Senate Approves Legislation to Create Safer and Healthier Workplaces

SB22-097 will give Colorado workers the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices without fear of retaliation

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) that would provide permanent whistleblower protections for workers who speak out about health or safety concerns at their workplace. 

In 2020, the legislature established protections during a public health emergency. SB22-097 extends these protections, making them permanent.

“With the passage of HB 20-1415 we gave workers the protection to speak out about health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation only during public health emergencies,” Pettersen said. “Essential workers will still be essential after the pandemic, which is why I am proud to champion this bill that will extend these protections permanently and help keep workers and the public safe.”  

“The pandemic highlighted that these protections weren’t in place,” Sen. Rodriquez said. “No worker should have to be worried about losing their job, or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions that threaten them and their colleagues. As a state we owe it to workers to give them these protections because it keeps all of us safe.” 

SB22-097 protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public, or government agencies.

The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights.

When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims.

SB22-097 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Winter, Duran and Weissman Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Bolster Services for Victims of Crime

SB22-183 would invest $41 million to fund essential services for child and adult victims of crime

DENVER, CO – The Senate yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) and Reps. Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) and Mike Weissman (D-Aurora) to ensure Colorado victims of human trafficking, stalking, domestic violence, child abuse, and rape can continue to receive essential services.

Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), SB22-183 would fill a revenue gap in the Federal Crime Victims Fund to continue providing lifesaving services for child and adult victims of crime through a one-time investment of pandemic relief funding. 

“During the pandemic we saw an alarming rise in cases of domestic violence,” said Winter. “With this investment of American Rescue Plan funding, we can better support victims of domestic violence and ensure Coloradans in need never see an interruption in the essential care and services they rely on. I’m proud to support this effort and I know it will go a long way in providing victims of crime and domestic violence with the services they need.”

“As a survivor of domestic violence, I can’t stress enough the importance of essential services for victims of crime,” Duran said. “States across the country have seen a rise in domestic violence as a result of the pandemic. I’m proud Colorado is going to use federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to prevent domestic violence, bolster our support for victims of crime, and ensure survivors have the services they need.” 

“Colorado has passed bipartisan legislation to enhance state assistance to victims of crime, and with this bill, we’re putting additional resources into these critical efforts,” Weissman said. “With crime rising nationally and here in Colorado as a result of the pandemic, it’s important that we increase our support for community based programs that focus on the needs of crime victims.”

SB22-183 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $35 million in pandemic relief funding to the Colorado crime victim services fund to ensure essential victim services can continue for the next four years. SB22-183 also invests an additional $6 million to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as recommended by the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-183 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Kolker Bill to Boost Access to Behavioral Health Support for Coloradans in Crisis Passes Committee

Kolker: “[HB22-1214] will help break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and help make sure every Coloradan can get the lifesaving care they need, before it’s too late.”

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) that would clarify that crisis facilities must provide mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals in crisis, including youth and people with disabilities.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to experience a mental health crisis, which is how I know that nobody going through that should be denied the care they need,” Kolker said. “This bill will help break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and help make sure every Coloradan can get the lifesaving care they need, before it’s too late.”

HB22-1214 would require crisis system facilities and programs - including mobile crisis programs and walk-in centers - to provide mental health and substance use disorder services to all patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including children and youth.

Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent. If passed, this legislation would make it easier for mobile crisis programs and walk-in centers to provide critical services and behavioral health support to all individuals in crisis.

HB22-1214 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Bolster Workforce, Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care Introduced

Legislation will invest $84.2 million to expand behavioral health care workforce, better connect Coloradans with the care they need

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the Colorado Senate introduced a pair of bills aimed at improving access to Colorado’s behavioral health care and increasing the state’s health care workforce.

The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-181: Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development
Sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), Reps. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) and Tonya Van Beber (R-Weld County)

This bill directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop plans to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive.

“If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said Sen. Bridges. “With this bill, we’re going to make a significant investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.”

“As we invest $450 million to improve access to behavioral health in Colorado, we’re taking aggressive action to attract, train and retain the providers we need to provide that quality care,” said Rep. Cutter. “There is a significant shortage of behavioral health care providers in Colorado, and this bill will start to address this challenge by taking a multi-pronged approach that focuses on recruitment, training and collaborative partnerships. A large portion of the funding will go toward scholarships and loan forgiveness for behavioral health care students and training programs to prepare young people for a career in behavioral health care.” 

The bill will invest a total of $72 million, including:

• $10 million to improve recruiting and retaining providers who better represent the communities they serve.

• $6 million to help Colorado colleges and universities promote the behavioral health field and to allow students to participate in activities like job shadowing and internships that expose them to the behavioral health field and create a level playing field so students of all backgrounds can explore a career in behavioral health.

• $20 million for the Colorado Health Service Corps, an existing program that allows care providers working in designated health professional shortage areas to apply for funding to repay qualifying educational loans.

• $20 million to create a behavioral health care training curriculum administered by the Colorado Community College System.

• $6 million to expand the number of peer support specialists in Colorado. Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience who can help others going through similar experiences, and are a critical component of the behavioral health workforce.

• $5 million to offer professional development opportunities that improve skills for behavioral health care professionals to better serve people in the criminal justice system, improve cultural competency and expand professional development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed workforce.

• $5 million to further leverage existing workforce development programs, establish standards to ensure a quality workforce, and reduce administrative burden so that providers can spend more time focusing on patient care. 

SB22-177: Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure
Sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale) and Reps. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) and Mary Bradfield (R-Colorado Springs)

This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available behavioral health safety net system services and delivery, and on ways to better connect individuals seeking care with the support they need.

The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need.

“While there will always be more work to do to expand and improve our behavioral health care system, we need to make sure Coloradans can fully utilize already existing behavioral health services,” said Sen. Pettersen. “With this new infusion of funds, we can more quickly and efficiently connect Coloradans with care they need. Behavioral health care navigators will be well equipped to help Coloradans navigate these complex systems to deliver quality, accessible services to those that need the most support."

“It can be far too difficult to navigate Colorado’s behavioral health care system, so a crucial part of our efforts will be to improve care coordination to help people cut through the red tape that can be a barrier accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Titone. “With this bill, behavioral health care providers will have better tools to connect patients with providers and other specialists who can help them access the care they need, when they need it.”

Senate Passes Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Set Foster Youth Up for Educational Success

Legislation would require higher ed institutions to waive tuition fees for foster youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation from Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) that aims to help support foster youth seeking higher education opportunities in Colorado. 

SB22-008 - which is also sponsored by Sen. Kevin Priola (R-Brighton) - 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. 

“Through no fault of their own, foster children typically face extraordinary challenges, and it’s our duty to help eliminate the ones that we can,” said Sen. Zenzinger. “Of all the assets we can provide for foster children, education is the one they can leverage most effectively. In the end, everyone benefits.”

SB22-008 will provide tuition and fee waivers to youth coming through the foster care system to help expand higher education opportunities for foster youth.

To increase the likelihood of student enrollment in postsecondary education, the bill also designates navigators at school districts and universities to serve as a points-of-contact to help students choose programs, navigate the grant and tuition assistance programs, and submit applications.

For youth who are aging out of the foster system, the exit from care can be abrupt, and the transition to adulthood can be tenuous. Compromised social, familial, and economic supports lead to increased risks of unemployment, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Foster care alumni are also at greater risk for mental health and substance use disorders.

According to a report from the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab, only 13.4 percent of Colorado youth who were in foster care at age 13 or older entered postsecondary education by age 21, making them the lowest attaining group in Colorado. 

Nationally, 5 percent of youth who aged out of foster care had received a vocational certificate by age 21 and only 3 percent had received an associates, bachelor's or higher degree.

The legislation now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here. 

Following Marshall Fire, Bill to Raise Awareness and Help Coloradans Better Prepare for Wildfires Passes Senate

Legislation to expand wildfire mitigation outreach to more than half of the state’s population passes out of committee

DENVER, CO – Following the devastating Marshall Fire, the Colorado Senate today gave final approval to legislation that would expand an outreach campaign to raise awareness and motivate more than half of the state’s population to better prepare for extreme wildfires.

Sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Conifer), SB22-007 would help Coloradans living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness.

“The Marshall Fire highlighted just how dangerous the threat of deadly wildfires has become,” Lee said. “The outreach proposed in this bill will give millions of Coloradans the education and motivation they need to keep themselves and their property safe from future wildfires.”

“Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat,” Story said. “We must take steps to defend our homes and our communities from these climate-induced mega fires, and this bill will give more Coloradans the tools and knowledge they need to proactively defend themselves, their property, and their communities from future blazes.”

SB22-007 would direct the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a wildfire mitigation public awareness campaign for 2023 and 2024 aimed at folks that live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, areas where structures and developments meet with wildland vegetation.

The bill is one of several recommendations to come out of the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee. Additional recommendations include legislation to bolster mutual aid systems and fund local governments’ wildfire mitigation, response, and recovery efforts.

SB22-007 will now head to the House. Track the progress of the bill here.

Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Safeguard Colorado’s Elections

The Colorado Election Security Act will defend election systems from internal threats, ensure elections remain free and fair

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and safeguard elections from internal and external threats, on a 21-13 bipartisan vote.

Sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder), the Colorado Election Security Act will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government.

SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access.

“Colorado sets a national example when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections, and we want to keep it that way,” Fenberg said. “But unfortunately, there are folks both inside and outside the election system seeking to tamper with and undermine trust in our elections. The Colorado Election Security Act increases penalties for anyone who tampers with Colorado’s gold standard elections and interferes with our democracy, and will help defend our elections from wrongdoers while giving Coloradans peace of mind at the polling place.”

The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to secure Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice.

The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code.

SB22-153 now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Buckner, Hinrichsen’s Safer Streets Act to Improve Public Safety

SB22-001 will help local governments utilize $10.3 million to make critical, evidence-based improvements that will cut down on crime

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today gave final bipartisan approval to the Safer Streets Act, an evidence-based approach to help local governments make critical improvements that will cut down on crime and improve public safety in Colorado.

The bill – sponsored by Sens. Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) – creates a $10.3 million grant program that will help local governments make critical upgrades to neighborhoods such as better lighting to increase visibility and improved design of the built physical environment that will prevent crime and create safer communities.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe, but right now too many of our neighbors don’t have that luxury, and we are taking action to address it,” Buckner said. “The Safer Streets Act is an important, evidence-based bill that will help communities across our state implement data-driven solutions to prevent crime. I’m proud to be pushing this critical legislation, and I’ll continue fighting to create a safer Colorado for us all.”

“Tackling crime is one of my top priorities, and I am proud to be sponsoring the Safer Streets Act to improve public safety in Colorado,” Hinrichsen said. “I’ve seen firsthand how important good lighting and well-maintained public spaces can be, and the data shows that these strategies not only reduce crime, they also improve civic pride and quality of life for everyone. I’m excited to move this bill forward, and am eager to get it signed into law.”

“SB 1 is an important investment in public safety that will allow localities to implement strategic physical upgrades that are proven to reduce crime and increase public safety,” said Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown. “I support this effort and I'm eager for my county to be able to participate in this important grant program that will help to deter occurrences of violent crime and property crime."

SB22-001 will let local governments – as well as community non-profit organizations partnering with local governments – apply for grants that make physical improvements to the built environment that increase visibility, direct foot traffic, and improve aesthetics through graffiti and trash removal.

The bill utilizes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, an effective tool in reducing crime. Research and case studies have proven that the proper, safe design of the physical environment can result in a lower incidence of crime, increased safety, and an overall increase in quality of life.

SB22-001 is one of many ways Colorado Senate Democrats are working to improve public safety in Colorado, including Buckner's bipartisan Community Safety Investment Act, cosponsored by Sen. John Cooke, (R-Greeley) to improve safety and address recruitment, retention, and training concerns in law enforcement agencies across the state.

The Safer Streets Act now moves to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Danielson’s Bill to Create State-level Response to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives Clears Committee

SB22-150 will improve coordination and raise awareness of MMIR cases

DENVER, CO – The Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) that aims to improve the state’s response to murdered and missing Indigenous individuals.

The bill, SB22-150, would create an Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) to improve coordination, response, communication, and awareness of MMIR cases.

“Indigenous women and children are at particularly high risk for violent crime,” said Sen. Danielson. “We must stop looking the other way and address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives with a comprehensive and strong response. This bill will do just that.”

More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population.

SB22-150 aims to improve responses to MMIR cases, provide better support for Indigenous communities, and better serve families of MMIR. It would establish an MMIR alert system and improve data tracking regarding MMIR cases while ensuring interagency coordination, allowing for a more effective and robust response.

It would also require MMIR training for first responders and implement a public awareness campaign to raise awareness around MMIR issues.

Approximately half of Indigenous women have experienced sexual violence, physical violence by an intimate partner, and stalking. Among Indigenous men, 27 percent have experienced sexual violence, 43 percent experienced physical violence by an intimate partner, and 19 percent experienced stalking. The murder rate of Indigenous women is almost three times higher than that of non-Hispanic white women and is the third leading cause of death for Indigenous women and girls between the ages of 15-24.

SB22-150 will now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Ginal’s Bills to Prevent Doxxing of Health Care Workers & Support Older Coloradans Become Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed two bills sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) into law today to prevent the doxxing of health care workers and strengthen services provided to older Coloradans.

“Today, we’re taking an important step forward to protect our healthcare workers and increase support for older Coloradans,” said Sen. Ginal. “These laws will better ensure that the people who get up each day to care for our patients don't have to fear for their safety simply for doing their job, and strengthen services for our aging population to help them lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. I’m proud of the work we did on these bills, and am eager to see how they help Coloradans throughout the state.”

HB22-1041 would protect health care workers, code enforcement officers, animal control officers and others from doxxing, a practice of sharing someone’s sensitive information online with malicious intent. These individuals would be added to the existing list of protected persons whose personal information may be withheld from the public if they receive a threat. HB22-1041 would create a new process for workers to redact their full name and address from online records.

Polis also signed HB22-1035, co-sponsored by Senator Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale), which updates the Older Coloradans’ Act and makes important changes to the Commission on Aging. The Older Coloradans’ Act bolsters supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for Coloradans as they grow older. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.”

The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans, and recognizes “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state's responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs.

Speaker Garnett, Governor Polis, Cooke, Pettersen, Lynch, DAs, and Public Health Experts Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Fentanyl Deaths and Save Lives

DENVER, CO – Speaker Alec Garnett, Governor Jared Polis, Senators Brittany Pettersen and John Cooke, Representative Mike Lynch, Colorado district attorneys, public health experts and state lawmakers today unveiled comprehensive bipartisan legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, remove fentanyl from Colorado communities and save lives.

“We are taking bold, comprehensive action to get fentanyl off our streets and save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Working with Colorado’s district attorneys and public health experts, we’ve crafted a proposal that will crack down on the dealers peddling death in our communities and provide treatment options to individuals who need help. By focusing on the root causes of overdoses and going after dealers, this solution will stem the tide of fentanyl deaths in Colorado and protect our communities from this dangerous drug.”

“We are acting now to make Colorado neighborhoods and communities safer and we welcome the legislature’s action to save lives and address the dangers of fentanyl. The introduced bipartisan legislation, crafted in partnership with legislative leadership, law enforcement, district attorneys, and public health experts provides a better comprehensive solution that will save lives and improve public safety,” said Governor Jared Polis.

“Sheriffs and law enforcement need new tools to hold dealers accountable for distributing deadly fentanyl, and we’re going to give them what they need,” said Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. “This bill treats fentanyl seriously and significantly strengthens the criminal penalties for dealing it. Going after the dealers will crack down on fentanyl and prevent more people from dying.”

"All over the state, Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorder, our kids are accidentally overdosing on pills, and families are trying as hard as they can to cope and keep on going. This is a heart-wrenching crisis that has traumatized families, destroyed lives and impacted entire communities, an epidemic that requires a thoughtful, forward-thinking and empathetic response,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, chair of the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “That’s why I spent the last several months working with behavioral health experts, law enforcement, community leaders and others on the Behavioral Health Task Force to help develop the evidence-based policy solutions presented in this bill. This legislation represents an important step forward to combat this crisis so we can get fentanyl off our streets, help people access care they need, and most importantly save lives.”

“I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will crack down on dealers of fentanyl and support our law enforcement as they work to stop these drugs from being sold on our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “We’ve come together with a bipartisan solution because fentanyl doesn't care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. This bill is going to prevent overdose deaths and hold dealers accountable when they spread death in our communities.”

Fentanyl is a drug unlike any other in its potency, lethality and addictiveness, and people across the country are dying from it at alarming rates. A comprehensive approach including both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers will save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. This response was crafted in partnership with law enforcement, district attorneys and public health experts.

The bill will strengthen criminal penalties for individuals distributing fentanyl to get dangerous dealers off Colorado streets. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need.

The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties.

“I’m proud of the work of Speaker Garnett and Colorado’s district attorneys to craft this new approach that will crack down on fentanyl dealers, remove this deadly drug from our communities and save lives,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This crisis demands the comprehensive response we’ve developed, which will provide prosecutors with the tools needed to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. Through this legislation, we will be able to respond aggressively to dealers taking lives when distributing this deadly drug.”

The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed to have a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment.

This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address the root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system.

“Fentanyl is finding its way into nearly every street drug in Colorado, so we are taking a multi-pronged approach that focuses on public safety and public health,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The public health strategy emphasizes education, treating addiction, and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves and others. We will increase penalties for drug dealers and deploy proven harm reduction strategies to save lives, help cut off the supply of fentanyl and get people the help they need without turning addicts into felons.”

While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses.

“I am extremely supportive of, and grateful for, the bipartisan bill offered today to combat the fentanyl scourge that has plagued our communities,” said 19th Judicial District Attorney Michael Rourke. “This bill addresses both of the top priorities of Colorado’s prosecutors: increasing the penalties for the possession with intent to distribute, manufacture, dispense or sell this poison in our communities, and holding accountable those who peddle this poison when such conduct results in the death of our fellow citizens.”

“Throughout Colorado and across the nation, there have been many tragic deaths and countless lives ruined due to fentanyl,” said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. “We need greater penalties for those who seek to profit from this crisis by intending to distribute or selling fentanyl -- especially for those that lead to a death. Individuals who are poisoned by fentanyl deserve justice and this bill is a positive step forward. And, for those struggling with addiction, this proposal would provide resources and treatment that is long overdue in the State of Colorado. This crisis requires a comprehensive response and that’s what we see in this bill.”

“This bill is a crucial step forward in holding accountable those who distribute fentanyl in our community,” said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason. “Fentanyl is killing our kids. Drug distributors are selling this poison to unsuspecting buyers, leading to tragedy and death. This bill will give us important new tools to prosecute those who are selling this drug and will help us get more fentanyl off the streets.”

In my more than 30 years in law enforcement, I've never seen a drug with such devastating consequences as illicit fentanyl. Too many Coloradans are dying from illegal use of this potent drug, and too many families are being changed forever. Every step we can take to reduce the presence of fentanyl on our streets is a step in the right direction,” said Stan Hilkey, CDPS Executive Director.

Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Invest $11.1 Million to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care for Colorado Youth Clears Committee

SB22-147 will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services Committee today unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) to improve access to behavioral health care for Colorado youth.

Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. SB22-147, cosponsored by Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and provide school-based support for kids and their families.

“Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” Kolker said. “We must act urgently to address this crisis and provide critical support to our state’s young people where and when they need it most. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives."

SB22-147 aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families through three programs:

$4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP):
This bill supports and codifies the CoPPCAP program, which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat behavioral health needs. The program connects pediatricians with pediatric psychiatrists who can provide consultations, resources, and referrals for children with mental health or substance use disorder needs.

$5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program:
This program appropriates $5 million in funding to an existing grant program which provides schools with funding to increase the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students.

$1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program:
This program appropriates $1.5 million in funding to an existing grant program to help support school-based health centers in Colorado.

SB22-147 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Democrats Advance Landmark Reproductive Health Equity Act

Critical legislation will enshrine the fundamental right to abortion care in Colorado law

DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, Colorado Senate Democrats today advanced the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion, on a preliminary vote.

Sponsored by Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), RHEA would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish that every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to continue that pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. 

“Right now, reproductive rights are under attack across the country, and if Roe v. Wade is overturned, there is no Colorado law in place that would protect the right to obtain a safe, legal abortion, which is why this bill is so important,” Gonzales said. “The Reproductive Health Equity Act will enshrine the right to abortion access in our state’s laws, ensuring that every Coloradan is guaranteed their fundamental right to reproductive freedom and can make their own decisions about their life and their future.”

The bill also ensures that every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception.

RHEA comes as attacks on access to abortion have proliferated across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn decades of precedent this spring, and at least 519 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center.

Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including:

• HB22-1079, which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too.

• HB22-1047, which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected providers who perform an abortion to imprisonment.

• HB22-1075, which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers.

 Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: President Fenberg, Representatives Amabile, Hooton and Gray Commemorate the One Year Anniversary of the King Soopers Shooting

BOULDER, CO – Boulder legislators Senate President Steve Fenberg, Representative Judy Amabile, Representative Edie Hooton, and Representative Matt Gray today released a joint statement commemorating the one year anniversary of the King Soopers shooting:

“One year ago, the Boulder community suffered a devastating tragedy when a gunman brutally cut short ten innocent lives. Today, our hearts remain heavy for the families of the victims, and for the entire Boulder community. But faced with tragedy, our community has emerged stronger and more resilient than before. We have been profoundly moved by the myriad ways Boulder County has come together to honor the victims of this tragedy and support their families and one another. As we continue to heal, each of us must recommit ourselves in our service to Boulder and Colorado while continuing our work to protect our neighbors and build a stronger, safer community for us all.”

Senate Passes Bills to Safeguard and Improve Colorado’s Elections

The bills will enhance Colorado’s gold standard election system by prohibiting intimidation and coercion at voting centers and clarifying processes for voters

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed two bills to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and ensure they remain free from attempts at intimidation or coercion.

Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) and Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County) the Vote Without Fear Act, prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within 100 feet of any drop box, voter service and polling center (VSPC), or central count facility while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress to ensure Coloradans can continue to cast their ballot without fear of intimidation.

“The sacred right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it’s imperative that Coloradans can participate in our democracy without fear,” said Fields. “We must ensure that voters who wish to make their voice heard at the ballot box feel safe to do so in Colorado, and this commonsense bill will implement critical protections to keep our polling places safe and defend voting rights throughout our state.”

“Participating in democracy should never be a scary experience. Every voter deserves to feel safe when exercising their sacred right to vote,” said Jaquez Lewis. “I’m proud to support legislation that further strengthens our elections by ensuring Coloradans can make their voices heard without fear of intimidation.”

SB22-152, Residence of Voter Whose Home is Destroyed, will allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to continue using their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or is uninhabitable. Sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Jaquez Lewis, the bill will codify a standard practice that county election clerks have historically followed for displaced voters. 

“The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Fenberg. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this legislation will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.”

HB22-1086 now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB22-152 moves to the House for further consideration; track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Lee’s Bipartisan Bills to Help Coloradans With Behavioral Health Needs Get Treatment, Not Punishment & Expand Court Text Reminder Program

DENVER, CO – The Senate today unanimously approved two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) that would expand a pretrial diversion program to help more Coloradans with behavioral health conditions get the treatment they need, and make court text message reminders automatic to address unnecessary incarceration and save Coloradans money. 

SB22-010, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), would empower District Attorneys to divert eligible individuals away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs, reducing recidivism and preventing further criminal behavior.

“A jail cell is no place for someone with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Diverting folks away from the criminal justice system and into community programs will ensure individuals in crisis are met with treatment, not punishment,” said Sen. Lee. “Expanding our existing pretrial diversion program to include individuals with behavioral health disorders means we’ll soon be able to extend critical aid to even more folks in need.”

The Senate also passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Lee and Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley) that would update Colorado’s court text message reminder system by expanding the use of automated court date text reminders and turning the reminder program into an opt-out system instead of an opt-in system.

The bill, SB22-018, aims to improve accountability by increasing court appearance rates, save time and money for sheriffs, courts and police, and avoid filling jails with people who missed a court date. 

“We should not be filling our jail cells with folks who simply miss their court date, but that is too often the case here in Colorado,” said Sen. Lee. “This bill is a commonsense step that will not only make it easier for people to remember their court dates, but also reduce needless incarceration while saving taxpayers money.”

Missed court appearances are costly for courts, sheriffs, police, crime survivors and people accused of crimes. Court reminders are the only evidence-based method of improving court appearance rates.

Both bills now move to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the SB22-010 HERE and SB22-018 HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday

New state holiday would commemorate the day Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved landmark legislation championed by members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado to make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday. The bill, SB22-139, is sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Janet Buckner (D-Aurora).

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and declared that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free.

“Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday we recognize in historical Black communities like Five Points where we march, eat good food and listen to good music,” said Sen. Coleman. "Making Juneteenth a state holiday means Colorado not only recognizes that Black people are free, but that all people are free. It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to health care and education people need to move forward and thrive.”

“It’s long past time to make Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us, a Colorado state holiday,” said Sen. Buckner. “I am proud to champion this important legislation which will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we don’t forget our past.”

SB22-139 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to End Transcript Withholding in Higher Ed, Prepare Students for Success Advances

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution.

The bill, HB22-1049, protects students with debt from tuition, financial aid funds, and room and board fees from having their transcript withheld when they apply for a job, credit transfer or financial aid. It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions.

“Withholding transcripts from students trying to enter the workforce is an unnecessary obstacle that disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color,” said Pettersen. “This bill aims to break down this barrier by prohibiting higher education institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas from students who have unpaid debts when they are applying for a job or seeking further education, setting our students up for success and helping to strengthen our workforce.”

“As Coloradans we believe in the values of responsibility and opportunity,” said Bridges. “If a student owes a college or university money, they ought to pay that money back. But when a student needs proof of their academic record to pursue a career and get a good paying job, so that they can afford to pay off what they owe, colleges and universities have a responsibility to provide that transcript. Holding transcripts for ransom is a harmful debt collection practice that has become all too common, and it’s time we put a stop to it here in Colorado."

HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. 

The bill will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Landmark Reproductive Health Equity Act

Critical legislation will enshrine the fundamental right to abortion care in Colorado law

DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, the Senate Judiciary Committee today approved the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion.

Sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), RHEA would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish that every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to continue that pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion.

“Right now, reproductive rights are under attack across the country, and if Roe v. Wade is overturned, there is no Colorado law in place that would protect the right to obtain a safe, legal abortion, which is why this bill is so important,” said Sen. Gonzales. “The Reproductive Health Equity Act will enshrine the right to abortion access in our state’s laws, ensuring that every Coloradan is guaranteed their fundamental right to reproductive freedom and can make their own decisions about their life and their future.”

The bill also ensures that every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception.

RHEA comes as attacks on access to abortion have proliferated across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn decades of precedent this spring, and at least 519 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center.

Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accesible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including:

• HB22-1079, which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too.

• HB22-1047, which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected providers who perform an abortion to imprisonment.

• HB22-1075, which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers.

RHEA will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Economic and Budget Forecasts Show Continued Economic Growth

JBC Dems to prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March economic forecasts, which will serve as the basis for the state budget for the coming fiscal year.

“It’s great to see that our economy is making a bold recovery and that unemployment levels are falling,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our responsible approach to budgeting has positioned us well to craft a balanced budget that saves people money and moves our state forward. Our budget will invest in public schools and higher education to prepare students for success, and it will fund critical efforts to investigate and prevent crime to make our communities safer. I’m excited about where our state is headed, and look forward to the work ahead.”

“Today’s numbers prove that, overall, our economy remains very strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We’re back to the strong pre-pandemic levels of employment and wage growth, and the General Fund remains in a solid position. Democrats have worked to support our economy and Coloradans over the past few years, and it’s clearly paying off. We are well positioned to provide working Colorado families critical tax and fee relief while investing in our schools and making Colorado a more affordable place to live.” 

“Today's economic forecast shows that despite pandemic-induced inflation that is occurring nationally and a geopolitical crisis, Colorado's economic recovery is strong,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Thanks to fiscally responsible decisions that we've made throughout the pandemic and especially this year, I am confident we have positioned Colorado for continued -- and sustained -- growth. The proactive steps we’ve taken to bolster our reserves and our budget will enable us to continue moving forward with critical investments in public schools and efforts to save people money.”

“Based on the numbers, it appears that Colorado is financially on track to avert much of the recent disruptions caused by global events,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “The challenges will continue, and we can’t lose sight of our obligations and priorities in Colorado. We must remain focused on creating a budget that will work most efficiently and effectively for the greatest number of Coloradans.”

The LCS Forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $15.96 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $16.05 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $59 million increase for FY 2021-2022 and an $344.5 million decrease for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier December revenue forecast. 

The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 4.1 percent in January, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state has recovered more than 98 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical risk and monetary policy decisions were also presented as risks to the forecast.  

The OSPB anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $205.9 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $344.7 million relative to its December estimate.

The state will exceed its TABOR limit due to higher than anticipated income tax collections, and both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state exceeding the TABOR limit in the upcoming fiscal years as well. In addition, LCS and OSPB identified the uncertainty of the pandemic, evolving fiscal policy, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as risks to the forecast.