Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response ** HB21-1008 — Forest Health Project Financing Supporting Colorado’s Veterans HB21-1065 — Veterans’ Hiring Preference SB21-129 — Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program SB21-032 — Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program Forging a more prosperous future for Coloradans: This pandemic has taken a serious toll on our lives and our livelihoods, but Coloradans are resilient and we used this as an opportunity to not only recover, but build back stronger. That’s why we passed transformational policies increasing access to affordable healthcare, investing in the sustainability of our transportation system, reforming our justice system, and protecting our environment for generations to come. The legislature set aside over $1 billion to fortify the state’s budget and created a responsible process to hear from experts on the most effective way to allocate nearly $1 billion in funding toward mental health, housing, workforce development, and the long-term resilience of Colorado’s economy. Improving Colorado’s transportation and infrastructure: SB21-260 — Sustainability Of The Transportation System SB21-238 — Create Front Range Passenger Rail District HB21-1186 — Regional Transportation District Operation HB21-1289 — Funding For Broadband Deployment Reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs, improving access to care and addressing health disparities: HB21-1232 — Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option; SB21-175 — Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board HB21-1097 — Establish Behavioral Health Administration; SB21-123 –– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program SB21-009 –– Reproductive Health Care Program SB21-194 — Maternal Health Providers SB21-193 — Protection Of Pregnant People In Perinatal Period SB21-016 –– Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage Providing a high quality education to all students: HB21-1325 — Funding Public Schools Formula HB21-1304 — Early Childhood System SB21-185 — Supporting Educator Workforce In Colorado HB21-1173 — Prohibiting Legacy Preferences In Higher Ed Insts HB21-1067 — College Admission Use Of National Test Score Advancing Justice in Colorado Communities: HB21-1315 — Costs Assessed To Juveniles In The Criminal Justice System HB21-1314 — Department Of Revenue Action Against Certain Documents HB21-1280 — Pre-trial Detention Reform SB21-271 — Misdemeanor Reform HB21-1214 — Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction HB21-1250 — Measures to Address Law Enforcement Accountability HB21-1251 — Appropriate Use Of Chemical Restraints On A Person HB21-1122 — First Responder Interactions Persons With Disabilities SB21-087 –– Agricultural Workers’ Rights Protecting Communities SB21-073 — Civil Action Statute Of Limitations Sexual Assault HB21-1298 — Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements HB21-1299 — Office Of Gun Violence Prevention SB21-256 — Local Regulation Of Firearms SB21-078 — Lost Or Stolen Firearms (Isabella Joy Thallas Act) HB21-1106 — Safe Storage Of Firearms HB21-1255 — Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser HB21-1165 — Assistance For Victims Of Strangulation HB21-1143 — Protect Survivors’ Rights To Rape Kit Evidence HB21-1107 — Protections For Public Health Department Workers HB21-1110 — Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities Protecting our clean air and water, and addressing climate change: SB21-264 — Adopt Programs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities SB21-230 –– Financing Clean Energy Projects SB21-231 –– Funding for Weatherization Assistance HB21-1266 — Environmental Justice Disproportionate Impacted Community HB21-1238 — Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility HB21-1286 — Energy Performance For Buildings HB21-1253 — Renewable And Clean Energy Project Grants** HB21-1189 — Regulate Air Toxics Responsibly Allocating Federal Stimulus Funds SB21-288 — American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund SB21-289 — Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund SB21-291 — Economic Recovery And Relief Cash Fund Improving Colorado’s Elections HB21-1011 — Multilingual Ballot Access For Voters HB21-1071 — Ranked Choice Voting In Nonpartisan Elections SB21-250 — Elections And Voting Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 FISHERS PEAK PARK ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING New laws signed today fund critical water and wildlife conservation projects PUEBLO, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar to create and fund the new Fishers Peak State Park and to make improvements to parks all across the state to accommodate more visitors. The governor also signed legislation sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts to fund Colorado Water Conservation Board projects and support endangered or threatened species conservation programs. “Colorado has some of the best state parks in the country, and soon we’ll add one more, the beautiful Fishers Peak in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our state parks contribute significantly to our communities, and Fishers peak will draw visitors from across the region, boosting our small businesses and Southern Colorado’s economy. Parks like Fishers Peak create the outdoor recreation options that Coloradans love and our state is known for.” SB20-003 , sponsored by Representative Esgar, provides $6 million in funding to the state’s parks to open Fishers peak and to make improvements at parks throughout the state to accommodate additional visitors and upgrade park facilities and infrastructure. “I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to fund the critical water projects that Colorado communities need and rely on, and to protect the wildlife and endangered species that live in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “By investing in our water infrastructure and conservation, we are ensuring that our state is prepared for the future. These important projects are going to put people to work, revitalize environmental habitats, and protect our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1403 , sponsored by Representative Roberts and Marc Catlin, provides funding for Colorado Water Conservation Board projects. These projects support and implement the Colorado Water Plan and are essential for the state’s water supply and the economic activity that relies on it. SB20-201 , which is also sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Catlin, provides funding for programs at the Department of Natural Resources that protect endangered and threatened species and wildlife in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists dozens of endangered or threatened species, including the American Bald Eagle and Lynx. Previous Next

< Back October 24, 2019 WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE WATER MANAGEMENT Committee approves bills to spur innovation in water management, broaden stakeholder engagement and crack down on water speculation DENVER, CO– The Water Resources Review Committee today advanced four bills to improve water management. If approved by the legislature next session, the bills would encourage innovation in water management, include additional stakeholder feedback in the Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan and study how the state can better enforce anti-water speculation statutes. “From outdoor recreation to agriculture, our state’s water resources are critical for almost every aspect of our economy and daily life,” said Water Resources Review Committee Vice Chair Rep. Dylan Roberts (D-Avon). “We have an incredible opportunity to pilot and deploy new technologies that could revolutionize and improve how we manage and conserve Colorado’s most essential natural resource, our water. The bills we passed today will guarantee communities across the state have a voice in discussions about water management and will ensure that we are using all the tools we have available to protect our water from out-of-state special interests and manage our water appropriately.” 1) The committee approved legislation to spur the deployment of new technologies that could improve water management. Innovative technologies, such as blockchain, telemetry, improved sensors and advanced aerial observation platforms can enhance monitoring, management, conservation and trading of water resources. The bill asks the University of Colorado-Boulder and Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University to conduct feasibility studies to pilot deployments of the new technologies. While not limited to specific technologies, the study will investigate: Sensors to monitor surface and groundwater use Direct or remote sensors to monitor water quality Cellular and satellite telemetry systems allowing remote access to sensor data Aerial observation platforms, including high-altitude balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles Satellite-based remote sensing and water resource forecasting technologies Blockchain-based documentation, communication and authentication of data regarding water use, trading and conservation Colorado has become a national leader in developing innovative uses for blockchain and has become a hub for startup technology firms. Last session, the General Assembly passed a law to study how blockchain can be used in agriculture and also clarified the regulatory environment for digital tokens and cryptocurrencies, which are based on blockchain. 2) The committee also advanced legislation that would require the Colorado Water Conservation Board to broaden stakeholder engagement by using established procedures for public comment when adopting a final or significantly amended water resources demand management program. This year, the states of the upper Colorado River Basin, including Colorado, adopted the Colorado Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan, which necessitated the development of water demand management programs. Last session, the General Assembly passed SB19-212 , which appropriated $1.7 million from the General Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop a water demand management program. 3) Legislation to study ways to improve the state’s anti-water speculation statutes also moved forward. Current Colorado law prohibits speculation in water rights, but lawmakers have heard concerns from Western Slope communities and from residents in other parts of the state that financial interests are purchasing water rights with the intention of holding them for a period of time and then selling the water for profit when the price increases. The bill requires the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources to convene a working group during the 2020 interim to explore ways to strengthen water anti-speculation laws. 4) The committee also approved a bill to increase the number of state water well inspectors. The bill also requires the state board of examiners of water well construction and pump installation contractors to create new rules to identify and prioritize the inspection of high-risk water wells. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back January 30, 2024 Colorado House Democrats Pass Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. “Arbitrary housing limits exacerbate the housing crisis, creating an unnecessary barrier that makes it even more difficult for Coloradans to find a place to live,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Prohibiting occupancy limits opens up affordable housing options, reduces our environmental impact, and gives Coloradans the freedom to live with others even if they aren’t related. This legislation is critical in giving Coloradans more housing choices and creating more affordable housing opportunities.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence, regardless of familial relationship. Exceptions include only for demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits cap the amount of people that can live in a residence if they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit standards from three to five people. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BILL TO INCREASE NATIONAL GUARD TUITION BENEFITS AT CSU-GLOBAL PASSES UNANIMOUSLY Since 2018, CSU-Global has graduated over 18,000 students (Apr. 18) – Rep. Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill, to allow Colorado State University’s Global Campus to offer students who are National Guard Members tuition benefits unanimously passed in the House. Currently, CSU-Global students cannot seek financial aid or receive tuition benefits through the National Guard’s state statute as an institution for which the National Guard members can utilize their tuition benefits. “Giving our troops the ability to utilize their tuition benefits at CSU-Global will allow these individuals to serve while simultaneously working to complete their higher education,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “I want to help National Guard Members be successful while they continue serving our great state.” Nearly 40 percent of CSU-Global students are Colorado residents who reside in 63 out of the 64 counties in the state. Roughly 15 percent of these students are military affiliated. “CSU-Global is designed to serve non-traditional students. That makes it a really good fit for National Guard members because many members are overseas to keep us safe here in Colorado,” Rep. Froelich added. The bipartisan bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to reduce property taxes, support hardworking families and prevent evictions. With urgent property tax cuts, more rental assistance, and tax relief for working families, Colorado Democrats delivered results during the 2023 Extraordinary Session of the 74th General Assembly to make Colorado more affordable for all. DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL

< Back William Lindstedt Chair of the Finance Committee State Representative William Lindstedt is currently in his second term serving the people of the City and County of Broomfield and parts of Adams and Weld County in the Colorado House of Representatives for House District 33. He is the Chair of the Finance Committee and sits on the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. He’s a former assistant bench jeweler, public transit outreach advocate, community organizer, staffer in the Colorado House Majority, and former member of the Broomfield City Council. While serving on the Broomfield City Council during the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed assistance for local small businesses negatively impacted and emergency housing assistance for people struggling. He has helped create Broomfield’s Housing Authority, authored municipal campaign finance reform to limit the influence of big money in local politics, and made it easier for residents to vote by adding additional ballot drop boxes across the community. William also served as Chairman of the Broomfield Transportation Forum and as a Board Director of the Denver Regional Council of Governments. William grew up in Broomfield in a broken home. He knows what it’s like to need a hand up and how important community is to success. He now lives near where we grew up in Broomfield with his fiancee, Bria, and their retired racing greyhound, Pax.

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed three bills into law to save seniors and Coloradans with disabilities money by allowing them to deduct all federally taxed social security income on their state taxes, reinstate a refundable tax credit to save older Coloradans money on housing, and expand a refundable tax credit for seniors with disabilities. < Back June 7, 2024 Signed! New Laws Will Save Seniors, Coloradans with Disabilities Money DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed three bills into law to save seniors and Coloradans with disabilities money by allowing them to deduct all federally taxed social security income on their state taxes, reinstate a refundable tax credit to save older Coloradans money on housing , and expand a refundable tax credit for seniors with disabilities. “The rising cost of living has been tough on our seniors with fixed incomes and those planning to retire soon,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1142. “This bipartisan law saves eligible seniors and retired veterans with disabilities money by allowing them to deduct all federally taxed social security income on their state taxes. By increasing the cap of non-taxable social security income, we’re helping ensure eligible seniors receive more of their hard-earned benefits and have more money in their pockets to pay for groceries, rent and other necessities.” “Older Coloradans on fixed incomes and those living with a disability are especially impacted by high costs of living,” Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, said, sponsor of HB24-1142. “HB-1142 removes the current cap of social security incomes that qualifying individuals can deduct on their taxes, which will keep money in the pockets of those who need it most.” HB24-1142 , also sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, saves seniors money on their taxes. Under current law, taxpayers ages 55 to 64 may deduct up to $20,000 of pension and annuity income, which includes federally taxable social security income, when calculating their taxable income. For taxpayers 55 to 64 years of age and making $75,000 or less starting in 2025, this law allows all federally taxed social security income to be deductible in Colorado. Taxpayers over the age of 65 may already deduct the full amount of federally taxable social security income, or other forms of pension and annuity income up to $24,000. This bill would lower the age to ensure eligible Coloradans aged 55 to 64 can benefit from the full deduction. The current cap still applies to all other forms of pension and annuity income, and the cap may only be exceeded when social security income specifically is higher than the cap. HB24-1052 reinstates a refundable income tax credit for Coloradans aged 65 or older with incomes under $75,000 (or $125,000 if filing jointly) who have not claimed a homestead property tax exemption for the 2024 property tax year. The income tax credit was initially created by HB22-1205 . “Amidst our statewide housing crisis, seniors on fixed incomes need additional relief to afford their rent and stay in their homes,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1052. “While we’ve worked hard to extend housing support through property tax relief and a portable homestead property tax exemption, we must do more to help seniors who rent. This refundable tax credit will help even more lower and fixed income seniors remain in the homes and communities they love.” “The senior homestead property tax exemption is a helpful tool for seniors, who largely survive on a fixed income, to afford housing, but senior renters also deserve assistance,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1052. “Renters are especially vulnerable to rising costs, with nearly 35 percent of Colorado seniors concerned over paying next month’s rent. Our new law works to ensure that all Colorado seniors, regardless of if they rent or own their home, can benefit from tax relief.” “We’ve been working hard to support Colorado seniors, and especially those living on a low fixed income while renting, or who are not eligible for the senior homestead exemption, which is why I am so proud to champion this important legislation,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1052 said. “This measure will save older Coloradans millions of dollars on housing, make our state a more affordable place to live, and ensure seniors can remain in the communities they have called home for years to come.” “Housing affordability is a priority for Colorado Democrats, which is why we passed these laws to save our seniors, especially those with disabilities, money,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1052 and HB24-1268. “Housing prices have skyrocketed in the last few years, making it nearly impossible for those with fixed incomes, such as seniors and people with a disability, to keep up which is why we’re reinstating an impactful housing tax credit for our seniors and improving a financial assistance program for those most in need. By converting the PTC to a streamlined, refundable income tax credit we’ll make it easier for eligible taxpayers to get the benefits they deserve so they can continue to afford to call our state home.” HB24-1268 converts the Property Tax, Heat & Rent rebate, known as the PTC, for persons with a disability to a new refundable income tax credit to expand financial support. This law will make it easier to claim the credit and increase utilization by integrating it into the tax filing system. The maximum credit amount is $1,200 for eligible single filers making less than $10,000 ($16,000 if filing jointly). “Benefiting from the tax credits you’re eligible for should be easy, which is why we passed this law to ensure people with disabilities can more easily receive the financial support that is available to them,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1268. “I’m proud to have sponsored this important law that will help people with disabilities better afford expenses like property tax, rent, and utilities.” “Currently, many eligible Coloradans may not know that the Property Tax, Heat & Rent Rebate is available to them,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1268. “HB-1268 will expand the rebate to more Coloradans living with disabilities, with a projected utilization increase of 1000 percent! This is a great win for communities most vulnerable to housing instability.” Previous Next