Bill to Increase Higher Efficiency Home Construction Passes Committee

DENVER, CO– Today the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy passed Senator Chris Hansen’s bill to require builders to offer home buyers more options for energy efficiency systems in new homes. 

"Coloradans are passionate about decreasing carbon pollution, but installing energy-efficient systems in our homes after they are built, can be expensive," said Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver). "This bill gives homeowners the opportunity to save money by allowing them to request these installations beforehand. In the end, this legislation will increase the amount of energy-efficient homes being built and reduce our use of fossil fuels across the state."  

Current law requires a home builder to offer a buyer one of the following:

• A solar panel system or a solar thermal system;

• To prewire or pre-plumb the home for these systems; or

• A chase or conduit to wire or plumb the home for these systems in the future.

HB20-1155 would require that a home builder offer each of these options, as well as at least one of the following: 

• An electric vehicle charging system;

• Upgrades of wiring to accommodate future installation of an electric vehicle charging system; or

• A 208- to 240-volt alternating current plug-in located in a place accessible to a motor vehicle parking area.

The bill will now be heard in the Committee of the Whole. 

Bill To Honor Carrie Ann Lucas Passes Committee

Denver, CO — The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted in favor of the Honoring Carrie Ann Lucas Act (SB20-165). Carrie Ann Lucas was a lawyer and disability advocate. In 2018, she helped pass the Family Preservation for Parents with Disability Act (HB18-1104), which prohibited the practice of removing children from families because of the parent or guardian’s disability. Carrie Ann passed away in 2019. The Honoring Carrie Ann Lucas Act would rename that statute for her, to recognize her efforts on this law and her lifelong dedication to the rights of people with disabilities.

 “I had the privilege to work with Carrie Ann Lucas to pass a law that helps keep families together, regardless of a parent’s disability,” said sponsor Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge), who also sponsored HB18-1104. “Though that bill was only a small piece of the enormous contribution she made to our state, naming the law for her is the right thing to do, and I am humbled to bring this bill forward to honor her.”

The bill now heads to the committee of the whole. Read more about the bill here.

Colorado Imagination Library Clears Committee!

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Education Committee approved Senator Jeff Bridges' bipartisan bill to boost child literacy rates by providing books to every child in Colorado. SB20-185 would create the first official, statewide Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program for Colorado kids, from enrollment to their fifth birthday.

DPIL would mail one book, selected by a committee of nationally recognized teachers, early childhood educators, and related professionals, to every child. The books include strategies for parents to use during shared reading time to engage their child and increase vocabulary and comprehension skills. The program has multiple language tracks as well as culturally and age-appropriate material.

“We have more than a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles that show that this program works. There is hard data from Tennessee and other places that show a measurable increase in third-grade literacy and a major increase in preparedness for kindergarten because of this program," said Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Littleton). "The longer children are in the program the bigger the impact, which means it's not a selection bias issue. It's not just parents who would have read to their kids anyway—it is that this program works."

Since implementation, Tennessee has seen significant improvement in school-readiness with children who graduate the program. Studies have also confirmed this success: showing that DPIL increases the odds of being developmentally prepared for kindergarten by 90%.

This bill would create a one-to-one match for all private donations and encourage the establishment of an affiliate in every county of our state—bringing a beloved and effective program to every corner of Colorado.

The bill now heads to Senate Appropriations. Read more here.

Bill to Replace Columbus Day With Cabrini Day Moves Forward

DENVER – Yesterday, the Senate Local Government Committee passed HB20-1031: Replace Columbus Day with New State Holiday, on a vote of 3-1. This bill repeals Colorado’s holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus and replaces it with Cabrini Day. 

Mother Cabrini is a Colorado Humanitarian who founded 67 education, health, and spiritual institutions to serve the poor across the country. Her legacy is a shining example of service and commitment to community that warrants a day of commemoration across the state. 

“This bill to replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day is the product of decades of conversation around the impact of exploration and colonization around the world," said sponsor Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver). "HB20-1031 shows that we can celebrate both our Italian and Indigenous Coloradans and their unique histories in this state. Replacing Columbus Day with Cabrini day is a strong step forward to commemorate an incredible woman with a statewide holiday."

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, less than half of states in this country observe the day. The nationwide inconsistency of this holiday is evidence that while many of us owe our presence in this country to Christopher Columbus, there are individuals whose contributions are more worthy of our recognition and celebration. 

“While Columbus' arrival in the Americas has historical significance, we must recognize the painful consequences his presence caused Indigenous people”, said sponsor Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “This bill allows us to celebrate Italian-Americans and their contributions to our country while acknowledging the trauma our Indigenous communities have felt in the many centuries since Columbus’ arrival.”

HB20-1031: Replace Columbus Day with New State Holiday would make Colorado one of nearly two dozen states that no longer celebrate Columbus Day. With the passage of Mother Cabrini Day, Colorado will be the first state to have a paid holiday commemorating a woman.

HB20-1031 will next be heard on the Senate floor. To learn more about the bill, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb20-1031

Colorado Consumer Protection Act Expansion Passes Senate

SB 20-080 gives Coloradans fair opportunity to seek relief

Denver, CO – Today the Senate advanced legislation to increase protections for Colorado consumers with the passage of SB-080. This bill amends the Consumer Protection Act to add more potential damages that can be awarded to consumers.

“These updates to the Colorado Consumer Protection Act protect consumers and ensure that they get their fair shake," said Sen. Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver). "This bill empowers Coloradans to stand up to deceptive trade practices and establishes their right to equitable compensation.”

These practices can range from false representation of things like food services and goods to misleading representations of large purchases, such as water damaged vehicles or real estate. SB-080 expands protections for those who have been wronged by deceptive trade practices to more accurately and fully compensate the degree to which they have been wronged.

The previous law allowed for plaintiffs to be awarded the greater of the actual damages, or $500 total. This bill amends the possible award to the actual damages or $500 per violation. This bill also adds that a class action suit can be brought, and damages can be awarded both to compensate for damages incurred and for attorneys' fees as determined by the court.

The bill now heads to the House. Read more here.

Moreno Bill to Simplify Birth Certificate Requirements Passes Senate

SB 20-166 adds to Jude's Law to ease gender designation changes for minors

Denver, CO – Today the Senate passed SB20-166, which simplifies the requirements for minors seeking to change the gender designation on their birth certificate.

“This legislation builds on progress we made last session to make the process easier for individuals who want to change their gender designation on official documents," said Sen. Dominick Moreno. "It allows trans and non-binary Coloradans to obtain IDs that truly reflect their identity, without intrusive and burdensome requirements."

The revision removes the condition for a minor to have undergone surgical or hormonal treatment in order to change their gender designation —requirements that can often feel invasive and unnecessary. The bill amends this to require a statement from a licensed professional medical or mental health care provider that the minor's sex designation does not align with their gender identity.

The bill now heads to the House. Read more here.

Bill to Update FPPA Pension Plans Passes Committee

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Local Government committee advanced legislation to update pension plans administered by the Fire and Police Pension Association.

Our police officers and firefighters deserve the dignity and security provided by the Statewide Death & Disability Plan that covers them. But right now, this plan is significantly underfunded. An increase in disability claims as well as insufficient funding models have led to fewer contributions than the cost of these benefits.

"Firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line and serve as heroes for those who need them most," said Pres. Leroy Garcia. "Our first responders are showing up for us in our most vulnerable moments, and it is time we show up for them."

Firefighters and police officers work in high-risk, high-stress environments, yet they do not pay into Social Security and therefore do not qualify for disability. The D&D fund provides these public safety officers with compensation to allow them and their families to live in dignity after a disability or death. 

"These public safety officers should be supported in early retirement with full benefits, especially if they have had decades of service that has caused physical and mental injuries," Sen. Joann Ginal said.

Contributions from public safety officers are gradually increasing each year, headed toward a rate of 12%. But employer contributions still remain at 8%. This rate of employer contribution is much lower compared to other public pension plans, and remains unchanged since 1980.

The normal retirement age for vested firefighters and police officers is 55 years old, and early retirement with reduced benefit is available at 50. Due to the physical toll of their work, many first responders are forced to consider an early, reduced benefit retirement. HB-1044 would increase the employer contribution rate to the plan and make adjustments to fully support plan members in early retirement.

The bill now heads to committee of the whole. Learn more here.

Prescription Drug Importation Bill Passes Senate

SB20-119 aims to lower drug prices by providing options for consumers

Denver, CO – Today the Senate passed SB20-119 to allow the importation of prescription drugs from other countries to combat rising prices and provide affordable options for Coloradans.

1 in 3 Coloradans can’t afford to fulfill their prescriptions. Thousands of people are forced to cut their pills in half because the medicine they need is just too expensive. And many others simply go without and live with chronic pain and worsening conditions. 

"The system is in desperate need of reform. Coloradans, like all Americans, already pay among the highest drug prices in the world, and every year they are getting more and more expensive, not out of necessity, but out of greed," said Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins).

More than 80% of active drug ingredients already come from outside the United States — yet Americans pay the highest prices in the world for these medications. This bill seeks to expand the Canadian prescription drug importation program passed in 2019 to include other countries as well.

"The US population is 10 times larger than that of Canada, and as several states explore drug importation from our northern neighbor, we must expand our options," said Sen. Ginal. 

If Congress enacts legislation that allows states to import prescription drugs from foreign countries, this bill would permit Colorado to expand the Canadian prescription drug importation program to other nations as long as certain safety regulations and conditions are met.

"Patients in Colorado want a fair price for pharmaceutical drugs, comparable to other high-income nations that are paying a fraction of what we pay in the US. Every Coloradan could benefit from this program, especially our seniors," Sen. Ginal said.

Read more: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-119

Senator Bridges Introduces Bill to Improve Childhood Literacy

SB20-185 Invests In Kids At The Most Crucial Point Of Their Development

DENVER – Today, Senator Jeff Bridges introduced his bipartisan bill to increase child literacy and support student success. SB20-185 would create the first official, statewide Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program for Colorado kids, from enrollment to their fifth birthday.

DPIL would mail one book per month that is age-appropriate, high-quality (typically hard-cover), and selected by a committee of nationally recognized teachers, early childhood educators, and related professionals. Several books would also include reading strategies for parents to use during shared reading time to engage their child and increase vocabulary and comprehension skills

“Dolly Parton's Imagination Library produces impressive and verifiable results, and at just $15 per child per year, the price point that simply can't be beat,” said Senator Bridges (D-Englewood). “This program is one of the least expensive and most impactful ways to make sure our Colorado kids are prepared to succeed in school.”

Identical programs are already running in many cities across the country, as well as statewide in Tennessee. Since implementation, Tennessee has seen a marked improvement in school-readiness of children who graduate the program. Studies have also confirmed this success– showing that DPIL increases the odds of being developmentally prepared for kindergarten by 90%. 

“We all know that parents reading to kids is really, really important,” said Senator Jack Tate (R-Centennial), a cosponsor of the bill. “Research shows that parent involvement in children’s education leads to meaningful improvements in student success. This program will encourage folks to engage with their kids and support the increased frequency of quality family reading.”

This bill would create a one-to-one match for all private donations and encourage the establishment of an affiliate in every county of our state—bringing a program that is already beloved and proven, to every corner of Colorado. In other words, for just $15 per child per year, we can ensure that every kid in Colorado from 0-5 receives a book in the mail every month.

You can watch a brief overview of the program from PBS NewsHour here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWUAkeI2MD0

Bill To Protect Families From Unfair Filings Passes Committee

HB20-1009 prevents eviction filings from hindering housing opportunities

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary passed HB20-1009: Suppressing Court Records Of Eviction Proceedings, which protects Coloradans from unfair reports being listed on their records. 

The word "eviction" strikes immediate fear in renters and tenants, who are already struggling to keep up with skyrocketing housing costs. From 2014 to 2017, Denver rents increased more than 22%, and surrounding cities weren't immune to these steep increases. The bill requires a court to suppress court records and filings related to any eviction proceedings unless the case results in an eviction.

"An eviction filing is not an eviction, and for these filings to come up and prevent people from accessing housing is unfair," said Sen. Faith Winter."Let's not have a filing, in which people are found innocent, hinder them from future housing options and success."

Filings like these — that never result in an eviction — leave families susceptible to housing discrimination. Four Colorado municipalities, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Westminster and Lakewood, have the unfortunate distinction of being listed in the top 100 cities in eviction rates and saw rates higher than the national average. This bill ensures that tenants and families aren't forced to contend with unnecessary hurdles.

The bill passed Senate Judiciary unanimously and now moves to the committee of the whole. Learn more here.

Bill to Protect Health Coverage and Expand Preventative Care Moves Forward

SB 20-156 Codifies The Affordable Healthcare Act and Increases Accessibility

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed critical legislation to codify protections created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), as well as expand preventative healthcare services covered by insurance carriers.

SB20-156 enshrines provisions already set out by federal law by solidifying their place in Colorado law and ensuring that regardless of potential national rollbacks of insurance coverage– Coloradans will be protected. 

"Thousands of Coloradans who rely on benefits provided by the ACA, are deeply concerned that their coverage could be taken away any moment," said Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). "This bill makes sure that no matter what happens in Washington, Coloradans can count on their coverage." 

The bill also mandates an expansion of covered preventative healthcare benefits to include: osteoporosis screening, urinary incontinence screening, and the screening and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

"By increasing preventative treatments available to Coloradans, we will more substantially protect the health and safety of our community while also ensuring that folks get the treatment they need as early as possible," said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Denver). 

Due to the rising number of STI cases in Colorado, covered screenings are especially important for public health. As reported by the Westword: in 2017, there were 36,291 newly reported STI cases here in Colorado: 26,995 involving chlamydia, 8,478 pertaining to gonorrhea and 818 dealing with all stages of syphilis. Those are the highest figures ever recorded in the state for each of the three conditions.

Under current law, a health care provider or facility is only required to perform a diagnostic exam for an STI and subsequently prescribe treatment, when a patient is experiencing symptoms. However, many STIs do not result in external symptoms– leaving large portions of the population, especially men, untreated.

The bill allows a health care provider to administer, dispense, or prescribe preventive measures or medications to all patients without the hurdle of a copay. Moreover, it allows minors to receive confidential treatment and care without the consent of a guardian. This measure is meant to increase the health of young adults as well as decrease the frequency of STI transmission in minor populations. 

The bill will now be head in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Zenzinger Bills Advance to Protect Exotic Animals, Refine Good Governance Practices

Denver, CO —Two great bills sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger were advanced this week: SB20-125 which aims to prohibit exotic animals in traveling performances, and HB20-1156, a bill to ensure that laws around Colorado's mail-in ballot processes are in sync up to date.

Circus animals spend most of their lives — sometimes up to 90% — in cages. They are often transported in small quarters and subjected to extreme heat, cold, vehicle exhaust and noise. These animals are frequently unable to exercise or perform normal acts for their species, rarely receiving adequate veterinary care. With SB-125, which passed the Senate on Wednesday, Colorado aims to join a handful of other states in banning these performances.

“Circus animals often have quite difficult lives, and this bill aims to prevent exotic animals from being used in such a way here in our state," said Sen. Zenzinger. "The bill does nothing to prohibit Colorado’s beloved events like rodeos or stock shows — it simply ensures that exotic animals aren’t forced to perform in traveling circuses.”

HB20-1156, which will simplify and clarify portions of the municipal mail ballot procedures, also passed this week. Sen. Zenzinger's previous experience as a former city councilor informs her advocacy for clear and efficient laws on good local governance. HB-1156 now heads to the Governor's desk.

“This bill cleans up language and processes for mail-in ballots to eliminate duplications, inefficiencies and ensure that our military and overseas voters are fully enfranchised," said Sen. Zenzinger.

In addition to these two bills, HB-1262 passed the Senate Appropriations committee unanimously on Tuesday. The bill clarifies how unspent community corrections funds should be utilized to ensure these programs are being run efficiently. HB20-1262 will be heard on the Senate floor on Thursday.

Bill to Expand Youth Shelter Access Passes Senate

SB 20-106 aligns state law with federal practices on shelter access for minors

Denver, CO – Today the Senate passed critical legislation to address unhoused and unaccompanied youth in Colorado. SB-106 aligns state law with federal provisions to allow youth under 18 to consent to shelter and services. This bill allows youth 15 or older to consent to receive shelter and services without guardian or parental consent.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Colorado's Department of Education reported 23,000 students experienced homelessness statewide, and 2,397 of those students were identified as unaccompanied minors. The 2018 Point In Time Homelessness Survey also recorded 595 persistent, unaccompanied homeless youth in Colorado. 

"There are so many barriers under current law for minors seeking assistance," said Sen. Joann Ginal. "This bill ensures that young people are able to stay somewhere safe and warm when facing, abuse, abandonment, or neglect. This particular age group, 15-17, are some of the most vulnerable youth in our community and we must protect them when they are reaching out for help."

Allowing children under the age of 18 to consent to be sheltered protects some of the most endangered kids in our state. Many homeless youth are at high risk for physical abuse, sexual violence, trafficking and substance disorders. Meeting them in a time of need can truly help alter the course of their life.

JOINT RELEASE: Sponsors Affirm Commitment to FAMLI Effort

DENVER — Senator Faith Winter and Representative Matt Gray released the following statement regarding their dedication to creating a fair family and medical leave benefit for Colorado.

“We are fully committed to passing a paid family and medical leave program this year. The approach we’ve been working on would provide a much-needed benefit to Colorado workers. This is a very complex policy; we are still working to find the right solution, and we won’t stop until we get there. Too many Coloradans are fearful that one unforeseen event could upend their entire lives and their carefully laid plans for the future. Guaranteeing paid family and medical leave and the economic security it provides will give more Coloradans the fair shot they deserve. ”  

CROWN Act Coronated By Senate Committee

HB-1048 now heads to the Committee of the Whole

Denver, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee advanced the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2020 — or the CROWN Act — to prohibit discrimination based on race as it pertains to hair texture, type and style.

“This kind of legislation is long overdue. When I think about African Americans and our hairstyles, we go through a variety of different measures to sometimes straighten our hair, because stereotypes say straight hair may look more professional," said Sen. Rhonda Fields. "Over the course of my professional life, I've had to straighten my hair in order to fit in. We should be able to wear our hair any way we want to and not be discriminated against."

HB-1048 protects against discrimination based on hair types and styles, including locs, cornrows, twists, braids, curls, knots, headwraps and Afros. Discrimination can and does occur because of longstanding racial biases and stereotypes associated with hair texture and hairstyles, while people of African, Native, Jewish and Latino/a descent are denied educational and employment opportunities due to natural or protective hairstyles.

The bill passed on a 3-1 vote and now heads to the committee of the whole. Learn more here.

Bill To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions in State Projects Advances

Denver, CO – Senator Hansen’s bill to combat global warming was approved today by the Senate Transportation and Environment Committee. This bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accounting for the global warming potential (GWP) of building materials used in state infrastructure projects. The committee approved the bill by a vote of 3-1.

“Our planet is in the midst of a climate crisis and we need to act,” said Sen. Hansen (D-Denver). “It's time to align our policies with our values and ensure that we are doing our part to protect the environment for generations to come. With this legislation, we can significantly lower emissions from the construction sector by using green building materials in-state projects.”

SB20-159 tasks the State Architect with promulgating policies to establish a maximum acceptable GWP for each category of eligible materials used in a public project based on industry averages and accounting for transportation-related emissions. Beginning on July 1, 2022, project designers would be required to submit environmental product declarations to account for the GWP of all eligible materials with the goal of using eligible materials below the maximum acceptable GWP.

The world’s top climate scientists warned in 2018 that in order to avoid the most catastrophic effects of global warming, governments around the world must cut carbon emissions roughly in half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions not long after that. Last year, Colorado passed HB19-1261 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% in the coming decades, but the state has a long way to go. SB20-159 works in conjunction with parallel efforts to make strides towards this goal. 

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

To learn more about the bill, click here. 

Bill to Protect Exotic Animals Passes Committee

SB 20-125 helps ensure humane treatment and animal welfare

Denver, CO – Yesterday the Senate Agriculture committee moved legislation forward to prohibit the use of exotic animals in traveling performances. Boulder outlawed such exotic animal performances in 2001, and Colorado intends to follow the lead of a handful of other states in banning these unnatural and unhealthy performances. "The law would not prohibit circuses. Everybody loves a good circus and they would still be able to come to Colorado," said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger. "But elephants, lions, tigers and other circus animals are wild animals that perform simply out of fear, fear of being punished."

Circus animals spend most of their lives — sometimes up to 90% — in cages. They are often transported in small quarters and subjected to extreme heat, cold, vehicle exhaust and noise. These animals are frequently unable to exercise or perform normal acts for their species, rarely receiving adequate veterinary care. "Using exotic animals as commodities for traveling performances adds nothing to the understanding and conservation of such animals and their natural environment," said Sen. Joann Ginal. " This bill ensures humane treatment and welfare for these animals. The show can still go on — just not with these animal performances."

SB-125 does not apply to rodeos, stock shows, accredited zoos and aquariums or sanctuaries. The bill also does not include domesticated animals or livestock like horses, goats and sheep, as well as animals defined as wild — like deer, elk, or bison, and animals that are transported for medical and research purposes. The bill now heads to the committee of the whole.

Learn more here: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-125

Bill to Protect Students on Buses Moves Forward

Student Safety Measures Beyond the Classroom

Denver, CO – Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s bipartisan bill to increase the safety and security of students on school buses was approved by the Senate Finance Committee yesterday. This measure would help provide school districts with hardware and software that would allow school buses to communicate directly with first responders by voice communication and by using a silent duress alarm.

“When your kid heads to school you want to be completely confident in their safety,” said Sen. Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “Sadly, many parents and students are nervous about their journey to the classroom. Currently, school buses are extremely ill-equipped to rapidly respond to an emergency. This is why we need better protections in place that will keep children safe even before they step foot in school.”

SB20-052 establishes a program that awards 3-year grants to school districts for technological improvements on school buses that would allow drivers to contact emergency personnel more easily and rapidly. It will also provide training and secure parental notification, at no cost to parents, relating to school bus and student status.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bill to Expand Shelter Access For Youth Passes Committee

SB 20-106 aims to remove barriers for youth seeking shelter & services

Denver, CO – The Senate Local Government committee advanced crucial legislation yesterday to help Colorado's unhoused youth. This bill allows youth 15 or older to consent to receiving shelter and services without guardian or parental consent.

"Young people in Colorado who don't have safe or reliable housing are currently forced to sleep on the streets," said sponsor Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins). "This bill removes unnecessary burdens for youth in crisis to be able to access short-term shelter and services." 

From children who age out of foster care to those seeking respite from unhealthy living situations, hundreds of youth under 18 are without a bed or shelter on any given night in Colorado. Nearly 40 percent of homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Young homeless people are at greater risk of developing substance abuse and mental health problems as well as physical abuse, sexual exploitation and running into problems with the criminal justice system.

But what’s even more tragic is that under current law, support services and charities are not permitted to shelter these desperate kids due to their age and inability to legally consent. The bill encompasses access to "child welfare services," including but not limited to: services that address abuse, neglect, and youth-in-conflict issues for runaway, homeless and unaccompanied youth.

By allowing children under the age of 18 to consent to be sheltered, we will be giving a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable and at-risk kids in our state. Meeting them in a time of need and intervening at a critical moment could literally alter the course of their life.

Democrats Defend Healthcare Savings and Work to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed both SB20-119 and SB20-107, two bills aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drugs. At the same time, the Senate Finance Committee defeated SB20-145 which would have reversed healthcare savings for thousands of Coloradans. 

SB20-119, Expand Canadian Rx Drug Import Program works to increase the number of countries from which Colorado would be able to directly import prescription drugs. Currently, 80% of the active ingredients and 40% of the finished generic drugs used in the United States are manufactured overseas. Yet the price hikes that Americans see are the highest in the world. This bill would allow Coloradans to bypass the excessive markup from U.S. pharmaceutical companies and save a considerable amount on their medications. 

SB20-107, Drug Production Costs Transparency also fights outrageous prescription prices by exposing the inner workings of Big Pharma. As it stands, large drug companies operate in the shadows– unaccountable to the public as to where their cost and spending areas lie. This bill would require these corporations to disclose the truth about production costs and shine a light on the components of the process that drive the price of prescription drugs.

"The status quo of prescription drug prices is incredibly dangerous. People who need treatment are being forced to choose between their health and their economic survival. And this reality is pulling many families underwater," said Senator Ginal (D-Fort Collins). "The system is in desperate need of reform. Coloradans, like all Americans, already pay the highest drug prices in the world, and every year they are getting more and more expensive, not out of necessity, but out of greed."

In the past, pharmaceutical companies have attributed high prices to innovation, arguing that new and improved drugs are naturally more expensive. But a recent study published in Health Affairs complicates that idea. It suggests that costs have increased due to companies raising the price of already market-available drugs purely for the sake of profit and not investment.

SB20-107 will now be sent to Appropriations while SB20-119 heads to the Senate floor.

In a parallel effort, the Senate Finance Committee defeated a bill today aimed at repealing Colorado's reinsurance program. Since being enacted, the reinsurance program has effectively reduced insurance premiums on the individual market by an average of 20%. However, for some families that number has been much higher, especially for those living on the Western Slope.

"We need to build upon our successes in making healthcare more affordable, not dismantle them," said Sen. Gonzales (D-Denver). "Repealing our reinsurance program would be going backward and reneging on all of the relief that thousands of Colorado families are finally experiencing."