Roberts Bill to Expand Property Tax Exemptions for Affordable Housing Clears Committee

HB23-1184 will help boost Colorado’s supply of affordable homes

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, that would expand property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations like community land trusts that build and sell affordable housing, and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80 percent to 100 percent.

“The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” Roberts said. “This bill would be a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home.”

HB23-1184 also extends the exemption period from five years to 10 years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The bill would create a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other affordable housing nonprofits that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land, and not to the home.

HB23-1184 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Polis Signs Hinrichsen & Marchman’s Bill to Establish Agricultural Right to Repair

HB23-1011 would give Colorado farmers the freedom to fix their equipment when it breaks down

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, that establishes a ‘right to repair’ in Colorado and allow farmers and ranchers the freedom to fix their farm equipment when it breaks down into law.

Right now, farmers must utilize mechanics “authorized” by the manufacturer in order to repair critical farm equipment like tractors and combines. HB23-1011 would require a manufacturer to provide parts, software, tools, and diagnostic & maintenance manuals to independent repair providers and equipment owners, saving producers time and money when their equipment breaks down.

“Colorado’s farmers play a critical role in our economy, but for too long when their equipment broke down, they were forced to use an authorized mechanic to get it fixed, costing them both extra time and money,” Hinrichsen said. “That’s why I fought to give Colorado farmers the freedom to repair their equipment themselves or have an independent mechanic do the work. This new law will give Colorado farmers a leg up and save them time and money so they can focus on their important job of feeding the world.”

“Family farmers and ranchers like the ones I represent need all the help they can get, and this new law is a great first step,” Marchman said. “A broken tractor or combine during harvest season can be devastating, and makes an already difficult job that much harder. Farmers should be able to apply know-how and elbow grease to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to use an authorized dealer. I am thrilled that our bill to keep operations running smoothly and save Colorado ag producers critical time and money has finally been signed into law.”

HB23-1011 folds agricultural equipment into Colorado’s existing consumer right-to-repair statutes, and would not require manufacturers to divulge any trade secrets to independent repair shops or owners.

Pair of Bills to Prevent Eating Disorders, Build a Healthier Colorado Pass Senate

SB23-014 and SB23-176 aim to address the rising rates of disordered eating and support those with eating disorders in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved a pair of bills to prevent disordered eating and to better support those individuals with eating disorders.

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 has increased by 100% 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, also sponsored by Moreno, would address the rising rates of disordered eating in the state – especially amongst 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 House for further consideration. You can follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively. 

Senate Approves Buckner’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Educational Opportunities and Improve Colorado’s Workforce

SB23-003 creates a free adult high school program for those over 21 to receive their diploma, expanding our workforce and closing equity gaps

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Bucker, D-Aurora, that creates a free adult high school education program for those over 21 to receive their diploma. 

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-003 would create the Colorado Adult High School program to expand educational opportunities for adults, which will improve Colorado’s workforce and close equity gaps. The Colorado Adult High School Program would reside within the Department of Education and partner with a local nonprofit to operate the program with an initial pilot campus located in Aurora.

“Many Coloradans are forced to leave high school early due to various life circumstances, and face barriers that make it difficult to return and earn their degree,” Buckner said. “This bill creates a pathway for adults to get their high school diploma free of cost. The Colorado Adult High School Program would save folks money while setting them up for success in their careers – helping us build a better Colorado for all.”

In addition to a high school diploma, students would also have the option to earn an industry certificate or college credits. In 2022, Colorado’s graduation rate was 82.3 percent – showing that the need for alternative education opportunities is clear. 

SB23-003 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Bipartisan Bill to Boost Math Performance Passes Senate Education Committee

HB23-1231 would use data-driven tactics to improve students’ math skills

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee passed Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bipartisan bill to improve Colorado students' math performances from pre-K to 12th grade.

HB23-1231, cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, provides robust support for students, families, and teachers through evidence-informed tools to expand time-on-task math engagement for students and training for educators and parents. The bill makes it easier for students to get the support they need to improve their math skills both in and out of school.

“Colorado kids deserve the best possible education, but right now too many of our students are failing to earn a passing grade when it comes to their math skills,” said Senator Janice Marchman. “As a math teacher I know firsthand how crucial these skills are, which is why I am proud to champion this bill. Resources like after-school programs and specialized training will give parents and educators the tools they need to get our kids caught up, and will help ensure that students of all ages are getting the high-quality education they need to thrive.”

HB23-1231 permits the Colorado Department of Education to provide free math training and technical assistance for teachers to incorporate math education tools in the classrooms and identify areas of improvement for students. The bill would enable schools to send notifications to parents and caregivers if their students are underperforming or struggling in math, and incorporates a train-the-parent model to increase understanding of math concepts at home.

This bill also creates a new state-based grant program focused on after-school math and STEM improvement. In addition, HB23-1231 integrates early numeracy into universal preschool quality standards and establishes a Ninth Grade Success Grant Program to help students tackle math concepts at a critical point in their education.

HB23-1231 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

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

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 was approved by the full Senate.

SB23-092, 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. The bill 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 to 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. Additionally, the bill establishes an excise tax exemption on renewable diesel and biodiesel sold in either the pure form or as part of a blend, encouraging the use of these alternative fuel sources.

SB23-092 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Gonzales Bill On Admissibility Standards for Youth Interrogations Approved by Senate

Legislation would bar juveniles’ statements from being admitted in court if a law enforcement official used deceptive practices during interrogation

DENVER, CO – Today Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to bar a juvenile’s statement from being admitted in court if law enforcement used deceptive practices during a custodial interrogation passed the Senate.

HB23-1042 would make a juvenile’s statement inadmissible in court if a law enforcement official knowingly uses untruthful practices during a custodial interrogation, unless the prosecution can prove that the statement was made voluntarily despite the deception. It would require an interrogation to be recorded and would allow a judge to use the recording to determine if the statement or admission is voluntary and admissible.

“False confessions harm the person giving the confession as well as our public safety,” Gonzales said. “Currently, Colorado law tells us that we are okay with law enforcement lying to children; that we are okay with innocent children ending up behind bars. This year, we have an opportunity to do right by Colorado’s kids. I’m proud to carry this critical legislation which will help prevent kids from having permanent records over false confessions and ensure law enforcement is keeping our communities safe by finding the correct perpetrator of crimes.”

The bill would allocate $30,000 to fund juvenile interrogation training for law enforcement to improve understanding of juvenile development, strengthen techniques for building rapport with juveniles, and reduce the likelihood of false confessions.

HB23-1042 now returns to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Jaquez Lewis & Buckner’s Bill To Lower Prescription Drug Costs Passes Senate

HB23-1225 would increase PDAB’s impact and lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, bill to increase the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans.

HB23-1225 would allow PDAB to increase the limit on setting Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) to 18 per year if the board reaches the current annual cap of 12 UPLs and demonstrates a need for additional UPLs. Additionally, the bill would improve the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review.

“Over the past few years we have worked hard to save Coloradans money on life-saving prescription drugs,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Still, too many families’ budgets are squeezed by high costs of medication. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an essential tool to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable, and these changes will make the Board even more effective at saving families money on their life-saving medications.”

“House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” Buckner said. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.”

In 2021, lawmakers created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. 

HB23-1225 now returns to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Expand Access to Reproductive Health Care Passes Senate

SB23-284 would ensure coverage for 12 months of contraception

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, to expand access to contraception passed the Senate today with bipartisan support. 

SB23-284 would require both insurance plans and pharmacy benefit management companies (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. 

SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186, a bipartisan bill that ensured Coloradans can access 12 months of birth control. However, HB17-1186 hasn’t been complied with and many Coloradans can only access three months of birth control at a time. SB23-284 closes loopholes and helps ensure that both insurers and PBMs are complying with the requirement, and makes it easier for patients to obtain a year’s supply of birth control. 

"No one should have to ask for permission every month from their insurance company to not get pregnant," said Bridges. "I spoke with a woman during the election who spends more than an hour on the phone every month just getting her birth control prescription refilled. That's absurd. Today's bill protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline."

“Whether folks live in rural areas or work odd hours, trips to the pharmacy can be inconvenient and difficult to make,” Danielson said. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, and ensuring patients can access 12 months of birth control. This bill will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” 

Data shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and makes it harder for folks to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies.

SB23-284 now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Roberts’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care

HB23-1224 signals Colorado Democrats' ongoing efforts to improve health care

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, bill to lower insurance premiums.

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 would ensure that profits and administrative costs aren’t passed down to consumers while improving the rate review process.

“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 by creating the Colorado Option. This bill builds on the first year of success of that plan and makes changes that will ensure that next year and in the years to come, even more Coloradans, particularly in the rural communities like those I represent, will be able to have access to more affordable and higher quality insurance options.”

The legislation strengthens the Department of Insurance’s (DOI) 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.

HB23-1224 will return to the House for concurrence of amendments. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Mullica’s Bill to Expand School Access to Life-Saving Stop the Bleed Kits, Training Clears Senate

HB23-1213 enhances school safety by deploying Stop the Bleed kits to schools who opt into the program

DENVER, CO – Today, Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bipartisan bill to enhance school safety with Stop the Bleed kits cleared the Senate.

HB23-1213 will allow schools to opt into a program to receive Stop the Bleed kits and training materials to lower the chance of a bleeding-related fatality. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will also share data with the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma about how many individuals received school based training, number of kits sent to schools, and how many schools enrolled in the program.

“As a father and a nurse, I know the seconds matter when somebody is bleeding,” said Mullica. “Stop the Bleed is an important program to save lives in our schools and raise awareness about this easy to learn, life-saving technique.”

Stop the Bleed is a program offered by the United States Department of Homeland Security. They offer training and equipment to save lives during a bleeding emergency, and have already trained over 2.6 million Americans in this life-saving technique. HB23-1213 would allocate resources to purchase nearly 2,800 kits.

HB23-1213 will now move to Governor Polis’ desk. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Housing Affordability Introduced

DENVER, CO – The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election.

“We’re working hard to help Coloradans across the state find a place to live that they can afford,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The goal of this legislation is to effectively deliver on voters’ intent, while increasing flexibility for rural resort communities and addressing any potential administrative challenges with implementing the new initiatives. Every Coloradan deserves to live in the communities they work in, and this bill will help us build a Colorado for all by creating additional housing options that are affordable for hardworking people in all corners of our state.”

"Folks who live in rural communities like the ones I represent know firsthand just how hard it is to find a home they can afford," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. "This bill will ensure that the funds are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and deliver increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met so that more of our neighbors can afford to live in the communities where they work. I'm excited to see this important legislation move forward with bipartisan support, and to help ensure that every Colorado family has a safe and affordable place to call home."

HB23-1304 will ensure the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible.

The bill ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. These communities will also be able to partner with neighboring local governments to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent.

In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness.

Senate Approves Roberts’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care, Lower Cost of EpiPens

Roberts: “This bill will limit out-of-pocket costs and make life-saving EpiPens much more affordable for working folks”

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, that would cap the cost of life-saving epinephrine auto-injector devices, more commonly known as EpiPens.

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. 

“Colorado families like the ones I represent on the Western Slope are getting charged an arm and a leg for the EpiPens they rely on to save their lives in emergency situations, and it’s unacceptable,” Roberts said. “Nobody should have to choose between paying the bills and affording their prescription drugs. This bill will lower costs and make life-saving EpiPens much more affordable for working folks.”

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 in 2021, 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.

HB23-1002 now moves back to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Health Committee Approves Moreno’s Bill to Bolster Community Benefit Health Services

Moreno: “House Bill 1243 works to ensure the public’s concerns are heard when hospitals are determining what benefits to provide to their community”

DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Dominick Moreno’s, D-Commerce City, bill to bolster community benefit health services across Colorado cleared the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

HB23-1243 would center hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending.

The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact community benefit spending has on the health of Coloradans.

“Non-profit hospitals have the opportunity to provide much needed benefits back to their community,” said Moreno. “House Bill 1243 works to ensure the public’s concerns are heard when hospitals are determining what benefits to provide to their community. This bill requires greater transparency from hospitals about what benefits are being funded and how community feedback is being implemented, ensuring Coloradans have access to the unique services they need.”

Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, and others experiencing disproportionate health outcomes are fairly represented in a hospital’s community benefit spending plan. 

HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. 

Additionally, the bill would enhance existing public meeting requirements and ensure representation from the tribal councils and Urban Indian Organizations who have hospitals within their communities.

HB23-1243 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fields, Hansen Bill to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns Earns Committee Approval

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

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” in Colorado cleared the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today. 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 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 safer 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 January 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 now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Clears Committee

Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, that would improve transparency and accountability for utilities and save people money on their energy bills cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

SB23-291 presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances what kinds of expenses are paid by utility shareholders vs. ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel cost control, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where infrastructure plans are proposed and approved.

The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a mechanism to incentivize utilities to save money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks.

“Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Fenberg said. “This bill will improve transparency and hold utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see our legislation that will help save Coloradans money on their energy bills move forward.”

“Our committee has been hard at work the past few months searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.”

Further, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ use of expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. 

SB23-291 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, in response to recent spikes in energy prices, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors.

Senate Approves Fenberg’s 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’s, D-Boulder, legislation aimed at increasing transparency and further improving Colorado’s gold standard elections cleared the Senate 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.”

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 election administrators at the state, county, and local level 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 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 House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Gonzales & Jaquez Lewis’ Bill To Reduce Local Government Participation in Immigrant Detention Clears Senate

HB23-1100 would end formal cooperation between ICE and Colorado sheriffs

DENVER, CO – Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bill to prohibit local governments from providing space in jails and prisons to detain undocumented people for civil immigration purposes cleared the Senate today.

HB23-1100 would limit local governments' participation in immigration detention by prohibiting them from entering into certain contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and with private detention facilities. The bill also prohibits state and local governments from opening or facilitating new private immigration detention facilities.

“Over the past few years we have made significant progress to limit Colorado’s local governments’ involvement in federal immigration detention policies,” Gonzales said. “This bill takes us another step closer to ending involvement altogether, helping ensure we are living out our Colorado values and working to keep immigrant families in Colorado whole.”

“Right now, Colorado taxpayers are helping fund ICE facilities and detention,” said Jaquez Lewis. “This runs counter to the values of an overwhelming majority of Coloradans and it’s time to put an end to it. With this bill, we’re ensuring critical state dollars and resources are not being used to enforce federal policies that separate families and thrust undocumented people into dangerous detainment.”

In 2019, Gonzales passed legislation to prohibit state law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining people on federal immigration charges.

HB23-1100 now heads to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate 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 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 back to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Winter, Gonzales Bill to Address Harassment & Discrimination, Create Safer Workplaces Clears Senate

Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act will strengthen workplace protections, help keep Colorado workers safe

DENVER, CO – Landmark legislation sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, that would improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and discrimination policies cleared the Senate today.

SB23-172, or the Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act, would update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The bill will also deter future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class.

“No Coloradan should face harassment or discrimination at the workplace, yet our state still lacks adequate policies to protect our workers and hold bad actors accountable,” Winter said. “This bill will take an important step forward in deterring bad behavior and better supporting survivors. By improving accountability measures and enhancing equity in the workplace, we will ensure that every Colorado worker can feel safe and secure on the job.”

“There is an urgent need to do more to protect Colorado workers from discrimination and harassment of all types,” Gonzales said. “It’s long past time we update and modernize Colorado law and put the power and protections on the side of the workers. The POWR Act will support Colorado workers and enhance equity in the workplace so that every Coloradan can earn a fair living free from fear of harassment or discrimination.”

The “severe or pervasive” standard was established by the U.S. Supreme Court more than three decades ago and assumes that some harassment is tolerable as long as it is not “severe” and does not happen frequently. It allows employers to tolerate a level of groping, touching, crude sexual or racist comments, and other offensive behavior despite the harm of such a toxic work environment on the targets of this offensive behavior.

Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive” hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and will allow survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice.

The POWR Act also removes the language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) that permits employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job.” 

Finally, the bill establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program, taking prompt action in response to a complaint, and keeping records of any complaints.  

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