Bill to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care Clears Committee

SB25-130 would ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected

DENVER, CO – Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman’s, D-Aurora, bill to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. 

“The people of Colorado deserve safe and accessible access to abortion and miscarriage care without exception, especially when lives are at stake in emergency situations,” said Gonzales. “We owe it to all Coloradans, and particularly the Coloradans most negatively impacted by barriers to reproductive care, to ensure that emergency care is always granted, no questions asked.” 

"In response to near total abortion bans in other states, the U.S. Supreme Court has so far done nothing, and the Trump administration has decided not to even ask it to try," said Weissman.  "As a part of our efforts to protect Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms in volatile times, it is imperative that we clarify in state law to patients and providers alike that emergency care in Colorado will remain comprehensive and accessible."

SB25-130 would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It would also create clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, guidelines for transfers and discharges. 

The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court is allowing states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies by sending cases back to lower courts. In response to threats to these federal protections, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado.

The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Passes Committee

HB25-1239 would expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced legislation to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws.

HB25-1239, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. 

“The cost of hiring an attorney prevents many Coloradans from pursuing justice after facing discrimination,” said Daugherty. “People with disabilities who are denied housing or turned away from public spaces deserve a clear path to hold wrongdoers accountable and access the support they need to move forward.”

“People with disabilities should have the same rights to seek damages after experiencing discrimination as any other protected group,” said Weissman. “This bill ensures that people with disabilities can be compensated for attorney fees, emotional distress, and other noneconomic harms if they experience discrimination or violation of their civil rights.”

This bill comes from a task force established by the legislature in 2023 to study the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and make recommendations. HB25-1239 would be the largest expansion of CADA enforcement rights since CADA was passed nearly 70 years ago.

This bill would allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under CADA for all protected classes. Under the bill, victims would be able to pursue attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party.

Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury would be limited to $50,000. A defendant would be entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days of the complaint and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the violation.

HB25-1239 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Protect Families of Deceased Relatives Unanimously Passes Senate

HB25-1108 would prevent landlords from going after family members when a tenant dies

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to prevent landlords from going after family members to collect rent when a tenant dies. 

“In the aftermath of the sudden death of a loved one, the last thing their families should be worried about is paying fees and damages for terminating a lease early,” Bridges said. “This bill would ensure family members aren’t on the hook for covering unreasonable outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement so they can grieve in peace.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1108, known as “Letty’s Act,” would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring the payment of certain costs if a lease is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the landlord is provided notice the unit is vacated, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement.

A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early.

HB25-1108 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Two Roberts Bills to Improve Water Access and Management Pass Senate

DENVER, CO – Two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to modernize and improve Colorado’s water management programs passed the Senate today. 

“Securing our state’s water future is one of the most pressing issues facing Colorado, especially for the rural and mountain communities I represent,” said Roberts. “Both of these bills update and expand tools and resources we use to ensure that we’re prepared to have enough water in the face of a hotter, drier future.”

HB25-1014, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would streamline permitting for Colorado’s groundwater and cut red tape for the Division of Water Resources to more efficiently issue and extend permits for Coloradans who want to build a water well. 

HB25-1115, cosponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would expand power for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to administer programs to monitor, measure, and disseminate data on snowpack using the latest technologies. These measures would strengthen our state’s ability to forecast water supply and flood hazards. 

HB25-1014 and HB25-1115 now head to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors

HB25-1184 would allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted unanimously passed the Senate today. 

“The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” Roberts said. “Access to transportation, nutrition support, and opportunities to socialize are incredibly beneficial services that help older Coloradans lead healthier, fuller lives.”

HB25-1184, cosponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, would allow for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities.

Waitlists for life care institutions, especially in rural or underserved areas, can be long. This bill would support the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and nutrition counseling. 

HB25-1184 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Committee Approves Construction Defects Reform Bill

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today approved legislation to reform Colorado’s construction defects laws and accelerate the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options.

Sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, HB25-1272 would encourage condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establish clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjust the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims.

“HB25-1272 will make fair and balanced reforms to our construction defects laws, ensuring that high-quality homes are built, problems are fixed before sale and excessive costs that deter development can be reined in,” said Coleman. “This bill is a proactive solution that incentivizes responsible development, making it a win-win for homeowners and builders alike. It’s intended to meet the demands of our communities, respond to changing demographics, and provide housing that is adaptable to different housing sizes and needs. With this legislation, we can create more attainable housing opportunities and ensure that more Coloradans can achieve the dream of homeownership.”

“In Colorado’s mountain and rural communities, there are teachers, police officers, small business owners, nurses, and other crucial working folks who desperately want to be able to buy a home and put roots down, but there’s not any housing available for them to purchase,” said Roberts. “For years, construction defects laws have stunted the development of condos and townhomes, generally more affordable housing options for first-time buyers. This legislation will change that and help ensure that we have a healthy mix of housing units, allowing more Coloradans to achieve their dream of homeownership.”

The bill would create the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program and allow builders to opt in to the program if they offer a warranty for defects and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, participating builders would receive additional protections against construction defect claims, which are costly for both sides to litigate and discourage condo development.

Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchases a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage caused by an alleged defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. When a participating construction professional receives a claim, they must provide documentation to the claimant related to building plans, soil reports, maintenance recommendations, and insurance. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim.

The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by:

• Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism,

• A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, or

• Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant.

From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84 percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Despite the downturn in condo construction, consumer demand remains high. 

HB25-1272 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services.

“Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward. This law will help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.”

“Colorado families like mine have experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and heartbreak because of the scourge of gun violence in this country, and it’s our job as lawmakers to support them however we can,” said Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This law clarifies the definition of a mass shooting in order to obtain every possible resource to financially and emotionally support our communities and quantify data analysis to shore up our response in the aftermath of senseless tragedies.”

“It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this law is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.”

SB25-059 directs the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The law also defines “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm.

JOINT RELEASE: SB25-003 Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB25-003, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood.

Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 implements and enforces Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill also prohibits the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, like bump stocks and binary triggers.

“High-capacity magazines are what put the ‘mass’ into mass shootings, which is why over a decade ago Colorado Democrats passed legislation to prohibit magazines that hold over 15 rounds of ammunition,” said Sullivan. “This legislation is another in the list of policies I have worked on to develop evidence-based solutions and reduce gun violence of all types. The people of Colorado have mandated that we do something about the public health crisis that is gun violence, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

“Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used far too many times to terrorize Colorado communities,” said Boesenecker. “The trauma, grief, and loss due to mass shootings are felt deeply in our communities, and as a former public school teacher and a parent of three children, I worry daily about the safety of some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With this legislation becoming law today, we will help save lives and prevent future tragedies in Colorado.”

“Gun violence continues to have devastating effects on Colorado communities, and we must do more to protect lives,” said Gonzales. “The firearm industry’s profits come, time and again, at the expense of public safety and something has to change. Senate Bill 3 is about holding firearm manufacturers to account, ending the industry’s profit motivation, and enforcing the law we have had on the books for more than a decade. I’m honored to join Senator Sullivan on this legislation and in his work to reduce gun violence in Colorado.”

“Semi-automatic weapons paired with high-capacity magazines result in a much greater loss of innocent lives, which is why we must fully enforce Colorado Democrats’ decade-old law banning high-capacity magazines,” said Froelich. “Coloradans deserve to grocery shop, go to school, and worship without worrying about being a victim in the next mass shooting. This gun violence prevention law requires that all firearm purchasers complete a rigorous safety training course and acquire a permit to purchase the most deadly weapons on the market to ensure that they are not a danger to themselves or our communities.”

SB25-003 allows a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more.

The bill does not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines, and the majority of handguns. While SB25-003 prohibits the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, are not impacted by the bill. The bill does not impact possession of currently-owned firearms.

In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre.

Bipartisan Bill to Protect Families of Deceased Relatives Unanimously Passes Senate Committee

HB25-1108 would prevent landlords from going after family members when a tenant dies

DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to prevent landlords from going after family members to collect rent when a tenant dies unanimously passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee. 

“In the aftermath of the sudden death of a loved one, the last thing their families should be worried about is paying fees and damages for terminating a lease early,” Bridges said. “This bill would ensure family members aren’t on the hook for covering unreasonable outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement so they can grieve in peace.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1108, known as “Letty’s Act,” would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring the payment of certain costs if a lease is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the landlord is provided notice the unit is vacated, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement.

A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early.

HB25-1108 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Identify Outstanding Warrants, Reduce Recidivism Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, to identify outstanding warrants and help reduce recidivism. 

Cosponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant or pending Colorado court cases at certain points when a person is in custody.

“Right now, our process to search for and notify people of outstanding warrants is inefficient and wastes taxpayer money,” said Ball. “This bill is about increasing efficiency in these search processes to allow Coloradans to address their existing warrants – typically for low-level offenses – while they are already incarcerated. This will help reduce recidivism and ensure that Coloradans leaving the justice system and re-entering their communities are better equipped to do so successfully.”

The bill would require the DOC to search for these records upon initial evaluation of the Time Computation Unit and between three and eight months before a community corrections eligibility date.

The bill would also require the DOC to establish policies that address requests for additional searches by the public defender liaison to the department. If an outstanding warrant or pending case is discovered during a search, the DOC would be required to notify the offender, a public defender liaison, and the court that issued the warrant.

HB25-1116 now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors Passes Committee

HB25-1184 would allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted unanimously passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

“The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” Roberts said. “Opportunities to socialize, access transportation and nutrition support are incredibly beneficial services that help older Coloradans lead healthier, fuller lives.”

HB25-1184, cosponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, would allow for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities.

Waitlists for life care institutions, especially in rural or underserved areas, can be long. This bill would support the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and nutrition counseling. 

HB25-1184 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care Passes Senate

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. 

“Regular check-ups, cancer screenings, and immunizations are life-saving care that must be protected,” Jodeh said. “In recent months, we’ve seen dangerous threats to cut fundamental departments at the federal level that protect patients and providers. This bill ensures that even if those cuts do happen, Coloradans’ health care remains protected. Preventative services today mean avoiding emergency events tomorrow—events that can leave families with crippling debt and devastating health outcomes.”

“As an emergency care nurse, I’ve seen the worst-case scenarios that happen when preventive care measures are not taken – often because they’re not covered by insurance,” Mullica said. “This bill will make life-saving preventive care more accessible and help more patients avoid those worst-case scenarios.”

SB25-196 would give the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance within the Department of Regulatory Agencies the authority to reinstate recommendations on preventive care from federal agencies such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner to consult the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care in developing their recommendations. 

Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut billions of dollars from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care.

SB25-196 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Expand Housing Protections for Vulnerable Coloradans Passes Senate

HB25-1240 would bolster legal protections for Coloradans who use housing vouchers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other housing subsidies.

HB25-1240, sponsored by Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would ensure that tenants who use housing subsidies are afforded the same protections as other renters. 

“Eviction prevention is one of the most effective tools for maintaining housing stability and preventing homelessness,” said Winter. “Tenants who receive housing assistance - often seniors, veterans, young families, and people with disabilities - are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity and they should be guaranteed the commonsense protections in this bill to prevent eviction and expand access to safe, stable housing.” 

“This bill is personal for me – I was raised by a single mom and my family lost our home in the Great Recession,” said Wallace. “I know what it’s like to experience housing instability and to need a little help to make ends meet. Coloradans who use housing vouchers should have the same protections as every other renter. This bill would help keep working families in their homes and prevent eviction.”

The bill would require a landlord who owns four or more units to comply with the 30-day eviction notice requirement under the federal CARES Act, safeguarding protections for Colorado renters even if this federal protection is repealed. The bill would also require landlords to respond to a tenant’s request for information needed for a rental assistance application and to cooperate with rental assistance administrators. Additionally, it would strengthen enforcement of measures to prevent discrimination against tenants who use housing assistance. 

Current law requires landlords to reimburse tenants for the difference between rent that they have paid and the fair rental value when the landlord has violated warranty of habitability laws. This bill would ensure that tenants who receive housing subsidies are also entitled to these reimbursements. 

HB25-1240 would also direct the Division of Housing to compile and publish a list of resources for landlords, including information to help determine if a landlord’s property is covered under the bill and financial resources available to them.

HB25-1240 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Bipartisan Bill to Identify Outstanding Warrants, Reduce Recidivism Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, to identify outstanding warrants and help reduce recidivism. 

Cosponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant or pending Colorado court cases at certain points when a person is in custody.

“Right now, our process to search for and notify people of outstanding warrants is inefficient and wastes taxpayer money,” said Ball. “This bill is about increasing efficiency in these search processes to allow Coloradans to address their existing warrants – typically for low-level offenses – while they are already incarcerated. This will help reduce recidivism and ensure that Coloradans leaving the justice system and re-entering their communities are better equipped to do so successfully.”

The bill would require the DOC to search for these records upon initial evaluation of the Time Computation Unit and between three and eight months before a community corrections eligibility date.

The bill would also require the DOC to establish policies that address requests for additional searches by the public defender liaison to the department. If an outstanding warrant or pending case is discovered during a search, the DOC would be required to notify the offender, a public defender liaison, and the court that issued the warrant.

HB25-1116 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia

SB25-200 would require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Senate today unanimously passed legislation to ensure early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia, adding to existing reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.

SB25-200, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia.

“Supporting students with dyslexia requires a different approach than supporting those with general reading challenges – they need specific tools to succeed,” said Kolker. “The vast majority of other states already require universal dyslexia screenings, and it’s time for Colorado to step up. Early intervention is everything, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right information and support.”

“My ‘why’ for this bill is my amazing daughter, who has dyslexia,” said Mullica. “Even as a family actively involved in her education, we struggled to get her the support she needed to thrive. The screenings schools currently use for reading challenges don’t go far enough, and one-size-fits-all interventions simply don’t work.  By implementing universal, early dyslexia screenings, we can ensure that no child – regardless of their background or circumstance – falls through the cracks.” 

According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Colorado is one of seven states that does not mandate screenings for dyslexia. 

SB25-200 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act Signed Into Law

SB25-014 repeals unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law the Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act, implementing Amendment J and removing language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage.

SB25-014, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, repeals the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution.

“The freedom to marry who we love is a fundamental right,” said Danielson. “I cannot sit back and allow Coloradans to have their marriages and families put at risk. It’s especially important now, as the Trump Administration attacks the LGBTQ community, to secure everyone’s right to live safely in our state, and marry whomever they love.”

“This law implements the will of the voters and protects marriage equality in Colorado,” said Titone. “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this law upholds marriage equality in Colorado. By implementing the will of the voters we're protecting the freedom to marry who we love.” 

“Colorado voters have spoken; they want marriage equality constitutionally protected in our state,” said García. “In an era where the Trump administration continues to take aim at critical protections and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality. With this law, we’re fulfilling the will of the voters and taking steps to protect marriage equality now and into the future.”

Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election.

Legislation to Bring Down Costs, Prohibit Price Gouging on Essentials Passes Senate

HB25-1010 would save Coloradans money by cracking down on corporate price gouging during emergencies

DENVER, CO – A bill that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging on everyday necessities during a declared emergency passed the Senate today.

HB25-1010, sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would prohibit price gouging of essentials like groceries, diapers, and sanitary products during a disaster and empower the Colorado Attorney General to create and enforce rules to ensure compliance.

“This bill is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Weissman. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.”

Under the bill, price gouging would be defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities would include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public like groceries and toiletries.

A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HB25-1010 is one of several consumer protection bills that Senate Democrats have advanced in recent years, including a 2024 law to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster and a 2021 law to limit price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs. 

The bill now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Passes Senate

HB25-1006 would allow school districts to pursue long-term leases for renewable energy or affordable housing projects

DENVER, CO – A bill to help meet Colorado’s climate goals, reduce energy costs, and increase affordable housing opportunities passed the Senate today.

HB25-1006, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, would provide school districts the flexibility to pursue long-term leases for affordable housing projects, solar fields, and energy storage systems.

"This bill continues our work to make Colorado more affordable and find innovative ways to bring down the cost of housing,” said Bridges. "It just makes sense to let schools use land they already own for housing that's affordable for their teachers and other hardworking people in their community."

“This bill is a targeted update to give school districts the opportunity to pursue long-term projects that serve our communities, like providing affordable housing for their own educators or creating a community solar garden,” said Kolker. “It provides the flexibility school districts need to meet their communities’ housing and renewable energy needs.”

Under current law, school districts can only lease their land for up to ten years, which can hinder bids from investors or developers looking for longer-term leases. This bill would eliminate the ten year limit so school districts have more opportunities to lease their land for long-term, community-focused renewable energy or housing projects.

HB25-1006 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Increase Mental Health Funding for Veterans and Their Families Passes Senate

HB25-1132 would fund community-based programming for military members and their families

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to authorize existing funds to cover community-based behavioral health services for veterans and their families. 

“Since my time in the Army, I’ve become intimately familiar with the critical need for community-focused mental health services for veterans,” Hinrichsen said. “Our veterans and their families gave everything they had to protect and serve our country, and they deserve all the life-saving support we can give in return.”

“Too many of our state’s veterans struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and other life-altering mental health conditions without access to proper treatment,” Bridges said. “Voters approved Prop KK, which boosts funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services like the ones supported by this bill. This legislation would provide crucial support for our service members while implementing the will of the voters.”

HB25-1132 would allow funding allocated through Proposition KK, which passed in November, to fund eligible non-profit organizations that offer community-based mental health services to veterans and their families. To be eligible, organizations must offer evidence-based practices, provide proper competency training to staff and have established verifiable community partnerships. 

Colorado Democrats passed a law referring a ballot measure to voters in the November 2024 election that would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors to fund the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund, Behavioral Health Administration, and school safety efforts. Nearly 54.5 percent of Colorado voters approved Prop KK to bolster crime victim support and behavioral health programs.

HB25-1132 now heads to the Governor for his signature. Track its progress HERE. 

Bipartisan Bill to Require Cell Phone Policies in Schools Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to create healthier learning environments by requiring schools to implement policies concerning cell phone use during the school day passed the Senate today. 

“Many teachers already work hard to limit phone use in class, but they need backup,” said Marchman. “This bill gives local schools the support to set clear, consistent policies – so students can focus, learn, and take a real break from the pressures of constant connectivity."

Cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, HB25-1135 would require school districts and the Charter School Institute to adopt policies concerning cell phone use during the school day no later than July 1, 2026. The bill does not specify what the policy should say, only that it must not interfere with disability standards, special education programs, or students’ ability to monitor a medical condition.

Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, excessive cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.

From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that address the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice.

HB25-1135 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.