Bill to Reduce Child Hunger Passes Senate with Bipartisan Support

Colorado on path to become one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program

DENVER, CO – Today, with bipartisan support, the Senate passed Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, legislation to take advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and provide students with nutrition assistance during summer break. 

Under SB23B-002, Colorado children will receive an estimated $35 million to help their families purchase groceries while school is out for summer – a time when child hunger typically spikes. The Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food from SNAP retailers. Families will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years.

“Far too many Colorado children, through no fault of their own, face nutritional challenges every day,” said Zenzinger. “The hunger becomes exacerbated in the summer when they are not in school and they don’t have access to free and reduced meals. We owe it to those children to leverage any resources we can on their behalf, and these federal funds provide a step in the right direction.”

“More hungry kids getting more food is a good thing, full stop," Bridges said. "This bipartisan legislation will allow us to lead the nation in giving 300,000 kids meals during their summer break from school, with the federal government paying the bill. More food for more Colorado kids at almost no cost to Coloradans. What’s not to love?”

The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. 

SB23B-002 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Appropriations Committee Moves Forward Bill to Reduce Child Hunger with Unanimous Support

Colorado on path to become one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, legislation to take advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and provide students with nutrition assistance during summer break. 

Under SB23B-002, Colorado children will receive an estimated $35 million to help their families purchase groceries while school is out for summer – a time when child hunger typically spikes. The Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food from SNAP retailers. Families will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years.

“Far too many Colorado children, through no fault of their own, face nutritional challenges every day,” said Zenzinger. “The hunger becomes exacerbated in the summer when they are not in school and they don’t have access to free and reduced meals. We owe it to those children to leverage any resources we can on their behalf, and these federal funds provide a step in the right direction.”

“More hungry kids getting more food is a good thing, full stop," Bridges said. "This bipartisan legislation will allow us to lead the nation in giving 300,000 kids meals during their summer break from school, with the federal government paying the bill. More food for more Colorado kids at almost no cost to Coloradans. What’s not to love?”

The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. 

SB23B-002 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Reduce Property Taxes, Protect Funding for Schools and Local Services Clears Committee

SB23B-001 would provide property tax relief for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for local services

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today voted to advance legislation to cut property taxes for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for essential local services like schools and fire districts.

SB23B-001, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would increase the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $50,000, and decrease the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year. 

“We have an obligation as the majority party to govern responsibly, which means making tough decisions to solve problems and deliver solutions responsive to the moment that we’re living in,” said Fenberg. “With the limited tools available to us, we’ve now set our sights on providing immediate property tax relief to those who are most vulnerable to the rising cost of living, while ensuring local governments – especially schools and fire districts – don’t face budget cuts. With this bill – as well as others moving forward – we’re committed to providing the support Coloradans need.”

“Colorado homeowners are facing steep property tax increases that are unaffordable for many working families and folks on fixed incomes,” Hansen said. “Over the past week we’ve worked hard to maximize the amount of property tax relief we can offer, given the resources we have. While we continue to work on a long term solution, our short term bill is a responsible path forward that prioritizes relief for those who need it most while protecting funding for schools and fire districts.”

To offset revenue loss resulting from property tax reductions, SB23B-001 would transfer $135 million of general fund dollars to the State Education Fund to be used to backfill school districts’ budgets, and would appropriate $65 million of general fund dollars to be used to backfill local governments and services.

SB23B-001 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Hinrichsen, Marchman Bill to Provide Equal TABOR Refunds Clears Committee

New law would benefit Colorado’s working families

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, that creates a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will equalize refunds for thousands of working Colorado families.

SB23B-003 puts more money back into the pockets of Coloradans, and would increase TABOR refunds by about $500 for the majority of working families by creating a new temporary refund mechanism - identical to what Democrats provided last year - that replaces the sales tax refund mechanism for FY 22-23. Every Colorado taxpayer will receive an identical refund payment, making our tax code more equitable and providing enhanced support for working families.

“Middle class folks in Colorado get hit particularly hard when it comes to taxes, which is why I am fighting to make our state’s tax code more just and equitable, because working folks deserve a break,” said Hinrichsen. “I am excited to deliver this badly-needed relief that will put money directly back into Coloradans’ wallets and make it easier for them to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries.” 

“Making life easier and Colorado more affordable is one of my top priorities at the Capitol, and equalizing TABOR refunds will do just that for our working families,” Marchman said. “This measure delivers relief for Colorado taxpayers and will make refunds more equitable while ensuring more support goes to the folks who need it most."

Almost 90 percent of single filers and nearly half of joint filers will benefit from higher TABOR refunds under this proposal. In 2022, Hinrichsen sponsored SB23-233 which provided urgently-needed relief through flat TABOR refunds. 

SB23B-003 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Legislative Leadership Statements on Call for Special Session

DENVER, CO – Legislative leaders in the House and Senate released statements following Governor Polis’ call for a special session to address property tax relief for Coloradans:

“We always knew that if Proposition HH failed, property taxes would rise dramatically for thousands of Coloradans, which would make Colorado’s cost of living even more out of reach for so many,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The voters had their say about a long-term, comprehensive approach. Our caucus will now be laser-focused on providing short-term relief to those who are most vulnerable to the rising cost of living – which means working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes – while protecting our schools and fire districts.”

“We have a responsibility to deliver real results on the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and that’s what we’ll do in this special session as we continue working to address the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With rising property values leading to unaffordable tax increases, our goal is to responsibly provide real relief to the people who need it most while protecting schools, fire districts and libraries. In this special session, we will work to boost support for renters and working people and deliver urgent property tax relief for Coloradans.”

“The cost of living in our state is a top concern for Colorado homeowners and renters alike, and steep property tax increases are stretching budgets even further,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “As we continue our work to make Colorado more affordable and consider the options available to us, we must now determine if a path forward exists that can provide relief while protecting funding for schools and essential community services.”

“We have an opportunity to deliver urgent property tax relief and support for working families, especially renters,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Rising property taxes threaten the lifelong investments many lower-income Coloradans and people of color have made to achieve the dream of owning a home. Despite our limited options, we are committed to working with stakeholders to craft a responsible package that protects schools and makes Colorado more affordable. I encourage everyone to come to the table and work with us to provide relief for Coloradans.”

Majority Leader Rodriguez Announces Updated Senate Committee Assignments

DENVER, CO – Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, today announced updated Senate committee assignments for the upcoming 2024 legislative session. The updates were necessitated by the departure of former Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and the subsequent changes to Senate membership and leadership that followed. 

“Our caucus members have been hard at work over the interim preparing to tackle the challenges that matter most to our communities and build on the progress we made last year,” Rodriguez said. “I am excited for our members to dive into the issues, have informed and thoughtful deliberations, and create lasting results for the people of Colorado."

Updated committee assignments are below, with new committee members italicized. Members taking on a new role within a committee upon which they already serve are indicated by an *. 

Agriculture & Natural Resources, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair
Senator Jessie Danielson, Vice Chair
Senator Janice Marchman
Senator Kevin Priola

Appropriations, 9 members (6-3)

Senator Jeff Bridges, Chair
Senator Rachel Zenzinger, Vice Chair
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales
Senator Kevin Priola
Senator Chris Hansen

Business, Labor, & Technology, 7 members (5-2)

Senator Jessie Danielson, Chair*
Senator Nick Hinrichsen, Vice Chair*
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Senator Joann Ginal
Senator Tom Sullivan

Education, 7 members (4-3)

Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, Chair
Senator Janice Marchman, Vice Chair
Senator Rhonda Fields
Senator Chris Kolker

Finance, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Kyle Mullica, Chair
Senator Chris Kolker, Vice Chair
Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner
Senator Chris Hansen

Health & Human Services, 9 members (6-3)

Senator Rhonda Fields, Chair
Senator Joann Ginal, Vice Chair
Senator Lisa Cutter
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis
Senator Kyle Mullica
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Judiciary, 5 members (3-2)

Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, Chair
Senator Dylan Roberts, Vice Chair*
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Local Government & Housing, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Chair
Senator Tony Exum, Sr., Vice Chair
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales
Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter

State, Veterans, & Military Affairs, 5 members (3-2)

President Pro Tempore James Coleman, Chair
Senator Tom Sullivan, Vice Chair
Senator Chris Hansen

Transportation & Energy, 7 members (5-2)

Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, Chair
Senator Kevin Priola, Vice Chair
Senator Tony Exum, Sr.
Senator Lisa Cutter
Senator Nick Hinrichsen

Wildfire Matters Review Committee Advances Bills to Better Prepare Colorado for Wildfires

DENVER, CO - The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced five bills to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness.

Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Bill 1, sponsored by Vice Chair Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, Chair Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, directs Colorado State University (CSU) to study the use of biochar in wildfire mitigation efforts. The study would evaluate beneficial uses for biochar, its impacts on forest health and best practices in creating it, with a report due on its findings by July 1, 2026.

“Coloradans are counting on us to help reduce wildfire-risk in their backyard, and these bills put us on a path forward to improving statewide mitigation efforts and education,” said Chair Velasco, sponsor of Bills 1, 2, 5 and 9. “Colorado rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage and are especially vulnerable to high workforce shortages and a lack of resources needed to prevent and combat wildfires. Today, we passed five bills to support communities in boosting their wildfire mitigation efforts, creating emergency preparedness plans, and increasing awareness surrounding residential mitigation efforts.”

“I represent many communities on the wildland-urban interface, and they are at an increased risk of wildfires as we continue to feel the impacts of climate change,” Vice Chair Cutter said, sponsor of all five bills. “I'm excited about the bills we advanced today, which will look at innovative ways to remove and utilize biomass, help homeowners with costly slash and debris removal, protect pets, help rural communities apply for grants and raise community awareness about what actions people can take to mitigate their risk. As Vice Chair and longtime member of the Wildfire Matters interim committee, I'm always thrilled to work with stakeholders and colleagues to forward policy to help protect our forests and our communities.”

Bill 2, sponsored by Reps. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Velasco, and Sens. Cutter and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would encourage agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during an emergency, and also include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. 

“Preventing destructive wildfires and protecting our communities begins with good mitigation methods and resources at the local level,” said Snyder, sponsor of Bills 2, 5 and 6. “The bills we advanced today would establish programs to aid local governments with wildfire mitigation, better connect rural communities with grant money to close the gap in their wildfire mitigation and response efforts, and encourage cities and counties to provide pet-friendly emergency shelters and emergency resources. Wildfires are a very serious risk in our state, and these policies will save lives, prevent devastating damage, and protect Coloradans from wildfire threats.”

“I saw first hand as the Senator for Louisville during the Marshall Fire, how important responding to the threat of wildfires really is, which is why I am sponsoring two bills to help Colorado families and communities be better prepared,” said Jaquez Lewis, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “These bills will provide resources to help folks make plans to ensure that everyone in their families, including their pets, are safe during an emergency, and will improve the aftermath for victims in the cleanup process. I promised I would be there for my community then, and I will continue to work to reduce the risks from wildfires."

Sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Snyder, and Sens. Cutter and Will, Bill 5 aims to help rural communities obtain wildfire-related grants. The bill requires that the Rural Opportunity Office provide assistance to rural communities to identify and apply for state and federal grants related to wildfire mitigation, prevention, response, and risk-management efforts. Additionally, the Office of Economic Development and International Trade would maintain a list of government grant programs on its website to further ease the process.

The committee also approved Bill 9, sponsored by Reps. Velasco and Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Sen. Cutter. The bill would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. 

“When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan living in the foothills and forested areas to know how they can protect their homes,” said Story, sponsor of Bill 9. “Living in the wildland-urban interface means we need to take extra precautions to protect our personal property and our neighbors. This includes reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes and keeping gutters clean. This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies that will keep our beloved communities safer in the wake of a wildfire event. The bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these science-based strategies, which are our strongest barrier against wildfires.”

Bill 6, sponsored by Sens. Cutter and Jaquez Lewis, and Reps. Snyder and Dickson, would create two programs to support local governments in wildfire risk mitigation. The first program would support county efforts to remove slash, which is a residue created by wildfire mitigation efforts. If passed, the Department of Natural Resources would select counties to participate in the program, and provide information and resources to facilitate slash removal.

The second program would help local governments with post-disaster debris removal for residences. Under this bill, the Department of Public Safety would be in charge of providing guidance to local governments to facilitate debris removal.

“We’re dedicated to keeping Coloradans safe from the risk of wildfire, and today we advanced bills that will do just that,” said Dickson, sponsor of Bills 1 and 6. “Our bills will help prevent wildfires by keeping our forests healthy and delivering data on the use of biochar to sustainably protect our communities. We'll also help local governments to deal with the aftermath of wildfires, including streamlining cleanup and coordinating federal disaster assistance. I am so pleased these evidence-focused policies will move forward to keep our communities and our forests safe.”

The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

Democratic Leadership on Governor’s Budget Proposal

DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, today released the following statements on Governor Polis’ FY 2024-2025 budget proposal:

Statement from Speaker McCluskie:

“After years of delivering historic increases in public school funding and making steady progress, the General Assembly this year is poised to eliminate the public school funding deficit (the Budget Stabilization Factor) in Colorado for the first time since 2009. This is the moment that parents, students and teachers have been waiting for, and I’m proud that our responsible budgets and consistent investment in our students have paved the way to make it a reality. The Governor’s budget proposal will build on our collaborative efforts with the JBC and Education Committee Chair Rep. McLachlan to boost per pupil funding to record levels, increase teacher pay, and reduce class sizes to set up our students to thrive. I appreciate Governor Polis’ budget proposal, and I look forward to working with him and the JBC to improve education, support working families and make Colorado a more affordable place to live.”

Statement from President Fenberg:

“Making sure our kids get the best education possible is one of the most important jobs we have, which is why I am thrilled to see Governor Polis’ budget request put such a strong emphasis on fully funding our schools and eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor once and for all. Governor Polis’ budget request represents a thoughtful, responsible approach that will also save Colorado families money on urgent priorities like housing and health care, while providing badly-needed resources to help achieve our shared goal of making Colorado communities safer. I look forward to working closely with Governor Polis next session as we fight to create a healthier, safer, and stronger Colorado for us all.”

Bills to Save Seniors Money on Housing, Expand Wildfire Mitigation Efforts Advance

DENVER, CO - The Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force today advanced bills to extend the senior housing income tax credit, exempt modular homes from sales and use taxes, and expand the wildfire mitigation tax credit and the health preceptor tax credit.

“These bills will put more money back into the pockets of Colorado seniors renting their homes, property owners trying to mitigate wildfire risk, and health care preceptors training the next generation of doctors,” said Chair Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bills 1 and 10. “By increasing the tax credit for wildfire mitigation costs, we’ll make it easier and cheaper for Coloradans to protect their homes. We’re also exempting modular homes from sales and use tax and reestablishing a housing tax credit for seniors, which together will help build more affordable places to live and save Coloradans money on housing.”

“Colorado’s working families deserve a break, and the bills we’re advancing today will do just that by making it more affordable to defend homes against wildfires, bolstering our health care workforce, and allowing more Colorado seniors to stay in their homes,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of all five bills. “I’m proud to champion these bills that will save money on housing and will make life easier for Colorado families.”

Bill 1, sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Lisa Frizell and Senators Chris Hansen and Chris Kolker, would modify various tax expenditures including increasing the wildfire mitigation tax credit, doubling the health care preceptors tax credit, and exempting modular homes from sales and use tax.

Under this bill, the Rural and Frontier Healthcare Preceptor Credit would increase from $1,000 to $2,000 and the maximum Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Expenses Tax Credit would increase from $625 to $1000.

Bill 10, sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Bob Marshall and Senators Chris Hansen and Chris Kolker, reinstates a refundable income tax credit for seniors, created by HB22-1205, for the income tax year starting January 1, 2024. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident who is 65 years old or older by the end of 2024, have a federal adjusted gross income (AGI) that is $75,000 or less for a single filer, or $150,000 or less for joint filers, and have not claimed the senior property tax exemption for the 2024 property tax year.

“This bill could save 130,000 Colorado seniors over $143 million dollars,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of Bill 10. “Seniors are particularly vulnerable when the cost of living rises because they are dependent on a set income, like their retirement savings, to cover all of their costs. Our bill ensures that seniors who cannot take advantage of the senior homestead property tax exemption because they rent their homes also receive some housing costs assistance as they age in place on fixed incomes. By advancing this bill, we’re one step closer to saving lower- and middle-income seniors thousands of dollars each, helping them combat the rising cost of living.”

“We’ve been working hard to support Colorado seniors, and especially those living on a low fixed income while renting, or who are not eligible for the senior homestead exemption, which is why I am so proud to champion this important legislation,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 10. “This measure would save older Coloradans millions of dollars on housing, make our state a more affordable place to live, and ensure seniors can remain in the communities they have called home for years to come.”

Single filers with a federal AGI of $25,000 or less will receive $1,000. Joint filers with a federal AGI that is $50,000 or less will also receive $1,000. For every $500 of income above the threshold, the amount of the credit is reduced by $10.

The committee also advanced three other bills. Bill 2, in response to the SCOTUS ruling of Tyler v Hennepin County, ensures that Colorado’s laws around the recovery of unpaid property taxes on real property and mobile homes align with the Constitution by changing requirements and process for the issuance of treasurer’s deeds.

Bill 6 modifies short-term rental definitions and directs the property tax administrator to establish and administer a program to develop a statewide database and uniform reporting system to track short-term rentals. Properties used as a residence, but only for short-term rentals, would be defined as a lodging property under the definition of hotels and motels.

Bill 7 changes procedures of the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) for evaluating state tax expenditures and directs OSA to review federal tax law changes that impact the state. The bill also permits the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy & Task Force to request evaluation of specific tax expenditures and continue the oversight committee and task force until December 2031.

The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

Water Resources Committee Advances Bills to Preserve Water Resources, Support Green Infrastructure

Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk

DENVER, CO - The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to preserve water resources, build more efficient water systems, and ease restrictions on the sale of raw milk.

Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water, with much of this being on non-native turf grass. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this new bill focuses on restricting its initial installation. Sponsored by Chair Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Vice Chair Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, Bill 6 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting local governments and homeowners’ associations from installing or planting nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties. Nonfunctional means areas like medians or parking lot perimeters which are seldom used; the policy makes no changes to the use of turf in functional areas like yards, sports fields and playgrounds. Additionally, the bill would impose the same restrictions on state facilities.

“We have been hard at work this interim looking at ways to address Colorado’s water crisis and develop a number of solutions to conserve water and create more efficient systems,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bill 6. “Our new bill makes a simple change that will have major ripple effects. By restricting the installation of grass turf in new developments and nonfunctional areas, we can significantly cut down on nonessential water use and ensure we’re using our water as efficiently as possible.”

“Water is our state’s most precious resource, and this legislation encourages conservation and natural landscapes,” said McLachlan, sponsor of Bill 6. “This bill would not allow local governments and HOAs to install new water-intensive lawns, artificial lawns or invasive plant species in nonfunctional areas, such as parking lots, to protect Colorado’s ecosystem and cut back on water usage. We must all do our part in addressing the water crisis and promoting more natural spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

“Native landscapes are important for supporting Colorado’s ecosystem, which is teeming with plants, insects and animals,” said McCormick, sponsor of Bills 6 and 9. “This bill would prohibit local governments and HOAs from installing invasive species, turf and astroturf in nonfunctional areas which would help encourage water-wise landscaping. Together, we’re working to save Coloradans’ money, water and preserve natural landscapes. Another policy we passed today explores using green infrastructure for traditional wastewater systems, which could include anything from planting more native plants and trees to protecting our state’s wetlands. Green infrastructure is just one of many tools we have to improve wildfire mitigation, boost water quality and encourage natural cityscapes.”

Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, Rep. McCormick, Sen. Simpson, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, Bill 9 would require the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, to study the feasibility of substituting green nature-based infrastructure for traditional centralized wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. The study would determine if green infrastructure, a planned and managed network of natural green spaces, is a feasible alternative for water providers, would attract new sources of environmental-focused funding for water quality compliance and for water infrastructure projects, and would create cost savings for CDPHE and local water providers.

The study would be completed by December 31, 2025. After completing the study, CDPHE would establish at least one pilot program to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure as an alternative compliance program supported with environmental-focused funding.

“Why use chemicals to treat wastewater if nature can do it just as well?” asked Bridges, sponsor of Bill 9. “Today’s bill will give water experts the resources they need to see if we can naturally improve water quality enough to keep our residents safe while cutting costs for our communities, especially our small rural towns.”

The committee also advanced Bill 15, sponsored by Roberts, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, which would legalize the sale of raw cow or goat milk when it is sold directly to consumers at the point of production, the consumer’s residence, or at a farmer’s market or roadside market. To sell raw milk, a raw milk producer must be registered with the state and comply with handling, storage, labeling, and transportation requirements for the sale of raw milk issued through rulemaking. Raw milk producers may face a civil penalty or embargo for violations of the program’s requirements.

The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

Opioid Committee Advances Bills to Save Lives and Prevent Overdose Deaths

Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis

DENVER, CO - The Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee today advanced four bills to bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives.

“Too many Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorders, and in many cases, dying of preventable overdoses,” said Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 4. “Colorado has made remarkable progress on building a comprehensive response since this committee was established in 2017. I am proud that we have again risen to the challenge, engaging stakeholders over an intensive process to identify the next set of policy changes that are needed to turn the tide on this crisis and build a healthier, safer Colorado.”

"More than 1,500 of our neighbors died from a drug overdose here in Colorado last year, a heartbreaking number we must do more to reduce," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 2. "We've worked hard this interim to develop a menu of options for tackling this crisis, including legislation I am sponsoring that will expand treatment options for folks struggling with substance use disorders. I am proud of the work we've done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track."

Bill 2, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ryan Armagost and Senators Kyle Mullica and Perry Will would expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The bill:
·        Directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to apply for Medicaid waivers to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities;
·        Reduces insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment,
·        Expands the treatment workforce by increasing training opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors and licenses clinical social workers;
·        Authorizes pharmacists to diagnose opioid use disorders, prescribe medications, and make referrals to comprehensive treatment programs, creating new access points, especially in rural Colorado;
·        Supports rural treatment providers by creating a shared infrastructure for administrative functions and allowing them to compare their reimbursements with metro area providers and negotiate better contracts;
·        Creates a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober;
·        Invests in criminal justice diversion programs to provide individuals charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option; and
·        Studies additional barriers to treatment access, including inadequate insurance networks and federal regulations around methadone services.

"Addressing the overdose and substance use disorder crisis that impacts many Coloradans and their families requires us to dig deep and consider many approaches, especially data driven initiatives, and this prevention bill starts with doing a better job on the front end by preventing folks from getting hooked at all.” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of Bill 1. “These resources will empower community organizations and folks on the ground as they work to prevent substance use and abuse while connecting folks who are struggling with the treatment and support they need."

“The best way to protect Coloradans from developing substance use disorders is to promote proven prevention methods to stop people from using dangerous substances in the first place,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our bill takes a multi-pronged approach at substance use prevention by funding grant programs that connect residents to community-based resources and establishing screening and treatment referrals within our schools and pediatric settings.”

Bill 1, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola and Representatives Mary Young and Elisabeth Epps, would boost SUD prevention efforts. The bill:
·        Updates Colorado’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, support safer prescribing, and reduce misuse of prescription medication;
·        Funds community-based organizations to provide prevention services for youth, families, and communities;
·        Establishes a grant program for substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to help identify youth who may need to seek treatment or resources;
·        Continues the statewide perinatal substance use data linkage project for experts to develop legislative recommendations on improving outcomes for families impacted by substance use during pregnancy; and
·        Launches a new data linkage project for opioid use disorders to better target investments to parts of Colorado with the greatest needs.

“Preventable overdoses are rising across our state; we need to take action now to save lives,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3. “Prevention and harm reduction efforts like those included in these bills are proven to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health. We’re working to fund community-based prevention organizations, interrupt the spread of communicable disease, improve community safety, and protect all our neighbors—including the front line direct services workers who provide support and care as they prevent and reverse drug overdoses.”

“We have lost far too many Coloradans to accidental overdoses and substance use disorders. Something has to change,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of Bills 1, 3 and 4. “We have worked hard to develop legislation that will result in meaningful harm reduction for people using substances, protect Coloradans stepping in to help those in crisis, and cultivate more supportive recovery programs to help Coloradans thrive. The bills we’re advancing today will save lives, and I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll make next session.”

Bill 3, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, and Senator Priola, focuses on harm reduction strategies. It would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment, expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, ensure that drug users know they can go to the hospital without fear of arrest, and broaden existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado like xylazine, or “tranq”.

Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, would foster more recovery-friendly workplaces, clear barriers for sober living residences, and urge grocery stores to avoid in-your-face alcohol advertizing that makes it harder for people in recovery to simply buy food for their families.

The four bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

Healthy School Meals for All Helping Students in Littleton

Senators Fields, Kolker and Michaelson Jenet met with students, faculty to discuss Healthy School Meals for All success

CENTENNIAL, CO – This morning, Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, joined Gudy Gaskill Elementary School students during their lunch period to learn about the impacts of Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) on Littleton Public Schools (LPS).

HSMA, which was championed by Fields and Michaelson Jenet in 2022, helps to ensure all Colorado students have access to nutritious food by providing districts with the opportunity to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students. The 2023-2024 school year is the first year of its implementation after voters approved the initiative, and already Colorado schools are seeing the benefits. 

The senators were joined by LPS district leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Todd Lambert and Jessica Gould, Director of Nutrition. Thanks to HSMA, 60 percent more students are eating breakfast, and 40 percent more students are eating lunch at LPS. Additionally, the increased demand for school lunches is creating more jobs within the community because of the program.  

“Just like a child needs books to learn, they also need nutritious meals to be energized and focused in class,” Fields said. “With Healthy School Meals for All, we’re making sure kids aren’t shamed because they can’t afford to eat. It was great to see all the ways the program is helping students, families, and schools.”

“I had a great time at Gudy Gaskill Elementary today learning about the effects of Healthy School Meals for All,” said Kolker. “It’s clear that this program is helping students and families in communities I represent, and I’m eager to see the long term benefits it has on our children’s health and education.” 

“I’m proud to see the success of Healthy School Meals for All in action,” Michaelson Jenet said. “No child should go hungry at school because they can’t afford school meals – and now Colorado is doing right on that. Healthy School Meals for All is helping students get the nutrition they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom while destigmatizing free lunches.” 

When temporary pandemic funding made school meals free, districts across Colorado saw 20 to 40 percent increases in students participating in school meal programs. HSMA bridges the gap for working families who previously didn’t qualify for free or reduced meals, but still struggled to make ends meet.

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About the Colorado Senate Democrats
The 23-member Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2023 legislative session includes Senators Stephen Fenberg, James Coleman, Robert Rodriguez, Julie Gonzales, Janet Buckner, Rachel Zenzinger, Jeff Bridges, Joann Ginal, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Jessie Danielson, Faith Winter, Chris Kolker, Rhonda Fields, Chris Hansen, Nick Hinrichsen, Kevin Priola, Lisa Cutter, Dylan Roberts, Tom Sullivan, Janice Marchman, Kyle Mullica, Tony Exum, Sr., Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Interim Committees Pass Legislation to Address Educator Shortage, Simplify Small Business Tax Collection

DENVER, CO – Two interim committees passed legislation to address Colorado’s educator shortage and encourage uniform tax collections yesterday. 

Bill 1 from the Pension Review Commission would allow more Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirees to re-enter the teaching profession without being penalized with a reduction in state retirement benefits. Bill 1 from the the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force would standardize tax collection, easing filings and remittances for small business owners.

“From public K-12 schools to universities and colleges, Coloradans are counting on us to address our state’s dire educator shortage,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 1. “This legislation encourages retired educators to re-enter the classroom by ensuring their PERA retirement benefits go untouched. Retired educators can be a wealth of knowledge for Colorado’s learners, and this bill makes it easier for them to continue supporting our students and still receive the retirement benefits they earned over their careers.” 

"Colorado has faced a teacher shortage for years, but for too long, qualified and willing educators have been left on the sidelines for fear of impacting their PERA retirement benefits," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 1. "This bill gives more flexibility to districts to engage retired educators so they can put their years of teaching experience to good use and help prepare our kids for the future."

Bill 1, from the Pension Review Commission, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Hansen, helps encourage retired educators to re-enter the career field without a reduction in their Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. This bill aims to update current law, which limits the number of service retirees that a state college, university or public school can hire without a reduction in the retirees' benefits. Under Bill 1, school districts could hire more retirees more easily and streamline the process of getting them back in classrooms. 

Bill 1 from the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Rick Taggart, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would standardize sales and use tax collection for Colorado’s small businesses, saving them time on filings and easing the collection and remittance process through the electronic sales and use tax simplification system (SUTS). Under this bill, all local taxing jurisdictions would be required to use SUTS by July 1, 2025. Additionally, Bill 1 would raise the dollar threshold for monthly filing from $300 to $600 allowing more small businesses to make returns and pay taxes at quarterly intervals instead, saving them time and money. 

“Standardizing Colorado’s sales tax filing and collection system is huge for the average small business owner because it simplifies the process and cuts red tape,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Vice Chair of the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 1. “Allowing more businesses to file quarterly or annually rather than monthly will save small businesses time and money. Reducing the frequency of tax collection, as appropriate, is a step in the right direction as we work to make it easier to operate a small business in our great state.”

“Nobody wants to spend more time than necessary filing their taxes, especially the small business owners that form the backbone of our communities,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our legislation will standardize and streamline that process, and will save small business owners both time and money. I’m excited to champion this bill that will help folks spend less time on their sales and use taxes and more time focusing on their businesses.”
 

Fields, Buckner Host Summit on Strengthening Maternal Health in Colorado

Senators convened stakeholders, experts, and community members to seek information and discuss strategies to improve care and reduce pregnancy-related deaths

DENVER, CO – Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, convened a summit of stakeholders, national and local experts, and community members to discuss a recent Maternal Mortality Review Committee report on on maternal mortality in Colorado and to seek solutions to reduce and prevent pregnancy-related deaths.

Attendees engaged with one another on materials presented and contributed their own expertise to identify best-practices and evidence-based strategies that will lead to policy considerations for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the state.

“Tragically, pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise across Colorado, and it’s hitting communities of color especially hard, which is why we convened this group to take a hard look at how we can tackle this challenge,” Fields said. “I am grateful to everyone who participated in today’s summit, and I look forward to turning what we learned into legislative action that will improve outcomes and keep more people safe while giving birth.”

“In Colorado, Black women are nearly two times as likely to die as a result of pregnancy, and for Native American women that rate it even higher. That is unacceptable, and we must do more to keep these folks safe,” Buckner said. “As someone who has championed maternal health legislation in Colorado, I know how challenging but important these issues are, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and hit the ground running this session so we can turn the tide on inequity in birth outcomes and make Colorado a great place to start a family for all.”

Summit participants included maternal health care experts and advocates including Tahra Johnson, Health Director at the National Conference of State Legislatures; Meagan Robinson Maynor, Senior Program Manager for Epidemiology, Evaluation Metrics at the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs; Carrie Cortiglio, Director, CDPHE; and Mandy Bakulski, Prevention Services Division, Maternal and Infant Wellness, CDPHE.

According to the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which studied maternal mortality outcomes in Colorado from 2016-2020, there were 174 pregnancy-associated deaths in Colorado, with the leading causes of deaths including suicide, unintentional overdose, and obstetric complications. Approximately 90 percent of those deaths were preventable. The Maternal Mortality Review Committee further found that Black and Native American Coloradans disproportionately experience pregnancy-related mortality, with Black people dying at 1.9 times the rate of the general population and Native American people dying at 2.9 times the rate of their peers while experiencing pregnancy.

Last session, Fields and Buckner sponsored SB23-288, which seeks to expand coverage and increase access to doula services, and in 2021 Fields sponsored SB21-101 which supports midwives, while Buckner sponsored SB21-194, which improved state support for maternal health care providers.

Colorado Youth Advisory Committee Recommends Bills to Improve Dignity for Students, Get More Mental Health Professionals Into Schools

DENVER, CO - The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) yesterday voted to advance three bills that would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school, study the existing barriers to gender-affirming care, and create a loan repayment program for school mental health professionals.

Bill 1 would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school and in school-related publications without requiring the student to obtain a court-ordered name or gender change. The bill also establishes the Non-Legal Name Changes in Schools Task Force under the Department of Education to help examine existing school policies regarding non-legal name changes, and provide policy recommendations for school districts. 

“Prioritizing the health and well-being of all Colorado youth makes our families and communities more resilient. All kids should feel safe and accepted in order to grow, learn, and thrive,” said COYAC Chair Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of all three bills. “We need to strengthen these protective factors, particularly for families of LGBTQ youth who have been met with hostility for raising their children in an accepting and affirming environment, and for youth who lack resources for mental health support. I'm proud of our student participants' hard work on these policies, and look forward to advancing what we've accomplished together. Our bills will provide clarity to schools when addressing students by their preferred names, increase mental health support with loan repayments to school mental health professionals, and map out access to gender-affirming care across our great state. By implementing these improvements and sharing essential resources, we will better support Colorado kids so that all can thrive.”

“Every year, legislators on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee join bright, engaged students to collaborate on legislation that supports their future success,” said COYAC Vice Chair Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of all three bills. “This year, the bills we are advancing prioritize the mental health and well-being of students and address much needed staffing shortages for mental health professionals who work in schools. Students deserve to feel safe, confident and supported at school, and these bills mark meaningful steps towards making that a reality for every Colorado kid.“

“Every Colorado child deserves to live and learn with dignity, but right now too many kids have to deal with stigma and harassment. Tragically, 82 percent of trans youth have contemplated suicide at some point in their lives,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of all three bills. “By letting kids go by their preferred name in class and increasing access to gender-affirming care, Bills 1 and 6 will give students and young people the support and security to be themselves in the classroom and throughout their lives. Bill 5 meanwhile will help school mental health professionals save money, and make it easier and more appealing to enter this critical profession. These bills are commonsense steps that will help students across the state feel more comfortable and confident while they learn and grow.”

Bill 5 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, that would create the Licensed School Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program in the Department of Higher Education, and require the Commission on Higher Education to adopt program policies, review applications for loan repayment, and report annually on the program. Applicants must be licensed and have a masters or doctoral degree in a program that qualifies the applicant to be a mental health professional and must agree to work as a school mental health professional in Colorado for at least three consecutive academic years to qualify. 

Bill 6 directs the Department of Public Health and Environment to study the disparities and inadequacies in Colorado’s gender-affirming health care sector. The study will investigate the number of gender-affirming health care providers and facilities throughout the state, the availability of resources for these providers, the number of patients seeking this type of care, the prevalence and impact of non-prescribed treatments, and the availability of insurance coverage. 

The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

JOINT RELEASE: Interim Committee Passes Bipartisan Bills to Support Children and Youth in Foster Care

Legislation includes designated support for youth with complex behavioral health care needs, system accountability tools and improved access to services for non-english speakers

DENVER, CO – Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee yesterday passed five bipartisan bills to support children and youth in foster care or at risk of out-of-home placement.

“We need to improve access to care to ensure our children and youth with complex behavioral health needs are receiving the treatment they deserve,” said Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee, Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 5. “This bill would create a system of care, including training for residential child care providers, specifically designed to support children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Our goal is to make sure our youth can get access to the care they need, when they need it, from high-quality professionals to improve their overall health care outcomes.”

“Caring for your behavioral health is just as important as physical health - but behavioral health care needs are often complex, and caring for them can be difficult, especially for young people in foster care,” said Vice Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 5. “Our bill will require the state to expand and improve treatment options and services for those individuals, and will help more children and youth in foster care get the critical treatment they deserve.”

Bill 5, sponsored by Representatives Young and Brandi Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, Senator Fields and Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement with complex behavioral health needs. Specifically, Bill 5 would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, expanded supportive services and expanded access to alternatives to residential treatment. Bill 5 aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill would create a training academy and help create a talent pipeline of high-quality residential child care providers.

“When it comes to accessibility, Colorado needs to do a better job to support our children and families involved in dependency and neglect court cases,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 6. “This important piece of legislation will improve our state’s language standards, so that all families and guardians have the court-ordered information they need in a format they can readily understand. Certain accommodations, including language standards, are necessary to support Coloradans as they navigate our judicial and welfare system, and this bill will help in closing this widening gap.”

“Neglect and abuse cases are already stressful and challenging for children and families, which is why we must do more to support these families and break down language barriers,” said Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of Bill 6. “Bill 6’s accommodations are a no-brainer. Every Coloradan – regardless of their primary language – deserves access to translation services that will help them better navigate the family judicial system and care for children involved.”

To improve accessibility for children, families and guardians involved in abuse and neglect legal cases, Bill 6, sponsored by Representatives Joseph and Bradley, and Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer, would require the Colorado Department of Human Services to translate court-ordered documents, including treatment plans, into the primary language used by the family. The services would include language translation and interpretation services.

“Domestic violence deaths are on the rise, we need to do everything in our power to protect survivors and their innocent children,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of Bill 7. “My son and I survived domestic violence, but others across our state are not as fortunate. This important bill works to add another layer of protection for children living in homes with domestic abuse by requiring mandatory reporters to report suspected and known DV situations. This bill, combined with other legislative efforts, will help keep our communities safer while supporting our survivors.”

“It’s past time we take a close look at how we’re tracking instances of child abuse and domestic violence,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 7. “Our new bill requires a comprehensive audit of the state’s current reporting and tracking tools to ensure we’re getting a complete picture of the problem at hand and so that we can better determine best practices going forward. This is a critical step we can take to ensure we’re doing everything we can to accurately track child abuse and, ultimately, keep our kids safe.”

To support children in suspected domestic violence situations, Bill 7 would require mandatory reporters, including teachers, medical professionals, and law enforcement, to report any evidence of known or suspected domestic violence in a child's home including evidence from previous cases. Bill 7, sponsored by Majority Leader Duran and Representative Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, and Senators Kolker and Kirkmeyer, also outlines the framework for the Colorado State Department of Human Services to develop and implement a screening process for counties to follow when responding to a hotline report, including questions regarding domestic violence and a disclaimer that calls are recorded. Additionally, the bill requires an audit on the current tools used to report and track child abuse to ensure best practices and increase child safety.

The committee also passed two additional pieces of legislation, including Bill 1 and Bill 2. Bill 1, sponsored by Senators Zenzigner and Kirkmeyer and Representatives Young and Pugliese, aims to improve measures for kinship foster care homes, including establishing a process for kinship foster care homes to become certified and securing assistance for providing a child’s basic care.

Bill 2, sponsored by Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer and Majority Leader Duran and Representative Pugliese would lay down the groundwork toward creating a more streamlined and expansive system of care with focus on prevention so that behavioral health needs can be addressed earlier in the process.

Interim Committee Advances Bills to Reduce Recidivism and Improve Public Safety

DENVER, CO - The Recidivism Interim Study Committee today unanimously advanced three bills to improve our understanding of criminal activity by creating a uniform definition of “recidivism”, exploring alternative methods of measuring public safety and desistance from crime, and studying how defendants move through the criminal justice system.

“In order to effectively understand and utilize data on recidivism, we have to start on the same page,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “The legislation we’re advancing today will ensure agencies operate with the same definition and understanding of ‘recidivism’, and that the legislature has a comprehensive knowledge of the way Coloradans move through our criminal justice system. With these updates to help us better understand our criminal justice system, we’ll be able to develop more effective legislation that results in just outcomes for Coloradans and safer communities for all.”

“Agencies throughout Colorado use varying definitions for ‘recidivism’, making it more difficult to use as a data point when drafting legislation to address public safety concerns,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of Bill 1 and 3. “We’re streamlining the definition across Colorado agencies to make ‘recidivism’ a useful tool in policy-making and continued evaluation of our justice system to create a safer Colorado.”

Currently, the definition of “recidivism” fluctuates greatly between the Division of Youth Services, Department of Corrections, community corrections, and other agencies. Bill 1, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Judy Amabile and Matthew Martinez, would require the Division of Criminal Justice to create a working group with the purpose of establishing a definition of “recidivism” that can be used by all state entities, making it easier to use data to understand the efficacy of current procedures and legislative or policy changes.

“Understanding recidivism rates is a useful tool in measuring successful strategies to decrease future criminal activity, and with this legislation, we are considering additional metrics to create meaningful and effective policy,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 1 and 2. “Factors like housing status, education, mental health, and social considerations can contribute to the likelihood of someone committing a crime. By expanding our scope and using a consistent definition of ‘recidivism’, we can identify what factors have a positive influence on individuals so we can reduce crime and slow the revolving door of people in and out of prison.”

“Time and time again, data has shown us that the most successful strategies to decrease crime are comprehensive approaches,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of all three bills. “Our new legislation will bring in diverse voices and provide the necessary resources to take a close look at the efficiency of Colorado’s criminal justice system and, going forward, will help us determine more holistic methods to decrease crime and help Coloradans successfully reintegrate into their communities.”

Bill 2, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Judy Amabile, would create the Alternative Metrics to Measure Criminal Justice System Performance Working Group to study metrics and methods other than recidivism. These alternative metrics and methods, used in addition to recidivism data, would measure risk-reduction outcomes and life factors that influence successful outcomes, and more effectively determine the efficiency of the criminal justice system.

The working group would be required to submit a report to the House Health and Insurance, House Judiciary, Senate Health and Human Services, and Senate Judiciary committees by July 1, 2025 with a summary of their work and any recommendations.

The committee also voted to advance Bill 3, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Senator Julie Gonzales, and Representative Matthew Martinez, requiring the Division of Criminal Justice (division) to conduct a study to examine how individuals proceed through the stages of criminal and juvenile justice proceedings, including sentences and alternative sentencing programs, and make recommendations for creating a more efficient system. The division must submit a report of its findings by June 30, 2025.

The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

LGBTQ+ Caucus: Private Schools Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Use Taxpayer Funds to Discriminate

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus released the following statement regarding a federal judge’s preliminary injunction to block Colorado from preventing preschool providers in the taxpayer-funded universal preschool (UPK) program from discriminating against LGBTQ+ families and educators:

“Institutions that receive public funds should not be able to use those taxpayer resources to discriminate against LGBTQ+ families. All children should have access to high-quality early childhood education that sets them up for success. This decision is in direct conflict with the majority of Coloradans who overwhelmingly support LGBTQ+ rights, oppose discrimination, and support free, high quality preschool for all early learners in Colorado.

“The Department of Early Childhood’s non-discrimination requirements for UPK providers are crucial to ensure that taxpayer resources aren’t used to perpetuate bigotry toward LGBTQ+ families. However, under this ruling, taxpayers will now be forced to subsidize religious education institutions who want to use public funding for programs that exclude LGBTQ+ families. Taxpayer dollars should be spent on preschools that are willing to serve all Coloradans, no matter the sexual orientation of parents, or the gender identity of students or staff.”

The current members of the Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus are:
Rep. Brianna Titone, Chair
Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Co-Chair
Rep. Jennifer Lea Parenti
Rep. Elizabeth Velasco
Rep. Stephanie Vigil
Rep. Lorena Garcia
Rep. Ruby Dickson
Rep. Elisabeth Epps
Rep. Leslie Herod
Rep. Alex Valdez
Rep. David Ortiz
Sen. Joann Ginal

Interim Committee Bills to Improve Mental Health and Substance Use Resources Advance

Colorado Democrats Advance Bills to Boost Community-Based Treatment and Resources to Prevent Crime and Reduce Recidivism

DENVER, CO - The Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems interim committee today advanced five bills to improve access to court diversion programs, increase funding for Colorado’s 911 Resource Center, dispatch community-based mental health professionals to youth and families experiencing a behavioral health crisis, clarify the process for defendants who are found by a court to be incompetent to stand trial, and ensure that individuals are not held in jails if they haven’t committed a crime.

Bill 2, sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Regina English and Senator Rhonda Fields, would remove jails as an option for substance use disorder commitments when no crime has been committed. Under the bill, local law enforcement agencies would submit a quarterly report to the Behavioral Health Administration regarding how many people have been taken into protective custody, how long they were in treatment, where they were treated, and other data.

“Correctional facilities shouldn’t be the largest provider of mental health treatment in our state,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 5. “Our bills will remove jails as treatment providers when no crime has been committed, boost funding and resources for judicial districts to alleviate pressure on our jail systems, and keep individuals in their community while they work through a behavioral or mental health treatment plan created by a licensed mental health professional. These changes will help drive down recidivism, get people the treatment services they need, and more quickly bring justice to victims of crimes.”

“Coloradans seeking help deserve to be met with well-resourced, comprehensive services and reliable responses,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of all five bills. “The legislation I am bringing forward next session will boost resources across a variety of services to ensure that crisis responders and judicial employees are operating efficiently and that Coloradans can continue to rely on these essential community services. I look forward to carrying these bills to guarantee that Coloradans can receive help whenever, wherever, and however they need it.”

Bill 3, sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Bradfield and Senator Rhonda Fields, would help address our competency backlog by allowing us to get defendants who are not able to be restored to competency into appropriate treatment more quickly.

“Increasing treatment services for substance abuse disorders in our criminal justice system will reduce recidivism rates and offer the tools people need to successfully reenter society,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bills 2, 4, and 6. “By offering these services, we can address the root causes of crime and give Coloradans a better chance at a thriving future. We’re also allocating money to help Colorado’s 911 Resource Center properly staff their workplaces and give workers the information and training they need to respond to calls more effectively.”

Colorado’s 911 Resource Center supports first responders across the state. Public safety answering points, commonly known as call centers, play an important role by gathering important information for law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS during a call and providing critical de-escalation services before first responders show up on the scene. Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields and Representative Regina English, would fund the Colorado 911 Resource Center so it can continue to provide services and training to public safety answering points.

Bill 5, sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Bradfield and Senators Rhonda Fields and Rod Pelton, would codify and expand the Crisis Resolution Team program to provide mobile crisis responses for youth and their families, using community-based services to de-escalate and stabilize Colorado youth during a behavioral health crisis. Additional services would include counseling or therapy, case management to help meet treatment plans, peer support or family skills coaching, medication management, and care coordination.

The committee also advanced Bill 6, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Rhonda Fields and Representatives Regina English and Mary Bradfield. Currently, district attorneys can use an assessment tool to identify individuals who are eligible to be diverted away from the juvenile or criminal justice system and into appropriate services. This bill expands eligible individuals to include juveniles and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with behavioral health issues, and adds behavioral health services and services for adults and juveniles with developmental disabilities to the list of available diversion services.

“Young people and adults who struggle with developmental disabilities or behavioral health issues too often become involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system,” Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 6 said. “This bill will require DAs to consider a young person's mental or behavioral health status when determining if they are eligible for diversion services.”

The five bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills.

Senators’ Statement on Pueblo Train Derailment

DENVER, CO – Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, released a statement following a train derailment in Pueblo County:

“As Senators who have placed a heightened focus on transportation issues in both the legislature and our private careers, we are disappointed, but not surprised by today’s derailment in northern Pueblo County. At this time, we do not know the cause or the extent of economic and infrastructure damage. More importantly, we are desperately hoping for news of the safety of all transportation workers involved in this incident. Sadly, this event is not surprising.

We are aware of numerous safety issues with our rail system in Colorado, which is why earlier this month, the Transportation Legislative Review Committee voted to approve legislation for the upcoming session of the General Assembly to address those concerns including limiting train length, increasing safety inspections, and including detectors to identify train defects in real time. Efforts on this legislation began in the immediate aftermath of the disastrous hazardous material train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February of this year. Through the aftermath and investigation of that derailment, it became clear that our commercial rail transportation network has been subjected to ever increasing risk of accidents, with ever increasing severity when they do occur. We are committed to seeing this legislation’s passage as quickly as feasible, so that we may immediately work to reduce the risk of accidents like the ones in East Palestine and Pueblo.

As Colorado continues to grow, our rail-network will become even more critical to the sustainability of our state. We are committed to ensuring that the economic needs of our commercial rail system are met, without sacrificing the safety of our communities or our transportation professionals.”