President Garcia’s Bill for Emergency Medical Service Providers Unanimously Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously this afternoon to advance SB19-052, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Provider Scope Of Practice, a bill sponsored by President Leroy M Garcia (D-Pueblo) that would authorize EMS providers to work within their full scope in a clinical setting. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“As someone who has worked as an Emergency Medical Service provider for nearly two decades, I know how critical their work is to our healthcare system” said President Garcia. “By expanding the settings in which EMS providers can practice – which builds on the lifesaving work they do every day – more Coloradans can get the care they need.”

Currently, EMS providers are authorized to practice under the medical direction of a physician in an emergency setting. This bill would update the original statutory language written in 1986 that restricts EMS providers to only function in the out-of-hospital environment. It also maintains the current system of oversight for EMS providers, which has proven highly effective. EMS providers will serve under the clinical supervision of registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants, allowing for EMS providers to function as a full member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

“While technology and educational requirements for EMS providers have changed over time, the settings in which they can work has largely remained the same since 1986,” said President Garcia. “This bill will allow for innovation within the EMS practice, giving providers an opportunity to leverage their advanced training and education in a wider range of settings, including hospitals and clinics. This is an exciting advancement for the EMS field.”

To learn more about SB19-052, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-052.

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Senator Pettersen’s Freestanding Emergency Departments Bill Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted this afternoon 4-to-1 to advance HB19-1010, Freestanding Emergency Departments Licensure, a bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County) that aims to make healthcare more transparent and affordable by creating a new license for specific health facilities. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

“The new, independent license that this legislation creates will help increase transparency in our healthcare system and support Coloradans in need of critical health services,” said Senator Pettersen. “I am committed to making quality healthcare less complicated and more affordable in our state so that people can get the care they need, and this bill is an important step in that process.”

The bill creates a new license – the Freestanding Emergency Department License – for the department of public health and environment to issue to specific types of health facilities. Qualifying health facilities must offer emergency care, may offer primary and urgent care services, and can either be affiliated with or independent of a hospital if they are more than 250 yards away from it. Community clinics that serve an underserved population in the state will be exempt from the licenses.

For more information on HB19-1010, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1010

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Bill to Ensure Water Safety in Mining Reclamation Passes Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted this afternoon 3-2 to advance HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) to hold mining operations accountable for the future impact of their businesses on water quality standards. The bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“Water is the lifeblood of the high country and much of our state. When it comes to mining, we must consider the effects on our environment and on our precious resources that all Coloradans depend on – like water,” said Senator Donovan. “This bill will help make sure that we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans by making sure that water quality standards are upheld during the mining process.”

HB19-1113 strives to protect water quality around mining operations by requiring that most reclamation plans demonstrate an end date for any water quality treatment necessary to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards. It also requires all reclamation bonds to include proof they can financially afford to protect water quality, including costs for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.

“The water quality requirements specified in this legislation will make our state a better place to live for generations to come,” added Senator Donovan.

For more information on HB19-1113, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1113.

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Bill to Repeal the Death Penalty in Colorado Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass SB19-182, Repeal the Death Penalty, a bill sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Angela Williams (D-Denver) that would repeal the death penalty in Colorado for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2019. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

“The pain of loss is unbearable, no matter the circumstances. However, our criminal justice system demonstrates racial bias at every step of the process, and we have an opportunity to change that,” said Senator Gonzales, who also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Judiciary committee. “The truth is that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual form of punishment that is disproportionately used against people of color. It is an arbitrary punishment that is irrevocable and permanent, and I am proud that we are now one step closer to repealing the death penalty in Colorado.”

“The death penalty is an outdated, barbaric form of punishment that is unfortunately still part of our criminal justice system,” said Senator Williams. “It is costly, biased, and an ineffective deterrent of violent crime. Some opponents of the bill claim that the death penalty is a useful tool to extract pleas, but in reality it is used as a scare tactic to manipulate and extort those without the resources to defend themselves.I am glad the Judiciary Committee agrees it is time to repeal the death penalty, and I am confident we will be able to do so this session.”

SB-182 would abolish the death penalty in Colorado, but would not change the status of the individuals currently on death row. For more information, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-182.

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Majority Leader Fenberg’s Bill to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans Advances Through Senate Transportation and Energy Committee

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO – After 12 hours of testimony, the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today passed SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) which seeks to prioritize the health and safety of all Coloradans and empower local communities to regulate oil and gas operations in their backyards. The bill passed the committee 4-3 and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

"This bill is about one thing: creating a clear, modernized, and commonsense framework to allow the oil and gas industry to continue to do business in the state of Colorado, but not at the expense of people’s health and safety,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “I received a lot of input from Coloradans prior to the bill introduction and we'll continue to work with anyone interested in improving this bill throughout the upcoming committee hearings."

It has been more than 60 years since meaningful changes have been made to Colorado’s oil and gas laws, and local communities and Colorado families have been forced to bear the steep consequences. Importantly, the bill will clarify that the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is to regulate – not foster – oil and gas activities.

The legislation grants local governments the authority to regulate oil and gas operations, directs air quality experts to adopt commonsense rules to reduce harmful emissions including methane, and increases protections for property owners from forced pooling.

To learn more about SB19-181, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.

Senate and House Sponsors Unveil Legislation to Abolish the Death Penalty

Senate and House Sponsors, faith leaders, and supporters gathered today in the Colorado State Capitol for a press conference

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO – Senate and House Democrats held a press conference in the State Capitol to unveil legislation to abolish the death penalty in Colorado.

Throughout Colorado’s history with capital punishment, it has been applied unevenly and arbitrarily, with factors like race often playing a far larger role in who receives the death penalty than merely the specifics of the crime. Additionally, the complex legal costs associated with the death penalty make it far more expensive than any other alternative, oftentimes costing 10-20 times more than a life in prison.

The Colorado legislature has debated similar legislation four times over the last two decades. SB-182 would finally abolish the death penalty in Colorado, but would not change the status of the individuals currently on death row.

“As a woman of color and a mother, the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on people of color has always been troubling to me,” said Senator Williams (D-Denver). “I understand how contentious this issue can be, but at the end of the day, I believe abolishing the death penalty is the right thing to do -- and will save our state extensive costs in the future.”

“Our criminal justice system demonstrates racial bias at every step of the process, from the point of arrest all the way through to the point of executions for heinous crimes. However, over 150 people have been exonerated after being sentenced to die for crimes they did not commit,” said Senator Gonzales (D-Denver). “The death penalty is irrevocable, cruel, an unusual practice, and we should abolish it.”

"We believe, as Pope Francis has recently clarified, that the death penalty is no longer admissible and we are called to work for its abolition worldwide. The state of Colorado has other means available to exact justice and render the criminal unable to do harm,” said Auxiliary Bishop Rodriguez.

"It is outrageous because although 6 percent of the population is comprised of African Americans, we are not 6 percent of those on death row,” said Reverend Patrick Demmer, Greater Denver Ministerial Alliance. “We are 100 percent of those on death row. It is outrageous, it is unbelievable and it is unconscionable. Something must be wrong with Lady Justice – there must be a hole in her blindfold because she can see people who are my color."

"After the murder [of my mother], the sheriff urged prosecutors to seek the death penalty. I am thankful that it was not sought, as the finality of death would have impugned my ability to seek out answers to questions that I had. While there are human beings who have committed senseless crimes, they should not be defined by their worse acts,” said Ezra Alden, the son of a victim who was murdered.

Representatives Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) and Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County) were also present at the press conference, and offered the following comments after its conclusion:

“Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime,” said Representative Jeni Arndt. “This is a moral issue for me and I think it’s time we join the ranks of the over one hundred countries who have already outlawed capital punishment.”

“Since 1973, there have been 164 people exonerated from death row. Even one potentially innocent person on death row is too much,” said Representative Adrienne Benavidez. “The death penalty is such a final and permanent decision that cannot be reversed.”

To learn more about SB-182, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-182.

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Senator Zenzinger’s Bill to Limit Campaign Contributions for County Offices Passes Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee

March 4, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance HB19-1007, Contribution Limits for County Offices, a bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger that would establish limits under the “Fair Campaign Practices Act” for candidates for county offices. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Fair elections are one of the most important parts of American democracy,” said Senator Zenzinger. “Limiting campaign contributions for county offices isn’t a red or a blue issue, it is the right thing to do that will protect and uphold our democracy at the local level.”

Current state law does not set campaign contribution limits for county offices. This bill would set the contribution limit for the primary and general elections at $1,250 for an individual, $12,500 for a small donor committee, and $22,125 for a political party. The limits are to be adjusted for inflation over time.

HB19-1007 also requires disclosure of campaign finance information and the filing of disclosure reports for contributions made to or received by a candidate for a county office.

“It is important to encourage transparency in elections of all levels, and this legislation will lead to clearer, more honest elections throughout Colorado,” added Senator Zenzinger.

To learn more about HB19-1007, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1007.

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Bipartisan Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education Bill Advances through the Senate Health & Human Services Committee

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed HB19-1032, Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education, a bill sponsored by Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) and Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose) to expand the curriculum for schools that provide sex education. The bill passed committee 3-to-2 and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Under current Colorado law, schools are not required to teach sex education. If they do choose to teach sex education; however, it must be comprehensive. This bill updates the current standards for what is comprehensive to include consent, healthy relationships, and sexual orientation.

“As a former educator, I believe we are obligated to teach Colorado’s students the information they need to live healthy, safe lives,” said Senator Todd. “In addition to current law which requires sex education to cover important topics such as pregnancy, abstinence, and sexually transmitted diseases, this bill will also help students learn about important concepts such as consent and healthy relationships.”

“I felt the original version of the bill was flawed; however, because of my relationship with Senator Todd, I was confident that we would be able to work with a large group of stakeholders on amendments that would correct the flaws we had,” said Senator Coram. “It speaks volumes that we would be able to get unanimous consent in making this a better bill.”

Contrary to what critics of the bill presented to the committee, HB19-1032 does not require schools to teach sex education but rather simply adds important topics to the current sex education curriculum to make it more inclusive for all students.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment currently administers a grant program to teach comprehensive sex education. This bill would allocate $1 million to this grant program and prioritize rural schools and public schools that lack resources.

To learn more about HB19-1032, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1032.  

Senator Moreno’s Bill to Expand Driver’s License Program for Undocumented Coloradans Passes Senate Finance Committee

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today voted 5-to-2 to advance SB19-139, More Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Offices. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) and Don Coram (R-Montrose), would expand the driver’s license program for undocumented Coloradans to at least 10 state Department of Motor Vehicles offices. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.   “Legalizing driver’s licenses for undocumented Coloradans has gained support from both sides of the aisle since it became law,” said Senator Moreno. “But the biggest roadblock to the program’s success has been an inefficient administrative process and too few locations, forcing many people to drive hours to get an ID. By significantly expanding the amount of DMVs that provide these licenses, we solve the efficiency problem and help tens of thousands of hardworking Coloradans across the state.”   Colorado’s undocumented driver license program became law five years ago, but the program’s success has been limited by a shortage of locations causing a high demand for appointments. SB19-139 would expand administration of the program from four offices to ten by 2020 and ensure that these new locations are spread out across the state.   To learn more about SB19-139, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-139.

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JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Announces Upcoming Introduction of Oil and Gas Legislation Prioritizing the Health and Safety of Coloradans

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO -  Senate and House leadership, joined by Governor Polis and supporters, today announced oil and gas legislation that prioritizes the health and safety of Coloradans will soon be introduced in the General Assembly. The legislation, sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, seeks to provide the most meaningful changes to oil and gas regulations Colorado has seen in more than 60 years.

The bill will not only provide peace of mind for Coloradans by clarifying that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s mission is to regulate, not foster, the industry, but will empower local communities to take control over what is happening in their backyards and equip them with the tools they need to stand up for their best interests.

“Coloradans simply do not have confidence that the laws in place are sufficient to protect their health and safety. They are right, and they are looking to their leaders for change,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “For too long, the legislature has stood in the way of common sense reforms that would keep communities safe, and protect the Colorado we love.Today, we are announcing change.”

“Right now, oil and gas laws in Colorado tilt heavily toward the industry. We are going to correct that tilt so that health, safety, and environment are no longer ignored by state agencies,” said Speaker KC Becker. “This bill would also ensure that local governments have a greater ability to represent the interests of the people they serve.”

“The legislation we outlined today puts health and safety first and gives communities a meaningful seat at the table,” said Governor Jared Polis. “While we know this doesn’t solve all of the problems our communities face, it is a practical approach to finding a solution for many of our issues and providing more stability by updating our laws to reflect today’s realities.”

Erin Martinez, the survivor of a tragic gas explosion in Firestone that killed her brother and husband, urged for stronger regulation saying “the only way to make sure this never happens again is to learn from this tragedy and create safer regulations and guidelines that put human safety first.”

While the full legislation will be introduced in the coming days, please click here for more details about the legislation.

Senator Lee’s Juvenile Justice Reform Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

February 27, 2019

Denver, CO – This afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance SB19-108, Juvenile Justice Reform, a bill sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-El Paso County) that would reform Colorado’s juvenile justice system by utilizing research-based best practices, including validated risk assessment and emphasizing mental health while limiting detention. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Our criminal justice system is in dire need of reform, especially when it comes to juveniles,” said Senator Lee. “This bill is an attempt to utilize limited state resources for high-risk offenders and to divert low-risk kids to restorative justice treatment counseling.”

Last year, Senator Lee co-chaired the Improving Outcomes for Youth Task Force with Senator Gardner (R-Colorado Springs) and facilitated by the council of state governments, which identified a variety of major issues in Colorado’s juvenile system, including a 50 percent recidivism rate and tendency towards over-punishing children for minor offenses. SB19-108 incorporates many of the necessary changes identified by the task force and working groups of juvenile justice professionals, and will seek reforms based on evidence to divert young  Coloradans out of the criminal justice system.

“Research shows that most kids outgrow juvenile deviant behavior, and to over-supervise and incarcerate them results in worse outcomes,” added Senator Lee. “This bill will change the statewide standard for juvenile justice by shifting from punishment to rehabilitation to set our youth up for improved outcomes and better futures.”To learn more about SB19-108, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-108.

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Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee Passes Senator Williams’ Electric Motor Vehicle Bill

February 27, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today voted 4-to-1 to advance SB19-077, a bill sponsored by Senator Angela Williams to allow investor-owned utility companies to own and operate electric motor vehicle charging stations as part of their regulated services. This bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“This bill will support our state’s movement toward electric vehicles in a way that accommodates our business communities as well as our long-term environmental goals,” said Senator Williams. “This bill has been a bipartisan effort from the beginning because supporting the electric vehicle movement is a smart way to support Coloradans as we look towards our long-term economic and environmental goals.”

SB19-077 will help get more electric vehicles on Colorado’s roads by strengthening the public-private relationship between energy companies and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), allowing them to work together to encourage electric vehicle use in Colorado. This legislation is a bipartisan effort to help our state’s infrastructure accommodate for a future of greater electric vehicle usage in Colorado.

For more information about SB19-077, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-077.

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Net Neutrality Bill Passes Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee

February 27, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted 3-to-1 to advance SB19-078, Open Internet Customer Protections in Colorado, a bill to make sure that an internet funded by taxpayer dollars will adhere to fair and open internet practices. The bill, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County), now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

In 2018, the Federal Communications Commission repealed the federal government’s net neutrality rules. These rules prevented internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking or slowing down websites or prioritizing certain content over others. The federal repeal put an impetus on states to ensure fair and equal access to the internet. 

“It is hard to point to a more influential invention than the internet,” said Senator Donovan. “If the state is going to invest in helping build out this critical component of our daily lives, then I expect everyone to have the same access to those networks.”

SB19-078 would help protect net neutrality in Colorado by disqualifying ISPs that interfere with the open internet from receiving financial support from taxpayers.

“As Coloradans, we believe everyone deserves a fair shot, and an open internet is part of how we protect that core Colorado value,” said Senator Bridges. “Net neutrality benefits consumers and ensures that innovative online businesses can start, grow, and stay in Colorado. It’s just one more way we’re working to grow our Colorado economy.”

Net neutrality protects the ability for everyone with an internet connection to access the same level of service and content openly, which is critical in rural areas where broadband is limited and distances between communities make the need for an internet connection even greater.

To learn more about SB19-078, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-078.

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Statement of Senator Kerry Donovan on the Colorado Reinsurance Program

February 27, 2019

Denver, CO – As the Senate sponsor of HB19-1168, State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program, Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) released the following statement this afternoon:

“Rural Coloradans face the highest health insurance costs in the nation. This bill will create a reinsurance program that will result in lower prices across the individual market.

This legislation reflects one of our biggest priorities in the Senate and the most prominent concern I have heard from voters: the need to lower healthcare costs across the state. Simply put, this bill will have a real and immediate impact on Coloradans.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill through the legislature, and I am hopeful that Governor Polis will sign it into law.”

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Senate Unanimously Passes Two of Sen. Pettersen’s Bills to Help Colorado Patients in Need

February 26, 2019

Denver, CO – Today the Senate voted to pass two healthcare-related bills sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County).  

• HB19-1109, Convalescent Centers As Pharmacies, is a bill to enable a licensed convalescent center to operate a pharmacy in order to help the patients currently residing in these types of health and treatment facilities. It passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives.
• HB19-1077, Pharmacist Dispense Drug Without Prescription In Emergency, would allow a pharmacist to provide a lifesaving drug without a prescription in an emergency situation. This bill passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives.

“I’m so proud to see the Senate come together to vote on these important, patient-centered bills that will make it easier for Coloradans facing critical health issues – whether they are under the care of a treatment center or lacking a prescription in an emergency – to get the care they need,” said Senator Pettersen.

To learn more about these bills, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1109 and https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1077.

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Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Passes Committee

February 20, 2019

Denver, CO –  The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 3-to-2 to advance SB19-085, the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D–Jefferson County) and Brittany Pettersen (D–Jefferson County), to implement measures to prevent pay disparities and create a level playing field for Colorado workers in today’s economy. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. 

Women in Colorado earn an average of 86 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work. But the pay gap is even more pronounced for women of color – Black and Latina women respectively earn 63.1 and 53.5 cents for every dollar men earn for the same work, according to the Women’s Foundation of Colorado.

“Wage discrimination based on gender hurts hardworking Colorado families and holds back our state’s economy. Passing the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act will help give hundreds of thousands of families greater economic security,” said Senator Danielson. ”When my daughter enters the workforce, I want her and every young woman who works hard and plays by the rules to never know the kind of discrimination women face today. Earning the same pay for the same work is one step closer.”

“The wage gap perpetuates a lifetime of discrimination – not just for all women and their families, but for young people and people of color too,” said Senator Pettersen. “The Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act will help ensure that every Coloradan has the same opportunities to succeed in life and in an economy that works for everyone.”

The Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act would require companies to notify all qualified employees about job advancement opportunities when they are announced, as well as the salary range for that opening. It would also forbid employers from seeking the wage rate history of a prospective employee or relying on a prior wage rate to determine salary.

In addition to these proactive measures to ensure equal pay, the bill would also permit a complainant to bring a civil action in district court to pursue remedies if they believe their wage differential is based on gender. 

For more information about the specifics of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-085.

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Bill to Help Coloradans Get Prescription Medication in Emergency Situations Unanimously Passes the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

February 20, 2019

Denver, CO  — The Colorado Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted unanimously to advance HB19-1077, Pharmacist Dispense Drug Without Prescription in Emergency, a bill that would allow a pharmacist to provide a lifesaving drug without a prescription in an emergency situation. The bill, sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen in the Senate and Representative Dylan Roberts in the House, now heads to the committee of the whole for consideration on the consent calendar.

“In emergencies, a patient’s medical needs should always come first. I’m proud to support a bill that helps Coloradans get the lifesaving medication they need in an emergency situation,” said Senator Pettersen. “This bill will allow pharmacists the flexibility they need to dispense an emergency supply of medication to Coloradans facing a potentially deadly health crisis.”

HB19-1077 has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate and unanimously passed the Colorado House of Representatives on third reading on January 28, 2019.

For more information on HB19-1077, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1077.

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Senator Williams’ Bill to Legalize Minors’ Businesses Passes Colorado State Senate

February 15, 2019

Denver, CO – Today, the Colorado State Senate voted 29-0 (with six Senators excused) to pass SB19-103, a bill that would allow children in Colorado to operate an occasional business without a license. Sponsored by Sen. Angela Williams (D-Denver), this bill will help reduce red tape and encourage kids’ creativity. It now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“After Jennifer Knowles and her three young sons had their lemonade stand shut down because they didn’t have the right permits, I knew something had to be done,” said Senator Williams. “I’m glad that the Senate voted overwhelmingly to protect minors’ businesses, allowing kids to learn the power of entrepreneurship and hard work.”

SB19-103 effectively legalizes lemonade stands, snow removal, and other kid-owned businesses across Colorado by reducing expensive and prohibitive licensing requirements, as long as the businesses operate for fewer than 84 days each year and are located at a proper distance from other businesses.

“This commonsense bill lets kids be kids. I’m proud that we are tearing down unnecessary barriers that would have prevented them from learning new skills and venturing into the business world at a young age,” added Senator Williams.

On Monday, Senator Williams hosted a Kids Business Expo in the Capitol, and many of these “kidpreneurs” showed off their creativity and even testified on the bill before the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee later that afternoon. 

Sen. Williams’ Bill to Legalize Minors’ Businesses Passes Colorado State Senate

February 15, 2019

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate voted 29-0 (with six Senators excused) to pass SB19-103, a bill that would allow children in Colorado to operate an occasional business without a license. Sponsored by Sen. Angela Williams (D-Denver), this bill will help reduce red tape and encourage kids’ creativity. It now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“After Jennifer Knowles and her three young sons had their lemonade stand shut down because they didn’t have the right permits, I knew something had to be done,” said Senator Williams. “I’m glad that the Senate voted overwhelmingly to protect minors’ businesses, allowing kids to learn the power of entrepreneurship and hard work.”

SB19-103 effectively legalizes lemonade stands, snow removal, and other kid-owned businesses across Colorado by reducing expensive and prohibitive licensing requirements, as long as the businesses operate for fewer than 84 days each year and are located at a proper distance from other businesses.

“This commonsense bill lets kids be kids. I’m proud that we are tearing down unnecessary barriers that would have prevented them from learning new skills and venturing into the business world at a young age,” added Senator Williams.

On Monday, Senator Williams hosted a Kids Business Expo in the Capitol, and many of these “kidpreneurs” showed off their creativity and even testified on the bill before the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee.

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Senate Judiciary Unanimously Passes Bill to Create Reminder Program in State Court

February 11, 2019

Denver, CO — The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted unanimously to advance SB19-036, State Court Administrator Reminder Program, a bipartisan bill from Judiciary Committee Chair Senator Pete Lee (D-El Paso) and Judiciary Committee member Senator John Cooke (R-Weld County). The bill would require the state court administrator to establish a text-based program to remind criminal defendants to appear at their scheduled hearings. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Too many people are sent to jail solely because they fail to appear in court for a scheduled hearing,” said Senator Pete Lee. “Reminding people of their courtappointments is a commonsense solution that can help us solve this problem.” 

Studies have shown that missed hearings are not only harmful to defendants by causing job losses and family disruptions, but they can also increase associated costs and workload for the courts issuing warrants and rescheduling appearances. This bill would have the additional benefit of reducing overcrowding in local jails.

A reminder program will improve the fairness of our criminal justice system by avoiding the need to impose potentially harmful penalties on defendants who might have unintentionally missed their court date. 

“Passing this bill out of committee is an important step to reform our criminal justice system,” said Senator Lee. “I look forward to getting it across the finish line.”

To learn more about SB19-036, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-036.

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