Zenzinger’s Bill to Save Wheelchair Users Money on Repairs Clears Committee

Legislation would protect the rights of wheelchair users

DENVER, CO - The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) to protect the rights of wheelchair users by allowing owners to repair their own wheelchairs.

Co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), HB22-1031 would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. 

“Right now, powered wheelchair owners do not have the freedom to repair their own machines when fixes are needed,” said Zenzinger. “Wheelchair users, particularly in rural communities, are forced to wait long stretches of time for repairs and often face high prices for repair equipment and services. Allowing wheelchair owners to do their own repairs will save Coloradans time and money, and build a more accessible Colorado for all.”

Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. 

Under the bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Air Quality Improvement Bill to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales’ (D-Denver) bill to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA.

SB22-193 would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in 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.”

“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,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

SB22-193 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Pair of Ginal Bills to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts, Create a Safer Colorado Win Unanimous Committee Approval

Legislation will reduce crime, improve public safety

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and create a safer Colorado.

SB22-179, cosponsored by Senator Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), would create civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter theft, while HB22-1217 would create a grant program - funded by penalties accrued under SB22-179 - aimed at increasing public awareness around catalytic converter theft and providing financial assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. 

“Catalytic converter theft has become a crisis here in Colorado and throughout our nation, and it’s only getting worse,” said Ginal. “Coloradans depend on their cars for everyday things like getting to work and picking up groceries, and an inoperable car can cause real harm and unnecessary costs. This legislation will help crack down on those thefts, educate folks on how to keep their property secure, and help make the victims of catalytic converter theft whole.”

Cracking down on catalytic converter theft is a top priority for General Assembly Democrats this session. Ginal’s bipartisan SB22-009, which recently passed the Senate, would cut down on the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts across Colorado by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and make it easier to prosecute “chop shops” for selling stolen ones.

Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts nationwide have more than quadrupled recently, from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020.

SB22-179 and HB22-1217 will now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Gonzales, Lee Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Access, Divert Coloradans in Need Away from Criminal Justice System Clears Committee

Legislation invests over $50 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support 

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) to make major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-196 would invest $51.5 million for the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system. The funding would also be used to redirect individuals with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.

“For far too long, Colorado has tried to arrest and jail our way out of the behavioral health crisis, and it simply hasn’t worked,” Gonzales said. “Criminalizing people with behavioral health needs is the most expensive and least effective way to provide mental health care services to the folks who need it most. I am proud of the approaches we take in SB22-196 to intentionally intervene, deflect, and divert people out of the criminal justice system in order to get them the behavioral health resources they need.” 

“Far too many Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders are struggling in jail cells without proper care and treatment to get them back on their feet, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Lee. “Jailing folks with behavioral health needs will only exacerbate their condition and lead to more recidivism, so we’re proposing measures today to ensure these individuals get the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” 

The bill also includes investments to help the Department of Corrections, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing support the continuity of care and treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system with opioid use disorders and mental health disorders, as well as investments in the Judicial Department to support pretrial diversion programs designed to keep individuals with behavioral health conditions out of jail.

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

Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Pair of Air Quality Improvement Bills to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution and offer free transit services to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - The Senate today advanced two bills to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. 

SB22-193, sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in 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.”

“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,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing  businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

The Senate also approved SB22-180, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Broomfield) and Senator Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo), which would create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season. 

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “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 top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is to increase multimodal options and incentivize ridership on our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This initiative will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward.”

SB22-180 will also create a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone.

The Senate will give final approval to both bills in the coming days. Track the progress of SB22-193 HERE and SB22-180 HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Implement Universal Preschool in Colorado

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

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora)’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support 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 future 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 benefit 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 parental choice for where to send their child to school, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The bill now heads to the House for concurrence of Senate amendments. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus Urges Board of Education Not to Censor LGBTQ+ References in Schools

Legislators: “We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination.”

DENVER, CO - The Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus is urging the State Board of Education not to follow through on a proposal to update its Social Studies Standards and remove any LGBTQ+ references for students below 4th grade.

In a letter, the lawmakers wrote that the proposed move conflicts with HB19-1192, a law the General Assembly passed in 2019 to ensure the inclusion of the history, culture, and social contributions of racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ individuals within those minority groups in public school standards.

“When students learn about leaders who reflect their own identities, they feel supported and affirmed, and when students learn about leaders whose identities differ from their own, we hope it will spark empathy and understanding,” the lawmakers wrote. “In order to combat the increasingly overt acts of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia seen in our society today, we need to feel like we belong. We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination.”

The move to exclude LGBTQ+ references in Colorado curricula is particularly concerning, the lawmakers wrote, in light of recent legislation passed in Florida and across the country seeking to prohibit schools from using a curriculum or discussing topics of gender identity or sexual orientation and using “age-appropriateness” as a false justification to limit those discussions.

“We absolutely agree that there are age appropriate indicators, strategies, modes of communication and learning within each grade-level,” the lawmakers continued. “What we have trouble with is understanding why LGBTQ+ history should be excluded. Children grow up with LGBTQ+ people in their families and they grow up understanding that diverse people can love each other. Then why can they not understand where their struggles for equality began.”

“Please adhere to the legislature’s intent from HB19-1192 and do not place restrictions on the standards already in place.”

The Colorado General Assembly LGBTQ+ includes Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County), Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins), House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton), and Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver).

The full text of the LGBTQ+ Caucus’ letter is below:

April 12, 2022
Office of the Colorado Board of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203

Members of the Colorado State Board of Education:

The Colorado Democrats LGBTQ+ Caucus is writing today to express our strong concerns about the recent updates to the Social Studies Standards intended for review at the upcoming April 12, 2022 Colorado State Board of Education meeting. There is a clear mandate of the State Board of Education and the Review Committee to create policies for the furtherance of all students. 

The April 12th agenda currently uploaded on Board Docs lists item 8, Student Learning, “Standards Revision Update: Overview of Public Feedback on Draft Social Studies Standards.” Specifically, we want to address the Review Committee’s response to public feedback: 

Theme from Public Feedback: Numerous concerns were raised about the age appropriateness of referencing LGBTQ+ in lower grades.

Committee General Response: The committee removed all references to LGBTQ below 4th grade.

The Legislature passed HB19-1192 with the intent of being inclusive and being sensitive to histories that have typically been excluded. HB19-1192 set out to ensure the inclusion of the history, culture, and social contributions of racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ individuals within these minority groups in public school standards. When students learn about leaders who reflect their own identities, they feel supported and affirmed, and when students learn about leaders whose identities differ from their own, we hope it will spark empathy and understanding. In order to combat the increasingly overt acts of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia seen in our society today, we need to feel like we belong. We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination. 

Public comments seem to show a pattern in what we are seeing outside Colorado. Specifically, after Florida passed HB1557 there are now 13 other states with similar laws seeking to prohibit schools from using a curriculum or discussing topics of gender identity or sexual orientation and using “age-appropriateness” as a reason to limit these discussions. We absolutely agree that there are age appropriate indicators, strategies, modes of communication and learning within each grade-level. What we have trouble with is understanding why LGBTQ+ history should be excluded. Children grow up with LGBTQ+ people in their families and they grow up understanding that diverse people can love each other. Then why can they not understand where their struggles for equality began. 

Every human contains a multitude of identities–including a gender identity and a sexual orientation. Whether someone identifies as straight, cisgender, bisexual, non-binary, or transgender, these are all equally valid sexual orientations and gender identities. Logically, if the presupposition is that teaching about the LGBTQ+ community inherently incorporates sexual orientation and gender identity – which it does not and should not need to – and this Board and Review Committee determines that LGBTQ+ social studies curriculum is developmentally-inappropriate until 4th grade, then any social studies curriculum relating to any and all gender identities and sexual orientations should be deemed developmentally-inappropriate until that 4th grade-level. Put simply, if children are deemed too young to learn about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer people and relationships, they are too young to learn about heterosexual or cisgender people and relationships. With this in mind, we are asking this board to restore all references to the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado social studies curriculum below 4th grade, contrary to the recommendation of the Social Studies Standards Review Committee.

Censoring topics which could organically arise from a student is not the answer. Ignoring a group of people does not make them cease to exist. Most importantly, we cannot make assumptions about who students are or what their family structure looks like. We cannot ignore the realities that Coloradans are diverse and include LGBTQ+ people. It’s important to not limit the conversations which could stifle inspiration for a kid who knows who they are and gets a glimpse of themselves in a role they may have never imagined. All students deserve that kind of opportunity.  

Please adhere to the legislature’s intent from HB19-1192 and do not place restrictions on the standards already in place. 

Sincerely,

Members of the Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus

Bridges’ Bipartisan Bill to Invest $72 Million to Bolster Behavioral Health Workforce Clears Committee

Legislation would boost workforce to improve access to care for Coloradans with behavioral health needs

DENVER, CO – The Health and Human Services Committee today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) that would increase the state’s health care workforce to better meet the needs of Coloradans and improve patient outcomes. The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-181, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify, and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need.

“If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, then we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said 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.”

The bill will invest a total of $72 million to support Colorado’s behavioral health workforce, including:

• $10 million to recruit and retain 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 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 behavioral health care providers working in designated health professional shortage areas to apply for funding to repay qualifying educational loans.

• $20 million to create and implement a behavioral health care training curriculum that provides tiered advancement opportunities in collaboration with community colleges and institutions of higher education. 

• $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.

• $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. 

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

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Legislation to Preserve Voting Options for Coloradans Displaced by Marshall Fire

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed.

“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 Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this law 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.”

“With Colorado’s primaries just around the corner, this law assures voters displaced by the Marshall Fire that they’ll be able to vote in their communities, regardless of if they owned a home or rented before being forced to evacuate,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This law will preserve access to Colorado’s gold standard elections for every voter displaced by the Marshall Fire and ensures they have a voice in who represents them.”

“This important bill will provide Colorado voters who are temporarily displaced by natural disasters like the Marshall Fire the certainty they need to continue using their home address to vote,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “No person should have to worry about accessing the ballot box during such an incredibly difficult time, and these voters should be able to cast a ballot on the issues and candidates for the community that they truly call home.”

“Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County said. “This law will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.”

“My heart still breaks for the Coloradans who are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing everything they had,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “This law offers voters displaced by the fire the peace of mind that they will still be able to easily cast their ballot in their communities.”

SB22-152, allows registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched.

The law preserves voting options for both renters and homeowners. This law will also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and will extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes.

More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans.

SIGNED! Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Education Bill to Set Students Up for Success, Help Schools Get Back on Track Becomes Law

New law will push back implementation of school performance framework to help students catch up from pandemic-related learning loss

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) and Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose) into law that will allow students more time to recover from pandemic-related learning loss and help schools transition back to the state’s accountability system.

The bill, SB22-137, gives schools a clear path to get back on track in measuring performance by delaying the application of the performance framework by one year and adding a new reporting mechanism to determine the number of students that took standardized tests last year.

"If we want the state’s accountability system to work properly, we need to apply it appropriately, with an onramp that takes us smoothly back to the efficiencies and effectiveness that we enjoyed pre-COVID," Zenzinger said. "In deference to the pandemic last year, we paused the accountability system; but we can’t now just flip a switch. Senate Bill 22-137 gives us a thoughtful transition and allows us to preserve the integrity of our achievement data with an accurate perspective that considers the number of students who were missing from the tests a year ago."

Last year, the legislature passed HB21-1161, which temporarily paused Colorado’s state accountability system. Given the low student participation numbers in last year’s Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests, launching the accountability system without a transition process would be problematic. The integrity of achievement data and calculation of growth data would be compromised and subject to significant inaccuracies because such a high number of students were missing from the testing due to pandemic-related factors.

The legislation aligns with the State Board of Education’s resolution to ensure districts will not advance on the accountability clock for the 2022-2023 school year. Districts currently on the accountability clock, however, may submit local data through the request for reconsideration process to provide additional evidence of improvement and progress that may have been made over the past two years during the pandemic interruption with assessments.

In addition, the bill adds a new set of data to the District and School Performance Frameworks to include the percentage of students who contributed to growth data, which will provide the context for understanding the school’s growth ratings and overall ratings. The added growth data set provides much-needed transparency and ensures improved accuracy in decision-making as a result of growth calculations.

Hansen’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Colorado Families Save Money Through Tax Filings Clears Committee

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

DENVER, CO - The Senate Finance Committee today unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver) to help families save money on their tax filings. 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.

Co-sponsored by Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will provide tax filing assistance for eligible Coloradans, many of whom do not currently claim tax credits they’re eligible for like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

“Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” 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.”

The bill aims to specifically 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.

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

Senate Passes Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Help Save Coloradans Money on Housing

SB22-146 will provide $25 million to expand critical workforce housing

DENVER, CO - Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada)’s bipartisan bill to help save Coloradans money on housing cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Dennis Hisey (R-Fountain), SB22-146 will expand access to critical workforce housing for communities across Colorado, and was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

“Coloradans across the state are struggling to afford a place to live, and the time to act is now,” Zenzinger said. “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.”

The legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which finances projects to build housing for families and individuals in the “missing middle” with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits, but still too low to afford market rates.

Specifically, this funding will help finance developers seeking to build rental housing affordable to Coloradans earning 80 percent or above 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.

SB22-146 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: House, Senate Unveil Child Mental Health Resources Program

DENVER, CO – The House introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) to expand evidence-based behavioral health programs for young children experiencing chronic stress or trauma.

Co-sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells) and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Logan), this bill invests $2 million of one-time pandemic relief funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our youngest Coloradans.

"Stressful and traumatic conditions take a major toll on young children and can negatively impact long-term behavioral health and brain functioning,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “With this once-in-a-generation funding, we’re improving our kids' behavioral health outcomes by investing in early intervention and home-based prevention tailored towards young children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma."

“Over the past several years, the pandemic has added new and increased stress to Coloradans’ lives, including young children,” said Sen. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen. “It’s essential that we provide robust behavioral health opportunities for Colorado’s kids. By investing in the mental health and well-being of our youngest Coloradans today, we’re supporting their brighter tomorrows.”

HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions in our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children under the age of six-years-old experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home.

Neurobiological research confirms that stressful experiences early in life can have destructive impacts on the brain, while nurturing relationships between children and caregivers provide a protective buffer from stress. The impacts of the pandemic exacerbated long-standing behavioral health challenges and made everyday life more difficult for Coloradans. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences.

The new Department of Early Childhood will work with non-profit behavioral health care organizations to implement this program.

Gov. Polis, State Legislators & Community Members Highlight Legislation to Address Housing Affordability in Colorado

Polis Administration partners with legislators, communities to meet the demands of rising housing costs and create jobs

DENVER, CO — Today, Governor Jared Polis was joined by Senator Jeff Bridges, Representative David Ortiz, and community leaders to announce efforts to tackle Colorado’s housing costs, leveraging a once-in-a-generation opportunity provided by $400 million for housing relief in American Recovery Plan Act funds. Developed from recommendations made by the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, proposed legislation takes an all-hands-on-deck approach, including grant, revolving loans, and incentive programs to engage community partners representing a broad range of needs  — from innovative housing businesses to local governments and community developers. These programs are designed to better provide affordable housing solutions that hardworking Coloradans deserve.  

“Houses cost too much in Colorado, and we need to be bold and do even more to make Colorado more liveable. This package will help bring about a future with more housing that people can actually afford to buy or rent, reduce the cost of first-time homeownership and help Coloradans save money with shorter commute to work or school,” said Gov. Polis “More housing near where jobs are will help lower costs, reduce traffic and pollution, improve access to housing for hardworking people, teachers, parents and individuals while helping our entire economy.”

Earlier today, Gov. Polis visited Valor on the Fax, an affordable housing facility in Denver. Last week, the Governor visited Miller Ranch in Eagle County, an affordable workforce housing development in Eagle County, and signed into law the bipartisan HB22-1117 Use of Local Lodging Tax Revenue to help local governments address housing, childcare, and other needs in communities and promote tourism. This new bipartisan law was sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, Rep. Marc Catlin, Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. Don Coram.

“Conceived and developed by Brothers Redevelopment and the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, Valor on the Fax is a first-of-its kind supportive housing community that will support individuals with acquired brain injury and related disability—many of whom have been struggling with housing instability and homelessness.  Designed with trauma informed design principles to address one of the state’s most pressing housing challenges, the project was only made possible with substantial public investment from the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Division of Housing and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.  Valor shows the gains that can be made to meet the need for significant, and ongoing, funding from the federal, state and local government,” said Jeff Martinez, President, Brothers Redevelopment.

State lawmakers discussed their transformational legislation today to help make housing more affordable today at the State Capitol. 

“Families are feeling squeezed as housing prices continue to skyrocket across our state, leaving far too many without housing options they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “This package of bills represents an historic investment to cut costs and make Colorado a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family. By developing more housing that families can afford, we can ensure that more Coloradans have a safe place to call home.”

“To solve Colorado’s crisis in affordable housing, we must encourage developers and the construction industry to expand our inventory,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “The task force made the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Program a top priority because of the regenerative nature of the funds attached. The availability of affordable housing allows us to make progress on the solution of myriad other problems in Colorado, and it’s imperative that we act now.”

“Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. SB 160 will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.”

“To support our growing economy, we need more middle-income workforce housing so Coloradans can live in the same communities where they work,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “The Middle Income Access Program has successfully bridged the housing affordability gap for many middle-income Coloradans, and this bill invests $25 million to further the program efforts. Together, we’re saving Coloradans money on housing by building more affordable workforce housing throughout the state.” 

“We’re working toward innovative solutions to address Colorado’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. “Legislation I’m sponsoring will boost construction of homes that can be built efficiently while meeting our state’s ever-increasing demand for affordable housing. These modular and manufactured homes are innovative, affordable and will save hardworking Coloradans money on housing while boosting homeownership in our state.” 

“We’re making one of the largest investments in Colorado history to make housing more affordable across our state,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This bill will invest $150 million to build more affordable, quality housing units and preserve existing affordable homes. Leveraging private and local dollars, our investment in the revolving loan fund will stretch further and help fulfill the homeownership dream for more Coloradans while saving them money in the process.”

Community leaders representing a range of housing needs in communities from across the state voiced their support for the legislation highlighted today.  

“The lack of affordable housing across Colorado has reached crisis levels.  The recommendations of the Affordable Housing Task Force, and the resulting legislation and funding will create new partnerships and collaboration between the State and Counties.  The new housing developments which are built as a result will have a truly transformative impact in the lives of Coloradans,” said Tamara Pogue, Summit County Commissioner who spoke at today’s press conference.  

“Workforce and affordable housing has long been an issue in Eagle County and across the mountain region. Addressing our affordable housing issue is essential to the continued success and livability of our community. Vail Valley Partnership applauds everyone involved in helping develop the workforce housing bills at the state legislature and Governor’s Office and we applaud and appreciate the commitment to the future of our state as demonstrated by this financial investment,” said Chris Romer, President & CEO, Vail Valley Partnership. 

"The affordable housing crisis has hit people with disabilities, the poorest demographic in Colorado, particularly hard.  We welcome any opportunity to address this systemic problem. Housing is the key to stability,” said Julie Raskin, Executive Director, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition. 

“Smartpads would like to add our support to this legislation. We look forward to working with the state in an effort to build affordable housing options in the State of Colorado,” said Kristara Mielke, CO, SmartPads Prefab Construction Solutions. 

“We applaud Gov. Polis and the Colorado General Assembly for initiating this historic investment in our state’s housing future. We are especially excited about The Innovative Housing Incentive Program which addresses both the supply and demand sides of affordable housing in our state, and is exactly the type of forward-thinking investment we need to ensure a future where every Coloradan has access to stable and affordable homes in vibrant and diverse communities. Like our counterparts in the affordable housing arena, Maiker Housing Partners looks forward to utilizing the funding and access provided by this historic legislation to drive the creation of affordable housing options in Adams County for generations to come,” said Peter LiFari, Executive Director of Maiker Housing Partners. 

“As the Chair and Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Subpanel, it is exciting to see the ideas that we offered to the General Assembly come together in the form of legislative initiatives. We are honored to be negotiating to make sure that each of these bills addresses the unique needs of communities across the state and makes transformational change for Colorado families,” said Cathy Alderman, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless & Brian Rossbert, Housing Colorado - Chair and Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Subpanel. 

“Finding dignified affordable housing is particularly challenging for older Coloradans.  Many are on reduced or fixed incomes.  Increases in property taxes, utility payments and the cost of prescription drugs too often force older adults to choose between paying for food, life-saving medications or a roof over their heads.   AARP Colorado appreciates Legislative and Executive Branch efforts to address this statewide crisis,” Bob Murphy, State Director, AARP Colorado. 

“The affordable housing crisis in our state is severe, when the prices of a single family home year over year have jumped astronomically raising more than $90,000 from last year, these prices make Colorado one of the most expensive markets in the country compared to actual wages. That’s why we’re proud to see our state supporting critically important measures such as HB 1282, SB 159, and HB 1304 that bring innovative prefabricated, modular and manufactured space housing business to Colorado and prioritize adding supply of new affordable housing with significant and transformative housing dollars to work hand in hand with local governments to answer the passionate voices of civil servants and working families all across our state who want to keep living in the vibrant communities that make a Colorado great place to live, work and play,” said Liz Peets, Vice President of Government Affairs, Colorado Association of Realtors. 

“These bills represent an unprecedented investment in addressing Colorado’s affordable housing crisis. As a member of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force SubPanel, I am grateful to be continuing the collaborative work of ensuring communities, individuals, and families hurt most by the pandemic meaningfully benefit from these much-needed programs,” said Kinsey Hasstedt, State and Local Policy Director, Enterprise Community Partners.

“Denver Housing Authority is grateful for the work of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force’s work to re-envision affordable housing opportunities in our state. The only way out of the housing crisis is to reimagine what affordable housing looks like and how it is implemented. We are in full support of this legislation and the opportunities it provides to make housing more affordable in Colorado alongside saving Colorado residents money on housing costs,” said David Nisivoccia, Executive Director, Denver Housing Authority. 

“As a coalition of 20 mission-based housing organizations, the Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC) is ecstatic about the introduction of these bills. Together, they represent a tenfold increase in Colorado’s efforts to address the housing crisis, and will significantly bolster the ability of housing providers across the state to increase housing stability and housing opportunity,” said Jonathan Cappelli, Executive Director, Neighborhood Development Collaborative.  

“I applaud Colorado’s willingness to pursue innovative ways to address our housing needs,” said Tawney Peyton, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Home Association and Utah Housing Alliance. 

Bill to Implement Universal Preschool in Colorado Passes Key Preliminary Vote on Senate Floor

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave initial approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora)’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high quality early childhood education and support 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 future 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 benefit 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 parental choice for where to send their child to school, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The Senate will give final approval to HB22-1295 tomorrow, April 13, 2022. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fenberg's Bipartisan Bill to Support Victims of Destructive Wildfires Clears Committee

Legislation would expedite insurance claim settlements and improve the pace of rebuilding and recovery after a declared wildfire disaster

DENVER, CO - The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today unanimously advanced Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder)’s bipartisan legislation to protect Coloradans with wildfire insurance by updating standards to ensure consumers’ claims are paid in a timely manner.

Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale), HB22-1111 would ensure homeowners displaced by wildfires receive a fair and comprehensive payout for lost property after natural disasters that result in total destruction.

“Destructive wildfires and other natural disasters are unfortunately an increasingly threatening reality for Coloradans,” said Fenberg. “As we work to build more resilient communities in anticipation of future disasters, we must update our insurance policies to make these systems easier to navigate. By eliminating barriers to insurance claims and extending the time to rebuild, we are providing Coloradans affected by wildfires with the support they deserve.”

HB22-1111 would require insurers to pay disaster victims 65 percent of the value of the contents of their home up front without requiring the victim to do a comprehensive inventory of their personal property. Current law only guarantees 30 percent upfront, creating a burdensome process for many people to claim what they are owed after a deeply traumatizing event. The bill also puts in place several provisions that would streamline the insurance claims process for disaster victims.

The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

$10 Million Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Rural Health Care, Create a Healthier Colorado Introduced

SB22-200 will help support rural hospitals, improve accessibility and affordability of lifesaving services

DENVER, CO - General Assembly Democrats introduced bipartisan legislation to support rural hospitals and improve access to quality, affordable health care throughout rural Colorado.

Sponsored by Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins), Sen. Bob Rankin (R- Carbondale), Rep. Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon), and Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), the legislation will create a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals aimed at increasing access to, and improving the affordability of, the lifesaving care rural Coloradans depend upon.

“Every Coloradan deserves quality and affordable health care, but that care is too often hard to come by, especially in the rural and underserved parts of our state,” Ginal said. “That’s why I’m proud to support this bill to better support Colorado’s rural hospitals and give them the tools and resources they need to reach even more patients. By increasing access and driving down costs, we can get more Coloradans the lifesaving care they need to thrive.”

“This legislation will save Coloradans money on health care in rural areas by expanding access and reducing the cost of care,” McCluskie said.  “By investing $10 million of our economic recovery and relief funds to bolster our rural health care infrastructure, we will save people money on health care, lower costs, improve the sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics, and increase access to critically needed health care services, including behavioral health.”

“This is an incredibly important opportunity that will provide much-needed funds to our rural hospitals to ensure that all Coloradans have access to reliable medical coverage,” said Rankin. “I’m proud to be working to make sure that rural hospitals are treated as equal partners in our recovery.”

SB22-200 will provide millions to improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. 

The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management, telemedicine, and the replacement of unused inpatient hospital beds with in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and mental health and substance use care.  

According to the Colorado Rural Health Information Hub, many rural Coloradans lack access to primary care and other critical health care services such as basic surgeries, chemotherapy, and advanced imaging services which results in poorer health outcomes, higher costs and, higher acuity conditions at time of treatment.

SB22-200 will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Donovan's Bill to Establish Annual Native American Tribal Address Becomes Law

New law aims to build stronger partnership between Colorado Tribes and the state

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) into law that will require the General Assembly to invite state Tribes to make an annual address during a joint session between the Senate and the House.

“Colorado will be the first state in the country to invite our Tribal leaders to the capitol to address the needs of their communities,” said Donovan. “Tribes are our partners, and they shouldn’t be left standing on the sidelines when policy is being developed and implemented. This bill provides the perfect foundation to start building that relationship.”

SB22-105 seeks to improve communication between Tribal governments and the state legislature. The Senate President and the Speaker of the House will be required to extend an invitation to representatives of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to deliver an annual address to a joint session of the General Assembly.

This new law will provide an opportunity to elevate the Tribe's needs and accomplishments on a yearly basis, and is part of Senator Donovan’s commitment to building a stronger partnership between Colorado’s federally recognized Tribes and the state of Colorado.

Winter’s Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Services for Crime Victims Clears Committee

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

DENVER, CO - Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) 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 life-saving 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.”

“Our Commitment to prioritizing public safety requires that we deter crime and offer support and comfort to victims in the hour of their greatest need,” Gardner said. “Unfortunately, due to the stresses of the pandemic, we saw a rise in domestic violence, and without these vital funds many of the support services and programs for victims will not be continued. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have always been committed to supporting the victims of crime, particularly victims of domestic assault, and I am very happy to see this bill progress. I am proud to be a sponsor of Senate Bill 183.”

SB22-183 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into the 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 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Bills to Prevent Crime, Improve Missing Persons Investigations

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will prevent crime and improve missing persons investigations.

“The legislation signed today will make our communities safer by ensuring that law enforcement has the tools they need to charge suspects in possession of a weapon who were already convicted for a prior offense,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bipartisan law, drafted based on recommendations by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, will ensure consequences for people illegally possessing firearms - a commonsense way to prevent gun violence.”

“I am proud of the broad, bipartisan stakeholder work that went into crafting last year's effort to reform misdemeanor sentencing laws, and today, we continue to build on that success by enacting additional bipartisan legislation which clarifies and strengthens provisions of last year’s reform,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Today’s bills signed into law will ensure that individuals who threaten public safety while committing the felony act of possession of a weapon by a previous offender will, upon conviction, face mandatory prison time. Our efforts will lead to safer communities by ensuring clarity in our sentencing statutes, and I am grateful that Governor Polis signed them both into law today.”

HB22-1257, sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Matt Soper and Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Gardner, was developed from recommendations of the bipartisan Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ), which includes representation from law enforcement and district attorneys .The commission approved the recommendations with no opposition. The law would update SB21-271, which passed the Senate unanimously last year. SB21-271, which was also developed from CCJJ recommendations, realigned the misdemeanor sentencing grid to better match sentencing guidelines to specific crimes.

HB22-1257 will make communities safer by expanding the types of prior offenses that would lead to someone being charged with the crime of “possession of a weapon by person with a prior offense” (POWPO). Republicans in the House largely opposed adding additional prior offenses to the list on the grounds that it would restrict the rights of felons to possess a firearm.

“The first hours after someone goes missing are the most crucial, but too often those precious hours are squandered, and that needs to change,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “This bill will address those inadequacies and ensure that missing persons reports are taken seriously and responded to promptly. Streamlining our state investigation practices improves the chances of finding missing people, especially missing Indigenous women and women of color, and reuniting them with their families.”

“SB22-095 will strengthen our state’s response to missing persons reports and ensure that Colorado promptly initiates investigations and responds when someone is reported missing,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Investigations into missing Indigenous women and women of color must be initiated promptly every time, regardless of where in Colorado the person went missing or was last seen. I’m proud the governor has signed this important legislation into law.”

"Every single missing person report filed in Colorado needs to be acted on quickly, and investigated with care," said Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. "Unfortunately, far too many missing persons cases have been stymied by a broken set of rules that pick and choose which reports receive the level of care everyone deserves. Senate Bill 95 eliminates those barriers and increases the chances of reuniting missing people with their loved ones."

“This law will make Colorado’s law enforcement departments more effective by better coordinating missing persons reports, no matter where they are filed or where in Colorado the person went missing,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Too many missing women, especially woman of color, and their loved ones are still seeking justice because their cases are underreported and under investigated. This law will streamline the process to initiate an investigation to ensure departments are communicating with each other and the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to locate missing persons.”

SB22-095, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields and Dominic Moreno and Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Bacon, would improve missing persons investigations by clarifying when Colorado law enforcement departments must accept a missing persons report. Under current law, departments are required to accept a report submitted in person if the missing person resides in the agency’s jurisdiction or was last believed to be in the agency’s jurisdiction. The bill expands this requirement to include missing persons who are Colorado residents or were last believed to be in Colorado. It also requires reports to be accepted if they are submitted over the phone or electronically. If the missing person is an adult, the agency must notify the Colorado Bureau of Investigation within eight hours (down from 24 hours), and if the missing person is a child, the agency must notify CBI within 2 hours.