Search Results

< Back April 1, 2022 GOVERNOR POLIS, LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY LEADERS TAKE BOLD CLIMATE ACTION, UNVEIL TRANSFORMATIVE LEGISLATION TO FIGHT FOR CLEAN AIR & A HEALTHIER, CLEANER COLORADO NEW BILLS WILL ADVANCE POLIS ADMINISTRATION AND LEGISLATURE’S BOLD CLIMATE GOALS, HELP CREATE MORE GOOD-PAYING GREEN JOBS, SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY BILLS DENVER, CO — Today, Governor Polis joined legislative leadership, bill sponsors, and community leaders to unveil comprehensive legislation to preserve and protect Colorado’s air quality, and ensure Coloradans are healthy, safe, and can thrive. The Polis Administration has made record investments to improve air quality since day one, and the newly unveiled legislation is a critical step forward towards achieving a healthier, cleaner Colorado. “We are fighting for a cleaner, healthier Colorado. I am proud that in partnership with the legislature, we are moving forward on a comprehensive plan for clean air that will benefit Colorado for years to come while helping save people and businesses money. The time is now for bold action,” said Gov. Polis . The historic package of bills includes record investments in clean transportation, energy efficient buildings, and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives. The electrification of school bus fleets will protect Colorado kids from harmful pollutant exposure and save Colorado schools money on both expensive fuel and maintenance costs. “Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder . “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future for all.” The newly introduced legislation supports good-paying jobs for drivers, mechanics, and construction workers with bold investments in expanded public transit service and energy efficient buildings. “This legislation will improve our air quality, save people money and create jobs in Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “By investing in new technologies, we will reduce harmful industrial emissions, and our air will be cleaner. Our kids deserve a smog free ride to school, and electric school buses will reduce emissions and protect students’ health. I’m excited that we are taking significant action to reduce pollution and create good jobs in critical industries.” “Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.” “Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.” “The future is coming, and we want Colorado homes to be ready so consumers don’t have to spend thousands retrofitting their properties for the technologies we know are going to be commonplace in just a few years,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “Our building codes need to be forward looking, and with this bill, new homes are going to be ready for clean heat, solar power and electric vehicles. With these codes in place, Coloradans will benefit from cleaner indoor air and save money on their utility bills.” “For too long, we’ve suffered from unhealthy, unsafe air in Colorado, and it’s only getting worse. That’s why I am proud to champion this legislation that will help upgrade our homes and buildings to reduce emissions throughout Colorado,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This $22 million investment will help families, businesses, and communities improve buildings to reduce energy use and pollution, improve our indoor air quality, and help give more Coloradans a cleaner, healthier future.” Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REFORM CRIMINAL JUSTICE, GIVE PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE Bill was approved on a bipartisan vote 59-3 (Apr. 26) – The House approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Mike Weissman to broaden access to record sealing. HB19-1275 will allow more people to successfully obtain and maintain housing and employment, to help them move on from their past mistakes after they have served their sentences. “This bill will help give people who have served their time for lower level offenses and paid their debt to society a second chance. I thank my co-sponsor Rep. Soper for his work on this bill and I am glad that we have broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. More than 1.8 million Coloradans are in the state criminal record database. For many of these individuals, involvement with the justice system has led to a cycle of unemployment or underemployment, housing insecurity, or a loss of income for themselves or their families. The bill will streamline record sealing processes for individuals eligible under existing law. It will also allow some individuals who would be newly eligible under the bill to petition the court to seal their existing case as opposed to having to file a new civil case, helping to make our court system more efficient.. Victims and prosecutors will be able to provide input to a judge who will ultimately decide whether a case will be sealed. The Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Violence Free Colorado all support the bill. The bill was approved by the House by a bipartisan vote of 59-3. Previous Next

HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November < Back May 7, 2023 Flat TABOR Rebates Pass House HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November DENVER, CO - The House today passed one part of a legislative package to reduce property taxes and create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000. “A flat TABOR rebate fairly supports Coloradans making under $100,000, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “With voter approval, Colorado’s TABOR refund will provide our middle and lower income neighbors their fair share. With their TABOR refunds in hand, our neighbors can finally afford that repair they’ve been putting off, pay lingering bills, and support local businesses. Simply put, a more equitable refund makes our whole state economically stronger.” “Colorado’s economic growth is strong, yet rising property taxes have left many families and seniors in a bind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Under this bill, Coloradans will receive a flat TABOR refund, which helps all Coloradans participate in and benefit from our state’s booming economy. This comprehensive property tax proposal works to support our renters and property owners alike, while protecting critical community services like water districts, fire districts, libraries and K-12 education that we all rely on.” HB23-1311 is contingent upon the passage of SB23-303 . This legislative package lowers property taxes for homeowners and businesses, increases TABOR refunds for those making under $100,000 and protects funding for critical community services. HB23-1311 passed the House by a vote of 44 to 17. If Colorado voters adopt Prop HH, HB23-1311 would require the TABOR surplus for FY 2022-2023 to be refunded equally to qualifying taxpayers. Without this legislation, the FY 2022-2023 TABOR refund would be refunded by the six-tier sales tax refund mechanism, giving lower earners smaller refunds than higher earners. If voters do not approve of Prop HH in the November 2023 election, the six-tier mechanism will be applied to TABOR refunds; single filers that make under $50,000 per year would receive a TABOR refund of $454, while single filers that make over $270,000 would receive a TABOR refund of $1,434. Under HB23-1311, Colorado taxpayers could expect to receive a refund of $661 for single filers, and $1,322 for joint filers. This will return more money to everyone making under $100,000 than under the current six tier refund mechanism. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. Further, after accounting for the portion of refunds that will backfill property tax reductions, Coloradans who make less than $100,000 can expect to see an increase in their TABOR refund if Prop HH passes. This legislation creates a more equitable TABOR refund mechanism for FY 2022-2023 and supports hardworking Coloradans to better afford everyday necessities. SB23-303 creates a long-term solution to prevent rapidly growing home values from causing sharp rises in property taxes, and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. If passed, Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and if approved these measures will provide sustainable, long-term reductions to property tax rates while delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax reductions for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax reductions and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill them. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2022 DEMS DEFEAT CONSPIRACY-DRIVEN GOP ELECTION BILLS DENVER, CO – Democrats on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated three GOP “commitment to conspiracies” bills that would undermine Colorado’s gold standard elections system. “Colorado Democrats will continue to stand up for our democracy and protect our gold standard election system,” said State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Allegations of widespread voter fraud have been repeatedly debunked, and the Republican bill sponsors tonight failed to offer a single shred of evidence of voter fraud or improperly cast ballots. Policies like these could lead to citizens being purged from the voter rolls and legitimate ballots being cast aside. We'll soon be scheduling a hearing for another Hanks bill that would eliminate mail ballots and early voting, dramatically reducing voting access for thousands of eligible voters. The threats to our democracy are real.” “Colorado Republicans are stuck on the Big Lie and are using it to restrict voting rights in our State. We won't let them,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The bills we defeated today are based on the same conspiracies that the GOP is pushing across the country to make it harder to vote. Republicans in Colorado have made it clear that these are the bills they’d pass if they were in control. We should craft our laws based on facts, not delusions spread by the My Pillow guy.” HB22-1085 , sponsored by Representative Ron Hanks, would require unnecessary and costly ballots with unproven technologies. Under the bill, ballots must include expensive but ineffective fraud countermeasures such as a “secure holographic foil” and “multicolored invisible ultraviolet inks.” During the unofficial audit staged in Arizona, the company used UV lights to examine ballots for bamboo fibers that could serve as proof they were counterfeit. No such evidence was uncovered. HB22-1078 , sponsored by Representative Mark Baisley, would require Colorado to adopt federal elections standards, some of which are weaker than those currently in place in Colorado. In addition, it would require Colorado to purchase voting systems that have not yet been put on the market or tested by the state’s rigorous processes. HB22-1084 , sponsored by Representative Andres Pico, would inappropriately remove people from voting rolls in violation of federal law. The state has a robust process to remove ineligible voters from voter rolls and to update voter rolls when individuals move, making this legislation unnecessary. The legislation could lead to people being removed from voter rolls when they are, in fact, eligible to vote. The legislation is part of a package of bills on Colorado’s elections sponsored by Republican lawmakers. HB22-1204 , sponsored by Representative Hanks, was also referred to the State, Civic, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee and would end vote by mail and early voting in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back December 12, 2022 Chris deGruy Kennedy Appointed Speaker Pro Tempore DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced her appointment of Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore. “Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy’s institutional knowledge, proven leadership and dedication to making Colorado a better place for everyone are exactly why he will make an excellent Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “As outgoing Chair of our State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee and a prominent member of the Health and Insurance Committee, Rep. deGruy Kennedy has stepped up to fight for Coloradans, their families and the caucus values we all share. Chris will make a wonderful addition to our new leadership team and I could not be happier to have him take on this important role.” “I am humbled and excited to take on the role of Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “Throughout my years at the Capitol, I have taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together for the people of Colorado. In this new role, I will have the honor of joining the most diverse leadership team in House history to help guide and support the work that lies ahead as we take on the state’s most significant challenges.” Rep. deGruy Kennedy will be serving his fourth and final term in the House of Representatives. He will also serve as Vice Chair of the House Health & Insurance committee and as a member of the House Finance committee. He represents House District 30, which includes eastern Lakewood and Edgewater in Jefferson County. During the 72nd General Assembly, Rep. deGruy Kennedy served as Assistant Majority Leader under Speaker KC Becker. The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House when the Speaker is absent. One of the only leadership positions not elected by the majority caucus, the Speaker Pro Tempore is appointed by the Speaker. Rep. deGruy Kennedy’s legislative accomplishments include robust cost transparency requirements for hospitals, a prescription drug affordability board, advancement of value-based payments and integration in primary care, increased support for renters and utility customers, improved prevention and treatment for substance use disorders, regulation of toxic air contaminants, and multiple innovative democracy reforms. Previous Next

Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns < Back May 1, 2024 Joint Release: SIGNED! Bill to Establish Merchant Codes for Firearms, Combat Gun Violence Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed legislation to combat gun violence by establishing a new code to categorize gun sales and help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, SB24-066 requires payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. “In the weeks before my son Alex was killed in the Aurora Theater shooting, his killer purchased multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition - and nobody batted an eye,” Sullivan said. “Credit cards have been repeatedly used to finance mass shootings, and merchant codes would have allowed the credit card companies to recognize his alarming pattern of behavior and refer it to law enforcement. This law will give us more tools to protect people, and make it easier to stop illegal firearms-related activity like straw purchases before disaster strikes.” “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” Froelich said. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our law will expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our new law is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," Mabrey said. "Almost every other product has a merchant code and this law creates a specific one for firearms. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” A report found that this policy could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support families and youth. < Back May 2, 2024 Affordable Child Care, Increased Care for Foster Youth Advance House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support families and youth. HB24-1223, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Lorena Garcia would streamline access to the Colorado Child Care Assistance program. SB24-008, sponsored by Representative Mary Young, would provide additional resources to families, kin and relatives of foster youth. “Child care is a necessity to get parents back into the workforce so they can earn income that helps them keep a roof over their head,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1223. “This legislation would get Colorado parents connected to affordable child care so they can more easily juggle work, doctor appointments, and receiving an education that will help them advance in their career and support their family.” “Lack of access to child care can be a barrier that prevents parents from returning to work, which is why we’re passing this legislation to simplify the process to receive child care assistance,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1223. “This bill streamlines and simplifies the process parents have to take to benefit from the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program so they can get their kids in affordable, quality care easier.” HB24-1223 would increase access to childcare through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) by creating a simplified universal application and limiting the application information to only what is necessary to determine eligibility. “We know that children and youth living with kinship care are more likely to experience positive outcomes, including educational, improved behavioral and mental health and stronger feelings of belonging,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB24-008 . “This legislation will remove barriers to kinship care by making it easier for relatives or others who have a significant relationship to the child to access certain resources such as housing, clothing and training. By directing financial reimbursement to non-certified kinship foster care, we can expand the pool of home like placements for our foster children and youth and increase access to certification.” SB24-008 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would provide additional resources to families and kin caring for youth and children involved in foster care. Specifically, this bill would extend foster care certification to kinship placements, allowing kin to access training, resources, and financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of children and youth in their care. It defines the differences between kinship foster care and non-certified kinship care homes and allows for emergency financial assistance to these placements in order to help meet a child’s basic care and needs. Kinship placements maintain family connections and provide normalcy and support for children who have been removed from their homes. Kinship care can promote safer and faster reunification with biological parents, and prevent further long-term involvement in the child welfare system. The bill is a result of recommendations from the 2023 Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Report . Previous Next

SB25-236 improves efficiency and expands access to crisis response services by consolidating the Colorado Crisis Line and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line < Back June 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Streamline Crisis Response Services, Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care Takes Effect DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to crisis response services and expand access to behavioral health care will take effect on July 1, 2025. Sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, SB25-236 consolidates crisis response services by moving the Colorado Crisis Services Line under the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise. Starting July 1, 2025, any time someone calls or texts the Colorado Crisis Services line at 1-844-493-8255 or 38255, they will be connected to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for support and services, just as if they had called or texted 988 directly. “Streamling access to mental health care will help save more lives,” said Amabile. “Colorado has amazing crisis response services that help people during their difficult times, and this legislation makes them even stronger. Combining the two separate lines into one will make it that much easier for Coloradans to access quick, supportive services that help them get back on their feet.” “In Colorado, we’re taking steps to improve the efficiency of our crisis response, not tear it down,” said Sirota. “At a time when our youth are experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, the Trump administration plans to cut funding for the 988 crisis hotline, eliminating counselors specifically suited to help LGBTQ+ youth. This law streamlines access to crisis response services so that everyone in Colorado can receive the support they need during a behavioral health emergency.” “In Colorado, efficient government means cutting red tape, not cutting support,” said Bridges. “While lawmakers in Washington slash suicide prevention funding in pursuit of ‘efficiency,’ we’re taking steps to streamline our services and make sure every Coloradan is able to access the help they need in moments of crisis.” The Colorado Crisis Line was created by SB13-266 to respond to and assist individuals who are in a behavioral health emergency. The 988 Crisis Hotline is a national network of local crisis contact centers designated by Congress in 2020. Earlier this month, the Trump administration eliminated funding for specialized support on the 988 Crisis Hotline for young LGBTQ+ callers . Previous Next

Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections < Back April 24, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Support Coloradans with a Disability, Expand Workers Protections Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed legislation to support Coloradans living with a disability and expand worker’s rights and protections. “Twenty-percent of Coloradans live with a disability, yet we’re failing to meet their right to access basic services,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Our legislation creates a diverse taskforce that will bring forward meaningful ways we can improve basic access to housing, employment, governmental services and the outdoors for those living with a disability. Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and we’re working toward achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan.” “When it comes to participating in government, securing housing, starting a new career or getting outside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, Coloradans living with a disability often face significant accessibility barriers,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “From housing to employment, our legislation creates an innovative taskforce to dig into the accessibility issues faced by the disability community and work toward solutions. Securing basic access for those living with a disability is just the beginning, and we’re committed to developing solutions that work for everyone.” HB23-1296 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. “When we passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019, Colorado made significant strides toward equity in the workplace, however, more must be done to ensure women are paid fairly for their work,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105. “We’re working hard to fight inequity, and this legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to further address the wage gap. This legislation combats wage discrimination that keeps our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends from earning less; if men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job, and the wage gaps between Black women and white men are staggering,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105 . “This important legislation would require the state to investigate, take action, and follow up when wage discrimination cases are filed so we can come closer to achieving pay equity. This bill requires that job opportunities and their salaries are posted and shared with employees. Not only does this improve wage transparency, but fosters an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages as we build back from the pandemic to uplift communities hit the hardest. When women succeed, we all succeed, and creating stronger communities begins with equal pay for equal work.” SB23-105 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB230-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. “Plain and simple, public sector employees deserve the same workplace protections already offered to private sector employees,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, Chair of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and sponsor of SB23-111. “Colorado’s public workers – firefighters, teachers, public defenders – keep our communities safe and thriving. Public workers should be allowed to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization and participate in our political process without the fear of losing their job, and this legislation guarantees them that right.” SB23-111 , sponsored by Representative Woodrow, passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2021 CRITICAL EVICTION AND RENT PROTECTIONS PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed HB21-1121, sponsored by Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh, which would provide renters with additional protections before facing eviction and limit the frequency of rent increases. The bill passed 8-5: “Year after year, I come to the capitol and fight the uphill battle for more equitable and fair housing laws because for decades, the scales have been tipped against justice,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “To build back stronger, we have to protect renters and finally start making our housing laws more balanced in the face of systemic racism that has perpetuated barriers to affordable housing.” “Right now, you can be evicted through a court action and have just 48 hours to pack everything you own and leave your home and landlords have the power to raise your rent every single month after you lease has expired with hardly any notice,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “This bill gives renters additional time before law enforcement will take action in an eviction, limits rent increases to once per 12 month period, and requires landlords to give at least 60 days notice to raise the rent for people without a written rental agreement.” HB21-1121 would provide renters with additional time before law enforcement can assist in an eviction. It also prohibits residential landlords from increasing rent more than once in a 12 month period and increases the notification timeline for rent increases when there is not a written tenancy agreement, for example, under a month-to-month agreement. Under current law, if a landlord wins a judgement in an eviction action, the court must wait 48 hours to direct the county sheriff to assist in the eviction, which provides a minimum of two days between an eviction order and the actual sheriff-assisted eviction. Under the bill, courts can still finalize an eviction order, but sheriffs may not carry it out for an additional eight days after the initial 48 hours, providing renters with 10 days before they have to move out and find a new home after an eviction has been finalized, instead of two. Under current law, when there is month-to-month tenancy where there is no written agreement, landlords must give 21 days written notice prior to increasing the rent; the bill extends the notice period to 60 days. Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 BILL TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN EDUCATOR WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Bri Buentello and James Coleman’s bill to foster a more diverse educator workforce on third reading. The bill was approved by a vote of 50-13. “As a Latina and a former special ed teacher, I know first hand how crucial it can be for students to have educators who reflect their identities and life experiences,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “I’m always looking for ways to support teachers and improve our educator workforce, and I’m proud that the House voted to do just that today.” “Study after study has shown that students of color do much better in school when they have teachers with backgrounds and identities similar to their own,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “I know from my own experience that having a teacher who looked like me made all the difference in my education and upbringing. Today, we’re hoping to make a difference for students of color everywhere in Colorado.” Under HB20-1007 , the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Education would create a workgroup on diversity in the educator workforce. The workgroup would investigate barriers to a diverse educator pool and recommend strategies to increase recruitment and retention of a diverse educator workforce to serve Colorado students. The bill passed on Third Reading this morning; the bill will now move onto the Senate. In Colorado, 76 percent of teachers are women and 67 percent of teachers identify as white women. Furthermore, only 46 percent of elementary school teachers pass the certification exams the first time despite graduating from accredited teacher preparation programs; only 38 percent of black teaching candidates, 45 percent of Hispanic candidates and 75 percent of white candidates pass the licensing test. Previous Next

< Back May 22, 2019 GOV SIGNS ROBERTS BILL TO REDUCE INSULIN PRICES Price of insulin has increased 555 percent over the last 14 years (May 22) – Governor Polis signed Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to reduce the price of life-saving insulin for people with diabetes in Colorado. “For Coloradans living with Type 1 Diabetes, insulin is essential to their survival – it is the same as oxygen. The skyrocketing cost of insulin is outrageous and it is literally putting people’s lives at risk,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “With this new law, Coloradans will no longer be forced to choose between this life-saving and life-sustaining drug and their other expenses.” One-in-four type-1 diabetics report rationing their insulin due to the high cost of the drug. HB19-1216 caps the total co-pay that patients will pay for insulin to $100 per one-month supply, regardless of how much insulin is being dispensed. This is down from an average out-of-pocket costs of $600-900 per month, which Coloradans currently face. “This law is a significant step in trying to solve the much larger problem of prescription drug pricing and will make a significant difference for Coloradans living with diabetes and their families,” continued Rep. Roberts. Rep. Roberts has been an outspoken advocate for Coloradans living with diabetes since arriving at the state capitol. Over 420,000 Coloradans have diabetes and an additional 20,000 Coloradans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser was also in attendance at the bill signing. In addition to the co-pay cap, the law also directs the Colorado Attorney General’s office investigate business practices, organization, pricing, and data of pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance carriers, and any other entity that influences insulin costs and create a report that explores possible legislative solutions. The report will be submitted to the governor, the commissioner of insurance, and the judiciary committees of the House and Senate in 2020. The annual medical cost related to diabetes in Colorado is almost $4 billion. Almost 18 percent of that cost, roughly $700 million, is for prescription insulin to treat diabetes. The cost of insulin rose by 45 percent between 2014 and 2017 and by over 700 percent over the last twenty years while the actual product of insulin has not changed in any significant way since 1996. Gov.Polis also signed Rep. Roberts’ bill that expands the types of locations that have automated external defibrillators. HB19-1183 encourages any person that owns, operates, or manages a public place to place functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in sufficient quantities to ensure reasonable availability for use during perceived sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. Previous Next