Health Committee Approves Winter & Jaquez Lewis Bill to Ensure Patient Consent Protections for Intimate Exams

HB23-1077 would require licensed health care facilities to obtain a patient-signed consent form before intimate examinations are performed

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bill to enact patient consent protections for intimate exams.

HB23-1077 would require health care professionals, students, medical residents and trainees to obtain informed consent from patients before performing intimate examinations, unless in emergency situations. In addition to consent, health care professionals would only be able to perform intimate examinations if it is pertinent to the planned procedure.

“Patients deserve dignity,” Winter said. “Right now, health care professionals jeopardize that by performing unauthorized intimate exams on patients. By requiring health care professionals to obtain consent from their patients before intimate exams are conducted, we’re ensuring patients are able to maintain control over their bodies, and maintain their dignity.”

“Creating patient consent protections for intimate exams is simply the right thing to do,” said Jaquez Lewis. “This important bill will ensure patients who have been put under anesthesia or who are unconscious during medical procedures aren’t unknowing or unwilling recipients of intimate exams.”

Across the country, medical students and residents are instructed to perform unauthorized intimate exams, including pelvic exams for educational purposes, on patients under medical sedation for unrelated surgeries. Patients are not able to consent to these procedures and can experience extreme physical and behavioral responses from the trauma of learning about this exam after it has happened.

HB23-1077 now heads to the Appropriations Committee. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on State Budget to Invest in Families, Set Students Up for Success, and Keep Colorado Strong

Budget includes resources to improve community safety, shore up public health, among other priorities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today signed off on the FY 2023-2024 Long Appropriations Bill to invest in families, set students up for success, and create safer and healthier communities across Colorado. 

The $38.5 billion budget is a $1.2 billion increase over last year’s budget. Two-thirds of that increase is attributable to the end of enhanced federal Medicaid match rates, which are expiring as the declared COVID public health emergency winds down. 

“Balancing the state’s budget in a responsible and thoughtful manner is one of our most urgent priorities as a legislature, and I am pleased to say that this year’s budget hits the mark,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We’re delivering for Colorado families by making record investments in K-12 education, supporting our health care workers, and creating safer communities - all while keeping our state on solid financial footing. We’ve worked hard to create a balanced, thoughtful budget that funds the infrastructure we need to meet our obligations to our families and communities while helping ensure every Coloradan has what they need to thrive.”

“This budget reflects our core Colorado values of opportunity, independence, and responsibility,” said JBC member Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “The investments we’re making today will prepare our students for success, increase our housing supply, respond to workforce needs, and lower the cost of health care for our Colorado families. All in a balanced budget that puts Colorado on a sound and sustainable fiscal path into the future.”

The budget sets aside a total of $469 million in General Fund for one-time uses, including:

• $103 million for workforce-related legislation including free credentials, math, scholarships, adult education, and concurrent enrollment

• $221 million for housing related legislation, including property tax relief, land use, public-private partnerships, implementation of Prop 123

• $16 million for other priorities such as the Rural Opportunity Office, line of duty loss fund, wildfire resources, & Prop 122 implementation

The budget maintains a 15 percent ($2.3 billion) General Fund reserve to prepare for the next economic downturn, and designates $543 million in cash assets for the constitutionally required State Emergency Reserve to pay for emergencies like for wildfires or floods.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

Ensuring Colorado students receive the support they need is a key goal of the legislature, and this budget provides a record investment in our students. In this budget total state and local funding for public schools will increase by $485 million, including a record increase in per-pupil funding by $900 per student. 

The bill also provides funding to help implement the Office of Early Childhood and Colorado’s landmark Universal Pre-K program.

Democrats are also addressing higher education needs through a 10 percent year-over-year increase in higher education funding, totaling $137 million alongside a 5 percent cap on tuition increases.

Finally, this budget provides $18 million for facility schools and expansions of services for students with extremely severe and specialized needs, and $1 million for the School Transformation Grant Program, which trains and supports school leaders working to turn around academic performance in the state’s lowest performing schools.

CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Every Coloradan deserves to live a happy and healthy life. This budget includes a 3 percent provider rate increase, to help providers facing cost increases due to inflation and other factors. The budget also implements the new 5 percent across-the-board increase for state employees, ensuring a $15 minimum wage for every state employee.

The budget also includes funding to implement the Office of Behavioral Health, and $3.8 million to bolster staffing and operating expenses to implement a statewide media campaign to increase routine immunization rates through the use of a mobile clinic program.

WILDFIRE MITIGATION

Wildfire season lasts year-round in Colorado, and this budget provides badly-needed support to help our state better address and investigate wildfires. The budget provides $26 million to fund the acquisition of a second Firehawk helicopter which will improve the state’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildfires. 

In order to better understand the origins of wildfires in our state, the budget also includes $6.4 million to increase resources for fire investigation and data collection.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY

Democrats are committed to creating safer communities across our state. The budget provides $5 million for the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Program, $2 million to create a new Office of School Safety, and $6 million for the School Security Disbursement Program.

The budget also increases pay for Criminal Investigators and State Patrol Troopers.

The Long Bill will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Advances State Budget to Invest in Families, Set Students Up for Success, and Keep Colorado Strong

Budget includes resources to improve community safety, shore up public health, among other priorities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today gave initial approval on second reading to the FY 2023-2024 Long Appropriations Bill to invest in families, set students up for success, and create safer and healthier communities across Colorado. 

The $38.5 billion budget is a $1.2 billion increase over last year’s budget. Two-thirds of that increase is attributable to the end of enhanced federal Medicaid match rates, which are expiring as the declared COVID public health emergency winds down. 

“Balancing the state’s budget in a responsible and thoughtful manner is one of our most urgent priorities as a legislature, and I am pleased to say that this year’s budget hits the mark,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We’re delivering for Colorado families by making record investments in K-12 education, supporting our health care workers, and creating safer communities - all while keeping our state on solid financial footing. We’ve worked hard to create a balanced, thoughtful budget that funds the infrastructure we need to meet our obligations to our families and communities while helping ensure every Coloradan has what they need to thrive.”

“This budget reflects our core Colorado values of opportunity, independence, and responsibility,” said JBC member Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “The investments we’re making today will prepare our students for success, increase our housing supply, respond to workforce needs, and lower the cost of health care for our Colorado families. All in a balanced budget that puts Colorado on a sound and sustainable fiscal path into the future.”

The budget sets aside a total of $469 million in General Fund for one-time uses, including:

• $103 million for workforce-related legislation including free credentials, math, scholarships, adult education, and concurrent enrollment

• $221 million for housing related legislation, including property tax relief, land use, public-private partnerships, implementation of Prop 123

• $16 million for other priorities such as the Rural Opportunity Office, line of duty loss fund, wildfire resources, & Prop 122 implementation

The budget maintains a 15 percent ($2.3 billion) General Fund reserve to prepare for the next economic downturn, and designates $543 million in cash assets for the constitutionally required State Emergency Reserve to pay for emergencies like for wildfires or floods.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

Ensuring Colorado students receive the support they need is a key goal of the legislature, and this budget provides a record investment in our students. In this budget total state and local funding for public schools will increase by $485 million, including a record increase in per-pupil funding by $900 per student. 

The bill also provides funding to help implement the Office of Early Childhood and Colorado’s landmark Universal Pre-K program.

Democrats are also addressing higher education needs through a 10 percent year-over-year increase in higher education funding, totaling $137 million alongside a 5 percent cap on tuition increases.

Finally, this budget provides $18 million for facility schools and expansions of services for students with extremely severe and specialized needs, and $1 million for the School Transformation Grant Program, which trains and supports school leaders working to turn around academic performance in the state’s lowest performing schools.

CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Every Coloradan deserves to live a happy and healthy life. This budget includes a 3 percent provider rate increase, to help providers facing cost increases due to inflation and other factors. The budget also implements the new 5 percent across-the-board increase for state employees, ensuring a $15 minimum wage for every state employee.

The budget also includes funding to implement the Office of Behavioral Health, and $3.8 million to bolster staffing and operating expenses to implement a statewide media campaign to increase routine immunization rates through the use of a mobile clinic program.

WILDFIRE MITIGATION

Wildfire season lasts year-round in Colorado, and this budget provides badly-needed support to help our state better address and investigate wildfires. The budget provides $26 million to fund the acquisition of a second Firehawk helicopter which will improve the state’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildfires. 

In order to better understand the origins of wildfires in our state, the budget also includes $6.4 million to increase resources for fire investigation and data collection.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY

Democrats are committed to creating safer communities across our state. The budget provides $5 million for the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Program, $2 million to create a new Office of School Safety, and $6 million for the School Security Disbursement Program.

The budget also increases pay for Criminal Investigators and State Patrol Troopers.

The Long Bill will now be heard on third and final reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Ginal’s Bipartisan Bill to Implement Automated Pharmacy Dispensing Systems Passes Senate

HB23-1195 will improve access to prescriptions in areas with pharmaceutical staffing shortages

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed Senator Joann Ginal’s, D-Fort Collins, bill to make it easier for Coloradans to access essential prescription drugs.

HB23-1195 would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours.

“Coloradans who depend on prescription medications can’t always make it to a pharmacy to pick up their drugs during business hours,” said Ginal. “This bill will make it easier for Coloradans to get medications they need by removing unnecessary roadblocks and will help more people access the critical prescriptions they need without compromising important pharmaceutical safeguards.”

The machines would contain medications commonly prescribed in the pharmacy’s geographic area, and customers would have to confirm their identity with a pharmacist via a live video. They will also help alleviate staffing shortages by enabling pharmacists to serve patients in multiple localities simultaneously.

If passed, Colorado would be the fourth state to allow automated pharmacy dispensing systems, after California, Illinois, and Arizona.

HB23-1195 will now return to the House for concurrence of amendments. To follow the bill’s progress, click HERE.

Senate Approves Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services for Colorado Youth

Legislation would expand access to certain behavioral health services for Medicaid members under the age of 21

DENVER, CO – Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bipartisan bill to require coverage for critical mental health services for Colorado youth passed the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-174 would require coverage for therapy, prevention and education services, case management, and evaluation and treatment planning services for Medicaid members who are under the age of 21.

“In recent years, we have unfortunately seen Colorado’s youth mental health crisis get worse and worse,” said Kolker. “This year, the legislature is taking a number of steps to ensure our youth are supported and have access to the life-saving mental health services they need, no matter their zip code or family’s income. Senate Bill 174 ensures young recipients of Medicaid have the same access to critical care that their peers do, including therapy, treatment planning, and more.”

In 2021, Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a youth mental health emergency, and the following year stated that conditions had worsened. Furthermore, in 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a survey showing that 44 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless during the past year.

SB23-174 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Advances Jaquez Lewis’ Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Water Efficient Landscaping

Legislation would require HOAs to provide homeowners with a slate of water-wise landscape designs for lawn replacement

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee voted to advance Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bipartisan bill to reduce barriers facing Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping.

Cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-178 would promote water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystem while requiring little or no irrigation. The bill requires HOAs to select and pre-approve water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from.

“Colorado, like many states in the West, is experiencing prolonged drought. Combined with chronic water overuse, the American West is running out of water,” Jaquez Lewis said. “By making it easier for Colorado homeowners to replace their water-guzzling lawns with water-wise landscapes, we can drastically cut down on our overall water usage while maintaining beautiful, unique yards natural to Colorado's climate.”

The bill would also prevent an HOA from requiring hardscape on more than 20 percent of a landscape area and prevent an HOA from prohibiting vegetable gardening in a homeowner’s front yard.

About half of the water used in single-family homes in Denver goes toward “outdoor use,” according to Denver Water. Last year, the legislature passed legislation to create the Turf Replacement Program, which provides financial incentives for voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. SB23-178 complements that initiative by helping homeowners who may not need financial incentives but are hindered by other barriers.

SB23-178 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Sullivan, Hansen Bill to Require Three Day Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases

Commonsense policy will help save lives, create a safer Colorado

DENVER, CO – A bill sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, to establish waiting periods for firearm purchases received final approval in the Colorado Senate today.

HB23-1219 would create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence.

“Right now, if you want to get your hands on a gun, you can do so with near immediacy,” said Sullivan. “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.”

“A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Hansen 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.”

Current law mandates that a background check is completed before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 would require a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, to deliver a firearm. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners.

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. 

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. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military service member who is set to deploy overseas and their family.

HB23-1219 will now move to the House for concurrence on amendments. More information is available HERE.

Senate Advances Sullivan, Hansen Bill to Require Three Day Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases

Commonsense policy will help save lives, create a safer Colorado

DENVER, CO – A bill sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that would establish waiting periods for firearm purchases advanced in the Colorado Senate today on second reading.

HB23-1219 would create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence.

“Right now, if you want to get your hands on a gun, you can do so with near immediacy,” said Sullivan. “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.”

“A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Hansen 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.”

Current law mandates that a background check is completed before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 would require a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, to deliver a firearm. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners.

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. 

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. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military service member who is set to deploy overseas and their family.

HB23-1219 will be further considered on third reading before concurrence with the House. More information is available HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Child and Incarcerated Parent Separation

SB23-039 would help facilitate communication and family time between children and parents who are incarcerated

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today approved Senator Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, bill to reduce separation between children and parents who are incarcerated.

SB23-039 would require the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and the Department of Corrections to implement policies to help facilitate communication and family time between parents who are incarcerated and their children.

“Both children and their parents are negatively impacted by separation and lack of time spent together,” said Buckner. “Far too often, parents who are incarcerated face barriers to seeing their children. This critical bill will reduce the harmful effects of parent and child separation by providing incarcerated parents opportunities to maintain a relationship with their child.”

The bill establishes requirements for parents who are incarcerated during dependency and neglect hearings, including having an attorney be appointed and having the right to attend and participate in all proceedings. The bill requires CDHS to make rules to facilitate communication and family time between children and parents who are incarcerated.

SB23-039 also requires case workers to provide information about services and treatment available to an incarcerated parent, opportunities for family time at the facility in which the parent is incarcerated, and make reasonable efforts to involve a parent who is incarcerated in planning services.

The bill requires DOC to provide transportation for an incarcerated parent in a dependency and neglect proceeding or try to facilitate remote participation, consider placing a parent in a facility near their child, provide opportunities for family time and communication between incarcerated parents and their children, and to hire a family services coordinator.

SB23-039 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Prevent Eating Disorders, Build a Healthier Colorado Earn Committee Approval

SB23-014 and SB23-174 aim to address the rising rates of disordered eating and eating disorders in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved a pair of bills to prevent disordered eating and to better support those individuals with eating disorders.

The first bill, SB23-176, sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, aims to provide health care protections for those suffering from an eating disorder. The bill would prohibit health insurance plans from using body mass index or any other weight standard when determining the level of care for a patient. It would also standardize care by requiring the Behavioral Health Administration to place rules around forced feeding tubes.

“Eating disorders are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality that impact thousands of Coloradans every year,” said Moreno. “After speaking directly with the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee, we knew we had to take action to address this mental health crisis and save lives. These bills are a strong first step toward better supporting Coloradans experiencing eating disorders and will help build a healthier Colorado for all.”

“This is a crisis with our youth. Hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents have increased by 100 percent since the onset of COVID. Women and LGBTQ+ youth are at particular risk of contracting an eating disorder because of the unrealistic expectations of appearance imposed on them by our society,” Cutter said. “We must address outdated and harmful approaches to treating eating disorders and provide care that is respectful to each individual and on par with the latest research.”

SB23-014, sponsored by Moreno, would address the rising rates of disordered eating in the state – especially among youth – by creating and maintaining a resource bank for research, intervention methods, treatments and educational resources regarding disordered eating prevention in Colorado.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. According to Mental Health Colorado, one in ten Coloradans live with an eating disorder, showing that the need for action is clear.

SB23-176 and SB23-014 now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee. You can follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively. 

Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services for Colorado Youth Clears Committee

Legislation would expand access to certain behavioral health services for Medicaid members under the age of 21

DENVER, CO – Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bipartisan bill to require coverage for critical mental health services for Colorado youth cleared the Senate Health and Human Services committee today.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-174 would require coverage for therapy, prevention and education services, case management, and evaluation and treatment planning services for Medicaid members who are under the age of 21.

“In recent years, we have unfortunately seen Colorado’s youth mental health crisis get worse and worse,” said Kolker. “This year, the legislature is taking a number of steps to ensure our youth are supported and have access to the life-saving mental health services they need, no matter their zip code or family’s income. Senate Bill 174 ensures young recipients of Medicaid have the same access to critical care that their peers do, including therapy, treatment planning, and more.”

In 2021, Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a youth mental health emergency, and the following year stated that conditions had worsened. Furthermore, in 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a survey showing that 44 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless during the past year.

SB23-174 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Advances Fields & Exum’s Bill to Reduce Financial Barriers for Renters

HB23-1099 will implement portable screening reports, lower financial burden for prospective tenants

DENVER, CO – Today, Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Senator Tony Exum’s, D-Colorado Springs, bill to require landlords to accept and provide portable screening reports passed out of the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee. 

Currently, renters can have their credit negatively impacted and pay redundant fees for screening reports when searching for a place to live. HB23-1099 would require landlords to provide applicants with a copy of their screening report that they can present to any other prospective landlord within 30 days of the report publication. 

“Too many Coloradans searching for a rental find themselves spending hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees for things they’ve previously paid for,” said Fields. “Applying to rent a home shouldn’t involve redundant fees and an outsized impact on one’s credit. We have to continue to fight rising housing expenses across the board, including transaction costs like these, so that every Colorado family can find a place to call home without breaking the bank.”

“Our state is in a housing crisis, which is why we’ve been fighting to reduce the many barriers to housing that exist in our state,” said Exum. “Paying for a new screening report every time someone applies for a lease is a financial burden, especially if they’ve applied for other leases recently. This bill allows for greater transparency between landlords and tenants, while also reducing the cost of finding a new place to live.”

Additionally, HB23-1099 also opens avenues for prospective tenants whose application was denied based on their screening report to dispute the accuracy of the report. It would also bar landlords from charging an application fee if an applicant provides a screening report from the past 30 days.

HB23-1099 will now move to consideration on the Senate floor. To follow the bill’s progress, click HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Crack Down on Deceptive Practices by Anti-Abortion Centers

Bill will prohibit deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs) passed the Senate today.

SB23-190 makes it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or for referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies it is a deceptive practice to advertise providing a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and says that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in Colorado to protect reproductive rights, but marginalized communities like people of color, low-income folks, young people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and immigrants still struggle to obtain the care they need - and AACs only make matters worse,” said Winter. “AACs use deceptive advertising practices to lure folks in and steer people away from abortions and other time-sensitive care by not providing them with the full, medically accurate spectrum of options. I’m proud of this legislation to crack down on AACs’ deceptive practices and make reproductive health care more attainable and equitable for all Coloradans.”

“In Colorado and across America, maternal outcomes are declining, and anti-abortion centers that use deceptive advertising to draw in vulnerable people seeking care and misleading them with biased and inaccurate information about abortions and contraceptives are only making the problem worse,” Marchman said. “People who go to these centers looking for help are often misled and stigmatized – the exact opposite of the safe and essential care we are beholden to protect as elected officials. Our bill will crack down on deceptive practices used by some of these bad actors, and is a proactive step we can take towards a future where Coloradans’ freedom to access essential and affirming reproductive health care is truly protected.”

In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20. Further, AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services to low-income communities.

Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement. Also known as crisis pregnancy centers or anti-abortion counseling centers, AACs pose as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions.

SB23-190 will now head to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Moreno, Cutter Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps Clears Senate

Bill will make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, that would improve access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and make reproductive health care more equitable, cleared the Senate today.

SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion.

“Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “Our legislation will break down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and help ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

“Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to be part of legislation that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone."

SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. 

This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. 

Lastly, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment.

SB23-189 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Gonzales, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care

Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – will not be recognized by the state of Colorado.

SB23-188 also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, and it’s putting Coloradans' ability to access critical reproductive and gender-affirming care in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “Any barrier to health care in our state is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This bill will protect the people who both seek and provide that care in our state, and will ensure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

"We must do everything we can to protect vital health care professionals in Colorado,” said Jaquez Lewis. “As a pharmacist, if I dispense certain drugs that are considered abortion care medication in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am very concerned that without the protections in this bill, health care experts will not feel safe making medically necessary decisions."

SB23-188 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Advances Legislation to Crack Down on Deceptive Practices by Anti-Abortion Centers

Bill will prohibit deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs) cleared second reading in the Senate today.

SB23-190 makes it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or for referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies it is a deceptive practice to advertise providing a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and says that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in Colorado to protect reproductive rights, but marginalized communities like people of color, low-income folks, young people, LGBTQIA+ communities, and immigrants still struggle to obtain the care they need - and AACs only make matters worse,” said Winter. “AACs use deceptive advertising practices to lure folks in and steer people away from abortions and other time-sensitive care by not providing them with the full, medically accurate spectrum of options. I’m proud of this legislation to crack down on AACs’ deceptive practices and make reproductive health care more attainable and equitable for all Coloradans.”

“Anti-abortion centers present themselves as legitimate family planning reproductive health care clinics, but these fake clinics use deceptive advertising to draw in vulnerable people seeking care to harass them with biased and inaccurate information about abortions and contraceptives,” Marchman said. “People who go to these clinics looking for help report being shamed and lied to – the exact opposite of the safe and accurate care we are beholden to protect as elected officials. The Safe Access to Reproductive Health Care Package is a proactive step we can take towards a future where Coloradans' freedom to access essential and affirming reproductive health care is truly protected.”

In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20. Further, AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services to low-income communities.

Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement. Also known as crisis pregnancy centers or anti-abortion counseling centers, AACs pose as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions.

SB23-190 will now be heard on third reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Moreno, Cutter Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps Earns Initial Senate Approval

Bill will make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, that would improve access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and make reproductive health care more equitable, earned initial Senate approval today.

SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion.

“Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “Our legislation will break down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and help ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

“Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to be part of legislation that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone."

SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. 

This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. 

Lastly, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment.

SB23-189 will now be heard on third reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Advances Gonzales, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care

Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – will not be recognized by the state of Colorado.

SB23-188 also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, and it’s putting Coloradans' ability to access critical reproductive and gender-affirming care in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “Any barrier to health care in our state is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This bill will protect the people who both seek and provide that care in our state, and will ensure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they need to thrive.”

"We must do everything we can to protect vital health care professionals in Colorado,” said Jaquez Lewis. “As a pharmacist, if I dispense certain drugs that are considered abortion care medication in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am very concerned that without the protections in this bill, health care experts will not feel safe making medically necessary decisions."

SB23-188 will now be heard on third reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Group of Western Slope Lawmakers Urge Biden Administration Officials to Suspend Oil Train Plan

Lawmakers: “By threatening our water supply and increasing wildfire risk, this project would be truly catastrophic to our constituents, our communities, and our environment.”

DENVER, CO – A bipartisan group of Colorado state lawmakers, led by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, today sent a letter urging Biden Administration officials to suspend the proposed Uinta Basin Railway Project.

In a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the lawmakers expressed concern over the financing and potential environmental impacts of the project, and called on the Administration to oppose it.

“As legislators who represent the areas of Western Colorado that would be impacted directly by the Uinta Basin Railway Project, we write to share our significant concerns and opposition to this project,” the lawmakers wrote. “We ask that you carefully consider this project’s potential impact, including the devastating damage it could do to public health, our water resources, our environment, and our economy, when making the respective decisions charged to your departments.”

The proposed Uinta Basin Railway Project would involve the shipment of heated, waxy crude oil from Utah through Colorado’s mountain towns and communities, totaling as much as 350,000 barrels on ten, two-mile trains per day. The proposed route would closely track the path of the headwaters of the Colorado River and its tributaries, which irrigates millions of acres of farmland and provides water to more than 40 million people in the Western United States. 

The letter continued: “In light of the recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and other high-profile train accidents across the country over the years, a spill on this rail line is not only a possibility, it is likely…Given the heated nature of this transport and the widespread drought we are experiencing, this project also further increases the risk of wildfire ignition across the Western Slope. By threatening our water supply and increasing wildfire risk, this project would be truly catastrophic to our constituents, our communities, and our environment.”

Lawmakers further expressed concern over the potential use of public taxpayer dollars through government approved tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs) to finance the project, and urged the Administration to reject the plan.

“Our concerns with this project are grave and cannot be understated,” they wrote. “While we understand and support the desire to increase domestic energy supply, the potential negative impacts of this project far outweigh any economic benefit. Imperiling the future of our environment and the natural resources we depend on and treasure is not a decision that should be taken lightly.”

The letter was signed by: Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon,  Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Representative Elizbeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs.

The full letter is below:

Dear Secretary Buttigieg and Secretary Vilsack, 

As legislators who represent the areas of Western Colorado that would be impacted directly by the Uinta Basin Railway Project, we write to share our significant concerns and opposition to this project. We ask that you carefully consider this project’s potential impact, including the devastating damage it could do to public health, our water resources, our environment, and our economy, when making the respective decisions charged to your departments. Further, we find the potential use of public taxpayer dollars through government approved tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs) to finance this project to be highly objectionable, and we would strongly urge this approach to financing be rejected. 

As you are aware, the Uinta Basin Railway Project would involve the shipment of heated waxy crude oil from Utah through Colorado, totaling as much as 350,000 barrels on ten, two-mile trains per day. This is immensely concerning given that the rail line runs right alongside the headwaters of the Colorado River and its tributaries, which provide water to over 40 million people in the Western United States, irrigate millions of acres of agricultural land, and drive our outdoor recreation and tourism industries, which are critical to our region’s and state’s economies.

In light of the recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio and other high-profile train accidents across the country over the years, a spill on this rail line is not only a possibility, it is likely. Such a spill would contaminate the local and regional water supply, as well as likely impact downstream consumers across the West. Given the heated nature of this transport and the widespread drought we are experiencing, this project also further increases the risk of wildfire ignition across the Western Slope. By threatening our water supply and increasing wildfire risk, this project would be truly catastrophic to our constituents, our communities, and our environment.

Our concerns with this project are grave and cannot be understated. We strongly urge you and your partners in the federal government to conduct a more thorough risk analysis in light of recent events and our pressing concerns regarding water supply and wildfire. While we understand and support the desire to increase domestic energy supply, the potential negative impacts of this project far outweigh any economic benefit. Imperiling the future of our environment and the natural resources we depend on and treasure is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Domestic energy development can and should happen through other means than this project.

A vast coalition of constituents that we represent on the Western Slope are opposed to this project, and we stand with them in this call to put a stop to this dangerous project that would jeopardize our long-term public peace, health, and safety. 

Sincerely,

Speaker Julie McCluskie
Senator Dylan Roberts
Senator Perry Will
Representative Meghan Lukens
Representative Barbara McLachlan
Representative Elizbeth Velasco

CC: Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Boebert, Polis, President Biden

Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds Third Meeting, Seeks Solutions to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills

DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates today met to hear testimony from energy policy and utility experts in order to begin identifying potential solutions to save Coloradans money on their energy bills.

“We’ve been investigating the reasons behind Coloradans’ record high energy bills, and now we’re looking to take the next step in order to better understand what exactly we here in the legislature can do about it,” said Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “We heard a lot of good ideas today such as looking at how we evaluate new infrastructure investments that will take decades to repay, and exploring ways we can address volatility so consumers aren’t stuck shouldering the majority of the burden when prices spike. One thing is clear: Coloradans are fed up with bearing the brunt of inflated energy bills. Now, after weeks of information gathering, the committee is ready to turn its attention to providing better protections for consumers, and eventually delivering lower energy bills for Colorado families.”

"The Joint Select Committee has heard from industry experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to develop a better understanding of what is leading to record utility costs," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Coloradans are facing higher-than-normal energy bills, and it is our responsibility to make sure utility companies aren’t passing along unnecessary costs onto their ratepayers. This committee has been presented with many innovative ideas to balance risks and rewards as we move closer to identifying long-term, cost-saving solutions." 

"As a Joint Select Committee, we've been asking the tough questions and having important conversations surrounding skyrocketing utility rates," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. "During this process, first-hand accounts from Coloradans as well as testimony from utility company representatives and policy experts have helped us better understand the need to balance out the risks of market volatility so ratepayers aren’t carrying all the burden. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues on policy that will better protect Coloradans from avoidable utility price hikes." 

“Over the past few weeks, it's been fascinating to take a deep dive into the factors driving Colorado’s rising utility rates, as we've heard from utility company representatives, advocates, and Colorado’s energy specialists,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “With that grounding, we've now begun to hear from experts about potential solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure our utilities are better planning for future needs and infrastructure, protect consumers from questionable pass through costs and ultimately save Coloradans money on their energy bills.”

The Committee heard testimony from Meera Fickling of Western Resource Advocates, David Pomerantz of the Energy & Policy Institute, Albert Lin of the Pearl Street Station Finance Lab, Ron Lehr, former Colorado Public Utilities Commissioner, and Michelle Brandt King, a local attorney with Holland and Hart that represents large power users.

Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working 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.

The Committee’s next meeting will take place in the coming weeks. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE.