Senate Committee Clears Bipartisan Marchman Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Child Care

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bipartisan legislation that would create three programs for the development of child care facilities. 

HB24-1237, also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would help reduce costs for developing child care facilities by providing technical planning, building, construction, and development support.

“I’m proud to see our bipartisan legislation to increase affordable child care options move forward today,” said Marchman. “Quality, affordable child care is essential to support Colorado’s workforce, and by providing funding to develop new and convert existing spaces into childcare centers, we can offer more options to Colorado families.”

This legislation would create the framework to provide planning and capital grants, and technical support for local governments, institutions of higher education, public schools, employers, private partners, builders, and child care providers.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Follow its progress HERE.
 

Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes Senate Committee

New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Finance Committee passed legislation to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services Fund and behavioral health crisis response services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry.

If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $39 million annually.

“Coloradans have shown time and again that they want to make our communities safer, and supporting crime victims is a critical part of that,” Hansen said. “With this measure, Coloradans would have the chance to vote to ensure victim services like youth behavioral health care and violence prevention are sustained for years to come. These programs are essential across the state and can help cut off the cycle of crime before it continues.”

“With federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act to decrease in Colorado by 40 to 50 percent in the next year, it is so important we pass this measure to support victims of crime,” said Buckner. “Many families in my community rely on services like housing support and legal advocacy as they navigate their painful ordeal – which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to create consistent funding for them.” 

The funds would be allocated in the following manner:

• $30 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants;

• $9 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and to provide mental health services for veterans; and

• Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors.

Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would save Coloradans money on housing by eliminating parking minimums for residential properties cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1304, sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would prohibit a county or municipality from enacting or enforcing minimum parking requirements for most multifamily residential properties within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) that are within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station.

“Parking mandates drive up housing costs, increase traffic congestion, and make it harder for Colorado to hit its climate goals,” Priola said. “Developers can always choose to include parking, but eliminating minimum requirements will increase the availability of housing, drive down prices, and help ensure more Coloradans have a place to call home.”

“Parking spots cost tens of thousands of dollars each to build - an unacceptable number at a time when too many Coloradans are struggling to find housing they can afford,” Hinrichsen said. “We must do more to encourage the construction of new housing in our state, including for Pueblo which has a large amount of land devoted to parking that could be redeveloped as housing and businesses. This bill will make it easier to do just that while reducing traffic, bolstering economic development, and freeing up valuable space for our communities while enhancing our downtowns.”

The bill would still allow a local government to impose a parking minimum of up to one space per unit on proposed housing developments with more than 20 units or that include any units classified as affordable housing. To impose this mandate, they must show that the parking minimum is required to avoid a substantial negative impact. 

HB24-1304 does not allow a county or municipality to lower protections for people with disabilities, and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes.

Lastly, the bill requires the Colorado Department of Transportation and other state agencies to publish a report of best practices and strategies for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024.

Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. In 2020, each new structured parking space in Denver cost $25,000 each.

Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased one percent, while Denver saw an average increase of nearly five percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums.

The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

HB24-1304 will now move to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Pair of Bills to Reduce Competency Waitlist, Improve Efficiency in Competency System

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved a pair of bills to reduce the competency waitlist and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the competency system.

Last year, Colorado had 448 people who were deemed to be incompetent to proceed by a court and were waiting to receive competency restoration services before proceeding to trial, with an average wait time of 66 days. HB24-1355, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, aims to reduce this competency waitlist through the creation of the Bridges Wraparound Care Program, which would deflect eligible individuals with mental health struggles from the criminal justice system into wraparound care services.

“Colorado’s exorbitantly long competency waitlist is a long-standing issue, and I’m proud that this year we’re advancing policy to start addressing the problem,” said Michaelson Jenet. “When individuals languish on the competency waitlist, they’re not receiving the treatment they need and their likelihood to reenter the criminal justice system greatly increases. The Bridges Wraparound Care Program offers folks a path forward that ensures their needs are being met while helping break the cycle of reoffense and reentry in our criminal justice system.”

A defendant is deemed eligible for the Bridges Wraparound Care Program if a district attorney  and defense counsel agree that there is reasonable cause to believe the defendant will be found incompetent and if the defendant does not pose a risk to public safety. Allowing eligible defendants to participate in the program will give them access to critical behavioral health services while helping reduce Colorado’s recidivism rates. 

Under the bill, if a defendant in the Program complies with their individualized care plan for a specified amount of time, the court must dismiss the charges against the defendant.

The Senate also approved HB24-1034, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, which would streamline complicated processes in the competency system to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

“Colorado’s competency system is overwhelmed and overcomplicated,” Fields said. “Folks are struggling with difficult mental health issues, and they need help now. It’s past time we make updates to our competency system to ensure more people are getting the behavioral health care support they need to stay out of the criminal justice system and live more whole lives.”

To help get people who are unlikely to be restored to competency into appropriate treatment, the bill imposes new time limits for when a defendant who has been deemed incompetent to proceed can remain in custody. Additionally, the bill directs when competency services may be provided on an outpatient basis.

Both bills now return to the House for consideration of amendments. Track HB24-1355’s progress HERE and HB24-1034’s progress HERE.

Senate Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today passed bipartisan legislation that would save Coloradans money on housing by expanding the Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC).

HB24-1434, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would increase Colorado’s Affordable Housing Income Tax Credit (AHTC) annually by $20 million for 2024-2026, $16 million for 2027-2029, and $10 million for 2023-2031. The state AHTC is paired with federal incentives to create a greater statewide impact. 

“Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit in its previous form was so successful, we had three applicants for every one that we could satisfy,” said Zenzinger. “By doubling the amount available to incentivize developers, we anticipate that we will generate thousands of living units that otherwise wouldn’t have existed, helping so many working families to get into their own homes. I look forward to watching the positive results as they unfold in the coming years.”

The AHTC Program was created in 2021 to support affordable housing developments across the state and has been renewed numerous times since then. From 2015 to 2021, the program has aided the development of over 8,000 housing units, supported nearly 24,000 jobs, and had an economic impact of $3.6 billion.

Additionally, the bill would invest $150 million in the Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund for tax credits to incentivize the development of affordable housing in transit corridors. This incentive would ensure Colorado communities can plan for the future and increase the housing supply near existing, new, or expanded public transit, jobs and job centers, and safe biking and walking corridors. 

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Clears Committee

Bill would reinstate and expand critical protections jeopardized by the Sackett v. EPA decision

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Finance Committee approved Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan legislation to protect streams, rivers, and wetlands.

The Clean Water Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams work to ensure an adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado.

“There is no more important resource to our state and no more pressing challenge that we will face as a state in the decades to come than protecting our water,” said Roberts. “Last year’s Supreme Court decision jeopardized protections for over half of Colorado’s wetlands, which threatens water supply, wildlife habitats, and our state’s environment and economy. This bipartisan bill will protect streams, rivers, and wetlands that are vital to Colorado by creating a new Colorado-based permitting program to implement proven best practices for dredge and fill activities with key protections for agriculture and other crucial industry activity.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB24-1379 would create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers, and would provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, ditch maintenance, and erosion control practices would not require a permit.

Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA, the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. HB24-1379 would provide a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources.

HB24-1379 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Pair of Bills to Cut Child Poverty, Support Working Colorado Families

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today approved a pair of bills that will better support working Colorado families.

HB24-1311, sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, would create the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC). This credit would be available to parents with children aged 16 and younger, and the maximum credit amount would be $3,200 per child and would be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment.

“Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Winter. “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’re going to see this session. I am extremely pleased to be a part of making this bill possible, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.”

“Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Coleman. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.”

The FATC is available to single tax filers with a federal adjusted gross income up to $75,000 or joint filers up to $85,000

The Committee also passed HB24-1134, sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, which would permanently expand the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by setting it to a baseline of 50 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 35 percent for tax year 2025, and at least 30 percent for tax years beginning 2026, and allowing it to increase up to 50 percent in years of strong economic growth in 2025 and beyond.

“Our tax code is skewed towards benefitting earners at the top, which is why I am fighting to pass measures like this that shift the balance towards all Coloradans,” Hinrichsen said. “This legislation will provide significant relief for the folks who need it most, and make it easier for Colorado’s working families to get by.”

In addition to permanently expanding the EITC for Colorado families, HB24-1134 would merge the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Low-income Child Care Expenses Tax Credit to create the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of up to $60,000. 

Both bills will now be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track HB24-1311 HERE, and HB24-1134 HERE.

Senate Approves Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit

DENVER, CO – The Senate 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 Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, would establish more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The bill will: 

• Require the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. 

• Expand enforcement actions and develop new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. 

• Establish additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions.

• Codify rulemaking to achieve the Governor’s directive to reduce 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.

“Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Winter. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. This legislation is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids."

“Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark agreement,” said Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This bill is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all."

The Committee also advanced SB24-230, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, which 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 prices. 

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 vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. 

"Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes this legislation all the more exciting," Fenberg. “It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of an agreement we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits these bills will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come."

“Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. These bills give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.”

The new fee will be tied to oil and gas prices with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to 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 is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including Northwest and North rail lines 

To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on benefitting native biodiversity.

Both bills will now move to the House for further consideration. Track SB24-229 HERE, and SB24-230 HERE.

Coleman’s Bill to Better Support Justice-Engaged Youth Earns Senate Approval

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, that would boost support for K-12 justice-engaged students cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1216 would establish a Student Bill of Rights, collect graduation data, set standards for credit transfers, and create a hotline for legal and educational resources aimed at helping justice-engaged youth succeed.

“Just because a student becomes involved with the juvenile justice system doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of an education and a future,” Coleman said. “This bill is important, and would help reduce recidivism while giving justice-involved students a shot at gaining the skills and knowledge they need to graduate school and build a successful life for themselves.”

HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs.

The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support.

HB24-1216 will now move to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Approves Coleman’s Bill to Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Reduce Recidivism

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, that would strengthen Colorado’s workforce and reduce recidivism. 

HB24-1004 would ensure Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. 

“Coloradans who have a criminal record face significant barriers to entry when looking for jobs, which makes it harder to break the cycle of incarceration and rebuild their lives,” Coleman said. “This bill aims to break down those barriers and make it easier for formerly incarcerated Coloradans to re-enter their communities and find a good-paying job that supports them and their families.”

HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The bill includes a wide range of careers from the construction and banking industries to IT. The bill further prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element that is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application.

HB24-1004 will now move to the Senate floor. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Passes Two Bills to Bolster Colorado’s Workforce

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Finance Committee passed two pieces of legislation to address workforce shortages in in-demand areas.

HB24-1312, sponsored by Majority Leader Rodriguez, D-Denver, would create a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit.

For tax years 2025 through 2028, the bill would create a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for:

• Home health care workers who provided at least 1,200 hours of home health care or worked in a licensing nursing facility in the relevant tax year;

• Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year; or

• Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care workers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System.

“Robust access to care work increases work force participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Rodriguez. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. Our bill is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.”

The committee also passed HB24-1439, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, that would create a refundable state income tax credit and two grant programs to boost registered apprenticeship opportunities. This income tax credit is available to businesses operating in a new and emerging industry with a registered apprenticeship program. 

“I’m committed to paving the way for equitable access to opportunity, so that all Coloradans have the chance to get ahead – and a key way we can do that is by investing in our workforce,” Coleman said. “We’re bringing forward resources that will expand existing programs and increase the adoption of registered apprenticeships. These investments can create more than 8,000 new apprenticeships, and give Coloradans the opportunities they need to succeed.”

The bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Sedalia, would also create the Scale-Up Grant Program to start new or expand existing registered apprenticeship programs and the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant Program to connect employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs.

The bills now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow HB24-1312’s progress HERE, and HB24-1439’s progress HERE.

Senate Committee Approves Bill to Implement Statewide Jail Standards

Legislation would require jails to follow standards adopted by the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would help improve the health and safety of individuals housed in jails across the state and those employed in jails, and to ensure that persons experiencing incarceration have a basic set of rights.

HB24-1054, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, extends the duties of the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards that address and improve the rights of people incarcerated in jails, including access to health care, visitation, housing and more. Jails must comply with these standards by July 1, 2026.

“Too often differences in Colorado jail standards result in a lack of appropriate care,” said Coleman. “By requiring jails to comply with statewide standards established by the Legislative Oversight Committee, we can better ensure that individuals' needs are being met and we can improve outcomes for those incarcerated in Colorado jails. I look forward to the work ahead to implement statewide standards and build on our progress of creating a more just criminal justice system.”

“In order to reduce recidivism and improve safety in our communities, certain quality standards must be met in Colorado’s jails,” said Fields. “With this bill, we are taking the first step towards implementing statewide jail standards and bolstering access to services that can better outcomes for incarcerated individuals. By involving a broad coalition on the Jail Standards Advisory Committee, we will develop a rounded approach to the continued improvement of incarcerated Coloradans’ rights.”

The bill would also create a Jail Standards Advisory Committee composed of sheriffs, county commissioners, the state public defender, a health professional, and an advocate from a statewide organization. The Advisory Committee would be charged with conducting jail assessments, establishing standards and procedures, and submitting an annual report and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee.

The Attorney General’s office could conduct investigations regarding potential violations of the standards. Under the bill, the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety would be required to create a list of funding assistance and resources for jails to offset the costs of complying with the new standards.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

SIGNED! Safe Housing for Residential Tenants Bill Becomes Law

Legislation aims to improve accountability under current law

DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation that updates existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. 

Colorado’s “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions haven’t received the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. SB24-094, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, updates existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise.

“We have a Warranty of Habitability standard in Colorado to make sure our communities are living in safe housing, but unfortunately the law is not working as intended,” said Gonzales. “I hear from constituents suffering from unsafe conditions who are not able to get the issue fixed and don’t have access to any other relief - everything from infestations, no heating or cooling for extended periods of time, and fear and intimidation tactics that prevent tenants from taking action. It is beyond time for us to update and clarify the statute, and I’m thankful to see this bill get signed into law today.”

“Every renter deserves for their home to be a safe place to live, yet loopholes in our tenant laws have left Coloradans in dangerous living situations,” said Lindsay. “These unsafe living situations negatively impact the health and safety of renters, and our current laws fail to hold landlords accountable for providing necessary repairs. With our new law, we’re clarifying our Warranty of Habitability laws to protect Colorado renters and ensure their right to safe and healthy housing.”

“Loopholes in existing law are keeping Coloradans in unsafe living conditions, such as homes with mold, sewage leaks, or rodent infestations,” Exum, Sr. said. “It’s time for Colorado to update these standards so tenants can have secure housing that is better suited to live, work, or raise a family.”

“From broken elevators to no access to running water, Colorado renters have struggled with ongoing maintenance issues that make it difficult for families, elders, and Coloradans with a disability to live their day-to-day lives,” said Froelich. “No one should be forced to deal with these living situations. Our law will ensure that renters have the right to timely repairs for mold, vermin, sewage leaks, and other serious issues to avoid preventable housing-related health conditions.”

SB24-094 modifies existing warranty of habitability laws by:

• Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that deal with life, safety, or health.

• Ensuring that notice of health or safety issues can be given to the landlord in many forms and clarifying that if a lease allows verbal notice, landlords are legally responsible for taking appropriate action once the verbal notice is given.

• Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair.

• Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices.

• Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law or otherwise seek monetary damages.

• Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities.

Legislation to Protect Coloradans’ Access to Prescription Drugs Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would protect Coloradans’ access to critical provider-administered prescription drugs by breaking down unnecessary barriers, including added fees, that make it difficult for patients to access their life-saving medication, cleared the Senate today.

“Countless Coloradans depend on lifesaving medications to live their best lives, but too often they are required to order drugs through specific pharmacies, a practice called white-bagging which makes the process more expensive and time-consuming,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This bill will prohibit the mandating of white-bagging, which will help make sure Coloradans are able to access the critical medication they need when they need it, saving them both time and money.”

HB24-1010 would also:

• Prohibit insurance carriers from requiring certain prescription drugs to be available only by specific pharmacies, or only at in-network pharmacies;

• Prevent insurance carriers from limiting or excluding provider-administered prescription drugs due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy; or

• Prohibit insurance carriers from imposing additional fees, copayments, or coinsurances due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy or if the provider-administered drug was not provided by a pharmacy in the carrier’s network.

HB24-1010 will now move back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Colorado legislation to expand size, scope of facial recognition task force narrowly passes

HB24-1051 would prohibit towing companies from patrolling parking residential lots

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate Finance Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, to crack down on predatory towing, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections.

HB24-1051 would direct the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to promulgate new rules for towing carriers, including requiring carriers to disclose additional information necessary for effective oversight and meaningful reporting. It would also end the practice of towing carriers patrolling, monitoring or policing properties to enforce parking restrictions on behalf of property owners.

“When my car was wrongfully towed last summer, it showed me how the laws we had in place were being ignored and weren’t strong enough. Since then, I’ve heard from countless Coloradans who have shared their experiences as well, which was the reason to come back to the table and further strengthen Colorado’s Towing Bill of Rights,” said Gonzales. “It all worked out for me in the end, but you shouldn’t have to be a senator or know the law forward and backward just to be treated fairly. This bill ensures towing companies aren’t hiding the ball when it comes to telling people their options and rights under the law. My hope is that with this bill we can better protect consumers and hold tow carriers responsible for following the law.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to improve consumer protections in the towing industry,” Priola said. “In the years since, we’ve learned that we need to do more to ensure Coloradans know their full range of options and that towing companies are actually following the law as intended. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation that makes much needed updates to our Towing Bill Rights and levels the playing field for Coloradans.”

Additionally, the bill aims to reduce incidents of wrongful towing by requiring the property owner to specifically authorize each non-consensual tow. Unauthorized vehicles would still be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. The bill would also make it a deceptive trade practice to conduct a non-consensual tow in violation of the law.

The bill also ramps up consumer protections by requiring companies to return a wrongfully towed vehicle to the original location within 48 hours and at no charge to the vehicle owner, and by improving parking lot signage to explain towing regulations clearly in both English and Spanish.

Finally, in an effort to improve long-term transparency, HB24-1051 would allow the PUC to suspend or revoke a towing carrier permit in certain circumstances and would address conflicts of interest for members of the Towing Task Force.

HB24-1051 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce, Higher Education Students Passes Committee

Bipartisan legislation includes the final round of funding for the Opportunity Now grant program

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed Senator Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, bipartisan bill to support workforce development.

HB24-1365, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. This bill supports the final of several rounds of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grant program which connects more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades.

“Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Bridges. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure that what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone."

Additionally, this bill would create the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program to help Coloradans get connected to these in-demand careers in their communities. HB24-1365 leverages federal investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act to establish a workforce shortage tax credit that helps with facility and equipment improvements needed to train workers in new emerging fields. 

The Opportunity Now Grant Program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries.

It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

ICYMI: Committee Approves Bill to Require Permit to Sell a Firearm

Legislation would reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license was approved by the Senate Finance Committee yesterday.

Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 would require firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit would be an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000.

“Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Bridges. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.”

“Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.”

Under the bill, firearm dealers would apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants would not be eligible for the permit if they have an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They would also be ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms.

Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include:

• Finger-printed background checks for employees every 3 years;

• Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit;

• Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law;

• Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and

• Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident.

Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent.

HB24-1353 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Increase Prescription Label Accessibility for Visually Impaired Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Denver, to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print disabled Coloradans.

HB24-1115 would require a pharmacy to provide Coloradans who are blind or are otherwise unable to read printed prescription labels with access to prescription drug label information. The bill would require pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients or caretakers with:

• An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device;

• A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format;

• Prescription drug label information in braille or large print; or

• Any other method recommended by the US Access Board.

“All patients deserve to have access to accommodations that meet their unique needs so that they can consistently receive critical information about their medications,” said Fenberg. “Prescription medications are critical to maintaining one’s health, and a lack of access to information about prescription medications can have serious, life-threatening consequences, such as accidentally taking an incorrect medication or dosage. This important bill will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.”

Pharmacies would have a 28 day grace period to provide a method of access if they have not been asked to provide that method of access before. The bill would also create the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels.

HB24-1115 now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Boost Rural Health Care Workforce Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan legislation to improve funding for rural health care. 

“Folks who live in rural communities like those I represent on the Western Slope face unique challenges with the cost of and lack of access to health care,” said Roberts. “In the legislature, I’ve worked to boost our rural health care workforce, and this bill will expand that successful program and support our rural hospitals with much needed supplemental funding so that they can keep their doors open and continue to serve their communities."

SB24-221, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, builds upon previous legislation that established the Colorado Rural Health Care Workforce Initiative to expand the number of health care professionals practicing in rural areas. This bill would designate additional funding for institutions of higher education to expand or establish an existing rural health care track program, as well as over $1.7 million for rural hospitals.

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Increase Federal Funds for Nutrition and Housing Support

DENVER, CO – The Senate passed bipartisan legislation today to help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. 

HB24-1322, sponsored by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would lay the groundwork for redirecting federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and secure housing. This legislation aims to create a path to redirect Medicaid funding for services that address health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program.

“With HB-1322 we have an opportunity to leverage federal funds and design Medicaid programs to help more Coloradans get the resources they need,” said Rodriguez. “Families I represent in Denver are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and make ends meet. Redirecting federal Medicaid funds to address more health-related social needs makes sense, and I’m glad to see it move forward.”

The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to conduct a feasibility study and pursue a 1115 Waiver so Medicaid can fund housing and nutrition services. The feasibility study would determine how Medicaid can pay for specific nutrition-based services such as medically tailored meals and pantry stocking, as well as helping with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, and eviction prevention and tenant support. 

Utilizing dollars already spent on housing and nutrition support services through a 1115 Medicaid Waiver would provide Colorado with a federal match and the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid programs to fit the needs of Coloradans. It would also help the state conserve local and state financial resources.

This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition support is successfully used in more than 15 states across the nation, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey and North Carolina.  

The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for signature. Follow its progress HERE.