JOINT RELEASE: Funding for Crime Victim Services, Programs to Prevent Identity-Based Violence Signed Into Law

LAKEWOOD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will provide $48 million to crime victims services programs and create a grant program to prevent and address identity-based violence.

SB22-183, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Bob Gardner and Representatives Monica Duran and Mike Weissman, provides $48 million to fill a revenue gap in federal funding and expand programs for crime victims to continue providing lifesaving resources for child and adult victims of crime.

“During the pandemic we saw an alarming rise in cases of domestic violence,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “With this investment of American Rescue Plan funding, we will 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 pleased to see this bill get signed into law, and I know it will go a long way in providing victims of crime and domestic violence with the services they need.”

“The pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence and other crimes, making the services these programs offer more critical than ever,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I’m dedicated to making sure survivors of crime receive the support and resources they need to get back on their feet, and this major $48 million investment will make a huge difference for victims across the state.”

“Colorado is stepping up to fund programs that provide critical services to victims of crime so that no one is left behind in the worst moments of their lives,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today will help some of the most vulnerable people in Colorado move forward, and it will fund critical outreach efforts to help survivors get the assistance they need and prevent domestic violence.”

The law invests $41 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds into programs assisting crime victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including $6 million according to recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. SB22-183 additionally invests $7 million in General Fund dollars to two programs providing services to crime victims. These investments will ensure essential services for victims can continue for the next four years.

HB22-1234, sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Senator Robert Rodriguez, creates a grant program in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety to prevent identity-based violence.

“Communities of color and religious minorities are far too often the targets of terrorism and violence, and threats are only increasing,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The tragedy in Buffalo shows just how dangerous these racist ideologies are and the pressing need to do more to make our communities safer. This new legislation creates a grant program to help prevent acts of identity-based violence, and will bring people together to protect communities from bias-motivated crimes and build a safer Colorado.”

"We’ve seen a growing number of threats and violence targeted at specific communities across our state, and it must come to an end,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “I am proud to have championed this new law that will give communities, nonprofits, and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent these types of crimes, and help ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their community.”

“With antisemitism on the rise and identity-motivated crimes increasing, we must redouble our efforts to ensure the safety of every community in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “This new grant program will fund proven strategies and bring people together to prevent and solve the serious crimes that reverberate throughout our communities and disrupt our safety.”

The grants will focus on building strong communities and preventing acts of violence that target a specific population of people, and on building awareness of these crimes to prevent them from happening in the first place. The law positions law enforcement to develop the strategies needed to solve serious crimes that have widespread ramifications on a community’s sense of safety. This includes projects that strengthen local collaboration and capabilities to prevent and intervene in identity-based violence.

The law is supported by the Department of Public Safety, One Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab, the Center on Colfax, Out Boulder County and other organizations.

Signed! Safer Streets Act to Improve Public Safety

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

AURORA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law the Safer Streets Act, an evidence-based approach to help local governments make critical improvements that will cut down on crime and improve public safety in Colorado.

SB22-001, sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora and Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, creates a $10.3 million grant program that will help local governments make critical upgrades to neighborhoods, such as better lighting for increased visibility and improved design of the built physical environment, that will help prevent crime and create safer communities.

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

“With proven crime prevention and reduction strategies, we are creating safer neighborhoods in Colorado,” said Ricks. “This law helps local governments create and maintain public space for everyone to enjoy, reducing crime and revitalizing neighborhoods in the process.” 

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

“The Safer Streets Act is modeled from evidence-based, proven strategies to build safer communities,” said Tipper. “Through smart investments in good lighting, better walking paths and public spaces that work for everyone, we can boost community pride and cut down on crime. I’m proud of the community members and leaders we worked alongside to prioritize safer communities and beautiful public spaces.”

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

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

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Prepare Colorado Youth for Success and Improve School Safety Become Law

Legislation aims to reduce youth recidivism, increase access to behavioral health care & improve school security 

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that aim to support Colorado youth by using early interventions to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system, improving school safety and supporting students’ behavioral health.

HB22-1003, championed by Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senators Coleman and Hinrichsen, will establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program to help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system.

"Today, we're making smart investments to increase community safety and improve outcomes for Colorado's youth," said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. "This law directs funding toward collaborative, community-based programs that provide young Coloradans with the support and services they need. Community is the cornerstone to crime reduction and our law invests to uplift youth and build stronger neighborhoods."

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

“When it comes to public safety, we are investing in communities first," said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Our law will provide resources to community organizations that are working to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place. Through targeted intervention and support programs, we can help youth be set up for success and build safer communities in the process."

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

The Governor also signed HB22-1243, championed by Representatives Exum, Sr. and Van Winkle as well as Senators Kolker and Hinrichsen, which invests $14 million to improve safety and support behavioral health in public schools.

“Too many kids don’t know where to turn when they’re in a mental health crisis,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “We’re working hard to break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and making sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.”

"Preparing our students for success means improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “This law takes a multi-faceted approach by providing funding to foster and build safer school environments, as well as extending the successful “I Matter” program, which provides free mental health counseling to Colorado’s youth. Together, these programs will foster healthy learning environments and safer schools across Colorado.”

“As we work to build a safer and healthier Colorado for all, we need to ensure that our schools are better equipped to keep students safe and connect them to the appropriate behavioral health care they need,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Our students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and this bill will help them feel safer in the classroom while ensuring they have increased access to resources that will help them care for their mental health and well-being.”

Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1120, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, which would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for local schools to implement school safety strategies, including physical improvements as well as school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SAVE PEOPLE MONEY ON HEALTH CARE

Legislation significantly boosts number of inpatient beds for adults and youth, increases access to care for families and saves Coloradans money on prescription drugs

DENVER, CO – Two critical bills from the legislature’s behavioral health package were signed into law today. They invest nearly $120 million to increase residential treatment options in Colorado and expand access to behavioral health care for youth and families. Governor Polis also signed legislation that will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and save Coloradans money on health care.

Adult Inpatient and Residential Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1303, sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options.

“Colorado needs more residential treatment options to ensure that people have access to the care they need, and that’s what the bill signed into law today will do,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Too many people are waiting for treatment and seeing their conditions worsen because there isn’t a treatment bed available for them. The legislation signed today will fund new beds across the state for people struggling with serious mental illness.”

“Far too many of our neighbors are struggling to access the health care they need, and we must increase our capacity to support folks who require urgent, immediate care,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “These new laws will provide additional inpatient and residential treatment beds for individuals in need, and help people save money and improve certainty for folks who rely on lifesaving prescription drugs, which will make a world of difference and allow more Coloradans to access the care they desperately need.”

Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental illness, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The law supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need clinical support to become stabilized. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services.

“The legislation Governor Polis signed today will save Coloradans money on prescription drugs by requiring insurance companies and prescription drug benefit managers to pass on savings from manufacturer rebates to consumers,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “No one should have to choose between life saving medication and paying for everyday necessities. This new law will protect consumers and help ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to the treatment patients need.”

Saving Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs: HB22-1370, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Iman Jodeh and Senators Faith Winter and Janet Buckner, makes prescription drugs and health care more affordable and dependable. The bill ensures doctors are in charge of a patient’s treatment instead of insurance companies by limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment that their insurance company prefers before they can get what their doctor recommends. The bill ensures that patients know what they’ll be expected to pay for prescription drugs by requiring that 25 percent of health plans have a set dollar amount for co-pays instead of unpredictable percentage-based coinsurance.

“This legislation prevents people from seeing their health coverage change when they are in the middle of lifesaving treatment and will help ensure patients have access to the medications they need,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We’ve taken historic action in recent years to bring down the cost of health insurance and save people money on health care, and I’m proud to see us take this important step forward today to save people even more on their prescription drugs.”

The bill will save Coloradans money on prescription drugs by requiring insurance companies to pass along the savings from manufacturers’ rebates. The bill also bans health insurance companies from raising the out-of-pocket costs of someone’s prescription medications in the middle of their coverage and prohibits companies from dropping coverage of a medication a patient needs midway through the patients’ coverage.

“Kids and families 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 these bills that will improve access to behavioral health care for youth in Colorado, lower the cost and improve access to lifesaving prescription drugs, and help make sure that every family in our state is able to receive the vital care they need to thrive.”

Youth and Family Residential Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1283 sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield and Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola, will make it easier for families and youth to access residential and outpatient care in Colorado. 

“Colorado is facing a youth mental health crisis; we made expanding access to care for youth and families one of the major focuses of our behavioral health package this year,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Too many families can’t find options for treatment in Colorado so they are forced to send their kids out of state. I’m proud Colorado is making a historic investment to substantially increase our ability to care for our kids and provide the care they need to thrive.” 

Right now, 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. This bill will invest $54M 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.

JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Expand Access to Mental Health Care, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Signed into Law

Legislation–part of the legislature’s behavioral health package–invests $125 million in pandemic relief funds to expand access to services and save Coloradans money on health care

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will increase access to behavioral health care. HB22-1281 creates a $90 million grant program to fund critical services, and HB22-1302 extends resources to providers to help them offer both primary and mental health care.

Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281, sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks and Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin, will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need.

“Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is being felt in every part of our state, but each community’s needs are different,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The legislation the governor signed today will invest $90 million in federal funds to expand access to care by providing resources to nonprofits and providers to meet the needs in their communities. The bill also dedicates at least $15 million of this funding to go towards substance use disorder treatment providers to increase our state’s capacity to provide the care people need.”

“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 this critical investment will address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.”

“The legislation Governor Polis signed today will provide communities with resources to fill critical gaps in care so that more Coloradans can access the services they need to thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This legislation will increase access to care in communities all across the state and save people money on behavioral health care. Under the legislation, nonprofits and providers can seek funding to treat more patients and offer additional services that aren’t available in their communities.”

The law invests $90 million in federal funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the entire spectrum of behavioral health services and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. The law sets aside at least $15 million of the total $90 million grant funding to prioritize substance use disorder treatment and services.

Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302, sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care.

“One of the easier ways we can increase access to behavioral health care and save Coloradans money is by bringing together primary care and mental health care under the same facility or practice,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “I’m proud the governor signed my legislation to invest $35 million in federal funds to help providers integrate physical and behavioral health care. This will especially help in rural areas where people have to drive long distances to get care. The advancement of alternative payment models in House Bill 1325, which the governor also signed today, will help sustain these investments over the long run.”

“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 Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “That’s why we’re working to streamline how we deliver care and meet people where they are before a crisis occurs. This new law will ensure that primary care physicians are better equipped to connect patients with the appropriate behavioral health services they need.”

The law 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. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Support Health Care Workforce, Better Prepare Colorado for Future Public Health Emergencies

Legislation will save health care workers money, improve hospital readiness, increase emergency PPE stockpile

THORNTON, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a slate of bills aimed at supporting health care workers and better preparing Colorado for the next public health emergency.

HB22-1298, sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, will save Colorado’s health care workers money through fee relief for nurses and psychiatric technicians.

“We are preparing now for the next public health emergency and making sure we have enough health care professionals to meet demand in Colorado,” said Mullica. “Staffing shortages coupled with pandemic pressures have left our health care workers—my colleagues—feeling overworked and burned out. The four bills signed into law today are designed to build a healthier Colorado by investing in our professional health care workforce and making sure we are not caught flat footed during the next pandemic. From fee relief to stockpiling PPE to investing more than $61 million to train and recruit the next generation of talented nurses, these laws prioritize high quality health care in Colorado." 

“Our health care heroes have faced immeasurable challenges over the last two years, but regardless of these challenges, they have stepped up to the plate every day to care for Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “That’s why I’m proud to see this bill, which will help alleviate the pressure our essential workers have faced through much deserved fee relief for professional licensing and certification, become law to save Coloradans money and provide the support these workers deserve to move forward.”

The new law provides licensure and certification fee relief for nurses, nurse aides and psychiatric technicians, and will save health care workers $11.7 million over two years on their professional licensing and certification.

Polis also signed into law SB22-226, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Mullica and Jaquez Lewis that will bolster Colorado’s health care workforce through a $61 million investment in education, training, recruitment and retention of nurses and health care workers.

“As we move forward together, we must invest in Colorado’s health care workforce and better prepare and equip our health care heroes,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This new law will not only result in better quality of care for Coloradans, it will give workers advanced skill sets that help them grow and move forward in their careers."

SB22-226 addresses the shortage of health care workers by assisting with tuition and fees to help people get into high-demand health care fields. These programs require clinical hours at health facilities, currently a major limiting factor in how many students schools can accept. To address this, the bill would also provide funding for health care facilities to increase training slots to build long-term capacity to train new and existing employees.

Polis also signed a pair of bills to better prepare Colorado for future public health emergencies. HB22-1352, sponsored by Mullica and Jaquez Lewis, will require the state to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

“As we begin to live alongside this disease and balance returning to normal with keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities safe, we must apply the lessons we’ve learned the past few years,” Jaquez Lewis said. “These new requirements 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.”

This law 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 they need to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE.

Finally, Polis also signed legislation sponsored by Mullica and Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, 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 to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve.

"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 will combat those feelings of burnout within our nurses and ensure a high level of patient care that Coloradans deserve.”

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Save Mental Health Professionals Money, Expand Youth Access to Behavioral Health Care Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a pair of bills into law that would reduce licensing fees for mental health professionals and increase access to behavioral health for Colorado youth.

HB22-1299 championed by Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley, as well as Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would reduce license fees ranging from $62 to $262 for mental health professionals regulated by state boards.

“This is a thank-you to the frontline mental health workers who have seen firsthand the increase in mental health needs that began pre-COVID and have only accelerated with COVID in our lives,” said Kolker. “We need to keep these essential workers in the profession, and this bill acknowledges their hard work and gives them a break so they can focus on their jobs, and care for patients that desperately need their help and support.”

“This session, we prioritized improving behavioral health access, especially for youth and families," said Young. "We're waiving licensing fees for psychologists, professional counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals not only to save them money but in recognition of their tireless efforts to provide Coloradans with essential behavioral health services. We are also investing more than $11 million of federal pandemic relief dollars toward addressing Colorado's youth behavioral health crisis by making it easier for families and youth to access treatment in their own communities. Together, these bills are part of our transformational investment to build a healthier Colorado for all."

“The pandemic has not only exacerbated stress for Coloradans, it has significantly increased the workload for our mental health workers,” said Fields. “To help them out, we’re going to make it easier and cheaper for mental health workers to apply or renew their licenses so our psychologists, counselors, therapists, and social workers can focus on providing critical services to patients, not on paperwork and fees."

Under HB22-1299, Colorado’s hardworking mental health professionals renewing or seeking a license will collectively save nearly $3.7 million. Pandemic pressures have contributed to an increase of Colorado adults seeking mental health services for symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Governor also signed SB22-147, championed by Senator Kolker and Representative Young, which will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and provide school-based support for kids and their families.

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

Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. SB22-147 aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families through three programs:

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

$5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program: The bill contributes $5 million to an existing grant program to help schools increase the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students.

$1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program: The bill invests $1.5 million in funding to expand school-based health centers in Colorado.

SB22-147 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

What State Leaders & Community Advocates Are Saying about New Laws Making Communities More Affordable, Expanding Access to Critical Behavioral Health Support

FORT COLLINS — Today, in Fort Collins, Boulder, and Greeley, Governor Jared Polis joined bill sponsors and community leaders in housing, and behavioral health care providers to sign legislation saving Coloradans money on housing and critical behavioral health support, while cutting red tape to ensure Coloradans continue to receive high-quality, efficient services.  

Here is what bill sponsors, affordable housing solutions advocates, and residents are saying about the new law empowering mobile home park residents (SB22-260) to convert their land into a resident-owned community, which the Governor is signing at Parklane Mobile Home Park in Fort Collins: 

“Mobile home park ownership can change hands fairly quickly – leading to skyrocketing lot-rent prices and sometimes displacement of park residents,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker (D-Fort Collins), sponsor of SB22-160. “This legislation invests critical resources to keep mobile homes affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase the land their homes sit on. Resident-owned communities are important for keeping Coloradans housed.”

"Mobile home owners have one foot in the American dream because unscrupulous, out-of-state corporations have bought up most of our state's parks and have gouged rental rates on these hardworking Coloradans,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo), sponsor of SB22-160. “That American Dream has become destabilized and this new law puts power back in the hands of residents to own not just the building they live in, but the property they live on. Homeownership is a key part of the American Dream and I'm proud to be a prime sponsor of this legislation."

“I’ve lived at Parklane for 5 years and we are happy that SB22-160 is going to be signed here because we believe in the opportunity for residents of mobile home parks to own their neighborhoods. We lived through the process of buying a Mobile Home Park, and we are very grateful to all the groups that are supporting us in this great achievement. We believe in preserving mobile home parks, maintaining a fair rent, and more than ever we hope that the people who live in the mobile home park have the power to maintain and improve the community,” said Sabrina Montoya, Parklane Mobile Home Park Resident. “This law is a legacy to new generations to fight in their mobile home park purchase process like we did at Parklane. We want our story to inspire other mobile home park residents to buy, preserve, and improve their community, and we know this law is going to help people a lot.”

“Elevation Community Land Trust is proud to support SB22-160, a historic investment in Colorado’s mobile home parks, the state’s only naturally occurring affordable housing,”  said Stefka Fanchi, Chief Executive Officer, Elevation Community Land Trust. “Mobile home park residents face an uphill battle when they try to purchase their land from park owners; this legislation will help level the playing field. We thank the Governor for his work on this issue and look forward to continuing to work together to improve mobile home park regulations in Colorado.” 

“Colorado Poverty Law Project is ecstatic to see the State take such a bold step towards making community ownership of mobile home parks a more meaningful reality,” said Jack Regenbogen, Policy & Advocacy Staff Attorney at Colorado Poverty Law Project. “This legislation will bolster economic security by making the American Dream possible for tens of thousands of Coloradans who wish to purchase their park and assume greater ownership over their housing. We commend the legislative sponsors for championing this important legislation and the Governor for his support.”

“AARP Colorado is pleased to see SB22-160 Loan Program Resident-owned Communities signed into law. Providing funding to assist mobile homeowners seeking to purchase their homes preserves an existing stock of affordable housing and will help these older Coloradans continue to age in place,” said Allison Hiltz, MPP, State Advocacy Director of AARP Colorado. 

"When area mobile home parks have gone up for sale there is some limited history of successful purchases of parks by residents in other parts of Colorado shows that the option can improve people’s lives. We are grateful that this process may become a little easier with the passage SB 22-160,  sponsored by Representative Boesenecker and other legislators, will create a bucket of up to $35 million in state seed money to be used for loans to help residents buy their parks. This legislation signed into law by Governor Polis is another tool in the toolbox to preserve our region's natural occurring affordable housing in Colorado,” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner. “Locally we have taken action as Larimer County commissioners, and recently, we agreed to provide $1 million in county ARPA funds to United Neighbors/Vecinos Unidos, a nonprofit that represents the park’s residents to serve as a down payment to buy Parklane mobile home park. Together, I  hope that we can preserve and protect these communities with these new resources."

Here’s what leaders are saying about a new law making significant investments in the regulation of tiny homes (HB22-1242) in Colorado, exempting tiny homes from sales and use tax to help more hardworking Coloradans benefit from this innovative housing solution and achieve greater representation for the tiny home industry: 

"Tiny homes are just part of the all above approach Colorado needs to increase our supply of affordable housing. I am excited that there will finally be a legal and safe path for owners of tiny homes on temporary foundations to live in their homes on a permanent basis,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins), sponsor of HB22-1242. 

"In the first few months of my term, residents in my district came to me with the issue of being forced to move out of a RV park with their tiny houses and nowhere legally to go. In the beginning I thought changing our land use code would provide a solution, but soon learned it was not legal in Colorado to live in a tiny home on a temporary foundation for more than 31 days at a time,” said Jody Shadduck-McNally, Larimer County Commissioner. “However, we know people are living in these houses around our region. As our affordable housing crisis in Colorado continues, we know people are turning to alternatives such as tiny houses for many reasons. This bill provides a path to allow people to both legally and safely live in tiny homes on temporary foundations. I am grateful to Representative Kipp, Senator Ginal for sponsoring this legislation along with the other sponsors, and for Governor Polis for signing HB 1242 into law."

Here is what leaders are saying about legislation establishing a fair housing unit (HB22-1082) to support and protect Coloradans seeking housing opportunities across the state: 

“Access to affordable housing and protection in all steps of the housing process are critical for all Coloradans,” said Boulder County Board of County Commissioners Chair Marta Loachamin. “The Fair Housing Unit created by HB-1082, which Governor Polis signed into law today, will protect consumer rights for everyone, especially those historically excluded from or taken advantage of, in the Colorado housing market. The Boulder County Board of County Commissioners is grateful to the Governor and the law’s sponsors, including Representative Edie Hooton, for creating these systematic protections. Boulder County’s policy team has been working alongside our State representatives to inform these protections and our residents, and all Coloradans will now benefit from this work carried out by the Colorado legislature.” 

“The Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NDC) thanks HB22-1082’s sponsors and Governor Polis for turning this bill into law. Housing discrimination strengthens historic segregation patterns and widens our State’s wealth and housing stability gaps. Codifying the Attorney General’s ability to root out housing discrimination brings Colorado closer to creating a level playing field for all,”  said Jonathan Cappelli, Executive Director of Neighborhood Development Collaborative.

Gov. Polis is signing bipartisan bills to increase access to much-needed behavioral health to ensure all Coloradans have the support they need to thrive. 

Here’s what behavioral health care leaders are saying about new laws to save mental health professionals money on licensing fees (HB22-1299), and provide critical behavioral health services for Colorado’s kids (SB22-147): 

 “Mile High Psychiatry would like to show our appreciation to the sponsors of SB22-147, Behavioral Health-care Services for Children and personally thank Senator Kolker, Senator Sonnenberg, Representative Young, and Representative Pelton. Founded in Colorado and built for Coloradans, our organization is here to offer our complete support in this initiative. Our ultimate goal is to offer accessible, affordable, quality care and prioritize the state of emergency in youth mental health here in our beautiful State of Colorado,” said Jessica Guenther, Chief Business Development Officer of Mile High Psychiatry.

“The School-Based Health Center Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is thrilled to receive this additional funding to support the state’s school-based health centers’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative public health impacts. The CDPHE School-Based Health Center Program will use these funds to award grants to establish new school-based health centers and expand services of currently operating school-based health centers to expand access to this evidence-based model to more Coloradan children and families,” said Michelle Shultz, School-Based Health Center Program Manager at Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

“SB22-147 supports School-Based Health Centers to provide critical integrated behavioral health services that are imperative in addressing the current mental health crisis affecting our children and youth across Colorado,” said Ashley Coram, MPH, CHES, School-Based Health Clinics Program Manager at Every Child Pediatrics. 

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.