Fields & Hinrichsen Bill to Improve Healthy Food Access Passes Out of Committee

HB23-1008 creates tax credits for small food businesses and farms to improve access to local, fresh produce

DENVER, CO – Today, a bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to modify food related tax credits cleared the Senate Finance Committee. 

HB23-1008 creates a refundable income tax credit for small food businesses and local farms to cover 75 percent of the cost to buy new systems and equipment, and will pay for a majority of the program by closing tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income. 

“Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Fields. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” 

“Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Hinrichsen. “This bill will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” 

The bill expands on a bipartisan law from last session to improve access to healthy foods in low income and underserved communities. Ending the tax loophole that allows for big businesses to deduct meals from their state taxes will enable the state to transfer $1 million annually to the Healthy Food Incentive Fund, helping local businesses afford critical equipment and removing financial barriers to nutrition.

HB23-1008 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee. To follow the bill’s progress, click HERE.

Senate Approves 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 advanced 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 House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Judiciary Committee Approves Gonzales’ Bipartisan Bill to Open Doors to Law Enforcement Opportunities for Immigrants

HB23-1143 would authorize law enforcement agencies to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms as peace officers

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Judiciary Committee approved Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to open up job opportunities for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients within law enforcement. 

Currently, DACA recipients are unable to possess or carry a firearm. For DACA recipients who want a career in law enforcement, this drastically hinders their ability to get hired. HB23-1143 would allow law enforcement agencies to amend their policies, in compliance with federal law, to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms in order to work in law enforcement.

“We’ve heard time and time again that police departments and local law enforcement agencies are hurting for staffing all while DACA recipients are asking to protect and serve their community,” Gonzales said. “In my district and throughout the state, qualified individuals with bilingual skills and an understanding of their community and culture currently have no pathway to serve as law enforcement officials. This bill will help open the door for immigrants to serve their communities in new ways.”

If enacted, eligible immigrants, including DACA recipients and individuals who’ve applied for asylum, would be allowed to attend peace officer training academies. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to notify the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board that the DACA recipients are in compliance with firearm policies while attending an academy.

HB23-1143 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

ICYMI: Danielson and Jaquez Lewis Bill to Allow Native American Regalia at Graduation Ceremonies Clears Committee

SB23-202 aims to reverse the systemic effects of residential Native American boarding schools and protect Indigenous students from discrimination

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bill to allow Native American students to wear traditional regalia at graduation ceremonies cleared the Senate Education Committee.

SB23-202 would require schools, school districts, public colleges, and universities to allow qualifying students, including those who are members of a Tribe, eligible to be members of a Tribe, or are of Native American descent, to wear traditional Native American regalia at graduation ceremonies. The bill aims to protect students from discrimination and reverse the systemic effects of the Indian Civilization Act of 1819.

“This bill ensures that schools cannot infringe on the right of Native American graduates to wear traditional regalia to celebrate their accomplishments,” Danielson said. “It honors their culture and history, and most importantly, supports the students in the way the State of Colorado must.”

“No Native American student should have to choose between participating in their graduation with their classmates or following their religious and cultural traditions,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Our country has a long and tragic history of suppressing Native American culture and forcing people to assimilate. It’s time for Colorado to enshrine these protections for Native American students once and for all.”

In states where there are no protections for Native American dress, students have been barred from wearing everything from beadwork to sealskin caps because the traditional regalia violates school dress code. If enacted, Colorado would join the handful of states that provide protections for these students. 

Colorado is home to two federally recognized Tribes; Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. According to the 2020 US Census, 74,129 Native Americans lived in Colorado, a higher population than the neighboring states of Utah and Idaho.

SB23-202 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

Bridges’ Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Career Pathways & Help Coloradans Land Jobs Clears Committee

SB23-205 would create a Universal High School Scholarship Program to help students land jobs in high-demand fields

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, to help students afford the training they need to land jobs in high-paying, in-demand fields cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, SB23-205 would create a Universal High School Scholarship Program to make it easier and more affordable to access postsecondary education and training opportunities for Colorado students.

“Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and this bill gives high school graduates in our state $1,500 to help them earn a good life,” said Bridges. “There are thousands of job openings in Colorado, but not enough trained workers to fill them. With this bill, we’ll get people the certificates, degrees, and apprenticeships they need, which is good for them, good for employers, and good for our economy.”

The program will provide each student with a $1,500 scholarship to take to any approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeship and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, and colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the Class of 2024, more than 25% of all high school graduates statewide.

Scholarships are available to Colorado residents who graduated from a Colorado high school or earned a high school equivalency credential in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Bridges and Lundeen highlighted SB23-205 at an event today with First Lady Jill Biden, who praised the innovative legislation that will connect hardworking Coloradans with the skills and training they need to thrive.

SB23-205 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Judiciary Committee Approves Gonzales’ Bipartisan Bill to Open Doors to Law Enforcement Opportunities for Immigrants

HB23-1143 would authorize law enforcement agencies to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms as peace officers

DENVER, CO – Today, the Judiciary Committee approved Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to open up job opportunities for Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA) recipients within law enforcement. 

Currently, DACA recipients are unable to possess or carry a firearm. For DACA recipients who want a career in law enforcement, this drastically hinders their ability to get hired. HB23-1143 would allow law enforcement agencies to amend their policies, in compliance with federal law, to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms in order to work in law enforcement.

“We’ve heard time and time again that police departments and local law enforcement agencies are hurting for staffing all while DACA recipients are asking to protect and serve their community,” Gonzales said. “In my district and throughout the state, qualified individuals with bilingual skills and an understanding of their community and culture currently have no pathway to serve as law enforcement officials. This bill will help open the door for immigrants to serve their communities in new ways.”

If enacted, eligible immigrants, including DACA recipients and individuals who’ve applied for asylum, would be allowed to attend peace officer training academies. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to notify the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board that the DACA recipients are in compliance with firearm policies while attending an academy.

HB23-1143 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 
 

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Comité Judicial Aprueba Proyecto de Ley Bipartidista de la Senadora Gonzales para Abrir Puertas a Oportunidades en las Fuerzas del Orden para Inmigrantes

La HB23-1143 autorizaría a los cuerpos policiales permitir que los beneficiarios de DACA porten armas de fuego como agentes del orden público

DENVER, CO – Hoy, el Comité Judicial aprobó el proyecto de ley bipartidista de la Senadora Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, para abrir oportunidades laborales para los beneficiarios de la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA) dentro de las fuerzas del orden.

Actualmente, los beneficiarios de DACA no pueden poseer o portar un arma de fuego. Para los beneficiarios de DACA que desean una carrera en las fuerzas del orden, esto dificulta drásticamente su capacidad para ser contratados. La HB23-1143 permitiría a los cuerpos policiales modificar sus políticas, de conformidad con la ley federal, para permitir que los beneficiarios de DACA porten armas de fuego para trabajar en las fuerzas del orden. 

“Hemos escuchado una y otra vez que los departamentos de policía y las agencias policiales locales están sufriendo por la falta de personal, mientras que los beneficiarios de DACA piden proteger y servir a su comunidad”, dijo Gonzales. “En mi distrito y en todo el estado, las personas calificadas con habilidades bilingües y una comprensión de su comunidad y cultura actualmente no tienen camino para servir como agentes del orden público. Este proyecto de ley ayudará a abrir la puerta para que los inmigrantes sirvan a sus comunidades de nuevas maneras”.

Si se aprueba, los inmigrantes elegibles, incluidos los beneficiarios de DACA y las personas que solicitaron asilo, podrían asistir a las academias de capacitación de oficiales del orden público. El proyecto de ley también requeriría que las las fuerzas del orden notifiquen a la Junta de Capacitación y Estándares de Oficiales de Paz que los beneficiarios de DACA cumplen con las políticas de armas de fuego mientras asisten a una academia.

La HB23-1143 ahora se dirige al piso del Senado. Siga el progreso del proyecto de ley AQUÍ.

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Senate Approves Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Improve Special Education Funding in Colorado

SB23-099 will boost special education funding by more than $40 million

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, that will boost funding and improve special education in Colorado earned approval before the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, SB23-099 would increase the required annual appropriation to the Department of Education by an additional $40 million, and will help bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve.

“Every Colorado student deserves a great public education, but the current level of state support for special education isn’t giving every learner that same opportunity,” Zenzinger said. “We’ve been fighting hard to fix that, and this bill will help us get even more critical resources to the classrooms that need them most while helping ensure that every student - regardless of their ability - is prepared for success.”

Zenzinger’s bill builds off the success of last year’s SB22-127, which dramatically increased funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to more than $300 million per year moving forward. 

SB23-099 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Exum’s Bill to Limit Medical Debt from Hurting Coloradans’ Credit Scores

Legislation would add medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senator Tony Exum Sr.’s, D-Colorado Springs, bill to limit medical debt impacts on Coloradans’ credit reports or credit scores.

HB23-1126 adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports.

“Medical debt, which is often unexpected and accrues rapidly, can have impacts on credit scores and reports even if the debt has been settled with creditors,” Exum said. “This creates barriers for folks trying to access necessities like housing, utilities, and loans, and it needs to change. With this bill, we’re putting in place new consumer protections that will help ensure Coloradans’ financial futures are not unduly impacted by their medical debt.”

Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections, and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies.

The bill comes in addition to SB23-093, Sens. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bill to 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.

HB23-1126 now heads back to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

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.