Bill to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals Clears Senate

Legislation would create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, legislation to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals.

“Colorado has passed nation leading policy in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

“From my first day as a legislator, I've worked on sustainability issues,” Cutter said. "It is critical that we fully support and employ in state agencies the practices that align with our goals and values as a state. From coordinating efforts on sustainable infrastructure projects to leveraging federal funding available for sustainable practices, the Office of Sustainability will be a critical asset as we continue our work to achieve Colorado’s climate goals. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to join Senator Hansen on this important bill.”

SB24-214 would create the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Personnel and Administration to streamline sustainability practices across state agencies. The office would be charged with:

• Facilitating sustainable infrastructure projects with other state agencies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, and waste diversion;

• Saving water, including through xeriscaping and native plant landscaping;

• Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts;

• Setting goals for state government;

• Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies; and

• Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices.

The bill would also create the Sustainability Revolving Fund for the office to replace state owned gas- and diesel-powered equipment located in the ozone nonattainment area on the Front Range.

SB24-214 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Buckner, Coleman Legislation to Expand CROWN Act Protections

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would better protect Coloradans against hairstyle discrimination cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1451 would expand hairstyle discrimination protections already established under the CROWN Act of 2020 to include hair length.

“We passed the CROWN Act to make sure every Coloradan is able to express their identity and culture without fear, and this legislation will add to those protections to make it illegal to discriminate based on hair length,” Coleman said. “I am proud to champion this bill that will ensure all Coloradans are able to express who they are.”

"Hair length has been used to discriminate for far too long,” Buckner said. “This bill builds upon the success we’ve seen in addressing this type of discrimination, and will add further protections so that every Coloradan can wear a hairstyle that is rooted in their culture and reflects who they are.”

Colorado’s 2020 CROWN Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and hair type, and protects hairstyles like dreadlocks, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros and headwraps. HB24-1451 would add hair length to Colorado’s CROWN Act.
 
HB24-1451 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Rodriguez’s Bill to Establish Standards for Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez’s, D-Denver, legislation to establish standards and requirements for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Colorado. 

Algorithmic discrimination has been shown to make biased determinations in cases involving hiring practices, housing applications, financial services, and health care coverage. SB24-205 would require AI developers to use reasonable care to avoid discrimination when using high-risk AI systems. Under the bill, developers would be required to implement risk management strategies to help protect against algorithmic discrimination. A developer would be required to report any known discovery of any algorithmic discrimination to the Attorney General within 90 days.

“AI systems are evolving faster than we can write and pass policy on them – which is why we need to act now,” said Rodriguez. “Many system’s algorithms have biases baked in and can easily result in discriminatory outcomes when it comes to housing applications, hiring practices, and more. This important bill will establish foundational guardrails for developers utilizing high risk AI systems with a goal of reducing algorithmic discrimination and creating a safer user experience for consumers. However, this is just a first step, and as technology continues to evolve, our work in this space must evolve alongside it.”

The bill would also require businesses using AI to publish a statement summarizing the types of systems they deploy and how they manage foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination, and provide notice to a consumer if high-risk systems will be making any consequential decisions.

SB24-205 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Advances Pair of Bills to Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness, Improve Wildfire Mitigation

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee advanced a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to continue wildfire prevention awareness and improve wildfire mitigation in rural communities.

“We must use every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for the increased number and intensity of wildfires,” said Cutter. “The bills advanced today will help get these tools and valuable information into communities under threat of wildfire, including those in under-resourced rural communities.”

HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface.

In 2022, Cutter sponsored legislation that directed CSFS to create a working group and implement an enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaign for 2023 and 2024.

The Committee also advanced HB24-1006, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, which would establish a grant program within CSFS to provide grant funds to nonprofits to aid rural communities in navigating and applying for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. The array of available resources can be complex to wade through, which is why navigation assistance is critical to help communities obtain the resources they need to combat wildfires through prevention tactics, response efforts, and risk management.

Both bills now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Track HB24-1024’s progress HERE and HB24-1006’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Create New TABOR Refund Mechanism, Better Support Colorado Families Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, that would restructure the refund mechanisms for state revenue collected above the TABOR cap and ensure Colorado is able to meet its commitment to fund critical services and schools cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

SB24-228, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would temporarily lower income tax rates and create a new formula to determine future refund amounts through a six-tier refund mechanism and income tax rate reduction, and sales and use tax reductions in years with higher surpluses. 

"Making sure Colorado's tax code works for all Coloradans is one of my top priorities, which is why this bill, combined with our work to bolster critical tax credits that benefit working families, is so important,” Mullica said. "Taken together, these measures will put more money into the pockets of working Colorado families, cut child poverty in half, and make it easier to make ends meet."

SB24-228 will ensure Colorado meets its funding obligations during a recession and, when paired with the new Family Affordability Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, will support working Colorado families by reducing child poverty and boosting the incomes of hardworking people.

SB24-228 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee 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 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 Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track SB24-229 HERE, and SB24-230 HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Create New TABOR Refund Mechanism, Better Support Colorado Families Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, that would restructure the refund mechanisms for state revenue collected above the TABOR cap and ensure Colorado is able to meet its commitment to fund critical services and schools cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

SB24-228, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would temporarily lower income tax rates and create a new formula to determine future refund amounts through a six-tier refund mechanism and income tax rate reduction, and sales and use tax reductions in years with higher surpluses. 

"Making sure Colorado's tax code works for all Coloradans is one of my top priorities, which is why this bill, combined with our work to bolster critical tax credits that benefit working families, is so important,” Mullica said. "Taken together, these measures will put more money into the pockets of working Colorado families, cut child poverty in half, and make it easier to make ends meet."

SB24-228 will ensure Colorado meets its funding obligations during a recession and, when paired with the new Family Affordability Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, will support working Colorado families by reducing child poverty and boosting the incomes of hardworking people.

SB24-228 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee 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 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 Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track SB24-229 HERE, and SB24-230 HERE.

Senate Committee Advances Legislation to Increase Penalties for Child Labor Violations

Bill would increase financial penalties for businesses that violate the law, incentivize reporting and improve transparency

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today passed legislation to ramp up financial penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws.

Under current law, first-time child labor law violators face little-to-no financial consequences. HB24-1095, sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, would update the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 and strengthen the penalty structure, raising total employer liability for first-time offenses and for willful or repeated offenses. It would also remove legal disincentives that keep victims of child labor violations from reporting and protect child workers from employer retaliation.

“As child labor protections have been rolled back in different parts of the country, it’s essential we strengthen ours and hold violators accountable,” said Sullivan. “Our current child labor laws are decades out of date, and are no longer serving as the deterrent they were meant to be. This bill is common sense: we can protect youth and whistleblowers while also ensuring businesses operate lawfully.”

Additionally, this bill would strengthen employer transparency by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish child labor violations or determinations. CDLE must issue a written notice to an employer with a description of penalties and damages owed if the act is violated. All fine revenue would be deposited into the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund, which distributes payments owed to Colorado employees who have filed claims of wage theft.

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

Committee Advances Pair of Bills to Reduce Competency Waitlist, Improve Efficiency in Competency System

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced 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 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 rate. 

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 Committee also advanced 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.

HB24-1355 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. HB24-1034 now heads to the Senate floor. Track its progress HERE.

Coleman’s Bill to Better Support Justice-Engaged Youth Earns Committee 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 Education Committee 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 Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Limit Use of Prone Restraint Clears Senate

HB24-1372 would require law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy on the use of prone restraint and train officers on that policy

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved legislation to limit law enforcement’s use of prone restraint.

Prone restraint is a tactic used by law enforcement that involves placing a person face down to restrain them, and often includes law enforcement officers applying pressure to the person’s back or neck.

Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, HB24-1372 would require that law enforcement agencies adopt, and publish on their website, a written policy regarding the use of prone restraint. The policy must include when medical aid must be requested or rendered after the use of prone restraint.

“Due to its high risk of injury and even death, law enforcement officers must do everything possible to avoid the use of prone restraint,” Fields said. “Going against best practices, over the past few years we have seen troubling examples of harmful uses of prone restraint. This long overdue bill will reinforce best practices, help prevent injury and avoid future deaths.”

“In many circumstances, prone restraint is a tactic used safely by law enforcement and does not lead to harmful outcomes. However, when misused, it can lead to serious injury and even death, and one death is too many," said Gonzales. "Officers are already trained on the appropriate use of the tactic, but outliers unfortunately occur. This bill codifies best practices for the use of prone restraint, promoting safety for community members who are placed in it, and the law enforcement officers who deploy it, while extending currently existing liability to officers who misuse it."

Under the bill, law enforcement agencies would be required to adopt a policy on the use of prone restraint by July 1, 2025 and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board would be required to make a training on the use of the prone position available to law enforcement agencies. By July 1, 2026, law enforcement agencies would be required to implement and train peace officers on the provisions of their adopted policies and procedures.

HB24-1372 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Roberts Bill to Ensure EpiPen Affordability, Save Coloradans Money

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would boost enforcement of a law intended to save Coloradans money on epinephrine auto injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1438 builds on Roberts’ bill to cap the cost of a two pack of EpiPens at $60 by increasing the fines for noncompliance to $10,000 for each month of noncompliance. The bill also authorizes the Colorado Attorney General to enforce the program, and makes it a deceptive trade practice for failure to comply with the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program.

“Nobody should have to choose between affording their prescription drugs and paying rent or putting food on the table - but too many families like the ones I represent on the Western Slope are being forced to do just that when it comes to insulin or EpiPens, despite the state law that requires them to be sold at a price families can afford,” Roberts said. “This bill will put more teeth into enforcing our landmark legislation to make EpiPens more affordable, and hold accountable the bad actors who continue to charge Colorado families an arm and a leg for this life saving medication.”

HB23-1002 created the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program, which allows uninsured Coloradans with a prescription to obtain low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors. Under the law, manufacturers are required to provide access to the program on their websites - but recent reports show that some pharmacies and manufacturers are not complying with the new law. 

HB24-1438 will now move to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Michaelson Jenet Bill to Improve Access to Health Care Passes Senate

Bill would address health care workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to health care.

SB24-141, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would allow out-of-state health care providers to register and practice telehealth in Colorado. To apply for telehealth registration, applicants would be required to possess an active and unencumbered license, certificate, registration, or credential issued by a governmental authority in another state.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care regardless of their age, income, or zip code,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We’re working to address health care workforce shortages by making it easier to provide telehealth and mental health care services in Colorado, helping secure access to care for every Coloradan who needs it.”

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, over 1.2 million Coloradans are in primary care shortage areas, and over 2.8 million are in mental health professional shortage areas. The legislation aims to decrease wait and travel times for rural residents, and break down barriers to underserved communities who may find language barriers with their current providers.

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

Bipartisan Ginal Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1009, also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would expand bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood.

“Every Colorado family deserves access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education, but those resources aren’t available to every family who needs them,” Ginal said. “This bill will help improve bilingual outreach to help Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, which will make our early childhood system more accessible and inclusive. Bilingual early childhood programs will help children grow and learn, and give more families access to the early childhood services they deserve.”

The bill would expand licensed child care options across the state by improving outreach and helping Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, while providing more linguistically relevant child care options for children and families. 

HB24-1009 will now move to the Governor’s desk. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Protect Colorado Libraries From Book Bans

Colorado saw a 143 percent increase in book ban attempts in 2023, according to the American Library Association

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed legislation to address the rise in attempts to ban certain books from Colorado libraries.

SB24-216, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would establish policies for the acquisition, retention, and display of library sources, as well as their removal upon the request of a patron. Libraries would not be allowed to remove content based on the demographics of the author or based on partisan disapproval of the topic. 

“Librarians work hard to provide their patrons with an inclusive array of materials, but culture war extremists are attacking them trying to deny other library goers materials and programming they don’t agree with,” said Cutter. “As more states move to ban books and limit citizens’ freedoms, we have to protect free speech and ensure access to information in Colorado. This bill protects librarians and ensures libraries remain welcoming and enriching spaces for all.”

“The freedom to read is one of our most precious rights, providing us with knowledge and skills to think critically and be informed citizens,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Most books challenged have been written by or about a historically marginalized group. This political tactic has dire consequences, especially for children, whom research shows benefit from culturally and racially responsive representation. Our communities deserve to be represented in public spaces like libraries, and codifying those legal standards demonstrates our commitment to protecting all Coloradans.”

Under this bill, libraries may only remove materials based on the policies their board adopts, and librarians would be protected from retaliation, discrimination, or termination for any resource that is not removed in accordance with the board’s policy. 

Finally, a person who requests that material may be removed must live within the service area of the library, and their requests would be public under the Colorado Open Records Act. For example, if a person requests a book be removed from a Jefferson County Public Library, they must reside within Jefferson County.

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

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and child abuse engaged in court proceedings cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1350, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would make changes to the regulation of child and family investigators and evaluators. The bill would:

• Increase the hours of training required for investigators and evaluators;

• Require investigators and evaluators to provide options to the court that serve the best interest of the child;

• Require investigators and evaluators to provide written disclosure about their duties to each party involved in a court proceeding; 

• Require investigators and evaluators to include all information concerning domestic violence and child abuse acquired during the case, regardless of how they learn this information; and

• Require court personnel to be trained on coercive control, or a pattern of behavior an abuser uses to gain control and power over their victim.

“Too often, when domestic violence or child abuse is reported in custody cases, not only is custody ultimately awarded to the abuser, but survivors’ experiences are not taken seriously or are disregarded altogether,” said Winter. “In recent years, we have passed important legislation to increase awareness around these issues, but there’s more we can do. The protections included in this bill will ensure investigators have the necessary tools to reduce victim blaming bias and ensure safety for all of Colorado’s youth.”

“Victims of domestic violence and child abuse are often retraumatized during court proceedings by custody decisions that put them in further danger,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We must do everything we can to ensure child and family investigators are well-trained and equipped to act in the best interest of victims, which is why this bill is so important. With this bill, we’re helping ensure victims’ well-being and safety, while also improving accountability in our court system.”

HB24-1350 would also require a court to consider the health and safety needs of a child when allocating parenting time. If a court orders unsupervised parenting time for a parent accused of domestic violence or child abuse, the court must make a statement on why that decision is in the best interest of the child. 

Finally, the bill charges the State Court Administrator (SCA) with accepting complaints against family investigators and evaluators, and requires the SCA to annually report those complaints to the legislature.

HB24-1350 will now return to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Marchman’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Mental Health in Rural Colorado Clears Senate

Legislation would create a behavioral health liaison position for agricultural and rural communities

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bipartisan bill to promote and support mental health care in rural and agricultural communities.

SB24-055, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would improve access to behavioral health care in rural Colorado by creating a new Agricultural and Rural Community Behavioral Health program that would work to better connect farmers, ranchers, and their families with behavioral health care. The program would partner with the Department of Agriculture, health providers, and directly with agriculture communities throughout Colorado.

“Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and their families are struggling to get the behavioral health care they urgently need, and the results have been disastrous,” Marchman said.  “Everyone deserves to have behavioral health care created by and for their own communities. This bill will bolster our ongoing efforts to close the rural mental health gap, and ultimately help save lives across our state.” 

The bill would also establish a working group and centralize existing grant programs within the Department of Agriculture to better address the root causes of behavioral health issues in rural and agricultural communities. 

SB24-055 now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Bill to Increase Protections for Gig Workers Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency cleared the Senate yesterday.

Delivery Network Companies (DNCs) are entities that operate online apps or platforms that allow users to order goods for delivery, such as UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub. Sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, HB24-1129 aims to improve wage and task transparency for DNC drivers by requiring disclosures with specific information and providing workers with the ability to make informed decisions about which tasks to accept.

“For delivery drivers working for companies like UberEats or GrubHub, details about fares and earnings are shrouded in mystery,” said Hinrichsen. “This creates uncertainty about their take home wages and can make it difficult to budget for their family. This important bill will increase protections for delivery drivers and hold DNCs accountable to fair wages and employment practices, just like every other industry.”

“This year, we’re taking major strides to guarantee delivery drivers transparency around their wages and work,” Priola said. “Providing clear information about how much a company is making and how much a driver is taking home will create a better understanding of delivery processes for drivers and consumers alike. I’m proud to champion this bill and Senate Bill 75, both of which ensure all app-based drivers receive the essential details about their work that they deserve.”

Before a driver accepts a delivery task, DNCs would be required to disclose:

• An estimated or actual amount the driver will earn for the task;

• The number of transactions involved in the task;

• The address(es) where the food, beverages, or other goods must be picked up from;

• The direction from where the driver is required to pick up the goods and the location where goods must be delivered;

• The estimated or actual time it will take for the driver to complete the task; and

• The estimated or actual distance the driver will travel for the task.

Under the bill, when a consumer is prompted to leave a tip for a delivery driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis, DNCs would be required to disclose the amount of money that the consumer paid or will pay for the transaction. It would also require the DNC to pay the entire tip to the driver.

Finally, the bill would require a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer.

HB24-1129 now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Buckner, Coleman Legislation to Expand CROWN Act Protections Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would better protect Coloradans against hairstyle discrimination cleared the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today.

HB24-1451 would expand hairstyle discrimination protections already established under the CROWN Act of 2020 to include hair length.

“We passed the CROWN Act to make sure every Coloradan is able to express their identity and culture without fear, and this legislation will add to those protections to make it illegal to discriminate based on hair length,” Coleman said. “I am proud to champion this bill that will ensure all Coloradans are able to express who they are.”

"Hair length has been used to discriminate for far too long,” Buckner said. “This bill builds upon the success we’ve seen in addressing this type of discrimination, and will add further protections so that every Coloradan can wear a hairstyle that is rooted in their culture and reflects who they are.”

Colorado’s 2020 CROWN Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, hair type, and protects hairstyles like dreadlocks, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros and headwraps. HB24-1451 would add hair length to Colorado’s CROWN Act.
 
HB24-1451 now moves to the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.