Rodriguez’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Rural Access to Essential Health Care Services Clears Committee

SB22-173 would expand telepharmacy services, improving access to life-saving prescription drugs for rural Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee yesterday unanimously passed Senator Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver)’s bipartisan bill to expand access to health care services for rural Coloradans by increasing the availability of telepharmacy services.

Cosponsored by Senator Jim Smallwood (R-Parker), SB22-173 would remove the current restriction requiring telepharmacy outlets to be located more than twenty miles from the nearest prescription drug outlet or other telepharmacy outlet. It would also require the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy to take into consideration areas of need when determining locations for new remote pharmacy sites.

“During the pandemic, we saw a need for greater flexibility in accessing health care services in every corner of the state, and telepharmacy emerged as a way to bring high quality services directly to underserved areas," said Sen. Rodriguez. “By increasing the availability of telepharmacy outlets, we can ensure all Coloradans, particularly in rural and remote areas, have access to the essential health care services they need to thrive."

Telepharmacy is the delivery of pharmaceutical care via telecommunications to patients in locations where they may not have direct contact with a pharmacist. SB22-173 would also require the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules to specify additional criteria for telepharmacy outlets.

SB22-173 now heads to the Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Danielson Bill to Increase Safety in Assisted Living Facilities, Prevent Abuse & Neglect Clears Committee

Legislation aims to hold assisted living facilities accountable & protect older Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) that aims to ramp up safety measures in Colorado’s assisted living facilities to protect residents and prevent abuse and neglect of older Coloradans.

While most residents receive quality care in assisted living facilities, too many are neglected and others are victims of psychological, physical, and other kinds of abuse. SB22-154 aims to strengthen protections for older adults and persons with disabilities residing in these facilities by developing process protections for those facing involuntary discharge and establishing a system of minimum standards and requirements. It will also increase the current cap on fees to incentivize further protections for seniors.   

“Older Coloradans should be treated with the utmost care and attention, but some assisted living facilities across our state are not doing their due diligence, and are getting away with abuse and neglect,” said Sen. Danielson. “The situation in some facilities is truly abhorrent, and too many families have had to bear the brunt of their negligence with either the loss of or profound mistreatment of a loved one. This critical bill will hold assisted living facilities accountable, better protect older Coloradans, and prevent abuse and neglect from happening in these spaces moving forward.” 

SB22-154 would establish procedures to help protect residents when an assisted living center initiates an involuntary discharge of a resident, requiring a facility to provide written notice, documentation, and establishing an appeal and grievance process.

The bill would also establish minimum qualifications for residence administrators, but exempts administrators hired before 2019. The bill requires all residence administrators to meet or exceed the minimum qualifications as of January 1, 2024. It also requires facility owners to check Colorado’s Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. 

Currently, there is a $2,000 per year cap on facility fines. This bill removes the cap and the annual limitation and provides for the Department of Public Health and Environment to determine the amount of the fine, based on factors outlined in the bill. The current fine has not been increased since 1990. 

SB22-154 has support from the Colorado Center for Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (Area Agency on Aging for the Denver metro area), Mental Health Colorado, AARP Colorado, the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, and the Colorado Alliance for Retired Americans.

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Essential Hygiene Products Clears Committee

“Don’t tax dignity” bill would end sales tax on menstrual products, diapers and incontinence products

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senators Faith Winter (D-Westminster) and Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County) that would eliminate the state tax on essential hygiene products like menstrual products, diapers, and incontinence products.

“Every Coloradan deserves to live with dignity, but for far too many, their inability to pay for basic human needs like period products and diapers means they can’t,” said Sen. Winter. “With this bill, we’re removing the tax on dignity while ensuring that Coloradans can save money on essential items. This is a commonsense step in the right direction that will help countless families afford these products so they can maintain their own health and care for their loved ones.” 

"Right now, things like food and medicine are tax exempt, but other essential hygiene products are not. This inequity impacts low-income folks and communities of color the most,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis. “This critical bill is about dignity. The more we can make these products affordable, the more access they will have."

Far too many Coloradans have difficulty affording basic needs like menstrual products, infant diapers or incontinence products. Under the bill, specific hygiene products would join other tax exempt essentials like food and medicine. The current sales and use tax on essential products falls disproportionately on communities of color and older Coloradans with fixed incomes.

If passed, HB22-1055 would help more than 200,000 children under the age of 3 and their families who spend about $80 per child per month on diapers, 1.6 million individuals between the ages of 12 and 55 and their families who spend $15 a month per individual who menstruates and some of the 850,000 older adults who can spend as much as $240 a month on incontinence products. 

HB22-1055 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Clears Trio of Bipartisan Bills to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Care in Colorado

The bills will invest millions to increase behavioral health services for Colorado youth, families, and Native American Tribes

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed three bipartisan bills to improve access to behavioral health services. Two of the bills, SB22-147 and SB22-148, were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-147, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) and Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), 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, 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, 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, which helps support school-based health centers in Colorado.

“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."

SB22-148, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), will increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes.

“The Tribes are our partners and neighbors and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” said Donovan. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities and this bill will support the Tribes’ efforts.”

HB22-1214, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) and Kevin Priola (R-Brighton) will clarify that crisis facilities must provide mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals in crisis, including youth and people with disabilities. 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.

SB22-147 and SB22-148 now head to the House for further consideration. HB22-1214 will now go to the Governor’s desk for signature.

SIGNED! Historic Reproductive Health Equity Act Becomes Law in Colorado

Colorado will become the 16th state to enshrine the fundamental right to abortion into law

DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor Jared Polis today signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) into law to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion.

Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, RHEA updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion.

“Across the country, and here in Colorado, abortion rights are under attack from GOP politicians who want to ban abortion in all cases – here in our state, we won’t let that happen,” said Rep. Froelich. “Coloradans have made it clear that they want to keep abortion legal in our state. I’m proud Governor Polis has signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act into law to safeguard reproductive rights in Colorado.”

“With reproductive freedom under attack at the federal level, we’re taking historic action today to ensure Colorado remains a safe haven for folks in need of reproductive health care,” said Sen. Gonzales. “Until today, Colorado law didn’t expressly protect the right to abortion care. We’re changing that because all Coloradans should have the freedom to make decisions about their lives and their futures. This landmark bill enshrines the fundamental right to abortion into Colorado law, and we sincerely hope other states choose to follow our lead. The health and well-being of millions of Americans depends on it.”

“Enshrining the right to choose when it comes to reproductive health care, including the right to abortion, shows we trust Coloradans to make their own medical decisions,” said Majority Leader Esgar. “Politicians shouldn’t get to decide whether or not someone is ready to start a family. With the passage of this law and the governor’s signature today, we’ve taken a giant step forward to protect fundamental reproductive rights and abortion access in Colorado, and I couldn't be more proud.”

The new law 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 abortion providers 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.

Senate Passes Zenzinger’s Bill to Increase Colorado Special Education Funding & Set Students Up for Success

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) that would increase funding for special education students by more than $80 million per year. The bill, SB22-127, would help ensure that every Colorado student has the resources and support they need to thrive.

“Every Colorado student deserves a quality, public education, but the current level of state support for schools just isn’t getting the job done.” said Sen. Zenzinger. “We’ve been working to fix that, and this legislation will help us get critical resources to the classrooms that need them most while making sure every student, regardless of ability, has what they need to succeed."

SB22-127 will dramatically increase funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to more than $300 million per year moving forward. This increase will bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve.

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

JOINT RELEASE: Governor Polis, Lawmakers Unveil Legislation to Boost Essential Nonprofits

Legislation would distribute transformative Economic Recovery and Relief Funds to support nonprofits serving communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic

DENVER, CO –Colorado lawmakers yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation that will use $35 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost community-based nonprofit social service organizations that provide critical support to communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“In the true Colorado spirit, Colorado’s incredible non-profits stepped up to provide additional support to communities hit hardest by the pandemic. I am proud that our administration has worked hand-in-hand with local community-based organizations, the legislature, and state and federal agencies to provide much-needed relief for Coloradans throughout the pandemic. We are continuing to take bold steps to support Colorado’s non-profits and the communities they serve,”said Gov. Polis.

“Colorado’s nonprofits stepped up during the pandemic to fill critical gaps and provide essential services to families and individuals, but they are also facing stiff challenges to stay afloat and continue their important work for the communities they serve,”said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver.“This bill will direct $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to essential nonprofits that were hurt by the pandemic and that are struggling to recover. With these grants, nonprofits in every part of our state will be able to expand their services and continue helping our communities.”

“Nonprofits often serve as the backbone of our communities, offering critical support to folks in need and helping families and individuals stay afloat,”said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver.“Now it’s our turn to help them. This legislation will direct urgently-needed resources to nonprofits across our state that need a hand in recovering from the pandemic, allowing them to keep their doors open and continue providing the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive.”

“All across our state, nonprofits have helped Coloradans get through these tough times, and now they need our help to continue offering the services people and families need,”said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder.“Nonprofits are doing incredible work. Many help Coloradans experiencing homelessness find a place to sleep, and others are helping young adults who need a little support to stay on track. This $35 million investment will help Colorado’s nonprofits get back on their feet and expand their capacity to serve our state.”

HB22-1356, sponsored by Representatives Herod and Hooton, and Senators Gonzales and Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Small community-based nonprofits have played an important role in delivering critical services to families and communities that were directly impacted by the pandemic. These organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions.

The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize use of funds.

During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly set aside $700 million in federal pandemic relief funds to use for economic recovery and relief initiatives in the years ahead. This legislation uses $35 million of this funding to support essential organizations that are doing critical work in Colorado communities to help families recover from the pandemic.

SIGNED! Donovan's Bipartisan Bill to Support the Tourism Workforce in Mountain Communities Becomes Law

Donovan: “This law will let counties reinvest dollars back into supporting the people that call these communities home.”

VAIL, CO – Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) into law to address the use of lodging tax revenue for local marketing districts.

“At the heart of every mountain town are its locals,” said Senator Donovan. “This law will let counties reinvest dollars back into supporting the people that call these communities home.”

Mountain communities often generate strong revenue from tourism, but are limited in how they spend this money. HB22-1117, co-sponsored by Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose), will expand the usage of local marketing district and county lodging tax revenue beyond destination marketing and promotion to include workforce housing and childcare.

Colorado has seen a record increase in tourism, with each year bringing more tourists than the last. Despite rising tax revenues, the average resident of tourism-heavy counties has seen their economic well-being decline. While these tourism taxes currently advertise their county to visitors, they cannot use these funds to invest in the experience of visitors traveling to these counties or use these funds to maintain a workforce that can accommodate these visitors.

This legislation will allow for revenue generated from tourism to be used for  housing and childcare for the tourism-related workforce, including seasonal workers, and for facilitating and enhancing visitor experiences.

Bill to Implement Universal Preschool in Colorado Clears Committee

Legislation will provide high-quality preschool options to all Colorado kids

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee today advanced President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Janet Buckner’s (D-Aurora)’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high quality early childhood experiences to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1295 implements recommendations for the Department of Early Childhood to elevate early childhood education and ensures that early childhood care is easy to navigate for all Colorado families. The legislation builds off of last year’s HB21-1304, which established the Department of Early Childhood and charged the agency with implementing universal preschool, improving education outcomes, and supporting families in expanding access to enriching early childhood experiences.

“Establishing universal preschool in Colorado is one of the most impactful things we are doing this session,” Fenberg said. “Quality early childhood education is critical to a child’s life success, and streamlining the process to increase availability and affordability is just as beneficial to the parents of young children. The new department is going to make transformational changes for Colorado kids and their families.”

“Access to child care not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” said Buckner. “As we work to move Colorado forward, this bill will directly impact families across our state, saving people money and setting our future leaders up for success. I am so proud of the work that we’ve done to get to this point, and am excited to see how the new Department of Early Childhood will benefit Colorado’s youth for generations to come.”

The program will provide 10 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool to every child the year before entering kindergarten starting in the 2023 school year, saving families thousands of dollars per year. The legislation supports mixed delivery preschool options, prioritizing quality and respecting parent choice, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

HB22-1295 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bills to Improve Behavioral Health Care for Peace Officers, Enhance Public Safety Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – The Judiciary Committee today advanced legislation that would invest $5 million to improve behavioral health services for peace officers as well as help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system.

SB22-005, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and John Cooke (R-Greeley), would make a one-time $5 million investment to the existing Peace Officers Behavioral Health Support and Community Partnership Fund to expand mental health support for law enforcement. The bill adds to the program services that support peace officers involved in job-related traumatic situations.

“The mental health crisis in Colorado reaches every community in unique ways,” Bridges said. “For members of law enforcement, serving on the frontlines of traumatic situations can have devastating effects on their mental health. By investing in behavioral health services specifically supporting law enforcement, we’ll ensure they are well equipped to continue to show up for our communities whenever and wherever needed.”

The Judiciary Committee also approved a bill sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) that would improve public safety and keep kids out of the  juvenile justice system. The bill, HB22-1003, is part of the Colorado Senate Democrats’ ongoing commitment to build safer communities across the state.

“Part of preventing crime and creating safer communities involves investing in effective intervention and prevention programs to help stop criminal activity from happening in the first place,” said Sen. Coleman. “By investing in our communities, we can keep more youth out of the juvenile justice system and build a safer Colorado for all, while uplifting our youth so they have the support necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives.” 

“As we continue to move Pueblo and Colorado forward, we’re committed to making investments that reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Sen. Hinrichsen. “This bill will help local governments support our youth and reduce recidivism rates in our communities, which will ultimately give young people the support and resources they need and create safer communities across the board.” 

HB22-1003 would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, Native American Tribes, and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that reduce crime, violence and delinquency among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime.

Coleman’s Bipartisan Bill To Boost Colorado Workforce Advances

Legislation would eliminate barriers for Coloradans with a criminal history obtain licensure, certification or registration for many professions

DENVER, CO - Yesterday, Senator James Coleman’s (D-Denver) bipartisan legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by breaking down barriers for Coloradans with a criminal history to obtain licensure, certification or registration for many professions and occupations, unanimously cleared the Senate Finance Committee.

Cosponsored by Senator Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), HB22-1098 would make it easier for Coloradans with unrelated criminal charges to obtain the credentials they need to enter a profession.

“This year we’re working hard to bolster Colorado’s workforce and get our economy on the right track,” said Coleman. “Right now, if you have a criminal history you’re barred from entering many professions or occupations. This bill opens up new opportunities to get highly qualified individuals into these jobs and give our workforce the boost it needs.”

HB22-1098 would also set a new requirement that if a regulator denies a license based on an applicant’s criminal history, the regulator must communicate that reason to the applicant. 

HB22-1098 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Governor Polis, Legislative Leadership & Community Leaders Take Bold Climate Action, Unveil Transformative Legislation to Fight for Clean Air & a Healthier, Cleaner Colorado

New bills will advance Polis Administration and legislature’s bold climate goals, help create more good-paying green jobs, save money on energy bills

DENVER — Today, Governor Polis joined legislative leadership, bill sponsors, and community leaders to unveil comprehensive legislation to preserve and protect Colorado’s air quality, and  ensure Coloradans are healthy, safe, and can thrive. The Polis Administration has made record investments to improve air quality since day one, and the newly unveiled legislation is a critical step forward towards achieving a healthier, cleaner Colorado. 

“We are fighting for a cleaner, healthier Colorado. I am proud that in partnership with the legislature, we are moving forward on a comprehensive plan for clean air that will benefit Colorado for years to come while helping save people and businesses money. The time is now for bold action,” said Gov. Polis. 

The historic package of bills includes record investments in clean transportation, energy efficient buildings, and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives. The electrification of school bus fleets will protect Colorado kids from harmful pollutant exposure and save Colorado schools money on both expensive fuel and maintenance costs.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future for all.”

The newly introduced legislation supports good-paying jobs for drivers, mechanics, and construction workers with bold investments in expanded public transit service and energy efficient buildings.

“This legislation will improve our air quality, save people money and create jobs in Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “By investing in new technologies, we will reduce harmful industrial emissions, and our air will be cleaner. Our kids deserve a smog free ride to school, and electric school buses will reduce emissions and protect students’ health. I’m excited that we are taking significant action to reduce pollution and create good jobs in critical industries.”

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“The future is coming, and we want Colorado homes to be ready so consumers don’t have to spend thousands retrofitting their properties for the technologies we know are going to be commonplace in just a few years,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “Our building codes need to be forward looking, and with this bill, new homes are going to be ready for clean heat, solar power and electric vehicles. With these codes in place, Coloradans will benefit from cleaner indoor air and save money on their utility bills.”

“For too long, we’ve suffered from unhealthy, unsafe air in Colorado, and it’s only getting worse. That’s why I am proud to champion this legislation that will help upgrade our homes and buildings to reduce emissions throughout Colorado,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This $22 million investment will help families, businesses, and communities improve buildings to reduce energy use and pollution, improve our indoor air quality, and help give more Coloradans a cleaner, healthier future.”

Committee Clears Bill to Save Small Businesses And Entrepreneurs Money

Small business owners and entrepreneurs would see business filing fees reduced to $1

DENVER, CO - The Senate Finance Committee today voted unanimously to advance Senators Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Chris Kolker’s (D-Centennial) legislation to reduce filing fees, bringing down the cost of owning and operating a business in Colorado.

“After a tough few years, hardworking small business owners and entrepreneurs need to keep more money in their pockets,” said Pettersen. “This bill offers relief to small businesses in every corner of the state and represents just one of the many ways we’re working to save Coloradans money this year.”

“Small businesses were hit hard over the course of the pandemic,” Kolker said. “As recovery stretches on, we’re continuing to do what we can to offer support. By cutting fees for businesses, we’re delivering support directly to the small businesses and entrepreneurs that work hard to keep our economy going.”

HB22-1001 would reduce several business filing fees and other costs associated with operating a business to $1 through a credit program administered by the Secretary of State’s Office. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals, and other fees typically paid to the Secretary of State’s Office. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year.

HB22-1001 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE

SIGNED! Vote Without Fear Act & Bill to Help Incarcerated Coloradans Prepare to Re-enter Society Become Law

Legislation will improve public safety at the ballot box as well as help reduce recidivism

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed two bills into law to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and ensure they remain free from attempts at violence, intimidation or coercion, and to help Coloradans in the criminal justice system prepare to reintegrate back into society and reduce recidivism.   

The Vote Without Fear Act, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) and Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County), seeks to ensure that Colorado voters can freely cast their vote at the ballot box without fear of violence or intimidation.

“Participating in democracy should never be a scary experience. Every voter deserves to feel safe when exercising their sacred right to vote,” said Sen. 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.”

The bill 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 Sen. 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 law will implement critical protections to keep our polling places safe and defend voting rights throughout our state.”

Polis also signed SB22-050, sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Dennis Hisey (R-Fountain), which removes the requirement for Colorado Correctional Industries (CCi) to make a profit. This change will allow the Department of Corrections (DOC) to focus on work programs that benefit the reentry and reintegration of the incarcerated population, rather than focusing on programs that create revenue.

“Without adequate access to housing, education and especially employment, 50 percent of Colorado's formerly incarcerated are reverted back to the system shortly after release. In order for these individuals to be able to rebuild, they must have access to programs that focus on preparing them for re-entry into society, not recidivism,” said Sen. Coleman. “This law will give folks more opportunities to receive skilled training, accountability, responsibility and higher wages, and better promote successful rehabilitation, re-entry, and reintegration into their communities.” 

The bipartisan legislation ensures that the Take TWO (Transitional Work Opportunity) program and CCi programs function under the same division at DOC, and gives DOC greater flexibility to recruit, organize, and create meaningful work programs that provide skilled training, accountability, responsibility and higher wages.

Bill to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions, Improve Safety on Colorado Highways Clears Committee

Legislation would enhance safety for motorists and wildlife

DENVER, CO – The Senate Transportation & Energy Committee yesterday approved a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Tammy Story (D-Confier) to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve safety for wildlife and motorists on Colorado highways.

The bill, SB22-151, would create a “Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Mitigation Fund” for wildlife crossing projects on stretches of roads and highways with high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), or where the ability of wildlife to move across the landscape has been hampered by high traffic volumes.

“Wildlife corridors are a common sense way to protect motorists, keep wildlife safe, and ensure habitats stay intact,” said Sen. Danielson. “This bill will help ecosystems thrive and make sure our wild places continue to power Colorado’s economy for future generations.”

“Colorado is home to an abundance of wildlife that we need to protect,” said Sen. Story. “By investing in wildlife corridors along our highways, we will keep our wildlife safe and prevent dangerous collisions for our motorists.”

Wildlife-vehicle collisions cost Colorado motorists millions of dollars per year and endanger the lives of both people and wildlife. Colorado law enforcement reports an annual average of nearly 4,000 WVCs, though officials estimate a more accurate figure is 14,100 WVCs per year when unrecorded collisions are considered.

WVCs can have tragic consequences, including hundreds of human injuries and some fatalities, thousands of animal deaths, and an annual cost of approximately $80 million in property damage, emergency response, medical treatments, and other costs.

The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Bipartisan Community Safety Investment Act Clears First Committee Hurdle

SB22-145 will establish critical crime prevention programs, address workforce shortages in law enforcement

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government Committee today gave initial approval to Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley)'s bipartisan Community Safety Investment Act to improve public safety and address recruitment, retention, and training concerns in law enforcement agencies across the state.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe in their community, but like the rest of the country, crime has been on the rise here in Colorado, which is why we’re taking action,” Buckner said. “This bipartisan bill will provide critical resources to help communities cut down on crime, address law enforcement workforce shortages, and get folks in crisis the help they need to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. I am proud to champion this common sense legislation, and I look forward to reducing crime and creating a safer Colorado for us all.”

“I’m very happy to see this legislation progress out of committee,” Senator Cooke commented. “The grants created by this bill will better equip law enforcement agencies across the state to prevent and reduce crime, as well as hire, train, and retain more representative officers. This bill prioritizes public safety, part of our Republican Commitment to Colorado, by providing millions of dollars to police departments to better address the spiking crime wave we have seen in recent years.” 

Research shows that crime prevention strategies that include collaboration between communities and local law enforcement are most effective. The Community Safety Investment Act will create three grant programs within the Department of Public Safety: 

• The first grant program will provide $15 million over two years to community-based organizations and local law enforcement agencies to implement collaborative, data-driven intervention strategies such as co-responder programs, violence interrupter programs, early intervention teams, and restorative justice services in identified high-crime areas. 

• The second grant program will provide law enforcement agencies with $7.5 million over two years to help recruit and retain staff, as well as improve training curriculums, including mental health training. 

• The third grant program - the State’s Mission for Assistance in Recruitment and Training (SMART) policing grant - will provide $7.5 million over two years  to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and train officers that better represent the communities they serve. 

The bill also establishes a front-end stakeholder crime prevention forum, and provides funding for oversight and administration within the Colorado Department of Public Safety which will administer the grant programs.

Law enforcement advocates praised the legislation:

"I support SB 22-145, the Community Safety Investment Act, as it is a positive step toward the overall goal of reducing crime in our communities while continuing to build partnerships with the citizens our law enforcement agencies serve,” said Montrose Chief of Police Chief of Police Blaine Hall. “SB 22-145 provides grant funding for Colorado Law Enforcement agencies to hire, recruit, and retain law enforcement officers to meet our current hiring shortages. Furthermore, it includes funding for apprenticeship programs allowing law enforcement agencies to be creative in recruiting locals in our communities to serve in the police profession. Finally, expanding the partnerships between law enforcement and our mental health providers is key to growing mental health co-responder programs and immediately applying mental health services to those in crisis. As proposed, I recommend it receives full Colorado legislative support.” 

“Crime prevention programs are an essential component of keeping our communities safe,” said 17th District Attorney Brian Mason. “This bill funds co-responder programs, mental health centers and diversion programs, all of which are proven to help keep people out of the criminal justice system. I strongly support the Governor’s proposal and urge the Senate to adopt it.”

“I appreciate the collaborative approach and the opportunity offered to criminal justice professionals to participate in working to strengthen public safety in our communities,” said Thornton Chief of Police Terrence T. Gordon. “Public safety is neither a spectator sport nor the sole province of any expert or governmental body. If any one of us sets out to reduce the unacceptably high rates of victimization or serve our communities individually without respecting the voices of all concerned, we will have already failed.”

“This bipartisan bill is an important step forward in supporting multidisciplinary responses to crime and resources for our law enforcement officers as we work together to ensure safe and healthy communities for all in Colorado,” said First District Attorney Alexis King.

The Community Safety Investment Act will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Advance

House and Senate committees advance legislation to invest over $200 million to build and sustain affordable housing and boost affordable workforce housing options

DENVER, CO – Legislation to save people money on housing by building thousands more homes and expanding access to critical workforce housing today passed House and Senate Committees.

“The lack of affordable housing is at a crisis level in Colorado, and I am so glad the state legislature is doing something to help increase affordable housing stock in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This historic, transformational legislation will provide nearly $180 million directly to local governments and nonprofits all across the state to construct thousands of new units and retain existing affordable housing for our teachers, our nurses, our first responders, and workers and families all over the state. This bill is part of the historic $400 million we are allocating this year for housing - the single largest investment the state has ever made to get homes built and drive down the cost of housing to save people money.”

“As Colorado’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure communities have the land and resources required to develop affordable housing now and in the future,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver. “Local governments and nonprofits are the experts when it comes to pinpointing their communities’ unique needs. That’s why this bill is targeted at uplifting their work and providing the necessary tools to achieve their housing development goals.”

“Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This bill will help local governments and nonprofits access the space and funding that communities need to equitably accommodate that growth. By helping communities increase their housing supply we can make sure every Coloradan has access to a home they can afford.”

Nonprofit and Local Government Grants and Strong Communities: HB22-1304, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield and Senators James Coleman and Julie Gonzales, passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 9-3. The bill invests $178 million, a historic sum, to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The bill also makes a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes.

The legislation will ensure flexibility of funding, including allowances for operating grants to community-based organizations and qualified local governments, particularly in small, rural, and mountain resort communities, so they can best meet their own development needs according to their community’s workforce and local economy. By building homes closer to where people work, the bill will also save Coloradans money on their transportation costs.

“The housing crisis is impacting businesses large and small across the state, making it harder to attract workers and fill critical positions,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “As part of our strategy to drive down the cost of housing and save people money, we will target resources to expand workforce housing for middle income Coloradans. This will build affordable places to live for workers in communities that are experiencing workforce housing shortages, which is becoming common in nearly every part of our state.”

“Coloradans across the state are struggling to afford a place to live, and the time to act is now,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will improve support systems for middle income families whose modest resources squeeze them between skyrocketing housing costs and ineligibility for assistance, save people money, and help more Colorado families thrive.”

CHFA Middle Income Access Program: SB22-146, sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Marc Snyder and Marc Catlin, passed the Senate Local Government Committee by a vote of 5-0. The bill will expand critical workforce housing so that more Coloradans and communities have access to affordable housing that allows them to live in the communities where they work.

The legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which finances projects to build housing for middle income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits but too low to afford market rates. Specifically, this funding will provide financing to developers seeking to build rental housing affordable to Coloradans earning 80 percent or more of the area median income through acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of existing properties.

To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million of CHFA-invested funds to support five developments comprising over 600 units. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Gypsum, and Denver.

Gov. Polis, Legislators, Community Leaders Unveil Legislation to Save Colorado Businesses, Students, & Workers Money, Increase Good-Paying Jobs, and Ensure Student Success

Polis Administration in partnership with State Lawmakers continue to take bold steps to address essential workforce needs, save Colorado businesses, students, and workers money, and strengthen Colorado’s talent pipeline

DENVER, CO —  Today, Governor Jared Polis, Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, cabinet members, state legislators, members of the business community, and  education advocates announced legislation to elevate student-to-career pathways, continue to bring good-paying jobs to Colorado, and support Colorado’s thriving economy for years to come. This legislation builds upon innovative proposals by Governor Polis to support workforce development and education opportunities, and reflects the Polis Administration’s commitment to supporting economic development and workforce solutions across Colorado.

"We are connecting Coloradans to good paying jobs, providing innovative and bold solutions to ensure student success, and strengthening our workforce talent pipeline. As Colorado’s economy continues to grow stronger, we remain committed to providing high quality work-based learning for Coloradans to get the skills they need for workplace advancement, and to prepare for the jobs of the future,” said Gov. Polis.

The newly unveiled legislation supports innovative and creative solutions to equip diverse learners with the skills to succeed in Colorado’s thriving workforce, and allows workers to connect life experiences, such as work experience, job skills, and apprenticeships toward credentials and degrees.

“Preparing students for success in the workforce will boost our economy and support employers across the state who are struggling to fill positions,” said State Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Colorado is taking a regional approach to boosting our workforce, beginning with creating new pathways for in-demand careers. We’re going to create new partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to save students money on their degrees and expand opportunities to enter fast-growing, high-paying industries that are currently experiencing workforce shortages.” 

“One of the main reasons people go to college is for the opportunity to earn a good-paying job,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “As folks decide what degree or certificate to pursue and where to earn it, these bills will ensure they have the data they need to get the best return on their investment while creating new pathways to help students earn those degrees and land high-paying jobs. With three out of every four jobs in our state requiring some kind of education beyond high school, these bills will also help us better align all of our educational institutions with the needs of our workforce, our employers, and our Colorado economy.”

“Everyone's educational journey is a little bit different, and stackable credentials offer flexibility to Coloradans pursuing new careers,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our bill makes it easier for postsecondary institutions and workforce development organizations offering trades and apprenticeship programs to prepare students for high-demand careers, and ensure the learning they do on the job is recognized as they continue their career trajectory. Sometimes life gets in the way of your educational plans, and stackable credentials provide more flexible options to students at any stage of life.”

“Expanding stackable credential pathways will set Colorado’s students up for success and help workers upskill and reskill to land the high-paying jobs they are seeking,” said State Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Colorado students – adults and youth alike – need efficient and effective pathways to gain the experience and training they need to earn a degree and, ultimately, a good-paying job. This bill will  accelerate our economic recovery and help businesses fill the critical gaps in our state’s workforce.”

“The key to improving outcomes for students as they pursue postsecondary education and prepare for their careers is through better and more transparent data,” said State Representative Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This new legislation is focused on modernizing how we measure student success and ensuring our data systems are sophisticated to keep up with our ever-changing and growing economy, today and in the future. With data in hand, our postsecondary institutions can ensure students are getting the most out of their educational experience and leave prepared for their dream jobs and careers that will pay them more!” 

“Measuring student success not only keeps us accountable, but it also helps higher education institutions pivot to better meet the needs of their students,” said State Representative Perry Will, R-New Castle. “We know Coloradans pursue higher education to broaden their horizons for career opportunities. This bill will make clear what type of return on investment students will get as they plan for their next step. With better data, we can create more responsive educational programs and ultimately a workforce that is better prepared for the future.” 

JOINT RELEASE: Hansen, Daugherty Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Colorado Families Save Money on Tax Filings

SB22-182 would invest $4 million to create the Economic Mobility Program and put more money in families’ wallets

DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ ongoing work to save people money, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Rep. Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help families save money on their tax filings.

Cosponsored by Sen. Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will help educate eligible Coloradans on how to file for and receive tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans.

“Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” Sen. Hansen said. “This legislation will help families better understand and file for the tax credits they are eligible for, allowing them to keep even more of their hard-earned paycheck and get some money back on their tax returns.”

“In the last two years, we’ve significantly increased tax credits for hardworking families that are boosting their incomes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year,” said Rep. Daugherty. “The bill we’re introducing today will provide families with free tax filing assistance to claim the tax credits they’re owed so that no one leaves money on the table that is needed to pay their rent or feed their families.”

The bill will aim specifically to help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families.

It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support.

In 2020, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to increase the state earned income tax credit (EITC) from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal EITC. In 2021, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to further increase Colorado’s EITC to 25 percent of the federal EITC and fund Colorado’s child tax credit for the first time, boosting the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans.

SB22-182 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

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

Legislation would help students achieve their dreams & strengthen Colorado’s workforce 

DENVER, CO – The Senate today 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 Sen. 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 Sen. 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 now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.