ICYMI: Gonzales’ Bill to Ensure Language Access for Insurance Documents Clears Committee Hurdle

Legislation would require insurers to offer policy documents in the same language they advertise in

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to ensure language access for insurance information for non-English speakers cleared the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee.

HB23-1004 would require insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified from a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements, and to provide the policy application, policy, and any related documents in any language upon request.

“Expanding language access requirements helps to even the playing field for non-English speakers,” Gonzales said. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Velasco to increase language access in the insurance space, and I will continue working to implement additional consumer protections for Colorado’s non-English speaking communities.”

Last session, Gonzales sponsored the Multilingual Ballot Access for Voters law, establishing a statewide hotline to provide translation services for ballot language.

HB23-1004 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

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El proyecto de ley de la Senadora Gonzales para garantizar el acceso lingüístico a los documentos de seguros supera el obstáculo del comité

La legislación exigiría que las aseguradoras ofrezcan documentos de póliza en el mismo idioma en el que se anuncian

DENVER, CO – Ayer, el proyecto de ley de la Senadora Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, para garantizar el acceso lingüístico a la información de seguros para personas que no hablan inglés, fue aprobado por el Comité Senatorial de Negocios, Trabajo y Tecnología.

HB23-1004 requeriría que las aseguradoras tengan la información de la póliza de seguro traducida profesionalmente o certificada por un traductor profesional en un idioma que no sea inglés. También requiere que las aseguradoras de automóviles, viviendas y seguros para inquilinos ofrezcan los documentos de la póliza en el mismo idioma que se usa para los anuncios, y que proporcionen la solicitud de la póliza, la póliza y cualquier documento relacionado en cualquier idioma que se solicite.

“Ampliar los requisitos de acceso al idioma ayuda a igualar el campo de juego para las personas que no hablan inglés”, dijo Gonzales. “Es un orgullo trabajar con la representante Velasco para aumentar el acceso lingüístico en el espacio de los seguros, y seguiré trabajando para implementar protecciones adicionales para los consumidores de las comunidades de Colorado que no hablan inglés”.

En la última sesión, Gonzales patrocinó la ley de acceso a boletas electorales multilingües para los votantes, estableciendo una línea directa en todo el estado para proporcionar servicios de traducción para el idioma de las boletas electorales.

HB23-1004 ahora se dirige al piso del Senado para su consideración adicional. Usted puede seguir el progreso de la factura aquí. 

Signed! Fenberg’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Life-Saving Medications Becomes Law

HB23-1071 will allow psychologists who hold a prescription certificate to prescribe certain mental health medications

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, bipartisan bill to grant mental health professionals the ability to safely prescribe life-saving mental health medication into law.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements to give specially trained psychologists prescriptive authority, addressing burdensome wait times and delays. 

“Across the state, we are seeing a prolonged mental health crisis, particularly among our youth,” said Fenberg. “Every day, Coloradans battling mental health struggles face prohibitively long wait times to receive help and a lack of providers who can prescribe them with medication they need, only worsening our crisis. Expanding prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists will help Coloradans access the life-saving medications that they need on a timeline that makes sense, and I am proud to see this bill signed into law.”

The new law allows psychologists who have obtained a Ph.D in psychology or Psy.D, completed a master of science program in clinical psychopharmacology, passed the psychopharmacology examination, undergone an independent peer review process, and completed hundreds of hours in diverse clinical settings to prescribe mental health medications, not including narcotic drugs. 

Psychologists seeking prescriptive authority would also be required to complete an additional, individual prescriptive license application. Once licensed, psychologists must maintain an ongoing, collaborative relationship with their patients’ primary care doctor and complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Announces Invitation for Public Comment

DENVER, CO –  The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Chair Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Vice-Chair Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, today announced the Committee’s invitation for public comment.

Members of the public may submit comments on how recent utility rate increases have impacted them, as well as suggestions for topics or issues related to the recent rise in utility rates that they would like to recommend the committee explore, to this email address: energybills@coleg.gov. Submissions will be made available to committee members to review.

“Over the past several months I’ve heard from many constituents frustrated by their expensive energy bills,” Fenberg said. “We convened this special committee to hear from everyone involved with elevated utility rates: policy experts, utility representatives, advocates, and especially impacted Coloradans. Firsthand accounts from the public will be a huge help in achieving the Committee's goals of uncovering the root causes behind high prices and charting a path toward solutions.”

"High, unpredictable utility bills have left many Coloradans frustrated and bracing for the next rate spike," said deGruy Kennedy. "Our joint select committee is committed to uncovering the root causes of utility price increases. Gathering firsthand accounts from Coloradans is crucial to broadening our understanding and exploring tactics to prevent future price hikes."

The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will hold their inaugural meeting next Tuesday, March 7th at 2:00 PM in the Old State Library.

Mullica’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Community Health Care Services Passes Committee

Legislation would support community health care workers through Medicaid reimbursements

DENVER, CO – Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bill to expand access to community health services through Medicaid reimbursement cleared the Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB23-002 would authorize the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to seek federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide Medicaid reimbursement for community health worker services, which would make urgently-needed care both easier to access and more affordable for the Coloradans who depend on it.

“As an emergency room nurse, I know community health workers can enhance the level of care experienced by a patient by monitoring their symptoms, educating the patient and their family, and so much more,” Mullica said. "Colorado is now one step closer to joining the 15 other states that have made it easier to obtain this essential service.”

Services provided by community health workers include preventative services, screening, and assessments, and health coaching and advocacy. The bill requires HCPF to seek federal approval by July 1, 2024, and to begin implementing coverage once approval is received.

SB23-002 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fenberg’s Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Essential Wildfire Fighting Aircraft Clears Committee

Legislation would approve funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, bill to require the State Treasurer to finance the purchase of a Firehawk helicopter for wildfire fighting efforts cleared the Senate Finance Committee today with unanimous support.

Cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-161 would allow Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, ensuring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has at least one Firehawk available for rapid response at all times.

“We no longer have wildfire seasons, we have wildfire years, which is why we must proactively invest in advanced wildfire fighting equipment like the Firehawk to keep our communities safe,” said Fenberg. “Firehawk helicopters are state-of-the-art and built for longevity, making this a smart investment for Colorado’s future. This will help ensure we are able to aggressively respond to and mitigate wildfires with greater speed and increased capacity, and will help us better protect homes, people, and property against increasingly dangerous wildfires.” 

In 2021, Fenberg championed legislation to purchase Colorado’s first Firehawk helicopter, which will join Colorado’s fleet of firefighting aircraft later this year. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available.

SB23-161 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Ginal’s Bill to Bolster Colorado’s Wildfire Response, Enhance Public Safety Clears Committee

SB23-013 would provide resources to investigate the origins of wildfires to more effectively prevent them 

DENVER, CO – Senator Joann Ginal’s, D-Fort Collins, bill to improve Colorado’s response to wildfires cleared the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today.

SB23-013 would create a wildfire investigation fund and provide $3 million to help investigate the causes and origins of wildfires. The bill also requires the Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to report on fire investigations to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee.

“Fire season is no longer confined to a few months – it’s a year-round threat,” Ginal said. “It’s essential that we act now to prepare for and mitigate future wildfire disasters. By creating a new reporting protocol and a wildfire investigation fund, we are providing local fire departments with the tools they need to better understand the origins of fires, which will better protect our communities and  enhance public safety across Colorado.”

The Director of DFPC would report annually to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee regarding the current magnitude of the state’s wildfire situation, including the number of  wildfire investigations and their statuses, the status of prescribed burns, available resources, and more. Additionally, the fire investigation fund would provide support to local fire departments investigating the cause and origin of fires.

SB23-013 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Danielson Bill to Improve Colorado Apprenticeship Directory Clears Committee

SB23-146 will make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, that would improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory and make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships, cleared the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today.

SB23-146 would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect better, more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including information regarding each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. 

“Colorado is facing a crippling workforce shortage that is hurting our families and our economy,” Danielson said. “Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities to people looking to gain hands-on experience, and this bill will make finding and landing apprenticeships faster and easier than ever before.”

Established in 2019, the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate programs in Colorado. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory has been a game changer in providing transparency to the public regarding registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado.
  
SB23-146 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Jaquez Lewis and Marchman’s Bill to Bolster Water Efficiency and Resiliency Clears Senate

HB23-1005 would protect Colorado's environment and preserve water resources by expanding project eligibility for the C-PACE program and streamlining its approval process

DENVER, CO – Today, Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, legislation to help commercial property owners better finance water and energy efficiency improvements and increase property resilience passed the Senate.  

HB23-1005 would expand the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) to include resiliency and water efficiency improvements, such as addressing structural integrity, indoor air quality, and storm water control. This bill would help more commercial properties in Colorado take advantage of C-PACE’s financing program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments.

“Just over a year ago, the Marshall Fire damaged more than 30 commercial buildings in my home county of Boulder. As these kinds of extreme weather events become more frequent because of climate change, it’s important that we do everything we can to make commercial and industrial properties more resilient,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This bill expands and streamlines the successful C-PACE program, so more properties in Colorado can prepare for natural disasters while reducing their carbon footprint.”

“We know many commercial building owners and developers want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to support measures that invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and improve Colorado’s sustainability for years to come.”

The C-PACE program allows certain commercial and industrial buildings to finance energy improvement projects through a voluntary property tax assessment with repayment terms up to 25-years. Since 2016, the program has helped finance 116 different projects across the state, totaling almost $250 million in investments.

HB23-1005 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.
 

Senate Transportation & Energy Committee Advances Bills to Promote Clean Energy, Reduce Emissions in Colorado

Legislation would incentive use of clean energy appliances, improve popular program providing free transit during ozone season

DENVER, CO – The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today advanced a pair of bills to promote the use of clean energy appliances and improve the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, better known as Zero Fare for Better Air.

HB23-1134, sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would require home warranty contracts to include an option to replace gas-fueled appliances with electric models.

“Colorado homeowners are looking for cost-effective ways to reduce their carbon footprints and lead eco-friendly lives,” Cutter said. "This bill allows homeowners new opportunities to update their broken gas appliances with clean, electric powered appliances of their choosing. By making the simple switch to include this option in home warranty contracts, Coloradans will soon have more flexibility to make eco-friendly decisions and reduce harmful indoor emissions.”

In cases where the replacement appliance costs more than the original appliance, the homeowner may be required to pay the difference. Covered appliances include stoves, ovens, furnaces, HVAC systems, and water heaters.

HB23-1101, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, improves the Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, established last year, which provided free transit days during ozone season. This bill improves the program by allowing transit agencies to use grant funding during different months to account for regional differences in ozone seasons. The bill also allows transit agencies to rollover leftover funding to make an impact in future years, and to use the funding for outreach, education, and rider surveys, to better understand the program’s impact on transportation choices.

“Last year’s Zero Fare for Better Air program was extremely successful and resulted in increased transit ridership across the state,” said Winter. “This year, we’re building on that success by making new improvements to the program. I’m proud to champion House Bill 1101, which will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

Last year, the Zero Fare for Better Air program resulted in a 22 percent ridership increase over July 2022 and a 36 percent jump from August 2021.

Both HB23-1134 and HB23-1101 now head to the Senate floor for further consideration, you can follow their progress here and here.

Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Auto Theft, Improve Public Safety in Colorado Earns Committee Approval

Legislation eliminates provision in state law tying value of a stolen vehicle to the penalty, improving equity and making most motor theft a felony 

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, that will cut down on auto thefts and improve public safety across Colorado cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-097 will reduce auto thefts in Colorado by eliminating the provision in state law that ties the value of a stolen vehicle to the severity of the penalty, which will improve equity and make most motor theft a felony regardless of the vehicle’s value. 

The bill also aims to deter repeat offenders by elevating the felony level if the offender has two prior convictions for auto theft, or if the suspect possesses the stolen car for over 24 hours, alters its plates, leaves the state, causes $1,000 or more in damage, causes an injury to another, or uses the vehicle in another crime.

“Auto theft on any level is a serious crime, and it warrants serious consequences, regardless of the direct monetary impact; so I am pleased with today’s vote that moves the bill forward,” Zenzinger said. “I am grateful to the municipal leaders, district attorneys, members of law enforcement, victims, and others who stepped forward to speak up about the importance of implementing this law.”

The policy received support without objection from the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) last month. According to the CCJJ, Colorado leads the nation in auto thefts with an 86 percent statewide increase in stolen vehicles from 2019 to 2021. 

SB23-097 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Marchman’s Bill to Enter Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, Get More Licensed Teachers in Colorado Schools Clears Committee

HB23-1064 will remove barriers to employment for qualified teachers looking to relocate across state borders.

DENVER, CO – Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bill for Colorado to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact cleared the Senate Education committee today with unanimous support.

HB 23-1064 will create a process for out-of-state teachers to apply for Colorado teaching credentials if they are in good standing with their current state education authority, which will make it easier for educators from other states in the compact to relocate to Colorado and expand the state’s education workforce.

"Like many states, Colorado schools face a shortage of teachers," said Marchman. "Entering into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact will make it easier and faster for educators looking to move to our state to teach here, which will get more teachers into Colorado classrooms and fill hiring gaps in schools across Colorado.”

The compact will go into effect when ten member states, including Colorado, enact legislation to join. A commission will govern the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to administer the agreement and facilitate the exchange of information between member states. 

A recent survey by the Colorado Education Association found 85
percent of educators felt as though the teacher shortage last year was significantly worse than previous years, and the Department of Education found almost 6,000 teaching positions, or one in ten statewide, were vacant just two years ago.

HB23-1064 will now move to the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

JOINT RELEASE: Democrats Introduce Legislation to Expand and Improve Colorado’s Red Flag Law

Bolstered ERPO policy will help de-escalate emergency situations and save lives

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, today introduced a bill that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law.

SB23-170 will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur.

“Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence, but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” Fenberg said. “This bill will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.”

“Red Flag laws can prevent the next horrific tragedy from unfolding in our communities,” said Bacon. “We passed this life-saving policy in 2019 to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing lethal weapons, but we’re still not seeing the law being used to its full potential. Expanding our red flag law to allow more qualified individuals to file a petition will keep our communities safer.”

“Our Red Flag law has already saved lives in Colorado, but we can strengthen it so that it can be even more effective,” Sullivan said. “These common sense updates will expand and improve our Red Flag law and create more opportunities for qualified individuals to assess the danger and act appropriately to prevent further violence and ultimately save more lives.”

“Red flag laws are a proven tool to reduce gun violence,” said Weissman. “In the first two years after the Extreme Risk Protection Order law went into effect, over 200 petitions were filed, and many lives were likely saved and suicide attempts prevented as a result. The legislation we’re introducing will build off our successful Red Flag Law and make it more effective by creating additional opportunities for individuals to utilize the law and seek assistance in dangerous situations.”

Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include DAs and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. 

According to the Associated Press, Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. 

JOINT RELEASE: Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm to 21

Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Senate today introduced legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, that would raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21.

Currently, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169, sponsored in the House by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21.

“Gun deaths in Colorado climb higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this bill that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.”

“We lose over 600 Coloradans a year to suicide by firearm, many of whom are children, young adults, and rural Coloradans,” said Duran. “Although 18-20 year olds make up only four percent of the nation’s population, they account for 17 percent of homicide offenders. Increasing the legal firearm purchasing age to 21 will help us prevent tragic deaths and reduce gun violence in our communities.”

“Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “There is an urgent need to do more to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and I am proud to champion this legislation that will do just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.”

“As a teacher, I’ve experienced countless lockdown drills and active shooter events, and I know firsthand how essential this bill is to address our gun violence issue and keep Coloradans safe,” said Hamrick. “Developing brains are not fully ready to evaluate risks, regulate emotion or implement self-control, leading to young people disproportionately engaging in violent acts involving firearms. By increasing the purchasing age, we can keep more people alive and reduce younger Coloradans’ access to deadly weapons.”

SB23-169 includes exceptions for 18-21 year olds who are peace officers and members of the military, antique weapons collectors, and those who have completed a hunter’s safety education course and hold a hunting license. The bill also allows individuals 18-21 to possess a firearm while under the direct supervision of an immediate family member.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. 

18 to 20-year-olds commit gun murders at triple the rate of adults 21 years and older, and peer-reviewed research shows that adolescent and post-adolescents have less capacity for mature judgment and self-control, which often leads to risky behavior and aggressive impulses.

JOINT RELEASE: Democrats Introduce Legislation to Remove Overly Broad Gun Industry Immunity in Colorado

Legislation will allow survivors of gun violence to better pursue justice and accountability through the courts

DENVER, CO – Senate Democrats Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, alongside House Reps. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, today introduced landmark legislation aimed at holding the gun industry accountable and improving gun violence survivors’ access to justice.

Right now gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under federal law from most types of civil lawsuits - and Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that makes victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 would remove Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allow legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward.

“Colorado is home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country. Colorado law gives a set of protections to the firearms industry that few other businesses have. These laws shield them from accountability and must be changed,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This legislation will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.”

“This legislation would make it easier for victims of gun violence to seek the justice they deserve while making it clear to the gun industry that they have a role to play in keeping their products away from people who shouldn't have them,” said Mabrey. “There’s no reason gun manufacturers should have legal protections that are rarely afforded to any other industry. This legislation will encourage the firearms industry to responsibly sell their products and follow all existing laws that protect our communities.”

“Currently, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers are provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that bar victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Kolker said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.”

"For too long, the state has shielded manufacturers and dealers from liability when they fail to take appropriate action to responsibly sell their products for too long," said Parenti. "The public deserves the right to seek justice through the courts when any industry engages in irresponsible or even dangerous business practices.  I'm proud to co-sponsor this legislation that will remove these barriers for the victims of gun violence in our state."

Civil liability plays an important role in promoting community and consumer safety, and lawsuits can help incentivize industries to take reasonable steps to prevent their products or business practices from causing foreseeable risks to human life and wellbeing. 

After their daughter was killed in the Aurora theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay about $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. They ended up selling their house and declaring bankruptcy.

Removing Colorado’s gun industry shield will allow survivors like the Phillips’ and countless others to seek appropriate justice and fair remedies via civil actions, and will give survivors and the public the opportunity to hold gun sellers and manufacturers accountable for their actions. 

Cutter, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Protect Consumers from Harmful Medical Billing Practices Earns Committee Approval

SB23-093 will cap interest rates on medical debt and provide critical protections for Coloradans 

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that would provide Coloradans with additional consumer protections from high interest rates for medical debt and confusing debt collection practices that lead to long-lasting debt and financial instability, earned approval before the Senate Health & Human Services Committee today.

Debt incurred from medical costs can be financially devastating for patients. When combined with high interest rates and complicated collections practices, consumers may never be able to pay off their medical debt. According to a 2022 report from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Coloradans overall held more than $1.3 billion in medical debt and over 12 percent of Coloradans have medical debt in collections. 

“Medical debt is crushing hardworking Colorado families and limiting their ability to live the American Dream,” Cutter said. “Folks dealing with illnesses or injuries should be focused on getting better instead of worrying about how their treatment will affect their credit score. I am proud to champion this bill that will create critical new consumer protections that will put a cap on interest rates, improve accountability for providers and debt collectors, and prevent thousands of Coloradans from falling into a tangled web of medical debt.” 

“Every day, Coloradans are forced to choose between paying for necessities like food, heat, or rent and life-saving medical care,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Increasing transparency, capping interest rates, and cracking down on deceptive trade practices will be a game changer for patients seeking life-saving health care. I’m pleased that Senate Bill 93 is moving forward and I look forward to fighting on behalf of the people of Colorado to bring down health care costs and ease the burden for those facing medically-incurred debt.”

SB23-093 establishes new protections for Colorado consumers burdened with medical debt by:

• Capping the medical debt interest rate at 3 percent to keep debt from spiraling to levels where a patient is unable to pay it off.  

• Pausing collections on medical debt as patients appeal their coverage and prohibiting reporting the debt to a consumer reporting agency until a certain amount of time after an individual fails to fulfill the terms of a payment plan.  

• Requiring medical debt creditors or debt collectors to verify total debt owed upon request by a patient and to provide a copy of a payment plan, thereby helping consumers know just how much to properly budget for debt payments. 

• Requiring a health care provider or health care facility to provide, upon request, an estimate of the total cost of medical services to a person who intends to self-pay for the service, helping these consumers better understand the cost of services. 

• Reinstating the attorney general’s authority to protect consumers from deceptive trade practices related to billing practices and surprise billing.

SB23-093 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Democrats Unveil Bill to Establish Waiting Periods for Firearm Purchases

DENVER, CO - The House today introduced legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Judy Amabile and Senators Tom Sullivan and Chris Hansen to establish a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm.

“The research is clear–this legislation will reduce suicide deaths and homicides,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “By delaying access to a firearm, waiting periods create opportunities to intervene and prevent impulsive acts of gun violence. We are committed to advancing commonsense proposals like this bill that will improve public safety and reduce gun violence in our communities.”

“Right now, if you want to get your hands on a gun, you can do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.”

“When someone is in crisis, readily accessible firearms make it easier for them to attempt self-harm or engage in other violent acts,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Waiting periods limit options to obtain a firearm for someone who may be contemplating suicide or making a quick decision to engage in violence. No single piece of legislation will stop every gun death, but simple and broadly supported solutions, like three-day waiting periods, will save lives, improve public safety, and make a real difference in reducing firearm-related deaths in Colorado.”

“A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am eager to continue to take meaningful steps forward, like implementing a three day waiting period, to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.”

Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019, the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide.

HB23-1219 establishes a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Current law mandates that a state and federal background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred. Background checks can typically take far less than three days to complete. In the case they take longer, the firearm cannot be transferred until the background check is complete.

Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses.

The bill would not apply to antique firearms or to sales taking place between an active duty military servicemember who is set to deploy overseas and their family.

JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Democrats Unveil Historic Package of Bills to Create Safer Communities and Prevent Gun Violence in Colorado

Laws will strengthen protections & accountability, save lives in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers today unveiled a historic package of bills aimed at combating gun violence in Colorado and creating safer communities across our state.

Democrats introduced legislation that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law, raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 years old, establish waiting periods, and remove Colorado’s overly-broad firearms industry immunity protections so survivors of gun violence can better seek accountability and justice through the courts.

“Far too many Colorado families have suffered through the unimaginable pain of having someone they love killed by a gun, which is why Democrats are committed to ending the scourge of gun violence in our state,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “These bills will help address this public health crisis and give communities more tools with which to protect themselves. These are common sense policies that will respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners while protecting our communities, improving public safety, and saving lives across Colorado.”

“Improving public safety and reducing gun violence is one of our top priorities this session,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado Democrats are delivering on our promise to take bold action that will prevent Coloradans from dying of gun violence. As a responsible gun owner, I know these proposals respect our rights and are broadly supported across the state. These common sense solutions will save lives, protect our communities, and keep firearms away from dangerous individuals and those who are contemplating self-harm.”

Gun violence prevention bills introduced Thursday include:

Improving and Expanding Colorado’s Red Flag Law
President Fenberg & Sen. Sullivan // Assistant Majority Leader Bacon & Rep. Weissman

The legislation will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. This bill will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators.

Raising the Age to Purchase all Firearms to 21 
Sen. Danielson & Sen. Mullica // Majority Leader Duran and Rep. Hamrick 

Currently, individuals must be 21 to purchase a handgun but only 18 to purchase long guns. The bill would increase the age to purchase a firearm to 21 for all firearm purchases and includes exceptions for peace officers and members of the military, antique weapons collectors, and those who have completed a hunter’s safety education course and hold a hunting license. The bill also allows individuals 18-21 to possess a firearm while under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Research indicates that 18 to 20-year-olds commit gun murders at triple the rate of adults 21 years and older, and peer-reviewed research shows that adolescent and post-adolescents have less capacity for mature judgment and self-control, which often leads to risky behavior and aggressive impulses.

Establishing a Three Day Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases
Rep. Froelich & Rep. Amabile // Sen. Sullivan & Sen. Hansen

This legislation establishes a three-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a seven to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, more than half of all suicides in the state.

Advancing Justice for Victims of Gun Violence and Removing Gun Industry Immunity in Colorado
Sen. Jaquez Lewis & Sen. Kolker // Rep. Mabrey & Rep. Parenti

Right now, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under federal law from most types of civil lawsuits, and Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that makes victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. This bill would remove Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allow legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward.

Senate Advances Fenberg’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Life-Saving Medications

HB23-1071 would allow psychologists who hold a prescription certificate to prescribe certain mental health medications

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, bill to grant mental health professionals the ability to safely prescribe life-saving mental health medication cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB23-1071 would establish rigorous standards and education requirements to give specially trained psychologists prescriptive authority, addressing burdensome wait times and delays. 

“Across the state, we are seeing a prolonged mental health crisis, particularly among our youth,” said Fenberg. “Every day, Coloradans battling mental health struggles face prohibitively long wait times to receive help and a lack of providers who can prescribe them with medication they need, only worsening our crisis. Expanding prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists will help Coloradans access the life-saving medications that they need on a timeline that makes sense.”

The bill would allow psychologists who have obtained a Ph.D in psychology or Psy.D, completed a master of science program in clinical psychopharmacology, passed the psychopharmacology examination, undergone an independent peer review process, and completed hundreds of hours in diverse clinical settings to prescribe mental health medications, not including narcotic drugs. 

Psychologists seeking prescriptive authority would also be required to complete an additional, individual prescriptive license application. Once licensed, psychologists must maintain an ongoing, collaborative relationship with their patients’ primary care doctor and complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

HB23-1071 now heads back to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate & House Democrats Announce Appointments to Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, announced the Democratic members who will serve on the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates:

From the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate: 

• President Stephen Fenberg, D-Boulder

• Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County

From the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives: 

• Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood

• Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista

President Fenberg will serve as Chair of the Committee and Representative deGruy Kennedy will serve as the Vice Chair. 

“The recent spikes in energy prices have sent Coloradans’ utility bills through the roof, and it’s costing too many working Colorado families an arm and a leg just to heat their homes,” Fenberg said. “Democrats are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and our work on this critical committee will help us uncover the root cause behind high prices. I look forward to teaming up with my colleagues to find solutions that will better protect consumers, improve stability, and save people money on their energy bills.”

“We owe it to Coloradans to get to the bottom of what is causing skyrocketing utility costs, and I’m honored to be appointed to a Joint Select Committee that is committed to making our state more affordable for everyone,” said deGruy Kennedy “We know many Coloradans are stuck paying higher-than-normal energy bills this year, and our role in this Joint Select Committee is to better understand pricing inconsistency, uncover other factors that lead to high prices and hopefully help prevent future price hikes.” 

“Coloradans are struggling to make ends meet and skyrocketing utility bills are only making matters worse,” Cutter said. “Before us is a unique opportunity to hear from utility companies, regulators, advocates, and every day Coloradans about what role the state can, and should, play in protecting consumers and ensuring Colorado remains an affordable place to live. I’m honored to serve on the Joint Select Committee and I’m committed to working diligently to get Coloradans the answers they deserve.”

“Many Coloradans were prepared for snow and ice this winter season, but many weren’t prepared for the inconsistent and expensive energy bills they received,” said Martinez. “I’m ready to get to work as a member of the bipartisan Joint Select Committee that’s dedicated to uncovering what is leading to higher energy costs for hardworking families across Colorado. Our goal is to look at multiple factors that could be causing the rise in utility prices and explore ways to save Coloradans money on their energy bills.”

Fenberg and McCluskie convened the Joint Select Committee to investigate the causes of Coloradans’ rising utility rates and explore potential actions to prevent future price hikes, saving Colorado’s working families money on their energy bills.

The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will seek expert testimony from utility companies, relevant agency staff, regulators, consumer advocates, and policy experts in order to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. 

Jaquez Lewis and Marchman’s Bill to Bolster Water Efficiency and Resiliency Earns Committee Approval

HB23-1005 would protect Colorado's environment and preserve water resources by expanding project eligibility for the C-PACE program and streamlining its approval process

DENVER, CO – Today, Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, legislation to help commercial property owners better finance water and energy efficiency improvements and increase property resilience passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.  

HB23-1005 would expand the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) to include resiliency and water efficiency improvements, such as addressing structural integrity, indoor air quality, and storm water control. This bill would help more commercial properties in Colorado take advantage of C-PACE’s financing program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments.

“Just over a year ago, the Marshall Fire damaged more than 30 commercial buildings in my home county of Boulder. As these kinds of extreme weather events become more frequent because of climate change, it’s important that  we do everything we can to make commercial and industrial properties more resilient,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This bill expands and streamlines the successful C-PACE program, so more properties in Colorado can prepare for natural disasters while reducing their carbon footprint.”

“We know many commercial building owners and developers want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to support measures that invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and improve Colorado’s sustainability for years to come.”

The C-PACE program allows certain commercial and industrial buildings to finance energy improvement projects through a voluntary property tax assessment with repayment terms up to 25-years. Since 2016, the program has helped finance 116 different projects across the state, totaling almost $250 million in investments.

HB23-1005 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.