ICYMI: Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Water Restoration Projects

Legislation would streamline projects that improve the environmental health of water resources

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee approved Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, bipartisan bill to help restore natural water streams. 

Stream restoration projects are vital in protecting water supplies, restoring habitats, and recovering from drought, fire, and floods. SB23-270, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would create a more streamlined process for stream restoration projects to move forward. 

“Healthy stream systems improve wildfire resilience, watershed health, and flood safety, plus support our local economies and farmlands,” said Roberts. “Coloradans want to restore damaged streams in their communities, but too many projects face legal roadblocks and funding challenges that halt these critical projects. This bipartisan bill will simplify the process to complete stream restoration projects, allow access to federal water funding and ultimately, help secure our state’s water future.”

Currently, certain stream restoration projects could be considered an out-of-priority diversion of water, creating an uncertain or impossible path for those projects to proceed. The bill constitutes an important first step by creating a rebuttable presumption that a minor stream restoration project doesn’t impede on downstream water rights – thus allowing smaller projects to move forward without administration by the Division of Water Resources, while the community continues to explore solutions for larger projects. A rebuttable presumption is an assumption made by a court that is taken to be true unless proven otherwise.

The legislation outlines stream restoration projects as those with the purpose of wildfire or flood mitigation; bank stabilization; water quality protection or restoration; habitat, species, or ecosystem restoration; infrastructure protection, and more. 

SB23-270 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

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

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 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 percent 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 recently 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 House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Committee Approves Cutter’s Bill to Offer Youth Mental Health Screenings

HB23-1003 would allow school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools, continue I Matter program

DENVER, CO – Senator Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, bill to support the mental well-being of Colorado’s students was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday.

HB23-1003 would allow school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools to help determine the mental well-being of students and continue the successful I Matter program. The bill would permit public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders. The school would be required to notify parents of the date and time that the mental health screening is scheduled, the purpose, and information about the mental health screener. Parents would have the option to opt their child out of participating, although students over 12 years old could still decide themselves to participate, due to existing Colorado law.

“I'm proud that Colorado is a leader when it comes to providing accessible, affordable mental health care for our youth. But our kids are in crisis and we must do more,” Cutter said. “This bill will help identify issues early on so kids and families can get the support they need. I’m thrilled to champion additional mental health supports for Colorado’s youth."

The I Matter program was created with the passage of HB21-1258 and expanded by HB22-1243. The program provides a mental health screening followed by six free therapy sessions to youth across the state and is available virtually and in-person. Students use a screening tool through the program’s website to match them with licensed mental health professionals that best fit their needs, including bilingual services.

HB23-1003 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fenberg’s Bill to Increase Transparency, Improve Colorado’s Elections Clears Committee

Fenberg: “This bill will build confidence and ensure Colorado remains at the forefront when it comes to holding free and fair elections”

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, legislation aimed at increasing transparency and further improving Colorado’s gold standard elections cleared the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today.

SB23-276 will expand and clarify personal financial disclosures for certain candidates and elected officials, improve voter access in tribal communities, and streamline election day results, among other provisions.

“Colorado’s elections are the envy of the country - but there are always adjustments and improvements we can implement to make our election system even better,” Fenberg said. “Whether it’s creating more transparency for candidates and elected officials or improving access for Native American and other underrepresented voters, this bill will build confidence and ensure Colorado remains at the forefront when it comes to holding free and fair elections.”

Increased transparency and ethics in government 
The bill expands what is required to be disclosed in a candidate or elected official’s personal financial disclosure and clarifies enforcement, ensuring the public knows about potential conflicts of interest for a candidate or elected official and ensures there is an enforcement mechanism for if and when a candidate provides false information. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Department of State cannot use public funds for advertising that features candidates for local, state, or federal office. 

Improved voter access on tribal lands 
SB23-276 establishes a process to allow tribal councils in Colorado to submit membership lists for purposes of Colorado’s existing automatic voter registration law. Additionally, the bill guarantees the placement of early voting and Election Day voting sites on tribal lands. 

Increased voter access for underrepresented voters
The bill increases the number of drop boxes and voter service and polling centers for public and private higher education campuses. The bill also clarifies how sheriffs facilitate voter registration and voting to make it easier for inmates in jails to vote.

Bolstered funding for local election administration
The bill increases funding for local county clerks to help facilitate smooth and secure election administration. The current formula hasn’t been updated in more than a decade and yet administering elections has gotten more challenging and expensive. The new formula will ensure a more equitable share of county election budgets are covered by the state.

Streamlined election results 
SB23-276 requires larger counties to begin counting ballots at least four days prior to Election Day, which will result in publishing election results faster on Election Day. The bill also requires that clerks update “cure” data within 24 hours for voters who need to fix a problem with their ballot. 

Modernized ID system
The bill allows the use of digital IDs such as the state of Colorado’s official myColorado app as well as digital copies of already accepted forms of identification in order to confirm their Colorado address when they vote in person. 

General election and campaign finance cleanup
Finally, SB23-276 also makes several changes to Colorado’s Election Code to remove obsolete provisions, update procedures to reflect current practice, and ensure transparency in campaign finance laws. 

SB23-276 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Committee Approves Bipartisan Bill to Improve Medical Price Transparency

Legislation to bolster consumer protections, increase transparency in health care

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee approved Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to protect consumers and increase the transparency of medical prices.

SB23-252, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would require all hospitals to make a public list of the cost of all items and services provided to patients.

“Coloradans deserve to know what their medical bills will look like before going into treatment or surgery,” Gonzales said. “We’ve made great progress in our work to protect consumers and lower the costs of health care, but there’s still more we can do. It’s time to take the next step and increase medical price transparency so Coloradans aren’t blindsided with big bills after receiving care.”

Under this legislation, hospitals are required to maintain a public list of at least 300 shoppable services, which is a service that a patient can schedule in advance. If the hospital does not have 300 shoppable services, they must list all of the services they provide. Violations of SB23-252 would be a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.

This bill builds off of HB22-1285, which prohibits hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment.

SB23-252 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

Committee Approves Legislation to Ensure Protections for Native American Children

SB23-211 would protect Native American children in cases of guardianship and adoption if the Supreme Court strikes down all or part of the Indian Child Welfare Act

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, to ensure protections for Native American children in cases of adoption and guardianship passed the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today.

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) is a federal law that governs the removal and placement of American Indian and Alaska Native children as well as parental termination, and delineates the roles of state and tribal governments in child welfare cases. ICWA was enacted to protect the best interests of Native American children and keep them connected to their families and tribes in cases of separation.

ICWA is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, which could strike down all or part of the law. SB23-211 would adopt ICWA into state law to ensure that Native American children continue to be protected in cases of guardianship and adoption if the law is struck down fully or partially on the federal level.

“For decades, the Indian Child Welfare Act has been recognized as the gold standard in child welfare practice by experts,” said Moreno. “Now that anti-tribal interests who want to undermine tribal sovereignty have made their way to the Supreme Court, it’s vital that we act immediately to protect Indigenous kids on a state level. This bill puts the best interests of Native American children first, and promotes the stability and security of tribes and families.” 

“The Indian Child Welfare Act was created – and is vitally needed – to address longstanding and egregious removal practices targeting Native American children,” Danielson said. “The Supreme Court has already demonstrated that they will overturn decades of legally rock-solid precedent. Not a single Tribal Nation, independent Native organization, or independent child welfare organization supports striking down ICWA. Colorado needs this safety net in place to protect kids from familial and tribal separation in case ICWA falls.”

ICWA was enacted in response to a crisis affecting American Indian and Alaska Native children, families, and tribes. In the 1970’s, studies revealed that 25 to 35 percent of all Native American children were being separated from their parents, extended families, and communities by state child welfare and private adoption agencies.

Of those separated, 85 percent were placed outside of their families and communities into non-Native American households – even when fit and willing relatives were available. Since ICWA’s enactment, the law has been successful in keeping Native American children in their families and communities, and ensuring the children’s rights are protected. 

Colorado is home to two federally recognized Tribes; the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the 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.

SB23-211 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Hansen’s Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Use of Agrivoltaics Clears Committee

SB23-092 seeks to expand renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions on Colorado farmland

DENVER, CO – Today, Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bill to support the use of agrivoltaics through grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture passed out of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The bill, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, seeks to expand access to agrivoltaics, a cutting edge method to generate energy using solar panels over agricultural land without sacrificing significant agriculture production. SB23-092 will also direct the Department of Agriculture to study greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities in agriculture. 

“Agrivoltaics are an effective way to increase the productivity of our farmland,” said Hansen. “With some crops, shade from solar panels can actually improve growing conditions, save water and increase output. We are helping expand renewable energy options and carbon capture techniques that can benefit our farming community and help us reach our climate goals.”

32 million acres of land are used for agriculture in Colorado, nearly half of the state’s surface area. Methods for carbon reduction on farmland studied by the bill include dry digesters, greenhouse gas credits, and sequestration efforts.

SB23-092 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Danielson, Buckner Bill to Strengthen Equal Pay for Equal Work Act

SB23-105 would further prevent wage discrimination in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would strengthen Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor.

SB23-105 strengthens that law by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up.

“Nobody should be paid less than their peers for doing the same work - but for too many women in Colorado that is still the case,” Danielson said. “We fought to address this inequity through the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and this bill will build on that success. SB 105 is a concrete step we can take, right now, to address the wage gap between men and women, and I am excited to see this bill move forward.”

“The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act has made great strides toward ensuring that every Coloradan is paid equally for their labor,” Buckner said. “But unfortunately we are still seeing women earn less than men for doing the exact same job. It’s unacceptable, and it’s what this bill seeks to address. By requiring the state to investigate and take action when wage discrimination complaints are filed, we can better ensure that every Colorado worker receives the equal pay they’re entitled to.”

Additionally, SB23-105 requires CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid. The bill also requires employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings.

SB23-105 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Finalizes State Budget, Sends to Governor’s Desk

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

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers today gave final sign-off to the FY 2023-2024 Long Bill and sent it to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for his signature, following final tweaks made in conference committee.

Lawmakers prioritized amendments to the budget that fund critical programs including hospitals and health care providers, co-responder programs, veterans assistance programs, wildfire mitigation, and more.

“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.”

Additional priorities funded in the budget by the conference committee include:

• $75,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for suicide prevention by providing mental health first aid training for students

• $4 million in funding for the Community Crime Victims Grant Program in the Department of Public Health and Environment

• $500,000 for family planning

• $8 million for the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund

• $500,000 for the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund within the Department of Transportation

• $1 million Department of Human Services for outreach related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• $500,000 for the Tony Grampsas Program

• $1 million to supplement funding for Denver Health, and another $1 million for Colorado’s rural hospitals

• $2 million to fund a co-responder program within the Behavioral Health Administration

• $500,000 in funding for the Veterans Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

• $100,000 for the Wildfire Capacity Mitigation Development Fund

• $10 million Reinsurance Program Cash Fund in the Department of Regulatory Agencies

• $18.2 million in funding for additional capital projects across the state

Fields, Hansen Introduce Bill to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, today introduced legislation aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” in Colorado. Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws, and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections.

SB23-279, will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a firearm, frame or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer.

“Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home - and they’re extremely dangerous,” Fields said. “We’ve worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this bill is a big step towards reaching that goal. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safe Colorado for us all.”

“Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we can get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.”

Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until Jan 1, 2024 to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device”, which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun.

SB23-279 will be heard in the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Approves Fields & Gonzales’ Bill to Restrict Use of No-Knock Warrants in Colorado

SB23-254 would only allow no-knock warrants if the life of a person is in imminent danger

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, that would place new restrictions on when law enforcement can execute no-knock or knock-and-announce warrants and when they can make warrantless entries into a residence cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

SB23-254 would establish that courts can only authorize a no-knock warrant if a no-knock entry is necessary because of imminent danger to the life of a person, and place restrictions around when and how no-knock warrants can be executed.

“Executing no-knock or knock-and-announce warrants can be extremely dangerous for both law enforcement and the subject of the warrant, and can lead to serious injury and even death,” Fields said. “This bill will put important guardrails around the use of these tactics, and help ensure avoidable tragedies like the killing of Breonna Taylor never happen in Colorado.”

“Right now, no-knock entries manufacture dangerous, sometimes life-threatening, situations,” said Gonzales. “In mere seconds, no-knock intrusions escalate reactions to levels that put both law enforcement and civilians in danger. With this bill, we’re implementing much-needed safety measures around no-knock and knock-and-announce warrants, helping to prevent avoidable tragedies and rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.”

SB23-254 would require law enforcement to execute a knock-and-announce warrant between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., unless a judge authorizes a different time, and would require officers to be in uniform or wearing a visible law enforcement badge, and identify themselves as law enforcement while executing the warrant.

The bill also requires law enforcement to wear and activate a body-worn camera, knock and announce their presence and wait a reasonable time before entering the dwelling, and would require them to delay entry if officers believe someone is approaching with the intent to allow the officer to enter.

If during the execution of a knock-and-announce warrant, law enforcement reasonably believes that a no-knock entry or not waiting a reasonable amount of time before entering is necessary because of an emergency threatening the life of or grave injury to someone, then law enforcement would not have to knock or wait before entering.

According to the Washington Post, at least 22 people have been killed since 2015, including Amir Locke and Breonna Taylor, while police carried out no-knock search warrants.

SB23-254 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Buckner’s Bipartisan Bill to Boost Early Childhood Care Providers Clears Committee

Legislation would provide a one-time bonus to providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Education Committee advanced Senator Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to support early childhood care providers through one-time bonus payments.

Cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, SB23-269 would fund one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). The bonuses must be used to implement the Universal Preschool Program, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity.

“Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” Buckner said. “These one-time bonuses are a much deserved thank you to the early childhood care providers working to get Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program up and running. I look forward to watching UPK benefit Colorado’s youth this fall and for generations to come.”

Providers may receive an additional bonus payment if they maintain or increase their capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022 and April 1, 2024, or are in low-capacity preschool areas.

The bill would transfer $2.5 million from the General Fund to the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Provider Participation Bonus Program, housed within the Department of Early Childhood.

SB23-269 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Committee Advances Pair of Roberts’ Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care, Lower Cost of EpiPens

HB23-1002 and HB23-1224 signal Colorado Democrats ongoing efforts to improve health care and prescription drug affordability

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, bills to cap the cost of life-saving epinephrine auto-injector devices and lower insurance premiums.

The first bill, HB23-1002, would require insurance carriers that provide coverage for EpiPens to cap the out-of-pocket cost to $60 for a 2-pack. It also creates the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program, where uninsured Coloradans with a prescription can apply to obtain low-cost epinephrine through the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI). Manufacturers would be required to post access to the program on their websites. 

“Every Coloradan, no matter where they live, deserves to have access to the life-saving health care they need,” said Roberts. “Colorado has led the way in lowering costs of health care, and now we’re taking the next steps by making premiums and emergency medication more affordable across the state. Rural communities, like those I represent, are more likely to need more affordable emergency medication like EpiPens and less likely to have health insurance coverage. These bills will help families find health insurance plans that work for them, save money, and save lives.”

Since 2007, epinephrine auto-injector prices have increased over 660 percent to $690 for a 2-pack. Because epinephrine auto-injectors expire a year after purchase, Colorado families have been forced to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars annually for critical, life-saving medication.

This legislation builds off of successful policy championed by Roberts, HB21-1307, creating the Colorado Insulin Affordability Program to reduce insulin prescription costs and cap monthly insulin costs at $100. Insulin and epinephrine auto-injectors are both life-saving medications that regulate potentially fatal bodily reactions. 

The second bill, HB23-1224, would lower insurance premiums and make it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The bill strengthens the DOI’s ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI the authority to:

• Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses;

• Structure the public hearings process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate;

• Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs.

HB23-1002 will go to the Senate Appropriations Committee and HB23-1224 now heads to the Senate floor. You can follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively.

SIGNED! Gonzales’ Bill to Reduce Nonviolent Sentences, Encourage Incarcerated Coloradans to Pursue College Credits

HB23-1037 allows nonviolent inmates to have time deducted from their sentence for receiving higher education

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to encourage individuals incarcerated for nonviolent felonies to pursue higher education to earn time off their sentence.

HB23-1037 allows incarcerated individuals sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while incarcerated in the Department of Corrections. Specifically, inmates will be able to receive one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 6 months for an earned credential or certificate of 30 credit hours worth, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree.

“Too often, formerly incarcerated individuals rejoin the workforce with limited education on top of already being at a significant disadvantage relative to their peers due to their criminal history," said Gonzales. “This bill helps reduce recidivism rates and better prepare Coloradans to find good-paying careers once they’ve left prison. I am happy to see this life-changing bill signed into law with bipartisan support.”

While 48 percent of Americans have a postsecondary education, less than 13 percent of inmates have attained the same level of education. The bill also requires funds saved by reduced sentences to be reallocated toward enhancing educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. 

Signed! Gonzales’ Bill to Ensure Language Access for Insurance Documents

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

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to ensure non-English speakers can read and understand critical insurance information.

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

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

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

# # #

¡Firmado! El Proyecto de Ley de Gonzales para Asegurar el Acceso Lingüístico a los Documentos de Seguros

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

DENVER, CO - Ayer el Gobernador Polis firmó la propuesta de ley de la Senadora Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, para asegurar que las personas que no hablan inglés puedan leer y comprender información crítica sobre seguros.    

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

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

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

Senate Approves Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Adult Education in Colorado

SB23-007 will get Coloradans the digital literacy training they need to land jobs, help address workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation aimed at improving adult literacy education and addressing workforce shortages in Colorado, championed by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, SB23-007 provides $2 million to create more opportunities for diverse adult learners across Colorado and adds digital literacy programs to educational offerings for adults provided by adult education providers who receive funds from the adult education and literacy grant program.

“Every Coloradan deserves at the very least a basic education that enables them to become self-sufficient and fully participate in society - but not everyone has the education and training they need to land a good-paying job and care for themselves and their family,” Zenzinger said. “This legislation will help thousands of Coloradans bolster their digital skills and get the critical education they need to reach their career potential, provide for their families, and live their Colorado dream.”

According to the Colorado Adult Education Coalition, 300,000 Coloradans lack a high school credential, and 10 percent of Colorado children rely on a head of household who doesn’t have a high school diploma, which blocks individuals from many good-paying jobs and promotions that would help them better meet their needs and provide for their families.

SB23-007 defines digital literacy as "skills associated with using technology that enables users to find, evaluate, organize, create, disseminate, and communicate information online."

The bill also streamlines reporting and requirements for the adult education and literacy grant program including demographic information, post-program employment rates, and literacy skills gained, and it allows community colleges, technical colleges, and colleges to develop graduation requirements for high school diplomas based on standards from the State Board of Education. 

SB23-007 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Zenzinger’s Bill to Improve Access to Special Education for Students in Foster Care Clears Senate

HB23-1089 removes barriers for foster care recipients who are enrolled in special education

DENVER, CO – Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bill to make it easier for children in the foster care system to continue receiving special education services cleared the Senate today.

HB23-1089 modifies current law to direct resources toward the school district a foster child attends, rather than to the district they are geographically located in. The bill also creates a task force to identify and propose solutions to issues facing education for children in the foster care system.

“All Colorado students deserve a great education, and I am pleased to see my bill that reduces disruptions to special education for kids in foster care unanimously move forward," said Zenzinger. “Children in foster care face many challenges, and this bill will help us better support these students now and into the future.” 

The bill will remedy funding issues related to special education recipients in foster care. Current law allows foster children to continue attending the same school regardless of placement, and directs special education funds toward the school district where a foster child is located, rather than the district they attend, creating funding shortfalls and diminished services. HB23-1089 better aligns special education funding with school enrollment, allowing schools to better serve these students.

HB23-1089 now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval. To follow the bill’s progress, click HERE.

ICYMI: Winter’s Bill to Prevent Income Discrimination, Protect Renters Passes Committee

Winter’s legislation aims to remove barriers to housing stability

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee approved Senator Faith Winter’s, D-Westminster, bill to provide greater access to housing for renters with limited incomes. 

Currently, landlords can require a tenant to earn an income that exceeds set “multipliers” of the annual rent, often three to five times as much, limiting those rentals to wealthier individuals. SB23-184 would expand access to housing by limiting any minimum income requirement to two times the cost of the rent.

For prospective tenants with a housing voucher or subsidy, this cap would only apply to their portion of the rent obligation, and landlords wouldn’t be able to inquire about or consider their credit score.

“Over the last decade the cost of housing in Colorado has doubled, forcing folks to spend larger shares of their income on rent,” said Winter. “Our rental market hasn’t adjusted to these challenging economic realities, and many Coloradans – especially those on limited or fixed incomes – are denied housing or face barriers to obtaining housing because of income requirements. It’s time to put in place sensible guardrails to expand housing access for Coloradans of all income levels.”

Large security deposits can also price renters out of housing. This bill would break down cost-barriers by capping security deposits at two times the monthly rent.

Although Coloradans who experience housing discrimination can sue or file a civil rights complaint, they’re not able to raise discrimination as a defense to an eviction. SB23-184 would further protect tenants from eviction by establishing that a violation of the bill's new prohibitions is an unfair housing practice and clarifying that fair housing violations, including source of income violations, are an affirmative defense to eviction.

SB23-184 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE. 

Fenberg Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency, Improve Colorado’s Elections

Fenberg: “This bill will build confidence and ensure Colorado remains at the forefront when it comes to holding free and fair elections.”

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, today introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency and further improving Colorado’s gold standard elections.

SB23-276 will expand and clarify personal financial disclosures for certain candidates and elected officials, improve voter access in tribal communities, and streamline election day results, among other provisions.

“Colorado’s elections are the envy of the country - but there are always adjustments and improvements we can implement to make our election system even better,” Fenberg said. “Whether it’s creating more transparency for candidates and elected officials or improving access for Native American and other underrepresented voters, this bill will build confidence and ensure Colorado remains at the forefront when it comes to holding free and fair elections.”

Increased transparency and ethics in government 
The bill expands what is required to be disclosed in a candidate or elected official’s personal financial disclosure and clarifies enforcement, ensuring the public knows about potential conflicts of interest for a candidate or elected official and ensures there is an enforcement mechanism for if and when a candidate provides false information. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Department of State cannot use public funds for advertising that features candidates for local, state, or federal office. 

Improved voter access on tribal lands 
SB23-276 establishes a process to allow tribal councils in Colorado to submit membership lists for purposes of Colorado’s existing automatic voter registration law. Additionally, the bill guarantees the placement of early voting and Election Day voting sites on tribal lands. 

Increased voter access for underrepresented voters
The bill increases the number of drop boxes and voter service and polling centers for public and private higher education campuses. The bill also clarifies how sheriffs facilitate voter registration and voting to make it easier for inmates in jails to vote.

Bolstered funding for local election administration
The bill increases funding for local county clerks to help facilitate smooth and secure election administration. The current formula hasn’t been updated in more than a decade and yet administering elections has gotten more challenging and expensive. The new formula will ensure a more equitable share of county election budgets are covered by the state.

Streamlined election results 
SB23-276 requires larger counties to begin counting ballots at least four days prior to Election Day, which will result in publishing election results faster on Election Day. The bill also requires that clerks update “cure” data within 24 hours for voters who need to fix a problem with their ballot. 

Modernized ID system
The bill allows the use of digital IDs such as the state of Colorado’s official myColorado app as well as digital copies of already accepted forms of identification in order to confirm their Colorado address when they vote in person. 

General election and campaign finance cleanup
Finally, SB23-276 also makes several changes to Colorado’s Election Code to remove obsolete provisions, update procedures to reflect current practice, and ensure transparency in campaign finance laws. 

SB23-276 will be heard Thursday in the State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Cutter’s Bill to Set Composting Standards, Reduce Waste Earns Committee Approval

Legislation would prohibit false marketing, “greenwashing” of inorganic products

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee approved Senator Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, bill to standardize compostable products in Colorado.

SB23-253 would create standards for products that are marketed or represented as being compostable. In order to market products as compostable, the bill would require third-party validation and require labeling distinction, like green or beige labels or symbols. Unless the product is compostable-certified, the bill would make using a composting label or implying such a deceptive trade practice violation. 

"Many Coloradans are working to improve our environment by composting,” said Cutter. “Unfortunately, some companies are 'greenwashing’ their products, which leads to contamination at compost sites, depriving compost businesses of the opportunity to process and sell this valuable organic material. This bill will set standards that make it easier for consumers to understand what is truly compostable, help compost businesses, divert materials from landfills and improve soil health."

SB23-253 is in response to the continued contamination of Colorado’s composting efforts. This is in part due to companies falsely-advertising items like disposable plates and silverware as compostable when those claims don’t hold up in industrial facilities, also known as “greenwashing.” The legislation would create clear standards for products and clarification for customers.

According to Colorado’s largest commercial composting company, 10 percent of organic material coming to their facilities is contaminated due to non-compostable items like dog toys, plastic food containers and bottles.

SB23-253 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.