Committee Passes Marchman Bill to Provide Oral Health Screenings in Schools

Dental pain is the number one reason kids miss school

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bipartisan legislation to provide oral health screenings in public schools. 

SB24-142, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, seeks to address oral health problems for kids while introducing them and their families to oral health care services. The bill would create a pilot program to conduct oral screenings for kindergarteners or third graders at schools that opt in. Additionally, the bill would create an accompanying study to help understand and address the need, value and costs associated with creating a statewide oral health screening program in schools.

“Untreated dental disease can be painful and can negatively affect a child’s physical, emotional and social development,” said Marchman. “SB-142’s pilot program would prioritize communities that would benefit most from dental health screenings – whether due to geographic location or economic ability. Through these screenings, we can interrupt the cycle of dental decay and improve health and learning outcomes for kids while saving families money.”

Data shows that 40 percent of children in kindergarten have a history of dental decay, and jumps to 55 percent of third graders. The program would be voluntary, and participating schools would be required to notify parents of their ability to opt children out of receiving a screening.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

Hinrichsen Bill to Support Working Puebloans Clears Committee

Hinrichsen: “With so many Puebloans employed by the state, we need this bill so they have an open field of future job prospects, and can file compensation claims without fear of retaliation.”

DENVER, CO — Today, the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee passed Senator Nick Hinrichsen’s, D-Pueblo, bill that would protect working Puebloans who are injured on the job with bipartisan support. 

The bill addresses a growing trend in which an injured state worker is asked or required to resign or refrain from seeking future state work as a condition of a workers’ compensation settlement. SB24-149 would prohibit the State from suggesting or imposing these terms, and invalidate previous settlements that have imposed these requirements. The bill also requires the State to test the market for insurance annually to determine whether an outside provider could offer a better deal than the current practice of self insurance. 

“Workers shouldn’t be punished for getting injured on the job,” said Hinrichsen. “There have been instances in Colorado when a worker was required to resign from their job and prohibited from working for the State again as a part of their work comp claim settlement. With so many Puebloans employed by the State, we need this bill so they have an open field of future job prospects, and can file compensation claims without fear of retaliation.”

Over 20,000 Coloradans have workplace accidents every year, and roughly 17 percent of Puebla’s are employed by the State of Colorado. With these changes, workers will no longer be locked out of other State jobs that may still be a good fit for them, despite an injury that made them unable to perform a previous job. This may also help the State, which has suffered from high vacancy rates across many agencies, with a wider candidate pool for hard-to-fill jobs. 

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Follow its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to License Funeral Industry Workers, Prevent More Tragedy

In an effort to protect Colorado families, a bipartisan bill would license those who work in the funeral industry and ensure proper oversight 

DENVER, CO – Following numerous tragedies occurring at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, today unveiled bipartisan legislation to establish licensure of funeral professionals.

SB24-173 would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers. As of right now, Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. 

“Colorado families continue to be victimized by our state’s lack of oversight of the funeral industry,” Roberts said. “This is a service that every family needs at some point and everyone should be able to trust that those who are caring for their loved ones’ remains have proper training, oversight, and accountability, just like many other professions and businesses. Enough is enough. We must pass this bill to bring our state in line with the rest of the nation, restore faith in this valuable industry, and to protect Coloradans.” 

“Our goal with licensing funeral home practitioners is to ensure we never hear horrific stories like Sunset Mesa, Return to Nature, or Apollo again,” said Soper. “By creating standards, an education and practicum requirement, and continuing education around ethics and healthy business practices, we will ensure restored integrity in Colorado’s funeral home industry.”

“Families deserve to have the dignity of their deceased loved one be honored, but because Colorado lacks proper regulation, bad actors have the ability to take advantage of our citizens at a vulnerable moment in their lives,” Titone said. “We've seen the sacred trust of families violated and laws are broken which is why we're running this bill.”

"Colorado is the only state that does not require licensure for funeral homes. This bill creates the necessary standards for those who work in funeral homes and mortuaries to ensure the negligent, even criminal misconduct that has occurred recently does not happen in the future. I am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect Colorado families," Gardner said. 

"This legislation takes a balanced approach to ensure competency in the funeral industry while providing an appropriate pathway for licensure for those already working in the industry,” said Patty Salazar, Executive Director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies. 

SB24-173 would require an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2026. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. Prior to that date, those currently working in the industry could obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 6,500 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. 

SB24-173 is the result of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies recommendation in December that the state establish a licensure program.

SB24-173 has been assigned to the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee and will have its first committee hearing in the coming weeks. Track the bill’s progress HERE, and learn more about the bill HERE.

Pair of Bills to Expand Voting & Ballot Access for Coloradans Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – A pair of bills that would make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote and expand access to the ballot for candidates with disabilities cleared the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today.

SB24-072, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would require county clerks and county sheriffs to create and implement a plan to facilitate in-person voting for eligible voters in county jails and detention centers. Under current law, U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are not currently serving time for a felony conviction are eligible to vote.

“Every eligible citizen should be afforded the opportunity to participate in our democracy, full stop,” Gonzales said. “But thousands of people in county jails face numerous barriers to exercising their right to vote. This bill will require eligible confined voters to be given that opportunity, and will help ensure more Coloradans are able to cast a ballot and make their voices heard.”

While Colorado has a robust vote by mail program, voters in jails and detention centers face incredible difficulty accessing the ballot. In the 2020 general election, out of an estimated eligible population of 5,205 confined voters, only 557 individuals (6.97 percent) received a ballot. In the 2022 general election, there was an estimated eligible population of 4,876 confined voters, but only 231 individuals (4.73 percent) received ballots. SB24-072 would mandate at least one day of in-person voting at each facility, alleviating the pressure on these voters to navigate the complexities of voting eligibility, which can change day-to-day, and helping ensure every eligible citizen is provided the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

HB24-1067, sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Westminster, would improve representation in government by addressing barriers candidates with disabilities face when trying to access the ballot, including a lack of remote participation options.

“Representation in government matters, but far too often folks are barred from participating in our political process due to barriers that prevent them from doing things like attending caucuses or party assemblies,” Winter said. “This bill will eliminate those barriers and help ensure that every Coloradan who wants to is able to participate in our democracy and make their voice heard.”

The legislation would require that the caucus or similar process remain an option to make it more accessible for people with disabilities to run for office. The bill would also require a precinct caucus or party assembly to offer a video conferencing participation option, unless they do not have access to broadband, in which case a telephone conferencing option would be required.

SB24-072 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee, and HB24-1067 will move to the Senate floor. Track SB24-072 HERE, and HB24-1067 HERE.

Cutter Bill to Better Protect Patients at Eating Disorder Treatment Facilities Clears Committee

SB24-117 would increase oversight of eating disorder treatment and recovery programs and establish new rules to protect patients’ rights

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to better protect patients in eating disorder treatment and recovery programs cleared the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

Eating disorder treatment facilities currently operate under a variety of health care licenses issued by multiple state agencies. SB24-117 would require all eating disorder treatment and recovery centers to hold a designation from the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) by July 1, 2025, giving BHA improved oversight of treatment facilities in the state.  

“Young people – especially women and LGBTQ+ youth – face an increased risk of contracting an eating disorder based on unrealistic expectations of appearance and body image,” said Cutter. “Colorado’s youth are looking for treatment and support that respects them and their lived experience. Last year, we passed legislation to improve eating disorder treatment facilities to ensure we’re providing care that is respectful to each individual and on par with the latest research. This year, we’re building on that work by protecting patients’ rights to guarantee privacy and respect, ultimately helping to improve health outcomes for those struggling with eating disorders.”

SB24-117 would also require the State Board of Human Services within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to promulgate rules regarding patients’ rights at eating disorder treatment and recovery facilities. 

The bill would require facilities to:

• Allow a patient to request that medical examinations be private;

• Prohibit the facility from requiring patients to remove all clothes during weigh-ins or perform physical exercise during weigh-ins;

• Place requirements on bathroom policies to respect privacy;

• And require facilities to have policies that respect a patient's sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion. 

Additionally, CDHS would be required to adopt rules related to involuntary feeding tubes.

Research shows that nearly one in ten Americans will contract an eating disorder in their lifetime. From 2018 to 2022, eating disorder insurance claims increased 65 percent nationally, with the two largest increases seen in individuals aged 14-18 and 19-24. 

SB24-117 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Safe Housing for Residential Tenants Bill Clears Committee

Legislation aims to improve accountability under current law

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today passed legislation that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. 

Colorado’s current “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions don’t receive the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. 

“We have a 'Warranty of Habitability' standard in Colorado to make sure our communities are living in safe housing, but unfortunately the law is not working as intended,” said Gonzales. “I hear from constituents suffering from unsafe conditions who are not able to get the issue fixed and don’t have access to any other relief – everything from infestations, no heating or cooling for extended periods of time, and fear and intimidation tactics that prevent tenants from taking action. It is beyond time for us to update and clarify the statute, and I’m thankful to my colleagues for moving this forward today.”

“Loopholes in existing law are keeping Coloradans in unsafe living conditions, such as homes with mold, sewage leaks, or rodent infestations,”

Exum said.“It’s time for Colorado to update these standards so tenants can have secure housing that is better suited to live, work, or raise a family.”

SB24-094, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, would modify existing warranty of habitability laws by:

• Ensuring that notice of health or safety issues can be given to the landlord in many forms and clarifying that landlords are responsible for taking appropriate action once the notice is given.
   

• Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that deal with life, safety, or health.
   

• Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair.
   

• Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices.
   

• Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may withhold rent, pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law, or otherwise seek monetary damages.

Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Follow its progress HERE.

Kolker, Hansen Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money, Make Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption Portable Advances

SB24-111 would help more Coloradans age in place

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at saving older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the senior homestead property tax exemption portable cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

Sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, SB24-111 would create a new subclass of property called "qualified-senior primary residence real property" for an individual that has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption but has moved to a new home.

“Spiking housing prices are hitting Coloradans hard - and it’s particularly tough for seniors on fixed incomes,” Kolker said. “Our state is number one in the nation for housing instability among people over the age of 65. Allowing seniors to carry this important benefit with them when they move will save older Coloradans thousands of dollars on their property taxes and help them age in place with the dignity they deserve.”

“Too many older Coloradans who would like to downsize or move are reluctant because they would lose their exemption under the current rules,” Hansen said. “Making the senior homestead exemption portable gives seniors the freedom to downsize or sell their home without facing a higher tax bill and will help older Coloradans stay independent.”

For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the exemption under the senior homestead exemption.

SB24-111 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Help Mitigate Wildfire Destruction

HB24-1091 would allow residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at mitigating damage from wildfires by allowing Coloradans living in homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to use fire-hardened building materials cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1091, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would prevent HOAs from restricting the installation, use, or maintenance of fire-hardened building materials such as metal, certain types of stucco, and fiber cement siding in residential property.

“As the effects of climate change continue to impact our state, the threat of destructive wildfires continues to grow, and we must do everything in our power to be prepared,” Cutter said. “Folks in my district live under constant threat from wildfires, and need to be able to defend their property. It endangers homes and entire communities when HOAs prevent homeowners from using fire hardened materials. This bill will help make it easier for Coloradans to keep their homes secure and their communities safe.”

“Defending our homes and property against the increasingly severe threat of wildfires is one of my top priorities,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Combating wildfires starts with mitigation, and this bill will allow homeowners to take the proper precautions and build safer, more fire-resistant homes.”

HOAs would still be allowed to develop reasonable standards regarding the design, dimensions, placement or external appearance of fire-hardened building materials used for fencing within the community. The fire-hardened building materials outlined in HB24-1091 would meet the standards set forth by the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

HB24-1091 will now move to the Governor's desk. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Trio of Michaelson Jenet Bills to Improve Access to Health Care Clear Committee

Bills would create a streamlined behavioral care system for youth and address health care workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Three bills sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, aimed at improving access to health care cleared the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care regardless of their age, income, or zip code,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Legislation we’re advancing today will help children get the behavioral health care they need efficiently and at costs that won’t break the bank. We’re also working to address health care workforce shortages by making it easier to provide telehealth and mental health care services in Colorado, helping secure access to care for every Coloradan who needs it.”

SB24-141, also sponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would allow out-of-state health care providers to register and practice telehealth in Colorado. To apply for telehealth registration, applicants would be required to possess an active and unencumbered license, certificate, registration, or credential issued by a governmental authority in another state.

SB24-059, also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would establish the Office of the Children’s Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care in the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a comprehensive children’s behavioral health care system. The system would allow children and youth up to 21 years of age who are currently uninsured or on Medicaid to have a single point of access to behavioral health care. The bill would also require the office to study the cost of providing services to all children regardless of payer, insurance, and income.

Under the bill, the BHA would also explore data collection and workforce innovations, and would implement programs to encourage youth to continue their education and work in shortage areas within the system of care.

Finally, SB24-115 would modify requirements for licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and addiction counselors, to practice in Colorado. The bill would remove the requirement that mental health professionals provide clients with an explanation of levels of regulation on their profession including information on the differences between licensure, registration, and certification.

It would also add a Colorado jurisprudence exam for certain mental health professionals and remove the requirement of the licensure exam for master's level social work license, which has been shown to disproportionately benefit White test takers. Finally, the bill would allow for a process for renewing licenses.

SB24-141 and SB24-059 now head the Appropriations Committee, while SB24-115 moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Fields, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Improve Health Insurance Transparency Clears Committee

Bill would require insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, legislation to enhance transparency in health care coverage. 

Currently, insurers are required to disclose and post pricing details and submit prescription drug spending information to the federal government. However, this information is not easily accessible to Coloradans. SB24-080 would ensure transparency for consumers so they can make informed decisions on their health care. 

“Coloradans deserve to have easy access to information on health insurance costs,” said Fields. “Right now, too many health insurance carriers aren’t complying with federal price transparency laws. By addressing the problem at the state level, we can hold these companies accountable and help save Coloradans money on health care.”

“I’m proud of our work to make health care coverage more affordable for Coloradans. This bill is the next step forward in that process,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Folks would have a digital tool to compare rates, covered items and services, and get real time responses on questions so they can find an option that works best for them and their family.”

The bill would require carriers to submit information on their negotiated rates and prescription drug trends to the Division of Insurance (DOI) in an easy-to-read, accessible format. DOI would have the ability to ensure compliance from insurers by creating a consumer price comparison tool that insurers use to input data – so that Coloradans can have easy access to cost sharing information on all items and services. 

SB24-080 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

Hinrichsen Bills to Support Veteran Employment Pass Committee

Legislation would increase career pathways for veterans after service

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee voted to advance two bills sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand employment pathways for veterans.

SB24-109, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would extend the Colorado Veterans’ Service-To-Career Program for another three years. The program allows nonprofit agencies to partner with workforce centers to provide veterans, their spouses, and their dependents with skills training, internships, work placements, mentorship opportunities, career counseling, and support services. From 2018 to 2022, the program supported nearly 900 individuals and helped nearly 250 participants gain employment.

HB24-1093 would allow for an accelerated path for properly trained peace officers within the armed forces to become civilian peace officers. Current law allows certified peace officers from other states to receive a provisional certification in Colorado if they have served within the last three years, in good standing for more than one year.  Peace officers include traditional law enforcement as well as other positions including game wardens and parks and recreation officers.

“Veterans have many specialized and transferable skills from their years of service, yet too many still face barriers to employment,” said Hinrichsen. “These bills will expand training, support, and pathways to employment for our armed service members and their families. I am proud that we are working to support veterans in their transition back to civilian life.”

SB24-109 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee and HB24-1093 heads to the full Senate for further consideration. Follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively.

Rodriguez Bill to Streamline Access to Benefits for Firefighters Clears Senate

Legislation would help cut through the red tape standing between firefighters and the benefits they’ve earned

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, that would better support Colorado’s firefighters by streamlining access to critical health care benefits cleared the Senate today.

Employers of firefighters, like local governments and special districts, are required to provide health care coverage for heart and circulatory conditions related to elevated risks firefighters are exposed to throughout the course of their jobs. Right now, employers can fulfill this obligation through self insurance, accident insurance, or by participating in a multiple employer trust. SB24-089 would instead require that all employers of firefighters participate in a trust.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our families and our communities safe, and they deserve the best possible care when they experience medical issues related to their dangerous and demanding jobs,” Rodriguez said. “This bill will help cut through the red tape standing between firefighters and the benefits they’ve earned, and ensure firefighters can focus on themselves and their recovery instead of fighting to get a claim approved.”

Participating in the trust instead of through self insurance will make it easier and more likely for firefighters to have their claims approved.

SB24-089 will now move to consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Michaelson Jenet Bill to Require Continuity of Health Care Coverage

Legislation would require new insurance providers to cover existing courses of treatment as in-network for transferring enrollees

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would require continuity of health care coverage passed the Senate today.

If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Right now, if you change insurance providers while undergoing a course of treatment, you risk losing in-network coverage guaranteed by your original provider. This important bill would require new insurance providers to continue in-network coverage for existing courses of treatment, ensuring more Coloradans can afford to have their health needs met with the health care providers they trust.”

Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment.

SB24-093 will now head to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Committee Passes Bill to Improve Youth Sports Safety

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Education Committee approved Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Tony Exum’s, D-Colorado Springs, bill to make Colorado youth sports safer.

SB24-113 addresses the fact that many non-scholastic sports organizations lack basic athletic safety policies. It would require youth sports coaches to complete abuse prevention training and abide by a code of conduct policy while also establishing a process for handling violations of the policy. The bill would apply to private for-profit or non-profit youth sports organizations.

“All kids should have the opportunity to participate in sports and know that they’re surrounded by safe, trusted, and vetted adults,” said Coleman. “Playing sports can help kids stay engaged in their community while building life skills and reducing youth violence. I’m proud to see this bill move forward as we work to create safer spaces for Colorado’s young athletes.”

“Youth sports teach kids to be a part of a team, develop leadership skills, and help students succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Exum. “The last thing families should be concerned about is if the coaches have been properly trained in abuse prevention – it should be a given. With this bill, we can ensure our kids are safe while having fun.”

Under this bill, organizations would be required to do the following: institute comprehensive abuse prevention on an annual basis for adults working directly with minors; have a mechanism to receive reports of possible violations; and be required to conduct background checks on adults working with athletes who are minors, including but not limited to a national criminal check and the national sex offender registry.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Sullivan Bill to Establish Merchant Codes for Firearms, Combat Gun Violence

Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would combat gun violence by establishing a new code to categorize gun sales and help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns passed the Senate today.

Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement.

“In the weeks before my son Alex was killed in the Aurora Theater shooting, his killer purchased multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition – and nobody batted an eye,” Sullivan said. “Credit cards have been repeatedly used to finance mass shootings, and merchant codes would have allowed the credit card companies to recognize his alarming pattern of behavior and refer it to law enforcement. This bill will give us more tools to protect people, and make it easier to stop illegal firearms-related activity like straw purchases before disaster strikes.”

SB24-066 would be enforced by the Attorney General, and will now head to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Majority Leader Rodriguez and Priola’s Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee passed Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Kevin Priola’s, D-Henderson, bill to improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. 

“All workers deserve to know how much they get paid and what their job entails, but currently rideshare and delivery gig workers aren’t given that information,” said Rodriguez. “This bill gives basic rights to TNC drivers and provides much-needed transparency for customers.” 

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to craft this legislation, which increases transparency for drivers and the public as it relates to TNCs,” Priola said. “This bill will provide essential details, like pay, destination, and direction, that all app-based drivers deserve.”

Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 would address a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following:

• Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers.
   

• Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid, how much the driver received, and how much went to the TNC. 
   

• Companies must disclose earning and ride-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and dispute results, and more. 
   

• Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process. 

The bill aims to provide customers with the information needed to make decisions about whether and how much to tip through detailed fares. Additionally, the bill would protect workers from discrimination, harassment, and assault by requiring clear guidelines within TNCs. 

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE. 

Bill to Help Mitigate Wildfire Destruction Earns Committee Approval

HB24-1091 would allow residents living in HOAs to opt for fire-hardened building materials

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at mitigating damage from wildfires by allowing Coloradans living in homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to use fire-hardened building materials cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today.

HB24-1091, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would prevent HOAs from restricting the installation, use, or maintenance of fire-hardened building materials such as metal, certain types of stucco, and fiber cement siding in residential property.

“As the effects of climate change continue to impact our state, the threat of destructive wildfires continues to grow, and we must do everything in our power to be prepared,” Cutter said. “Folks in my district live under constant threat from wildfires, and need to be able to defend their property. It endangers homes and entire communities when HOAs prevent homeowners from using fire hardened materials. This bill will help make it easier for Coloradans to keep their homes secure and their communities safe.”

“Defending our homes and property against the increasingly severe threat of wildfires is one of my top priorities,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Combating wildfires starts with mitigation, and this bill will allow homeowners to take the proper precautions and build safer, more fire-resistant homes.”

HOAs would still be allowed to develop reasonable standards regarding the design, dimensions, placement or external appearance of fire-hardened building materials used for fencing within the community. The fire-hardened building materials outlined in HB24-1091 would meet the standards set forth by the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

HB24-1091 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Sullivan Bill to Establish Merchant Codes for Firearms, Combat Gun Violence Advances in Senate

Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would combat gun violence by establishing a new code to categorize gun sales and help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns advanced on an initial vote in the Senate today.

Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement.

“In the weeks before my son Alex was killed in the Aurora Theater shooting, his killer purchased multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition – and nobody batted an eye,” Sullivan said. “Credit cards have been repeatedly used to finance mass shootings, and merchant codes would have allowed the credit card companies to recognize his alarming pattern of behavior and refer it to law enforcement. This bill will give us more tools to protect people, and make it easier to stop illegal firearms-related activity like straw purchases before disaster strikes.”

SB24-066 would be enforced by the Attorney General, and will next be heard on third and final reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Michaelson Jenet Bill to Require Continuity of Health Care Coverage Clears Committee

Legislation would require new insurance providers to cover existing courses of treatment as in-network for transferring enrollees

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would require continuity of health care coverage cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee today.

If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Right now, if you change insurance providers while undergoing a course of treatment, you risk losing in-network coverage guaranteed by your original provider. This important bill would require new insurance providers to continue in-network coverage for existing courses of treatment, ensuring more Coloradans can afford to have their health needs met with the health care providers they trust.”

Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment.

SB24-093 will now head to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Kolker’s Bill to Increase Licensed Professional Counselors in Communities Passes Committee

Legislation would create a dual licensure stipend program 

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bill that would increase the number of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Colorado.

SB24-015 would create a stipend program to remove barriers for school counselors seeking dual licensure as an LPC. Currently, school counselors are eligible for LPC licensure, but the process can be expensive. This bill would create a stipend program to reimburse candidates for examination and application fees along with clinical supervision costs.

“There is a shortage of licensed professional counselors in the state. Too often the challenge is simply the cost of pursuing dual licensure for school counselors,” said Kolker. “This bill makes it easier for qualified people to get licensed and increases the ability of school counselors to provide the services their communities need.”

In particular, rural youth are less likely to have access to youth-serving mental health facilities than those living in urban areas. This bill would increase the number of licensed professionals and reduce the service gap.

SB24-015 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill's progress HERE.