Colorado Senate Democrats Announce First 10 Bills of 2022 Legislative Session

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate Democrats unveiled their first 10 bills for the second session of the 73rd General Assembly today.

The bills – five of which have bipartisan support from Republican co-sponsors – are aimed at making Colorado more affordable, mitigating risks from catastrophic wildfires, increasing access to affordable health care, improving public safety, and setting Colorado students up for success.

“Between the pandemic, historic wildfires, and nationwide inflation, the last two years have been tough,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “We know how challenging it has been for Coloradans, which is why we are delivering legislation that will move Colorado forward and deliver real, transformational change to address the challenges folks are seeing in their everyday lives. These bills will help keep more money in people’s wallets, take historic steps to improve public safety, and create a safer and healthier Colorado so that every family can thrive.”

SB 22-001 – Crime Prevention Through Safer Streets

Sen. Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo); 
Rep. Naquetta Ricks (D-Aurora) and Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood)

This legislation aims to improve public safety by creating a grant program to help local governments make upgrades like lighting improvements to neighborhoods where crime is more prevalent to help reduce crime and create safer communities.

SB 22-002 – Resources For Volunteer Firefighters

Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) and Sen. Tammy Story (D-Conifer); 
Rep. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton) and Rep. Perry Will (R-New Castle)

Following the devastating Marshall Fire, Colorado Democrats are pushing legislation that will help recruit and retain more volunteer and seasonal firefighters while arming them with training and resources - including mental health care - so they are better equipped to stay healthy and safe while responding to emergencies. 

SB 22-003 – Community College Nursing Bachelor Degree Eligibility

Sen. Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Sen. Kerry Donovan (D-Vail); 
Rep. Kyle Mullica (D-Federal Heights) and Rep. Tony Exum (D-Colorado Springs)

In order to address Colorado’s worsening health care provider shortage and create more high-paying jobs, this bill will allow community colleges to offer full bachelor’s degrees to certain nursing students. 
 

SB 22-004 – Evidence-based Training In Science Of Reading

Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Sen. Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale);
Rep. Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon)

This bipartisan legislation will help better prepare Colorado students for 21st century jobs by improving their reading comprehension and giving Colorado teachers the tools they need to ensure every Colorado student is reading at grade level.
 

SB 22-005 – Law Enforcement Agency Peace Officer Services

Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Sen. John Cooke (R-Greeley)

To help improve public safety, this legislation allocates $5 million to create a pilot grant program that will help local law enforcement officials recruit, train, and retain police officers from diverse backgrounds, and improve diversity in policing. The bill also allocates an additional $5 million to the Peace Officers Behavioral Health Support and Community Partnership Fund, which can be used for mental health support for law enforcement as well as alternative community response and co-responder models. 
 

SB 22-006 – Sales Tax Assistance For Small Businesses

Sen. Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) and Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial);
Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) and Rep. Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs)

This legislation will help small businesses’ bottom line by allowing them to retain more of the sales tax revenue they collect.
 

SB 22-007 – Increase Wildfire Risk Mitigation Outreach Efforts

Sen. Tammy Story (D-Conifer) and Sen. Pete Lee (D-CO Springs);
Rep. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton) and Rep. Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs)

In order to better prepare Colorado communities for future wildfires, this bill will help folks living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness.
 

SB 22-008 – Higher Education Support For Foster Youth

Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) and Sen. Kevin Priola (R-Henderson); 
Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) and Rep. Hugh McKean (R-Loveland)

This bill will help college-bound students who have been in foster care afford the cost of attending college by requiring all higher education institutions to waive their undergraduate fees and tuition. 
 

SB 22-009 – Recertification And Theft Of Catalytic Converters

Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) and Sen. Dennis Hisey (R-Fountain); 
Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Denver) and Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster)

This legislation aims to cut down on the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts across Colorado by making it illegal to install, sell, or advertise a used, recycled, or salvaged catalytic converter without first meeting certain requirements. 
 

SB 22-010 – Pretrial Diversion For Persons With Behavioral Health

Sen. Pete Lee (D-CO Springs) and Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa);
Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Denver) and Rep. Judy Amabile (D-Boulder)

In order to reduce recidivism and prevent criminal behavior, this legislation empowers District Attorneys to divert folks with behavioral health conditions away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs so they can get the care they need.