JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Make Colorado Safer by Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions, Enhancing Backcountry Search and Rescue Operations

Legislation would boost safety for motorists and wildlife, support backcountry search and rescue teams

FRISCO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a pair of bills into law to improve public safety in Colorado.

SB22-151, championed by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, will reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve safety for wildlife and motorists on Colorado highways.

The new law creates the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund, which will fund Colorado Department of Transportation projects for wildlife crossing projects on stretches of roads and highways with high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), or where the ability of wildlife to move across the landscape has been hampered by high traffic volumes.

“Wildlife corridors are a commonsense way to protect motorists, keep wildlife safe, and ensure habitats stay intact,” said Danielson. “I am proud to champion this new law that will help ecosystems thrive and make sure our wild places continue to power Colorado’s economy for future generations.”

"Whether it's an experienced skier or a first-time backpacker, sometimes nature has a different plan, and Colorado's brave backcountry search and rescue teams are standing by to save lives," McCluskie said. “The law Governor Polis signed today will improve backcountry search and rescue operations and help ensure that these critical programs have the resources they need. I’m proud the governor also signed my legislation to improve and create safe wildlife crossings, which will reduce accidents and protect travelers on our roads.”

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

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

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

Polis also signed into law SB22-168, championed by McCluskie and Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, which will improve backcountry search and rescue operations in Colorado by moving these responsibilities to Colorado Parks and Wildlife within the Department of Natural Resources and boosting funding by $1 million to support search and rescue efforts. 

“The growth in backcountry activities has put a strain on the search and rescue volunteers needed to keep folks safe,” Donovan said. “I’m proud to champion this new law that will support the dedicated men and women who work to save lives in Colorado’s backcountry.”

The bill also establishes a sustainable funding stream for search and rescue efforts, and makes the dependent of a person who died or was permanently disabled while conducting rescue efforts eligible for free tuition at state higher education institutions.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Improve Behavioral Health Care for Peace Officers

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will invest $3 million to improve access to behavioral health services for Colorado peace officers. SB22-005 is championed by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon.

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

“Law enforcement officers are not immune to Colorado’s behavioral health crisis, which is why we’re providing them with the resources they may need after experiencing difficult, traumatic situations while serving their communities,” said Roberts. “Expanded access to behavioral health resources and counseling will help law enforcement departments recruit and retain qualified peace officers to help keep Coloradans safe.” 

SB22-005 will make a one-time $3 million investment to the existing Peace Officers Behavioral Health Support and Community Partnership Fund to expand access to mental health support for law enforcement. The law adds to the program services that support peace officers involved in job-related traumatic situations. 

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Whistleblower Protections and Bipartisan Bill to Help Coloradans Find Housing and Jobs

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will protect whistleblowers and help Coloradans with low-level criminal records find secure jobs or housing.

In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez and Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, makes these protections permanent.

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

"Extending whistleblower protections for essential workers is the right move to keep our workers and the public safe," said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. "This law permanently extends protections for workers put in place during the pandemic so Coloradans can report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. All Coloradans should feel safe speaking out about workplace conditions that could harm them or the people around them."

"Coloradans shouldn't have to worry about losing their job or having their hours slashed for reporting unsafe working conditions. These whistleblower protections prioritize the health and safety of our essential workers," said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. "When the pandemic began, we gave workers the necessary protection to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. This new law extends those reporting protections for workers regardless of a public health emergency, so they can always feel safe to report dangerous conditions."

SB22-097 protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights.

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

“The pandemic highlighted the need to improve how we take care of our community, and we worked hard this session to help give working folks better protections and opportunities," said Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “These news laws will ensure that no worker will have to worry about losing their job or having their hours cut because they speak out about working conditions that threaten them and their colleagues, and allow Coloradans who have paid their debt to society to access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.”

Currently, criminal records are a substantial obstacle for people in search of jobs or housing, which punishes Coloradans after they have served their time and exacerbates the state’s workforce shortage. SB22-099, sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Kerry Tipper and Colin Larson, extends automatic record sealing to all eligible offenses, removing this obstacle to housing and employment for many Coloradans.

“This bipartisan law will help Coloradans who are already eligible for record sealing by automatically sealing their records, making it easier for people to find jobs and housing opportunities,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This new law will boost our workforce, increase job opportunities for Coloradans and reduce recidivism by helping people get back on their feet.”

The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees and for Coloradans to find adequate housing. Under the law, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution.

JOINT RELEASE: Polis Signs Bill to Save Families Money on Child Care

VAIL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1006 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle and Senators Kerry Donovan and Jim Smallwood, will reduce child care centers’ costs by reducing their property taxes.

“Cutting taxes for child care centers just makes sense, and I am so glad my bill to do just that has been signed into law,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Child care is one of the largest costs young families are facing, and finding child care can be extremely challenging or impossible, particularly in rural Colorado. That’s why I introduced this bill. With these savings, we expect child care centers across the state to be able to lower prices, hire more employees, and create more child care openings for families. Further, it will be a powerful financial incentive for new child care centers to open their doors.”

“With pandemic-induced inflation hitting families hard, Democrats are laser focused on making Colorado a more affordable place to live,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This new law will give child care providers a much-needed break, and help address our workforce shortage by allowing them to open up new facilities and free up parents to return to work.”

HB22-1006 will make child care more affordable by incentivizing additional property owners to lease space to nonprofit child care centers through a property tax exemption. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the availability of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed: Historic $178 Million Investment to Save Coloradans Money on Housing

VAIL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will direct $178 million in pandemic relief funds to make housing more affordable, increase the housing supply and save Coloradans money on housing.

HB22-1304, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield and Senators Julie Gonzales and James Coleman, was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. The law is part of a package of legislation that will direct $428 million to make housing more affordable and save Coloradans money on housing.

“This bill is an historic achievement for Colorado: a nearly $180 million investment to help build, sustain, and create affordable housing in all parts of our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “We know Coloradans are facing significant needs in affordable housing but also know that there are communities, nonprofits, and others who are ready to do the work of developing housing now. This new grant program will jumpstart those construction projects, support local efforts, and give communities tools and resources to make housing more affordable for Coloradans. I am thankful Governor Polis signed this bipartisan bill today – the flagship bill of our Task Force work – and now we can help kickstart housing projects across the state!”

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

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

The law invests a historic sum to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The law also sets aside a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic and sustainable development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes.

The law will ensure flexibility of funding and will increase the supply of housing in urban, rural, and rural resort communities across the state, proportionate to each community’s demonstrated need. Furthermore, the grant program will prioritize funding for mixed-income and income-restricted developments, projects that leverage capital from other sources, and developments that create opportunities for Colorado families to build intergenerational wealth. Funding will also be prioritized for transit-oriented developments, saving emissions and money by building homes closer to where people work and reducing transportation costs.

SIGNED! Pair of Hinrichsen Bills to Invest in Colorado State Fair, Support Veterans Become Law

Legislation provides $4 million to update State Fair facilities, expand educational opportunities for veterans

PUEBLO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a pair of bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to invest in the Colorado State Fair and support Colorado’s veterans.

SB22-134, cosponsored by Senator Don Coram, R-Montrose, provides $4 million to help implement the Colorado State Fair Master Plan, which will update and modernize the Colorado State Fair, including upgrading facilities, addressing a backlog of capital construction projects, expanding marketing capacity, and making the State Fair more resilient and sustainable.

“The Colorado State Fair is a Pueblo institution, and a critical economic driver for our community,” Hinrichsen said. “I am proud to have secured this critical funding to update the fair’s master plan, improve fairground facilities, and help ensure families can continue enjoying the Colorado State Fair for generations to come.”

According to the Master Plan, the Fair generates over $29 million annually in economic impact to the surrounding area and provides, through its 101 acres of public lands, an affordable and accessible amenity for a diverse population. A historic asset of the state, the fairgrounds are currently facing issues common to many state fairs, including aging facilities and a backlog of building deficiencies, limited funding, competing venues and operational losses.

Polis also signed HB22-1407, which 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 champion this new law that will allow more veterans to access higher education opportunities in Colorado while simultaneously working a stable job to support their financial futures.”

These college courses will teach veterans new skills, improve job placement, and refine abilities that can be applied to real world careers. Furthermore, because spots are only 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.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Landmark Bill to Expand Collective Bargaining Rights to 36,000 County Public Service Workers

Building upon the 2020 state workers bill, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act more than doubles the number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights

PUEBLO, CO – Governor Polis today signed landmark legislation sponsored by House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, to support workers by extending collective bargaining rights to an estimated 36,000 county public service employees, a historic step forward in Colorado’s labor and workers rights movement.

SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 to extend similar collective bargaining rights to county workers. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act 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.

“This landmark law secures collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of county workers who carried Colorado through the pandemic,” said Esgar. “These workers staff our public health departments, maintain our roads, and keep our communities safe, and they deserve the right to join together to improve their workplaces and negotiate for better pay and benefits. This new law allows county workers to unionize if they choose to so that they can have a seat at the table to discuss decisions that not only impact their livelihood but the safety of the communities they serve.”

“County workers kept Colorado running through some extremely difficult years of pandemic disruptions and health and safety hazards, and they deserve to be able to form a union if they so choose,” said Fenberg. “I am proud to have championed this new law that will give tens of thousands of unsung heroes the right to organize and negotiate for fair and safe workplaces - the same rights that nearly every private sector and state worker already enjoy. This historic legislation will help improve lives and communities across our state, and I am pleased to see it get signed into law.”

“Across Colorado, tens of thousands of county workers perform hazardous jobs and provide the critical services that keep communities running safely and smoothly,” said Moreno. “These public servants deserve a seat at the table to negotiate their employment, just like private sector and state employees currently do. By granting Colorado’s 36,000 county workers the right to choose to form a union, Colorado is taking the next step on the path to ensuring collective bargaining rights for every Coloradan.”

Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize public service workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act guarantees Colorado statutory county workers in counties with populations over 7,500 the ability to organize and form a union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services, if they so choose.

Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act extends protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Boost Funding for K-12 Education and Address Teacher Shortage

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two education bills into law that will increase K-12 public school funding on average by $545 per pupil and address Colorado’s critical teacher shortage.

The School Finance Act, HB22-1390, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, makes historic investments to increase funding levels for Colorado’s public schools to the highest level since the last economic recession.

“The 2022 School Finance Act is a record investment in our public schools to improve educational outcomes for students and buy down a massive portion of the Budget Stabilization Factor,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This law increases funding for K-12 schools so our districts can maintain small class sizes, boost teacher pay and make sure classrooms have the resources they need to provide high-quality public education.”

“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 Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I’m proud of the responsible way that we have managed this issue, and 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.”

“I am proud to say Colorado is investing in teachers, students and K-12 public schools,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, Chair of the House Education Committee. “This year’s school finance act will increase per pupil funding to a record high, which school districts can use to reduce classroom sizes or increase teacher pay. We are also knocking down financial barriers to entering the teaching profession by providing loan forgiveness and stipends for teachers statewide. More resources leads to stronger schools, improving learning and better preparing students for the road ahead and I am so proud to stand behind both of these bills as they’re signed into law.”

The 2022 School Finance Act increases total funding for public schools by $431 million to a record $8.4 billion total and reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by over $180 million to the lowest level since it was created. The increases in funding for K-12 public schools will result in an average increase of $545 per student. This funding will be used to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay and provide individualized support to help students learn.

The School Finance Act was amended to incorporate the text of HB22-1002, which lifts the current cap on the number of students who can participate in the accelerating students through concurrent enrollment program (ASCENT) and makes it available to more students. This program saves Coloradans money as they pursue their higher education degrees.

The Governor also signed HB22-1220, championed by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Barbara McLachlan and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, which will invest more than $52 million in federal funding to attract new educators to the workforce by reducing financial barriers to entry.

“This law is designed to address Colorado's critical teacher shortage," said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “We're saving teachers money through loan forgiveness and student educator stipends so more talented educators can enter the profession with less of a financial burden. Colorado students need teachers to prepare them for educational success, and this law works to get more talented, qualified teachers in classrooms."

“I know from personal experience how nearly impossible it is for student teachers to meet their prep obligations while supporting themselves financially via a second or third job,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill establishes several programs that will help reduce student teachers’ stress and make the pathway toward a career in education far more appealing. It’s way past time to implement this kind of legislation.”

SIGNED! Bill to Provide Free Transit Services During Ozone Season, Improve Air Quality Becomes Law

Legislation helps offset costs for RTD and transit associations providing free rides, creates pilot projects in the Department of Transportation to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation that will create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide grants to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and transit associations that offer free transit rides during ozone season which will save Coloradans money on transportation and improve Colorado’s air quality.

SB22-180 is championed by Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Matt Gray, D-Broomfield.

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we are taking immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “This new law will reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season, encourage transit ridership, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“Denverites face some of the worst air quality in the world during the ozone season,” said Bacon. "Our law will help improve air quality by making public transit including buses, trains and the light rail free during peak ozone season, typically experienced in Colorado during the summer months. The goal is to incentivize Coloradans to use the public transit system, which will cut down on harmful emissions and help clean up our air while also supporting communities. This will increase access to transit and save riders money, as well.”

“The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is by getting more folks to utilize our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This new law will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward."

“Reducing vehicle emissions will help improve Colorado’s air quality,” said Gray. “This law increases multimodal transportation options and incentivizes ridership on our transit system in order to cut down on harmful emissions during the summer months. Together, we are improving the air we breathe to build a healthier Colorado for all.”

SB22-180 invests $30 million into a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone. The top emitter of carbon pollution in Colorado is the transportation sector which includes personal vehicles. Free transit has increased transit use and can help rebuild ridership. The law allocates $28 million to provide grants to RTD and other transit agencies to offer 30 days of free transit during ozone season.

The law also invests $10 million in the successful Main Street Revitalization Grant Program to fund projects that increase the use of transit and create better pathways for bikers and pedestrians.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bills to Invest in Student and Workforce Preparedness

Legislation includes nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs and expand in-state tuition for more students

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to better align postsecondary programs, save students money on higher education tuition and improve educational outcomes for Coloradans. HB22-1350 was crafted based on recommendations from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force.

“Every Coloradan should have access to educational opportunities that set them up to thrive, and these new laws prioritize our workforce needs and students’ success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m incredibly proud to stand behind two bills Governor Polis signed into law to address workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado by creating high impact  postsecondary credential programs and reducing the cost of higher education for Colorado high school graduates. When given the right tools, our students can grow, achieve and secure better paying jobs, and that’s what this legislation is designed to do.”  

“Industries across the state continue to face workforce shortages as they recover from the pandemic’s effects on the economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Investing in our workforce will have a transformational effect on workforce shortages today and well into the future. We are delivering Colorado the workforce it needs to continue moving our economy forward.”

The Regional Talent Development Grant Program, HB22-1350, establishes a $91 million grant program to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to fill good jobs in growing industries. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative McCluskie and Senator Bridges, as well as Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, utilizes federal pandemic relief dollars to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries.

The program takes a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will create new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages.

Governor Polis also signed HB22-1155, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, R-New Castle and Senators Dominick Moreno and Julie Gonzales, to expand access to in-state tuition for Colorado high school students.

"The cost of higher education shouldn't deter Colorado's students from pursuing a postsecondary degree at one of the excellent colleges and universities in the state," said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. "By expanding the pool of students who qualify for in-state tuition, we lower the cost of education and empower students to make decisions for their future based on their goals rather than the price tag."

“We know that access to higher education can be transformational for a young person’s life, but during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease in enrollment,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Immigrant Colorado high school graduates should be able to access our public higher education institutions in the same manner as their U.S. citizen friends and neighbors. This is a common sense, bipartisan measure, and it also has the benefit of being good for our economy, particularly in corners of the state that are desperate for young, educated workers. I was honored to work alongside a broad coalition of business groups, higher education institutions, and immigrant rights organizations to get this bill signed into law.”

Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bipartisan legislation changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families, saving them money on higher education tuition.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing

New laws will extend the Colorado Affordable Tax Credit program, help transform our state’s housing infrastructure

ARVADA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a pair of bipartisan bills to save Coloradans money on housing and create, modify and improve housing that families can afford.

SB22-159, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, and Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, will invest $150 million to create the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Program to develop and integrate housing-related infrastructure, provide gap financing for housing development projects, and preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing.

“Families are feeling squeezed as housing prices continue to skyrocket across our state, leaving far too many without housing options they can afford,” Bridges said. “With this new law, we’re going to make a historic investment to cut costs and make Colorado a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family. By developing more housing that is affordable to families, we can ensure that more Coloradans have a safe place to call home.”

“Today, we’re making the largest investment in affordable housing in Colorado state history – and I couldn’t be more proud of our bipartisan efforts,” Ortiz said. “Thanks to recommendations from the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, we’re investing $150 million to create, modify and improve Colorado’s affordable housing stock. This once-in-a-generation investment will boost the supply of affordable housing and make an affordable home a reality for so many Coloradans across our state.” 

“To solve Colorado’s crisis in affordable housing, we must encourage developers and the construction industry to expand our inventory,” Zenzinger said. “The task force made this program a top priority because of the regenerative nature of the funds attached. The availability of affordable housing allows us to make progress on the solution of a myriad other problems in Colorado, and I am pleased to see it signed into law.”

SB22-159 is based on recommendations from the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

Polis also signed HB22-1051, championed by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and House Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, which will save Coloradans money on housing by extending the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit until 2031.

“The seven-year extension to the Affordable Housing Tax Credit is critical to its success right now, because everyone involved in the production and allocation of affordable housing is looking for stability in the system,” Zenzinger said. “We can’t allow ourselves to get halfway down the road toward a solution, only to have the rug pulled from under developers, bankers and other stakeholders.”

"When it comes to affordable housing in Colorado, demand vastly exceeds supply which is why we're extending this successful tax credit program to ensure more families have access to quality, affordable housing,” Bird said. “To date, the CHFA tax credit has directly supported the development and preservation of over 8,000 affordable homes across our state and has attracted more than $1.07 billion in private sector equity to support the state’s housing needs. This law extends the tax credit and will make housing more affordable for many more Coloradans.”

The new law will extend the tax credit program - set to expire in 2024 - for an additional 7 years, which will continue to help leverage private funds to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. This simple extension will result in at least $420 million in additional tax credits that can be allocated by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) over the next nine years.

According to CHFA, the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit has directly supported the development of 8,294 affordable rental units and allowed CHFA to support 28,267 total units using state and federal funds. 

Estimates suggest the development of these units generates more than $3.6 billion in economic activity for the state and supports almost 24,000 jobs, while generating more than $1 billion in private sector equity investment in Colorado. The program is an important source of funding for constructing new affordable rental housing in communities across the state.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Slate of Bipartisan Education Bills to Prepare Students for Success Become Law

ARVADA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bipartisan bills into law that support foster youth seeking higher education opportunities, better enable Colorado students to train for high-demand jobs, and increase funding for special education. 

SB22-008, championed by Senators Zenzinger and Priola as well as Representatives McLachlan and McKean, helps college-bound students who have been in foster care afford the cost of attending college by requiring higher education institutions to waive their undergraduate fees and tuition.

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

“This law ensures that Colorado does right by the thousands of youth in our foster care system by covering the cost of their degrees,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We are serious about setting every student up for success and that includes kids in our foster system. I’m incredibly proud of our bipartisan efforts to make it easier for foster youth to chase their dreams and attend a higher education institution in Colorado.”

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

Polis also signed SB22-192, championed by Senators Zenzinger and Simpson, and House Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Catlin, which streamlines educational pathways and better connects students with high-paying, in-demand jobs.

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

“Sometimes life gets in the way of educational plans, so we’re revamping career pathways to be more efficient, flexible and attainable for Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan stackable credentials law makes it easier for students seeking high-demand careers to have their on-the-job training and previous experience count toward degrees and professional credentials as they upskill and reskill. Whether you’ve taken a break from school or switched careers entirely, this law works to make sure Coloradans can enter and re-enter the workforce easier.”

SB22-192 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force, which aims to make Colorado more affordable and create student success in today’s work environment.

Finally, Polis signed SB22-127, championed by Senators Zenzinger and Kirkmeyer as well as Representatives McCluskie and Larson, which increases funding for special education students by more than $80 million per year to help ensure that every Colorado student has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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

“Education needs to be tailored to each and every student, which is why we allocated an additional $80 million for special education,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “Investing more in special education along with record investments in K-12 public schools through this year’s School Finance Act fills funding gaps in Colorado's education system and better prepares all of our students for success.”

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

JOINT RELEASE: Comprehensive Fentanyl Bill Signed into Law

Bipartisan legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions to save lives

DENVER, CO –  Governor Polis today signed comprehensive, bipartisan legislation sponsored by House Speaker Alec Garnett and Senators Brittany Pettersen and John Cooke to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives.

“This law is a bold response deploying both public safety and public health approaches to combat Colorado’s fentanyl crisis and save countless lives from this deadly drug,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This comprehensive plan cracks down on dealers peddling this poison in our communities and invests in proven public health strategies to prevent overdoses and deaths. For months, we worked with law enforcement, public health experts, Democrats and Republicans to craft this law, and it’s a major step forward toward saving lives.”

“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," said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. "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 law 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.”

HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on individuals who are distributing fentanyl and bringing it into our state. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to help ensure people get the treatment they need.

The bill focuses on compound fentanyl – fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances – which is by far the most prominent form of fentanyl found in Colorado. It will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with substance use disorders. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties.

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

HB22-1326 makes it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture while creating legal guardrails for individuals who genuinely did not know they were in possession of this deadly drug. The new language says that if a defendant can successfully argue that they made “a reasonable mistake of fact,” then they will be sentenced with the lesser charge – a level one drug misdemeanor rather than a felony. The new felony, which is not prison eligible, also includes what is known as a “wobbler” provision that allows individuals who successfully complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. Additionally, once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill turns on a no tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. Finally, the legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings.

This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address the root causes of fentanyl use and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this extremely potent drug.

The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Transformational Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. This money will be used to buy and distribute fentanyl testing strips and Naloxone, a life-saving opiate antagonist that helps prevent overdose deaths; boost funding to harm reduction community programs across the state; and expand medication assisted treatment in jails to get people the help they need to get back on track. The bill will also provide additional funding to crisis stabilization and detoxification centers.

While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl, so the State of Colorado can reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of this critical issue.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Better Connect Coloradans with Behavioral Health Care Become Law

Transformative legislation will help more people access the mental health & substance use disorder services they need

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law that aim to build a healthier Colorado by better connecting Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders with the appropriate care they need to maintain their health and well-being.  

HB22-1278, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, and Senators Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, will help increase and streamline access to behavioral health services through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

"The new Behavioral Health Administration will make accessing behavioral health care more attainable for Coloradans across the state," said Young. “The pandemic has only exacerbated the long standing challenges Coloradans have faced when trying to access the behavioral health care they need to thrive. This law breaks down barriers to accessing behavioral health care so Coloradans can get the care they need, when they need it.”

“Coloradans deserve easy access to the behavioral health care they need to maintain their health and well-being, but far too many folks are left with limited or no options for help,” Lee said. “Accessing our behavioral health system can be complex and difficult. The new Behavioral Health Administration will help streamline services for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. With this bill, we will be able to ensure accessible, equitable and high quality care for all."

The legislation will establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes over 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use treatment, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services, and more.

The Governor also signed SB22-177, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, as well as Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, which invests $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care.

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

"Our law improves statewide care coordination so Coloradans can access behavioral health care faster–saving everyone time and money," said Titone. “Navigating the system that delivers care should not be a barrier to accessing that care. This law helps patients receive care and streamlines the process for providers."

The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available behavioral health safety net system services and delivery, and on ways to better connect individuals seeking care with the support they need.

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

SB22-177 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. 

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Improve Behavioral Health Care for Native American Communities

SB22-148 will invest $5 million to build or renovate a behavioral health facility to provide behavioral health services

DURANGO, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation that will increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s land based Tribes. 

SB22-148, sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, is part of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act.

“The Tribes are our partners and neighbors, and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” Donovan said. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities, and this facility will support the Tribes’ efforts and help ensure that more Coloradans can access the critical care they need to thrive.”

“Using once-in-a-generation federal funding, we are prioritizing the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s land-based Tribes who often experience disproportionately higher rates of mental health distress without access to the proper resources,” said McLachlan. “This $5 million investment of federal funds will go directly toward the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for the purpose of creating or revamping a behavioral health facility to improve mental health outcomes and save Coloradans money on behavioral health care.”

To further Colorado Tribes’ ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health care in specialized facilities, this new law will provide a one-time $5 million grant to Colorado land-based Tribes to build or renovate a Tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing.

SB22-148 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Marlo’s Law: Family Affirmation Act

Legislation will modernize Colorado’s adoption laws for parents who use assisted reproduction

PUEBLO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to simplify the adoption process for parents conceiving through assisted reproductive technologies.

HB22-1153, sponsored by House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representative Kerry Tipper, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno and Senator Jeff Bridges, will create an accessible and streamlined adoption process for parents conceiving through assisted reproduction. Prior to this new law, some parents who conceive using assisted reproduction, often LGBTQ+ couples, had to go through an expensive and time-consuming stepparent adoption process to be recognized as legal parents of their children. Esgar’s wife, Heather, faced a burdensome adoption process to gain parental rights over their biological daughter. The bill was named “Marlo’s Law” after the couple’s daughter.

“Prior to this law, my wife would have needed to go through the expensive and ill-fitting step parent adoption process just to be recognized as the legal mother of our child, even though she is Marlo’s biological parent,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our story is not unique–many parents who conceive using assisted reproduction have walked in our shoes–and this law will make a meaningful impact on families across our state. Marlo’s Law updates the legal process for modern families in Colorado, and I couldn’t be more proud to champion this bill.”

“Nobody should face barriers when it comes to being recognized as the parent of their own child, but before today, that’s what too many Colorado families were confronted with,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Marlo’s Law streamlines a critical process for establishing parent-child relationships and provides equal rights for all families so that new parents can spend more time with their child and less time filling out paperwork.”

“This law eliminates barriers for parents who conceive using assisted reproduction, so these families no longer have to go through a burdensome, expensive, and invasive adoption process to establish the parent-child legal relationship,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “We’ve modernized the legal process for parents conceiving through assisted reproduction so both parents can receive equal protections and rights.”

"New medical technology allows people to create families in ways our current laws never conceived of," said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. "With this bill, we've created an easy and straightforward way for couples who use assisted reproduction to enjoy the same equal rights and protections as every other Colorado family."

The adoption process for couples who use assisted reproduction currently requires home visits, court appearances, criminal record checks and countless complicated forms to confirm the parent-child relationship legally, making parenting exponentially more expensive and time consuming for non-traditional families. The law creates a simplified and more affordable process for these families to establish a legal parent-child relationship that must be recognized nationwide and instructs courts to confirm the adoption within 30 days.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Colorado Cashback Plan to Provide Expedited Tax Relief

SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed legislation to expedite Coloradans' tax refunds and provide relief as soon as possible. Under the Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive early refund checks in September, currently estimated at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for joint filers, or even more. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics.

SB22-233, sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who file their 2021 income tax returns by June 30th, 2022, or who received a tax filing extension and file their return by the extension date, will receive a check by September 30th.

“Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation because of the pandemic, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said. “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money back into Coloradans’ wallets as soon as possible, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time.”

“Our state's economic recovery will mean we send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities," said Exum, Sr. “In September, Coloradans will receive their early tax refund check, putting more money back into people's pockets when they need it the most."

“We worked hard this session to save Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said. “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.”

"From reducing property taxes to free universal preschool, we've worked hard this session to put more money back in people's pockets and this law will expedite tax refunds to provide urgent relief," said Daugherty. "Coloradans are struggling and this new law delivers relief in a meaningful way when people need it the most.”

Colorado Democrats' state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms, including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate.

The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bipartisan Community Safety Investment Act

SB22-145 establishes critical crime prevention programs, addresses workforce shortages in law enforcement

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law critical legislation to improve public safety and address the underlying causes of crime. The bipartisan legislation will expand recruitment, retention, and training of a high-quality workforce to support proven crime prevention and intervention strategies and ensure law enforcement better reflects the communities they serve.

SB22-145, the Community Safety Investment Act, is sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley, and Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver.

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

"The Community Safety Investment Act tackles crime in Colorado through prevention programs that have a proven record of success," said Valdez "Working together with law enforcement, local governments and community leaders, we're implementing co-responder models and violence interruption programs to prevent crime before it happens and reduce recidivism. This law also provides significant resources to recruit, train and retain a diverse law enforcement workforce that reflects the communities they serve.”

"Crime in our state has been rising at an unprecedented rate over the past few years,” Cooke said. "Part of our Commitment to Colorado is to prioritize public safety and ensure our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. This common-sense legislation will provide much-needed resources to root out crime at its source and implement data-driven strategies to prevent it. Through these grant programs, agencies will be able to improve their curriculums, increase officer retention, and, through the SMART Policing grant program, recruit officers that are more representative of the communities they serve. I am very happy to see this legislation signed into law.”

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

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

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

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

The Community Safety Investment Act also establishes a front-end stakeholder crime prevention forum, and provides funding for oversight and administration within the CDPS, which will administer the grant programs.

JOINT RELEASE: Incentives for Affordable, Innovative Homes Signed into Law

Legislation invests $40 million of federal pandemic relief dollars to construct new, affordable, innovative homes that will save people money, increase housing supply and create jobs

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senator Jeff Bridges that will jumpstart construction of new, affordable homes to save Coloradans money on housing, increase the housing supply and create jobs. HB22-1282 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Task Force.

“The legislation Governor Polis signed today will make housing more affordable in communities across our state and save people money on housing,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Nearly every community in our state is looking at how to reduce the cost of housing. This $40 million investment will attract and expand businesses that build high quality innovative homes that cost less. This will save families money on new homes, expand our supply of affordable homes, and create jobs all across Colorado.”

“Hard working Colorado families deserve to have a home they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “But too many Coloradans are getting priced out of the neighborhoods where they work and currently live. This new law will create good-paying jobs while quickly increasing our housing stock with quality, affordable homes that will help drive down housing costs and get roofs over heads as quickly as possible. I am proud to champion this critical legislation as we continue fighting to make sure every Colorado family has a place they can afford to call home.”

“This session, we made the largest investment in the state’s history to reduce the cost of housing, help develop more homes, and save families money,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “I’m proud Governor Polis signed HB22-1282, one of our Task Force recommendations, today to boost the construction of affordable, innovative homes, which will be manufactured right here in Colorado, create jobs, and support rural economies all while significantly increasing our supply of affordable homes.”

HB22-1282 deploys $40 million to attract, encourage and support the construction of innovative forms of affordable housing to be built all across Colorado. Examples include modular, pre-fabricated, manufactured and other innovative forms of housing. The funding could be used to build or expand factories, hire additional workers, and expand manufacturers’ ability to produce and construct innovative homes.

This will quickly boost the affordable housing stock in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as increase the rate of homeownership in communities that have traditionally lacked access to this important wealth-building tool. The legislation will also create jobs by incentivizing new innovative housing companies to manufacture and place their homes in Colorado. Additionally, HB22-1282 will expand Colorado's workforce by helping current housing manufacturing companies expand their capacity, operations and number of employees to meet affordable housing demands.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Access and Divert Coloradans in Need Away from Criminal Justice System

Legislation invests over $61 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-196, legislation that makes major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in - or at risk of becoming involved in - the criminal justice system.

SB22-196, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, implements recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force by investing nearly $62 million in early intervention and diversion efforts to get individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders into needed treatment rather than getting involved in the criminal justice system.

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

“This bill makes significant efforts in proven programs  to help divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them with critical services,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon. “Putting people in jail who need treatment won’t help them get better. The legislation signed into law today is an effective way to reduce recidivism and help Coloradans receive the treatment they need.”

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

“Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is critical, and it’s leading to more people who need treatment but are instead channeled into our criminal justice system where they don’t get the necessary services to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez. “This new law will divert Coloradans away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment because we know that these strategies are effective at addressing the root causes and helping avoid recidivism.” 

Nearly $51 million of the funding in this bill will go toward the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program at the Department of Human Services to support community responses to behavioral health and mitigate individuals’ involvement with the criminal justice system related to their behavioral health needs. 

The bill also directs $3 million to the Department of Corrections to provide medication-assisted treatment to individuals in custody in FY22-23 & FY23-24; $4 million to Judicial Department for pretrial diversion programs; and $3.5 million to the Behavioral Information and Data-Sharing Program in the Department of Public Safety to enable counties to integrate their jail data system to exchange behavioral health information with the Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information System.