JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Support Mobile Homeowners

SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile homeowners purchase the land they live on

FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-160, legislation to support mobile home owners and save people money on housing.

Championed by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, SB22-160 will invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land their homes sit on and convert it into a resident-owned community.

“Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said 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. This new law will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.”

“Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we worked hard this session to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This new law will provide critical protections for mobile homeowners by making sure mobile home residents have the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.”

“Today, we're putting mobile homeowners above corporate profits,” Boesenecker said. "Our law invests critical resources to keep mobile home parks affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase and manage the land their homes sit on. I'm incredibly proud to see this law through the finish line because resident owned communities are the key to affordable, resilient mobile homes.”

“With this law, we're making sure mobile homeowners have the tools to organize and combat displacement and exorbitant lot rent increases,” said Lindsay. “I'm proud of the work we've done to prioritize mobile homeowners so they can invest in their own communities. Our $35 million investment will go toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents to keep their homes affordable.”

The new law further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park.

SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

Signed! Pair of Bills to Save Coloradans Money

Legislation will reduce the cost of starting a business, save people money at the DMV

CENTENNIAL, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a pair of bills to reduce fees and save Colorado businesses and families money.

HB22-1001, sponsored by Representatives Cutter and Sullivan, and Senators Pettersen and Kolker, will make it nearly free to start a new business in Colorado by reducing the filing fee to $1. 

“The legislation Governor Polis signed into law today will save businesses money by reducing fees on paperwork and filings at the Secretary of State’s office,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “We looked at every possible option to save Coloradans and small businesses money this session to help address the impacts of rising costs. From reducing fees on drivers licenses to lowering the cost of housing and prescription drugs, Colorado families and businesses are going to see more money back in their bank accounts.” 

“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to do all that we can to help them bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and move forward,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Reducing business filing fees will make it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to start a business, which will help us continue to power our economic recovery and help Colorado thrive.”

“Our work this session is going to save families and businesses money on everything from filing fees and unemployment insurance rates to property taxes and child care,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “I’m proud the Governor signed our bill into law to reduce the cost of starting a business in Colorado and submitting required business information to the Secretary of State’s office.”

“All session long, we’ve worked to save Coloradans money, and this bill builds on that progress,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “Our small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic, which is why we’re continuing our efforts to alleviate the financial pressure they have felt for over the last two years. This bill will put money directly back in their pockets.” 

The cost savings associated with HB22-1001 would be in effect for one year.

Polis also signed HB22-1004, sponsored by Senators Kolker and Fields and Reps. Young and Ortiz, which freezes DMV drivers’ license fees at $30 for the next fiscal year.

“I’m proud Governor Polis has signed our legislation into law to keep DMV fees low and save people money when they go to renew their license,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Coloradans are looking for a break everywhere they can, so we are reducing fees and cutting costs for families and businesses on everything from gas and housing to the cost of getting a degree.”    

“As high inflation continues to put the squeeze on Coloradans’ wallets, it’s more important than ever to promote savings whenever and wherever we can,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, said. “Freezing drivers’ license fees is a simple way we can save families money when it comes to necessity costs.”

“The bills signed today are going to save Coloradans money at the pump, when they register their vehicle and when they go to renew their licenses,” Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, said. “We know that gas prices and costs on everyday items are rising from pandemic-induced supply chain challenges and the war in Ukraine. From expedited refund checks of at least $500 and $1000 to saving people money at the DMV, we looked everywhere we could to put more money back into people’s pockets.”

“With the cost of living continuing to rise we are working hard to save Coloradans money, and this bill is another piece of that puzzle,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, said. “Keeping DMV fees low will provide certainty and help families keep more money in their wallets.”

HB22-1004 saves drivers money by removing the need to increase the license renewal fee for two years by transferring money to the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account.

Signed! Legislation to Save People Money on Housing

SB22-146 expands middle-income workforce housing, ensures hardworking Colorado families can access affordable housing in the communities they work in

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law SB22-146, which expands critical middle-income workforce housing so hardworking Colorado families can continue living where they work.

Sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, the bipartisan legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which serves middle-income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for state and federal low-income housing tax credits, but still too low to afford market rates.

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

Typically, the missing middle is made up of renters whose income is between 80 percent and 120 percent of area median income. This legislation was developed based on recommendations from the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Legislation to Reduce Property Taxes and Save Families and Businesses Money

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-238 and HB22-1416, which will reduce property taxes and improve the assessment process, saving the average homeowner $275 and preventing tax increases on many small businesses.

“The cost of housing is at an all-time high here in Colorado and people are feeling the pain, which is why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will help families all across the state save money,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This property tax relief package delivers help to homeowners and businesses as property values continue to rise, and will help more families to stay in their homes, all without cutting education funding or the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive.”

“From sending every taxpayer an early $500 or $100 refund check to lowering the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs, we worked to save Coloradans money everywhere we could,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation builds on our earlier work to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses and will save the average homeowner $274 on their property taxes.”

Property Tax Relief: SB22-238, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen and Bob Rankin and Representatives Mike Weissman and Patrick Neville, will provide $700 million in property tax relief over two years for homeowners and businesses, helping save families money on housing and cutting costs for businesses statewide.

The law allocates $500 million to reduce the residential property tax rate from 6.95 percent to 6.76 percent and the nonresidential property tax rate from 29 percent to 27.9 percent for the 2023 tax year. It also reduces the taxable value for residential properties by $15,000 and commercial properties by $30,000. The law provides these savings while mitigating the impact to schools and local governments from the reduction in revenue.

Further, SB22-238 provides an additional $200 million to extend the property tax relief enacted last year by SB21-293 through tax year 2024. These savings combined will reduce property taxes for homeowners by an average of $275 in 2023, and will provide significant savings for every business in the state.

“Coloradans are feeling the pressures of rising costs and home values, and the increases in property taxes that come as a result,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Today, we are delivering significant savings to businesses and homeowners by reducing property taxes and making it easier to navigate the assessment process. These savings build on our work to save people money, which include sending Coloradans early refund checks this September of at least $500 or $1000 for joint filers, supporting small restaurants and retailers by letting them keep some of the taxes they collect and significantly expanding our supply of housing to save families money.”

“With pandemic-induced inflation putting a pinch on Coloradans’ wallets, we’re doing everything we can to provide relief,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This bill reforms the assessment process and arms property owners with the tools and information they need to appeal valuations that impact how much they pay, and lengthens the window in which to do so. This more transparent assessment process will make it easier to address mistakes, and ultimately save people money.”

Assessment Process Reforms: HB22-1416, sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representative Patrick Neville and Senators Chris Kolker and Bob Rankin, reforms the property tax assessment process. The law provides taxpayers with more information about their valuations and a longer period of time to appeal their values.

Under the new law, the timeline to appeal property values is extended by one week to give property owners more time. It also requires county assessors to provide property owners an estimate of their tax liability as well as information about how they can protest their assessed property values.

Property owners have the opportunity to fast track their appeal if the assessor is provided all the necessary information. Additionally, the new law requires property tax administrators to publish an assessors’ handbook, which includes appraisals procedures, and allow for public comment and review on the handbook and proposed changes. For commercial properties, the law improves transparency in how they are valued by requiring the notice of valuation to include a notice to property owners that they can obtain details from their assessor about how their property was valued.

JOINT RELEASE: Legislature Tackles Affordability, Crime, and Education

Democrats faced Republican obstruction to laws that protect abortion rights and defend Colorado’s democracy

DENVER, CO – The Second Session of the 73rd General Assembly adjourned today with lawmakers passing legislation to save people and businesses money, build a safer and healthier Colorado, and prepare students for success. Democrats codified abortion rights and passed critical legislation to protect Colorado’s election systems from insider threats. The legislature also passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. Of the bills passed this session, 93 percent received bipartisan support on final passage.

“We came into this session focused on saving people money, improving public safety and preparing our students for success, and that’s exactly what we did,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We put money back into people’s pockets with early refund checks of at least $500 and $1000, established free universal preschool that will save families thousands, and we made transformational investments to build more homes and save people money on housing. Addressing one of the most pressing challenges our communities face, we passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation on fentanyl that will deploy proven public health strategies and crack down on dealers to get this deadly poison off our streets and save lives. I am very proud of all we have accomplished for the people of Colorado.”

“Our work over the past 120 days has culminated in transformational progress for Colorado. In addition to making historic investments in Colorado’s behavioral health system and addressing the affordable housing crisis, we also tackled the existential problems facing our state,” said President Steve Fenberg D-Boulder. “We passed critical legislation to bolster wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts ahead of what could be the most dangerous wildfire season we’ve ever seen. Additionally, we are bringing down transportation and industrial emissions, cleaning up our air, and building a healthier and safer Colorado for all.”

“From saving people money on property taxes to creating affordable pathways for students to earn degrees, I’m so proud of what we were able to accomplish this session for Southern Colorado and communities across our state. We significantly increased funding for K-12 public schools that districts can use to raise teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and improve education outcomes for students,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We went into this session knowing we had to protect the right to an abortion, and with the Supreme Court on the cusp of ripping away rights we’ve had for over 50 years, I’m proud that we passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act to ensure abortion remains safe and legal in Colorado.”

“We started this legislative session with a once in a lifetime chance to transform the lives of Coloradans and meet the needs of our growing state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D--Commerce City. “This session, we passed policies to help Colorado recover from the pandemic and uplift our economy, support our working families, and help folks save money on everyday essentials like gas and groceries. We also made important strides to fix our broken behavioral health system to ensure Coloradans can access the care they need and deserve. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did this session to move our state forward and create lasting change that will benefit Colorado families for generations to come.”

Saving People Money

Tax Relief and Cashback for Individuals and Families: Democrats passed legislation to save the average homeowner $274 on their property taxes (SB22-238); provide advanced tax refunds this summer to every Colorado resident (SB22-233); help families and workers take advantage of tax reforms to save $180 million this year through the expanded earned income tax credit and child tax credit (SB22-182); and save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation (HB22-1007).

Tax Relief for Businesses: Democrats are providing $700 million in property tax relief over the next two years for businesses and homeowners (SB22-238); eliminating fees to start your own business (HB22-1001); allowing restaurants to keep $40 million of the sales tax they collect (HB22-1406); making sales tax filing easier (SB22-006); and replenishing the unemployment insurance trust fund to save businesses money and protect this important assistance for workers (SB22-234).

Saving People Money on Housing: Democrats are saving Coloradans money on housing by investing $428 million in pandemic relief funds to preserve and construct new affordable housing. This funding will go toward loans to leverage private and local dollars to construct affordable homes; direct grants to nonprofits and local governments to build affordable homes; investments in middle-income housing; and innovative housing solutions such as modular homes. (HB22-1304, SB22-159, SB22-160, SB22-146, HB22-1282). Additionally, Democrats extended the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit for an additional 7 years, providing $420 million in additional tax credits over the next decade (HB22-1051), fostered economic mobility among mobile home park residents (HB22-1287), and protected veterans and active military members from housing discrimination (HB22-1102).

Increasing Behavioral Health Care Access: Democrats passed legislation to expand access to behavioral health care and save people money on the treatment they need to support their health and well-being. This $450 million package expands access to critical services for adults, youth, and families; increases access to substance use disorder treatment; bolsters the behavioral health workforce; and adds desperately needed residential treatment beds. (HB22-1281, HB22-1303, HB22-1283, SB22-196, HB22-1302, SB22-147, SB22-148, SB22-181, SB22-177). Democrats also passed a landmark bill (HB22-1278) to streamline and improve access to Colorado’s behavioral health system.

Child Care and Free Universal Preschool: Democrats passed legislation this session to help child care providers save money and stay open (HB22-1006, SB22-213) and create free universal preschool for every Colorado family that will help parents get back to work and save families thousands of dollars (HB22-1295).

Democrats saved people money everywhere we could, including on:
·        gas and car registrations (HB22-1351, HB22-1254):
·        groceries (HB22-1380):
·        hygiene products and diapers (HB22-1055):
·        drivers license renewals (HB22-1004):
·        professional fees and licensure renewals (HB22-1298, HB22-1299, HB22-1005):
·        college tuition and apprenticeships (HB22-1350, HB22-1155, SB22-192, SB22-226, SB22-003): and
·        student loan forgiveness for educators and behavioral health care professionals (SB22-181, HB22-1220).

Improving Public Safety and Preventing Crime

Community Safety Investment Act and Safer Streets Act: The Community Safety Investment Act (SB22-145) invests $30 million to implement proven public safety strategies like co-responder models, violence interrupter programs, and support for recruiting and training law enforcement who reflect the communities they serve. The Safer Streets Act (SB22-001) helps communities make critical improvements to cut down on crime and improve public safety through neighborhood upgrades, such as better lighting to increase visibility and improved design of shared community spaces. HB22-1003 invests $2 million in projects that demonstrate an evidence- and community-based response to reducing youth involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft: SB22-009 cuts down on catalytic converter thefts by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and making it easier to prosecute those selling stolen ones. SB22-179 adds civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter theft, while HB22-1217 creates a grant program to increase public awareness around catalytic converter theft and provide financial assistance to victims.

Supporting Victims and Preventing Identity-Based Violence: HB22-1234 creates a grant program to prevent and respond to identity-based violence; SB22-049 updates the Victim Rights Act to make it easier for victims to navigate the criminal justice system and bring perpetrators to justice; and HB22-1243 invests $14 million to improve school security and increase student access to behavioral health care in public schools.

Preparing Students for Success

Major Increase in K-12 Education Funding: The 2022 School Finance Act increases funding for K-12 public schools by nearly $550 per student on average to put more resources directly into classrooms that school districts can use to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes and ensure students have what they need to thrive. State support for K-12 education will increase by $431 million to $8.4 billion, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to the lowest level since it was created.

Boosting Funding for Higher Education: The 2022 state budget increases funding for institutions of higher education. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees.

Creating More Affordable Pathways to Degrees, Certificates and Successful Careers: Democrats passed legislation to to invest $91 million in regional talent development initiatives to better align postsecondary credential programs to help workers fill good jobs in growing industries (HB22-1350); and expand stackable credential pathways to help Coloradans seeking to further their education or switch careers get the affordable training and credentials they need to land jobs in high-demand industries (SB22-192).

Combating the Fentanyl Crisis and Saving Lives

The legislature passed HB22-1326, the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Act, a comprehensive approach to combat the fentanyl crisis. The bill deploys both proven public health-focused strategies and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to keep fentanyl off Colorado streets and save lives. The bill strengthens criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl, directs $29 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand access to proven public health tools like the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan as well as fentanyl test strips, and integrates mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing process to get people into treatment and recovery services.

Protecting Abortion Rights and Access

As reproductive rights face imminent threats at the Supreme Court and across the country, Colorado took bold action to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act (HB22-1279), protecting reproductive rights and establishing a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion.

Improving Air Quality and Addressing the Climate Crisis

Historic Air Quality Investments: Democrats made a record $111million investment to improve Colorado’s air quality through immediate emission reduction strategies and air quality monitoring (HB22-1362), deploy clean transportation initiatives such as electric-powered school buses and e-bike sharing programs, and incentivize the reduction of emissions (SB22-193).

Protections From Air Toxics: Toxic air pollution leads to poor health and higher risks for disease and cancer. Democrats passed legislation to reduce toxic pollution from harmful chemicals by establishing health-based air quality standards for hazardous air pollutants (HB22-1244).

Seasonal Free Public Transit: Democrats invested $10 million in the Revitalizing Main Streets grant program for communities to provide free transit rides during ozone season, which will improve air quality through increased use of public transit (SB22-180).

Preventing and Responding to Wildfires

Wildfire Mitigation Resources for Homeowners, Local Governments and Volunteer Firefighters: Democrats passed legislation to invest $10 million in a matching grant program to help local governments fund sustainable forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts (HB22-1011); extend a current income tax deduction and create a new state income tax credit for wildfire mitigation expenses up to $625 per year (HB22-1007); allocate $7.2 million into wildfire mitigation grant programs (HB22-1012); and expand wildfire mitigation outreach and awareness campaigns (SB22-007). Another $5 million investment ensures local volunteer fire departments have the resources to purchase necessary equipment, provide training and behavioral health care services to firefighters and respond safely to wildfires (SB22-002).

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery and Insurance Coverage for Fire Disasters: The legislature invested $35 million to help individuals, businesses, and governments rebuild after disaster emergencies; allocated $15.5 million for improved wildfire fighting aviation resources and maintenance of a statewide fire dispatch center; and created the Office of Climate Preparedness in Colorado to better prepare for and respond to future disasters (SB22-206). Democrats also passed legislation to ensure that homeowners displaced by declared wildfire disasters receive a fair payout from their insurance companies (HB22-1111).

Defending Colorado’s Gold Standard Elections

Colorado Election Security Act: Colorado sets the national standard when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections. Democrats passed SB22-153 to further improve internal election security by prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government, among other measures.

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

Addressing Homelessness

Transformational Statewide Grant Program: This $105 million grant program directs flexible funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion (HB22-1377).

Denver-Metro Residential Services Campus and Ridge View Supportive Community Campus: These bills allocated $50 million for partnerships between the state, local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and manage a regional campus to comprehensively respond to and prevent homelessness. (HB22-1378). SB22-211 repurposes Ridge View, a currently unused, state-owned facility, into a recovery-oriented community to help individuals without stable housing access services for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. (SB22-211).

Empowering Colorado’s County Workers

Landmark Bill to Expand Collective Bargaining Rights: SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 to extend collective bargaining rights to county workers. This bill gives public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, retention issues, and improving public services.

Legislation to Clean Up Colorado’s Air Wins Senate Approval

HB22-1244 would improve air quality through increased monitoring of hazardous air toxics

DENVER, CO - Legislation to clean up Colorado’s air and reduce emissions of deadly chemicals won final approval by the Senate today.

HB22-1244, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will improve Colorado’s air quality through increased monitoring and regulation of hazardous air toxics. The bill requires the identification of priority air toxics and sets protective health-based standards to prioritize public health. 

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too many of us - especially in low-income communities and communities of color - are exposed to deadly emissions from polluters that spew chemicals into our air," said Gonzales. "This legislation both empowers our state to ensure the health and safety of Coloradans and holds corporations accountable for their pollution. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to get this policy signed into law.”

Colorado is facing an air quality crisis - last month, the Northern Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. HB22-1244 will work alongside SB22-180 and SB22-193 to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments.

HB22-1244 now heads back to the House for concurrence. Track the bill's progress HERE.

Senate Majority Leader Moreno's Bill to Improve Hospital Preparedness Clears Senate

HB22-1401 ensures health facilities are equipped to meet increased demands for care

DENVER, CO - The Senate today signed off on Majority Leader Dominick Moreno’s, D-Commerce City, legislation to improve hospitals’ and health facilities’ preparedness to meet increased demands for care.

HB22-1401 requires every Colorado hospital to establish a nurse staffing plan to meet patient needs when demand surges. It applies lessons learned from the pandemic to enable hospitals to quickly increase their capacity. Hospitals will have to report their plans to the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and publicize them on their website. They will also have to evaluate their plans quarterly to address feedback and or complaints from health care providers.

"Every day, Colorado's nurses go above and beyond to save lives and keep our hospitals running," said Moreno. "As a result, far too many of our healthcare workers are overworked and burnt out from the demands of their jobs. By requiring hospitals to establish a plan to meet increased demand for patient care, we can combat those feelings of burnout within our nurses and ensure a high level of patient care that Coloradans deserve.

HB22-1401 also requires hospitals to report the number of beds they are able to staff, their current bed capacity, and instances where staffed-bed capacity exceeds 80 percent.

HB22-1401 will now head to the House for final concurrence. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Help Coloradans Land Jobs, Address Workforce Shortages

HB22-1230 increases funding for Employment Support and Job Retention Program and extends the program indefinitely

DENVER, CO - The Senate today cleared a bill to help Coloradans find and retain good-paying jobs and address the state’s workforce shortage.

HB22-1230, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, provides an additional $250,000 a year to support the Employment Support and Job Retention Program, which helps unemployed or underemployed Coloradans land and retain good-paying jobs. The bill also extends the program indefinitely.

“Too many Coloradans are still fighting to recover from the pandemic and return to work,” Fields said. “This bill will prepare and connect more of our neighbors to enter or return to the workforce, helping them stay on their feet and filling the workforce shortages in our economy.”

The bill also prioritizes community engagement to rural and underserved communities through outreach to nontraditional service organizations including community organizations, faith-based organizations, places of worship and libraries that offer employment, training and educational services.

HB22-1230 now returns to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Save Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Money

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, that would reduce several business filing fees for Colorado businesses and entrepreneurs.  

“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to do all that we can to help them bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and move forward,” said Pettersen. “Reducing business filing fees will make it easier and cheaper for Coloradans to start a business, which will help us continue to power our economic recovery and help Colorado thrive.”

“All session long, we’ve worked to save Coloradans money, and this bill builds on that progress,” said Kolker. “Our small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic, which is why we’re continuing our efforts to alleviate the financial pressure they have felt for over the last two years. This bill will put money directly back in their pockets.” 

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. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals and other fees. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year.

The bill now moves to the House for final concurrence of amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Help Local Communities Address Homelessness

HB22-1377 directs $105 million to help launch innovative programs supporting Coloradans experiencing homelessness

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved legislation aimed at reducing the rate of homelessness by supporting communities to develop and implement support systems that effectively respond to the barriers that people experiencing homelessness face.

HB22-1377, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of Coloradans experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing and property conversion.

“We've seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality. As our state's housing issues have worsened significantly, even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This legislation is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential support and resources. It’s only a start - but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.”

“The crisis of unhoused Coloradans has only grown, and we must take action,” Kolker said. “This bill will enable local communities to better tackle this crisis, and arm them with resources to implement innovative, community-driven strategies that address and prevent homelessness and get more Coloradans the help they need.”

HB22-1377 now moves to the Governor’s desk. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Pair of Bills to Expand Behavioral Health Care Access

Legislation would improve and expand treatment options for Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved two bills to improve behavioral health outcomes and expand inpatient and residential treatment options.

HB22-1302, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, and Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, will invest $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care.

“Anyone who has tried to access behavioral health care in Colorado knows how hard it is to navigate the system as it is today,” said Jaquez Lewis. “That’s why we’re working to streamline how we deliver care and meet people where they are before a crisis occurs. This bill will ensure that primary care physicians are better equipped to connect patients with the appropriate behavioral health services they need.”

The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis occurs. This transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care.

The Senate also approved HB22-1303, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Wesminster, and Senator Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, which will invest $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options for adults in our state. Currently, Colorado lacks the residential treatment beds needed to treat individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions.

“Far too many of our neighbors are struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. We must increase our capacity to support folks in need of urgent, immediate care,” said Winter. “This legislation will provide additional inpatient and residential treatment beds for folks in need, which will make a world of difference and allow more Coloradans to access the care they desperately need.”

This bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and a further 125 residential treatment beds across the state for adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need long-term services and support. The facilities will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals awaiting competency restoration services.

Both bills were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

Both bills now head to the House for final concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1302 HERE, and HB22-1303 HERE.

Pair of Bills to Transform Behavioral Health System, Increase Access to Care Clear Senate

Legislation would invest $144 million to support community-based behavioral health programs and increase access to care for youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that aims to transform the state’s behavioral health system so it better serves Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

In an effort to ensure Coloradans across the state—including children, youth and families—have access to the behavioral health care they need, HB22-1281 will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of meeting regional gaps and transforming behavioral health outcomes across the state.

“Accessing behavioral health care in our state can be complex and difficult, making it challenging for Coloradans to get the care they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “We recognize that different parts of the state have different needs when it comes to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which is why we’re making a critical investment to address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.”

Colorado does not have adequate capacity to serve children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. As a result, too many children are sent out-of-state to access treatment, far away from their families and support network. HB22-1283 will invest $54 million to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado.

“Kids all across Colorado deserve access to quality behavioral health care, but our current system isn’t getting them the care they need,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “I am proud to champion this important legislation that will improve access to behavioral health care for youth in Colorado, and help make sure that every family in our state is able to receive the vital care they need to thrive.”

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

Both bills now move to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1281 HERE and HB22-1283 HERE.

Senate Approves Just Transition Bill to Support Workers

HB22-1394 would help communities transition away from coal-based economies

DENVER, CO - The Senate today cleared legislation to support workers and communities making the transition from coal-based economies.

HB22-1394, sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, would fund the Office of Just Transition, which is working to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. 

“In Colorado, we take care of each other,” Donovan said. “This bill aligns with that value and provides resources to some of the best places in the state to envision and build what's next for them."

“As our energy economy moves forward, it’s critical we make sure that every affected community and worker is supported,” Winter said. “This legislation will make an equitable investment in projects to help diversify our rural economy, support working families, and help make sure no transitioning community is left behind.”

It also distributes grants to communities to help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies. $5 million will be allocated to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families.

HB22-1394 now moves to the House for final concurrence of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Hinrichsen Bill to Increase Higher Ed Opportunities for Veterans Clears Senate

Legislation will expand educational opportunities for veterans, prepare them for future success

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand educational opportunities for veterans, preparing them for future success. 

HB22-1407 will increase higher education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to audit courses without impacting class availability or accessibility for other students. Colleges that have a program or policy that allows someone to audit a course must permit a veteran to utilize the program.

“We need to ensure that the brave men and women who have served our country are set up for success and equipped with the tools necessary to transition back to civilian life,” said Hinrichsen. “As a veteran myself, I know how challenging that can be, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this bill to allow more veterans to access higher education opportunities in Colorado while simultaneously working a stable job to support their financial futures.”

These college courses would teach veterans new skills, improve job placement, and refine abilities that can be applied to real world careers. Furthermore, because spots would only be available for veterans if there’s extra class space, there is no need to increase per-pupil funding. This bill only applies to public colleges and universities.

The bill would allow veterans to learn a new skill or subject, fill class seats that would have otherwise been left empty, and reward veterans for their service to our country.

Finally, many veterans cannot afford to become full-time students after their service, even if it’s fully paid for by the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, because they might have a family to care for or need to work full time. Auditing classes under the bill would allow veterans to gain valuable knowledge by taking just one course.

This bill is modeled after Utah Senate Bill 45, which allows veterans to audit college-level courses without paying the hefty entrance fee. 

HB22-1407 now moves to the Governor's desk for his signature. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Pair of Bills to Address Homelessness, Save Coloradans Money on Housing Clear Senate

Legislation will respond to and prevent homelessness, preserve housing affordability for mobile park residents

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved a pair of bills to improve access to affordable housing and respond to and prevent homelessness in Colorado.

HB22-1378, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would provide $50 million in federal pandemic relief funding to fund a homelessness navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area.

“The homelessness crisis has hit our communities hard, and addressing it requires all hands on deck, which is exactly the approach this legislation takes,” Coleman said. “This bill will connect folks without stable housing to the services, care and housing they need, and give more Coloradans support to help them move forward and thrive.”

“Too many of our neighbors are struggling to find a place to call home, and they need assistance,” Hansen said. “Our bill will provide significant new resources to support folks experiencing homelessness, and give nonprofits and local governments more capacity to address this crisis and help more Coloradans get back on their feet.”

HB22-1378 will direct funding through a request for application to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. 

The new campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment, skills training and more – all in one location.

This legislation is part of a series of bills aimed at preventing and responding to homelessness across Colorado, and is funded by the Economic Recovery & Relief Cash Fund.

The Senate also passed HB22-1287, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, that would extend critical protections for mobile home park residents in Colorado. The legislation aims to drive down the cost of housing, hold landlords accountable, and ensure residents can remain in their homes. 

“Housing prices are skyrocketing for all of us, including our mobile home residents who are continually displaced by out-of-state investors,” said Winter. “With this bill, we’re working to ensure that we don’t lose Colorado’s largest source of naturally-occurring affordable housing while extending protections to residents so they can remain in their homes. This legislation will protect affordability and increase stability for mobile home residents while holding landlords accountable.” 

HB22-1287 increases stability for residents by ensuring mobile home park residents are given substantial notice if an entity would like to purchase the park, and also by empowering residents to purchase the land they reside on. 

It also preserves housing affordability by enhancing protections for mobile home residents and helping them pay for potential relocation and other costs. Finally, it gives the Attorney General and the Division of Housing the authority to address violations of mobile home park protections. 

HB22-1287 and HB22-1378 now move back to the House for concurrence on Amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1378 HERE, and HB22-1287 HERE.

ICYMI: Senate Passes Jaquez Lewis Bill to Boost Colorado’s Emergency Stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment

HB22-1352 will better prepare state health care workers for future health emergencies

DENVER, CO –  Yesterday, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, that would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

HB22-1352 aims to help the State of Colorado prepare for future emergencies by maintaining a stockpile of essential materials and PPE to be available for distribution after the governor has declared a disaster emergency.

“The last few years have been challenging, but we’ve learned a lot and we’re in a much better position than we were two years ago,” Jaquez Lewis said. “It’s now time to apply those lessons as we begin to live alongside this disease and balance returning to normal with keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities safe. This legislation will boost our emergency stockpile of PPE so that our health care providers have the critical tools and resources they need, and ensure they are better prepared to respond and keep us safe the next time a public health emergency strikes.”

Face masks, medical gloves, eye protection and other PPE worn by health care professionals are necessary for treating patients and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. This bill will invest nearly $2 million to stockpile medical-grade PPE in Colorado so hospitals, vaccine clinics and other medical sites can have access to the protective equipment to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Safety was charged with maintaining the state’s emergency stockpile of PPE and associated warehouses. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has since maintained a 60-day stockpile of five key PPE product categories to dispatch to state agencies as needed. This bill ensures Colorado has adequate PPE supplies for any future  pandemics or declared national disasters.

HB22-1352 now moves to the Governor's desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Hansen Bill to Increase Safety at Faith-Based Institutions

Legislation would boost resources to enhance safety measures at places of worship, other community spaces to protect Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that provides grant funding to ramp up security at faith-based institutions facing increasing threats, including synagogues and mosques.

HB22-1077, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations.

“Throughout this session, we’ve worked to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this bill builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Hansen. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this bill will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.” 

Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, but a recent increase in threats has led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. HB22-1077 would provide $500,000 for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000.

Marginalized communities are facing growing threats from violent extremists who are targeting sacred spaces such as mosques, temples and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center.

The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Fentanyl Crisis, Save Lives in Colorado

H22-1326 increases access to harm reduction tools & treatment to prevent overdose deaths and increases criminal penalties on those dealing or importing fentanyl

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, that addresses the fentanyl crisis in Colorado and aims to save lives.

HB22-1326, cosponsored by Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley, represents a comprehensive approach to address this crisis that includes both proven harm reduction strategies to save lives and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to keep fentanyl off Colorado streets.

“We are in the third wave of the opioid epidemic and in the worst overdose crisis in the history of this country. Fentanyl is the drug of choice for the cartels because it’s potent, cheap and easy to traffic," Pettersen said. "We need to go after the dealers who are poisoning our communities and provide training and resources to better equip law enforcement to investigate fentanyl poisonings while increasing access to desperately needed treatment and life-saving harm reduction tools. This bill is about saving lives with a comprehensive public health and public safety approach, and will complement the work we’re doing to fix our broken behavioral health system throughout Colorado.”

The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl, and integrate mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing process to ensure people can access treatment and recovery services.

HB22-1326 focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances. The legislation provides law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers, while providing treatment options to individuals with a SUD.

Under the bill, individuals dealing or importing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl that leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties.

Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and will be required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in the Colorado Department of Human Services. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will be ordered to complete a treatment program.

HB22-1326 would make it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill adopts a “no tolerance” policy for the possession of pure fentanyl.

The new felony, which is not prison eligible, would be repealed on June 30, 2025 and includes a “wobbler” provision to allow individuals that complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. The legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, provides additional funding to crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expands access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in jails.

This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will reduce harm, expand access to treatment, and prevent overdose deaths. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves.

The legislation directs $29 million in federal pandemic relief funds to implement recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force to expand access to proven harm reduction tools like the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan as well as fentanyl test strips.

Finally, HB22-1326 directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to develop, implement and maintain a three-year statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl.

HB22-1326 now moves to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

ICYMI: Bipartisan Bill To Boost Child Care Workforce Clears Senate

The targeted tax credit will support working families, child development, and economic growth

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to Senator Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, helping make child care more affordable and boosting the early childhood educator workforce.

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB22-1010 would create the early childhood educator tax credit to help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field. 

“Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals in every state, including Colorado,” said Buckner. “I was a proud sponsor of HB22-1295, which is bringing free child care to every Colorado family, starting in the fall of 2023. As the demand for quality early childhood educators rapidly increases, we must do all we can to ensure it is a viable, attractive career path for Coloradans – this bill helps do just that.”

Boosting the child care workforce will expand child care options in Colorado and ultimately lower the cost of child care in Colorado. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs.

The bill comes shortly after the passage of Senator Buckner’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1010 will now head to the Governor for signature. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan School Finance Act to Make Historic Investment in School Funding Clears Senate

Legislation would increase K-12 public school funding by an average of $545 per student, or $13,600 for a classroom of 25 students

DENVER, CO - The Senate today voted to pass the bipartisan 2022 Public School Finance Act, which sets funding levels of Colorado’s public school districts.

Sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB22-1390 increases state funding for public schools by $431 million to $8.4 billion and reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by more than $180 million.

“Thanks to the hard work we have done on this year’s School Finance Act, the Budget Stabilization Factor will fall to the lowest level since its inception,” said Zenzinger. “I’m proud of the responsible way that we have managed this issue, and I’m proud of the increases we will see to Colorado school districts’ per pupil funding. This year’s School Finance Act makes resources available to teachers and students that they need and deserve.”

The increases in funding for K-12 public schools will result in an increase of $545 per student, or approximately $13,600 for a classroom of 25 students. This funding can be used to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students learn. 

The bill makes additional changes to support students and school districts, such as extending the K-5 Social and Emotional Health Pilot Program and the Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Program. It also strengthens the successful Educator Recruitment and Retention grant by encouraging recipients to teach for three years in areas where there are educator shortages.

Additionally, the School Finance Act incorporates the text of HB22-1002, which lifts the current cap on the number of students who can participate in the ASCENT concurrent enrollment program and makes it available to more postsecondary students. This program saves Coloradans money as they pursue their higher education degrees.

HB22-1390 now heads to the House for concurrence of amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.